Love Your Layout: Embellishing Across Two Pages

Gotta love Close To My Heart as they continue to improve our online scrapbooking program, Studio J!  Scrapbooking can't get any easier - and be this enjoyable.

So...you might think you can't let go of the paper and embellishments?!  Who says you have to?  I do a little of both, more hand-to-paper, but Studio J provides a great and feasible option for busy scrappers, for those who have little ones and find getting alone-time slim to none, those who have limited space in which to work...  In fact, with Studio J you can grab your laptop and lay in bed while you scrap!  How awesome is that?

If you haven't given Studio J a try, what are you waiting for?!  It's FREE!  Click here to create a FREE account and start playing around with it.  You have nothing to lose...and possibly tons to gain!

This video shows you a little of the in and outs of the online program as well as some fun things you can do with it!  How would you like to have a certain pattern of paper in a variety of colors without paying for each sheet?  Well...now you can with Studio J!

Sit back, relax and enjoy the show...



If you have any questions, please contact me.  Feel free to leave a comment letting me know what you think of Studio J!  I would love to schedule a time with you when I can show you - in person, or virtually - how simple and fun it is to use Studio J!  Just let me know when is a good time for you!

Happy scrappin',

Happy Mother's Day!

Everyone says they have the best mother and I guess all can be justified.  I know mine can.  My Mom has been many things to me over the years.  She has taught me how to act and be respected as a woman.

I have lived an easy life, blessed by a Mother (and Father) who raised me with Godly principles, teaching me right from wrong and instilling in me that I could achieve anything I set my mind to.  Striving to please them, while fulfilling a lifestyle I was proud of, I have been blessed with a successful life full of love and prosperity.  I know I couldn't have gotten to where I am without them and today I honor my Mom.

My Mom and I at 2011 CTMH Convention, Anaheim, CA

Mom, I love you with all my heart.  I'm thankful that I am filled with many of your traits, including the crafty one.  I'm grateful that similarity has brought us closer together over the years as we can have fun and creative chats over the phone and share in unique and special moments at scrapbooking-related events.  And while distance separates us, my love for you never waivers nor do I forget where I came from.

Thanks for opening up my mind to a world of possibilities and for being my biggest cheerleader as I go through life.  God could have given me any Mom...but I am glad he gave me YOU!  I love you!

I am also thankful to have a wonderful mother-in-love in Willie Mae.  I am thankful for her raising up a Godly man.  I couldn't have found a better husband, in all regards and I know she is highly responsible for the man he is today.

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mom's out there.  I know your responsibility on this earth is a challenging one and not recognized nearly enough.

Happy Mother's Day,

So Much Fun!

We extended our stay in California last summer at the conclusion of the Close To My Heart National Convention.  One of the days we visited Universal Studios where we encountered many cartoon characters and took the opportunity to pose for pictures.

Click on photo for enlarged view.

My niece and her siblings took these fun pictures.  My niece is the one posing with Fievel (mouse in picture furthest to the left).  She was so excited to see him and you can tell by her warm embrace.  You can pick her out in the other photos.

I did distress the Blush cardstock by brushing the Blush inkpad over the Blush CS, directly.  It gives off this "leathery" appearance but sure made a difference to the layout.  (I should have taken a before and after photo.)  Give it a try if you haven't done so before.  And don't be afraid to mess up your cardstock.  You can apply as much or as little ink as you want.  Keep brushing the pad on the paper for a darker effect.  (I have found that by applying the ink in circles it gives for a better look.)

These photos bring back great memories of good times!

P.S.  Can you tell I used Dotty for You paper?  The polka dot pattern?  :0)

Got Dotty?

I know, I know...  I'm wearing this paper packet out but can you believe I have only used half a paper packet for all that I have created (plus some cardstock, of course) and I am not done yet?!  And, have no fear.  I have another paper packet where this one came from and I plan on ordering a few more before the month's end.  LOL  I love the bright bold colors of this paper packet!

I used the "Crafted with Love" stamp set for the focal point of this card.

The "hello" sentiment came from "A Garden" stamp set.  (I have already shared another card using this stamp set.  Click here to view it from my post from 4/28/12.)

The simplicity of a card with beautiful papers and a sweet message are what please me most.

Thanks for stopping by,

Sending Warm Wishes

I had fun making this card this past weekend using...yes, you guessed it!  The "Dotty for You" paper packet.  Have I not yet convinced you that you need a package (or two) of your own?

This time I decided to incorporate the butterfly paper from this packet.  To highlight the butterfly, I sponged a Just Blooms Flutter Paper Shape (one of the big butterflies) in Buttercup ink.  A few Colonial White small brads later and a sentiment...  I thought it came together well.

Sending you warm wishes for a blessed day,

National Scrapbook Day Event

I am fresh and rejuvenated today after spending the weekend croppin' with my scrapbooking friends and team members in celebration of National Scrapbook Day.

We gathered at my friend Angie's retreat and on Saturday...there were 20 of us scrappin'!  It was a great time and just what I needed.

As hostess, I usually try and make a few goodies for my guests and I am thankful that I pulled through with some easy but goodies.  LOL

This is a sticky note holder made with the Cricut, using our exclusive Art Philosophy cartridge.  I followed the directions from my friend Pamela O'Connor's blog.  It was super easy, came together super quick and is purposeful.  Gotta love when all those things come together for a fun treat!

Upon arrival, each guest had this place card sitting at their spot.  I should have taken a side view photo of it as there are three Hershey's kisses housed inside.  This idea came from a retreat favor made by a team adoptee, Wanda Cincar.

And lastly...this cute little purse, which holds a Hershey's Nugget, is perfect for this time of the year, especially with Mother's Day around the corner.  It would make a cute favor for a tea, baby shower, etc.  I believe I first saw this made by my friend, Debi McBain, and I have created it a couple of times since.

All of these items were made using our May-exclusive "Dotty for You" paper packet (only available through the end of the month).

Everyone seemed to love their goodies and I am thankful.  I love making things that put a smile on the faces of those who receive them.  

I had a fabulous weekend and am thankful to Angie for allowing us to invade the house!  

Happy Monday,

Newsletter = Contest Entry

If you have intentionally come here today I hope it's to confirm that you received my newsletter and have read it in its entirety.  It is always good to know that someone is reading what you have put time in to create while sharing some fun promotions and useful articles. (If you are not a CTMH Consultant and are not receiving my newsletters but would like to be added to my database you can do one of these three things to be added:
1) Click here and create a secure account.  Your information will automatically be added to my database. 2) Leave a comment on this post.
3) Email me directly at mlisrobinson@yahoo.com.

If this is your first time to visit my blog...take a few minutes to check it out - including the helpful links on the right and fun posts in the main body of the blog.  I have enjoyed maintaining my blog over the last couple of years, providing a little insight into my personal life and sharing my artwork. 

As [will be] promised in my newsletter, I will do a drawing for $25 in select product credit.  (The winner will be allowed to select qualifying product to total that amount and will be contacted soon after the drawing is held and announced here on May 17th.)  YOU MUST BE IN MY CTMH DATABASE IN ORDER TO QUALIFY.  (If you aren't already on it, just contact me with interest.)

To enter...

• Receive one ticket into the drawing when you comment on this post, sharing what you liked most about this month's newsletter.  Be specific in your response so I know you received it. :0)
• Receive two tickets when you subscribe to my blog.  (If you are already subscribed, please state so.)  It is easy to subscribe.  Just scroll down on the right and enter your email into the subscription box.  Upon doing so there will be a pop-up window which appears.  Enter the code into the box, to help avoid spam.  THEN...you'll need to also confirm subscription by clicking on the link emailed to you.  It's really simple and just takes a few clicks.  By doing so you will receive an email in your inbox whenever I post - usually a few times a week - and this will ensure you are kept up-to-date with promotions and events.
• Receive one ticket if you follow me through my Business Facebook Page.  For me to know that you have done so, make a comment through there after "liking" it.

With the above, you have the opportunity to be entered into the drawing four times.  I will use Random.org to generate the winning number.  Numbers will be assigned as responses are received. 

If you have any questions, let me know.  The contest ends at the end of the day May 15th and the winner will be recognized on the May 17th post.  Thanks for participating and letting me know that my media efforts are reaching you.

Who will be the winner?

May SOTM - "Friendship Bouquet"

Some of my earlier stamping friends know that sunflowers are not one of my favorite flowers.  I don't know why, but they aren't and never have been. With that being said, I wasn't too sure about this stamp set (contains 8 images) but I think I have since changed my mind otherwise. 

And...you guessed it!  I had to incorporate the Dotty for You paper packet in my creation!

Using the "sideways" sunflower as my focal point on this 5" x 7" card, I used the Waterbrush Pen - love it for coloring in images - and Sunflower, Creme Brulee' and Cocoa inks to color in the image.

Applying some Cocoa ink on our Color-Ready Ribbon (love this stuff too) with a Sponge Dauber (another favorite), I was able to make my ribbon coordinate with my color scheme.  A special message and two cocoa brads did the trick!  

I had a good time creating with this stamp set and might even create some more items with it.  Gotta love working with beautiful stamp sets that open your mind to possibilities.

Below you will find some other fabulous artwork ideas using this stamp set as shared by some of my dearest Consultant friends.  Please take a moment to leave a comment if you so see fit.

Created by Judy Faye

Created by Joy

Created by Cherri

Created by Cherri

And to think I didn't like sunflowers...

HUGS!

Remembering Convention 2011...

as we anticipate Convention 2012 - coming to Dallas, TX THIS JULY!

This is a fun video summary of all the fun we experienced last year while at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA!  It brought a smile to my face, a few giggles, and even few tears of joy as I reflected upon the time with my Mom and Dad (my roomies), my friends and team members.  (Some team members, close Consultant friends, and I can be seen in the video.  Do you see me?)

This is just a mini synopsis of the fun we have when thousands of Close To My Heart Consultants and our corporate staff gather together once a year to view our newest products, learn how to use them, and see beautiful artwork created with them while also gaining great insight into the business. 

You have to be a Consultant to attend and the memories are priceless. If you are interested in joining my team or are already on my team and sitting on the fence about attending - LOL, what are you waiting for?!  Is this enough to convince you?  The time is near when will party BIG in Texas!  I hope to see you there!

If you are reading this post and are registered for Convention...post so in the comment section.  Let's see who we can look forward to seeing in Dallas!

Strappin' on my boots,

A Garden

If you know me, I do not have a green thumb in me.  Funny because my parents love to garden and I always have enjoyed their beautiful backyard.  For some reason that trait was not passed onto me.  I am thankful if I can keep a plant alive for a couple of months.  LOL  Luckily for me...no watering or maintenance is required in this garden.  And better yet - there are no weeds!

I am referring to this cute stamp set, A1119, called "A Garden".

I have had my eye on it since its' debut in the current Idea Book, finally ordered it and now have played with it.

Not sure what I was going to do with such small images (this is a standard-size card - 4 1/4 x 5 1/2), I decided on the Originals pattern, "Balance It Out", as a starting point. 

Using Cocoa CS as the primary background for this card, I cut the strips of B&T - out of the Dotty For You Duo Paper - leaving a small border around all four sides of each piece.  (Have I mentioned I LOVE the reverse of the papers that have these cute polka dot patterns?!  Where have they been all my life?!)  Then, I stamped the vase on a separate sheet of Colonial White CS cut it out and glued it on top of the floral image which was stamped directly onto the other piece of cardstock.  I used the Waterbrush pen to color in the images and used Smoothie ink - one of my favorite new colors - to stamp the sentiment.

I love how simple, clean and attractive this card came out and pray that the recipient loves it just as much.

And check this out...  These are the GORGEOUS paper designs included in the Dotty For You exclusive offer only available through the end of this month and for just $5.  (Click here for details or to place an order.)  You are not seeing the polka dot designs on the BACK OF THESE PAPERS!  You get an additional 12 designs when you turn it over!  How awesome is that?!  You can already tell how much I love the backside!  (Who says that often about paper?!)

Don't let this fabulous offer pass you by.  Off to make more items with this paper packet!  Have a blessed weekend!