New Consultant Kit Unboxing

It's here! It's here! I am so excited to share my new consultant kit un-boxing with you all! The kit includes over $200 worth of products and I received a $50 CTMH cash to order what best suits me! Need to get this kit and start the career of your dreams? Click here to sign up or email me with any questions: kraftykank@gmail.com. Now on to the kit!!

Here is a full listing of items included:

• Tombow® Permanent Adhesive (Z3326)
• 2″ × 2″ My Acrylix® Block (Y1003)
• Charcoal Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad (Z2831)
• Custom Cardstock Combo Pack 
• Everyday Life™ Album — Black (Z4219)
• Non-stick Micro-tip Scissors (Z1836)
• Make It from Your Heart™ Volume 4 (9044)
• Customer Order Forms (pack of 25)
• Holiday Expressions Idea Book (WCS1191)
• Cardstock Sampler 
• Holiday Expressions Paper Packets Sampler 
• Petite Perks™ Your Kind Heart Stamp Set (qty. 3)
• Desk Pad (pack of 50)
• Let Me Show You How Stamp Set 

I am so excited to jump right in! 

Create a life you love,

Amanda

Where I've Been

Hello Crafty Friends! Oh have I missed you all! I took a much needed break from Close to my Heart and really crafting all together to get MARRIED! It was a very long, stressful, but fun road to wedding day. We were officially hitched last weekend, September 29, 2018. It was an honor to have my brother officiate our wedding, that we held on our farmland. Although it was beyond chilly, at a cool 32 degrees,we had a blast! Here are a few wedding shots for you:

Now that all that is said and done, I am back with CTMH and ready to have a grand ole time crafting, sharing ideas, and memory keeping with you all. I look forward to restructuring my blog and social media pages. There are so many new and exciting products available with CTMH, so keep a look out for updates later this week!

Create a Life You Love, 
Amanda

Wisdom Wednesday #1: Memory Keeping - Where to Start

Good morning to all of my crafty friends! I have decided to restructure my blog and my week. If you haven't noticed the change, I am sure you will now 😋. So from now on, I plan to do a Wisdom Wednesday post. This will include many different topics, from how to's, insight into design, and just a way to share my wisdom I have gathered in my crafting journey. I hope you play along and share your wisdom with all of us too. 

So for my very first Wisdom Wednesday, I want to start with Memory Keeping - Where to Start. I know many of you have been scrapbooking and memory keeping for years and may know all sorts of tips and tricks, but I also know there are those of you that have never preserved your memories and have no idea where to start. There are loads of products and options available, and these can be extremely over whelming, so let me give you a simple list of a few things to start.

1. First and foremost, when deciding to begin your memory keeping journey, you need to find your why. Why are you wanting to keep these memories? Why do you take pictures in general? My why is because I want to preserve the memories with both photos and stories. I don't know about you, but my memory is pretty terrible. Having the scrapbooks full of memories allows me to hold onto those moments.
   
2. Next, you need to begin sorting the memories. This can be a very daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Start by sorting into larger categories such as year. Then break it down. I like to sort my photos by month and year. I know what months the events fall in, so it allows me to easily find what I am looking for.
   
3. Choose your format. There are many formats available these days. If you knew about the scrapbooking scene years ago, you may know the classic format. This includes photos and some extra photo matting with some different scissors for decoration. Scrapbooking has come a long way in the past 10 years and there are so many options available. You can use the Cut Above layout kits from CTMH that give full instructions and have everything ready for you to assemble. You can do Picture My Life scrapbooking. This is essentially choosing photos and cards and placing them in a slotted page protector. Personally this is my favorite as I can choose how detailed or simple I want to be. Another option is our Workshop Your Way kits. These also provide detailed instructions with cut measurements and extra embellishments that coordinate.
   
4. Then, you need to make the time to do the memory keeping. So often we get into the routine of our days and forget about those things that make us happy. You need to schedule the time to do your hobbies and preserve your memories. This could be 20 minutes a day or an hour on Saturdays. Whatever time you allow, just make sure you are making it.
   
5. Lastly, but certainly not least, HAVE FUN. Life is way too short to do anything not worth enjoying. Love the process, reminisce in the moments, and enjoy telling your story. 

If you would like further detail on any one of these steps, please let me know and I'd be happy to expand. Have a crafty rest of the week! 

NEW Designer Travel Cases

Have you seen the new travel cases available from Close To My Heart? They are absolutely amazing and I can't wait to get my hands on some myself. 

The new selection of travel cases includes: Designer Travel Carry-all Case, Designer Travel Stamp Case(holds 15 stamp sets), Designer Travel Ink Case(holds 10 stamp pads), Designer Travel Block Case(5 internal mesh pockets), Designer Travel Tool Case(5 internal mesh pockets), Designer Travel Marker Case(holds up to 26 markers), Designer Travel Paper Insert(snaps into carry-all case), and the Designer Travel Trolley(holds two stacked carry-all cases and has 360-degree wheels).

Earn the pictured bundle above by hosting a qualifying party. I'd love to help you host an amazing crafting party with family, friends, and/or co-workers. Email at kraftykank@gmail.com, comment, or message me for more information. 

Links are directed to my website where I receive a small commission from purchases. I appreciate your business.

2018 Crafting Goals

Happy New Year! As with most people, a new year means new goals. I have decided I really want to focus on my blog and crafting in 2018 and I hope you will join me on my crafting journey! 

Here are my top 5 goals: 
1. Post at least once per week on both my blog and Instagram.
2. Provide examples/projects using the Stamp of the Month.
3. Scrapbook at least once a month.
4. Attend at least two craft shows as a vendor.

    And saving the biggest goal for last....

5. Open an Etsy shop! (More to come)

Share your goals for 2018 below. I'd love to follow you on social media, leave your links!

January Sneak Peak

I just have to share a little sneak peak with you all. The products coming and promotions in January are amazing! I will have an official promotion post up early January, but here are some sneak peak photos!

Let me know down below what you are most looking forward to. I am very excited for National Papercrafting Month, January!