It was a hard decision to make.
But after some serious thoughts and considerations, I opted out.

My family went through a very serious turmoil and loss recently that made me think and re-think about so many things in my life.

And one of these is opting out of Close To My Heart home business. I know I'll miss a lot of the goodies that's around this company, but I also want to redirect my time and effort to another path of life.

So I chose to opt out.

Before I close this as farewell page to my CTMH business, I want to send a big THANK YOU to each of you that came to me for orders, classes and friendship. Many of you became my good friends that I wholeheartly cherish.

Please know that while I no longer act as a Close To My Heart independent consultant, this blog will sure to continue in a new adventure, for the sake of creativity and life artistry.

Keep in touch with me. I'd love to share what I'm doing after this fine episode's closure.

Craft on!

Love,

Lya, for "The Craftologista Weblog"

Friday note #2 - mini card "Happy Thanksgiving"

Sharing one of the samples I made for the Open House, using one of the newest stamp set named "Perfect Fit - Thanksgiving" found in the 2013 Autumn/Winter Idea Book.
I used the CRICUT Artiste to cut out the shape of the turkey and stamped on it. Finished the piece with distressing and sponging plus glitter glue.

The sentiment is also from the same stamp set.

Papers? You got it. It is the new Huntington - my new favorite for Autumn Fall Thanksgiving projects.

This is a simple to-do, 3" x 3" card  that can be used as gift card or a decor block for a page layout!

To see more or order the stamp set, click here.

For CRICUT ARTISTE cartridge, click here. 

Check the Huntington collection (paper & stickease), click here.

Be Thankful - Be happy.

Update about the blog

Just to know that this blog will be "frozen" for a while as I'm now working toward improvements on this site.

Thank you for checking in with me and you're invited to visit my personal blog at:

lyaline-studio.blogspot.com

I'd be happy to help you with anything regarding Close To My Heart as independent consultant, like supplies, idea books or how-to programs, class or event and product updates or other infos you may want to know.

Just email me at:

mypaperidea@gmail.com

Or if you're ready to place an order:

http://lya.myctmh.com/

Have a great day!

Lya Lin

Happy July

Dear readers:

July is all about Summer, Sun-Shine-Spark and Scrapbook(well...at least for me :D)!

The clock is ticking and I'm very excited about next week's CTMH annual convention!

Seems like it will be one of the best events - we got a lot of expectations!

So to celebrate all things July is coming up to(our anniversary, July 4th, CTMH convention, new opportunities and friendship -old and new ones!)... I'd like to start myself something special, FOR YOU, reader and customer, and here is how it works:

• from July 3rd to 18, for all purchases* made through lya.myctmh.com - you will receive a $10 gift card - from my blog CRAFTOLOGISTA...yes, this is my own way to say thank you.
• gift card redeemable in your next purchase. This means for your next purchase you'll have $10 off of total. Minimum of $50 to be redeemable.
• to qualify your purchase during these days(July 3 to 18) should be at least $50 and up. And from my ctmh website only.

If you are interested in the current Summer Idea Book, please contact me at mypaperidea@gmail - I'm giving away the Spring Idea Book, this means when you order the idea book, you'll receive from me 2 copies(2010 Spring and Summer ). While supplies last.

The image you see above is a mini memory journal I made last year. It features the CTMH papers and stamps that are retired now, but still are my favorites. Just a project review - sorry if you already saw it in here.

:)

Again, Happy July!

Lya - craftologista

A Decorative Composition Book - the making

Hi there!

Today I'm sharing a project made with composition book (bought from a local office supplies store), with its front and back covers "wrapped' with a patterned paper, then added a grosgrain and satin ribbon for edge finishings.

The paper is from the CTMH Animal Cookies collection (X5807) and ink pads are TULIP(Z2166), SUNFLOWER(Z2150), BAMBOO*(Z2103), DUTCH BLUE(Z2119). The ink pads were used for the front cover accents/flowers I made along with the project. The stamp set for the flowers is from COTTAGE FLORAL (B1306). Ribbons from

DESIGNER RIBBON ROUNDS™ BUTTERCUP COLLECTION(z1154).

Other tools used for this is CORNER ROUNDER(Z578), CLEAR CRAFT BUTTONS(Z1155), SUMMER CRAFT BUTTONS(Z1282), TOMBOW ADHESIVE(1514).

More miscellaneous items are from my local craft store.

:)

Thank you for stopping by.

Have a great day!

Lya - C

Inchies - fun to make

I already posted this inchies picture in my personal blog but I find its good to share it again since they are all made from Close To My Heart supplies.

The stamps sets I used are:

D1328-POST MARKED

w327-SWEET LOVE

W330-BEAUTIFUL DAY - this is the current consultant-incentive set.

Do you like inchies too? Please come back to check in my blog as I've planned to make and share more!

Fun Inchies Making!

Lya - C

"Smaller details are the best and finest".

some infos for the my workshop kit club

Hi...

Here are additional informations about the WORKSHOP KITS and ADD ONS featured in the blog.

No matter if you are far away(long distance) or local, my WORKSHOP CLUB is a good choice to pick in the comfort of your home - it's like a class delivered to your door. In an affordable and easy way.

Right now you have 4 themed kits and addons sets to choose from (2010 Spring Idea Book) - all kits come with instructions and cutting guides - this means you'll get the papers cut and scrapbook pages done in no time - plus bonus projects such as extra cards sample images and layout images. The paper pack is the Level 2 packet - filled with patterned double sided papers(12 sheets) and assorted colored cardstock papers(10 sheets). The accessories pack varies depending on the theme you choose - always a great accent to give an extra dimension to your project. The My Acrylix stamp set included in the kit is also a fabulous tool to allow you endless ways to decorate whatever artworks you are up to make, the high quality clear stamps are meant to be used over and over again, easy to use, to clean up and storage.

Please remember that you need to have a acrilic block(s) to get started, DOUBLE SCRUBBER and the My Acrylix Spritz Cleaner to keep your stamps always clean and neat plus the Exclusive Ink Stamp Pad(s) with the colors of your choice - email me at (mypaperidea@gmail.com) if you'd like to order a workshop kit, an addons set, the MY ACRYLIX BLOCK STARTER KIT or/and any of mentioned items or just need more details about them, I'd be happy to assist you.

What you see above is the new stamp set that is exclusive in the Topstitch Workshop Kit.

Imagine the possibilities!

:)

Have a good night!

Craftologista

"ONE" A-DAY #01/30

Starting today I'll post in here a question that will help us understand better how the "SCRAPBOOK WORLD" is going nowdays.

Simple questions that just need a comment from you (yes!) to be a part of the answer, well... sometimes we know there are things that can't be answered with only YES or NO.

But that is ok, we just want to share some opinions or ideas. Everyone is welcome to say what is in the mind.

So as for today:

The question is : are you (really) scrapbooking? If yes, how many hours/week?

This apply to anyone that enjoy the hobby as well those ones who like to buy the supplies more than actually sitting(or standing) for 30, 45 minutes or 1 hour and half. SCRAPBOOKING.

I know, many of us.

:)

So, feel free to leave a comment or share a thought about the question.

NOTE: the stamp set you see above is the exclusive My Acrylix B-size set that comes in the Caboodle Workshop Kit. It's so cool!

Good night!

Craftologista #01/30

...On-the-go! Workshop kits and accessories available

Starting today there is an easier way to purchase your workshop kit - from here... the blog.

You'll find the new Spring Workshop (on-the-go) basic kits and the add ons (accessories) if you'd like to upgrade your projects to another level - all new products featured in the 2010 Spring Idea Book.

All kits include the workshop guide with cutting instructions and artworks images, a level 2 paper packet and an accessories pack.

The My Acrylix Stamp set is already included in each of the coordinated kits so you don't have to order it separately.

The add ons are also coordinated to match in theme or colors of the kit. For limited time only, when you order both basic kit and add ons set, I'll offer a discount for your shipping fee...email me with your choices of kits/add ons plus your zip code, and we'll figure out the total of your purchase.

The offer is good for craftologista blog ONLY.

In the top of the blog page you can find the updated workshop kits and more - be sure to visit me often!

Thanks for stopping by!

Craftologista

Thank you 2009 - Hello 2010!

HAPPY 2010 - WISHES OF A FULLY CREATIVE AND JOYFUL HEART FOR ALL OF US!

Lya Lin - Craftologista

RANDOM GIVEAWAYS

Well, this is a new thing to do:

I'm so happy to see I've got many visitors to read this blog of mine.

Thanks you all for stopping by...

Like the talented Jennifer McGuire announced recently in her blog ( I'm copying her idea too...:), I'd like to "say a thank you" for people who come, read and leave a comment by starting today with RANDOM GIVEAWAYS.

It's simple: just leave a comment or answer the question from my post and I'll randomly pick a person and a prize* time by time.

*the name of the winner and the prize will be written in the text block I've created - located at sidebar's up right.

Now the image above you see is from a japanese gallery we visited weeks ago at San Francisco, they were displaying many of these artworks - simply beautiful. Just sharing!

Hope to hear from you!

Lya - learning everyday goodness through creativity.

Some updates here...

Just to let you know (if you don't yet)because of the amazing quantity of cards that are being sent in to Cards For Kate, Jennifer McGuire (she is so creative...) decided to add another child - ERIC - to the card drive, which I found great...both children are such sweet kids!

To know more about this heartwarming card drive - visit: jennifermcguireink.com

And also I'm so happy to say I'll be going to the Close to My Heart Portland Regionals Celebration in November!!

I already got my to-do list for the 2 swaps groups I've joined - 2 pages layout and cards plus THE CARD and the scrapbook layout (two-pages spread) for the event contests.

As I received the featured colors and guidelines by Tuesday only, I've decided about my layouts and card sketches and the selected supplies last night...now JUST need to cut ALL the papers and "dive" into the creative process until the end of the month. I'm very excited about this event.

By the experience of some fellow consultants, sounds like will be lots of creative inputs and...so much fun!

I also just finished the Scripture Swaps I've joined with the BB ladies as well the cards for both Kate and Eric...( I had some delays in the last one to have all in one pack) and just waiting to be wrapped and shipped out...!

HOORAY! :)

As for the pictures (both SWAPs, cards and layouts, AND the card kits I mentioned in another post) - I'll keep my words in posting them here by this weekend or so. Just need to get all organized by then...!

For now, the image you see here is the card I made and posted here before, just in the top view and also, the stamp set ( C1301 - Thing of Beauty) I used to create it.

Happy creating(a card? a scrapbook page?....think about it!)

Lya - craftologista

fast, easy and simple

Recently got some people who asked if I'd be offering card kits that would have some "fast and easy" cards to make themselves.

Well, I have good news.

And I think we're just right on time with the approaching of the holidays!

It's the season that even the busiest person would stop for some minutes and send some warm words for a dear friend or a family member. And not just for the long distance ones. You can send cards even for the people that live in the same town. How nice that'd be?

Just imagine yourself finding a totally handmade card in your mailbox - I'm sure that would bring you a smile and make your day merrier!

Above I'm showing a card I made a time ago for a new customer that became a friend too. She got an accident - was in extreme pain and discomfort so I wanted to cheer her up. I'm glad she is now getting better and back to her routine.

The kits will be "released" at next post with some pictures and details.

Now how about writing down the names of people you'd like to send some warm words and get your list ready...I happened to do this every year since my college years...

:)

Have good day!

Lya, craftologista

Yet September...

It has been a busy month and I can't believe we're almost by the last weekend of September!
What a month for me!
:)
I'm going to hold an Open House - right "out" of my home - and host a gathering party by this weekend. Still in the on-going process yet and I'm trying to settle all stuff* until Friday...

Hopefully I get all I need by the time!
STUFF stands for: sample projects - my artworks display - products samples - flyer display - guest gifts - hostess packet - special treats!

Now just a reminder...Sept.30(Wednesday) I'll be posting the names of prizes winners...there's still time to join me...just place an order through myCTMH shop (lya.myctmh.com) and you'll be entered for BOTH Close to My Heart corporate drawing(for the daily giveaway of EVERYDAY CELEBRATION card kit) and my blog giveaway.......how cool is this!

I'll be posting here soon some samples I made for the Gathering Party and Open House. so remember to come back and see!

One more thing: Are you checking often the Cards for Kate by Jennifer McGuire(jennifermcguireink.com)? If not, be sure to see what is going on...it's amazing!

Happy Day!

Lya(craftologista)

SEPTEMBER PRIZES LIST

These are the prizes you can win when order a NEW PRODUCT from the just released Autumn Winter Idea BooK!

To know more, check the post of August 15!

CRAFTOLOGISTA September GiveAway

1. STAMP OF THE MONTH ...(SEPTEMBER: TREASURES) -1 SET
2. 30% OFF COUPON - STAMP OF YOUR CHOICE - 1 CPN
3. HEARTFELT DIE CUTS "WONDER" - 1 SET
4. TWINKLE BRADS JOLLY ASSORTMENT - 1 SET
5. BASIC CRAFT BUTTONS - 1 PACK

So, 5 lucky winners will be announced by the end of the month! Happy scrapbooking!

Lya, craftologista