Simple and Sweet

It's that time! Christmas will be upon us before we know it. Wouldn't it be nice to have all our Christmas cards ready before December? This months SOTM is a step in the right direction. When you purchase $50 in product, you can also purchase this cute set for just $5! Then you can enjoy creating sweet and simple projects to make your holiday season festive! Watch for more cute and easy projects using this adorable stamp set each day this week! You will be inspired by simple and sweet holiday creations that you can create in a snap!

By the way, aren't these children in this above layout adorable? They are my nieces and nephew! So stinkin' cute! They were thrilled to be featured in the Close to My Heart Idea book! My nephew even said, "I'm famous now!" I love it. What a cutie. 

Raid Your Stash for a Little Extra Bling!

I had so much fun creating some new Studio J layouts the other day. Yesterday they arrived in the mail and I eagerly ripped open the box! :) As I looked at them I noticed on my table was sitting some left over bling from another project I had just finished (imagine that! I'm actually finishing projects! ha! ha!). So I decided to add some of that extra bling to my layouts. Sooooo awesome! I love the look! I had so much fun in fact that I did another one! The pictures really don't do it justice, but here are some picts anyway:

Before

After with a  little extra bling

Before

After with a little extra bling

All I did was raid my stash for a little extra bling and voila! So much fun!

Gift Card Holder Tutorial

It seems like I am always in need of a gift for a wedding, and gift cards are a quick pick, but can be rather impersonal.  Why not make it extra special by enclosing it in this beautiful gift card holder?  It features our brand-new Roxie paper and accessories, and is super easy to put together.

 Here is how, step-by-step:

Supplies

All papers, stamps and embellishments are available in the Roxie Workshop on the Go Kit—G1025, pg. 25, $29.95

Stamp Pads

Z2105 Black

Z2166 Tulip

Z2118 Desert Sand

Miscellaneous

18” ribbon

Adhesive, such as Tombow

1772 Glue Dots

Z1151 3-D Mounting Tape

2 pins from Z1466 Bling Assortment (pg. 128--$4.95 or included in Workshop on the Go Kit)

Z697 Sponge

Cutting Dimensions

Black Cardstock

1 ¾” x 2 ¾” (tag)

4 ¼” x 11” (base)

Score along long edge at 3”, 5 ½” & 8”

Roxie Background and Texture Paper

Four-4” x 3 ¾” (use plaid side on two and pink side on other two)

½” x 4” pink rose pattern paper

Colonial White Cardstock

1 ½” x 2 ½” (tag)

Scrap for stamping

Desert Sand Cardstock

4” x ¾”

Assembly Instructions:

Cut papers as listed above. 

·     On a scrap of Colonial White Cardstock, stamp one large rose in Tulip Ink, and the small rose in Tulip, and then without re-inking, stamp it again so that you have a second-generation rose—it will be slightly lighter in color and will give you a nice variation in color. 

·     Stamp the filigree border stamp in Black on the pink ½” x 4” strip.

·     On the 1 ½” x 2 ½” Colonial White piece, stamp “Love” in Tulip Ink in the bottom right-hand corner.  Stamp “So in” in Black Ink in the upper left-hand corner.  Sponge edges of tag with Tulip Ink.

·     Stamp two large leaves side by side, slightly overlapping, in Desert Sand.  Score the 4 ¼”x11” base at 3”, 5 ½” & 8”.  Fold on score lines to make an “M” shape.

Next, you need to cut the opening for the gift card.  Find a round

object that is approximately 4” in diameter to use as a guide—I used

a small tin.  Fold the base piece in half and trace the edge of your

round object along the fold.  Make sure that you are leaving at least

3/8” along both sides. Trim with scissors.  

Next, you will need to adhere the gift card pocket together.  Place a strip of adhesive along both sides and the bottom edge of the pocket, as illustrated with the white strips below.  You can use an adhesive, such as Tombow, but may want to add some gldots at the corners for a stronger bond.

Fold the base in half and you will have a nice pocket for the gift card.

  

Next, you need to add the ribbon.  Mark the center of your length of ribbon and wrap it around the holder—make sure that you have the fold at the bottom.  Adhere in several places with glue dots.










 Now you are ready to add the beautiful papers.  Distress the edges of the pink rose-print papers with black ink and adhere to the inside of the holder.

·     Distress the edges of the plaid papers and adhere to the front and back covers of the holder. 

·     Using the edge of your scissors, scrape the edges of the black tag base and the Desert Sand strip for a nice distressed edge, and then layer with corresponding stamped pieces. 

·     Adhere the Desert Sand Strip on the front cover, approximately ¼” from bottom edge of plaid paper. 

·     Adhere the “So in Love” piece to the using 3-D Mounting Tape. 

·     Cut out roses and adhere the large rose to the upper-right-hand corner of the message tag.  Adhere the two leaves to the smaller rose, then mount over the larger rose using 3-D mounting tape.

·     Add the two pins, inserting them through the 3-D mounting tape that you used to adherthe smaller rose.

·       Add gift card and your hand-written greetings to the inside and you have a lovely gift for the bride and groom!

Cutting with No Scissors

That's right! I created these cards with no scissors! I just used my new Art Philosophy Cartridge and my Cricut Machine! I love the many options for different card bases contained on the Art Philosopy cartridge: scallops, circle cards, bracket shapes, zig zag edges, cards with cutouts....so many to choose from. I just can't imagine cutting out the scalloped or other fancy edges by hand! Ugh! Yet this cartridge makes it so easy. If you already own the Art Philosophy cartridge, then grab it right now and play with fun card shapes of your own....no scissors allowed!

Art Philosophy..Cricut style!

The Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge is here!

Close To My Heart has taken paper crafting to a new creative level.  Not only did they come out with an exclusive cartridge with 700 images, they have bundled it with three coordinating D-size stamp sets as well as three sheets of chipboard shapes for a terrific price of only $99. It all works together perfectly! 

You may be wondering if this cartridge matches up to other stamp sets? The answer is YES!  There are other stamp sets throughout our Idea Book that are indicated with a thin red line. These stamp sets also match up with images on the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge.  Awesome! How do you know what shape and size to cut out for each stamp? The stamps sets do include the measurements right on the packaging - the stamp’s carrier sheet - so you will know exactly what size to die cut your image with your Cricut so that you can then stamp your image perfectly onto your die cut. And to make it even easier, purchase the Art Philosophy package and I will send you three quick reference temps to help you know exactly what shape to use. Just slip them into your stamp set case and with a quick glance you have the cricut setting info for each stamp. Perfect!

Photo Tips that will Light Up your Photos!

Have you ever seen professional photographers use those cool light reflectors in their photo shoots? Wow! They can make a huge difference in your photos!  Whether you are staying inside or you are out enjoying the sunshine, the use of a light reflector can make a good photo great. But guess what...they aren't just for professionals! Here are a few simple tips on making and using a light reflector in your photography.

Here are a few images to compare.

The first image was taken without a reflector, casting harsh shadows on the face. 

In the second shot, my friend Sandy positioned a reflector in front of her daughter (towards the incoming light), bouncing the light and brightening the face. Doesn't that make a huge difference?

Create Your Own Reflector

Light reflectors are available to purchase at local photography stores. Or you can make your own in a few simple steps using foil and cardboard.

Here’s how:

1. Cut cardboard piece to desired size and score in thirds.

2. Wrap foil around cardboard, and smooth out wrinkles.

3. Secure foil in place using tape.

4. Use the finished reflector to bounce light

Additional Reflector Options

There are other tricks to the trade when it comes to bouncing and reflecting light.

Here are a few ideas to try:

Wear White: Reflecting light can be as simple as throwing on a white shirt.  Light bounces off of white and will naturally reflect on your subject it you aren’t a great distance away.

Use White Foam Board: Foam core boards are available at local craft stores and are a great reflector option. Plus, they are lightweight and inexpensive, making them a nice photo-equipment option

Pair-A-Phrase

Thanks Ann for asking about a sneak peek at the National Stamping Month special set, Pair-A-Phrase! I thought others might like to take a peek at this adorable set also, so here are some pictures. Don't you love it? Fun, whimsical images, with great phrases and sayings...it's a double delight! Ha! ha! :)  And just think...you can get it FREE this month! Enjoy!

What's Worth Remembering?

I’m a big fan of anything with a nostalgic touch to it. My hubby teases that if you want me to like something just make it look old! So when I saw the September stamp of the month, Limited Edition, it was right up my alley! There is a very vintage look to this stamp set and I think it would be perfect for so many things. Of course the obvious, is an invitation like this one with cute rosette flowers.

But it’s not often that you come across a set that can be used as an invitation but is flexible enough for other options as well. My friend Blythe created this fun CD cover for a CD that her sister in law gave her. She plans to write in on the note the contents of the case.

I have all sorts of great ideas for this kit. Take a plain list and spice it up a bit with these stamps, slap a magnet on the back and you have a darling refrigerator list (hmm, sounds like good neighbor gifts for Christmas). A composition notebook (on sale now with back to school) would be darling decorated up with these. And the possibilities for scrapbook journaling are huge. So take advantage of the opportunity to get this set in September because once October rolls around, it’s gone! And with a $50.00 purchase, it is only $5.00. Now that’s worth remembering!

Celebrate National Stamping Month with Double the Fun!

That's right! It's National Stamping Month in September! And it will be "double" the fun because we are offering our first-ever double stamp set! This little treat tote was created with the beautiful Roxie paper (my fav!), our new Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge, and of our course the Pair-A-Phrase double stamp set that you can get FREE this month!

You can get the exclusive My Acrylix® Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set FREE when you place an order of $75 US from August 15 through September 30, 2011. You'll love this double set—two D-size sets in one envelope—which includes lots of clever phrases and coordinating images you'll use in your handmade cards all year long. The double set has a retail value of $35.90, which drastically increases the value of your qualifying purchase! Have double the fun stamping during National Stamping Month with our new Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set! 

Dates: Offer valid August 15–September 30, 2011

What to do on a rainy day?

I'm in hotel room (in a foreign country where hardly anyone speaks English by the way!) and it's pouring rain outside. Not a great day for sightseeing! LOL! So what do you do a rainy day like this? Read a book? Check! Watch TV? Nope...(did I mention there is very little English here?) If only I could scrapbook the many pictures I've been taking. But of course I didn't bring my scrapbook supplies with me...ha! ha! But hey! I can still scrapbook! Studio J! It's the perfect answer! I'm far away and didn't have to bring a thing with me except my computer! Woohoo!! So the day is saved and I am having a blast scrapbooking away. :) This is just one of the pictures I am scrapbooking...taken on a sunny day! ha! ha! Who knows...if the rain keeps up I may just have my entire album done before I get home!

"Wicked"ly Awesome cards!!

I know it's only August, but it's not too soon to be thinking about Halloween! Some stores already have their festive and fall goodies on display!! :) And this "wicked"-ly awesome set of cards will get you in the mood to play with this month's stamp of the month set called "Wicked."

These were created by my darling friend Karen Pederson (thanks for sharing Karen!). Not only is this month's stamp of the month set so fun, but it gets even better! We are celebrating a NEW Stamp of the Month Program!!! Now, each month you can enjoy a new D-size stamp set, available for one month only, for just $5—that’s over 70% off retail! When you place an order of $50 US or more in Close To My Heart products, you qualify for this special Stamp of the Month pricing. Or, you may also purchase the stamp set with no purchase required for retail price of $17.95.

Also, full details of all the projects featured on the website above are available online at: http://www.closetomyheart.com/en/Campaigns_and_Promotions/Stamp_of_the_Month.aspx so you can have project guides on what to create with your stamp set!

Enjoy!

It's Here! It's Here!

The New Idea Book is here! It's almost like celebrating a new arrival to the family! :) Follow this link to view the Idea Book online:
http://www.closetomyheart.com/Home/Products/Online_Idea_Book.aspx.

Aside from all of the beautiful new papers, and stamps, and artwork, want to guess what my favorite new thing about this idea book is? LOWER PRICES!!! That's right! Our beautiful exclusive stamp sets have dropped in price! A D-size stamp set that used to be $22.95 is now only $17.95! That's almost 22% savings! Stamp sets that used to be $18.95 are now only $13.95 and so on. You can get quality stamp sets for as low as $6.95. Gotta love lower prices! Hop online and check it out!

Big News!!!

Guess what!?! Close to My Heart is teaming up with Cricut to come out with an exclusive cartridge that is going to WOW you! Check it out! I'm so very, very excited!

Celebrating America!

Check out this fun layout with a patriotic flare. Just grab your Fanfare paper packet, July stamp of the month called "American Celebration", and your Magic book and you can create this too!

These pictures were taken when we hiked up to Stewart Falls in Utah with some extended family. See the focal point photo...that is a glacier that they are standing on! Yup! At least 6 feet of packed snow and ice in the middle of the summer! Who would have imagined? Good thing we got a picture to scrapbook. :)

Happy summer!

Sweet Treats Anyone?

Looking for a cute party favor? Or a fun treat for a friend? Then check out these adorable Hershey Nugget Purses. They are so cute and easy!

Supplies:

• Cardstock, paper and ribbon as desired
• Brads
• Hershey Nugget chocolates of course!

Directions:

Start with a 3x6 piece of cardstock. Follow the pattern below and score on the lines, cutting on the solid lines. Cut off the two shaded 1” x ½” side pieces at the top to make the flap. Then decorate! Glue the sides together as you fold it and put it together. I like to add a brad to the middle front to hold the top flap down when it is closed. Add a “handle” made of ribbon and you are done. Each purse holds 2 Hershey Nuggets. So cute and super easy!

New York, New York!

This New York layout is so fun and easy to create in Studio J! One of the cool techniques on this page is the photo divided up in to four squares on the right page. To replicate this look, select photo with a single subject and quite a bit of background space. Drop the same photo into each of the four wells. Scale the photos up to at least 200%, using the same percentage on each. Then arrange the photos to appear as a single photo by scooting each photo over so that only one corner is visible. Presto! It looks like one photo! Love, love, love this technique!

Beautiful Badge Buttons

I love our canvas badge buttons! They are adhesive backed making them easy to attach. Plus, you can stamp on them, sponge ink of them, and create cool objects with them! On this Mayberry card, I used a canvas badge button to create an apple! Here’s how:

Supplies:

Mayberry paper packet

Mayberry Workshop on the Go stamp set

Olive and Smoothie ink pads

Chocolate waxy flax

Directions:

Ink a stamp that is larger than the badge button with Smoothie ink (or use olive ink if you want a green apple!). The stamp can have any pattern desired. I used the pear stamp included in the set because I loved the pattern on it! Now stamp on the button, rolling down around the edges (the edges are curved on the button so if you don’t roll down around the edge you accidentally only stamp on the center of the button). Now take a sponge and add some extra sponged ink around the edges to make them look darker and more dimensional. To complete the apple, stamp some leaves and cut out. To make the stem, take 4 shorts pieces of chocolate waxy flax and twist them together. Attach onto the card with a glue dot. Just peel off the adhesive paper-backing and attach! It’s that easy!

Gotta Love Hemp!

Want a different look with hemp? Just tie it in a knot then fray the edges! How simple is that? I LOVE using hemp on my cards...the texture is fabulous, it's so easy to use, and hemp is super inexpensive!

My Peeps Layout

I love this layout! I really liked the polaroid look of the pictures to give the layout a fun personality. To recreate this look, add a horizontal text box across the bottom of each photo mat and click on the color picker to make it white, just like the photo mat. That's it! Simple! {Helpful tip: Get a shadow on the polaroid portion to make it look dimensional by making sure the "text box" you added overlaps the photo.}

Love Your Layout!

Close to My Heart has a brand new webshow called Love Your Layout! Each month there will be new video showing you a fun layout you can create in Studio J. Open up Studio J and create the same layout just be following along step-by-step! I really do LOVE this layout! :)