Fun Stampers Journey Punches in CM Shape Maker System.

They work!!!!

The chevrons were punched with the FSJ punch, then I used the larger CM Shape Maker System square to punch around that.  For the square stack - the red square is cut with the FSJ punch and all the others are from CM.  It fits perfectly & completes the set  
From back to front: CM Shape Maker System square, (red - 1.75 FSJ punch) dark blue and green dotted - large CM Square Maker, yellow & orange - small/mini CM Shape Maker.

I shook & wiggled this thing way harder than I ever would normally. The cartridge didn't budge until I pressed the release button.
Identical as far as I can tell except for coloring & labeling.

I ordered my FSJ starter kit on the 19th, the punches and cardstock on the 21st and I received everything today (in Michigan) on the 30th.  FSJ orders ship from Arizona.

I LOVE this tool and am so glad that we now have more options for it!!

Here are the other cartridges/punches available from Fun Stampers Journey. (Click to enlarge)

The 1.75 circle is shown on the website but you won’t be able to order it until July 15th – along with the other shapes I’ve noted above. 

Click here to view/download the FSJ catalog filled with lots of great ideas. It’s 218 pages of fun!

If you’re interested in hosting an online party please let me know. FSJ has a great hostess program and lots of fun products! 

I have to say, I’m quite taken with the FSJ smooth, solid colored-all the way to the core-cardstock!  It cuts beautifully and comes in lots of fun colors. It’s “archival, and acid- and lignin-free” too! Another thing I really, really like about FSJ is how their colors carry across the different products.

Off to explore the rest of my FSJ goodies!!

New Products Coming Soon!!

All New & Available to Order Wednesday! 

July 1 products will be available at 9 a.m. CT in the What's New category.

The all-new Be Bold & Flourish Fast2Fab album, Refill Pages, Paper Pack and Slide-In Pack will brighten any memory! They're especially well suited to girls of all ages, from girls' early years to showers, special birthdays, girls getaways and more. 

The new Red, White and Blue Paper Pack (12 sheets of double-sided exclusive designs, both sides shown below) can be used for any holiday that might involve potato salad and fireworks. It also ups the charm factor of anything boy-related. Only a few designs include all three colors, so our Canadian friends will find a ton of uses for it, too!

Coming Mid-July:

• Two new Border Maker cartridges: Filmstrip and Stars!
• ABC/123 Stickers in Gold and Black
• New 12" Straight Trimmer and 12" Straight Trimmer Replacement Blades (2/pk)

The NEW 12” Trimmer – blades will fit the OLD 12” dark blue straight trimmer!!!

Also expected mid-July (currently enjoying a scenic tour of Customs): Shades of Neutral, Bright and Pastel Designer Cardstock in 10-packs.

More about those FSJ Cartridges!

While I’m waiting for my FSJ starter kit to arrive and my first order I thought I’d share this picture from my FSJ upline Julie Krehbiel. 

Isn’t that beautiful!! (Love those chevrons!!) That is a FSJ punch cartridge with the CM Shape Maker System handle.  The only difference between the FSJ and the CM cartridges seems to be the color! I’ve heard good things from Julie about the FSJ cardstock, too, so I added some of that to my first order (in addition to what comes in my starter kit). FSJ cardstock is acid free, lignin free and the color is solid all the way through!

I will still post an update when I receive my items but I wanted to share this now because there is a nice incentive for those that become FSJ Coaches in June.  On top of the great deal you get with your starter kit (there are 3 to choose from – see below) you’ll receive the June Kit of the Month (KOTM) called “Selfie Love” for free! <3

Some info about the FSJ KOTM:

Being the bargain-loving gal I am I went with the Blooming Grand Kit.  It’s the best value and I love that you’re able to customize which ink pads, papers and stamps you’ll receive if you like!  You’re also able to add on a pack of accessories at a great price (with an extra 10% discount) and it counts towards your volume totals!

Your 3 Starter Kit Options:

(Click here to view this as a PDF)

I’m impressed with this company – they seem to have a really big heart!

Here is some info about becoming a FSJ Coach.|
Please let me know if you have any questions!!

 

FSJ Cartridges fit the CM Shape Maker System!!

Wahoo!! Does this look familiar?!!

I have heard from very reliable sources that these Fun Stamper Journey punch cartridges absolutely fit the CM Shape Maker System & vice versa!! Just to be safe I have some ordered so I can make sure myself.  FSJ has so many great cartridges so I decided to check into becoming a FSJ  “coach"  for the discount (trying not to break the bank while still supporting my habit )  Super low minimums ($150 per quarter) and a fun product line & no problems selling along with CM...long story short, I'm now a FSJ coach!  


I’m so happy – this is absolutely one of my favorite tools!  It’s so easy to use!!
The Shape Maker System is a better deal from CM - it's $25 and comes with the 2" circle & square. $8 for additional cartridges BUT it’s only available while supplies last.  CM will not be coming out with any more cartridges. FSJ cost is $12.95 for the handle & $6.95 - $11.95 for punches but they don't have a 2" square or circle.   

Even better pricing for CM Advisors and FSJ Coaches – let me know if you want more info about either (or both) of those options!
 

The large CM Square & Circle Makers punch shapes that are 1.25” and 1.5" The small/mini CM Square & Circle Makers punch shapes that are .75” & 1”.
The CM Shape Maker System punches squares & circles that are 2"

Shown below from back to front: Shape Maker System, large Shape Maker (2), small/mini Shape Maker (2) . The 1.75" square & circle from FSJ should fit right in between the dark blue & light blue!

To make it easier to grab which Maker I want I adhered the punched out shapes on the side of the Maker (at least those that would fit).  I did this many years ago & they’re holding up pretty well!

Click here to see these cartridges on my FSJ website or click here to browse all their fun products.  The ribbon at the top of the FSJ home page will help you navigate between product categories.

I’ll be sure to share my personal experience (and pictures!) with these FSJ cartridges & the CM Shape Maker System handle when my FSJ order comes in.

CM Decorative Cardstock

Have you had a chance to try out this fun paper yet?  The Decorative Cardstock has a really nice feel and is lightly textured on both sides.  One side has a hatch texture and the other side has vertical 'lines' of texture.
The CM Decorative Cardstock has a white core.  I’ll admit it…I used to run away when I saw cardstock with a white core.  I LOVED CMs solid cardstock & was happy and content to use only that.   Turns out I was missing out on something pretty neat!!  I still love my solid cardstock - this is not a substitute for that it’s just another item in my crafty toolbox. (CM is working hard to find a source up to their standards for solid core cardstock.  You know I’ll let you know when that happens!)
This paper is very versatile!  You can get a different looks with just a bit of work.  
Distressing
The textured pattern is highlighted with just a few swipes of sandpaper.

A little more effort and you get more of a worn look. 

For the layout below, I lightly distressed an entire piece of paper from the Shades of Red paper pack to use for the background.  I went a little heavier on the edges to give it a thin white border.  Paper from the Shades of Green pack was used at the bottom of the page.  I roughed up an area to make the background lighter where I wrote my title. I used the same colored green paper and the Two Way Corner Rounder to make the tab on the left side of the layout.  The yellow dotted paper and the paper used to make the arrow are both from the Primary Paper Pack.  (Click to enlarge)

Inking











The white core takes ink very easily! Adding ink to the edges makes the paper stand out a bit – especially on a busier background.

I was worried that the white core would show when I cut the Designer Cardstock but I was pleasantly surprised to see that this isn't an issue!

The Designer Cardstock cuts like a dream in my Silhouette!

Papers in the above layout are also from the Primary Paper Pack, Shades of Red and also the Shades of Blue Designer Cardstock.
Tearing When you tear the Designer Cardstock you get a whole new layer of color!  I can see blue being used for water and browns for sand (Shades of Neutral coming in July!)

When you’re tearing paper – if you tear away from you the white core will be on the bottom side of the paper. Tear towards you and the white reveal will be on the top & visible.
More Shades of packs are coming soon!!

Stay tuned!

July New CM Product Sneak Peek!

Holy cow!  It’s hard to believe that we only have a little more than a week left in June!   Don’t fret about the summer fading away – be happy because with the new month comes new products!!

Here is what’s expected next week:

• Sunshine, Teal and Coral 12x12 Bookcloth Coversets - colors to make you smile
• Be Bold & Flourish Fast2Fab (foiled bookcloth cover), and refill pages, of course
• Be Bold & Flourish Paper Pack and Slide-In Pack
• Red, White & Blue Paper Pack

I’m pretty sure this will be The Be Bold & Flourish Foiled Bookcloth Cover – CM Advisors were able to vote on some fun choices & this was the winning design!

Sample pages – hope they made the final cut – they’re cute!

Expected mid-July: new black and gold ABC/123 Stickers, plus new additions to the Tools category!

Stay tuned!

The Low Down on Becoming a CM Advisor

It’s been about 7 months since the “New” CM launched and I’m thrilled to report that not only have we seen the return of many favorite products (with more on the way!) but it’s never, ever been easier to earn money, a discount & more while sharing something you love! 

If I had to pick one word to describe the new CM I think it would be simple. Not simple in a boring way, but simple as in super easy to understand.  Simple as in no suffocating rules & regulations, no minimums and straightforward communication from the Home Office.  It’s refreshing!! 

There are NO MINIMUMS as a CM Advisor.  Only a $49 annual fee!

Most of the questions I get about becoming an Advisor are about the commission.  This is a great snapshot of the earnings plan: (Click to enlarge or right click to save.)

It really is that simple! 

As Advisors, we place our orders on the same website that customers do, via our unique Advisor URL (website link).  At the end of each week our commission is sent via either a check or direct deposit – whichever we choose.

In addition to commission & bonuses, Advisors have access to some products that are not available to customers.  So far these have been deeply discounted former favorite products that are commissionable and count towards our account balance!  CM has also had Advisor-only offers – the latest being a great bundle free with each qualifying order!

How does this new CM stack up against the old?
(Click to enlarge or right click to save.)

A few things not mentioned above:

• Each & every Advisor is included in the “Find An Advisor” feature on the website!
• OK to sell old (not current) CM product on Ebay
• OK to use the CM logo in your own designs
• Each year when you decide to renew your $49 Advisor fee you’ll also have the option of changing who you sign up with!

I have shared some information & thoughts about signing up – especially deciding between signing up under the Home Office or an Advisor in this post.    For me, it makes perfect sense to sign up under an Advisor – it’s just another layer of support!

There is one additional area that needs to be mentioned & that is communication.   Simply put – it’s FANTASTIC - both from the Home Office & TO the HO!!  THEY ARE LISTENING to ALL CM Advisors & customers, too!  CM has conducted several surveys, has an email set up for product suggestions (cmproductsuggestion@outlook.com) and has even left the final decisions on designs for a few new products up to a vote by Advisors. 

CM is weighing all requests carefully & trying to keep all of us happy but at the same time they are trying to make sure that CM will be around for a very long time!  This means that sometimes products we really want may not be available for various reasons. For example, since the return of CM there was an overwhelming request for 8x8 bookcloth coversets from customers and Advisors.  CM brought those back but sales were very low so they have been discontinued.  CM has mentioned that these may make an appearance every now & then as limited editions so if 8x8 bookcloth coversets are a favorite of yours keep your eye out! I’ll be sure to let you know when they’re available.

If you’d like more information about becoming a CM Advisor please don’t hesitate to post a comment or contact me via the “Email Me” link at the top of the blog. 

You’ll find even more information by clicking on “Advisor Program” at the bottom of my CM Advisor Site.