How To Put More of YOU In Your Layouts

Recently I was browsing through my scrapbooks and one thing was glaringly evident...there are very few pages about me. Yes, there are photos of me and yes, the majority of my journaling centers on my feelings and attitudes about the photos. But there isn't really anything JUST about me.

I think as story tellers we get lost in documenting everyone and everything else and forget to add a page or two about us. Maybe I'm unique in that regard but I'm guessing not. Pull out any scrapbook you've created and count how many pages are only about you. I'm guessing the number is pretty small right?

You get the idea. Why do we do that? For me personally I'm more comfortable behind the scene telling the story. I fear that I'm not interesting enough. And, I often tell myself, "You'll have time to do that layout later. First, let's document the kids baseball and soccer games before we forget!"

Didn't I start this memory keeping journey to record and document our FAMILY story? Family. As in my husband, my three kids and ME.

So, where do you start?  A lot of people choose to start at the beginning with older photos. There is certainly nothing wrong with that option. However, for me, it only reminds me of how many years I still need to record. I've decided to take a different approach and start with the current and work backwards.

Choosing what to start with may also seem like a daunting task. I know I pondered what to do for awhile. I decided to begin with a little introduction about myself in the form of a list. I chose to write about 38 things about me! Why 38? Simple. That's how old I just turned. It doesn't have to be your age. Maybe a top 5 or top 10 list would suffice. Really the number is irrelevant as long as it's about you!

I hope this inspires you to try a layout like this. Have you already made one? If so, leave me a comment with the link. I'd love to check it out!

If you'd like more ideas on creating layouts about you make sure to check out the following:

Reflections of ME
Why I Became A Consultant
Other Layout Prompts

Have a crafty day!

~Michelle

Project Recipe (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):
Paper: Georgie (X7203B), White Daisy Cardstock (1385), Watercolor Paper (Z3146)
Stamp: Celebrate with Cake (S1605)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Juniper (Z2165)
Other: Watercolor Paints (Z3132), Waterbrush Small (Z3224), Thin 3D Foam Tape (Z2060), Grey Enamel Gems (Z3089), Oceanside Sequins (retired)

25% Off ALL Albums!

YES!  All Post Bound and D Ring Canvas albums are 25% off in May .. and while supplies last.   

These albums are being RETIRED to make way for SOLID Albums in August!  Wohoo!!!!! Check out my webstore { HERE } to learn more!

If you love the fashionable trendy look of these canvas albums, 25% off is a fantastic offer. In my 6 1/2 years as a consultant I've never seen CTMH put albums on sale before.  JUMP in NOW!  Don’t forget to add a high quality value pack of page protectors for only $19.95 (25 pack). They are thickest and THE BEST around!

~Michelle

Fun and Easy Sunshine Wreath

With all the cloud and rain we are having in Northern VA I thought a little sunshine project was appropriate! This project uses paper from the Georgie line but really any paper would work.

If you are receiving this post via email you may need to click on the post title to view the video.

Enjoy!

~ Michelle

FREE Happy Times Card OR Scrapbook Workshop

Do you like to make cards? Do you like to scrapbook? If you answered yes to either of these questions I have the workshop(s) for you! When you order the May Happy Times Paper Packet and Stamp Set I will email you directions to the card workshop AND the scrapbook workshop. All completely FREE!  You can get TWO of these 12-card sets out of one paper packet.  And, you can get all three 2-page 12" x 12" layouts for the scrapbooking workshop out of one package of the Happy Times paper.  If you get two packets, you can make BOTH workshops.

Here's how to get them during May only:

• For every $60 you order (before shipping and tax) you get a Happy Times Paper Packet for FREE. When ordering on my website, you'll be prompted to add your free packet(s) before checking out.
• You can also purchase the Happy Times Paper Packet for $14.95 (order #CC1063)
• The coordinating stamp set is $17.95 (order #CC1064)

Happy Times Paper Packet

Happy Times Stamp Set

Here's the complete list of items you will need to complete the workshops (links to the products are included):

• 1 sheet White Daisy Cardstock (1385)
• 12 Card Bases with Envelopes (X254) 
• White and Gold Ribbon (Z3189)
• Pink Enamel Gems (Z3091)
• Gold Sequins (Z2012)
• Pomegranate, Fern, Canary and Smoothie Ink Pads
• optional - Metallic Markers  (Z1768) 
• optional - 1" Circle Punch and Scallop Border Punch 

Please let me know if you have any questions. I'm always here to help!

Happy Crafting!

~Michelle

A Closer Look at Happy Times

To celebrate National Scrapbooking Month CTMH has designed a special paper and stamp set called Happy Times. Check it out in the video below.*

These items are only available for the month of May, so hurry and snatch them while you can! Remember, with a qualifying purchase, you can get the paper packet for free! For more Happy Times artwork search #ctmhhappytimes on Facebook and Instagram, and visit the CTMH blog at makeitfromyourheart.com.

To purchase your Happy Times set please contact your local CTMH Consultant or visit my webstore { HERE }. 

*If you are receiving this post via email you may need to click on the post title to view the video.

Happy Creating!
~Michelle 

Happy Times NSM Blog Hop

Welcome to the National Scrapbooking Month Blog Hop! If you've arrived from  { Jeanie Burch's blog } you are on the right track. Today approximately 31 Close to my Heart consultants will be showcasing different ways to use the Happy Times paper kit OR Happy Times stamp set. 

My project is a two page layout featuring both Happy Times specials! I love how versatile the colors are in this paper pack. It was actually kind of hard picking which patterns to use for this layout, lol! I did want the colors to pop so I opted for neutral Kraft Cardstock base pages.

The title was created by combining a few of the sentiments from the Happy Times stamp set. I love the handwritten style of the font and think it adds a touch of whimsy to the layout. 

I didn't want to overpower the layout with embellishments so I kept it pretty simple with a few stamped flowers and leaves. Since the Happy Times kit includes two gorgeous gold foil striped papers I chose to accent the layout with gold foil embellishments from the Basic Paper Fundamentals sticker sheets and a few gold sequins. I'm planning on saving this layout for a fun summer recap layout and will share when the photos are added. 

As a reminder the Happy Times paper and stamp set are only available until May 31 or until supplies run out. The paper packet can be purchased for $14.95 or get it for FREE with a qualifying CTMH order. The stamp set is also available for purchase. To purchase the supplies used on the layout please contact your CTMH consultant or visit my web store { HERE }.

Now, it's time to continue to hop to { Jean McNulty's blog }! I'd love to know what you think of my layout so please leave me a comment. I love reading them! 

Happy Crafting!
~Michelle

Layout Recipe (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):
Paper: Happy Times Kit (CC1063), Kraft Cardstock (Z1375), White Daisy Cardstock (1385)
Stamps: Happy Times (CC1064)
Ink: Archival Black (44751), Pear (Z2197), Topiary (Z2155), Canary (Z2643), Hollyhock (Z2128)
Other: Fundamental Stickers Basics Pack (Z3166), Gold Sequins (Z2012), Corner Rounder (Z1912), Thin 3D Foam Tape (Z2060)

The sketch was a freebie I downloaded HERE.

It's National Scrapbooking Month! Celebrate with Happy Times!

	View this email in your browser.
	May 2016 Celebrate National Scrapbooking Month with the Happy Times paper packet and stamp set. Featuring gold foil and gorgeous patterned papers, this paper packet is sure to brighten up your scrapbooking. Find out how to get it free! » Get a beautiful and dependable My Legacy™ album this month at 25% off and give your memories a place to call home. See all styles » May Stamp of the Month: Celebrate with Cake Decorating scrapbook pages of any celebration is a piece of cake with May's Stamp of the Month. Get yours for just $5  » Thanks for reading! For more information about anything in this email, feel free to contact your Consultant: Michelle Battitori Close To My Heart Independent Consultant Close To My Heart 1199 W 700 S, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062 © 2016 CTMH Co. All rights reserved.

Upcoming Classes & Workshops

May 1 was the launch of the new Seasonal Expressions Idea Book! I'm super excited to start sharing some of my latest projects including my upcoming classes and workshops. Make sure to mark your calendars and check out my { Facebook Events page } to register*!

May - Card-A-Thon Workshop

Create as many cards as you can during this two hour workshop. All cards are pre-cut so all you have to do is stamp and assemble! Bring your adhesive and I'll do the rest!

Date: Friday, May 20th

Time: 7 pm - 9 pm

Cost: $15

RSVP { HERE )

June - Calypso Card Workshop

Date: Friday, June 10

Time: 7 pm - 9 pm

Cost: $15

RSVP: link to be posted on FB soon!

July - Magical Card Workshop

Date: Friday, July 22

Time: 7 pm - 9 pm

Cost: $15

RSVP: link to be posted on FB soon!

August - Florence Card Workshop

Date: August (TBD)

Time: 7 pm - 9 pm

Cost: $15

RSVP: link to be posted on FB soon!

All classes take place in my home in Northern VA. Take home and long distance kits are always available for purchase. Just message me directly or comment on the post!

*Don't want to miss a class update or addition? Make sure to sign up as a FB subscriber to be alerted when new classes are added! Please let me know if you have any questions. I can't wait to create with you!

~Michelle