Celebrating Studio J All Month Long!

Where can you go to buy a layout - or the supplies - for a beautiful and quality layout for JUST $5?  Nowhere but to Studio J!  What is Studio J, you ask?  It is Close To My Heart's online digital scrapbooking program that is completely FREE to use; you only pay when you want your layouts printed and shipped to your door!  Sound too good to be true?  It is not and it is even better than that...

I created eight layouts for my cousin who needed scrapbook layouts to present to her daughter at this year's soccer banquet.  She was not quite sure where to head when she contacted me late last month.  With this month's Studio J promotion, I knew this was the perfect solution for her and I was right!  Here are two of them - I'll be sharing other Studio J creations throughout the month - from her daughter's early years in soccer.

This "Game On" layout (above) was designed for me.  It's from the Designer Collection.  Would you believe I just made a few simple edits - enlarging a photo well and adding in a few stars?  That is it!  Isn't it fun to see the years inserted on the photos?  I did that.  Just typed it in and changed the font to white.  Cool, huh?

I did very few edits to the above layout as well.  I kept it pretty simple, wanting to draw attention to the photos.  A ribbon and a few buttons was all it took to make this layout attractive and athletic-looking.

She provided the photos, some of the titles, and the journaling information.  I created these layouts for her and she received them, in her hands, just three business days after she placed the order.  She paid just $5 per layout and they did arrive on her doorstep.  More importantly, she absolutely loved them saying they were more beautiful in person.  I tried not to say, "I told you so."  lol  The quality of Studio J layouts is absolutely phenomenal.  

If you are interested in knowing more about Studio J or would like for me to create some layouts for you and/or your loved ones, let me know.  They are on sale this month - at 25% off - but are only $6.95 in a typical month - still very affordable for a high-quality product.  Let me know what you think of them.

Have a Wacky Wednesday!

Back to School!

The start of school is right around the corner.  I have enjoyed a wonderful summer although you notice I did not call it a "break".  I had two days of summer vacation, but I was able to schedule in a few trips along the way and enjoyed every minute of them!  Now...it is time to get back to reality!

Tomorrow marks the unveiling of a NEW Idea Book which is debuting as, "Annual Inspirations"!  It is a phenomenal book/resource full of superb products and fun artwork!  As a Consultant we are privy to new product at least a month in advance of them going "live" to the public.  One of the perks for attending Convention is getting our hands on and dirty with new products.

This is one of the layouts we were taught at Convention.  It was fun to create and has some nice embellishments to give it visual appeal.  It is made with the "Chalk It Up" paper pack which you will see me use and showcase quite a bit through the year!  LOL  Despite it being titled "Chalk It Up, it does provide versatility and you will see that is the case in some upcoming artwork.

I await the rain in my neck of the woods - perfect for preparing for a team meeting on Saturday.  :)  Be sure to check back tomorrow for some TOO FUN artwork with a new stamp set and paper packet!  See you then!

I'm in Love...

with Picture My Life, one of Close To My Heart's exclusive product lines!  What is Picture My Life (aka PML), you ask?  It is a fast, simple and yet, attractive way to scrapbook your photos and preserve your fondest memories.

 Here is a close-up of the two pages.  (Click on them for an even enlarged view.)

Each PML kit comes with the following items for just $24.95!  

• 44 - 4" x 6" Cards (2 each of 22 designs)
• 78 - 3" x 4" Cards (3 each of 26 designs)
• 1 - 12" x 12" Designed Cover Sheet
• 10 - 12" x 12" Memory Protectors (various designs)

This is a sampling of the "Surf's Up" cards.

You simply take your photos and then decide on which PML card(s) you want to use - they are double-sided, by the way - and then you insert them into the pockets as you desire.  Don't forget to add a little journaling and then call it D-O-N-E!  There is always room for extra embellishing but it is completely unnecessary.  It is time to get those photos out from boxes and off your phone so everyone else can enjoy them too!

You might want to consider these additional purchases to get you off on a fabulous start!

• Adhesive
• Corner Rounder
• Journaling Pen

I used the Surf's Up kit on this layout.  Watch for tomorrow's post that will incorporate PML into a focal point on a card.  Questions?  Just ask!  

Lovin' PML (not to be confused with PMS)!  LOL

Create Your Own Patterned Paper

As you know, our National Close To My Heart Convention was held at the Disneyland Hotel just a couple of weeks ago.  One of the fun traditions of the event is creating gifts for team members.  It is not always the easiest to decide on what to make since there are so many ideas swirling out there.  Over the past few years, I have created a layout, perfect for preserving our fun memories of our time together.

I was not sure how I was going to accomplish the Disney theme with our current product line and woke up one morning with a fabulous idea:  Why not create my own patterned paper?  So...I did...

In order not to infringe on any copyright policies, I designed the Mickey image out of three circles and then copy and pasted them all over a Word document.  I cut my Cranberry cardstock to 8 1/2" x 11", put it through the printer and this was the result!   I used a layout out of our Imagine How-To book and chopped up my papers to create these two pages!

The Convention title was cut using the Cricut and our Artiste cartridge.  I stamped 2014 using our White Daisy Exclusive Ink Pad - making sure to give it plenty of time to dry - and added some Red Glimmer Trim for a finishing touch.

They seemed to have been well-received and I enjoyed making them!

Awaiting the rain in southwest New Mexico and going to create the night away!

Pattern Switch Blog Hop

I am participating in a Blog Hop today, hosted by my dear friend, Debi, where we were asked to take a card pattern and use it to create a layout or take a layout to create a card.  I love that all of our How-To books can be used to serve dual purpose in this capacity.  Too cool, right?  Talk about getting more for your money!

There are 10 ladies participating this month.  If you have come from Terry's Blog, you are on the right path!  She is always sure to have many treasures to share!  You can find a complete listing of blog participants on Debi's Blog if you were to get lost along the way.

I chose to use a 3 x 3 card pattern as a layout and multiplied the dimensions by 4 in order to create this 12 x 12 layout.  I found that a bit challenging in that I always create layouts (2-pages) rather than single pages so I decided to create a piece of artwork that could serve as a title page.  (The card pattern I selected can be found in the Originals book).

 I used the Laughing Lola paper packet as my focus and also incorporated some retired products (paper flower, dimensional alphabet, etc.) to spruce it up a bit.

Here are some close-ups of the title.  I used our Artbooking cartridge and Cricut Craftroom (aka CCR) to make the title.  I welded the letters together so they were "connected" - that is one of my favorite features of CCR.  I love the textured dimensional elements and added a little Crystal Blue ink.  "The" was spelled using some retired, adhesive letters.

I did not want to take too much away from the focus of the layout but you can never go wrong with a little bling.  In fact, I used three different pieces to make the Sparkles Flourishes but you cannot even tell.  Yet, I did not feel the main piece was enough.  Is there such a thing as too much bling?!

I will blog about "The Important Thing" tomorrow.  The idea comes from a children's book entitled, "The Important Book" and was shared with me several years ago by a friend of mine named Michelle.  It is a fun way to journal and great for writing lessons for students.  I shared it with my teachers at a recent training and thought it would be fun to include it here.  Join me tomorrow so I can share more.

Now, hop on over to Debi's Blog to continue viewing some fun artwork and the rest of the artists' interpretation of this challenge.

Thanks for joining us and be sure to let me know what you think of my blog item.  I would greatly appreciate.

Happy hoppin'!

Live Your Dreams!

I've made some cards using our beautiful Sarita paper packet but decided to get out the Stickease and make a layout!

 I love the sayings on these Stickease and will be using the rest of the images either on more layouts or on some cards.  I will be sure to share when I do!

I already know what pictures I want to put on these layouts but I have to get them developed first.  Guess that's on my list for this week.  I will share a picture of the completed layout, hopefully to come real soon.

I did some stitching to hold these banners down.  I can see me doing more of that since I realize how easy it is.  I have not shared this tip in awhile, but I like to 3-D the Stickease to add dimension to my artwork.  Since they come self-adhesive, I pour a little bit of baby powder on the back of them - and spread it over the image - and then use the 3-D Foam Tape to adhere them.  It works perfectly and I smell really good when I am finished creating!  LOL

This layout came from the Make It From Your Heart, Volume 2 How-To Book.  I promise great layouts if you use them!  You cannot go wrong and the price is absolutely perfect at just $7.95!  

You can find photos of the Sarita product line by clicking here.

I hope you are enjoying this three-day weekend and using it to do what you love most.  I am watching football, working on some not-so-fun tasks right now (for work), but intend on scrappin' the rest of this long weekend away!  Be blessed!

Laughing Lola Layout Workshop

Yep!  You guessed it!  Laughing Lola is my most favoritest (lol) new paper packet!  Isn't it just gorgeous?!  You know it started calling me as soon as I saw the purple in it.  It truly is beautiful and the paisley patterned paper...my favoritest too!  :)

For just $20 I am offering this workshop this Month - even if you do not live near me (+$5 shipping fee) - where you will be provided all of the materials, minus your choice of adhesive, to create TWO LAYOUTS (four pages) out of 1/2 a paper packet (plus a couple of sheets of additional cardstock).  You will even have some product left over to create some other fun projects.

You will love the dimension the Laughing Lola Complements Dimensional Elements add to your pages.  And the coordinating new bling (aka Laughing Lola Assortment)?!  You'll love that too!  

The physical event will be held on Tuesday, August 20th at my home in Elephant Butte (contact me for directions) and the kit order must be placed by August 6th in order to allow ample time for delivery.  For just $20 you will receive all of the products to make these layouts to include:

• ½ Laughing Lola Paper Pack
• Laughing Lola Complements Dimensional Elements
• Laughing Lola Assortment
• Full color directions

If you are not local to me, you can also create these four pages for just $25 (to include a $5 shipping fee).  There is no deadline to order the supplies as long as it is within the Fall/Winter Idea Book cycle or while supplies last.

To participate in this workshop, from afar or locally, purchase your items through the link below.  If you would like to add additional items to your order, in order to collect on some free product, please visit my website.  

Kit Options

Local Workshop - Elephant Butte, NM $20.00 USD Long Distance $25.00 USD

Please let me know if you have any questions and enjoy a wonderful weekend!  I am praying for some rain!  I can literally smell it in the air; great papercrafting weather!

Dream Pop BLOG HOP

I am excited to get back to blogging (after a brief break in having to prepare for an event last weekend and a busy work week) with a Blog Hop highlighting Close To My Heart's newest paper pack called "Dream Pop"!  I absolutely love it and it goes "live" to everyone on May 1st!  Of course, we Consultants get a sneak preview.  Gotta love that!

This hop is one big circle so please follow the links provided below to view all the beautiful artwork ideas highlighting this fun paper packet!  There are 35 Consultants participating in this hop.  Should you get lost somewhere along the way, please feel free to visit Kathleen's Blog for a list of all participants.

If you arrived here from Krista's Craft Corner you are on the right track!

I had fun making this "Girl Fun" layout and am anxious to add some photos pertaining to the title.  All items used on this layout are CTMH products.  The title was cut from our exclusive Cricut Artiste cartridge, as were the CUTE flowers!  Cut in 1/4" increments, they made for some fun accents.  I also love the price of the Sparkles Clear Flourishes - Small, perfect for adding a little bling.  (Disclaimer:  The photos don't do the paper justice.  You've got to see it in person!)

Click to view larger image

I have already created some other fun items with this paper pack and will be doing more of that this weekend!  Feel free to subscribe to my blog, in the right column, if you would like to follow me.

Thank you for stopping by.  Please leave a comment, if you feel led, and continue reading below if you would like to see the contents of the paper packet.

Now, hop on over to Sherri Says Just Scrap It to see what artwork she has to share.

These images don't do the paper packet any justice but at least you can get an idea of what you can get for just $10 in May, in honor of National Scrapbooking Month.

Happy hoppin', 

Family is forever

Would you believe this layout was created online using our Studio J online scrapbooking program?!  IT WAS!  And...look at the next image to see how it looked initially.

Click to view enlarged image

I started out with the Sonoma paper packet and it truly did look like this.  But...with a little Studio J magic - and lots of potential - I was able to make the background & texture paper ANY color I wanted.  So the layout ended up being somewhat monochromatic, with some hue changes, and I love it!  With Studio J you are also able to keep your photos in full color or change them to black & white or sepia.  I chose black and white.

Studio J layouts are just $5 through March 15, 2013 - a savings of $1.95 per layout.  If you are interested in finding out more about Studio J, please contact me.  I can share more over the phone, via email or even conduct a Skype training with you!  Once you try it...you'll love it!

Enjoy the rest of your week!

For Always meets Gypsy

As promised in my post from February 14, I am sharing a layout I made with our new For Always paper packet.  These were our wedding colors when we got married almost 15 years ago (June 20, 1998) and I am thrilled about being able to redo my scrapbook with this beautiful paper!  (Click on the photos for a larger view.)

I dropped off my wedding photos, still on negatives, at a photo shop in my hometown with them to transfer them to a CD.  My Mom will pick them up on Tuesday.  I am looking forward to receiving them, placing photos on the layouts I have already created and making some more.  With the original prints, they are all still 4x6 because I was afraid to crop them.  Now I won't have to worry about that and I can redo my wedding layouts as many times as I want!  LOL

Here are some close-ups of the pages and the clusters:

 

I am still going to keep my original wedding album - it is a sign of  the times but it is not so purty according to current standards.  LOL  I realize that in 15 more years I will probably think the same thing of these layouts. Oh well.  Just an excuse to keep scrappin'!

Enjoying the weekend with my parents,

2013 Spring/Summer New Product Blog Hop

First of all...

I pray you are having a great day!

It has been awhile since I have participated in a blog hop but I am thrilled to be back!  I am lovin' these new Close To My Heart products and after you view our artwork, I am sure you will love them too!

This blog hop is one big circle.  If you are coming from Traci's Blog you are on the right track.  You can elect to start at Helen's Blog where you can find a list of all participants or you can continue to make your way through my blog post.

I have bee wishing for a black and white paper packet for some time (ever since Silhouette) and was thrilled when I saw "For Always".  I have been wanting to redo my wedding album as I initially created it on 8 1/2 x 11" pages in 1998!  While my first wedding album is definitely a design of the times, I wanted something a little more elegant so this is what I came up with.  (Please click on images for enlarged view.)

One of the things I love most about this paper packet is its versatility.  I used our "For Always" coordinating "Stickease" with a Ruby (red) twist.  The possibilities are endless with this paper packet!  Stop by to see Sunday's post and view how I used it with Gypsy (purple) - which was my wedding color.

I have not put photos on my layout yet because I am in the process of getting my wedding photo negatives transferred to a CD for digital prints.  I kept all of my wedding photos in the 4x6 size, not wanting to mess them up.  I am thankful that I will be able to print the photos as many times as I want.  However, I recently moved to a little town where the Wal-Mart does not develop photos!  Can you believe that?  When I do put photos on the layout, I will be sure to post an update.

Thanks for stopping by.  Please let me know what you think of my artwork and feel free to move onto Priscilla's Blog or continue reading below for a supply list.  Enjoy the rest of the hop!  Check out another piece of artwork I created with a twist on this paper packet by clicking here.

Supply list (all Close To My Heart products):

• Silver Shimmer Trim
• Opaque Pearl Adhesive Gems
• For Always paper packet (pictured below)
• For Always My Stickease Assortment (pictured below)

Happy hoppin',