Back To School 2011

And they're OFF! Yep School is officially here ready or not. I was heavy on the not but oh well. I sure love having my kids around during the summer. I love not having to deal with homework and  to be extremely honest I love having the help with the housework! That said I am excited for my kids to start a new year with new teachers, new friends, new experiences.

  Here is Brock sporting his all attitude t-shirt.  He informed me this year that he doesn't like shirts with collars.  I think that kids should dress up a little for school so it presented some challenges. I also don't normally buy shirts like the one he is wearing because I don't like the attitude but this one I thought was actually pretty funny and lets face it my kid has some "AMAZING AWESOMENESS!"

  Can you just smell the newness of these bright orange shoes? Calvin, by brother, would LOVE them! I will say that I do like the new cloths, new crayons, new shoes,  and new markers part of school.

   Mikele spent some serious time last night trying to decide what to wear on her first day of school.  I have to admit that I was the same way! She finally had Brock pick her outfit out for her. Brock said he picked an outfit that he thought would get the most attention from the boys. WHAT!! I totally smacked the kid. (in a totally non abusive way!)
  Anyways. I have to admit I didn't get much but what we did pick up mostly off the clearance rack is DANG CUTE!

 Mikele REALLY wanted laced shoes this year.

 Morgan (the neighbor) and Mikele - 2nd Grade and Brock 5th grade

Another Great Feature in the New Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book

  Are you just loving the new idea book as much as I am? I love the new size, more pages, and the new level 2 paper packets.  I also am LOVING all the artwork. Have you noticed the 5 Online Project Inspiration that are highlighted in the idea book? Each of these 5 projects have a coordinating online video that shows you how to recreated your own cards, layout or tag.  Here is a link to all 5 videos.
  Couple of other things I want to share with you today.  It is the last day to sign up for the Event Calendar class that I am co-hosting with Mandy from On The Avenue.  This calendar is a great gift for Christmas, birthday, ect.  If you would like to check out all the details head on over to Mandy's blog.You can check out the calendar as well as all the other projects Mandy will be offering. Call her today to sign up.  Finally don't forget the great promotions that are going on now through the end of the month.  You can really stack up the deals! Check out the details here. You can take advantage of these great deals on my website 24/7 or feel free to call or email me.

Stack the Deals and get 4 Stamp Sets for $5!!!

Artwork created using the August Stamp of the Month "Wicked"

How is it possible? Well let me explain. In August, when you place an order of $50 or more in products and purchase the August Stamp of the Month set, Wicked, for just $5, you’ll receive the My Acrylix® A Typeface bonus A-size set FREE (retail value $6.95)! Think of it as two promotions in one—qualify for and purchase the discounted August Stamp of the Month set, "Wicked" and we’ll throw in a second stamp set "A Typeset" FREE! It’s Extra! Extra!

Then to make the deal even sweeter we are also celebrating National Stamping month with a double D Deal! Get the Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set FREE when you place an order of $75 from August 15 through September 30, 2011. You’ll love this double set—two D-size sets in one envelope—which includes lots of clever phrases and coordinating images you’ll use in your handmade cards all year. And with a retail value of $35.90, this set drastically increases the value of your qualifying purchase! Have double the fun stamping during National Stamping Month with our new Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set! 

So how do you stack the deals to get 4 stamp sets for just $5?

This adorable card was made with the Pair-a-phrase Stamp set

Just place a $75 order that includes the August Stamp of the Month "Wicked" for just $5 from Aug. 15th - Aug. 31st and you get the following:

-Bonus stamp set "A Typeface" with $5.00 SOM   purchase - FREE (retail $6.95)
-August SOM 'Wicked' - $5.00 (retail $17.95)
-Two D-size stamp sets in the "Pair-a-Phrase" campaign - FREE (retail $35.90)

That's FOUR stamp sets for just $5.00 (plus ship/tax) instead of $60.80 retail. INCREDIBLE!

So where do you get your hands on this amazing combination of deals? Just head on over to my website. Call or email me with any questions. (435.787.0125 or iotamaker@gmail.com)

Swenson Family Photo Session

I had the opportunity to take pictures of my friend, Julie's family. What a fun group. Julie's mother-in-law told me she had not had family pictures taken for over 19 years!!! Boy did I feel the pressure.

You have to always get a picture with everyone showing their true colors! ;)

This was a cool tree up Blacksmith Fork Canyon.  It was an ordeal getting all the grandkids into the tree.

August Studio J Class: Featuring Stitching

I am taking RSVP for Wednesday nights Studio J class. (I will email you the session information when you RSVP) The class will start at 8:30pm and we will be creating the layout above or below, your choice.  I created the pink one then duplicated, rotated the right hand page and changed the colors and focal pictures to work for Brock's album.  You can create either or customize it for your own pictures.  Please let me know if you plan on participating. The class is limited to 9 participants.  For the class be sure to have your Kit, Pattern, Kit Mix, and photos selected and uploaded. For this layout you will need to select the following:

Kit: Discovery
Pattern: Silver Screen
Kit Mix: 2
Pictures: 8 pictures max (I turned the journaling square into a photo well)

If you have never joined one of the classes be sure to give me a call and we will get your Mikogo account set up and make sure you are ready to join the class Wednesday night. Let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to creating with you on Wednesday night!

Be sure to check out the Studio J "Love Your Layout" video in the post below.

Love Your Layout: August 2011

It is time for another "Love Your Layout" episode!  This quick and easy Studio J layout is perfect for your summer pictures.  I love the journaling technique shown in this video. Check it out!

"Enjoy" Scrapbook Page Pops with Flowers: Project Inspiration Autumn/Win...

The New Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea book is live and FABULOUS! One of the big new must have items is the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection.  Close to My Heart teamed up with Cricut to put together this amazing cartridge with 700 images! Numerous My Acrylix stamp images in our new idea book pair wonderfully with images on our new Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge.  The images in the idea book are outlined in red to signify a complementary cut image on the cartridge.  On each specific stamp set carrier sheet the stamps are outlined in black and labeled with the size the shape needs to be cut at to coordinate.
  Our Art Philosophy Collection doesn't just come with a cartridge. It also comes with three D-size stamp sets (valued at $17.95 each or $53.85 total) and three different Dimensional Elements sheets (valued at $4.95 each or $14.85 total). Talk about SERIOUS value! Below is a video tutorial demonstrating just a few of the possibilities.



You can get your hands on this must have product by either calling or emailing me (435.787.0125 iotamaker@gmail.com) or by ordering it from my website.  Plus, when you order the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection you qualify to get the August stamp of the month "Wicked" for only $5.00 AND the A Typeface alphabet stamp set for FREE!!! Details about the August promotion are here.

New Logo

  Over the last couple of months I have been redefining and evaluating my business and defining my "why."  I also have been expanding to include photography as well.  After much thought and evaluation and a little creativity on my husband's part to create a logo, I have came up with the following:

   What does iotamaker mean? Well I honestly created the word. By definition an iota is a tiny or scarcely detectable amount. I have found that the little details in life may seem insignificant but often times have the greatest impact. I strive to capture the details and record the journey through the art of photography, paper crafting and digital scrapbooking. I am an independent consultant for Close To My Heart. I chose this company because it offers all the tools I need to record my family's journey through life. I want to help you tell your story and offer classes locally and online. I love photography and over the last 2 years have been taking classes, educating myself and practicing my skills. I now offer photo sessions locally.

  Please contact me if you would like help capturing the details and recording your journey through life.

Mandy from On The Avenue and I are Teaming up. . .

Mandy and I are teaming up at the August "Make it with Mandy" craft night! We will be offering this adorable

Event Calendar and Calendar Frame

Date: August 31, 2011

Time: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Where: American West Heritage Center in the Livery building. 

Please enter at the service entrance and park in that parking lot. Enjoy the short walk to the Livery building.

Cost of Class:
Event Calendar - $16.00 (includes the calendar, package of clear sparkles, paper and cardstock pre-cut. At the class we will do some of the stamping, cutting and assembling.)
Event Calendar Frame unfinished - $18.00 (can be painted either black or Antique White)

Event Calendar Frame finished - $25.00

Class Fee - $4.00 per person which is donated back to the American West Heritage Center for allowing us to use their building

To see the other projects that will be available that night check out Mandy’s blogs: http://www.supersaturdayswithontheavenue.blogspot.com/
 To register please email Mandy at ontheavenuelogan@gmail.com or call her at 435-755-8471. You must be registered for this project by Monday, August 22nd. If you are unable to attend that night, you are more than welcome to order a kit and complete it at home. The At Home Kits will include everything but the paint.

August Promotions and New Idea Book

August is here! WHAT - You have got to be kidding me! Where has the time gone? August doesn't just mean that school will be starting in a few short weeks it means that there is a BRAND NEW IDEA BOOK from Close To My Heart!!!

 1. New Idea Book Is Live: The brand new Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book went live on Monday. You can view it by clicking on the link below. It is GORGEOUS and so are all the products inside. I'm tellin' ya:

• There is not a new paper kit that I don't love.
• There are so many wonderful new stamp sets and accessories.
• Our background and texture paper (patterned paper) is now a heavier weight. In addition to that, it now has a 'zip strip' that is a fun border you can add to your creations! WOO HOO!
• Acrylic stamp set prices have dropped too. How many companies do you see LOWERING prices right now?

Here is the link to view all 144 pages of scrapbooking goodness. If you'd like an Idea Book of your own, there are a few ways to get one:

• If you are a workshop member, you get one FREE!
• Come to the Idea Book unveiling at my house on Saturday, August 6 at 10:00 am sharp.
• If you need one sent, I'm happy to send one to you for the price of shipping ($5). The Idea Book is on me!

2. There is a great special this month called "Extra, Extra"!: When you spend $50 (before shipping and tax) you qualify for the August Stamp of the Month (Wicked...see below) for $5. Purchase that for the $5 and you get this DARLING font stamp set (not available any other way) for FREE!


 

 3. August Stamp of the Month: The Stamp of the Month program has been simplified. And, if you spend $50 in a single order (before shipping and tax) you can now get the Stamp of the Month for less than half the price you could before. Here's how the simplified program works:

• Spend $50 and the Stamp of the Month is yours for only $5. ($17.95 value)
• You can also purchase the set for it's full value of $17.95.

How cute is this set anyway (the actual size of the carrier sheet pictured here is 6" x 6")? It's called "Wicked" and it's a MUST HAVE! The card shown above was created by Karen Pedersen and inspired by a card on page 45 of the new idea book.

August Workhsop - Sonoma

  It is workshop time again!!! I am so excited for this month's class. I loved working with the new level 2 paper packets and accessories from the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book.  Don't forget you can get your hands on one of the new catalogs at my party on Saturday, August 6 at 10:00am sharp.  Read all the details here.
  With the new paper packet we are taking our "consume don't collect" to a whole new level.  I created all three 2-page layouts plus the 5 cards pictured here.

  What did I have left? Just these few scraps of cardstock. I can totally handle that!
  At the class you can choose to either create it all or some of the projects. If you love cards and want to make 2 sets of the cards then you can either create only 2 of the 3 layouts or bring some extra background and texture paper from your stash for the second set of cards. You will have enough card bases to make 10 cards.
  I have also included here the shopping list for your convenience.  I will be putting in the workshop order on the 5th so be sure to email or call me with your order by then.
  The classes are the third Tuesday and Thursday of the month so this month they will be on Tuesday the 16th and Thursday the 18th both starting at 6:30.

Garrett Family Photo Session

  I had the opportunity to take pictures of this amazing family last week.  Their son just got home from his LDS mission and before their youngest daughter headed off to college they needed a family picture.  This was a fun group to photograph. Thank you Garrett family!