Mistletoe - December Workshop

This month we will be creating three festive layouts using the gorgeous Mistletoe paper packet and coordinating accessories.  I do love the poinsettias in the Mistletoe level 2 assortment.  Between the three layouts I use every single accessory in the set.

This last layout is for my Christmas morning pictures.  I did use one of my favorite products, 12 inch flip flaps to add more space for pictures.  The big 5x7 photo mat on the right hand page is for the picture of Christmas morning before the excitement begins. When you flip open the flaps you get to enjoy the pictures of all the excitement.  I also used some of our new dimensional element Ornaments on this last layout.  I sponged, stamped and bedazzled the ornaments to really finish the layout.

If you would like to join the workshop group so that you can make our future layout projects leave a comment, email or call me today! All the products used on these layouts can be ordered online anytime on my website. As an added bonus with an online $20 order you will also receive a surprise D size stamp set for FREE! That is a $22.95 value.

Family Photo Shoot

My sister-in-law needed a recent family photo. We don't have a single picture with only our family in it since we had our family photos taken last fall. (that would be over a year ago) So I decided we would have a little impromptu photo shoot in our family room. Well Brock, Mikele, Kassie and even Jason were cooperative. Allie on the other hand had her own ideas of how this would work. The kids were sitting along the wall waiting for everyone and she decided that would also be where she was sitting for the pictures. Of course that didn't work very well because she is the smallest and needed to be in the front.

So we tried to get her to want to sit on Jason's lap by making her jealous of Kassie.

Ya, she didn't care.

Then Allie would go play with her toys or wander around the room until she heard the timer beeping on the camera. Then she would come running over and find her spot.  After the picture was taken she would get up and go check out the picture on the back of the camera with me and then we would start the whole thing all over again.

Luckily we did end up with a cute photo of the whole group looking at the camera and almost everyone is smiling.  My Mom always says that family pictures must be really important or they wouldn't be near as hard to pull off.  I totally agree!

Plenty For $20!!

PLACE AN ORDER OF $20 OR MORE* ON MY MyCTMH website from December 1–31, 2010, and we’ll reward you with a popular, retired D-size stamp set for FREE! Talk about getting more for your money—the free stamp set is valued at $22.95 US/$26.95 CAN! We’re sure you’ll be thrilled with the set we pick out for you. We’re also giving you FREE shipping/handling and tax on your free stamp set. That’s a lot of Plenty for your Twenty! Grab Plenty for Twenty in December by visiting my MyCTMH website and making a qualifying purchase today!

*Excluding tax and shipping/handling. Qualifying purchases must include shippable products (Studio J® layout purchases excluded, Studio J memberships and 5-packs will count toward a qualifying order only if shippable items are also ordered).

And there is More. . .

Or should I say "Amore." While you are getting your plenty for $20 don't forget about the new December stamp of the month Amore. Here’s how to get a fabulous deal on your very own Stamp of the Month!

You spend	You save	You pay only
$25	25% off	$17.21
$50	50% off	$11.48
$75	75% off	$5.74
$100	100% off	FREE!

To sum it up with a $100 order you would get TWO FREE stamp sets for a total of $45.90 in FREE product! Now if that isn't more bang for your buck I don't know what is!!!

The Perfect Christmas Gift is a Mix & Mingle Mini Album!

  This adorable album, inspired by Annette Green, sits perfectly on a shelf or table! Wouldn't you love to give it as a gift for Christmas? Come and make one at my class on Wednesday, December 8th at 6:30 for only $24!  You will receive all the supplies you need including:

* Mix and Mingle Album
* Full set of our Simple Alphabets lowercase
* 1 package of Opaques Adhesive Gems Pearls
* Cardstock and B&T paper pieces pre-cut (some cutting necessary)

 You can easily make one for a friend and make another for YOU! You will need to reserve your spot no later then Tuesday, November 30th.  When you come to the class please bring: scissors and adhesive. I will provide stamp sets, stamp pads, blocks and instructions for assembly.  I can't wait for you to come! Email or call me today to reserve your spot.  Here are some close up pictures of the pages.

Front Side: Joyful

Back side: Spring

*Don't forget to scroll down to the posts below where you will find the Christmas Card Class and how you can win a free set of my Christmas Cards at the bottom of the Studio J post!

Christmas Stocking Gift Card Holder

   I just love this cute little stocking that is perfect for holding your gift cards for your teenagers, friends and family members.  I found the template at Waltzing Mouse Stamps.  I used the paper from the Creative Basics Mistletoe Collection and embossed the New England Ivy cardstock with my heart embossing folder and my Cuttlebug.
   You know the perfect size card that would fit nicely in this cute little stocking is a Studio J membership or 5 pack. Check out all the details on Friday's post and don't forget to read clear to the bottom to find out how you can win some blog candy!

Studio J - real life.real scrapbooks.real time

  I am all about options and flexibility.  Studio J is just that, another means of preserving our precious memories and photographs.  What I love about Studio J is that I am creating in the same way as with traditional scrapbooking except for online and the layouts fit nicely into my albums right along side my traditional layouts. Check out some sample art work on the Studio J website.

• It's TOTALLY FREE to play with Studio J. Just go to my website, click on Studio J button on the left hand menu, create an account and PLAY! You don't have to pay for anything unless you decide to order. So log on and play around. Check out all of the awesome features, upload some of your own photos and check out how fast and easy it is to make GORGEOUS Studio J layouts.
• Studio J boasts great photo editing options, in addition to all kinds of great kits, layout patterns, embellishments, distressing tools and MORE!.
• With Studio J there is no need to pay for kits, embellishments, papers, etc, etc. It's all part of Studio J. You just pay the same low membership or per layout price no matter what embellishments you add.

Four ways to purchase Studio J Layouts:

1. Buy a $99 One-Year Membership, which includes:

• 50% off retail price on two page custom layouts. You get them for just $6.50 per layout, which is only $3.25 per page. Are you kidding me? We spend that much just developing our photos for classic scrapbooking.
• 2 .jpgs of every layout you purchase; one high resolution and one low res. These make it easy to share your layouts with friends and family members, as well as printing more copies, or saving your layout files somewhere safe forever!
• Access to all of the kits and page patterns in Studio J, as well as some that are for 'members only'!
• FREE page protectors for all the layouts you order
• FREE shipping and handling on one order per month

2. Buy a $30 Three Month Membership which includes the same benefits as the One-Year Membership but just ends up costing a little more per month. (3 Month Membership averages $10 per month, whereas the One Year Membership averages just $8.25 per month).

3. Buy a 5 pack for $55: This includes one shipment of 5 layouts. All costs are included in the $55 (shipping, layout cost, page protectors, etc.) 5 packs are AWESOME Christmas gifts. If you have a friend or family member who doesn't 'have the time' for classic scrapbooking, who says they 'are just not creative' or who loves anything digital, then this is the gift for them!

4. Purchase Layouts at full retail price of $13.00: You always have the option to pass up on the great benefits of a membership or 5 pack and purchase layouts at full price plus $5.95 shipping (up to 20 layouts).

I will always love traditional scrapbooking.  It is my escape and happy place but I also love Studio J because of the benefits it offers.  I love that I can duplicate and customize layouts so fast for each of my kid's albums. We went to Disney World last August for 10 days and I have HUNDREDS of pictures of that trip.  I plan to scrapbook that entire trip and duplicate the layouts 5 times with Studio J.  It is just so easy, so fast and so  convenient and makes an overwhelming project so simple and manageable.

So, give Studio J a try! Then, feel free to purchase a membership or 5-pack on my website, or call (435.787.0125) or email (nicole@norrisdesign.com) me with questions, comments, or to place your order with me. I'm happy to help you in whatever way works best for YOU!

By the way, if you read last Thursday's post, you saw the GREAT "A Little More Thanks" special that Close To My Heart is offering this month. You could buy a $99 One-Year Studio J Membership and one other small item and also get the November Stamp of the Month and another Stamp Set of your choice (up to a $22.95 value) totally FREE! What a great month to get that One-Year Membership!

BLOG CANDY ALERT: Log on and try out Studio J then leave a comment on this post telling me what you thought, what features impressed you and any questions you have. I will give 1 lucky winner one of my Christmas Card kits! Do you want to increase your chance to win?  Make a Studio J purchase and get two additional entries into the drawing!!! (just leave 2 additional comments)

I will randomly select a winner through random.org on December 1st at 10:00 am

2010 Christmas Card Class

I am so excited about the 2 card kits I will be offering at this year's Christmas Card Class! I hope you like them too.  The Christmas Card Class will be held on Thursday, December 2nd from 7:00 pm until we are done or I kick you out. 

Clear Cards - Kit 1

Option A: This kit is using Close To My Heart's new 4 1/4" x 5 1/2 " clear cards.  The kit comes with 8 completed cards (2 each of 4 designs)  The kit includes: 8 Clear Cards, 8 clear envelopes, Mistletoe Level 2 assortment, 4 sheets of Creative Basics B&T paper (2 sheets of each design), 1 sheet of Colonial White cardstock and gold satin ribbon. Your kit will be precut. Kit Cost: $19.00

Option B: substitute colonial white cardstock card bases for the clear cards. Everything else is the same as Option A.  Kit Cost: $12.00

Round Cards - Kit 2

Option A: This festive kit comes with 12 completed round cards (2 each of 6 designs) and uses Close To My Heart's new 4 1/2" Circle Cards as the base. This kit includes 12 round cards, 12 envelopes, 1 package of bitty clear sparkles, 24 pewter brads, 4 sheets of Creative Basics B&T paper (2 sheets of each design) and 1 sheet of Colonial White cardstock. Your kit will be precut. Kit Cost: $15

Option B: This is a "Better Kit."  You get everything in option A plus "A Timber" acrylic stamp set, prisma glitter, and a glue pen.  The prisma glitter and glue pen are used to add the sparkle to the stars and presents on the cards. I will have the stamps set, glitter and a glue pen at the class but if you don't complete the cards at the class or wish to make more cards and repeat the technique you would need your own stamp set, glue pen and glitter.  Kit Cost: $34.00

Participants should bring the following to the class: scissors, 3d foam tape, adhesive (I recommend Tombow and glue dots). poker tool and mat.  I would also recommend you bring a cocoa ink pad and sponge for distressing all of the edges of your pieces. 

The last day to sign up for the Christmas Card Class is  

Tuesday, November 23rd at midnight.

Space is limited. Call or Email me TODAY to place your order and reserve your spot! I can't wait to hear from you!  Oh and don't forget the "A Little More Thanks" promotion going on RIGHT NOW!

Book Report

  Brock has a new appreciation for my scrapbook room! He had a book report due the end of last month.  He was suppose to create a Story Quilt about a mystery book.  Basically he had 6 requirements that were each suppose to be covered in one block of his "quilt."  Well we got right to work picking out paper, cutting, sponging, stamping and typing.  We both had a lot of fun working on his project and for the record Brock did most of the work.  He typed, cut, sponged and glued his project together.  I will admit that I did stamp the stitches around each quilt block while he was typing and I did help him create his title and character comparisons in illustrator but other then that it was his project.
  After the project was done, Brock decided that scrapbooking is kind of FUN! As you can see by the ear to ear smile on his face he was very proud of his finished project!

*Don't look to closely at Brock's hair. It was crazy hair day at school and so we put his hair into a dozen little pony tails.  He said they were pulling his hair and so he took them out but his hair was standing up in all sorts of crazy directions.

A Little More Thanks!

Want to know how to get $45.90 FREE with a $100 order? Well, if you do then I have TWO HUGE ANNOUNCEMENTS today. If you are gearing up for Thanksgiving and already feeling a little bit of gratitude, then this post is for YOU!

Here's what you'll find in today's post:
1. November Stamp of the Month: "A Little Thanks"
2. November Close To My Heart Special: "A Little MORE Thanks"Read on....

1. November Stamp of the Month: "A Little Thanks": As you know, along with a new month, comes a NEW STAMP OF THE MONTH, and this month's is a MUST HAVE! I love this set. I will admit it is my VERY FAVORITE stamp of the month from the Autumn/Winter 2010 catalog! (check out the picture at the top of this post). So how do you get your hands on this adorable set that you will use time and time again?

 The November Stamp of the Month (D1444-A Little Thanks) is available to you to purchase or earn FREE during the month of November only. It's GREAT for thank you cards and layouts about gratitude.
You can:
* earn it FREE when you spend $100 or more (before shipping and tax)
* earn it for 75% off ($5.74) when you spend $75 or more (before shipping and tax)
* earn it for 50% off ($11.74) when you spend $50 or more (before shipping and tax)
* earn it for 25% off ($17.21) when you spend $25 or more (before shipping and tax)
* purchase it for full retail price ($22.95)

And if that weren't enough...GET THIS:

2. November Close To My Heart Special - "A Little More Thanks": During the month of November, Close To My Heart is expressing "A Little More Thanks" to you with a FREE My Acrylix stamp set of your choosing. When you place a minimum order of $100 (before shipping and tax), not only will you receive the November Stamp of the Month ("A Little Thanks"...$22.95 value) FREE, but you will also receive one free stamp set of your choice from the Autumn/Winter 2010 Idea Book FREE (free stamp sets include set sizes A, B, C and D. Stamp sets that are not available as the free set include Workshops on the Go stamp sets, E-size stamp sets, and customizable K stamps. Tax and shipping apply). That means if you spend $100 (before shipping and tax) you could get $45.90 in stamp sets absolutely FREE!

This November special is just Close To My Heart's way of expressing "A Little More Thanks" to YOU, our valuable customers!

To take advantage of this AWESOME special, just click here to enter my website, then click on "shop online". You will be prompted to add the FREE Stamp of the Month (A Little Thanks) and your free set at the end of the order.

**Need an idea of what to order? Check out the post below to see the layouts we will be making at this month's workshop!

Olivia - November Workshop

   Can you believe it is NOVEMBER! I have to say that the weather this week has been GORGEOUS and I have loved all the fall leaves. When I come home I have to go through this tunnel of trees and over a bridge that is surrounded by the beautiful fall colors. I love it!

   This month we will be creating three beautiful layouts using the Olivia level 2 paper packet as our base.  The fist two are perfect for those fall pictures! The colors are as rich as the fall leaves in front of my house and as warm as fresh apple pie.  (Doesn't that just make you hungry for Thanksgiving dinner!) I accessorize these layouts with some of my new favorite products including our new Mocha Adhesive Gems and our new Shimmer Designer Brads.  At the class I will show you how to make the beautiful paper roses found on the second layout.

  This last layout is using paper from the same paper packet as the first two layouts. Hard to believe I know!  I love how flexible Close To My Heart's paper packets are.  You can really pull different combinations of colors from the same paper packet and get a completely different look and feel.

  I love these sweet pictures of my baby Allie (she is almost 18 months old now!)  I will also show you how to make the flowers on this layout at the class.  So now that you have seen the projects, how do you sign up?  Well that is easy! Just drop me an email and I will send you a shopping list.  I need to know if you are coming by Wednesday, November 10th so email me TODAY!

Spooky with a little Bling!

   These are the spooky layouts I created with the October Book Table club kit.  I know I have mentioned this before but I duplicate layouts for each of my kids' albums and for the family album (one of the duplicates is pictured at the bottom of this post).  It is always a good feeling to get those duplicates done! I also, when working with the Book Table kit try to use something I already have. (I don't buy any extra).  So for these layouts I was able to use my new Cuttlebug and one of the embossing folders for the black photo mats. I also cut out the very cute spiderweb and the title with my wishblade (something I have had for a couple of years and don't feel like I use enough).
  I also wanted to try a technique out that I had seen on another consultant's blog.  I wanted to add a little sparkle to my layout.  It was easy as candy corn and the best way I have found to add prisma glitter to specific areas.  This is what I did: I used some of my new favorite glue; Close To My Heart's Bonding Memory Glue Pen on the letters.  Then I just sprinkled it with Close To My Heart's prisma glitter and I was done! How easy was that!  If you were covering larger areas I would use the bonding memory glue with the wider tip. I have loved the glue pen for adding little thin pieces of cardstock to my projects like the spider web and title.  Can you just see the possibilities of how easy it would be to add prisma glitter to all of your projects including Christmas ornaments, a stamped crown, candles of a birthday cake or stars just to name a few.  The bonding memory glue and prisma glitter can all be purchased on my website. 

New Art and Soul!

Do you ever need a creative lift and I just don't post often enough on my blog well hop on over to my online store. Not only can you shop anytime but there is also a link to CTMH TV.  There you can view some creative episodes that show great new products, techniques and project ideas.  The newest episode is titled "Autumn Projects to Fall For" and demonstrates tissue stamping. While you are there you can also check out past episodes.  Check it out and leave a comment telling me about your favorite part!

After a discussion with my sister, she came to the conclusion that I needed a new pet.  I contemplated her advice carefully and after much research found the perfect new pet for our family! I quickly ordered and waited 14 agonizing days for its arrival.  I purchased a Cuttlebug!!! It is a die cutter and embossing machine.  I mainly wanted it for its dry embossing capabilities.

 

My new toy has been a huge hit among the rest of the family. The kids didn't have school on Tuesday and played with it most of the day.  My once full drawer of scraps is now practically empty. Mikele has already requested that when I get old that she will get my Cuttlebug.  (I never thought my kids would start diving up my stuff while I was still so young!) Wednesday was the first time I got to even play with it and it was only because Mikele and Brock were back in school and only if I was quick and took turns with Kassie. I even got in trouble with her because I didn't put the plates back were she had them.

 I made this card for my ward's card swap group.  Our theme is Halloween or Thanksgiving.  I stamped the front using my two new favorite Halloween stamp sets; Fright Night and Spellbound.  I just LOVE the tree from the Spellbound stamp set!

October: Share the Magic stamp of the month

Cards designed by Karen Pedersen

Do you realize there are only about 11 weeks until Christmas?!!!  I can hardly believe it. Our festive stamp of the month is just perfect for those Christmas cards that you better get started on. (notice the 'to' and 'from' stamps included. 11 weeks! I am in shock!)

So how do you get your hands on this magical set? It is available to you to purchase or earn FREE during the month of October only.

* earn it FREE when you spend $100 or more (before shipping and tax)
* earn it for 75% off ($5.74) when you spend $75 or more (before shipping and tax)
* earn it for 50% off ($11.74) when you spend $50 or more (before shipping and tax)
* earn it for 25% off ($17.21) when you spend $25 or more (before shipping and tax)
* purchase it for full retail price ($22.95)

CTMH products used on this artwork: October Stamp of the Month-Share the Magic (D1443), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), Mistletoe Level 2 Paper Pack (X7130B), White Daisy Cardstock (1385), Black Cardstock (1386), 4 1/2" Clear Card Assortment (Z1309), Watercolor Pencils (3505), Grey Wool Marker (Z2325), Honey Marker (Z2362), Round Sponge, Designer Ribbon Rounds Black Collection (Z1034), Corner Rounder (Z578), Mistletoe Level 2 Assortment (Z1330), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151).

All items may be purchased 24/7 from my website.  Just jingle on over and place your order! Or you can call or email me and I would be happy to help you get your hands on everything you need.

Lets Get Spooky with a little Hooligan!

For this month's workshop group we will be making this adorable interactive layout designed by the talented Karen Pedersen and this second layout designed by me.

For this second layout I had to use my two new favorite Halloween stamp sets; Fright Night and Spellbound. Don't the little Pear ribbon slides look like the buckles from a witch's shoes?

 Now back to the first layout. This layout had so many photo spots! Both pages have flip flaps that open up to reveal even more pictures. Would you like to make these spooky layouts? Join us on Tuesday, October 19th or Thursday October 21st from 6:30-9:30.  You will need to order your supplies by the 10 so email or call me TODAY!!!

Here is the complete shopping list:

*to complete both layouts you will need 1 extra sheet of black cardstock and 2 extra sheets of white cardstock.

It is time to JUMP FOR JOY!!!

Whether you’re a brand new or experienced hostess with Close To My Heart, this is the perfect opportunity to hold one or more Home Gatherings and receive special sales incentives! That’s right...at every Gathering held from October 1 to October 31 that reaches a minimum of $450 US / $500 CAN in sales, hostesses will be able to “jump” to the next level of Hostess Rewards—which means more free products and more items at 50% off! And it’ll be so easy to do, because October is the ideal time for guests to buy scrapbooking, cardmaking, and papercrafting supplies to preserve their memories. It’s enough to make you Jump for Joy!

So don't wait call or email me today and lets book your home gathering TODAY!!!

September Workshop- Magnifique

This month's class was all about "MAGIC!"  That is the name of our new how-to book.  It is full of interactive layouts that are sure to bring the oooh's and awww's from everyone who looks through your albums.  On this first layout (above) the big chocolate circle with the flower on it is attached to the outside of the sheet protector and swivels to the side to reveal the hidden journaling.

I often have more photos then will fit on a two page layout but not enough to justify a second layout.  The solution is our amazing 12 inch flip flaps.  They come in 3 sizes- 4x12, 6x12 and 8x12.  They are great for adding just a little more real estate to your layouts to add those last few photos.  They are easy to attach with the adhesive strip and are made of the same material as the sheet protectors. Do you need a lot more space? Add more flip flaps!

This last layout is of my sweet baby Allie. I have to admit that her album starts out with pictures from her birth and first day home from the hospital and then jumps to this layout where she is one! Apparently I have some catching up to do on her album.

In this layout I have a hidden picture that when you slide the left photo on the right hand layout over it reveals the hidden photo behind.  It might sound complex but with the step by step instructions and illustrations in the new Magic book it is slick and easy to assemble!

Did you miss the class but would like to create these layouts? Here is a shopping list:

All the items on this list can be purchased either by contacting me by email or phone or online anytime from my Close To My Heart website.