Open House and September Calendar!!!!

May 2016 Open House

Our Holiday Expression Supplement  is being released September 1^st!  And just for you, I am having my Open House on Saturday, September 3^rd from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at 9623 Shane Lane, Union Kentucky.  I hope you can join Betsy and I for FREE make & takes, your new Supplement and lots of ideas.  If you place an order you will receive a FREE gift!  Of course there will be refreshments!  You can also take advantage of this time to enjoy a “Card Buffet” where you can make as many cards as you would like for $3.00 each!  You will need a camera of some sort to participate in this!  There will be new product as well as retired product for sale.  There will also be cards for sale that are pre-made for $3.00 each!  Come join the fun and check out the Holiday Supplement this coming Saturday!  Let me know if you’re going to be able to make it!

The calendar for September is as follows:

Thursday – Sept. 1 – 10:00 am – Card class 5 for $15.00

Saturday – Sept. 3 – 10-2 – Open House

Saturday – Sept. 10 – 10:00 am - Card class 5 for $15.00

Wednesday – Sept. 14 – 10:00 am – Card class 5 for $15.00

NATIONAL STAMPING DAY  Saturday – Sept. 17 – 10 – 1:00 – Card Buffet – Make as many cards as you want in the time allotted for $3.00 each.  You can make them here or take the kits home to make them at your leisure!

Sunday – Sept. 25 – 12:30 pm – Halloween Card Class - $20.00

Wednesday – Sept. 28 – 6:30 pm – Scrapbooking – 2-2page 12x12 layouts for $25.00 Halloween themed

There is something every week in September!  Let me know as soon as possible what you would like to sign up for as space is limited and you don’t want to miss out!

2015-2016 Annual Inspirations Catalog Retiring!

The 2015-2016 Annual Inspirations Catalog is retiring in two days!  That's right there are only 2 days left to order many of the products that Close To My Heart offers!  Three of our cricut cartridges are retiring!  If you've been putting off ordering something, don't wait any longer!  Time is up! 

On another note, in two days, August 1st, the new 2016-2017 Annual Inspirations Catalog is released! You're going to love the new Fundamental paper packs!  The 8 new colors!  One of which is sea glass, our color of the year! We have a new cricut cartridge called "Flower Market".  It's so versatile!  And my favorite item is the newly designed ink pads!  I know many of us have struggled with the old design and I guarantee you will love the new pads!!!! 

I also want to tell you that my website has a new look!  And the most exciting part of this is when you put something in the shopping cart, it will stay there for up to 30 days!  That's right.  You can now shop at your leisure!

So don't delay!  Go to my website and log in.  Join the gathering on the right side of the page and place your order to be delivered right to your door!  www.ramona.ctmh.com And as always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.!

So much is happening! And you don’t want to miss a minute of it!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer, and looking forward to some cooler days of fall.  I know I am!  August 1^st we release our new Annual Inspirations catalog which runs through July 31^st of next year!  It’s awesome!  We have some new colors, new Fundamental paper packs (which are out of this world), new stamps, and newly designed STAMP PADS!!!  They’re a little bigger, and so much easier to open and close. 

Then on September 1^st, we will be releasing our Holiday Supplement!  Awesome papers, stamps, thin cuts, and so much more to get you ready for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, and New Years!  Every time I look at it, I see something new!   

For the monthly specials, you need to check out my website. www.ramona.ctmh.com  Remember to log in and JOIN the event on the right side of the home page, so that I know you ordered and can give you credit when you take a class!  CTMH has a new special EVERY month!  As always, you may purchase the Stamp of the Month for $5.00 with a $50.00 order.   

If you’re interested in holding an event in your home, I would LOVE to do that for you!  Contact me today so we can schedule something! 

My regular card classes are 5 cards for $15.00.  You will receive $5.00 off class with an order of $20.00 or more.  You will receive $10.00 off class with an order of $40.00 or more.  When you purchase $100.00, the card class is FREE!  There is a drawing at every class for a prize!  Value up to $17.95!  

Take a look at the calendar below and sign up TODAY for the classes you want.  Space is limited and it is always on a first come first serve basis.  I will look at the time your email is sent to me to sign people up in order.  If there are at least 2 people who would like a class that is already full, I will contact you to schedule another class.  I don’t want anyone to miss out!  Check out the calendar! 

Aug. 4th	Thursday 10:00 am	Monthly Card Class	Create 5 different cards for $15.00.  Basic supplies needed.	This class is offered several times a month on different days of the week for your convenience.
Aug. 28th	Sunday 12:30 pm	Monthly Card Class	Create 5 different cards for $15.00.  Basic supplies needed.	This class is offered several times a month on different days of the week for your convenience.
Aug. 31st	Wednesday 10:00 am	Monthly Card Class	Create 5 different cards for $15.00.  Basic supplies needed.	This class is offered several times a month on different days of the week for your convenience.
Sept. 1st	Thursday 10:00 am	Monthly Card Class	Create 5 different cards for $15.00.  Basic supplies needed.	This class is offered several times a month on different days of the week for your convenience.
Sept. 3rd	Saturday 10-2 pm	OPEN HOUSE Union, KY	Get your new catalogs!	Come and enjoy refreshments, and FREE make and takes! PRIZES! PRIZES! PRIZES!
Sept. 10th	Saturday 10:00 am	Monthly Card Class	Create 5 different cards for $15.00.  Basic supplies needed.	This class is offered several times a month on different days of the week for your convenience.
Sept. 14th	Wednesday 10:00 am	Monthly Card Class	Create 5 different cards for $15.00.  Basic supplies needed.	This class is offered several times a month on different days of the week for your convenience.
Sept. 17th	Saturday 10-1 pm	Card Buffet	Come and choose your cards to make. $3.00 per card	You can make as many or as few cards as you wish in the allotted time.  Everything will be prepped.  You must bring a camera to take pics of the samples!
Sept. 25th	Sunday 12:30 pm	Halloween Cards	Create 6-10 cards for $20.00.  Basic supplies needed.	Get ready for the Halloween season with cards for all the goblins you know!
Sept. 28th	Wednesday 6:30 pm	Scrapbooking	Create at least 2 12x12 double page layouts.  (Total 4 pages)	You don’t need to bring photos. This month we will be doing Halloween layouts

Coming on October 9^th at 12:30, we will have a Thanksgiving card class and on November 13^th at 12:30, we’ll make Christmas cards!   

Email me immediately to sign up for the classes of your choice.  Don’t count on the fact that you told me in passing that you want a class, because y’all know my memory.  I may not have written it down.  As always, if you sign up, I will prepare your class supplies and be ready for you.  I must ask that you contact me at least 48 hours in advance to cancel.  This way, someone else that may not have gotten into the class can attend and I’m not out all my time of preparation.  Thank you in advance for this!   

I’m really excited what this fall holds for us!  Don’t miss out!  Email me today! 

New Consultant Special in July

Would you like to get hold of upcoming CTMH products that are not yet available to the public? CTMH has an Early Bird special for you!! New Consultants who sign up during July will receive their choice of a new Fundamental paper packet bundled together with its coordinating Complements FREE and that’s in addition to the $50 in Select Product Credit they get for signing up! This Early Bird Special is an excellent opportunity for those that simply can’t wait to get their hands on the exciting new products coming in the Annual Inspirations 2016-2017 Idea Book! The kit is just $75.00 with a retail value of over $200 .  This is an amazing deal!it to get their hands on the exciting new products coming in Annual Inspirations 2016–2017 idea book. Kit is just $95 and has a $244. value! So you basically get $344.75 of products and business supplies for just $95!!it to get their hands on the exciting new products coming in Annual Inspirations 2016–2017 idea book. Kit is just $95 and has a $244. value! So you basically get $344.75 of products and business supplies for just $95!!

If you are at all interested in getting a discount on your scrapbooking and card making supplies, supplementing your current income or earning a full time income as your own boss but with the support of a team, then this call is for YOU!  Feel free to ask me questions! www.ramona.ctmh.com Sign up today!you are at all interested in getting a discount on your personal scrapbooking supplies, supplementing your current income or earning a full time income as your own boss but with the support of a team this call tonight is for YOU. Feel free to ask me questions too. www.ramona.ctmh.com to sign up today.

National Scrapbooking Month

I am so excited! May is National Scrapbooking Month and Close To My Heart has a great deal going on!  During the month of May, all of our albums are 25% off!  That's right, 25% OFF!  Go to my website today and join my event "Spring into the New Supplement" to order your albums today!  You don't want to miss this limited opportunity!

Yard Sale This Saturday!

Reminder to mark your calendars! 
Yard sale this Saturday 9-4.  NO early birds!  Over 2,000 rubber stamps,
 along with ink pads, embellishments, paper, displays, scrapbooking
 supplies, and much more!!!  Prices are 50% off retail!! 1663 Cherry Blossom
 Court, Hebron, Kentucky, 41048 in the Tree Tops Subdivision

Fifty-Five

It feels like it has been forever since I blogged.  And in all honesty, it has been.  This is a week of reflection.  This is the week that I turn 55 years old.  55.  5. 5. There was a time in my life when I didn't think I would see 30 much less 55.  There was a time in my life that I didn't care if I reached 30.  My, how times change. Now I need to make it to at least 75 to see my granddaughter graduate college.

Life is funny.  I look back and wonder where the time has gone.  It seems like yesterday I had two babies, 1 and 2 years old.  Today my kids are 24, 25, and 26.  I couldn't be prouder of them.  Are they perfect?  NO!  Would I give everything for any of them? YES!  None of them have had and easy life.  Easier than a lot of people, but with trials and tribulations.  One of them has had more than their fare share of grief. 

Maybe that's why I haven't blogged in so long.  It's easy to write when things are happy like Mikaela's baptism.  It's hard to write when you want to scream and say STOP hurting someone I love. 

Today is a new day.  All three of my children are happy and moving in a forward direction.  My son comes home tonight for 9 days.  I can't wait to see him.  It's been since Thanksgiving.  When he leaves, my oldest and her daughter will be home for a few days.  Even though I just saw them a week ago, I know that over the next few months they will be moving far away and it will be more difficult to see them.  So I will treasure this visit.  My middle child has moved back to this area and it is such a comfort to know she's close by.

55.  What have I accomplished in this life?  A big part of me want to say not much.  But inside, I know that's not true.  I have an amazing husband, who loves me unconditionally and who I feel the same about.  As I said, I have these three amazing children who are all successes in their own right.  I have the most amazing friends a person could ever have.  I know that I could call any of them at the drop of a hat and they would be there for me.  Friendship is truly a gift from God.  I have spent my adult life working and volunteering to make a difference in the life of children from Germany to Florida to Tennessee to Kentucky.  I have been graced with the opportunity to do what I love.  Create.  Not many people can say they get to do what they love every day.  I can. 

I am blessed.  I am thankful.  I love and I am loved.  I am going to be 55 this week.  My husband asks what I'm going to do the next 55 years.  I believe I'll continue to do what I've done for the past 55.  Who could ask for more.  Hugs to you all!

Mikaela's Baptism

This past weekend we went to Hazard for our grandaughter's Baptism.  It was a beautiful ceremony.  Being Baptist, I'm not familiar with baptizing a baby.  My daughter's husband is Catholic and that is what they do.  So Mikaela was baptized Easter Sunday.  Her mommy was baptized Easter Sunday when she was six.  Her Aunt Sara, Opa, and Uncle Justin were all baptized on an Easter Sunday also.

The dress she wore was a simple dress my mom had made for me when I was a baby.  My daughter took it to a seamstress and had lace removed from her wedding dress and added to my baby dress.  It turned out beautifully.  What a wonderful day!  Here are some pictures!


Father Mike reading scripture.

She was so good throughout the water and the oil.




Such a happy girl.  Truly a gift from God!



Tired out!



Mommy and her girl.



Precious girl!

Mikaela means "miracle" and she truly is.





Ranger Crackle Paint

I thought this was an amazing product when it first came out several years ago.  Boy has my mind changed!

I have several bottles that I have never opened.  So today, with a little time to play, I decided to open them and "create".  Every single one of them, even though still sealed with plastic, has dried out!  These cost me over $6.00 a bottle!!  Nine bottles, two previously opened, seven dried out!  The two that were previously opened are okay.  I'm am fit to be tied!  So...

I googled homemade crackle paint.  Did you know you can make this with cheap Elmer's Glue?  It seems like every time I get creative, I come back to the tried and true...Elmer's!  This actually works!  It does take more time/steps, but it's so much more economical.  I will NOT buy any more Ranger Distress "Tim Holtz" crackle paint (know matter how much I love Tim).  They will not get my money when I can make it myself with Elmer's and create any color I want.

Hopefully, I'll have pictures soon to show you how it turns out!  Happy Crafting!

A Proud Mom

My son and two of his friends playing their trombones
in my shop, Your Staming Cottage, spring 2012.

Many of you know that my son is an accomplished trombone player.  He has played since Middle School when I insisted he do band or chorus.  He didn't want to do either.  I was determined he was NOT going to sit around playing video games and I gave him no choice other then "band or chorus". He chose band.  He chose trombone. 

Many, many hours of practice.  Notes that I thought would make me lose my mind.  Over and over and over again.  "Please, enough for today."  "I've got to practice." "Oh my gosh, use the mute you had me buy you."  "It isn't the same."  Years.  Years. I say years of this!   He fell in love with this instrument.  We rented one.  He saved his money and paid for half of the first one he ever bought.  I believe he still owns the old Yamaha.  Of course we got him a much better one for graduation from high school. (They're very expensive, lol)  Then while getting his undergraduate degree in performance and education he bought a better one. 

He's been in marching band for way too many years.  He was in a ska band in high school.  He was in The Cliftones while in college.  They won the Cincinnati Entertainer of the Year Award for reggae music the year he was in it.  (They also won again this year, without him)  He had several graduate schools recruit him and he chose the one with the person he had dreamed of studying with.  He moved last June to the Boston area and was immediately recruited by another reggae/rock band.  (hey, it helps pay the rent). On weekends they play all over the New England area.  He's also in a Brass Quintet.  He takes his music VERY seriously and dreams of being in an orchestra/philharmonic someday.  He would like to teach college eventually. 

He has just been honored by becoming the Creativity Foundation's Legacy Award winner for his conservatory.  This is a HUGE honor.  Check out www.creativity-found.org for more information.  I copied this from their website - "Benjamin Franklin's Legacy is the symbolic link from extraordinarily creative Laureates, who explain and inspire creativity, to those curious, innovative and motivated individuals at the start of their careers who deserve greater recognition, encouragement, and mentoring. The Legacy's Mission derives from the 1789 codicil to Benjamin Franklin's will, which helps creative youths advance to fulfill their potential and to perpetuate the Mission."

The letter from the dean had this quote in it, we "are asked annually to nominate students and representatives of outstanding distinction, individuals who bring clarity, vision, and accomplishment to their work and lives. It is clear you embody these attributes in abundance. "

My son chose me to be his mom when he was 19 years old.  I'd been his step-mom for 9 years.  I adopted him and became his legal mom at the age of 20. I am so thrilled that he chose me.  I'm so proud of him and thank God every day for bringing him into my life.

Thank you for letting me brag about my wonderful son.
Hugs!

A Card for my Valentine

 Holly Berry House is one of my FAVORITE stamp companies!  I love all the different things you can do with their stamps.  I have used them in classes many times and used them for my daughters wedding invitations as well as her favors and programs for her wedding.  I have made favors for other weddings with them.  They are located in Colorado Springs, Colorado and as you know I was just out there two weeks ago. But more on that in another post ;).

I have had this heart stamp for several years and have never used it.  It is quite large and, frankly, I was a bit intimidated by it.  However, I gave in and made this card for my wonderful husband.  Using Versamark, I stamped the imaged on different shades of pink and embossed it with Sparkle n Sprinkle's white detail embossing powder.  I fussy cut the hearts out, going smaller and smaller on each color. 

I stamped the word love, which I believe is from a Hero Arts set, using Versamark and some random pink embossing powder that I've had for 7+ years.  I used Washi tape acrosss the top of the square card and attached the largest of the heart images.  I then used pop dots or foam tape to attach each additional layer.  I love the way it turned out and my husband loved it, too. 

Online Store Is Up and Running

There are stamps on the online store as of today!  WhooHoo!  Every day I will try to add more stamps to sell.  Remember that once a stamp (set) is gone, I may not have another one like it, so don't hesitate to get it when you can.  I literally have thousands of stamps to list for sale on the store so you will never get bored.  There will be other things for sale on there also, so keep an eye on it.

Also, check out the gallery and the blog there.  Tutorials will be coming soon!  Have a great day!!
www.cshorecreations.com

Changes in the works...

Mikaela 12-26-12

Grandma & Mikaela 12-26-12

As my company has changed the past year, so have my priorities (as you can see by the pictures of my beautiful grandaughter). 

I have launched a new website:  www.cshorecreations.com
If you go to the website there is a blog, gallery, tutorials, store, calendar and more being added all the time.  The online store will be up with product Monday, February 11, 2013.  I will be blogging there daily regarding crafting/stamping/scrapbooking.  This blog, www.ramonabonita.blogspot.com will become more of a personal journal for me. 

I am going to make every effort to blog here as well as there as much as possible.  There are changes in the works.  In my life, my husband's life, my children's lives, my friends' lives.  I will share my thoughts here and who knows what else.  Join me as I embrace these changes.

Stamp Set Found

Thanks to all those looking for the Sew Suite stamp set by Stampin' Up.  It has been found!  Now if anyone has the one that has what I call the "Marlboro Man", let me know.  Have a great weekend!

Looking For a Special Stamp Set...

If you are in possession of the Stampin Up set called "Sew Suite", and would like to part with it, please contact me as I have someone who would like to purchase it.  Thanks!