Love Your Layout: February 2012

I promise I have not fallen off the face of the planet. I am still here just haven't spent much time on my blog.  I have cropped and ordered pictures for 18 layouts that were finished except for the journaling and pictures, working on a awesome Studio J project that involves 4x12, 8x12 and 4x6 flip flaps. Celebrated my hubby's birthday, enjoyed a fabulous valentines day, held this month's workshops where we created 3 2-page 12x12 layouts with the adorable Lucy paper packet, finished my card swap cards and a number of other mundane tasks (cleaning, homework, cooking, taxes ect.)

So with all of that you can imagine how shocked I was to realize that we only have 8 days left in the month!!! It isn't too late to take advantage of the amazing Studio J promo - buy one Studio J 5 pack get a second for FREE! (I have already taken advantage of this promotion and I think I might have to pick up a few more 5 packs)

Also, Don't forget the February stamp of the month: Thoughtful Tidings.  It is perfect for cards, layouts and 3-D gifts. Check out the adorable card above that Karen Pedersen made for me. If you would like to order the stamp of the month or some Studio J 5 packs, I am putting in an order on Friday. Just drop me a call or email. You can also order online any time.

One more thing. I have included this month's "Love Your Layout" video.  I am telling you the paper from the new Spring/Summer idea book is FABULOUS!! This layout features the Stella paper packet. Another must have. Check out this great layout and very handy technique. It will really open up the possibilities when you customize your layouts in Studio J.

The layout above is another quick and easy Studio J layout I created. Of course I used the stitching tool to create the zig-zag border because I am obsessed with the stitching tool. Do you see those little paper rectangle pieces that go across the center of both the left and right page? Well I needed to switch up the order a bit so I just created a journaling box with no text. Then I dragged and dropped in the paper I wanted as the background of the journaling box. The key to really customize your layout is to think of the journaling boxes as a way of adding paper to your layout. I love that trick!  

As I mentioned before, I am doing cartwheels over this month's promotion! You can double your layouts with our Five for Free in February promotion! For each Studio J® 5-pack you purchase this February, you’ll get one free 5-pack. That means you get 10 layouts for just $55—that’s just $5.50 for a 2-page layout, and you get free sheet protectors and free shipping. Even if you’re already taking advantage of Studio J’s incredibly low members-only pricing, you’ll save even more when you purchase 5-packs through this special February deal. To order your 5-pack and to get one free, head to my website, click on "Shop Online" then add item #SJ5P. To build your layouts, head to my website, click on "Studio J" and go from there.

Also, beginning February 1, you can visit StudioJ.com for a set of instructions for creating five beautifully crafted layouts in Studio J. These instructions are intended to help you become familiar with Studio J and its features. Finally be sure to check out all 9 new paper packets on Studio J - 8 are from the new Spring/Summer 2012 idea book and the 9th is exclusive to Studio J!

February Workshop - Lucy

The new spring/summer idea book is here which means an all new set of Reflection paper packets and complementing accessories! This month we will be playing with the Lucy paper packet and accessories including the Lucy complements glittery rub-ons. Shopping list is at the bottom of this post. If you would like to come to the class to create these layouts please let me know and order your supplies by Monday the 6th of February. You can order everything through me or from my website. One last thing - when you place your order please donate to operations smiles. You can read more and watch the video about operation smiles in this previous post. 

New Idea Book, New Promotion, New Stamp of the Month, New Consultant Kit!

The card was made by Karen Pedersen and features the February Stamp of the Month.

WOW as you can tell from the title to this post there are a LOT of new things going on this month! Close To My Heart is making the month of LOVE extra special. I have made you a list so you don't miss a thing. 

1.  BRAND NEW IDEA BOOK!

2.  Five for FREE in February

3.  February Stamp of the Month

4.  Help Make a Miracle

5.  Brand New Consultant Kit

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1.  BRAND NEW  IDEA BOOK:  

Every 6 months (in February and August) a brand new Idea Book comes out with Close To My Heart full of so many wonderful things, including (but not limited to!) 8 new scrapbooking kits, dozens and dozens of new stamp sets, a plethora of pretty embellishments and 6 new Stamps of the Month.  WOWZA!  Here it is.  You can view it page-by-wonderful-page by clicking here or on the icon of the new Idea Book on the left side of my blog.  Then, when you've made your list, you can make your purchases on my website. But wait!  Keep reading. I think you'll want to know about a few more of the wonderful specials this month before you do.

2.  Five for FREE in February:

I am doing cartwheels over this promotion! You can double your layouts with our Five for Free promotion! For each Studio J® 5-pack you purchase this February, you’ll get one free 5-pack. That means you get 10 layouts for just $55—that’s just $2.75 per page, with free shipping. Even if you’re already taking advantage of Studio J’s incredibly low members-only pricing, you’ll save even more when you purchase 5-packs through this special February deal. To order your 5-pack and to get one free, head to my website, click on "Shop Online" then add item #SJ5P. To build your layouts, head to my website, click on "Studio J" and go from there.
 
Also, beginning February 1, you can visit StudioJ.com for a set of instructions for creating five beautifully crafted layouts in Studio J. These instructions are intended to help you become familiar with Studio J and its features.

3.  February Stamp of the Month: As always, Close To My Heart has designed a beautiful stamp set that is available during this month only. The February set is called "Thoughtful Tidings" and is full of wonderful sentiments, many of which coordinate with shapes on our CTMH/Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge.  You can see a few fun boxes and 3D items below that the talented Close To My Heart Art Department below. If you spend $50, it's yours for only $5 (a $17.95 value). Or, you can purchase it for $17.95. Either way, it's only available during the month of February.  You can order it through me (435.787.0125, iotamaker@gmail.com) or through my website. Once your spend $50, you will be prompted to add it, or if you are purchasing it for the $17.95 price, enter item #S1202.

4.  Help Make a Miracle:

Let’s make a miracle by raising funds for Operation Smile®! The Close To My Heart Consultant who raises the most in donations between January 1 and March 31 will have the opportunity to go on an Operation Smile international medical mission where they will work as part of the non-medical staff, alongside doctors and nurses, providing care for children, screening applicants, teaching parents, and assisting in every way in this important endeavor.  You can donate by contacting me (435.787.0125, iotamaker@gmail.com) or by donating on my website when ordering (you'll be prompted to add your donation before the end of your order). My personal goal is to raise enough for one surgery. That is just $240. With your help I think we can do it!

5.  Brand New Consultant Kit: Along with a new Idea Book also always comes a new Consultant Kit. If you have or are thinking about becoming a Close To My Heart Consultant, this is a great time to do it with a brand new kit!  Our base kit is only $99 (plus shipping and tax) and then there are three add-on kits to choose from at $40 each as well.  My suggestion:  If I were just signing up, I would purchase the basic kit, plus "Choose Me Three" (this includes a three-month Studio J Membership and 5 free two-page layouts.  This Add-On kit alone is worth over $62.50.  I'll even show you the kit contents below. Before I do, let me just tell you how easy it is to sign up:

• Go to my website
• Click on "Your Opportunites"
• Scroll down that page to the bottom until you see the link that says "To Become a Consultant, click here".  Of course, click there.
• Once you sign up, Close To My Heart will notify me and I will contact you right away to help you get started. Also, if you have any questions as you are deciding to sign up, I am more than happy to answer them! (435.787.0125, iotamaker@gmail.com)

BASIC KIT:

_____________

Add-On Kit One:

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Add-On Kit Two:

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Add-On Kit Three:

If you made it to the bottom of this post - Congratulations!! I warned you, there are a lot of exciting things going on this month with Close To My Heart.  Well I am off to finish up the layouts for this month's workshop. I am playing with the new Lucy paper packet, compliments and coordinating accessories.  I will have them posted soon so check back. 

Last Day to Order from the Autumn/Winter Idea Book

This is it. The 11th hour. The very last day to order from the Autumn/Winter 2011 idea book. You have until midnight and then it is gone! You can order online from my website or email/call me with your order. I will get it in for you tonight. Also, don't forget the promotions that end tonight as well:

1. Rock the Block:  When you place a minimum order of $25 from the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book, you can get two valuable new products for just $15: the My Creations^® Collage Cubes (a Spring/Summer 2012 sneak-peek product!) and the exclusive My Acrylix^® Rock the Block E-size stamp set (available only during this promotion). This Rock the Block promotion represents a retail savings of almost $30! Check out some great artwork or a video here.

2. The January stamp of the month, Little Reminder is packed with great stamps. You get a complete number set, all the days of the week, cute tag lines, borders and a clever date dial that is perfect for layouts, cards or invitations. You purchase this set at regular price or for just $5 with a $50 order. (Yes you can take advantage of both promotion1 & 2 here is how: $35 order + $15 rock the block and get the stamp of the month for just $5) Here is a link to some artwork and a picture of the stamp set. 

3. Perfect 10: With a Studio J membership you get access to exclusive patterns, 50% off layouts, free JPG files, free month shipments and Member-s only promotions like this one. For the month of January for every 9 layouts you buy you get your 1 layout free! Order 18 layouts, get 2 free! Order 27, get 3 free. Not a member? Now is great time to join and I would be happy to give you a one on one consultation. I also offer a Studio J class every month along side the classic workshop class. This month we will be creating a Roxie layout. The class is on the 3rd Wednesday at 8:30 pm.  You can participate from your home via your computer and the internet. Let me know if you would like more details. 

If you have any questions feel free to call or email me. (435.787.0125 ~ iotamaker@gmail.com)

The 5 Minute Studio J Layout

  Have you submitted your layouts and taken advantage of the perfect 10 promotion going on now for Studio J members? Now through the end of the month when you order 9 layouts you get the 10th layout FREE! Order 18 layouts and get layout 19 & 20 for FREE! Can you just imagine how good it will feel to have 20 new layouts in your album? 20 events in your life preserved forever? 20 stories documented? It is a good feeling I can assure you.

  The great thing about Studio J is that your layouts can be as elaborate or simple as you like and still look amazing. The layout I wanted to share with you today is one of my 5 minute layouts. It was so easy and quick but with the perfect paper and a few toggle accessories (those are the ones already added to the layout and you just pick the colors) this layout was done. I didn't even add journaling because the pictures say everything that needs to be said. Get started this weekend and in no time you will have 10 or even 20 layouts ready to order.
  Not a member yet? 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 with is half price. 
• Memberships give you access to "Members Only" layout patterns and paper kits. WOO HOO!
• Members only promotions like this month's Perfect 10 Promotion!

You can purchase a membership either right from your Studio J account or by contacting me. 

Make A Miracle Challenge

  Close To My Heart has always been committed to the well being of others.  It is one of the many things that I respect about the company.  I am constantly amazed by the generosity of the entire company from our CEO and founder Jeanette Lynton to every consultant and customer. In fact a portion of the proceeds from every My Acrylix stamp set sold is donated to Operations Smile. At every corporate event I have attended there is always an auction or opportunity to donate money for Operations Smile and thousands of dollars are raised each time.
  Well we are taking it even a step further with the Make a Miracle Challenge. From now until March 31st the corporate office has challenged each consultant to set a goal about how much money they think they can raise for Operation Smiles. My goal is to raise enough money for one surgery.  That is only $240. I hope everyone of my readers and customers will join me in helping make a difference in a child's life. Watch this short video to learn more about Operation Smiles and how you can participate.



  Here is a link to my website. (on the left hand menu about half way down under the search box is a box to add your donation or when you check out there is a box at the bottom of the page) You can make your donation there or by contacting me. Thank you in advance for your contributions.

More January Stamp of the Month Artwork

 Just a few more pieces of artwork featuring the January stamp of the month. There are only a few more days left to order it as well. This adorable reminder card was made by Lynette Kankamp for our team swap. She wiped it together and it turned out so cute. What a great stamp set to use to send out save the date cards for special events.
  The layout below I created for the swap. I made it as a cover page to my scrapbook album. I will feature a few of my favorite pictures from the year.
  Finally the last card was made by Karen Pedersen. I know I can't get enough of her art work. What a fun festive Valentines day card. It just shows how versatile the stamp set is. You can order this set online or by contacting me.

Family Life 52 Week Project: Week 3

I have been really enjoying my Family Life 52 Week Project. The kids were out of school on Monday and I took the opportunity to take some pictures of my oldest daughter in her new vest.  She found the best a few weeks ago while we were out shopping. She really didn't need it and frankly I had spent a lot of money on her in the last month with her birthday, Christmas and baptism so I told her if she really wanted it she would have to earn it by cleaning out the dishwasher and doing all of dinner dishes for a week to earn it. She enthusiastically agreed.  I need to find something else she wants so she will keep doing the dishes. ;)  Anyways she finally earned the vest so I thought perfect opportunity to take her picture. 

I posted week 1 and week 2 on my family blog. Also, I posted some additional photos for week 3 there as well.

Wonderland Studio J layout

The Wonderland paper is one of the many that will no longer be available to order after January 31st. If you want to still use this paper for classic scrapbooking order it today! You will be able to still find it on Studio J after January 31st. This paper has a great mix of bold prints and colors and softer lacier b&t paper. It makes a great contrast and allows the picture to really pop (despite how dare it was).

We are now half way through the month. That is still plenty of time to get your Studio J layouts completed and submitted to take advantage of this month's members only promotion. Details here. If you need help or have any questions please let me know. In the mean time head on over to Studio J and start playing.