Friday, December 23, 2011

Rock The Block Ideas

Rock the Block campaign is in full swing! I wanted to share with you some amazing artwork from some fellow Close To My Heart consultants. There is some serious talent among the CTMH community! Check out what they have done: (just click on their names to see their blog post)


First up is Brenda Rose. She took the blocks out of the box to create her gorgeous home decor item. She didn't want the box to go to waste so she made a shadow box picture frame.  Thank you Brenda for sharing your beautiful work!


Up next is Christine David.  She made ornaments with her blocks. This are so cute! We have a tradition at our house to give the kids an ornament each year and I think I am going to make these for my kids. What a great gift!


Angela Garcia also made a home decor item. She maximized on all 6 sides to create a decoration for 6 different holidays. Wow the possibilities are just endless!


Ok one more. Gina Brandstetter made a great photo collage of her family. What a fun coffee table decoration.


Well my creative juices are flowing! Just as a reminder of how the promotions works, when you place a minimum order of $25 from the Autumn/Winter 2011 idea book, you can get two valuable new products for just $15: the My Creations collage cubes (a Spring/Summer 2012 sneak-peek product!) and the exclusive My Acrylix Rock the Block E-size stamp set (available only during this promotion). This Rock the Block promotion represents a retail savings of almost $30! You can order these items from my website or by contacting me directly. (iotamaker@gmail.com 435.787.0125)

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Love Your Layout: December 2011

It is time for another Love your Layout episode! These video tutorials are great to give you ideas for your Studio J layouts and tips on using products in a way that might not have been obvious. For example on this layout we create a border with a tag stickease. Enjoy this short 6 minute video to learn how.

 

 Are you a New Year resolution kind of person? I am making a New Years resolution to create and order 4 Studio J layouts each month for 2012. Join me by leaving a comment and we will help each other keep our resolution. There may even be some great prizes awarded along the way! ;)

Monday, December 19, 2011

CTMH Rock the Block Promotion

Oh this is COOL! I mean REALLY COOL!!! This ROCKS!!! Introducing the ROCK YOUR BLOCK promotion starts TODAY December 19, 2011.


When you place a minimum order of $25 from the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book, you can get two valuable new products for just $15: the My Creations® Collage Cubes (a Spring/Summer 2012 sneak-peek product!) and the exclusive My Acrylix® Rock the Block E-size stamp set (available only during this promotion). This Rock the Block promotion represents a retail savings of almost $30! 


You're going to love the collage cubes and the Rock the Block stamp set, which work together for interactive, fashionable fun! Check out the video to see the Collage Cubes and the Exclusive E size stamp set. I am so excited about this promotion! You can order online from my website or drop me a email or call (iotamaker@gmail.com 435.787.0125) and I will help you get your Rockin' Bock set!

 

Friday, December 16, 2011

Senior Photography in Cache Valley Utah



This Senior is so talented! I love that we live in a world and country where we can each be so unique and amazing in our own way.  This beautiful young women is no exception.  She is so humble but so gifted.




Thursday, December 15, 2011

Gift a Gift of Memories


The gift-giving season can be an uplifting time of merriment and joy... but it can also feel a bit hectic. It’s nice to know you can count on Studio J® to help you give meaningful gifts that don’t require a lot of time or money. Here are a few ideas to simplify your life and save time for both the giver and the receiver.

  • Make one family layout and print multiple copies for everyone. (Time: 15–45 minutes) With Studio J, printing extra copies of a layout is as simple as changing the quantity on the checkout screen. Or, if you prefer, create one layout, then copy it into a new project as many times as you like and customize it for each recipient.
  • Give a Studio J 5-pack along with a Quick Pic™ album. (Time: 5 minutes) Since a 5-pack includes free layouts, free shipping, and free Memory Protectors®, it’s everything they’ll need to create a finished album!
  • Present a loved one with a 3-month Studio J membership. (Time: 5 minutes) A 3-month membership costs just $30 US / $33 CAN and is the perfect way to help someone “get their feet wet” with Studio J and give them complete access to a product you love. Combine it with a 5-pack to make it an extra-special stocking stuffer!

So put on the holiday music, pour yourself some eggnog, and pull out your holiday gift list. Studio J is a great way to help you give the gift of memories—without taking much time!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Family Photography Cache Valley Utah


Well this photo session almost didn't happen. The day before we had a gorgeous snow storm. By the morning of the session it had cleared up but was rather chilly outside. In fact the mom called and cancelled the session. She called me back about 10 minutes later and it was back on. I am glad we went ahead with the session because it was absolutely gorgeous! Oh and I must say these kids could all be models. 












Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Crafty Club Night - Roxie Card Box and Cards

 I think you will LOVE this gorgeous card box and cards created by my friend Lynette Kankamp.  She is AMAZING in so many ways. She presented this class at the team retreat I attended last October and I knew my customers would just LOVE IT!  These cards are just over the top gorgeous. To attend the class you need to order your kit (see shopping list below) by Thursday, December 29th. The class will be Thursday, January 5th at 7:00 pm. I am ordering your kits this month because the stamp set used is the December stamp of the month "Mad About You." Also be sure to check out the add on options. I did use the pearl opaques and clear sparkles on my cards. You may have some already and will want to bring them. If you don't be sure to add them to your order. Also, as announced on Monday there is an AMAZING deal going on. When you place a $25 order you can take advantage of the Rock The Block promotion. You get the Rock The Block e-size stamp set and the My Creations Collage Cubes for just $15!!! Don't delay signing up for this class and miss out. I can't wait to see you on the 5th and to hear all about your holidays!

  Pin It


Monday, December 12, 2011

CTMH - More Stamp of the Month Artwork

Today is the last day to order and have it here by Christmas!


  Here are a few more pieces of artwork create with this month's stamp of the month, Mad About You.  This set is so versatile. I showed you before how to make flowers with the hearts form this set. Here you can see the hearts used in a more traditional way.  Many of the stamps from this set have coordinating shapes from the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge. It makes it faster and easier to cut images out.  But there is more. See the first card below and the Chinese take out box at the bottom? The card base and box were also cut out with the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge.  The possibilities are endless! You can pick up this set only until December 31st for just $5 with a $50 order. Or you can purchase it at full retail price of $17.95. Order from my website or by contacting me. (435.787.0125, iotamaker@gmail.com)  





Friday, December 9, 2011

Family Photography Cache Valley Utah



  This sweet family was fun to photograph despite the chilly weather. There was still a little snow on the ground from the weekend's storm but most of it melted so we were still able to catch some of the bright colors of fall. I just couldn't get enough of this adorable little man. Especially when he gave me his best grumpy face.





Thursday, December 8, 2011

Studio J Class - Believe



This month we will be creating this festive fun Christmas layout at the Studio J class. This class is free and online so you can participate from the comfort of your own home.  The class is on Wednesday, December 21st at 8:30 pm. You just log on to Mikogo with the session ID number I will send you when you RSVP to the class. I will walk you through creating this layout. It is fun and easy!  If you can't attend the class just download the step by step instructions below.




Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Holiday Tags Assortment: Project Inspiration Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book

  As you are wrapping and preparing for the big day be sure to add a personal touch with easy to make gift tags. Here is a quick video with some tips and tricks on how to make those cute tags found on page 102 of the Autumn/Winter idea book. Make these tags your own by picking a color scheme that fits your fancy.

 

The stamp set used to make these tags is called "December 25th" and is found on page 102 of the Autumn/Winter 2011 idea book. Or you can find it on my website.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Norris Family Photos


It was time for the annual tripod impromptu family holiday photo.  These short sessions are always entertaining. We set the camera up on the tripod hit the button to activate the timer and I run into the photo before it takes the picture.  You really never know what you are going to get and who will be smiling or even looking.  I don't know if it is the pep talk (threatening) Jason gives the kids before, the fact that my kids have been doing this for so many years or that heaven smiles down on me but we seem to get some decent photos. I am really excited about these.  I have such a cute family if I do say so myself.





This one is my favorite.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Top 10 Wish List!

I thought it would be fun to create a top 10 must have items from the Autumn/Winter 2011 idea book. All of these items would make great Christmas gifts for yourself or you crafting loved one. To ensure delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed by Monday, December 12th.  This catalog is going to be gone before you know it and I would hate for anyone to miss out on the amazing products available until the end of January. So here we go. . .



Number 10: Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain Ribbon - Thank goodness this ribbon comes in bulk! I have used this ribbon on so many projects! The ribbon is 1 1/4" wide and there are 5 fabulous yards on every spool! $6.95





Number 9: Kraft Die-Cut cards and Envelopes - It was tough to decided between these and the White Daisy Die-cut cards and envelopes. I went with the Kraft cards because I love that your card is half done just because the base is so fun. I love the scallop flap and the kraft color of these cards. $6.95




Number 8: Bling Assortment - There were so many new accessories that it was hard to pick a favorite so I went with what every girl wants and that is some bling! This set comes with 18 pieces (12 buttons in 2 different sizes, 6 pins) and is only $4.95!





Number 7: Consultant Kit - Many of the things on my list can be found in the new Consultant kit and Add-On collections.  If you need one of everything this is the way to go. Get a great kit for a great value and then continue to buy the products you love with your consultant discount! The consultant kit is just $99.00 ($280 retail value) and the add-on collections are only $40 each ($80 - $130 value)!






Number 6: Trinity Alphabet - I can't even count how many times I have used this E-size alphabet set. What a bargain there are actually 3 different sized complete alphabets on the one 8 1/2" x 11" carry sheet. $29.95






Number 5: Magic and Wishes how-to books - If you want to create beautiful layouts every time then just open up the Magic book! I continue to find great inspiration on every page.  I love the interactive layout ideas that make this book completely unique.  I have been making a lot more cards lately and the Wishes Card Confidence book is my go to source for gorgeous card ideas! I can't say enough good things about both of these books! $21.95 each.




Number 4: Dreamin' Workshop on the go kit - I have to say that the Dreamin' paper is my favorite. I couldn't stop there. The exclusive stamp set that only comes in the workshop on the go Dreamin' kit is also fabulous and I am a HUGE fan of the Glitz Glitter Gel and the Shimmer Designer brads as well. So get it all in one pack by picking up the Deramin' Workshop on the go kit. $29.95





Number 3: Love Life stamp set - This is by far my very favorite stamp set in the whole catalog! LOVE IT!! $17.95








Number 2: Studio J 12-Month Membership - You know I love Studio J and with all the benefits of a membership you just have to have one! Get caught up on  your family's story. What a great gift as well. $99.00








Number 1: Cricut Art Philosophy Collection! - I have been using my cartridge a ton more then I expected. I have loved the convenience of quickly cutting out a shape and having my stamp fit perfect on it.  I also can't say enough about the 3-D flowers! $99.00



Can I throw in a few honorable mentions?



 There are a couple of great tools that I use every time I make any paper crafts. If I don't have these 3 tools I really miss them. They are the VersaMat (14.50), the Micro-Tip Scissors (9.95) and the new clear 14" Ruler (9.95) that also has guide holes for evenly spaced stitching holes. I also use the guide holes to poke holes for evenly spaced brads.  These items make great stocking stuffers for the crafters on your list.

  All the items on my top ten list can be purchased on my website or by contacting me. (iotamaker@gmail.com 435.787.0125)

Friday, December 2, 2011

Senior Photography in Cache Valley Utah


  Here is one smok'n hot Senior! I love this girl. Her and her family our good friends of ours and it was a blast taking her senior pictures. We had a lot of fun, laughs and even a few scary moments. I might have made her climb up into a barn loft and then she had to get down which may have been a little scary. Just making some memories!