July Workshop is Cruisin' to "Coolville"

This month we will be creating with the Cruisin' workshop on the go kit and coordinating accessories. This paper is perfect for those fabulous summer vacations, weekend get-a-ways or those lazy days of summer around the house. However you relax you can record your story with these fabulous layouts.

The class will be the third Tuesday and Thursday of this month. To participate just place your workshop order via my website (make sure you join the July workshop order) or by emailing me your order by the 5th of the month. I have included a shopping list below the last layout. Many of these great products will only be available through the end of July.

Not a member of my workshop group? July begins a new rotation which means you can get in now on the great workshop member benefits including a crop night every month where we create 3 2-page 12x12 layouts, cutting guide to make creating your layouts faster and easier, free and discounted product during your hostess month and spending time with amazing people who love the art of paper crafting and preserving their memories as much as you do. Call or email me today for more details, to sign up and to send me your order.

July Workshop “Cruisin” Shopping List

BASIC Kit G1039                                                                             Page

¡       X7154B      Cruisin’ Level 2 Paper Pack                         58                   9.95

¡       Exclusive   Cruisin’ Workshop stamp set                      61                 13.95

¡       Z1619        Bottle Caps                                                     128                 4.95

¡       Z1681        DE Numbers                                                    130                 3.25

¡       No #           2 sheets of White  cardstock                      8                        .80

¡       No #           Workshop Guide                                                                    1.00

                                                                                                          $33.90 You Pay $29.95!!

BETTER (Basic Kit + More Accessories)

¡       G1039        Basic Kit                                                            61              29.95

¡       X7154C      Cruisin’ Complements silver foil images     58                4.95

¡       Z1719        Evergreen Cork Shapes                                   129              3.95

¡       Z1701        Baker’s Twine Neutral Assortment               124              4.95

¡       Z1685        **DE Banners                                                    130             4.95

¡       Z1612        **Pin Clips                                                          127             4.95

                                                                                                                                  53.70

Add ons:

S1206              July SOM: Live Out Loud                              144                 17.95 or 5.00

Z1151             3D Foam Tape                                                 134                 5.95

July Perfect Pair Promotion – Online only with $75 order  (details coming soon)      

*Stamp pad colors used Black, Juniper, Honey, Cranberry

You will need an extra sheet of Honey CS and White CS

** You may already have this item from a past workshop

The Best Thing About Being a Kid. . .

playing hide and seek in the weeds,

jumping, skipping and dancing just because you want to,

 and spending every day playing with your best friends.

Advanced Pro Class: The Power of You - Week 4

  For this week's assignment I was looking for inspiration outside the field of photography and then needed to build a session or image around that idea. I have to tell you that this was a tough assignment. I was feeling less than inspired. In fact, as of 6:00 pm Tuesday evening I had decided not to even submit a post for this week.  I had a scrapbook class coming at 6:30 and two kids leaving for Grandma's camp in the morning that needed help with their packing and absolutely no idea what to do for the photo session.
  I have been stewing over what inspires me. I came up with a short list of things including money, music and quotes or words of inspiration.  But finally I came to the conclusion that every decision that I make, the majority of my thoughts and actions, where I spend most of my time and how I live my life comes down to what is in the best interest of my family. I am constantly worrying, evaluating, tweaking and implementing ways to be a better mother to my children and wife for my husband. So what better subject to focus on this week then the people who inspire me the most. I want my children to by happy and full of life. I want them to find joy in themselves and in their family. I want them to grow up to be contributing members of our society that leave people better then they found them. I want all the things for them that they have done for me. 
  I have never been one that is very good at not completing a project, so to just not do an assignment was against my very nature. So at 6:05 with only 25 minutes before my class arrived and a vague concept in my mind I took 3 of my kids out into the field behind my home. I invited the kids to play ring around the rosies, tag and hide and seek. I snapped away with my trusty camera. 
  I posted a few more images from my last minute session here.

Project Inspiration 2012 Spring/Summer Idea Book: Color Ready Seam Bindi...

I love Close To My Heart's Color-Ready Seam Binding Ribbon. It has endless possibilities. Check out the short video below that will share a few of the many possibilities. This amazing product can be ordered online from my website or by contacting me. What colors and techniques will you use to make your Color-Ready Seam Binding Ribbon add that perfect finishing touch to your project?

     

Special Moments in Life - Utah Photography

  Capturing those special moments in life that change everything is so important. This beautiful mother is getting ready for another life change by expanding her family by one. I had the opportunity to photograph this moment in their life.

  Do you have life changing events that you need photographed? - new baby, baptism, milestone birthday, anniversary. Call or email me to schedule your photo session. (435.764.3598 ~ iotamaker@gmail.com)

Those Misc Pictures - Studio J style

  What do you do with all those cute little snapshots that don't really belong to a specific event but are endearing none the less. Well I take them and create a Studio J layout with them. I usually give them a title like "everyday life" or "enjoy the journey" type title. These everyday moments are just as important to be documented in my albums and life as the big events. Here are a number of different examples of this type of layout.

  Would you like to create you own layouts with this super easy, user friendly, free, online program? Just head on over to my website, create your free account and start playing. You only pay to have your layouts printed.

  Do you want the best pricing and access to all of the layout patterns and kits? Become a member. Here are the details: There are two membership options available to choose from: a monthly membership that you pay for the first 3-month up front ($30) and then monthly thereafter ($10/month) or a 1-year membership for $99 - best value.

Membership benifits include: 

• Free shipping on one order per month (between 4 and 20 2-page layouts)! That's a $7.95 value! 

• Member's pricing on layouts is only $6.50 which is half price. 

• Memberships give you access to "Members Only" layout patterns and paper kits. WOO HOO!

• Members only promotions.

You can purchase a membership either right from your Studio J account or by contacting me (435.764.3598 ~ iotamaker@gmail.com). 

Advanced Pro Class: The Power of You - Week 3

  This week I am focusing on capturing the light and life of a person and celebrating relationships. I had the opportunity to photograph my friend Rebecca. She is expecting her second child in a few weeks and wanted some pictures of her and her family.  Her little man is a cutie and a Mama's boy.  

   Can you imagine looking this good and 8 months pregnant? She is tiny! I keep telling Rebecca how fabulous she looks but she doesn't believe me. I don't think I look this good 4 months pregnant.

Ok I know we are only suppose to share 2 but I had to share one more for critique purposes. 

Clearly the BEST!

With the WONDERFUL June special of Stampaganza (for every 2 stamp sets you purchase, you get a third of equal or lesser value FREE!), it's  great time to update you on a few little factoids (including dynamite artwork scattered throughout this post created by the fabulously talented CTMH art department) about  Close To My Heart's My Acrylix® stamps.  My Acrylix® stamps are clearly (ha! pun intended) the best in the stamping industry, ink-stained hands down!

Did you know? 

• My Acrylix stamps are ready to use right out of the package—no cutting out, mounting, or applying stickers required. Just place the stamp on your block, apply ink, and you’re set! 
• My Acrylix stamps and blocks are clear, making it easy to stamp in exactly the right spot.

•  My Acrylix stamps can be used to create a variety of popular looks, including: 
• base and shade stamping





•  creating your own patterned paper 

•  sponging on multiple inks for single-impression, multi-color images 

Many My Acrylix stamps coordinate with Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge shapes, giving you lots of creative possibilities. Cut the shape on your Cricut® machine, stamp the image on the shape, and attach to your project! In the Idea Book, the images outlined in red coordinate with Cricut® shapes.

My Acrylix stamps are easy to maintain, store, and transport!


Now you can see why Close To My Heart My Acrlylix Stamps are CLEARLY the best on the market!


To purchase your stamps, just click HERE to enter my website.  You can view the stamp section of our Idea Book HERE.

Greer Family - Utah Family Photographer

We survived family photos! Anyone who has tried to have a family photo taken with young kids can appreciate that feeling. Honestly, this family is adorable and full of personality and natural curiosity. We were at a great outdoors location with lots of place to explore. We also pulled off some great family photos as well! Thank you Greer family for letting me photograph your family. 

Advanced Pro Class: The Power of You - Week 2

  This week in my photography class we have been talking about shot lists, posing guides and exhausting a pose.  I loved these concepts because I feel that my client's time is valuable and I want to move through the session quickly, efficiently and still produce a high quality and variety of images. This is also really important when shooting a young family. For the family of 6 that I photographed for this assignment the 4 kids varied in ages from 9 to 18 months.

What worked: I had a plan and shot list together. I had visited the site the day before. I also knew the age of the kids and tried to plan spots that would work best. For example, for the little 18 month old guy I planned his individual shots on this little bridge that he could walk across. He didn't like holding still so motion within a controlled space worked well. I pulled out a few games with the parents and the kids and they also worked well too. I was able to get some genuine smiles from the parents and a fun family photo with the "run and give Mom and Dad a hug" prompt. 

Challenges: It was sunnier then expected. When I visited the site the day before there were some clouds in the sky which resulted in more even light. The day of the session there wasn't a cloud in sight and I had a lot more sun dabbles to deal with. The age of the kids - short attention span. No matter how well you plan and prepare and want to take a moment to really pose in the most flattering way, scan your view window to avoid mergers ect. When you are shooting a young family you just have to throw some of that out the window and just get the shot.

So My homework: This was a great door that faced east so was in the shade. I actually took a family shot here as well as an individual of one of the boys. I love these two shots of the boys. I think they both send a different message and create a different emotion.

To see more photos from this session click here. 

Stampaganza Time Baby!!!

It is time for the best promotion of the YEAR!!! If you love Close To My Heart's acrylic stamps then you will be dancing in the sunshine when I share with you the details about this month's promotion. 

1.  Stampaganza:  

From June 1-30, purchase any two stamp sets (sizes A, B, C, D, or E) at full retail price and receive a third stamp set of your choice FREE (of equal or lesser value)—a savings of up to $29.95!

Stamp sets that count toward the qualifying purchase include full-priced A, B, C, D, and E sets only. Stamps that do not count toward a qualifying purchase include customizable (K), Workshops on the Go™, Cricut^® collection, and Stamp of the Month (both discounted and full-priced) sets.

CTMH stamp sets truly can't be beat in quality or style.  

You can contact me at 435.787.0125, iotamaker@gmail.com  to take advantage of this special, or you can order on my website 24/7!

Promotion number TWO!

2.  June Stamp of the Month:  You'll love this fun and flirty stamp set filled with 'tweets' and more.  The darling card pictured here was made by my talented friend, Taralyn Frost.

This set (valued at $17.95) is yours for only $5 when you spend $50.  If you call me to order, I'll be sure to remind you about this special. If you're ordering on my website, once you spend $50, you'll be prompted to add it before you check out.