Create THREE Layouts in 35 MINUTES!

Don't think you are a scrapbooker? Think it takes too much time or you don't know where to start? If you can relate this is the perfect post for YOU! 

If you love scrapbooking, and even enjoy creating from scratch, you will also find joy in what I have to share because sometimes, just like me, a quick, easy and beautiful layout is totally what I need to feel accomplished.

We have a fabulous product line, Cut Above, offered in both cards and layouts, and today I am highlighting this beautiful one called "This is Me". 

What I love most about this line is that the artwork creations come together so quickly. Yes, you read the title of this post correctly. It only took me 35 minutes, start to finish, to complete these three, 12" x 12", and gorgeous layouts. HUGE, right?!

If you click on the images, you'll see an enlarged view (and I share information below on how you can see another sample). This layout (above) is designed for you to reflect on some prepared topics (located in each of the circles) such as: Feeling, Loving, Waiting For, Something I Do Well. And that paper and accents...isn't it gorgeous?! It coordinates with Chelsea Gardens.

This layout is unique and something that can be totally fun and highly valued as it's designed for others to respond to prompts about YOU! Questions like, "What was your first impression of me", are asked with a place provided for their answers and photos! Another prompt is "Pick 3 words to describe me". I don't know about you but I'm excited and a little scared to ask these of someone else. LOL But, how fun will it be to have other people's perspective about YOU? And, you could elect to ask various people in your family, friends, etc. to get a variety of responses.

Who would you ask? If you have children, wouldn't it be fun to ask them these questions now and in a few years? That, in itself, would be worth preserving.

And last, but definitely not least, look at this beautiful layout commemorating a best day (or maybe best dayS). There are some pre-printed elements, others that are added on top, and I used some good ol' baby powder to give some fun dimension to a select number of the floral elements. Baby Powder?! Yes, I did say baby powder. :) Keep reading...

There are many fun elements in this kit. Here's a quick close-up snapshot of a few of them. Many of the elements included are gold foil and then you can see some of the journaling spaces and floral images (bottom right) that are also part of the simple kit.

Another awesome thing about our Cut Above Kits is they require few products outside of what is contained in the kit. These are five items I suggest you have in your possession to create the layouts as I did. All are pretty self-explainable, however, I can assume you are wondering what the baby powder is used for, right?! LOL I enjoy making some of the embellishments dimensional and place Thin 3-D Foam Tape on the back of those images. (It's one of my most favorite products!) When I want to add some dimension to our stickers, and want to remove the "sticky" from the back, I sprinkle the baby powder and eliminate the "sticky". 

To better understand this concept, check out this video where I used the technique on a card. (I also share some additional information with you.) 

This Cut Above Layout Kit, "This Is Me", contains materials to make three coordinating two-page scrapbook layouts, including pre-printed base pages, die-cuts, stickers, photo placeholders, and instructions, PLUS four top load Memory Prectors. WHAT A KIT AT A PRICE (only $24.95)!

In fact, if you click on this link, you'll see some thumbnails at the bottom where you can view sample layouts with photos and journaling. (Click on them again for an even better view.) I will work to get photos and journaling placed on mine and will share so when that's the case.

If you have any questions about this kit, others in this line, or ANY Close To My Heart products, I'd love to hear from you! (Post in the comments or you can email me directly.) 

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Be a Cut Above the Others this Christmas!

As mentioned in a previous post, I enjoy gifting team members at events where we gather. I designed this card as a point of inspiration and Christmas card idea for them. I hope you enjoy it too!

Believe it or not, this card was pretty simple to assemble. The card base and tags were pre-designed, as included in the kits shown below. I stamped the sentiment on the circle, paper-pieced Santa's hat using Cranberry cardstock, and used the ShinHan markers to color the other parts of the image.

That piece was 3-D on top of the polka dot tag and the glitter bow was added for the perfect finishing touch. It came together quickly and can be duplicated easily.

This Cut Above Card Kit - Merry Everything includes materials to make 10 vertical 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" cards, including card bases, envelopes, and die-cuts. ($9.95)

The Cut Above Tag Kit - Merry Everything has materials to make 10 foil-stamped gift tags, including tags, die-cuts, and white twine.

Here are some samples, created by the Art Department, in their simplest form. They are super cute! 

The sentiment images are not included. You can find a variety of them here for just $2.95. 

I used Little Saint Nick. Choose the ones you love best! (Look through the first two pages in the link.)

If you would like to purchase the supplies used to make this card, contact me directly or purchase the products on my website.

DATE CHANGE: Capture Your Memories in Minutes (Workshop May 3, 2017) - Just $9!

I am hosting a workshop in Mansfield, TX on Wednesday, May 3rd, at 6 pm and I would love to join me. For just $9 you can make one 12" x 12" layout and four pocket pages of either theme shown below. They are perfect for a "Beginner" or seasoned scrapbooker who can appreciate the ability to create beautiful pages in a short amount of time.

To attend this class, be sure to pay the class fee by April 24, 2017 at 12 noon. You can make payment through PayPal - PayPal.Me/mlisrobinson/9 - and I will add you to the list! (Contact me if you have any questions.)

Details regarding this event are posted on Meetup. You can view them without having to be a member, although membership is FREE.

Forever & Always Kit:

12" x 12" Layouts

First page (horizontal photo) with pocket page (horizontal photos)

Middle pocket pages (horizontal and vertical photos)

Pocket page (vertical photos) with last page (vertical photos)

Little One Kit:

12" x 12" Layouts (vertical photos)

First page (vertical photo) with pocket page (vertical photos)\

Middle pocket pages (vertical and horizontal photos)

Pocket page (horizontal photos) and last page (vertical photos)

Don't pass up this great workshop price! Have a wonderful evening!

15-Minute Memories

Would you believe me if I told you that you can create a scrapbook layout in less than 15-minutes? You should because it's totally possible with Close To My Heart's Cut Above layout kits.

This month our innovating and new Cut Above kits are available at 50% off the retail price! That's an incredible deal on layout kits that make memory keeping incredibly easy!

Choose between two designs - Little One and Forever & Always - and then follow the simple assembly instructions to create your beautiful two-page layout in minutes. Add even more memories using the coordinating pocket cards and pocket Memory Protectors included in the kit. You're going to love how quickly you can preserve your memories with Cut Above.

This video showcases the ease and simplicity of creating the Cut Above layouts. It comes with everything you need. You simply provide the adhesive. (You might also consider grabbing your Thin 3-D Foam Tape to add dimension to some of the embellishments and don't forget a Journaling Pen!)

Want to earn one of these kits FREE? Anyone who signs up in April will receive their choice of either the Little One or the Forever & Always Cut Above Layout Kit in their New Consultant Kit at no additional cost. Oh and by the way...the Consultant Kit contains BRAND NEW PRODUCT that is not released to the public until May 1st and it's all pretty phenomenal! Contact me with your questions.

Don't miss out on taking advantage of this month's special, 15-Minute Memories. They are available throughout the month, while supplies last.

Happy Hump Day!

Handmade Cards in a Jiffy!

It's true!  You can assemble a cute and handmade card in just a few minutes with the Cut Above Jubilee and Fiesta Card Kits.  They come with materials to make ten 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" card, including pink bases with gold foil stamping OR mint bases with silver foil stamping, envelopes and circle diecuts.  All you need is a stamp - these are great choices for mini stamps - an ink pad, and some coloring tools.

Here is a card I made.  I stamped the Festive Congrats M-size stamp set in black ink and then used various ShinHan Markers to color in the letters.  That was it!  Too fun, right?!  Yes, I totally copied the sample shown in the Seasonal Expressions 2 Idea Book.  Well...it's legal!  :)  Nobody said you had to come up with your own fabulous ideas!

These card kits would make a great go-to for those unplanned occasions or a fabulous gift!  (Do not forget to include a block for them to use with the stamp image and ink.  A 2" block is great for these images.)

I've already gone through a few packs for a few projects.  Shhhh...don't tell anyone :)  I know you will love them too!

Make It From Your Heart,