Artbooking Made Easy - Video #15

Mini-albums are fun ways to scrapbook events, trips & much more.  Perfect for gifts and something unique to add to the living room coffee table for guests to look through.

New Studio J™ Photo Express Collection

New Studio J™ Photo Express Collection

At the beginning of the month, a brand new photo-only Express Collection was added to Studio J!! This collection features several 2-page layouts pre-loaded with photo wells in mixes of common printing sizes, including 2" x 2", 3" x 3", 3" x 4", 4" x 6", 5" x 7", and more.

This collection is a great resource for printing off photos using our industry-leading photo processing techniques; the featured photo sizes pair perfectly with Picture My Life™ and My Crush™ projects as well as classic scrapbooking layouts.

Once you have printed the photos, you can mat, embellish, and beautify to your heart’s content. I recommend that the matting feature NOT be used with these photo-only templates, as matting may cause photos to appear misaligned. Close To My Heart does not assume any liability for photos and Photo Express Collection layouts that have been created using the matting option and will give no reprints or refunds in such cases.

So be sure to carefully REVIEW your layout designs for color, design, and spelling accuracy before clicking “approve” to purchase.

Have you not heard about Studio J, Close to My Heart's exclusive digital scrapbooking program?

Short version - it's amazing and it is FREE to use/try/play around with.  You do NOT have to download any programs.  Just pay for the layouts when you are done!  CTMH will print them out for you on high-gloss photo paper!

Visit my Studio J - Digital Scrapbooking page here on my blog for the full scoop!  To access Studio J, you can visit my website or click here: STUDIO J.

PLUS!!! The March Constant Campaign is Studio Savings...making all Studio J 2-page layouts only $5 each!!  That is almost a $2 savings PER page!  You don't have to wait until March to start prepping for this promo - go get crafty now!

Here is one of my favorite Studio J layouts that I have created:

Artbooking Made Easy - Video #14

Winter wonderland layouts - what a breeze!! ;0)

Artbooking Made Easy - Video #13

Do you create many memories with your BFFs??  This video is the perfect inspiration for scrapbooking those moments.

Artbooking Made Easy - Video #12

Artbooking will help make those Christmas layouts faster, simpler and easier!

Inspired By Blog Challenges - Mojo Monday #332 & FCCB #197

Got in some crafting time today & focused on a card I needed to make for a wedding reception.  I looked toward the Mojo Monday's #332 challenge for my design and as a bonus, it is perfect for the FCCB #197 challenge - "I Heart You."  Their colors are Tiffany blue, Silver and White.  So with the below sketch to inspire me, check out the card I created for them. :)

I have been itching to create something with a white-on-white over tone...it's in and it's outside my normal thought process, so this was the perfect chance to just try it!  I used an overlay from the Artbooking Cricut Cartridge.  The tag came from Artbooking as well and the Glitter Paper heart was cut from Art Philosophy. "Congrats" is stamped on a tag from the Artiste Cricut Cartridge.  The fun thing about this card ... ok, so maybe another fun thing ... is that the border piece behind the tag is a 1" cut from one of the pieces out of the MyCrush Besties Assortment.  These are such great accent pieces to use!

Hope you liked my card & hope my friends like it to!  LMK if you have questions about any of the products I used.

Inspirational Cards #3

Hello! This is the third post in the {Inspirational Cards} series sharing my projects from the Big Picture Classes (BPC) Create & Share Cardmaking class with Kim Kesti.  It was hard to top the first cards I did, but these are my front runners.

Tip: Always keep proportion in mind when creating a card or layout. Design is key.

Technique:  Layer washi tape at an angle and then cut or punch out an image from the washi tape pattern (see butterflies above).  Also use the piercing tool to punch holes on the outer edge of cardstock for a unique border.

 Tip: Layer and raise the pieces of your cards for an impactful design.

Technique:  Power of three - to nail the design element of your projects, think in threes.  It's a symmetrical number to the human mind if structured in a triangle-like placement.  Reference the flowers and the flamingo dots above. 

Tip: Add in a neutral paper to a pack; it works! (Kraft cardstock above)

Technique:  Wrap bakers twine around the cardstock as desired and tie in a knot.  Tie an additional small piece to get the look above.

Thanks for checking out my cards!  Hope you enjoyed them. Happy Crafting! :)

Featured Products for the BUTTERFLIES Card:

• Dream Pop Paper Pack*
• Sorbet & White Daisy cardstock
• Clear Sparkles Assortment
• Cotton Candy Polka Dot Washi Tape*
• Lagoon Houndstooth Washi Tape
• Slate Polka Dot Washi Tape
• Honey Triangles Washi Tape
• Card Chatter - Sympathy Stamp Set
• Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge:
• pg 41 - <Bttrfly1> (shift) at 1.25" (Qty 3)
• Piercing Tool Set
• 3D Foam Tape
• White Daisy Value Card Pack

Featured Products for the HAPPY THOUGHTS Card:

• Lollydoodle Paper Pack
• Lollydoodle Complements (MyStickease)
• Card Chatter - Sympathy Stamp Set
• Journaling Spots* (pocket & tag)
• Juniper cardstock
• Flamingo Dots
• 3D Foam Tape
• White Daisy Value Card Pack

Featured Products for the OWL MISS YOU Card:

• Lazy Days of Summer Paper Pack*
• Kraft and White Daisy Cardstock
• Bakers Twine - Neutral (white)*
• Piercing Tool Kit
• Owls Stamp Set
• Garden Green Ink
• Assorted Markers (alcohol & retired)
• 3D Foam Tape
• White Daisy Value Card Pack

*retired CTMH product

Artbooking Made Easy - Video #11

How to combine cartridge images to create your projects:

Artbooking Made Easy - Video #10

Create layouts for your celebration for the Red, White & Blue...

Inspirational Cards #2

One of my bucket list items / goals for 2014 was to take a class from Big Picture Classes (BPC).  This is the second post in the {Inspirational Cards} series sharing my projects from the Create & Share Cardmaking class with Kim Kesti.  

Tip: Raise your sentiments or main focal point to add dimension and interest. For fun dimension and bling, utilize Itty Bitty Sparkles as part of the element, not just an accent (i.e. bottom scalloped border above).

Technique:  Emboss a sentiment for texture.  Also utilize the Chalk Marker to add a chalk board look to the paper.  

 Tip: Make cards interactive!

Technique:  Create a pocket on the front of a card to hold a gift card.  It can go in the pocket itself or be added to a tag that can be pulled out (like above).

Tip: Be patient with this design (cutting 24 1" x 1.5" pieces & then using the corner rounded on each piece) ... it is worth the effort.

Technique:  Use a pattern to create the look of an overlay.  Glitter paper is a easier substitution from using glitter gel in "big" projects like this.

Thanks for stopping in for my second set of cards!  See ya next time :)

Featured Products for the BIG BASH Card:

• Lollydoodle Paper Pack
• Sunset cardstock
• White Embossing Powder, Embossing Ink & Heater*
• Chalk Marker
• Itty Bitty Sparkles
• Scallop Border Punch
• 3D Foam Tape
• White Daisy Value Card Pack

Featured Products for the BIG BASH Card:

• Lollydoodle Paper Pack
• Sunset cardstock
• White Embossing Powder, Embossing Ink & Heater
• Chalk Marker
• Flamingo Dots
• Lollydoodle Assortment
• Corner Rounder
• Artiste Cricut Cartridge:
• pg 37 - Accent 1 Shift at 1.5" (folded = .75" in height)
• 3D Foam Tape
• White Daisy Value Card Pack

Featured Products for the HAPPY BIRTHDAY Card:

• Sunset, Juniper, Slate, Whisper, and White Daisy cardstock
• Pink Glitter Paper
• Party Pennants Stamp Set*
• Sunset Ink
• Corner Rounder
• 3D Foam Tape
• White Daisy Value Card Pack

*retired CTMH product

Art With Attitude Blog Hop - Shimmer, Sparkle & Shine

The Stampers with an Attitude team is doing a blog hop, themed {Art with an Attitude}!!  "Who are we?" you might ask?  We are Close to My Heart (CTMH) consultants, who are passionate and talented crafters!

You are in the right place if you just came from
{Melinda Everitt's blog}

For this blog hop, we are all about the Shimmer, Sparkle, and Shine!!   I am sharing a layout I created, using the new paper pack Lollydoodle.  *shocker* {if you know me, I mostly post cards}  I LOVE this paper!! It's fun, bright, and not overly-cutesy.

Isn't this such a fun and vibrant paper pack!?

The left side of this duo is an inspiration from a design Big Picture Classes (I think) posted recently.  It was so fun that I couldn't help but create it with this paper!  The "Smiles" title is cut out of the new pink glitter paper using the Artbooking Cricut Cartridge.  

My unexpected favorite new product are the White Marquee Enamel Shapes.  I created this layout for a swap, so I used over half of the shapes on all the layouts - here is a look at them. Can't wait to get more!!

The right layout is from the Volume #2 of the Make It From Your Heart how-to-books. I incorporated three different Cricut cuts into this, which gives it a unique look between all the layers. The Pink Glitter Paper tab, Flamingo & Aqua Dots and the MyStickease with some bling really complete this page.

AND!! I actually put pictures and journaling on this layout!  Yippee for me! =P

Now Hop on Over To

{Jen Patrick's blog}

LMK if you have questions, want to get a copy of the 2014 Spring/Summer Idea book, or more! 

Thanks for visiting - now go get inspired!!

SHOP at:

www.inspired.CTMH.com

LIKE MY PAGE at:

www.facebook.com/Inspired.by.D

Featured Products:

• Make It From Your Heart Vol. #2 (pattern 7 for right page)
• Lollydoodle Paper Pack
• Pear, Sunset, Juniper & White Daisy Cardstock
• Lollydoodle Complements (MyStickease)
• Pink Glitter Paper
• Flamingo & Aqua Dots
• White Marquee Enamel Shapes
• Sparkles - Clear Assortment
• Artbooking Cricut Cartridge:
• pg 41 - Photo Mat 1 (Binder Paper) @ 5.75" real dial size
• pg 51 - Title (Smiles) @ 2" real dial size
• pg 68 - Title Shift Image (Notes) @ 3.75" real dial size
• Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge:
• pg 58 - Layer (tab) @ 0.75" real dial size
• 3D Foam Tape, Liquid Glass & Tombo Adhesive

February 2014 Stampers With an Attitude Blog Hop List:

1. Catherine Nowak ~ http://catscrapbooking.com
2. Pamela O'Connor ~ http://reflectionsofmyartandsoul.com/blog
3. Sheila Bennett ~ http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com
4. Barbi Kelley ~ http://barbispapercreations.blogspot.com
5. LaJeania Hicks ~ http://scraptilyoudrop.blogspot.com
6. Melissa Robinson ~ http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com
7. Keeley Kirwan ~ http://keeleyskreations.blogspot.com
8. Melinda Everitt ~ http://ifyoublingit.blogspot.com
9. Denise Elliott ~ http://inspiredbyd.blogspot.com - you're here
10. Jen Patrick~ http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com

Artbooking Made Easy - Video #9

Create a festive mini-album to capture all of your holiday tidings!

Inspirational Cards #1

One of my bucket list items / goals for 2014 was to take a class from Big Picture Classes (BPC).  If you haven't heard of them, totally check them out!  The mastermind behind BPC is Stacy Julian and she is absolutely amazing!! I have been fortunate to hear her speak at three different CTMH events and she is truly an inspiring, motivating, and fun person. She recruits talented people to teach web-based classes (scrapbooking, cards, photography & probably more!) and help people expand their own skill sets.

So with this in mind, I signed up for the Create & Share Cardmaking class with Kim Kesti.  It's a 6 week card class (2 lessons per week).  I have to admit, that life has gotten in the way & I am WAY behind on my lessons, but I will catch up!!  This is the first of a 12 post series called {Inspirational Cards}.

I wanted to share my cards with you from this class - as it has been inspiring & fun (similar to blog challenges for me) and I hope that my creations & venture with BPC inspire your crafting.

Tip: Use the pinwheel goodies on cards before!  Great dimension and texture.  A "lightbulb" moment for me.

Technique:  Use two circles to adhere, with liquid glass & glue dots, the two sides of the pinwheel goodie together.  Liquid glass the ends together to complete the circle & clamp them together until dry.

Tip: Mix and match colors - don't have to stick to paper packs; I don't do this often enough. 

Technique: Added Lagoon Houndstooth Washi Tape to the Lagoon cardstock to create a stripped pattern.

Tip: Simplicity is just as beautiful as a lavish card. 

Technique: Add the baker's twine to the paper before laying it down.

No matter what the inspiration is, you can always use the products you have (CTMH or not) to mirror it or give you a jumping off point for your creativity.

Featured Products for the SUPERHERO Card:

• Superhero Paper Pack*
• Comic Badge Buttons*
• Holiday Tags Stamp Set
• Black Ink
• Artiste Cricut Cartridge:
• pg 50 - Card Shift image (Qty 2) @ 1" (I think)
• pg 68 - Accent 3 Shift image (1 at 1.25" and 1 at 1.5")
• White Daisy Value Card Pack
• 3D Foam Tape, Glue Dots, & Liquid Glass

Featured Products for the TRIANGLES Card:

• Lagoon and Sunset cardstock
• Jingle B&T paper*
• Black Shimmer Trim
• Aqua Dots
• Lagoon Houndstooth Washi Tape
• Sightseer Stamp Set
• Perfect Fit - Birthday Stamp Set
• Holiday Tags Stamp Set
• Lagoon, Hollyhock, and Sunset Inks
• Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge:
• pg 49 - <Banner4> at 2.75" (I think) (Qty 5-diff paper)
• pg 68 - Accent 3 Shift image (1 at 1.25" and 1 at 1.5")
• White Daisy Value Card Pack

Featured Products for the LOVE YOU Card:

• 4 My Friend Stamp Set*
• Whooo's Your Valentine Stamp Set*
• Laughing Lola Paper Pack
• Neutral Baker's Twine (black)*
• Black & Gypsy Ink
• Artiste Cricut Cartridge:
• pg 42 - Accent 1 at 3.5"
• White Daisy Value Card Pack
• 3D Foam Tape, Glue Dots, & Liquid Glass

*retired CTMH product

note: sizes of Circut cartridge are what I measured or noted down, but I didn't note if they used real dial size

Artbooking Made Easy - Video #8

Some inspiration to making those layouts that can be used for any occasion.

Rediscover Love During February

Each month, Close to My Heart offers a FREE downloadable 1-pager filled with unique and fun accents or tags.  Simply download it, print, and cut it out!  Woo-la!!

Visit my website to get your free download!!  Only available until February 28, 2014.

note this image is a screen shot - for the best quality, download the PDF from my website

Hopping With Heart Blog Hop - New Products!!

It's blog hop time and we are excited Close to My Heart consultants that want to share and inspire you with new products from the 2014 Spring/Summer Idea Book!

My project for this hop features the new paper pack - Timberline.  This paper pack is studly, bold, and full of outdoor character.  I love the color combination, the flexibility to mix in rustic accents, and the nature worthy theme.

 I have always wanted to use the Jute ribbon; this paper works with it perfectly!  It's hard to tell, but the chocolate houndstooth B&T square is raised with 3D tape; the sentiment square's edges are distressed with Twilight ink and the stitched pattern is hand drawn with a marker.

I created this card for a consultant swap, so the above picture gives you a preview of most (still have some left over) of the Timberline Assortment, which are adhered with a glue dot.  

Thanks for hopping on over to my blog to see my card!  You can see everyone else's new product creations by clicking the thumbnails below. :)

Featured Products:

• Timberline Paper Pack
• Flight of the Arrows Stamp Set
• Holiday Tags Stamp Set
• Make It From Your Heart - Vol #1 (pattern #24)
• Jute Ribbon
• Timberline Assortment
• Twilight, Slate & Goldrush Ink
• Colonial White Value Card Pack
• Chocolate Marker*
• 3D Foam Tape, Glue Dots, & Scor-Tape*
• substitute for Scor-Tape would be Liquid Glass

*retired/non-CTMH product

Artbooking Made Easy - Video #7

Fall into Artbooking and create beautiful layouts for those moments during Autumn.

Inspired By Blog Challenge - FMS #121

Freshly Made Sketches blog challenge #121 focuses on a simple sketch with what I call the "power of three" design feature.  Here is my card based on this inspiration:

To get the splattered affect on the card, I used the Spray Pen.  Add water (or rubbing alcohol) to the 9th line on the spray pen, add a drop of the Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint and then as much reinker to get the desired color.  Shake well and then spritz away!  By using the Pearl Paint (not a have to; can just add reinker to the mix), the slatter has a pretty shimmer to it (you can see it well to the right of the owl).

Featured Products:

• Spray Pen
• Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint
• Sunset Reinker
• Lollydoodle Paper Pack
• Pink Glitter Paper
• Holiday Tags Stamp Set
• Lollydoodle Assortment
• Lollydoodle Complements (MyStickease)
• Aqua Dots
• Juniper Ink
• Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge
• 3D Foam Tape

Embossing is Boss!! {February Promotion}

Close to My Heart is releasing Embossing folders with the 2014 Spring/Summer Idea Book!! During the month of February, you can qualify to receive a FREE embossing folder for every 2 packs of bulk single color or combo cardstock you purchase.

Pick from the 5 new embossing folder designs—dot, chevron, quatrefoil, damask, or stripe—with your qualifying order. Every 2 packs of cardstock you purchase qualify you for an additional embossing folder.

Make sure you act fast—designs are available only while supplies last!  SHOP NOW

February Stamp of the Month - Wild About Love

The February Stamp of the Month (SOTM) is Wild About Love.  Buy it at full retail price for $17.95* or earn it at a discounted price of $5* with a $50 order, before tax and shipping.

This foxy stamp will only be available through February 28, 2014.  Visit my website to get your SOTM today!! 

* = plus tax and S&H