Studio J: Tips & Tricks - Lets Talk About Layers

  Today for your Studio J tip I want to talk about layers.  Just like with traditional scrapbooking, Studio J layouts are created with layers.  On this layout I have layered a number of items.  Lets first talk about the water splash behind my journaling box. The water splash is a stickease that I positioned behind my journaling box. (the journaling has a vellum background with a honey colored photo mat) To do this I selected the water splash stickease (you will know it is selected because it will be outlined in blue) Next, I right click on my mouse and then select "move backwards" from the menu box that popped open.  You may have to do this a number of times until it moves behind the vellum.  Another option is to select the "move to back" option and then right click again and "move forward" until it shows back up.  Here is the trick to avoid frustration. Don't click off the object you have selected to move. Just keep right clicking and select which way you want the object to move (forward or backwards). If you un-select the object it is hard to reselect it with the items layered above it. There are two ways to reselect the object.  First, you can click the undo button to go back a step or you can select the objects on top of the one you are trying to select, right click and move them backwards until the object you are seeking is on top again.
  I layered a number of other items in this layout. Can you find them? The stickease that created the scallop on the right page are layered behind the photo mat, the borders on the ribbon are layered behind the buttons but on top of the ribbon and the stickease behind the date on the left hand page have been moved behind the date. I also added the wave stickeases and layered them behind the buttons and photo. If you have any questions or problems please feel free to call or email me.  I am your Studio J coach and would be happy to help.
   Do you recognize this paper packet? It is one of the exclusive to Studio J paper packets called Splash Zone. With each new idea book in addition to the 8 new reflections kits shown in the idea book a 9th new kit is exclusive to Studio J!
   Log on to Studio J and try playing with layers and check out the other exclusive to Studio J kits!

Krafty, Kool & Kolorful!

  I am so excited about our band new Spring/Summer 2011 catalog. These Color-Ready Kraft Borders are just one of the many new products now available!  Call or email me today to order your Color-Ready Kraft Borders or order any time online from my website!

  Don't forget to sign up for the February Crafty Club Night! We will be making the cute card/recipe/photo box.

Crafty Club Night: February Card/Recipe/Photo Box

  It is time again for another Crafty Club Night project.  This month we will be making this adorable Card/Recipe/Photo box!  At the class we will decorate the outside of the box as shown and then make 6 divider cards.  I am using this box for cards so my dividers have the following labels: Thank You, Thinking of You, Birthday, Holidays, Nice Job and Merry Christmas.  You could also use this box for as a recipe box or to hold your photos.  You will just change the title and divider labels to fit your purpose. Better yet make 3- one for your cards, one for your recipes and one for your photos!!! The box fits 4x6 cards or photos. This project would also make an adorable wedding or birthday gift.  The possibilities are endless!
  This class is $12.00 which includes everything you need to complete the project (box, b&t paper, cardstock, buttons and the use of my stamps and inks).  Don't forget that with a $25 order you can save $5 off the class.
  Crafty Club Night is held on the 4th Wednesday of the month: February 23rd from 6:30-7:30 or from 8:00-9:00.  Please bring your adhesive, scissors, and paper trimmer. Space is limited so you must reserve your spot by Wednesday, February 16th. Call, email or leave a comment on the post to reserve your seat. (435.787.0125 iotamaker@gmail.com).  To read more about Crafty Club Night check out this post.

Are You Ready to Join My Team? How about for FREE!

 When you join my team as a Close To My Heart Consultant during February and achieve both levels of Straight To The Top (First month and first three months), you will receive Straight To The Top rewards totaling $100 in select product credit, PLUS you'll receive a cash rebate of $129 on your New Consultant Kit. (Call or email me and I will share with you  what your Straight to the Top goals will be and how easy it is to reach both levels) It's free products and a free kit—a fabulous deal! There couldn't be a better time to join my team!

  What does your consultant kit include? You will receive your Business Essential (your business supplies including catalogs, order forms, hostess forms ect. see full list on page 128 of the new Spring/Summer 2011 idea book) and then you get to customize your Consultant kit by picking 3 of the following 5 collections.  You can purchase additional collections for just $40 each plus shipping and handling.

Choose me 2 - 12 month Studio J membership

Choose me 3 - Workshop on the go Mayberry kit and coordinating stamp pads, stamp sets and accessories

choose me 4 - Workshop on the go Lucky  kit and coordinating stamp pads, stamp sets and accessories

Choose me 5 - 2 types of albums, ink,  stamps and a block

Choose me 6 - 3 stamp sets, 2 ink pads and supplies to clean and maintain them.

  It is the perfect time to join my Close To My Heart team and start working for an amazing company doing something you already love!  Call or email me today and lets talk shop. 


Notes: If the new Consultant purchases extra Choose Me collections beyond the three that are included with their New Consultant Kit, they will not be reimbursed for those; the rebate is for the base amount which includes the Business Essentials and three Choose Me collections.

Studio J: Members Only - Buy 9 Layouts get 1 FREE!!

  Did you hear me right? Yes, when members purchase 9 Studio J layouts they get 1 FREE!  Oh and when you purchase 18 layouts you get the next 2 layouts for FREE!!! There couldn't be a better or more affordable time to fill up your scrapbook album!!!  Oh and don't forget that members also get 1 free shipment (up to 20 layouts) each month and free sheet protectors!  Just add your 10 layouts to your cart and you will automatically receive your free layout at checkout or add 20 layouts to your card and you will automatically receive 2 layouts for FREE!!!
  So how do you get started? Just head on over to my website.  You can read all the information about memberships as well as create your account.  To create your account and try Studio J out is free. You only pay for your layouts you have printed.  You can also call or email me and I can share all the exciting details about Studio J.  What are you waiting for?  Those pictures are not going to scrap themselves!  Call or email me today (435.787.0125 nicole@norrisdesign.com) with questions and lets get scrap'n Studio J style!

Kassie's Turn

While Allie was doing this. . .

I decided to take some pictures of Kassie instead.  I didn't do much better. . .

But eventually I did get these faces. . .

Much better!

Allie - 18 month photoshoot

  Today we had a little photo shoot at my house.  I had to try out my new lens and take Allie's 18 month pictures.  As you can see from this first picture we got off to a rough start.

 This next batch of photos really capture Allie's personality and some of her many facial expressions.

This was Jason's favorite.  It is obvious how Allie felt at this point.

This one was probably my favorite.  I just think it is artistically pleasing.

This last one is your traditional wall photo.  I am kicking myself because this was a great full body shot but because of my cramped space where I was taking the pictures I totally cut off her foot. Big no no! Oh well it is a cute close up too.

January Workshop - Wings

   Last week my wonderful friends and workshop members were scrapbooking away at my house.  We created 3 beautiful 2 page 12x12 layouts and a banner.  We used the brand new Wings Reflections paper packet and coordinating accessories and stamps.  We also tried out the new spray pen that came in our workshop kit and will also be available to order from the new Spring/Summer idea book.
  For the banner project I decided to title mine "My Happy Place" and will be putting pictures of my amazing workshop members.  It is already hanging up in my scrapbook room above my workspace cabinet.  Ironically although I mentioned at each class that I would be taking their pictures I only took pictures of this 4 cuties!  So if you missed your photo op last month be ready because I will be taking your picture at the February class!

  I love what I do and I am great full I get to spend time sharing what I love with amazing people.  There are so many of you that I would never have come in contact with if it wasn't for Close To My Heart!  Thank you for being loyal customers and friends and a part of my life!!
  If you would like to join one of my workshop groups or join my team as a consultant yourself please contact me.  I would love to have you join us!
  On to the projects we made.  I did post some of these layouts without pictures on the previous post but now I have the pictures on the layouts and I think it really brings the layouts to life! These layouts were inspired by the talented Karen Pedersen and feature my youngest daughter Allie.  She is now an energetic 19 month old so it was extra fun to look back at these sweet pictures when she was only a month old.  My friend and photographer Kassandra Namba took the pictures of Allie on the second and third layout.

  The products used on all three layouts; including the Wings workshop on the go kit which includes your spray pen and the Mini-medley accents black collection, the Wings level 2 assortment of ruffled ribbon used to make the flowers on the second layout and the new Bohemian E-size alphabet stamp set used for the titles are found in the Inspirations brochure.  You can still take advantage of the great deals on these supplies but only until January 31st! Read more about the amazing promotion going on now here.  Call or email to order or you can order online anytime from my website.  Well I am headed off to work on February's workshop layouts which will feature the new Sweetheart reflections kit found in the brand new Spring/Summer 2011 idea book!

Studio J: Tips & Tricks - Stickease Gone Wild!

   I love using Close To My Heart stickease on my traditional scrapbook layouts!  They are fast and easy and add the perfect finishing touch.  They are even better in Studio J! Why? Because you can re-size them to fit perfectly on your layout!  On this top layout I used stickease for the "Our" and "Vacation" to create the title "Our Family Vacation."  I was able to re-size the stickease to fit perfectly in the space available. 

 On the this second layout I added the castle stickease next to the title the quote stickease to the bottom of the page and the little corner stickease to the right hand page.  The corner stickease helps draw your eye to the picture of the castle. On almost all of my Disney World layouts I added a stickease tag and then with the title tool labeled each tag with what day of the trip we visited that park. To tack down the tag to the layout I added a brad just like I would on a traditional layout.All the stickease are found in the left hand drop down menu and are sorted by category: titles, quotes, borders, large accents, medium accents and small accents and tags.  Don't be afraid to pull from the different sizes of accents and just re-size them to fit with your layout.
  Another fun little accessory is the button stitches.  Yes the little "x" shaped stitches are intended for the inside of the buttons.  But who says you can't use them on your layout without the button?  This is another fun finishing touch that you often find on traditional layouts but is honestly easier to do in Studio J.  You don't have to poke holes in your layout, thread a needle, stitch your page, knot the thread. Just drag and drop the stitch onto your layout.  You can also add multiple stitches like I did on the top layout.  Then to line them all up just select each one while holding the shift key, right click on your mouse and select the direction you want them to be lined up (either horizontally or vertically).  The stitching on my journaling boxes adds interest to that piece of the layout.
  If you haven't tried out Studio J head on over to my website and create an account for FREE! You only pay for the layouts you have printed.  For the best pricing, free shipping and free sheet protectors check out our membership options.  Also, stay tuned to hear about an amazing February promotion that is sure to score a "Perfect 10!"

Spray Pen Unplugged

Close to My Heart has a fun new tool that we will be using at my January workshop.  CTMH also posted on youtube a tutorial with one way to use this nifty neat-o spray pen.



  Now that you have seen how it works lets look at what you can create!  Here are a few pieces of artwork I used the spray pen on.