CTMH Workshops on the Go: Sophia

Close to My Hearts beautiful Sophia collection features my favorite color, Hollyhock, combined with Blush, Goldrush and Pear! The Workshop on the Go Layout was a great backdrop for pictures of Mandy with our 12 year old cat Emmitt. Poor guy, with all his white fluffiness and pink nose and ears, he's commonly mistaken for a girl kitty! Of course, that made him match perfectly with this layout and provided a great opportunity to capture Mandy with her favorite guy!

The Sophia Workshops on Go collection (G1019) includes our Buttons Pink Assortment (z1370) and Colonial White Waxy Flax (z1081), which both add beautiful dimension and texture to this layout! Of course the beautiful flourishes included on the exclusive Sophia Workshops on the Go stamp set brings this layout to the next level! I'd love to say I came up with this beautiful design, but we all know better! Fortunately, I do a pretty good job of following instructions and with the included Workshop Guide, creating this layout and the below cards was a snap!

I added our 3-D Foam Tape (z1151) under the sentiments to give the extra "pop", combined with these beautiful colors, these cards will be wonderful as "thinking of you" notes for any friend in your life!

CTMH Sweetheart Mix n Mingle Mini Album Banner

Sweetheart has such a vibrant combination of colors, with black as a classy backdrop, the combination of Black, White, Tulip, Cotton Candy and Baby Pink make these papers pop regardless of the project they are used on! And of course the name

The Mix n Mingle mini album is a fun combination of 8 chipboard and acrylic pieces in 4 die-cut shapes that can be used create a banner, wall hanging, mini-album, or individually as accents on a layout!

I added the Glitz Glitter Gel Stardust (z1313) to the B&T paper to add a little "bling" to this piece, combined with the chipboard letter, grosgrain ribbon and epoxy Sweethearts sticker to give this element texture!

Our new 2" Scallop Punch (Z1392) is a quick, easy way to embellish cards, layouts and projects of all types! This Tulip Scallop acts as a great backdrop to our chipboard letter, helping it standout
The Mix n Mingle album includes rings to hold the pieces together, regardless of how you choose to assemble them (banner, album, cube, etc). I opted for ribbon to string these pieces together, and used additional types of ribbon as embellishments on the pieces.

Adding some of our "pom pom" ribbon from our new Pink Designer Ribbon Collection (z1384), and a little Liquid Glass (z679) to accent the B&T paper made this final piece a snap to put together!

CTMH Workshops on the Go: Sweetheart

John and I were able to attend Mandy's AFJROTC Military Ball this year, and WHAT a year to finally be able to attend!! Mandy was selected as "Princess" for the court and we are so proud!

How perfect that the Workshops on the Go example showed "My Princess" as the title for this layout!

I love the combination of stamped images and epoxy stickers (Sweetheart Level 2 Assortment z1386) that bring dimension and different textures to this layout! We've also incorporated our Liquid Applique (Z308) which provides a fun, puffy paint accent to the layout! The fine tip allows detailed application wherever you choose, then apply some heat for a quick dry and to make it "puffy"!

I had Mandy journal this evening, as it was definitely her night to remember! But wanted to keep the look of the layout and include this snapshot of her sash, crown and rose; so I added a 4x6 flip flap (z4114), that I scored to a smaller size to cover the journal spot, also allowing me to include 2 extra pics (front/back of flip flap) and keep the layouts clean look! Have I mentioned how much I LOVE FLIP FLAPS!?!

This simple card design was easy to put together and really allowed the stamped images and epoxy stickers to "shine" as the focus for these cards! Don't forget, as with all of our Close to My Heart Workshops on the Go, the Sweetheart Collection (G1017) includes a detailed Workshop Guide with exclusive patterns and color pictures to help you create your projects!

Studio J: Membership Has It's Privileges!

You've heard that statement before: Membership has it's privileges!

Although over-used, this is so very true with Close to My Heart AND Studio J!

Below are 5 of my recent Studio J layouts, and they were so much fun to create! Learning new techniques, thanks to our CTMH training, and having the ability to make so much progress in my albums is so satisfying!

This layout was created using our Magnifique collection! I love having the ability to change colors (adding pink), create my own pattern paper using stickease, and distressing the photos and layout! All without "ink on my fingers"! I enjoy getting into my inkpads, but there is something to be said about getting layouts completed with no cleanup!

In previous posts, I've talked about my love for our Lucky Collection, and this layout is another beautiful example of how fabulous that collection is! One of the BIG benefits of Studio J scrapbooking, is the ENDLESS supply of Stickease! This kit includes 6 of those blue diamonds, but as you can see here, I've used plenty more! Also, the ability to resize the Stickease, add flourishes, edit photos...the possibilities are unlimited!

This layout is from our Wings collection, and by changing the paper colors, I was able to beautifully compliment these photos from our EPIC Cruise (courtesy of CTMH)!!

This layout was created using the Studio J exclusive BOO collection! The title makes you think of Halloween, but I'm pretty confident this layout doesn't! I liked the "Argyle" patterned paper in the kit, so I chose this kit, changed the colors of the paper, and created my own patterned paper that connects with my photos using text boxes! So versatile!

Speaking of Memberships, as a Studio J member, you have access to EXCLUSIVE Member-Only patterns and paper packs. This collection was a SHOCKER for me! Take the Cake is a Members Exclusive collection that screams Birthday celebration...but don't let that "thumbnail" fool you! Step inside and check out all the fabulous Stickease in that kit! The little "peeps" are my favorite and I am so in love with this adorable layout created using them!

Membership truly has it's privileges, and you can get a Studio J 1-year Membership (regularly $99) AND a Close to My Hear Membership (regularly $129) for only $64.50 in May!! HURRY, this offer is too good to pass up and won't be repeated!! Contact me today for all the details!!

noreen@myctmh.com

http://noreen.myctmh.com

Studio J: Real Life. Real Scrapbooks. Real Time.

Studio J has something for everyone:

•Classic scrapbookers can use as a design tool!

•Occasional users can quickly and easily create and purchase layouts at full retail anytime!

•Makes a perfect gift for any scrapbooker!

•Memberships offer SAVINGS and BENEFITS!

•Best of all –anyone can try it out for FREE!

MEMBERSHIP has it's privileges!!

Become a Studio J Member and SAVE BIG on all of your layouts...3 months for $30 or 12 months for $99

OR

In May, you can get the 12 month Studio J Membership, PLUS FREE Products and an ADDITIONAL Discount on all your layouts for only $64.50! Contact me today and I'll tell you how!!

noreen@myctmh.com or (618)604-5490

Here are more of my Arkansas Visit layouts for 2009~~yes, still getting caught up, but almost there...this is the last 2009 batch!!

I love how quick and easy it is to accomplish layouts in Studio J! Do you find it hard to make time for scrapbooking your memories? Wish you could scrapbook "on-the-go"? With Studio J, there's no software to purchase, no supplies to dig out...you just need an internet-connected computer! Super EZ!!

These layouts were a snap to put together, I spent more time organizing pictures and deciding which ones to scrapbook than I did in creating all of these layouts!

Studio J & Flip Flaps, Oh My!

My boys had their first experience on the Slip n Slide a couple years ago at Grandmas house in Arkansas, and boy did they have a BLAST!! I took so many pictures, I had a hard time thinning them out so they could be scrapbooked! Even after going through them several times to pick my favorites, I couldn't fit them all on one layout, so I created 2 in Studio J!

But, I didn't want to have "2" layouts in the album, so I used our 12" Flip Flaps and put it into the album as one layout!

By cutting the first layout into 8" and 4" pieces on both the left and right pages, I was able to place them into an 8x12" and 4x12" Flip flap and adhere it over the left page of the 2nd layout. So what you're seeing above, is how it looks in my album.

This is the left page, with the left side flap opened.

Here is the left page with both the left and right flip flaps opened to show the inner layout.

I love how the flip flaps allow me to make my layouts interactive...and also gives me the ability to put 2 complete layouts (and all those pictures), into 1 layout!

Wanna see more about Studio J...and of course, I've gotta BRAG about these pictures...check out the NEWEST How-To Studio J Video on Personalizing Your Layouts (below or on StudioJ.com)! These same photos were featured in Close to My Hearts how-to video. Check it out today! I'd love to hear what you think!

CTMH Workshops on the Go: Bliss

Love is in the air! Make it last forever by creating this beautiful layout to preserve your love-filled photos and thoughts. The Bliss Workshops on the Go (G1020) workshop uses the Bliss Level 2 paper packet, the exclusive My Acrylix® Bliss Workshop stamp set, and Irresistibles die-cuts for creative embellishing.

I love the cards we created for this workshop...ever go shopping for a wedding card...WHEW, those are expensive! These cards are elegant, romantic...and best of all, inexpensive! Make yourself a few for those upcoming Spring/Summer weddings!

Hosting a Bridal Shower or need a gift idea? Our My Creations Journal is great for the Bride to use as her wedding planner notebook; or you can use it to capture advice, recipes, and well-wishes from guests at her Bridal Shower...or as the Guest Book at the Wedding! So many versatile uses, and the ability to personalize the front cover...Priceless!

CTMH Miracle All Sorts Mini-Album

It's been a while since I've played with our My Creations All Sorts Mini Album (Z1224), and with our NEW Sweet Leaf Stitched Grosgrain ribbon (Z1383) and Miracle Collection, this album is just adorable (if I do say so myself!)

(Please excuse the "brightness" of the pics...I'm also playing with adjusting my photos, and got a little "bright" on this set of pictures!)

Isn't the button adorable on the front cover!?! These are our NEW Canvas Badge Buttons (Z1397) which are adhesive backed and can be stamped directly on! I used our Miracle Workshop stamp set to stamp Blessed on the button, then rolled the edges in the inkpad to give it a little outline color.

Our Kraft Borders (Z1377): so much fun to play with and add that extra little accent to the pages!

A few of our Mocha Opaques Adhesive Gems (Z1333) to add a little "bling"...again of the self-adhesive variety...just love how fast, simple, and easy it is to embellish with Close to My Heart!!

YEAH, the cool Pinwheel stamps that are included in our Miracle Workshops on the Go (G1023)! I've added a Mocha Opaque to the center to keep the edges in and add a little texture!

And the Sweet Leaf Ribbon! Since this album will be "exposed" and handled, I used a lighter to sear the edges of the ribbon to keep it from fraying!

CTMH Workshops on the Go: Miracle

You'll enjoy the soothing colors of our new Miracle collection! The combinations of Bamboo, Crystal Blue, Heavenly Blue and Sweet Leaf complement any photos AND can easily be accented with an additional color to make your layouts POP!

These are pictures from last years Band Banquet where Mandy was recognized as "Most Outstanding Sophomore" and received a band scholarship for extra instrument lessons!!! We are so very proud of her accomplishments!!

The Workshops on the Go: Miracle Collection (G1023) includes the Miracle Level 2 Paper packet, Kraft Color Ready Borders (Z1377), Workshop Guide AND the MUST HAVE Miracle Workshop stampset which includes the stamps to make these adorable pinwheels!

The color ready borders are quickly becoming my newest "tool box" embellishment! They are self-adhesive, can be stamped, inked, and painted, or adhered just as they are! Use them as a template with our Spray Pens to add a fun backdrop or flip them over, remove the adhesive backing and sprinkle glitter and you have a quick "bling" embellishment to add to your project! So versatile and so many different ways they can be used! And with 50 - 12" strips in each package, you'll have plenty to try tons of unique techniques!

I love how the pin wheels can be used on both cards and layouts, providing a great embellishment with dimension and style!

CTMH Lucky with Studio J

I am so in love with our Studio J online design program! It makes it super simple to quickly complete beautiful layouts, with embellishments, stickease, distressing, and journaling! I love how quickly the layouts come together, and how easy it is to "stitch" buttons on, without fear of piercing my finger in the process!

These layouts are using our beautiful Lucky Collection through Studio J! I think what I enjoy the most is the ability to swap the papers out and keep rotating them until I find the perfect combination! It's so quick and simple, and I get to see the completed layout before I spend a penny on the layout! No printing photos to find out I need a different size!!

Oh, how I love you Studio J!! I hope you'll give it a try! It's FREE, create as many layouts as you want, test it out...then decide! If you like what you've created, contact me and I'll share all the details of the Studio J membership and getting 50% off all of your layouts! Your'e gonna LOVE 'em!!
These pictures are from last June, the boys Pre-K Graduation ceremonies! So fun!!

CTMH Workshops on the Go: Lucky

It's amazing that we have 8 NEW beautiful paper collections with Close to My Heart...and even moreso is that I was quickly able to identify my FAVORITE of the 8!! They truly are all beautiful collections, so why is LUCKY the one for me?

It could be that it features one of my favorite colors, Outdoor Denim! Couple that with the tons of photos of my little guys, that this collection so perfectly fits! Or is it the name that was the weighing factor for me?

John and I celebrated our anniversary this month on St Patricks day! And we know how lucky we are with our many blessings! We have a beautiful horseshoe above our door that says "Lucky In Love", ahhh, so Lucky, what a wonderful name for this versatile collection!!

This is the layout from our Workshops on the Go Lucky kit (G1018). The kit includes the Level 2 Paper Packet, an exclusive stamp set, our NEW Wooden Designer Buttons (z1387), Natural Hemp (Z280) and the matching Workshop Guide to guide you through creating this layout and the matching cards!

I'm really enjoying these wooden buttons, they add an additional dimension and texture to my projects and are just stinkin' cute!

This is my Lucky Stickease (x7137c) layout! I love how our Stickease make creating layouts Faster, Simpler and Easier than ever! With example layouts featured on the back of the stickease, combined with our wonderful How To Program books like Magic (9034)! I've also added some of our Lucky Level 2 Assortment chipboard (Z1356).
These are photos from Easter 2010 when the boys were learning to ride their bikes...I'm sure I'm rationalizing my procrastinating behavior by saying, "Isn't it a good thing I hadn't scrapbooked these photos yet? This collection so perfectly works with these photos!!!"

Okay, maybe I'm justifying how behind I am in my layouts, but boy, these pages really work for me!!

This layout I've also added some of our NEW Lucky Level 2 Journaling Spots (Z1359), of course the Lucky Chipboard and the Stickease, combined with the Natural Hemp for some additional texture.

These are some more of our family photos taken at our photo shoot with Through His Eyes Photograph, LeaAnn Gardner (http://leaanngardner.com). She is so awesome and always takes such wonderful pictures for us!

Be sure to get your own Lucky collection, you'll love the beautiful colors and inspiration!!!