CT Designs

2011 is coming to an end and with that comes the end of CT Designs as well. This is very bitter sweet for me, but after giving this much thought and prayer I have decided that it is time for me to take a break from designing.

After receiving my renewal for my business license, I decided that I needed to make a decision. I have not been feeling passionate about designing lately & I feel that my designs were reflecting my lack of passion. I was not proud of the designs that I was creating anymore. I was also feeling that "designing" was always in the back of my mind and there was always something that I either was doing or should be doing so I felt busy all the time even if I wasn't.

I've had so many amazing clients over the years and it's hard for me to say goodbye to all you committed and loyal clients. I thought I might design the occasional request if I had some time, but I have also reconsidered that as well. Since I will not be renewing my license in January, I will not be able to continue my business. I will also be getting rid of my stock of envelopes & do not want to hold onto that if I will not be doing many designs. I apologize to those of you who were hoping to use my services in the future. This may or may not be a permanent decision. CT Designs may resurface in the future but I really don't know at this point. I want to keep my priorities in order which means God is first & then my family & then work. In the past, that was not happening all the time b/c often my work came ahead of my family especially with rush orders and it was a huge burden of guilt. There is no one to blame but myself b/c there was always the opportunity to decline order requests so please don't feel that I'm placing blame on anyone. It's only that I know myself and I find it hard to say no, so I try to accommodate everyone that I can which means I need to remove that temptation to overload myself with work. It is also hard to justify spending all that time into designing and putting my family's needs aside when my prices do not compensate for the time spent on my work. I considered adjusting my prices, but I know how difficult it is to compete when there are so many other cheaper options plus I weighed the option of how much I make & how much less time I could spend working somewhere else to make the same amount of money. So, it wasn't about the money, it once again came down to putting my family's needs first.

Thanks again for your support & I will never forget those who stood behind me in this business!! God bless.

Since Facebook is removing the "Reviews" section for pages I am creating an ongoing post where future clients can view the reviews from past clients who have used my services. If you have a review that you would like to post about a service you've received from me, please write your review in the comments below. I will then copy & paste it into this post & then delete your comment.

I welcome ALL comments/reviews both positive & negative b/c I want people to get a good overall view of the service that I offer. If you have a negative review, please discuss it with me first so that I can do my best to rectify the issue. Thank you.


K. Sabourin · June 22 at 5:41pm
Crystal designed my daughter's invitation for grad.We were very happy with the results.She saved us a lot of time at a great price.We have had a lot of positive feedback about the invitation.She is so pleasant and friendly to deal with.Thanks Crystal! We highly recommend CT Designs!


D. Klassen · February 21, 2010 at 3:48pm
Only positive things to say about Crystal and the business she runs. She designed Christmas cards for us this year and did an awesome job - we've had tons of comments on them! She sent us different proofs and ideas which we incorporated into our own unique card. So easy to work with, very very prompt throughout the whole endeavor and made as many changes as we wanted until we felt the card was perfect. Crystal you are blessed with creativity and organization and it shows in the work you do!


R. Garbald Donaldson · February 5, 2010 at 6:10am
I hired Crystal to design a logo for my photography business. She did such an amazing job! I love the new logo, it's perfect! She was always willing to make changes and was quick to respond to any questions I had regarding the design.

Crystal, you are so patient - thank you!!!

I highly recommend CT Designs.


J. Klassen · February 2, 2010 at 9:08am
Fantastic work! She designed my current business logo and I'm loving it! I'm proud to print it up in local advertising and using on my website. Thanks for all your patience as we worked together on the design. I enjoy seeing the work she does for other clients in the way of logos and card designs and know she'll continue to provide outstanding quality to anyone who requests her services!
~ Jennifer Klassen Photography


A. Hildebrand · January 31, 2010 at 12:19pm
Crystal designed my business cards and I have had great response from them! Thanks so much Crystal for the great work! I look forward to ordering more in the future!! I haven't had the privilege of having her design any photo cards for me yet but admire all the amazing work she's put into each card to allow each to stand out! You are very talented and may God bless you as your continue to grow in your business and as a person!! Thanks again Crystal!!


B. Rempel · January 30, 2010 at 10:19pm
Crystal did a Christmas card for us and was wonderful at putting together ideas that she came up with and those that I had. I would recommend anyone to see CT Designs for any of their graphic business.


A. Hildebrand · January 30, 2010 at 9:16pm
I had Crystal design a card for my son's 3 month milestone. She did an amazing job. I was so impressed with her ideas and designs that I ordered two different cards. I've also had her design cards for me through Kristel Bueckert Photography. Her designs are so fresh and fun and I always have a hard time choosing. Crystal responds quickly to emails and is very willing to make any changes to make sure that you are 100% satisfied. I will definitely be using Crystal's services again and again.


M. Barkley · October 10, 2009 at 5:02pm
I ordered some cards through Kristel Bueckert Photography for my son's 1 year birthday cards, and Crystal did a great job! I've gotten lots of compliments on them, and Crystal was great to work with too. I will definitely be ordering from her again!

I have been MIA on this blog since the giveaway & I truly apologize to all of you who follow me on here. The giveaway took a lot of my time so I didn't want to have anything to do with my blog for a while after that, ha ha!!

I have been busy working on projects since the giveaway & here are some samples of Social Tickets that I designed for a couple recently. The last one is the one that they chose.

We've come to the very last of the businesses in this AMAZING giveaway! Thank you to all who have participated.

Most of you know me as the person behind CT Designs, but I haven't been very vocal about the other passion in my life. As you read in the Norwex post yesterday, I have a huge passion for health as does my good friend Merrilee, and that flows down to our friends, family & even strangers. We can't help but want to change the world by improving the quality of everyone's life with USANA's top rated products. Even though it's impossible to do this on our own, we know that we can change one life at a time which will inevitably create a chain effect once you see what the products can do for you.

Our gift to you:
We want to give you a "boost" this winter and provide you with a box of Booster C 600™ which will give your immune system exactly what it needs to fight off all the colds that everyone seems to be hanging onto these days. Next, we would like to give your skin a healthy glow with an introductory package of the basic Sense skin care line which is formulated with a self preserving technology like no other. As many of you may know, Antioxidants are extremely important to keep our cells healthy and Pure Rest™ has melatonin as it's main ingredient which is a very powerful antioxidant. It's also a product that could be a mother's best friend if you want to get a good night sleep and feel refreshed in the morning! Lastly we are providing you with a bottle of Active Calcium Chewable™ because it's health benefits are outstanding. Please read below for more details on each of these amazing products that one lucky winner will be receiving!

Sensé™ Prelude 5 Kit
Many companies claim to have products that are free from parabens. However, many of those products contain other formaldehyde producing chemicals. These chemicals are effective in killing anything that comes in to contact with them, so imagine what they could be doing to your skin. Sense scientists worked to find an alternative to parabens and other traditional chemical preservatives used in personal-care products. After nearly ten years of research, they found the answer in a unique, patent-pending formulation that keeps every Sense product fresh without the need for added harsh chemical preservatives. It truly is the next generation of skin and body care. For people who are committed to total body health, Sense’s self-preserving technology is the only choice that provides complete peace of mind.

New Sensé™ Prelude 5 Kit is a 5-day introductory sample to the Sensé Basics 3-step program for healthier skin and includes a bonus sample of Perfecting Essence. You will love the glow in your skin after using the amazing Sense products.

Kit Includes:
* Gentle Daily Cleanser * Hydrating Toner * Daytime Protective Emulsion
* Night Renewal * Perfecting Essence (**Bonus Sample)

Active Calcium Chewable™ - Health Basics
* Helps in the maintenance of bones and teeth.
* Helps to prevent bone resorption and osteoporosis.
* Helps for restless leg syndrome
* Helps ease the symptoms of PMS
* Helps protect against colon cancer
* Helps protect your heart & can lower your blood pressure
* Helps keep the weight off
* Helps relieve heart burn & acid reflux

Did You Know?
* Adequate levels of calcium are needed every day to ensure that the body’s bone mineral density is maintained.

Spending time in crowded environments or feeling tired, stressed, and less than your best? Give your immune system a jumpstart with Booster C 600™ and keep going strong.

Booster C 600 immune support supplement was carefully formulated by USANA scientists using an exclusive blend of ingredients shown to support healthy immune defenses. The soothing lemon-berry flavored powder can be mixed with water or taken straight for a delicious dose of the highest-quality zinc, Echinacea, elderberry, and USANA's proprietary Poly C.

Pure Rest™Along with diet and exercise, getting enough sleep is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Are you ready to restore your natural sleep cycles without sleeping pills? Normal sleep cycles help you feel more energized, promote healthy immune function, and support antioxidant defence. Pure Rest is USANA’s fast-acting, ultra-pure melatonin supplement. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates sleep and wake cycles. Pure Rest is NOT a sleeping pill. Pure Rest’s orange-flavoured tablets are designed to dissolve quickly, and their ultra-pure formula is both safe and effective. Pure Rest does not contain animal ingredients and is not habit forming. Enjoy a healthy sleep with Pure Rest.

Pure Rest™ - Health Basics
* Orange-flavoured dissolvable tablet designed to support better sleep
* Sleep provides numerous health benefits, including defence against oxidative stress and maintenance of a healthy immune system

That is a total retail value of $119.22! AMAZING!! Items were donated by Merrilee Klassen & myself.

If you'd like to get an EXTRA entry in for the grand prize you must do the following TWO things...

1. Go over to Usana Health & Freedom Solutions with Crystal & Merrilee on Facebook by clicking HERE and “like” our page. Leave us a little note letting us know that you're a new fan (We'd LOVE to hear from you)! If you already “like” our page you do not need to do that step in order to enter today.

2. While you are on our Facebook page, watch the video and complete the following sentence "We are subject to many stresses in our daily lives. ______________ stress is one of those." After you have done both tasks, you can leave a comment below stating that you "like" Usana Health & Freedom Solutions with Crystal & Merrilee AND include the missing word. In order for your comment to count as an extra entry you must tell me both things!

**Please remember, when you are leaving a comment as "anonymous" you need to leave your name and a way to contact you in the comment in order for your comment to count as any entry into the giveaway. I do not know who you are if there is no contact information, therefore an anonymous person can not receive a prize. Thank you!

I am beyond excited about these last two businesses that we are highlighting!! They both have a focus on health which is something that I have a huge passion for. Norwex is an awesome company that promotes healthy living by the Chemical-free products they sell. Protecting yourself from harmful chemicals & toxins is extremely important for maintaining good health. We have all been affected by degenerative diseases attacking loved ones around us and harmful chemicals from cleaning products can have an extremely negative effect on our health. Without further a due, here is today's business!!

Hi! My name is Jen Froese. My husband Kerwin and I moved to Winkler 4 years ago and we are both working at Garden Valley Collegiate. I am very passionate about health and cleaning without using harmful chemicals, which is why I decided to start selling Norwex.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Norwex, it is a company which sells chemical-free cleaning and personal care products. The Norwex mission statement is "to improve the quality of life by radically reducing the use of chemicals in personal care and cleaning."

A radical reduction in the use of chemicals is an important step to improve the health of our planet as well as our quality of life. Norwex is well known for their superior microfiber cleaning cloths. Each cloth contains an antibacterial silver-based agent which means you can clean and sanitize your surfaces with only using water! With Norwex you save time and money (on chemical based cleaning products), improve the health of you and your family, and better the environment!

Norwex sells microfiber cleaning cloths, chemical-free cleaning products, laundry detergent, mattress cleaner, organic personal care products and of course our famous Norwex mop!! Here is a link to the 2011 catalog so you can check out all our exciting products!

http://media.norwexcs.com/Flipbook/CDN-2011-Catalogue/?id=c50fe7672f2b0e5dd4bc3632208241393dba3a4b52770d48151a4ae9ecabc7e686e9adcbbe1e881fdc65ca9ffb53ba1b

To host a home party or to place an order, email Jen at kjfroese@gmail.com or call 362-9233 today! The hostess special for January is the mop package, laundry detergent and a rubber cleaning brush for hosting a $325 party! If you don't have a Norwex mop, this is awesome opportunity to get one for FREE!

The prize that I have donated includes:
1. Norwex laundry detergent- Highly concentrated, superior stain removing powder that is biodegradable and contains no fillers. Safe for all fabrics and all machines including HE. Great for those with sensitive skin, allergies, and a must for kids clothing!

2. Sportzyme- Bioactive formula spray which eliminates organic odour in sports equipment and shoes. Great for hockey equipment and bags!

3. Antibacterial Window cloth- A smooth cloth which allows you to clean mirrors,windows, jewelry and shiny services with water alone. Great for polishing faucets and stainless steel appliances. Streak-free shine without using chemicals!!

4. Organic Relaxing Leg cream- Natural aloe vera organic leg cream made in Italy. Helps to leave a long-lasting sensation of skin freshness and lightness. Daily use helps improve the aesthetic look, reducing the look of cellulite.


That is a total retail value of $99!! WOW!! I can't say a big enough thank you to Jen for donating such an awesome prize package!!

If you'd like to get an EXTRA entry in for the grand prize you must do the following TWO things...

1. Go over to Jen's Norwex Business on Facebook by clicking HERE and “like” her page. Leave her a little note letting her know that you're a new fan (I'm sure she'd appreciate it)! If you already “like” her page you do not need to do that step in order to enter today.

2. Then, click HERE to view the Norwex Catalog and check out their fabulous products. After you have done both tasks, you can leave a comment below stating that you "like" Jen's Norwex Business AND include what product you would love to have (or is already a favorite) from Norwex. In order for your comment to count as an extra entry you must tell me both things!

**Please remember, when you are leaving a comment as "anonymous" you need to leave your name and a way to contact you in the comment in order for your comment to count as any entry into the giveaway. I do not know who you are if there is no contact information, therefore an anonymous person can not receive a prize. Thank you!

It may be the middle of winter, but spring is fast approaching and I am sure there are many of you that are in the market for a great swing set. CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from kids’ swing sets to stylish furniture to cute cookware.

CSN Stores has offered up products for review throughout the blogosphere. People always seem to be very happy with their products and find their website very easy and convenient to navigate. They sell just about anything you could ever want and their products are within all different price ranges meaning that there really is something for everyone.

I have chosen to review this beautiful chandelier (below) for Brielle's room!! Isn't it adorable?!? It will add a perfect touch to her girly room. Keep an eye out for my review of the chandelier, and in the meantime check out CSN Stores!

Kristel is a very talented photographer in the Southern MB area and I have had the pleasure of being her client on more than one occasion! She is extremely professional and knows how to capture the true beauty of any child, expecting mother or families in general.

Kristel Bueckert Photography: Capturing beautiful images of your child as they grow is something you will always cherish! Kristel Bueckert is a custom photographer specializing in newborn, baby, child & maternity photography! Her studio is located in Winkler and she also offers outdoor photo sessions in the Winkler/Morden area.

My Gift to you: A $50 gift certificate towards your next photo session with Kristel Bueckert Photography.


That is a value (obviously) of $50!! Many thanks to Kristel for providing the opportunity for another family to receive memories that will last a lifetime!

If you'd like to get an EXTRA entry in for the grand prize you must do the following TWO things...

1. Go over to Kristel Bueckert Photography on Facebook by clicking HERE and “like” her page. Leave her a little note letting her know that you're a new fan (I'm sure she'd appreciate it)! If you already “like” her page you do not need to do that step in order to enter today.

2. While you are on her Facebook page feel free to browse through the photo albums and gush over the adorable babies/kids (that's always fun). Then comment below stating that you "like" Kristel Bueckert Photography AND include what you would like to use the credit towards. In order for your comment to count as an extra entry you must tell me both things!

**Please remember, when you are leaving a comment as "anonymous" you need to leave your name and a way to contact you in the comment in order for your comment to count as any entry into the giveaway. I do not know who you are if there is no contact information, therefore an anonymous person can not receive a prize. Thank you!

I used to sell Pampered Chef so I own many of these great products! Rachel has donated one of Pampered Chef's amazing stoneware products along with a delicious sauce to satisfy your sweet tooth!!

My name is Rachel Neufeld. I am a wife and a mom of two wonderful kids.
I started selling Pampered Chef about 3 years ago as a very part-time job. It has allowed me to stay home with my kids and a way to earn a little extra spending money. The Pampered Chef offers high quality kitchen tools, including serving and entertaining pieces, stoneware, cookware, cutlery, pantry products and cookbooks. As a consultant, I do Cooking Shows, as well as Catalogue Shows, where you as the host receive free and discounted Pampered Chef products. I would love to come to your home and together with you and your guests have a fun, interactive Cooking Show. At a Cooking Show, guests see and try products, prepare and sample recipes, and learn quick and easy food preparation techniques.

I invite you to join my Facebook group "Rachel's Pampered Chef", where you can see the monthly host and guest specials. I also will be posting recipes on the group from time to time.

The prize today is:
A Stoneware Mini Baker - ideal size for hot dips, personal pan pizza or side dishes; along with a bottle of Chocolate Raspberry Sauce - great on ice cream, as a fruit dip, or on cheesecake and other desserts.



That is a total value of $47!! A huge thank you to Rachel for donating these excellent products!

If you'd like to get an EXTRA entry in for the grand prize you must do the following TWO things...

1. Go over to Rachel's Pampered Chef on Facebook by clicking HERE and “like” her page. Leave her a little note letting her know that you're a new fan (I'm sure she'd appreciate it)! If you already “like” her page you do not need to do that step in order to enter today.

2. While you are on her Facebook page, check out the photo albums or click HERE to check out The Pampered Chef product lines and let me know which product you would love to purchase or maybe is already a favorite in your house. Then comment below stating that you "like" Rachel's Pampered Chef AND include the product you like. In order for your comment to count as an extra entry you must tell me both things!

**Please remember, when you are leaving a comment as "anonymous" you need to leave your name and a way to contact you in the comment in order for your comment to count as any entry into the giveaway. I do not know who you are if there is no contact information, therefore an anonymous person can not receive a prize. Thank you!

Do you want another entry for this AMAZING giveaway?? TYPE (do not copy otherwise it will not work) the following on your Facebook status TODAY ONLY:

Go check out @CT Designs at ct-designs.blogspot.com and enter to win the CT Designs & Friends 2011 Amazing Valentine's Giveaway!! Tell your friends to mention that you sent them & you'll receive an extra entry for everyone that you refer!

Twitter fans you can type the same status but you can tag me on Twitter with @ct_designs.

*Be sure to put an @ before CT Designs (no space between @ and C) and it will link back to my wall. You also need to be a fan of CT Designs in order for it to pop up when you are trying to link it.

Then leave a comment under this post letting me know you did so and that will give you an EXTRA entry for the Grand Prize. At midnight tonight I will not be taking any more entries for this particular task, but I will be posting another exciting prize tomorrow that will give you another chance for an extra entry!!

The TOTAL value of the Grand Prize is $820.72!!! Only ONE person will win ALL the prizes! There are only 4 more businesses and the value of the prizes between those 4 businesses is $315.22.

Here is a recap of the businesses that we have highlighted up until now. If you haven't already got your extra entry in for these businesses, click on their name which will take you to their Facebook page, "like" their page, then come back to my blog and scroll down to the specific post where their business was highlighted and leave a comment on that particular post saying that you now "like" their page.

2011 CT Designs & Friends Giveaway begins - Get your official entry in here! This is a mandatory entry in order for all other EXTRA entries to count into the giveaway.

B Jewelled

Playful Peanut

Just Baked Desserts

Little Tweet

Unique Treasures Boutique

Crystal Gayle Photography

Crochet crafts by Daphne

Naomi's Mary Kay beauty

The Cotton Cupcake Shoppe

BK's Lawn Care

Heritage Bath Essentials

DD's Shoppe

Sewing & Alterations by Michelle

Arbonne - Shirlie

CT Designs

Lil' Bo Peeps

Heidi-and-Seek Boutique

Lil' Busy Bee's

Another really cute hat & coordinating tutu for your little Valentine! My daughter absolutely loves to dress up and be a princess or ballerina as I'm sure many of your little girls love to do as well!!

Lil' Busy Bee's: I am a stay at home mompreuneur, who has decided to put my good craft skills to work so that other children (and parents too) can enjoy what my children do....high quality products at prices any mom, dad or anyone who loves to shop, would love! I make adorable diaper cakes as well as cakes for showers, bachelorette parties, grad, spa day, mothers/fathers day, couples, etc. You will also find Tutu's, Car Seat Canopies, and my absolute favorite, the Crochet hats as well as little Mary Jane Crochet Shoes. In the near future you will also find "Grow with me Dresses" for your precious little ones.

If you have any questions or comments on my products, or products you would like to see, please feel free to check out my contact page or you can stop in at Li'l Bit Baby in Brandon, MB and find some of my product there.

My prize package will include: a Nova Style Crocheted hat, and a Matching tutu (both will be in pink as shown below).




That is a total value of $45!! A huge thank you to Lil' Busy Bee's for donating these items which are sure to bring joy & excitement to any little girl!

If you'd like to get an EXTRA entry in for the grand prize you must do the following TWO things...

1. Go over to Lil' Busy Bee's on Facebook by clicking HERE and “like” her page. Leave her a little note letting her know that you're a new fan (I'm sure she'd appreciate it)! If you already “like” her page you do not need to do that step in order to enter today.

2. While you are on her Facebook page, check out the photo albums and let me know which product you would love to purchase or maybe is already a favorite in your house. Then comment below stating that you "like" Lil' Busy Bees AND include the product you like. In order for your comment to count as an extra entry you must tell me both things!

**Please remember, when you are leaving a comment as "anonymous" you need to leave your name and a way to contact you in the comment in order for your comment to count as any entry into the giveaway. I do not know who you are if there is no contact information, therefore an anonymous person can not receive a prize. Thank you!