Our theme for this Convention was "Who Tells Your Story." As an example, they told and illustrated the story of the beginnings of Close to My Heart as D.O.T.S (Dozens of Terrific Stamps) in the early 90's. Back then, our CEO and founder, Jeanette, would be drawing stamp designs in her kitchen late into the night. With extensive experience in Tupperware and Avon due to her mother's ventures, the living room party model was what felt the most natural to her and her business was off! As more ladies saw and fell in love with her rubber stamps...she soon realized the need to add such things as pretty papers and embellishments and built an entire collection of inks, cardstock and all the basics.
As part of the story, they brought out art from every catalog from the beginning. It was so special to see images and layouts from catalogs in the early days and artwork I remembered from Idea Books since 2009 when I became a Consultant. It was hard to resist touching each beautiful layout and card.
Here is a layout from July 2003 - it's so simple and classic! I just love it! Remember when we added eyelets to our layouts? I miss eyelets. Although, I'm sure I still have some in my stash!
And, the very first CTMH catalog I ever held contained my favorite paper pack in the whole world - Stylin.' I will forever love the combinations of pink, black and white...including a lovely PLAID. I love plaid.
Jack is a paper pack coming up in August and it has several plaids...in my next favorite color combo - red, black and white!
Today was a busy day - lots of business classes. I learned more about Facebook and using Persnickety to print my photos (goodness, I need to print some photos!). I am considering looking into thinking about the possibility of trying out Facebook. I'm also wondering if it is nearly time to give up the resistance and see if I should try a Smart Phone. I am a little jealous of how easy it was for everyone who already have their camera everywhere they go and have all those apps to play with and edit them so quickly.
Today was Canada Day - Canada turned 150 years old today.
Strangely, although this was such an important holiday for our neighbors, they attended Convention this year in record numbers! They were so excited and all gathered this morning for photos and to sing their national anthem. I don't know if you can see, but they were waving little Canada flags all day, had outfits ranging from a red t-shirt to fun hats and wobbly ears to all-out red and white outfits with maple leaves! Go Canada!
We also had about 15 ladies who traveled all the way from Australia and New Zealand. Today was their 4-year anniversary with Close to My Heart. They are also having a great time!
Well, it's time for sleeping...it's been a long day and I gotta fly early in the morning.
Have a happy day!
