Studio J Love

It is a well known fact that I LOVE Studio J! What is Studio J? It is Close To My Hearts' online digital scrapbooking program. In one afternoon I created 19 layouts!!! Ok I kind of cheated. I used the Express Collections. Basically the layouts are created for you and all I had to do was add my pictures and the journaling. Could it be any easier? I think not. Now are you ready for the icing on the cake?  During March, Close To My Heart's Studio J 2-page 12" x 12" layouts are only $5.

Did you know that statistics show that most scrapboookers spend about $9-$10 per 2-page traditional layout they create? That includes paper, embellishments, photo developing, etc. So, at $5 per 2-page digital layout you are saving some serious dinero! Plus, that's almost a $2 savings per layout from our regular price. PLUS, you don't even have to be a scrapbooker to use Studio J. You just have to be someone with photos who wants to preserve them beautifully for their family. It's THAT EASY!

To play with Studio J, just head to the Studio J Page on my website. It's absolutely FREE to play and build layouts...and it's SO SIMPLE AND USER FRIENDLY. You don't pay a single penny until you purchase. Of course, you'll want to be sure to purchase in March to to get that $5 price. On April 1, it's back to $6.95.

What do you get for  your $5?

• Your 2-page 12" x 12" layout
• 1 high resolution .jpg file of each page. This way you can print more at a later date if you want to. This is emailed to you after you place your order
• 1 lower resolution .jpg file of the 2 pages together (like you see here in this post). This is great for posting online for friends and family members to see. This is also emailed to you after you order.

If you have questions give me a call (435.764.3598). I've shared a few of my Studio J layouts that I created yesterday. Enjoy!

Studio J - Love it even more!

  There have been some great features added to Studio J and I wanted to share what I have been working on. I am happy to announce that I am very close to having 2009 scraped and in the albums thanks in large part to Studio J. I love how fast it is to create gorgeous layouts and that I can play around with the colors until I get it just right. These layouts look great next to my classic layouts. This first layout is probably one of my favorite from my most recent order. I love the color combination that I ended up with. I tried a few different colors before deciding on the two shade of green - Topiary and pear.

On this layout I had a few more pictures than the original design had. One of the most exciting new features in Studio J is that you can add photo wells!!! You can also move and resize existing photo wells!! It has really opened up the possibilities. You can find the feature in the photo and text tab on the left hand menu.

On the Thanksgiving 2009 layout and the Santa's Elves layout I want to point out the title. I created the drop shadow look but layering the title three times in three different colors. The bottom layer is black and using the arrow keys I moved it down and to the right a few points. The middle layer is white and moved up and to the left a few points. The top layer is in the color that coordinates with the layout and left in the center. Doesn't it make my title really pop! I just can't say enough good things about Studio J. You can try it out for free and the only thing you pay for is to have your layouts printed by CTMH or you can purchase the jpg files of your layouts and have them printed by a third party. If you would like more information or a one on one training session drop me a line or email. Log on to Studio J through my website. You can also check out more Studio J layouts here on my blog or in the Studio J art gallery.

2008 is in the Album! Thank You Studio J.

  The last event I needed to scrapbook to finish 2008 was our trip to Oregon. It was a big event with lots of pictures! This could seem like an overwhelming task especially when you factor in that I would need to duplicate these layouts 4 times (one set for the family album and each of my 3 kids' albums). Not with Studio J. I got right to work creating all 11 layouts. They came together so fast with the help of toggle accents and a few stickease. Then when it came to duplicating I just adjusted the number of the project and submitted.  Within a few days I had a fun box in the mail with all my layouts ready to slide into my album. Can I tell you what a great feeling it is to know that our fabulous memories from out trip are recorded so everyone can enjoy it. Here are just a few of the layouts I created from our trip!

  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.  Now everyone has access to all of the layouts and kit without a membership*. The layouts are only $6.95 and there are TONS of great kits. 

  Another fabulous addition to Studio J is the new Expressions Collections! You can create an entire 10 layout (20 page) album in less than an hour with themes such as Year in Review, All About Me, Little Miss, Little Man, School Days, and Travels! Pick and choose among the professional created layouts or make them all! Either way you will have a beautiful album for all to enjoy. Just add your photos and journaling and you are DONE! They are available now, so be sure to check them out here, on my website.

  Also, when you purchase a printed layouts from Close To My Heart you will be able to download the jpg version of your layouts. Everyone now has the option of just purchasing the jpg files for just $2.95. This is a great option for those who would like to make a bound book with their Studio J layouts. If you have any questions or need help please contact me (435.764.3598 ~ iotamaker@gmail.com).

BIG Studio J Changes!

  Lots of great Studio J improvements were announced, including no more Membership fees! Now everyone can have access to all of the layouts and kit without a membership*. The layouts are only $6.95 and there are TONS of great kits. Also, when you purchase a printed layouts from Close To My Heart you will be able to download the jpg version of your layouts. Everyone now has the option of just purchasing the jpg files for just $2.95. This is a great option for those who would like to make a bound book with their Studio J layouts.

There are a couple of key points that I want you to be aware of:
1. Layouts on your account will only be saved for 90 days from the initial creation date or the most recent date of any online Studio J purchase, whichever is later. The point is create and print those layouts don't let them sit in the virtual cloud!


2.  There is a minimum order quantity of 4 physical layouts and a maximum of 50. If the order only contains JPGs then there is no minimum order quantity.  


3. Your Studio J order can now help a hostess or help you earn hostess rewards! You can attach a Studio J order to an open published EZ Invite by 1) joining an open Gathering from the home page of an OBA website and then logging into Studio J and completing a Studio J checkout. Or 2) logging into Studio J first and then, upon checkout, join an open Gathering. Such purchases, when part of a qualifying Home or Online Gathering, are eligible to generate Hostess Rewards and Stamp of the Month discounts.

*4. If you already have a membership, you will get to participate in a special Members Bonus program. Your member benefits - $6.50 per layouts, free memory protectors with your order and free shipping on one order (up to 20 layouts) per month will continue through September 30, 2012 or the end of your membership (whichever comes first). You will not be charged for your membership.  Members will also receive Free Layouts.  As a token of our appreciation, on October 1, 2012, your Studio J account will be credited with 1 free layout for each month remaining on your membership as of July 1, 2012, including partial months. Be sure to check your email inbox for an email from CTMH explaining the details and how many free Studio J layouts you will be receiving. If you have questions please give me a call. (435.764.3598)


Another fabulous addition to Studio J is the new Expressions Collections!  You can create an entire 10 layout (20 page) album in less than an hour with themes such as Year in Review,  All About Me, Little Miss, Little Man, School Days, and Travels! Pick and choose among the professional created layouts or make them all!  Either way you will have a beautiful album for all to enjoy. Just add your photos and journaling and you are DONE! They are available now, so be sure to check them out here, on my website. 


I am excited about all the changes with Studio J. If you would like to learn more about this amazing online software, have a one on one coaching session or host a Studio J gathering please contact me today! 

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). 

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.

  If you know my Allie then you know this picture is so her! I can't help but chuckle when I look at this photo. Do you have photos you love to look at? Are they lost on your hard drive hidden from the human eye? I love the digital camera. I love that I can take hundreds if not thousands of photos and then only keep the best ones with no cost. What I don't love about digital is how many photos are never developed and put into a format that can be displayed for all to enjoy. Sure I can share it on facebook but it will still get lost among the thousands of daily updates. 

  How and where do you display your priceless snapshots that capture your everyday life? Here are a few ideas:

Click on the Studio J layout to see it larger.

• A photo board in your kitchen that you update regularly with new pictures.
• Digital picture frame - they have really cool ones now that you can actually email photos to and it automatically updates the frame. Great gift idea!
• Studio J or Classic scrapbook page! Ok this is probably my favorite suggestion. I love a good scrapbook layout and so do my kids. This is also a fabulous long term solution. My whole family enjoy looking at their albums and naming the people in the pictures. With family spread all over the country this helps my kids especially get to know and recognize their relatives so that when we do get together they aren't complete strangers.  You can also find 12x12 frames and display your most recent completed layout on the wall. You should be proud of your work and show it off a little. 

  So what is your favorite way to display your favorite photos? I would love to hear your ideas.

Love Your Layout: May 2012

  Am I obsessed with Studio J? Maybe I need to join a support group. I would take lots of pictures of our meetings and then Studio J scrapbook the whole event! Honestly how can I not be obsessed? It is so easy and fun to create. If you like the instant gratification of completing a layout in just minutes then Studio J is perfect for you!
  Here is another Love Your Layout video. Brian will walk you through creating this adorable layout. He will also show you a few trick with your stickease and a new feature - distressing photographs. Check out the video below then head on over to Studio J and create the layout yourself.

 

  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). 

Studio J Love

  I have another Studio J layout to share with you today. I am a very goal oriented person. I set personal goals all the time. Just a few I am working on right now are 1. Don't eat any candy (I get one treat on Sunday) 2. Don't yell or loose my temper with my kids. (I am ambitious) 3. Complete and order minimum of 4 Studio J layouts each month (this sounds like the funnest and easiest goal of the 3!) Well so far I am doing really good at  finishing and ordering my Studio J layouts. ;) This is the one of the layouts I created last month. It was so fast and easy with those darn stickease. Do you like the lace boarder I created with the stickease? I also love how I can just drag and drop in photos and they are automatically cropped and re-sized to fit the photo wells. Sure saves me time from having to crop and print photos. 


  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). 

Same Paper, Same Layout, 2 Looks!

 A little Studio J love to share with you today.  I created these layouts using the new Studio J exclusive paper packet "Love Bird." First I created the layout above for my girls' albums.  I loved the birds, flowers and spring look of the stickease and paper. Perfect for my Easter pictures.
  But, all that pink would just not work for my son. No problem. Using the SAME paper packet I created the layout below for his album.  I picked different paper from the "Love Bird" collection, used different stickease and took the very feminine layout from above and made it completely masculine. Same layout, same paper, same pictures whole new look! Gotta love Studio J!!

  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 (435.787.0125 ~ iotamaker@gmail.com). 

Studio J is so easy my 10 year old can do it!

  Brock needed to create a scrapbook page about an art project to pass off a Webelos cub scout project. So I thought to myself, what would make this fun for Brock? Well anything on the computer of course so why not have Brock create the layout in Studio J. When I mentioned it to Brock he was excited. So we sat down tonight and got busy. He picked out his layout, paper packet and kit mix. Then I showed him how to drag and drop a photo and he went to work adding pictures. Next he added mats to the photos, colored the toggle accessories and I helped him add a few stickease. He added journaling but we ended up switching it out for the journaling from my family blog that was more complete. Brock switched the paper around a little bit until he had it just how he wanted. I did create the title using the technique Amy Ulen posted on her blog. Thanks Amy!  I added a few more tags with the names of those in the pictures and we were done.
  If you would like to try out Studio J then head on over to my website, click on the product tab across the top and select Studio J Online Scrapbooking and start playing for FREE! Get started this weekend and in no time you will have handful of layouts ready to order.
  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 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 (435.787.0125 ~ iotamaker@gmail.com). 

Super Studio J Layout - Flip Flap Style

Cover - Cut the left hand page vertically 4" from the left hand side
and the right hand page horizontally 4" down from the top.

Inside flip flap pages - Cut the left hand page vertically 4" from
the left hand side and the right hand page
horizontally 4" down from the top.

 Last fall my family had a big get together. We had multiple activities, lots of fun and I took HUNDREDS of pictures! Far more then what would fit on one layout but it was all one big event. So I thought to myself if I was scrapbooking these pictures classic style I would have used flip flaps to add real estate space. So I thought to myself why can't I use flip flaps with Studio J layouts! (do you see the big light bulb turning on over my head?) And that my friends is just what I did!

Base page

 

The full project required 3 2-page layouts. First I picked 2 layouts that could be divided into 2 sections. 4x12 and 8x12. (note the first and second layout shown).
  The 3rd layout was the base. The left hand page of the base and the inside flip flap page was about one part of the weekend, making the apple cider, while the right hand page of the base and the inside flip flap page was about another part of the weekend, zip lining.

Here are the finished layouts cut and in the sheet protectors and flip flaps.

Cover page

Left hand page with flip flaps open

Right hand page with flip flaps open

Couple of tips:

1. Make sure that you don't have any dimensional accents that are over your cut lines like ribbon, buttons, brads ect.
2. Try to coordinate your left hand base page with your flip flaps. What I mean by this is that if you are using different B&T papers for each part of the even you will want to make sure they remain consistent for the flip flap pages as well. Also, make sure your ribbon and accents stay consistent. I made the mistake of using two different ribbon colors on the zip lining side. I also wish I had pulled more blue b&t into the flip flaps.
3. You can also add 4x6 and 6x6 flip flaps as well! The sky is the limit my friends!

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!

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

----------------

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:

_________________

Add-On Kit Two:

________________

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.