Some of these ideas need to be updated as CM products change. If you have questions consult your upline. This file has ideas on specialty kits, handout organization, die-cut display, flannel squares, fund raisers, etc. Also see Consultant Ideas.

'Twas The Week After Christmas

(Janet Reifsteck)

'Twas the week after Christmas and all through the house,
the children were playing quiet as a mouse.
The stockings were folded and all packed away.
The photos I looked at were from Christmas Day.

My hubby was nestled all snug in his chair,
watching TV without any cares.
I donned my coat and my scarf and my cap,
cried "See you all later - don't know when I'll be back."

My album I took, there was work to be done.
I had to get going and finish this one.
Then out in the driveway I caused a huge clatter,
but no one arose to see what was the matter.

The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,
gave a luster of midday to objects below.
Then what to my agitated eyes did appear,
but my package of photos of our Christmas this year.

More rapid than eagles, my supplies they did fall,
as I cursed some obscenities and identified them all:
My templates, my photos, my splits, my paper trimmer,
my album, my pages, all slipped down like butter.

I scrambled and scurried to gather them up,
as they slipped from my hands like a wet, soapy cup.
Then along came my Consultant, out of her house in a bound,
she picked up my stickers and said, "See what I found!"

She was dressed comfortably from her head to her toes,
wearing her usual Crop 'til You Drop clothes.
A lightweight black bag hung down from her back,
and she looked rather nifty as she set down the sack.

Her eyes how they twinkled, her lips were like cherries,
her cheeks were all rosy, her chuckle so merry.
Her voice was relaxing, her hands moved quite quick
as she said, "Don't worry, we'll have this picked up in a lick."

Then she opened the bag and slid the pens into place
and promptly organized my things with great grace.
Then up she sprang, the bag slung on her back;
I had nothing to carry as she said, "Come on in, have a snack!"

I said, "How did you do that?" when we were inside,
"You're so organized and together," I said with a sigh.
"You can be, too," she said. "I don't want to nag,
but what you needed tonight was a Memory Mate Bag!

"If you're going to crop and be dragging your stuff,
you need a quality bag that is roomy and tough!"
Then I heard her exclaim as she strolled out of sight,
"There's a surprise for the one who crops the most pages tonight!"

Sales Package Ideas

These packages are especially good for people buying gifts. You might add a few "extras" - like a free crop coupon and odds and ends of discontinued products. You could also offer free gift wrapping. On wish lists be sure to ask them to specify an album color. Here are some examples.

HOLIDAY GIFT PACK:
Holiday Pine Album
Holiday Pages
Page Protectors
Christmas Sticker Pack
10 Christmas Die Cuts
Assorted Christmas Stickers
Printed Holiday Paper

HERITAGE GIFT PACK
12 x 12 Album
Neutral Paper
Heritage Stickers
Black ABC Stickers
Black 123 Stickers
Family Tree Album Page
Photo Mounting Corners
Photo Labeling Pencil
Black Calligraphy Pen

BASIC PACK
Colored Pen Set
Decorative Sticker Pack
Colored Paper
Circles and Ovals Templates
Die-Cut Pack
Photo Splits
Photo Labeling Pencil

TOOL TIME PACK
Circle Cutter
Personal Trimmer
Corner Rounder
Decorative Scissors

NEW PRODUCTS PACK
Newly introduced products

RESUPPLY PACK
Page Refills
Contemporary Paper
Page Protector
Stickers
Tape Runner Refill
Photo Splits

Handout Organization

With this method you can find multiple handouts on any subject in about 30 seconds.
Use hanging files with subjects such as: ABC Stickers, Album Types, Children, etc.
Within the hanging files use regular folders for sub-categories (such as "Camping" and "Cruises" in the vacation folder). It is easier to make sub-folders at the start, even if you only have a few handouts.
On the back of the master copy of each handout put an abbreviation for the category (Vac for Vacation; CH for Children, etc.) and a number (in the order that you get the handouts in that category). Also put MC (for master copy). It helps to put a yellow mark on the front so you won't accidentally give it away (yellow doesn't show up on copies).
Make an index in Excel. The index is very helpful because many handouts fit several categories. For example, with a Christmas idea that uses gingham paper it is easy to make 2 copies and file one under Paper, gingham and the other under Christmas. But what if the page also include die-cuts and photos cut with the circle cutter. In that case it is easier to file the handout under "Christmas" and cross-reference the other things in the index. Most of the time you can find things just using the file folders - Christmas, birthdays, etc. However if need ideas for a certain tool or product the index is invaluable. (I indexed the Idea Books in the same spreadsheet. You could also index the individual page ideas in the CropTalks. The CropTalks mostly have pertain to a specific product, tool or scrapbook method while customers usually want ideas for a specific occasion.)
Before filing a master copy make at least one copy to have on hand.
You could keep a copy of the most popular handouts in a binder for people to use at workshops.
With the new Fast Formula books and CropTalks you will not need to keep as many page ideas but you will still need some. If you have a scanner you could scan your handouts print them as needed.

Paper Colors

Cut a circle of each color of paper, punch a hole in it and put it on a ring. Write the color name on each circle and the pack name on one circle. Laminating the circles makes them last a lot longer.

Die-Cut Display Board

My die-cut sales went up a lot after I made this display. Not only did people use the ideas on the display but they started coming up with ideas of their own.

I did this after hearing people say our selection of die-cuts was limited. No company can make die-cuts for every possible situation and it is costly to buy die-cuts just in case you might need them.

On the display board I showed each die-cut used in several ways, (including the stencil part). In some cases I embellished with stickers or pens. The Die-Cut file will give you ideas to get started.

Poem to go with rubber shelf liner

(Donna in MB)(used to keep cutting mat from slipping)

Here's a little scrapping gift
To stop your cutting system drift
We think that there's nothing finer
Than this nifty rubber shelf liner
Place it under your CCS mat
And stop it slipping just like *that*.

Flannel Squares

My customers receive one when they buy an album and they love them. They are easy to clean, just throw them in the wash with your regular laundry and they don't need to be washed after every use.
I purchased a couple of yards each of pink and blue flannel. The size was determined by how many full squares could I cut across the width of fabric. They are about 6 inches square. This was not precision work, the edges are straight but some squares are 1/2" bigger than others. I laid the fabric back-to-back and cut 6" strips. I pinned them together and serged the edges. I then measured and marked this strip every 6". I didn't cut the squares apart, I let my serger cut and finish all in one step. If you don't have a serger you will need to cut the squares with a pinking shears or zig- zag them together. I made over 50 squares in less than an hour at a cost of less than .15 each.

You can purchased thick, pure cotton flannel cloth, wash it with NO fabric softener, and then cut into squares with pinking sheers.

You can cut the poem out with antique scissors, punched a hole in the corner and tied it to the middle of the flannel with a ribbon.

Flannel Square Poem #1
I'm made this for you to carry
And keep with your supplies.
Use my pink side on your photos
To keep fingerprints out of sight.

Then you can turn me over
And use the side that's blue,
To wipe off the Stabillo marks
When template tracing's through!

(by Renee M. UL)

Flannel Square Poem #2
These little flannel angels will make your photos look like new...
They will gently rub away fingerprints and blue pencil marks too.
So as you crop your pictures - and more and more pages you complete...
Have your flannel square handy to keep the album looking neat!
(by Diane Z.)

Flannel Square Poem #3

Here's a soft, warm fuzzy
from (your name) to you.
For wiping fingerprints from your photos,
And blue pencil residue, too.

Your friends and family will get
Warm fuzzies when they see,
How lovingly you've preserved
Your photos and memories.

With heartfelt thanks
(your name)

Flannel Square Poem for NSD

(Cropgirl)

This little cloth that you've received,
for this year's NSD,
Will keep your pretty pictures clean,
And totally smudge-free!

It's also great for wiping off,
Dark pencil marks that come,
From using templates while you crop.
They're just oh so much fun!

So, after you're done cropping,
And you're packed and on your way,
Just place it with your cropping tools,
And remember this fun day!

Candy Idea

Give each of your customers a little goodie bag tied up with curling ribbon with candy inside. On the outside, attach a slip of paper that says:
As a Family Historian, you are a "life saver" for your family's priceless photographs. You won't be a  "sucker" or be taken in by products that will ultimately harm your photos - you understand that we MUST preserve the past, enrich the present and inspire hope for the future. We salute your commit-"mint" to excellence! Turning those "mounds" of photos into creative albums is nothing to "snicker" about. Put forth the "extra" effort in your plan, which will result in lots of "hugs" and "kisses" from those you love most - YOUR FAMILY!

Marketing the Combination Packs

Take one pack and make a couple of fancy pages - maybe similar to what is on the suggestion sheet from the pack. People react much better to an actual page than to a picture. Try to think of unlikely ways to use what is left from the pack. Do some brainstorming...maybe at a unit meeting. For example use a campfire sticker in the center of a page of former boyfriends with the title "Old Flames".

Then take another pack and make as many simple pages as you can with just the stuff in the pack. That will point out that the packs don't cost so much when figured per page. It is quick and easy and you can make really great looking coordinating pages.
You can also use the Fast Formula ideas and change them a little. They look completely different with other stickers. The idea books are great if you get used to looking at only the basic parts of the ideas. Cut mats from colored or printed paper and cut white paper 1/4 inch smaller to stick in the center to represent photos. Using actual photos on display pages tend to distract people from looking at the design (in albums you want the photos to be the center of attention but not on display pages). Simple display pages can look bland with all the white area and adding the mats with white squares to represent photos gives people a better idea how the designs will look in their albums.

Band Fundraiser Idea

(by Jean Gifford )
Here's the kit contents that I came up with for selling to band members during my marching band fund raiser. I actually sold more of these than full album kits. This was tailored to our own band, so I used school colors and flag team colors for the paper and chose the stickers and die cuts to go with specific events. This probably works best when you are intimately involved with the group you are trying to fund raise FOR.

Panther Band Decorative Kit contents:

• 8 sheets paper (2 royal, 2 gold, 1 each black, red, teal, violet)
• 1 sheet black sticker letters
• 1 gold Precious Elements pen
• Design Lines - 1 each of Music and Metallic stripes
• Stickers - 1 strip each of: Delphinium, travel gear, graduation hats, music notes (black), top hats, fast food, fiesta, "party", small flags, micro multi color music notes, Reflections knights on horses, palm trees, silver/gold confetti, rose clusters, gold stars, black micro music notes,
• 1 strip giant stickers - musical instruments
• Large die cuts: 1 each airplane and palm tree
• Small die cuts: one trophy and 3 sheets music notes (black, red, teal)
• Specially designed page idea sheet for Panther Band
• My business card

Put everything in a 2-gallon zip-lock storage bag.
The full retail on this is about $21. I sold it for $19 and included the bonus idea sheet.

Sentiments Album Kits

Baby Album Kit:
Celebration Sentiments Album (or Sapphire)
page protectors
Blue or Pink ABC/123 Sticker sheet
First Years Die Cut Pack
Boy or Girl First Years Sticker Pack
Extravagant Baby Sticker Sheet

School Days Album Kit:
Cranberry Sentiments Album
page protectors
Red AND Gold ABC/123 Sticker sheet
Paper (red, green yellow, blue)
School Days Sticker Pack

Celebration Album Kit:
Celebration Sentiments Album (or Sapphire)
page protectors
ABC/123 Sticker sheet
In Celebration: Stickers in Jubilee Pack
Celebration Combo Pack

Christmas Album Kit:
Cranberry Sentiments Album
page protectors
Cranberry ABC/123 Sticker sheet
Paper (red and green)
Christmas Sticker Pack
Christmas Combo Pack

Wedding Album Kit:
Sterling Sentiments Album
page protectors
Black and Gold ABC/123 Sticker sheet
Paper (black)
Wedding Sticker Pack
Wedding Design Line

Presenting Creative Memories to Homeschoolers

By Sue W. - CMC and Homeschooling Mom

I got started with CM because I think it's a wonderful way to keep a homeschool yearbook. We have homeschooled our four children for the last six years. Here are some things to suggest to homeschoolers who would like to incorporate their journey into their scrapbooks:
Scrapbooking as a homeschooler seems to come very naturally. Every minute of the day we are creating memories and learning experiences for our kids, and we are right there with them, ready to record it all on film. And because we do everything together, the kids help create their own scrapbooks. In fact, by the time they're about eight years old, they pretty much take off on their own, and I'm more of a facilitator than the one who has to do all the planning and cutting.

The three greatest benefits to completing these homeschooling "yearbooks" are:

1. We love looking at them together, and the kids go back year after year to look at where they've been and what they've accomplished. We never did this with our standard portfolios. Our scrapbooks are far more interesting! My children's friends (who go to school) ask to look at them, too. They think it is very cool to homeschool!
2. We show them to our family members who disapproved of our decision to homeschool, to show them what our journey is all about, and so that maybe they'll understand a little better and see that our kids are normal, active, inquisitive and intelligent. I am positive that the books we showed to my in-laws a year ago are what turned them around as far as homeschooling is concerned.
3. We take our scrapbooks to our portfolio review every year. They really show all of the things we did, other than workbook pages and book reports. That's very important because much of our homeschooling accomplishments are not demonstrated on a piece of paper. It never fails to impress upon our portfolio leader that the kids are very involved, very busy and learned TONS of new things. (And removes any doubt that we actually took all those field trips and classes!) Our portfolio leader also looks forward to seeing our scrapbooks!

Here are a few tips for keeping a homeschool scrapbook:
If you have more than one child, take two (or more) photos of each thing and/or order double prints so that you will have enough copies for all of the scrapbooks. It is far easier to do this than to order reprints from negatives. For example, while my kids were standing at the Liberty Bell, I took three photos of the same pose. When I had the photos developed, I ordered double prints, so I had one photo for each of their four scrapbooks, one for the family album and one for Grandma.
Another alternative is to take one snapshot and color copy it on photo paper. The only thing that concerns me about this is the integrity of the ink. (Will it last?) Perhaps the best alternative would be the special photocopiers at WalMart or K-Mart. Once again, though, I would want to find out about the quality of these before I expect them to last a very long time. And, of course, this method means another trip out to the store, so it may be easier just to take extra photos in the first place.
What time period will your scrapbook cover? In our state, the academic year is July 1 through June 30. We've adjusted that a bit and have our books from August 1 through July 31. That's because we generally start the new school year in August and summer swim meets always end in the middle of July. (We like to keep all the photos from each swim season in the same book!)

Here are some of the things we include:

• Field Trips: Take lots of photos; pick up brochures, save ticket stubs. My kids do LOTS of journaling about our field trips (great opportunity for writing). We write reports about the trips and the kids copy them onto their pages. Some children need to have lines drawn (using the Lines and Designs template), or fare better with ruled pages. The ruled pages actually encourage them to write more because they like to fill them up!
• Classes: Homeschooled kids often take classes with other homeschooled kids. We've had: science, music, crafts and history. Other kids take classes in foreign language, art, karate, ballet, etc. I always take photos of the kids doing their projects and at least one picture of the entire class together. Include certificates from these classes, too. If the kids do a large project, take a series of photos that tell the story. My oldest son took a physics class in which the final project was to build a real bridge. (These were 9 and 10 year old kids!) We took photos of the whole process and my son wrote a detailed report, which he copied into his scrapbook. It was quite impressive!
• Book List: We print out each child's book list on nice paper and include it in the scrapbook. (Of course, when the children are younger, this can take up pages and pages, so you can use photo mounting sleeves for these.)
• Sports: Take photos of practices, games or competitions and one of your child with the coach(es). Save ribbons (my older kids swim competitively and get enough ribbons to keep a scrapbook just for those!) and certificates, and take pictures of trophies and plaques (with your child holding them).
• Arts: Photos of music lessons, recitals and perhaps the musical score played, in a photo mounting sleeve. Photos of play rehearsals, the final production, the playbill and extra tickets, if any. Photograph your child with his/her art projects and then take photos of the art show. You can photograph individual works of art and have a double page spread "art gallery". Take photos of band and chorus rehearsals and concerts. Include the programs in photo mounting sleeves.
• Clubs: Chess club competitions, horsemanship club, American Girls club, science club, etc. Take a group photo of the club, and some photos of their activities.
• Academic Competitions: Mathletes, Science Olympiads (we have great photos of our kids in "closed door" competitions; when I explained what the photos were for, they let me in!) Science Fair (photos that show the project in progress then the day/night of the fair), Spelling Bees, Geography Bees, etc.
• Special Events: Talent Night (many homeschool groups do this), Geography Night, Crafts Show, etc. Take photos of your child preparing for the event, at the performance or booth, and include the certificate, if any, your child earns.
• Youth Groups: Our homeschool support group has social clubs for middle school, junior high and high school. They do service projects and take fun trips (skiing, canoeing, etc.).
• Academic Work: Another consultant and homeschooler, Julia H., recently suggested pocket pages to hold academic papers. You could make a pocket page for each subject. And she reminded me to take photos of art and science projects and those time lines.