June SOTM Blog Hop!

Wow! It's been another busy month, and I'm afraid to admit my blog has been a bit neglected! The kids are almost out of school, so I'm looking forward to a little more free time, and a little more blogging time! Anyhow...another month means another Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! If you've arrived from Terri's blog, you are on the right track,. if this is your first stop, be sure to follow the links at the end of each blog post to get LOTS of inspiration using this great set!

This month we have close to 70 talented CTMH consultants sharing their artwork featuring the June Stamp of the Month set, Wonderful Friend (D1422). This great set is perfect for all those masculine cards or just when you need a more distressed of antiqued look!

I chose to pair this stamp set with the new Passages My Reflections paper packet. While it doesn't show so well on this photo, the "My Hero, My Friend" sentiment is popped up with 3-D Foam Squares. A little tan hemp and a fewAntique Copper brads add the simple finishing touches to this card! Time to hop along to the next stop...head on over to Judy's blog to see what she has created to share with all of us!

Remember, the Wonderful Friend set is only available through June. Visit my website to order your set at a great discount or even FREE!

May Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

A new month means a new Stamp of the Month which means a new Blog Hop! Welcome to the May Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We have 60 amazingly talented Close To My Heart consultants participating this time around. If you've arrived here from Susan's blog, you're right on track. If this is your first stop, be sure to follow the link at the end of my post to the next blog. By the time you get back here, you'll have plenty of inspiration!

The May Stamp of the Month set is Cherish the Moment (D1421), and unique sentiment set with multiple-choice type sentiments! It is sure to include the occasion you are looking for!

My card features the oh so cheery new My Reflections kit, Cherry-O. The color palette consisting of Blush, Tulip, Sweet Leaf and Chocolate is so fun (and one of my favorites combos). The brad is from the new Tulip Mini-Medley. This standard sized design can be found in the new Splendor Workshop on the Go card workshop - such an easy, yet eye-pleasing design!

Remember, the May Stamp of the Month is only available through May 31st. Head on over to my website to order yours today...and to see how you can earn your set at a generous discount or even FREE!

Time to hop along...the next stop is Jamia's blog. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us! Happy Hopping!

Summer 2010 New Product Blog Hop

Are you ready for a fabulous new Idea Book from Close to My Heart? Yep, it's that time again...the Summer 2010 Idea Book goes live Saturday May 1st. You won't want to miss this issue as it is packed full of great new products including 4 of the cutest My Reflections kits! Call or email me to get your very own copy!

So...how about a sneak peak of the goodies you'll find inside?

Welcome to the Summer 2010 New Product Blog Hop! If you've come here from Lori's blog you're on the right path. If this is your first stop, I'll hope you'll hop along and see all that my fellow CTMH consultants have to share. When you come to the bottom of this post, simply click on the link to the next blog. Each blogger will post a new link, so follow those links through until you get back here!

So, here we go...

I absolutely LOVE the In the Month of sets in the Summer Idea Book, and the May set is my very favorite of the bunch.

I created this very simple card using the fun new Splendor papers featuring Topiary, Moonstruck and Glodrush. The large flower is from the new In the Month of May stamp set, and the finishing touches were provided by our brand new Glitz Glitter Glue in Stardust. While it doesn't show up well in my picture, the Glitz gives the same look we've achieved in the past with Liquid Glass and Prisma Glitter - just that touch of sparkle with a little dimension!

It's time to keep hopping! Head on over to Teri's blog for another sneak peak. And be sure to check back here on May 1st for the May Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

Happy Hopping! :-)

More from Studio J

So, have you checked it out yet? Have you logged onto Studio J to see just how fast and easy it can be to create a gorgeous scrapbook layout using your precious photographs? If you haven't, head on over to my website and check it out TODAY! Or...join me tonight for a special Launch Party! We'll get started with dessert and then I'll show you all that Studio J can do for you. The Launch Party begins at 6:30 pm at my house and all attendees will receive a FREE gift!

Today I wanted to share a few more layouts I've created using Studio J...

This first layout uses the Whoops-a-Daisy kit. I LOVE the way I was able to use Stickease for my title AND resize them individually to meet my needs!

The Blue Ribbon kit was the perfect compliment to our 4th of July pictures. Notice the title this time is, simply typed in the title space. With a variety of font choices to choose from journaling and titles are so very simple to create! This was one of the first layouts I created in Studio J.

Another design option in Studio J allows you to rotate your layouts and papers. Want your stripe going the other direction? Simply click and rotate! This layout is rotated from the original concept to accommodate the orientation of my photos.

I also love the ability to add text over the top of the My Stickease as I did here on this layout created with the Stardust kit.

So...what are you waiting for! See just how easy it is to create with Studio J...log in at http://beth.MyCTMH.com!

Studio J is HERE!

If you have photos that you would love to have in a REAL scrapbook, but no time to create, I have just the answer...Studio J! I've talked about it for months and even shared a few layouts I've created on on Studio J, and now the time is finally here...as of today, YOU can use Studio J, Close to My Heart's brand-new online scrapbooking design studio!

Read on for all the details, and enjoy the layouts shown below - all have been created in a matter of minutes using Studio J!Scrapbooking has never been faster, simpler and easier than with Studio J. Head on over to http://beth.myctmh.com/ and see for yourself. In just a few simple steps, you can create gorgeous scrapbook pages with your photographs and memories...

1. Upload photos
2. Select your Kit - you'll find your favorite classic CTMH My Reflections kits in Studio J as well as an exclusive Studio J kit released with every new Idea book!
3. Select your Layout - if you love using Cherish, Imagine and Reflections, you'll LOVE selecting your layout - simply filter by the number of photos you'd like to use and select the exclusive layout design.
4. Select your Kit Mix - just like when you are crafting with paper, you have plenty of options for different paper combinations within each kit - this is where CTMH has truly done the work for you!!
5. Complete your layout - With a simple drag and drop feature your photos are placed in the designated photo wells where you can enlarge and enhance them in many ways. Pre-set accents are included in the layout and with the simple click of your mouse, you can change the color of your ribbon, brads, buttons and more! Add My Stickease, title and journaling. Distress a little if you'd like and you're done!

This is just the simple run-down. With Studio J, the possibilities are endless when you start rotating layouts, swapping out papers and resizing embellishments!

The great part is, using Studio J is FREE...there is nothing to download, no subscriptions to pay, no kits to buy...you can create to your heart's content and only pay when you are ready to get those gorgeous layouts into your album. Buy now to take advantage of our limited-time introductory offer! The price per printed two-page 12" x 12" layout is $12.95 US / $14.95 CAN.

We also offer some fantastic rewards for larger orders.

For purchases of:

5–9 layouts in a single order: You’ll receive a pack of 5 Memory Protectors® free!

10+ layouts in a single order: You’ll receive free shipping/handling plus a free pack of 5 Memory Protectors for every 5 layouts in your single order.

Whether you create one layout or 20, you’ll find that scrapbooking in Studio J saves you time and money!

Check it out today, or make plans to join me at my Studio J Launch Party...Wednesday, April 28th at 6:30 PM. We'll have some yummy desserts and I'll show you everything Studio J has to offer! All attendees will receive a gift as well! RSVP today!

Springtime Showers

When I heard on the news this morning that we are expecting a spring shower, I immediately thought of one of my favorite stamp sets from the Spring 2010 Idea Book...Springtime. This adorable set is filled with umbrellas, rain boots, and three sweet little chicks! Check it out here or see the picture at the end of this post!

I recently created this fun little card as part of my application to teach at CTMH's annual Convention coming up this summer in Washington, DC. I am thrilled to have been selected as one of 32 consultants teaching at this year's Extravaganza!!!

But back to the fun card...instead of using the Happy Spring or Happy Easter sentiment from the stamp set, I chose to create a Get Well card. The sentiment and the umbrella handle are heat embossed using Baby Pink embossing powder. I stamped the umbrella on the cute, cute striped B&T paper from the Topstitch kit and then matted it on Baby Pink cardstock to make it pop a bit.

And speaking of making it pop...a couple popped up layers give this card dimension. Hopefully, the picture below shows the layers.




Turns out, my friend Sue, loves this set too! Recently I received this adorable card in the mail from Sue! Isn't it so cheery? Sue added Liquid Glass "raindrops" on the umbrella. Great touch! Be sure to check out Sue's blog here! Thanks, Sue! You know I always love your Happy Mail!!! :-)

As promised, here's the complete stamp set (and another super cute card)! Isn't it FUN?!? I can't wait to use it again for some pictures of the kids playing in the rain!

Studio J Goes *LIVE* April 27th!

Close to My Heart has just announced the official release date of Studio J, our incredible online scrapbooking Design Studio! Beginning Tuesday, April 27th at 7am (CA time) you will be able to create gorgeous 12”x12” scrapbook layouts anywhere you have an internet connection!

Make plans to join me Wednesday, April 28th at 6:30pm for a Studio J Launch Party! We’ll have some yummy desserts, and I’ll you just how Faster, Simpler, Easier Studio J really is. Everyone in attendance will receive a special gift and discount from me! Call or email me today to RSVP!

So, you’ve missed my previous postings about Studio J? Well, I have to tell you…Studio J is unlike any scrapbooking program out there. With Studio J, there is no subscription fee, no software to buy or download, no kits to buy…in fact, you can create in our Design Studio to your heart’s content for FREE! In just a few quick steps, you can get those photos off of your memory card and into beautiful scrapbooks for your family and friends to enjoy.

With this launch, CTMH offering you a special introductory promotion. You may purchase each two-page layout for just $12.95. Also, when you place a single order for 5–9 layouts, you'll receive a pack of 5 Memory Protectors FREE! For placing an order for 10 or more layouts, you'll receive FREE shipping/handling plus a FREE pack of 5 Memory Protectors for every 5 layouts in the single order.

Keep an eye on my blog over the next couple weeks as I will be sharing many of the fun layouts I’ve created using Studio J!