Studio J Memberships

If you haven't had a chance to try Studio J, you are really missing out!  It is SO easy to upload your photos, choose a "paper" theme, and then just click and drag your photos into a layout.  Close to My Heart uses the best archival quality printing possible and they ship it right to you!  You don't have to buy the software and install it on your computer.  If you have internet access, you have Studio J!  Just go to my website and click on Studio J on the left hand side.  You don't have to order anything until you are ready too.  Just give it a try!  If you're interested, CTMH has several great subscription options with the following benefits:

• 50% off retail price for up to 10 two-page layouts per month (Just $3.25 a page!)
• JPG files available free with each purchased layout or for standalone purchase
• Free Memory Protectors® with every order
• Free shipping (minimums and maximums apply)
• Exclusive kits and patterns
• Special deals and promotions

Craft Critique reviewed Studio J and gave it a big thumbs up!  Check out the review here.  OR See for yourself here!

 

October SOTM blog hop

Here we are in the last quarter of 2010. The beginning of the busy Holiday season.  First Halloween, then Thanksgiving and before we know it Christmas and the New Year. EVERY year I say I am going to finish my Christmas cards early and EVERY year, I am scampering last minute to get them done. Maybe this will be THE year, but I'm not holding my breath...  ;)  

It's a good thing I got to play with the OCT SOTM early. Once again, this was not a stamp set I looked at and said...OH I HAVE to have this one....but after playing with it...I LOVE it. I have been giving out more and more gift cards for the younger nieces and nephews.  A gift card always fits!  This little bag is the perfect size to slip a gift card into.  I made it with the 2/4/6/8 pattern adjusting it to 1/4/5/8. You can't even tell from the picture that it's a gift bag, but it is.  I used the Creative Basics BGTP and ribbon. I could easily adapt this for a card front instead.

 

On to the BLOG HOP!!!  I really look forward to waking up in the morning and checking out everyone's artwork!  You probably came here from Debra Van Pattens' blog. Next you can follow along by hopping over to Brae Montgomery's blog.  Enjoy all of the wonderful artwork from this talented bunch of women!!!

September SOTM CTMH Blog hop

The months just go by quicker and quicker!  They say that's a huge sign of aging....oh well!   I love that CTMH puts out their holiday Stamps of the Month a month early.  That gives me more time to plan ahead.  This month we have THRILLER, a great collection of 9 stamps that don't have to be only for Halloween! 

We again have over 60 CTMH consultant that played along.   You have probably come from Nancy Brown's blog , just grab a cuppa coffee, sit back and enjoy the show!!! 

I used the papers from You Rock with our Simple Stitches stamp set to "sew"  all of the pieces.  I cut one of our  square clear cards into fourths to stamp the skull onto. The picture is from my iphone...I'll try to post a better one tomorrow. You can click on the picture for a larger view.

Next, you can follow along to the artwork of Krista Ritskes.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

$2, $4, $6 for 8. Who does CTMH appreciate?

Close to my Heart wants to show how much they appreciate you! And to do so, they are bringing SUPER deals to you for 8 days only. From August 4 at 12 noon through August 11, while supplies last, you can purchase selected My Stickease® assortments for only $2, My Reflections® Level 1 kits for only $4, and My Reflections® Level 2 paper packets for only $6 on my website. The deals are amazing!! With a sale like this you will want to be sure to get online on time in order to get all the great product at such a great price!!

All sale items are available while supplies last for up to 8 days. With our large variety of Level 1, Level 2, and My Stickease® products to choose from, everyone can get something they love!


See below for the complete list-

 Vintage Travel
 Discovery
 Heirloom
 Floral Impressions
 Laid Back
 Just Chillin
Simple Pleasure
 Best Friends Forever
School Zone
Abundance
More To Adore
Sonata
Sweet Harmony My
Cutie Pie
Rough n Tumble
Route 66
Majestic Blue
Expedition
Let's Get Together
Floral Tapestry
 Everlasting
Caprice
Enchanted
Free Spirit
Lifes Delights
Silhouette
It’s a Guy Thing
Good Times
Sweet Pea
Paper Garden
Boom-Di-Ada
Blue Ribbon
Game On
Sarsaparilla
Perfect Day
Magic Moments
Notebook
Aspen
Evensong
Emporium
Unforgettable
That’s Amore
Daydream
Stardust
Back Country
Moon Doggie
Animal Cookies
Tinkerin
Bella
Jingle
Sweet Home
Grace
Twitterpated

Happy shopping and shop early for the best selections!

August SOTM blog hop

Wow...August already.  That means the countdown to back to school, followed by Thanksgiving and Christmas!  A fun time of year....start your Christmas cards now so you don't get rushed in December!

I had a great time at the CTMH convention in D.C. Tons of new ideas and great new products, not to mention 8 new summer colors.  Summer was never a favorite color palette of mine, but with the addition of pear, pacifica,  lagoon and sky!! WOW! Here's a sneak peek!!!

Now onto the blog hop!

Thank you for visiting our  CTMH  SOTM blog hop.  If you have been following the blog hop from the beginning, then you should have come here from  Terrie Dodd's  blog . If you just came across this hop by chance, then you can continue from here and just click on the person listed at the end of this post.  When you get back to me you know you've visited all of the blogs!

 The August sotm is Something Splendid, a great set of 13 stamps..

 Every layer on this card is elevated, but I couldn't get that to photograph.

Be sure to grab a cup of coffee and visit all of the sites.  Next on the list is Caren Goldstein.  I hope to see you again!
Sylvia

CTMH July SOTM blog hop

Happy Fourth of July!!!
Ah..the lazy days of summer...I'm still looking for the lazy part.  The more I get done, the more there is to do.

Thank you for visiting our  CTMH  SOTM blog hop.  If you have been following the blog hop from the beginning, then you should have come here from  Jill Lucas's blog . If you just came across this hop by chance, then you can continue from here and just click on the person listed at the end of this post.  When you get back to me you know you've seen them all. 

 These little hedgehogs are so adorable.  I used our sponges to add color to them.  So easy!
The flower is from the Just Blooms set.  I wasn't quite sure what to do with this spiky flower until I followed another CTMH blog hop. I'll have to add the consultants name when I find it again! Thanks for the inspiration.

Now hop on over to Debra's blog  blog to see what fun things she did with this stamp set!

FINALLY a card class!

Hello!

It's been SO long since I had any classes.  We've been remodeling since last October.  I have altered something in virtually every room of the house...so it's been like moving out and back in, but without a storage unit.  Which means I have been shuffling STUFF from one room to another and back again. My stamping room is somewhat functional again.  I'm just getting back into my groove. Here are photos of this months classes.

This first card uses the June  SOTM.

 The colors are brown bag, olive and barn red on vanilla creme paper.

For the next card I used the adorable new Cherry O papers.  This stamp set is an exclusive from the Cherry O workshop on the go packet.  Too cute!

 

 The third card is an easy one using the "A" size Posey stamp.  I'll show you how to do some simple paper pleating and stamp "kissing".  These new A size stamps are great.  You could whip up a ton of cute little cards and the stamp set is only $7.95!

 The last card is a pocket card made with envelopes and the new Splendor paper pack.  The outside looks like a cute little purse...you open it up and have 2 pockets with pull outs for pictures, journaling or even gift cards. 

I'm going to start a new schedule for classes.  Tom works at Disneyland on Friday nights...so I am going to offer a Friday night class from 7 to 10.  I'll do the same class on the next Saturday morning starting at 10 until 3.... this gives you a little flexibility to fit me into your schedule Ü.  This month the dates are Friday, June 11th and Saturday, June 12th.

Along with the cards class, I'll have a separate table set up for a 2 page layout.  Each class will be $15. You'll need to reserve your spots in advance so I will have enough kits prepped.  There is a considerable amount of time spent prepping kits, so if you reserve a spot the kit is yours even if you can't attend.  I'll make every attempt to stamp items for you so that you can assemble the items on your own! I'm hoping this will work out for you...if not, I may have to adapt my plan!

For the first scrap class, I'll be using the special kit we offered in April and May, Miracle.  I was able to buy 7 extra kits, so that's all the spots I'll have open.  If you placed an order and already recieved the kit...you can come put it together for FREE!   Just bring yours with you!

Here are two of the four pages the kit will make!  Check out the kit contents!!!!

Miracle Kit Contents
5 – Colonial White Cardstock
1 – Bamboo Cardstock
1 – Floral B&T Duos® Paper
1 – Stripe B&T Duos® Paper
1 – Crystal Blue B&T Duos® Die-Cut
1 – Sweet Leaf B&T Duos® Die-Cut
1 – 6" × 12" My Stickease® Assortment
1 – 6" × 9" Irresistibles™ Chipboard Die-Cuts
1 – Mini-Medley Accents Colonial White Collection
12" Colonial White Waxy Flax
3 – 4" × 6" Memory Protectors® Flip Flaps™
2 – Sponge Wedges
1 –Brochure
Colors: Sweet Leaf, Olive, Crystal Blue, Bamboo

 Send me an email if you'd like to come play!
Sylvia

CTMH June SOTM blog hop

It's so hard to believe that it's the first day of June!  Thank you for visiting our  CTMH  SOTM blog hop.  If you have been following the blog hop from the beginning, then you should have come here from  Wanda Riley's blog . If you just came across this hop by chance, then you can continue from here and just click on the person listed at the end of this post.  When you get back to me you know you've seen them all. 

 The June SOTM is perfect for the generally neglected masculine cards.Wonderful Friend D1422 is a great set of 9 stamps. When I started creating this card, I had no plans of using the obvious "Father's day tie".  However, things don't always turn out how you think they will.  I have moved my stamping room (SUCH a huge mess) downstairs and ran across our display boards from the CTMH convention in 2001 that had been tucked away in a corner.  This was my first year of teaching at the CTMH annual convention.  There was this old card pattern that I hadn't used since then...and guess what...PERFECT for the tie.  The more I played, the more I liked the card, pictured both closed and open.

Here are the measurements in case you want to make one of your own.  Card size is 51/2 by 8 1/4.  Score at 2" and 4 3/4".  I used the new Passages paper packet, which was kind of the obvious choice. I wish you all a wonderful Father's Day and I'll see you in the beginning of July for the next SOTM blog hop!  Now hop on over to   Sarita Schraeder's blog to see what fun things she did with this stamp set!

Remember, the June SOTM is only available until June 30, 2010!  Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even FREE!

May SOTM blog hop

Happy First Day of May!  Thank you for visiting our CTMH SOTM blog hop.  If you have been following the blog hop from the beginning, then you should have come here from  Adeline's Blog . If you just came across this hop by chance, then you can continue from here and just click on the person listed at the end of this post.  When you get back to me you know you've seen them all.

I remember when I was little, our teachers would have us prepare a small basket of flowers to hang on a door knob.  I would go home, hang the basket, ring the doorbell and run to hide. The thought of my mothers' smile still warms my heart.

The May SOTM has covered ALL bases...every Holiday, every sentiment. This is a great set of plaques to use on your cards, on scrapbook pages and other projects.  It’s so versatile…you just check the box for which part of the sentiment you want to use, or, check them all.

 I decided to use it for a thank you card.  I easily should have covered ALL squares to thank my Mom, but decided above all...thank you for being my friend.  Someone you know you can always count on.

Our new Splendor paper packet has a nice, breezy feel to it. I fell in love with the package of Splendor Designer Brads that I used for the flower centers!

Now hop on over to Helen's Blog !

April SOTM blog hop: Flower Pot

WELCOME back to the Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! If you have come from Carol Loftus' blog...you're on the right track!

I LOVE this stamp set.  I couldn't wait for this months' hop since I got the Spring catalog.  Flower Pot is an adorable set of 16 stamps.

 
We started remodeling in October.  Added 200 sq ft to enlarge the minuscule kitchen we had.  Construction is done...but the work never is.  I am moving my stamping room downstairs and thought I would be finished by now.  We just got carpeting for 1/2 of the house yesterday...and I still CAN'T find my stamp set!!! I will post pictures of both my card and new stamp room...eventually.  

Now hop on over to Jessica Booths' blog!

Enjoy the hop...I will.

March SOTM blog hop

WOW!  This stamp of the month is great!  It's called "A little Everything"  and that it is.  You can use this for ALL of the holidays and special occasions throughout the year.  This set of 26 stamps is  Perfect!   
   

If you have come from Kathleen Androlewicz's blog you're on the right path.  I see Kathleen is a gramma to a new baby too.  Congratulations!

Please continue on to  Amy Edwards blog.  Thanks for joining us for our blog hop!!!!


We welcomed Devon Thomas on 2-27-2010 at 12:15pm.  He weighted 7 lbs. and 21" long.  He's beautiful just like his parents!  He was 2 1/2 weeks early but a healthy boy!

 

Devon Thomas has arrived!

He's 2 1/2 weeks early, but a healthy, adorable little boy!
Born on 02-27-2010
Weight 7 lbs. even
Length 21 inches.

He decided he wanted to look up during the delivery....made it a little harder on his mama.  But Gavin was a great coach and together they make a great team!  Not to much a beautiful son!

February SOTM cards for March classes

Hello!
We sure have had a lot going on around here!  Tom shared his cough/cold with me...so I've been moving at a slower pace.  The construction is winding down, now onto decorating!  We have other exciting news, but I'll put all of that in another post!
Here are 3 of the 4 cards that I'll be teaching next month.  This sotm is only available in February though, so let me know if you want me to order you one!

The first card is an easel card.  So easy and cute!

The next card is  a shadow box card.... a very simple version.  You can really go all out with these and make a total diaroma type card.

 

The last card is a paper pieced card that you could use for a wedding or anniversary.  I used liquid glass to accentuate the dots and layers of foam tape to make the cake rounded.

Taking a second look, I think I'll like this better with the bow only around the top layer!  Sorry about the photography.  My camera battery charger is still lost in some random box somewhere!

The 4th card is still in progress!!!!
Have a great day,
Sylvia

CTMH Feb Product Spotlight Blog Hop

Welcome back to the  Close to My Heart Product Spotlight Blog Hop!  This month we are spotlighting D1346 You Rock stamp set.  I wanted to make Tom a Valentines Day card so nothing girlie would work. I decided on the Grace paper packet with Barn Red, Twilight and Cocoa.  The printed BGTP has nice definitions of family, love and friendship printed on it.  I used the splotch stamp to stamp over the BGTP in second generation. To give the card a little more zing...I cut out the center of the heart and made a shaker card with clear glass beads inside.  The inside says....My World!

I can't wait to use this set to scrap pages of the family playing Rock Band.

I hope you enjoy the hop and be sure to come back next month, on March 15, when we will be featuring the CTMH liquid glass!!!

You've come from Kimberly Smiths' blog...
Now hop on over to Mary Eisen's blog and check out her artwork!

February SOTM blog hop

WELCOME back to the Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! I couldn't wait to play with this months' stamp set, Piece of Cake, a set of 10 adorable stamps.

  I used the Topstitch paper pack and the Connections Club Accent pack.  This was an easy card to put together using the CTMH Wishes card idea book!

This month we have over  70 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using the SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. What a great way to get ideas and show versatility for your stamp sets. If you have come here from  Wanda Riley's blog, you are on the right path!***  To continue on - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Next, you'll be hopping on to Amy McVey's blog.  If you get lost along the way, you can see the complete list on Jena's blog.

January card class

Hello!  I've been having some computer issues, so I know I'm a little late in posting this.  I wanted to share the Valentines cards we made this month.
This first card is a 3x3 gift card.  I thought it would be cute hanging off of a gift bag.  I really love the veranda papers.  These flowers are so easy to make.  You take 6 scallop circles, lay them on top of each other and poke a sturdy brad through the center.  Then just wrinkle...I mean REALLY wrinkle and fluff!

This card coordinates SO nice with my cricut A Childs year cartridge.  I didn't use my cricut on the card...but I can see some CUTE layouts coming!  These are some of my favorite MS punches.

For the third card, I used the amore premade cardstock and the new in the month of February set.  A fun new technique I found online using transparency sheets for the pop up effect!

For this last card, I used one of our new A sized sets, A love.  This card got a little mangled in my classes...I usually take pictures before my classes, but with my remodeling I can't find my camera battery charger.  Ahhh...I know I'll have organization again soon. This pattern came out of a great paper engineering book I bought a few years ago.  Fun to make!

Well, I need to get busy to finish by SOTM blog hop card for tonight!  See you soon!

Close to My Heart Product Spotlight Blog Hop

Welcome to the first Close to My Heart Product Spotlight Blog Hop!  Each month we will spotlight a different CTMH product.  This month we are featuring Imagine – one Close to My Heart’s three how-to programs.  Imagine contains 50 two-page 12×12 patterns, with complete cutting diagrams and detailed assembly instructions.  With full-color artwork and plenty of clever techniques this is a great book for both beginners and experts.  You can flip and rotate the patterns for endless combinations!  You can use the patterns exactly as they are laid out for a no-brainer layout or you can use them as a guide  and add your own creativity.  Photos and journaling areas can be interchanged, you can add different size photos, you can leave photo areas blank or replace with embellishments. 

I hope you enjoy the hop and be sure to come back next month, on February 15, when we will be featuring the stamp set You Rock.
You've come from Carol's blog...
Now hop on over to Kim's blog and check out her layout!