Allie - 2 year Photo Session

  Can you believe my baby is already 2!  Oh and is she taking the terrible two's by storm. Even her older siblings think she is definitely in her terrible 2 stage.  Sunday evening I took all my kids up for a photo shoot.  I am getting ready for a back-to-school photo session campaign that I will be offering locally. (stay tuned for more details) I wanted to add some more samples of my work for potential clients and I really needed to take Allie's 2 year pictures. I came home frustrated and worried that I hadn't got any good shots and would have to retake the pictures but to my pleasant surprise and the relief of everyone else in my household, I had some keepers. Here are few more of my favorites of Allie.

N_Rutledge Photo Session

I mentioned in my last post that I had 2 photo sessions last week.  The second was of this adorable little guy that is about a week and a half old. Newborn sessions are definitely a lot more time intensive but oh so worth it! Here are a few more of my favorite pictures. 

E_Floyd Photo Session

I have been very busy this last week with workshop classes, studio j classes and two photo sessions. On Thursday I had the opportunity to take head shots of my friend Emily.  She is an amazingly gifted opera singer and need the shots for when she tries out for the Utah Opera Festival next month. I wish her the best of luck!!!  Here are a few more of my favorite.

You look gorgeous my friend and when you are famous don't forget the little people!

Studio J - July Online Class

  Last night was the online Studio J class.  We made this layout using the Sophia kit.  I love that I can pick a paper kit based on the pattern of paper and then change the color to to work with my pictures. Below I have posted my friend Lynette's version of the same layout.
  The other technique we focused on was grouping and layering the My Stickease to create an embellishment on the page. Thank you for those who participated I hope you found it enjoyable and educational.  The live Studio J classes are held monthly and it is free to participate.  If you would like more information on joining the class, when the next class is or about Studio J please contact me.

July Workshop - Fanfare

  What a month! July has been packed full of trips, family, convention and classes.  Needless to say I felt a little sleep deprived by the time my workshop class rolled around last night. Nothing a little Mountain Dew can't help. ;)  But with only hours to spare I did finish up the layout for this month's class.  As promised here they are. The complete shopping list is below the 3rd layout.  I love this paper packet for summer pictures, birthdays, 4th of July, barbecues, and the list goes on and on. You can order any of the supplies any time online or by calling or emailing me. (435.787.0125 iotamaker@gmail.com)  If you would like to join my workshop group and create beautiful layouts every month call me for complete details. We sure have a good time!!!

Layouts inspired by Karen Pedersen

Art Philosophy Cricut® Collection

Close To My Heart has teamed up with Cricut and produced a jam packed cartridge with over 700 images that coordinate with our stamps and dimensional elements. Exclusively through Close To My Heart you can get your hands on this amazing bundle starting August 1st. Can't wait until August 1st? Consider becoming a consultant and then you can order it NOW!

Check out the youtube video for a sneak peak.

Close To My Heart - Convention 2011

I am off to Sunny California with my favorite Sister from another mister, Lynette, for the Close To My Heart Convention. We are soaking up the sun and the great new exciting products that are being debuted by Close To My Heart. I can't wait to share it all with you!
  For up to the date information check out my Facebook wall.  You can like the page so you see every update as they are happening.
  I will be back next week with new blog posts featuring great artwork and pictures. (Tuesday hopefully)  Also be watching for the Fall open house date and time. You won't want to miss it!

Blog Candy WINNER!

With the holiday weekend I have been slow at posting the winner of my Studio J blog candy give-away from last month. So without further delay. . .

Congrats TRACY!!! You won a Studio J 5 pack valued at $55.00.  I have your 5 pack card at my house and will get it to you as soon as I get home from Convention. Thanks for all who participated.
  If you would like to know more about Studio J please call or email me. I would love to share with you this amazing product from Close To My Heart.
  This will be my only post this week. I am leaving in the morning for sunny California for the Close To My Heart convention.  I am so excited to go and then return with all the new products that I am sure we will LOVE! I will be having an open house in August so be watching for more information.  Have a great week and I will be back here next week.

Creativity with Trees & Things Stamp Set

I hope you all enjoyed your 4th of July weekend. We had a great time in Island Park with my grandparents.  We also were able to see some of Jason's family including the newest member, Claire. I had the opportunity to take pictures of her and will post them soon.

Also, I posted the promotions for July so be sure to check it out here. I will be posting the winner of the Studio J 5 pack later this week as well!  Until then I have another great video tutorial for you. It is using a fun new stamp set from the current Spring/Summer 2011 catalog. This is a must have!

Enjoy!

Lets Celebrate July with 2 AMAZING Promotions from Close To My Heart!

Cards Created by Karen Pedersen

1. With a GORGEOUS Stamp of the Month (D1458 - American Celebration):
 

Happy July! I love July...full of celebrations, fireworks, food and fun! I'm excited to tell you how Close To My Heart has decided to celebrate.
You can get this set, during July only, in one of the following ways:

• 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)

2. With a great "Bang For Your Buck" special: 

  "Bang For Your Buck" is sure to send your heart soaring! Simply put, when you make a minimum purchase of $50 (before shipping and tax) from the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book, you can add a bonus item for $1. You can choose from 5 items, each valued at $8.95. Those items are:

• Creative Basics Mistletoe Collection
• Creative Basics Animal Cookies Collection
• My Originals Bits and Pieces Card Kit
• My Originals It's Your Day Card Kit
• My Originals Around the Holidays Card Kit

You can take advantage of both of these wonderful deals on my website (24/7...even during holidays) during the month of July, or by contacting me directly (435.787.012, iotamaker@gmail.com)