Springin' Up Flowers

How is it possible that it has been a whole week since I posted on my blog? Well before I head out for a fun family filled weekend I wanted to share this quick video with you. The flower made with the adorable "Spring Up" stamp set is just perfect for your spring projects. Speaking of spring, do you think it is finally here? It sure feels like it today!

Now sit back and enjoy this quick video and I will see you next week with the fun new layouts planned for April's workshop highlighting the Sophia paper packet, more great Studio J tips and tricks and a new stamp of the month and April promotion!

Studio J: Tips & Tricks - All In The Family

 Would you believe that the first layout is using the exact same paper packet as the second layout?  It is true, I promise!  All the paper on both layouts comes from the Take the Cake paper packet. This kit is exclusive to Studio J. One of the great tools that make scrapbooking with Studio J so fast and easy is that once you have selected your paper kit and layout, Studio J pops up 6 paper combination's to choose from. I love this step in the process because often times CTMH will put together a combination that I did not think of myself.  What is even better is that once I start adding pictures, if I don't like the combination I chose I can always change it by dragging and dropping the gorgeous full color background and texture paper, a monochromatic version of the background and texture paper or cardstock to switch it up.  The versatility that we all love about CTMH level 2 paper packets is the same whether we are scrapbooking on Studio J or scrapbooking traditionally.

  You can also add the background and texture paper (aka B&T paper) to your journal boxes and photo mats. Just drag and drop the paper of your choice to the photo mat or journaling box you want. Don't forget you also have the option to rotate paper.  This is especially handy with striped B&T paper. When you select the paper on your layout in the pop up menu there is a little rotate arrow. Just click and the paper will rotate 45 degrees.

  Do you want to learn more about Studio J and Studio J Memberships?  Check out the following links:
Memberships
Studio J Tips and Tricks
Create an Account and Try Studio J out for FREE!
Or call or email me to schedule your own one on one coaching session.

Attention Studio J Members: This is the last weekend in March! How are your Studio J layouts coming? Don't forget to get them submitted before the end of the month to take advantage of your free shipping (minimum of 4 layouts).

Photography Class

  I have always loved photography and as a passionate scrapbooker who is dedicated to preserving her family's life, photography is definitely a talent that I would like to develop and see grow.  I am taking my second photography class from Brooke Snow a local photographer.  I wanted to share just a few of my latest and favorite photos.
  These first two photos are of my husband and son building my son's pine would derby car.  The pictures were taken as part of an assignment to capture the details of an event and also the conflict (Conflict is defined as something that requires effort, attention or work). I loved this assignment and I am so excited to scrapbook these pictures.

   This next picture was for an assignment on point of view. I often find myself taking pictures from the same perspective.  This photo is much more interesting because of the point of view I took the photo from.

  These next two photos are of one of my daughters.  She is wearing a dress I wore as a girl and my wedding shoes.

This last photo is one of my very favorite.  The assignment was about capturing the decisive moment.  I love the intense concentration of my husband and daughters faces and the pure love between a daughter and her dad.

  Thank you for letting me share my photos. I hope you found them inspiring!

Great Sale going on NOW! Online Only!

  New items have been added to the "While Supplies Last" section of my online store.  These great accessories and ribbons won't last long especially at the prices listed. Some items are as low as 29 cents! Crazy I know. So skip on over to my website, click on "shop online" and then click "while supplies last" or here is a direct link.  

   See those cute flowers on the left and center cards? Both the crochet flowers (found in the mini medley white daisy collection) and the big pinks are  while supplies last and discounted! 

  Oh and while you are shopping online don't forget about this months promotions. When you order $25 in stamps you get either (your choice) a 3x3 or 2 1/2 x 6 inch clear block for FREE!!! What is better then FREE? You will be prompted to choose your block after you enter the items you want to order and press the checkout button.  Well I would love to stay and chat but I have shopping to do!!! Have a fun weekend.

 

CTMH Studio J Tips and Tricks: Photo Editing

I have been busy scrapbooking with Studio J.  I just finished and ordered the layouts from my Denver trip last month.  I am excited to share the layouts with you over the next couple of weeks along with more handy tips and tricks. First of all I have to say the copy and past buttons along the top of your work space (right above the layout you are working on) have become my new best friends.  For the layout above I placed the stitching around one scallop and then just selected all the stitches while holding the shift key, copied and pasted them over all the other scallops.  How fast and easy is that?!

The second tip I would like to share with you today has to do with photo editing. I want to show you what I mean. First if you look at the photo to the right. It is my family with Jason's Nana.  She was celebrating her 100th birthday! Well if you click on the picture so that it is bigger you will notice a nice big glare right between my eyes in the photo. Do you see it? My cheeks are also sporting some nice white glare spots. Lovely hu. Now if you look back up at the Studio J layout you will notice that the glare is magically GONE! Go ahead and click on the picture of the layout and zoom in real close. It isn't there. How did I do that you ask? Well piece of cake with the photo editing tools in Studio J. I am a show me how kind of learner so I have another great tutorial to share with you.  Amy Ulen will show you all the ins and outs of photo editing in Studio J including how to remove that awful glare that was in my photo. Oh and in case you are wondering, yes I did whiten our teeth too. ;) Check out the tutorial and then skip on over to Studio J and try it out on your photos!

Lets get LUCKY! Last call for this month's workshop class

  Yea! My pictures came! I do love a finished layout, in the sheet protectors and ready to go into the album.  These are the three layouts we are making at this month's workshop class.  It is not to late to sign up! I still have opening for Tuesday's and Wednesday's class (March 15th and 16th from 6:30-9:30) or if you live to far away to attend I can have your kit shipped right to you.  Check out the shopping list here. Email or call me before Friday, March 11th.

  I posted the Crafty Club projects yesterday. I added a Thursday class for those who can't come on Wednesday. Check it out and email me if you would like to come to the class or have a kit mailed to you.

Crafty Club Night: March Super Cards!

At Crafty Club Night we will be making 6 SUPER cards! (2 each of 3 designs)  Let me show you what I mean by SUPER cards. 

The first SUPER card is not only a card but a gift card holder. It is your sister's birthday and you want to give her a truly fabulous gift. Oh I know a Studio J membership! Talk to me about guying a 3 month or 12 month Studio J membership and then you can slip the gift card into this SUPER card and she will be amazed at your creativity and talent! She will be telling everyone that you are her favorite sister for months to come. She will even be more excited about the Studio J membership ;)  Really you can put any standard size gift card in the pocket.

The second SUPER card is not just a card but has a drawer too! This is a perfect little Easter card.  Write your cute little note inside the card and then fill the drawer with Easter treats. May I suggest those yummy Reese's Pieces pastel eggs. You could give this cute SUPER card to your kids, grandkids, neighbors, preschool class, friends, ect the list is endless!

Finally our last SUPER card is a cute little purse with a front pocket.  Write a quick little note on the card inside the pocket and then slip your gift into the main pocket of the purse. You could put jewelry, treats or a pair of socks to give you a few idea. (ok the socks are kind of random but you get the idea).  They say the wrapping is just as important as what is inside and with this SUPER card/purse you won't go wrong!

So where, when and for how much?  Just email or call me to reserve your spot for this SUPER card class on two different nights:  Wednesday, March 23rd at 6:30 or Thursday, March 23rd at 6:30. You will be making TWO of each SUPER card! That is right you will go home with 6 SUPER cards and the cutting templates so you can make more.  For the class I will have your pieces pre-cut for faster assembly.  The class is $10 or just $5 with a $25 Close To My Heart order. My scrapbook room can host a limited number of people so don't procrastinate signing up for this SUPER card class!

*I want to give credit where credit is due.  All three of these SUPER cards are not my original design but inspired and templates shared by fellow Close to My Heart consultants. Thank you specifically to Brenda Frerichs, Lisa Stenz and Deneen for sharing your creations and templates.

CTMH Studio J Tips and Tricks: Tutorial #8 (Mat to Your Heart's Content)

I am so excited to share with you this great video tutorial created by a fellow Studio J fan and Close to My Heart Consultant, Amy Ulen. I am a visual learner so a video tutorial is golden to me. The more I learn and play with Studio J the more I love it! It is amazing to me how much control you have over your layout to really create a beautiful masterpiece.  Check out this video and then log in to Studio J and start playing.  I am sure this won't be the last of Amy's videos that I share with you so check back ofter for more Studio J tips and tricks.

Lets get LUCKY!

  This month we will be creating our workshop layouts with one of my favorite new paper packets, LUCKY! I love how masculine this paper is especially for my boy only workshop members. But just because this doesn't have an ounce of pink doesn't mean it can't be used for girls. As you will see from the variety of themes for my layouts this paper is very versatile.  I feel like I say that about every paper packet but it is true that you can take one paper packet and collection of accessories and create three very different layouts.

   Did you see my cute Bingo board that says "Go Fight Win?" I made that with the adorable Bingo Alphabet stamp set. I just love this set. I also created my "south cache" on the second layout and "country" on the third layout with the same set.  Another feature I love about this stamp set is that it comes with the numbers and letters. This would be a perfect option to take advantage of the March Promotion: Free Blocks for You.

Do you want to make these layouts? It isn't to late to sign up!  Call or email me by Saturday, March 5th. Listed below is the shopping list for this class:

Basic Kit: G1018 (this kit includes the Lucky level 2 paper packet, Lucky stamp set, wooden designer buttons, natural hemp and workshop guide) $29.95 plus shipping and tax

Better Kit: Basic Kit plus Lucky Level 2 assortments, Colonial White Waxy Flax, Mini-Medley Accents Sunset Collection. $42.77 plus shipping and tax

Cards made by the talented Karen Pedersen

Add-On's:
D1478 Bingo Alphabet $22.95
E1002 Rustic Alphabet $34.95
D1453 March SOM: Sensational Season $22.95 or less. (note the cards to the right use this stamp set)

If you can't come to the class but would still like to make these layout you can still order the supplies 24/7 online.

Studio J: There's an App for that!

  Did you know that Studio J has an app for your iphone or ipod touch? Seriously there is an app for everything! The app is called Studio J Snapshot. To set up the account just enter your user name and password.  The app will sync with your online Studio J account. You will be able to view your purchased layouts right on your iphone or ipod touch. This is a great way to show your family and friends what you have been creating!
  You can also view all 70 paper packets in the app.  I really like this feature because I can quickly browse all the paper packets and plan out what paper I am going to use on my next layout.  This also will allow you to share with your friends and family all the paper options there is to choose from.  Whenever you open the app it will give you the option to sync with your online Studio J account.  When it syncs it will update your purchased layout folder as well as the kits.  With each new catalog (in February and August) there will be 9 new kits added.  Here is a link to the app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/studio-j-snapshot/id384469679?mt=8 or from the app store on your iphone or ipod just search Studio J Snapshots.
  Now I have mentioned twice about sharing Studio J with your family and friends. Why? Because I have a special offer for you.  For the month of March if you refer two friends to Studio J and they purchase a 3 month or 12 month membership, I will reward you with a brand new 12x12 post bound My Legacy Faux Leather Album of your color choice! There are 6 colors to choose from: black, dark chocolate, dark cranberry, dark new england ivy, hollyhock or outdoor denim. These albums are gorgeous, high quality and long-lasting.  They will protect your layouts for years to come.  If you don't have a Studio J membership your membership counts as one of the two! So what are you waiting for? This will be the easiest album you have ever earned!
   To sign up just go to my website (http://iotamaker.myctmh.com) click on Studio J and set up your free online account.  From the "My Account" tab inside Studio J click on membership and you can purchase a membership from there.  Or you are welcome to call me and I will order your membership for you and then send you your 16 digit code to activate the membership from your Studio J account.  If you have any questions and/or would like me to talk to your friends or family please call or email me with their contact information.  I would be happy to help you earn your free album!

March Campaign: Free Blocks For You!

  At Close To My Heart, we know we've got the best clear stamps and blocks —and we'll prove it! Throughout March, when you buy My Acrylix^® stamps, we'll give you a free My Acrylix^® block. Not only will you have the best stamps on the block, you'll have the best block, too! Just purchase $25 in stamps and you can choose from two of our most versatile sizes: 3" x 3" (Y1006) or 2" x 6 1/2" (Y1010).

Dates: Offer valid March 1–31, 2011.

Details: Limit one free My Acrylix^® block per order per customer. Qualifying stamp purchases include A-, B-, C-, D-, E-size stamp sets, and Stamp of the Month sets purchased at full retail or at a discount. K-size stamp sets, Stamp of the Months earned for free, and Workshops on the Go™ are excluded. Tax and shipping/handling may apply. Close To My Heart reserves the right to substitute a block of a similar size or price.
  Hop on over to my website and order your My Acrylix stamps then at check out you will be prompted to add your free block to your order or you can call or email me and I will order your My Acrylix stamps and free block for you.