Just get out and take some pictures!

On this beautiful rainy day I thought I would post a few pictures I took last week during a rare moment of sunshine!  I received a slr camera for my anniversary about 6 months ago and I am loving it! The only down side is that I don't feel overly confident in my skills to really utilize the capabilities of this amazing camera.  So this July I am taking a photography class from an amazing photographer here in the valley.  I am so excited!!!  Until then, I was reading on a couple of photography websites and the same advice keeps popping up. "GET OUT AND TAKE SOME PICTURES!" So with the sun shinning I did just that!

I love that the background of this picture is not in focus. I think I know how I did that! ;)

This beautiful model never gets tired of me taking her picture. Thank goodness!

This is for all you animal lovers out there. 

Cooper and Allie are not talking!

Amy & Lance

This cute bride and her fiance are getting married next week.  Amy, the bride, and her family are good friends of my family.  We spent countless hours together on camping trips, at each others houses, working, you get the idea.  Amy and her 5 siblings were pretty much adopted brothers and sisters to me and my siblings.  It is crazy to think she is all grown up and getting married!

Amy's Mom asked my Mom and I to make a signature book for her reception. You know one of those cute books with pictures of the happy couple and space around the pictures for people to write cute notes. (Why didn't I think of doing a book like that when I got married? I have the old fashion rows of lines sign in book.)  Anyways, we made a cute book for Amy and Lance and I thought I would post pictures for all to enjoy!

Cover page for a 8x8 photo

Page 2- We embossed the border using a border from the Botanical Borders stamp set. The flower was from the Rustic Flowers stamp set and then we embossed it on vellum.  The "Forever & Always" came from the Friendship Work Puzzle stamp set.

Page 3- The finishing touches on this page are what made this page great. We used a little waxy flax, a foundry metal bookplate, some dew drops and a heart button.

Page 4- This page we added 2 more flowers that were also embossed on velum. We also added 2 brackets, from the On The Edge stamp set, with a little bit of waxy flax wrapped around them and embossed corner flourishes from the Playful Flourishes stamp set.  We also embossed the cute sentiment, "I thought of you today. . . and smiled!" from the Smiles stamp set.

This was such a fun project to work on with my Mom.  I hope Amy and Lance love it!! Congrats Amy!!

Congrats Graduates!

There are a number of fine young women and men who will be graduating in the next couple of weeks.  They are about to embark on a very exciting journey out into the real world.  I admire their courage and I am impressed by their potential!  Good luck and be sure to enjoy the journey!!!

I made this card for one of the graduates.  I used the following products: Cherry-O Level 2 Paper Packet, Cranberry sparkles (discontinued), Class Of Acrylix stamp set (discontinued) and Shining Star Acrylix stamp set.

National Scrapbooking Month - Miracle Kit

I finished putting together my Miracle Kit and I have to say this kit is GORGEOUS! You won't want to miss out. My 2 favorite elements are the flip flaps and the irresistible chipboard die-cuts. Here is a list of what comes in the kit:

Miracle Kit Contents (CTMH Colors featured: Sweet Leaf, Olive, Crystal Blue, Bamboo). See the photo of the supplies at the top of this post and the cover of the tri-fold brochure with step-by-step instructions here.

• 5 - Colonial White Cardstock
• 1 - Bamboo Cardstock
• 1 - Floral B&T Duos Paper
• 1 - Stripe B&T Duos Paper
• 1 - Crystal Blue B&T Duos Die-Cut
• 1 - Sweet Leaf B&T Duos Die-Cut
• 1 - 6" x 12" My Stickease Assortment
• 1 - 6" x 9" Irresistibles Chipboard Die-Cuts
• 1 - Mini-Medley Accents Colonial White Collection
• 12" Colonial White Waxy Flax
• 3 - 4" x 6" Memory Protectors Flip Flaps
• 2 - Sponge Wedges
• 1 - Brochure

There are several ways to snatch this fashionable Miracle kit at a great discount or even FREE!

1. purchase the kit outright for $19.95 (order #CC1009) between April 15 and May 31 WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!!
2. spend $40 (before shipping and tax) and receive this kit for $10 (order #CC1009A) between April 15 and May 31 WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!!
3. spend $60 (before shipping and tax) and receive this kit for $5 (order #CC1009B) between April 15 and May 31 WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!!
4. Host a home gathering between April 15 and May 31 with minimum sales of $300 and receive a kit FREE! WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!!
5. Sign up as a new Consultant between May 1 and May 31 and receive a kit FREE WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!!

Call or Email me today to order your kit or shop anytime online!

May Workshop is SWEET with Cherry-O

The cherry-o scrapbooking workshop features the my acrylix® bowl of Cherries B-size stamp set. The cheerful images paired with the My Reflections® Cherry-O Level 2 paper packet and coordinating accessories will adorn your memories with delectable charm.
Join me for this sweet scrapbooking workshop by signing up today!

Layout design from Cherish

Layout Design from Got Sketch

Basic kit:  Includes Cherry-O paper packet, "Bowl of Cherries" stamp set, Mini-Medley tulip collection and workshop guide. $29.95 plus shipping and tax. ($32.85 Value)

Better Kit:  $48.75 plus shipping and tax
Basic kit
Chocolate waxy flax
Colonial White Designer brads
Opaques Cherry-O
On target Dimensional Elements

Close to My Heart Colors featured: Tulip, Sweet Leaf, Chocolate, Blush and Crystal Blue.

Happy Mother's Day!

"I will not have a temper tantrum nor stomp across the floor.

I will not pout, scream or shout or kick against the door.

I will not throw my food around or pick upon another.

I'll always try to be real good because I am the Mother."

~ author unknown

Happy Mother's Day!  I would just like to take a moment to thank my own Mom for being so wonderful.  I am so grateful for our relationship, she is not only my Mom but also my friend.  I would also like to thank all of the women who have had an influence in my life and the lives of my children.  It is impossible to raise children by yourself.  "It takes a village" and I am grateful for the contribution from family, grandparents and friends.  You know who you are!

The 16-18 year old girls from my church came over Tuesday night to make Mother's day cards.  We had a great time and I hope their Mom's love the cards.  This first one was my personal favorite.  I loved the simplicity and elegance of the card.  I used the following materials: One of a Kind acrylix stamp set, Just Blooms Paper Flowers Summer Posies collection and Say it in Style acrylix stamp set.

This next card is cute for Mother's day but could also be used for any occasion.  Here is the supply list: Smiles acrylix stamp set, Craft buttons basic collection and Let's Get Together reflections level 2 paper packet (discontinued).

This final card was the class favorite. I think it was because it has "bling!" I made the button sparkly by covering the back with tombow adhesive and then rubbing it on the silver glitter sheet from Glitter Rub-Ons.  I also sprayed the entire card with Tattered Angel's Glimmer Mist. The flower is from our Just Blooms Paper Flowers Big Pinks collection.  I also used 2 stamp sets; Romantic Backgrounds and The Good Life.  Both sets are discontinued.

IT IS HERE! The Summer 2010 Idea Book!!!

I know it might not feel like summer outside but it is all "A Flitter" (page 39) in the new Summer 2010 Idea Book! You can peruse through the book page by page by taking "A Little Buzz" (page 39) on over to my website.  You will find "nothing but blue skies" and "fun in the sun" (page 15).

If you are ready for a "Thrill Ride" that is sure to "Hit the Spot" then "Zippidee" on over to page 18.

 If you are hungry and need a "Tasty Treat" because "You're Sweet" then "Cherry-O" won't be beat. (page 10) There is also plenty of  "Sugar and Spice" on page 32 to sweeten any day!

Hoping for a "Happy Journey?" Then explore the "Passages" of possibilities on page 22.

Need a little farm humor? Then say "Howdy" to page 37!

Now if you have a "Little Princess" or a "Birthday Boy" then you better pick up some "Cupcake Sprinkles" and add just the right amount of "Twinkle!" (page 62)

Everyone enjoys a great deal so be sure to watch for reduced-priced items that are while supplies last on some of our "A-door-able" accessories! (page 94)

According to page 42 and 43 "True Happiness" comes when you "Go Green!"

 Need to have a "Play Day" (page 50) "Ms. Scrapbook" (page 58)?  Join in the fun with my monthly Workshop Class and make 3- 2 page 12x12 layouts using the fun new paper and accessories found in this "Beary Busy"(page 38) "One of a Kind"(page 47) Idea Book! May will highlight the "Cherry-O" My Reflections level 2 paper packet and coordinating accessories(page10). Need more information? Would you like to hold, touch and/or smell a catalog? Email or call me today!

*I hope that it was obvious that my creative writing is referring to products found in the new Summer 2010 Idea Book.  I listed page numbers so that you can easily find the items when you look through the catalog either online or in person.

Studio J: Digital Scrapbooking Close To My Heart Style!

  Real life. Real scrapbooks. Real time. 

That is what Studio J is all about! 

Q: So what is Studio J exactly?  Studio J™ is free online scrapbooking design software brought to you by Close To My Heart. Studio J helps you easily create custom-printed two-page layouts using our foundational scrapbook patterns, exclusive color palette, and themed designs all delivered in 12" × 12" custom prints ready for your albums. It’s a snap!

Q: How much is it? There is NO COST to use the program. You have no software or hardware to purchase or download. Unless you make a layout (defined as a two page 12 x 12 layout) and decide to purchase it, there is absolutely no cost. Once you decide to purchase, each 2 page layout is introductory priced at $12.95. That is WAY below the industry average! And, if you purchase 5-9 two-page layouts at a time, CTMH will throw in 5 free page protectors. 10 or more and you get FREE SHIPPING, as well as a package of 5 page protectors for every 5 layouts in the order.  Once ordered, Close To My Heart prints your layouts on high quality photo paper and sends them to you. Mine arrived within days of when I ordered them.

Q: In a nutshell, how does this "Studio J" thing work?  In a nutshell, these are the steps to creating an amazing 2 page layout:

• upload some of your favorite photos
• choose from one of the 54 awesome kits (including most of your faves from our Idea Books plus some that are exclusive to Studio J).
• choose a layout pattern. There are MANY to choose from. They are like the patterns you'll find in our wonderful "how to" books like Cherish, Imagine, Reflections. The possibilities are endless because all the patterns you can choose from can be rotated 3 ways and flip flopped.
• now personalize! You get to drop your photos in, add text, choose cardstock and background and texture papers from the kit, add accessories (just about every accessory item you can imagine!), distressing, titling, MyStickease, and so much more.
• save and/or buy your layout(s).

 Q: What if I make a layout and want to save it and purchase it with a group of layouts at a later date?  No Problem!! CTMH will save your projects for 90 days. And, every time you make a purchase your 90 days start over. So, say you make several layouts and then purchase them on day 80. Your 90 day clock starts over. They are saved again.  On top of all of that, CTMH even emails you periodically to remind you where your project clock is.

Q: Ok, I want to try this out. How do I get started? Well that is easy too. Just go to my website: https://iotamaker.myctmh.com click on "Studio J Online Scrapbooking link on the left hand side of the menu bar, create an account if you don't have one (it is the same account you would have used to order from my site before) and you are ready to get started!

Q: What if I need help or have a question? That is what I am here for. I am your personal Studio J customer service consultant! Just give me a call, email me or drop by and I would be happy to help you out.

I am very excited about Studio J! I had the chance to play with the program and create and print my own layouts. This is what I liked:

1. It was fast and very user friendly!
2. I had a lot of control over almost all aspects of my layout. I can't begin to even list all of the options you will just have to experience it for your self.
3. The layouts arrive at my door ready to slip into my album right along side my traditional scrapbook pages.
4. I have an album for each of my kids and it was easy to duplicate, personalize and print layouts. How fast and convenient for trips or multiple layout events.
5. There is no membership required. Get on play around! You only pay for the layouts you print.

I hope you will take some time to experience Studio J. You won't regret it!!!

Celebrate National Scrapbooking Month!

 Close To My Heart has done it again! This beautiful kit celebrates the "Miracle" of spring with exciting new products and fun interactive flip flaps.  The Irresistibles Chipboard Die-Cuts are magical and one of my new favorite products.  They are so easy to use!  Just sponge them with your sponge dauber and the ink color of your choice the details in the flower resist the ink to create a beautiful accent. Pick the color of ink that matches your photos and make this layout perfect for any pictures. 

Miracle Kit Contents (CTMH Colors featured: Sweet Leaf, Olive, Crystal Blue, Bamboo). See the photo of the supplies at the top of this post and the cover of the tri-fold brochure with step-by-step instructions here.

• 5 - Colonial White Cardstock
• 1 - Bamboo Cardstock
• 1 - Floral B&T Duos Paper
• 1 - Stripe B&T Duos Paper
• 1 - Crystal Blue B&T Duos Die-Cut
• 1 - Sweet Leaf B&T Duos Die-Cut
• 1 - 6" x 12" My Stickease Assortment
• 1 - 6" x 9" Irresistibles Chipboard Die-Cuts
• 1 - Mini-Medley Accents Colonial White Collection
• 12" Colonial White Waxy Flax
• 3 - 4" x 6" Memory Protectors Flip Flaps
• 2 - Sponge Wedges
• 1 - Brochure

There are several ways to snatch this fashionable Miracle kit at a great discount or even FREE!

1. purchase the kit outright for $19.95 (order #CC1009) between April 15 and May 31
2. spend $40 (before shipping and tax) and receive this kit for $10 (order #CC1009A) between April 15 and May 31
3. spend $60 (before shipping and tax) and receive this kit for $5 (order #CC1009B) between April 15 and May 31
4. Host a home gathering between April 15 and May 31 with minimum sales of $300 and receive a kit FREE!
5. Sign up as a new Consultant between May 1 and May 31 and receive a kit FREE

Call or Email me today to order your kit or shop anytime online!

April Workshop - You ROCK!!

These are the hip new layouts we will be creating at this months class.  We will be using the totally "radical" (now if that isn't a flashback word then what is!) "You Rock" paper packet and some fun new accessories including our mini-medley Outdoor Denim accents collection and our new Rockin' top coats.  I attached the top coats with a little liquid glass. Another must have product!  I also added bitty bling to the layout with Bitty Sparkles.   Call or email me for a full shopping list and dates and times of the class.

It is never to late to join in the fun so email me today!