It's Almost Christmas!!

Wow! Almost here isn't it? Christmas time!! Yay! It's one of my favorite times of year. And here I am, babbling away because I haven't blogged since September evidently! My bad.

I also haven't done much with Close To My Heart...my bad again! I'm hoping to get some things done in the coming months & I hope my "loyal" customers will hop on board with me. Hopefully we'll all have a GREAT 2010!

So, what's been going on with me lately? I have a brand new Yorkie puppy. She's so cute! Her name is Duchess & yes, she acts like royalty...and sometimes she just acts like a stubborn little puppy...especially when she doesn't listen when I call her. You can see pics of her on my Facebook page, or go to Duchess' very own blogspot @ www.duchessofrinkydinkfarm.blogspot.com. Of course, I haven't kept up well with that one either, and I just started it! But there is a very cute pic of here there.

I've also been missing my son, Logan. He's been away on a cruise of all things for the last week. But, he's presently on his way home. He's stuck in St. Louis right now waiting on his plane to get power back. They were boarded and ready to go and all of a sudden the plane lost power! I'm praying for his safe return home. Of course, I found out on Sunday that while I was praying for him during the week for his safety, he was zip lining through a jungle, playing with monkeys and repelling down a mountain in Honduras!!!!!!! Sheesh! But, he IS ready to be home. I'm glad he missed his mommy...or maybe it was his daddy. Maybe it was both of us. I know we've missed him terribly! A 7 day cruise is too long. Logan thought so too. He says next time he goes on a trip, he's going on motorcycle! He has to get one first.

And that's about all I know. I'm ready for Christmas, but I hate to see it get over with. I love the Christmas songs; the tree; the presents... and I totally wish we had the snow to go with it this year, but I guess we're not going to see that, so Ok! But what I love most about Christmas is the greatest present of all... JESUS!!

So, you all have a safe and wonderful Merry Christmas! And remember one thing: Jesus loves YOU. That's why He came!

Random Thinking

Today's post will probably be random thoughts that pop into my head... So try to follow along... It's a new day and it's another day to get some stuff DONE!!! My hope today is to get some things accomplished. I always have great ideas. My problem is getting those ideas into reality! And sometimes I find that someone else had that great idea along with me~I just didn't know it! Ha! I'm really good at thinking stuff up, just horrible at making it happen. Guess I live in a fairytale world sometimes. But as I sit here "blogging" I wonder how to get all these ideas floating around in the sea of my head (yeah, there's no air there baby) out onto the paper that's waiting ever so patiently to be used for an awesome creation. Of course, if I would get off the computer and get on with business, I would find out! Still, here I sit. Wow...too depressing! Okie dokie~ so, the new CTMH papers are totally awesome! The new CTMH products are totally awesome! And the ideas are flowing! Once I get my act together & get some things created I will be posting those awesome things right here for you all to look at and share with your friends! Oh yeah, invite your friends to visit my little Buttons 'n Brags online studio. There "ain't" much here to look at...yet...but I'm working on it. Honest I am! Invite them to check out my CTMH website www.buttonsnbrags.myctmh.com and go shopping! Hey, you can shop in your jammies even~ I'm all for that! There's some really neat stuff there & some really great deals. So don't miss out on that. Alright, for now I'm done randomizing! Hope you were able to follow. Until next time~ I promise to have pictures for ya!

Scrappingly yours... Shelley

Procrastination

I'm such a procrastinator!! I wish I wasn't, but alas...I am! I am so far behind with my blogging that I just realized that my last post was a month ago...sheesh! I know that I need to get busy. I know that I need to keep on top of things. Honestly, I AM busy and I AM on top of things. Just not with my CTMH business. It is lacking, and for that I suffer. Not only am I behind with my blogging, but my CTMH website as well along with my projects for Fall! And Fall is my favorite time of year! Yes, I'm using lots of exclamation marks in this one...they're for the frustration I'm feeling!! I need to get busy...did I say that already? Well, I do! I can't express myself enough. Anyone out there feel as frustrated as I do right now? Anyone out there feel like they're taking two steps forward and three steps back? I DO!!! ~*Sigh*~ Oh well, tomorrow is another day. Another day in which to attempt to get things done. Another day in which to attempt to pull myself out of this funk that I'm in. Until then ~ Lord, help me to have the patience to proceed with this journey I'm on. Please help me to continue to move ever forward!

Fall Retreat is Coming... Are you in?

I've been talking about doing a Fall Retreat... and I've finally got the details. ARE YOU IN???

Here's the details:
Where is it? Kentucky Dam Village
When is it? Friday, November 13th thru Sunday, November 15th, 2009 (obviously)
What's it include? 4 meals; Supper on Friday night, Late breakfast Saturday, Supper on Saturday night, Breakfast on Sunday; a really nice room; conference room to scrap your little heart out all weekend; a beautiful view of Kentucky Lake; an exclusive CTMH Goodie Bag from me!
What's it cost me? All inclusive, $175.
How do I participate? Spacing is limited, so this is a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED basis... I MUST have your first deposit of $100 by August 30th. The balance of $75 will be due November 1st.

More Details: Ladies, this is a time for you to come and get some things done. You can scrap to your heart's content... or... if you're not a scrapper, come & get those Christmas cards made. You can even have the envelopes addressed & ready to mail out by the end of the weekend!! It's a time to come & have a good time. Meet new friends & just hang out! You can even scrap in your jammies if you want...provided you have decent jammies!

Here's a little extra scoop: I'm planning on doing an extra "Interactive Scrapbook Album" class sometime during that weekend, for an extra fee. If you'd like to make a beautiful Christmas scrapbook album using the new CTMH Jingle paper, let me know. If there's enough interest, I'll do one. Let me hear from you soon!!

Layouts & Cards

FINALLY! I finally got pictures taken of my layouts and cards from my last two classes! Geez Louise, I'm getting behind. So, the last two Crop & Card Club events were totally awesome! In June, our theme was 4th of July, to get a jump on the holiday. That way, if you wanted to scrap your holiday pics your layout was already done! Smart thinkin' huh? We used the "Blue Ribbon" Level 2 paper pack and the "Vintage USA" stamp set. The layout turned out too cute. The cards from the Card Club were really unique as well. If you want to see each individual card, check them out on my CTMH website. While you're there, order the supplies you need to make those projects! http://buttonsnbrags.myctmh.com

June's Crop and Card Club projects were gorgeous, to say the least. The layout turned out really pretty. We used the "That's Amore" Level 2 paper pack and the "Buttoned Together" stamp set. The theme was "Friendship". I love putting buttons on my projects, so the stamp set was an asset to this project. The cards were absolutely adorable! Who would imagine making round cards?! The one that looks like a matchbook I actually turned into a mini-album. I couldn't bear to see it be just a card. It was too cute a pattern. Again, check out my CTMH website for individual pics and if you want the "recipes", contact me. I'll be too happy to get them to ya!

Fall Scrapbooking Retreat

I love Fall! The leaves start changing, the weather cools off, the leaves start changing...did I mention that? I love it! And with the changing of the seasons a friend of mine and I have decided to plan a Scrapbooking Retreat! How fun is that going to be!

Sometime in November, before the holidays get underway, we thought it would be fun to prepare ourselves by getting together with some friends and cropping ourselves silly! It's just in the planning stages right now, but if you're interested in getting away for the weekend with some scrappin' friends and having a load of fun, you'll love the fall retreat!

As we get closer to setting the date, I'll keep you posted on what's going on and how you can register. And if you're one of my clients or friends, look for your invitation! I can't wait!!

Become A CTMH Consultant

If you're looking to make a little extra income, or if you would like to supplement the income you're already making, why not try Close To My Heart? You don't have to be "crafty" ~ CTMH has a variety of Scrapbooking and Card Making program books to help you! All of our consultants get paid for what they do. The amount depends on you.

CTMH has allowed me to set my own schedule, move up the "ladder" as much as I want, when I want, and to make new friends doing what I love to do! I love showing people how to make beautiful cards and scrapbook layouts without going through a lot of trouble and time. Oh yes, there IS a faster way, as simpler way, and and easier way to do it! Try Close To My Heart!

I would love to have you on my team! It is very affordable, especially in this economy. During the month of July, new Consultants get an extra bonus! Everyone who signs up to become a CTMH Consultant can add 5 extra items, from a special list of products, to their Consultant Kit for FREE! This is in addition to the awesome products that you already get in the kit itself! Plus, everyone who signs up through my website during the month of July will receive a special "Welcome" gift from me. You can't get this anywhere else, or from any other consultant. This is just a little special from me to you for joining my team!

Check it out today! Go to my website http://buttonsnbrags.myctmh.com/ and read the possibilities! Contact me if you want more info and I'll send you a New Consultant packet complete with information on becoming a CTMH Consultant, a CTMH catalog, a sample of our cardstock and an original card just from me!

Can't wait to hear from you!

Scrappingly yours,
Shelley

Welcome!!

Welcome to the Buttons n Brags blogspot! My business name is Buttons n Brags because whenever I create a scrapbook layout or greeting card, I like to try to incorporate a button in it somewhere...then, I like to brag on it (usually on the people in the pictures I've put on my layouts)! Oh, I'm not conceited in any way. I just love creating beautiful artwork and sharing it with my friends. I love to teach classes on how to create these layouts and cards as well. Hi, my name is Shelley Wilburn and I am an Independent Scrapbooking/Card Making Consultant with Close To My Heart.

I love what I do! I've always loved doing crafts in some form or another. I have taught crafting classes in the past, but until I started scrapping and stamping, I didn't know how much fun I was missing out on! Close To My Heart is the leading scrapbooking/stamping company in the industry. They have been in business for 25 years making them second to none. Being an independent consultant gives me the freedom I need to be who I want to be in this company and take my business to whatever level I choose to take it.

I hope you'll come and visit me here often. It may take me a little time to get things organized, but I hope to have some artwork available for you to see soon. Also, check out my website at http://buttonsnbrags.myctmh.com/ and take a look around there. I have an online store that's full of great deals that you can't find anywhere. You will also find an online catalog available there that you can browse through. If you see something you like, you can purchase anything from my store or catalog using your credit or debit card. Payments are accepted through Pro Pay. It is safe and secure, so don't be scared to shop till you drop!!

If you're looking for job opportunites, check out the opportunities available through my website. I would love to have you on my team! I'm always looking for new friends and new ideas. If you've got fresh ideas, want to make new friends, want to earn some extra $$, then you're my kind of teammate! Contact me through the website, or here and we'll set up a consultation! I'd love to meet you!

Thanks for stopping by! I look forward to "seeing" you again here at Buttons n Brags!

Scrappingly yours...
Shelley