CTMH December 2012 Stamp of the Month: Year-Round Cheer

The Close To My Heart December 2012 Stamp of the Month is Year-Round Cheer.

This is a very versatile stamp set that you will be reaching for throughout the year from New Year's Day to Mother's and Father's Days to Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas and events that fall in between. If you would like a list of the products used to create the above samples, go to the Stamp of the Month page; download the Recipes booklet (in PDF format) for a list of the products used to create the samples in the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book.

For card making, if you like to make your own card bases, you may want to purchase some 12" x 12" cardstock. CTMH has 40 exclusive colors to select from or you can choose Colonial White (1338) or White Daisy (1385). All cardstock packages include 24 sheets. CTMH has 10 packs of envelopes in a variety of sizes and colors so you do not have to make your own.

If you would rather purchase pre-made card bases that have an envelope included, you have several options:

• Colonial White Die-Cut Cards & Envelopes (Z1738) - Tri-fold cards with a die-cut edge. 10 cards with envelopes, 3½" x 8"
• White Daisy Die-Cut Cards & Envelopes (Z1473) - 10 – 4¼" × 5½" die-cut cards and 10 envelopes
• Kraft Die-Cut Cards & Envelopes - 10 – 6" × 6" die-cut cards and 10 envelopes
• 4 1/2" Circle Cards in Colonial White (Z1352) or White Daisy (Z1353) - includes 12 cards, 12 envelopes
• White Cards & Envelopes, Value Pack (X254) - 5 1/2" X 4 1/4", Package of 50
• Colonial White Cards & Envelopes, Value Pack (X1401) - 5 1/2" X 4 1/4", Package of 50

While I have not seen these stamps in person yet, I think they would work nicely on the 12" x 12" Monthly Calendar (Z1030) to indicate the corresponding holidays.

Year-Round Cheer is a set of 12 stamps that you can only purchase during the month of December 2012. The stamp set can by yours for $5 when you place an order of $50 or more in Close To My Heart Products (or you can purchase it for $17.95).

Recommended CTMH My Acrylix® Block: 2" × 2" (Y1003).

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

Stamping to Accent Images Cut From Your Cricut®

Close To My Heart offers two exclusive Cricut® cartridges the Cricut® Art Philosophy and the Cricut® Artiste. They are not only cartridges, but collections, because when you purchase either you also get three exclusive D-size stamp sets and three sets of Dimensional Elements. The stamp sets and Dimensional Elements are designed to coordinate with images on their respective cartridges. There are labels on the stamp set to tell you what size to cut the images. If you use all of the included Dimensional Elements, additional shape sheets are available for individual purchase.

Today I am sharing a video that shows you how the stamps work perfectly with the Dimensional Elements. If you would like to view other videos that demonstrate the different techniques to use and items to create using either Collection, please click on the Cricut® tag at the bottom of this post to quickly find them

The CTMH description for the video reads "Learn how to use your stamps to bring Cricut^® cut-outs to life! Many Cricut^® shapes from the Artiste and Art Philosophy collections coordinate with stamp sets so you have more potential for creating, decorating, and accessorizing!"

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

Using Alcohol Markers

Today we are going to see a demonstration using the CTMH Exclusive Inks® Alcohol Markers that were introduced at Convention in July. Alcohol Markers are extremely popular because there are virtually no brush strokes visible after coloring. You can color a spot over to achieve a darker color and blend the markers to achieve another color. There are 40 different marker choices and each option includes two markers in coordinating shades. The coordinating shade may be darker (indicated by a solid circle) or lighter (indicated by a empty circle). [Also see page 9 of the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book.]

The CTMH description for the video reads "Alcohol Marker Madness features coloring stamp images with alcohol-based markers for a smooth, vibrant look."

Now is a great time to purchase some alcohol markers. Your purchase will help you qualify for the November SOTM which would then qualify you for Capture the Savings. When you qualify for and purchase the November 2012 Stamp of the Month you can get an additional bonus of 50% off any other stamp set in the Idea Book. See Thursday's post for the details.

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

Using a Mask with your Stamping

Today we are going to get some tips for using a mask with your stamping. With Halloween just behind us, you might be thinking Halloween costumes, but Halloween costumes are so yesterday (or the day before as the case may be). Today we are using sticky notes to prevent areas of our stamp from getting inked so you can customize what is stamped on your project. We'll also see an example for using a mask with color mists. (See the Spray Pen & Misting Technique video on my Let's Get Inky! post to learn how you can create your own mists.)

The CTMH description for the video reads "The Stamp behind the Mask features masking portions of your stamps so that you only ink and stamp what you want to see." Now is a great time to select a stamp set that you would like to try masking with since November 2012 is Capture the Savings month. When you qualify for and purchase the November 2012 Stamp of the Month you can get an additional bonus of 50% off any other stamp set in the Idea Book. See yesterday's post for the details. Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

CTMH November 2012 Stamp of the Month: Capture the Date

The Close To My Heart November 2012 Stamp of the Month is Capture the Date.

This is a very versatile stamp set available just in time to make calendars or date books for holiday gifts. The stamps are also wonderful for adding the date to your scrapbook pages or cards. The "card or tag" stamp has a corresponding shape on the Cricut® Artiste Cartridge (item Z1790). If you would like a list of the products used to create the above samples, go to the Stamp of the Month page; download the Recipes booklet (in PDF format) for a list of the products used to create the samples in the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book.

For gift making, you may want to purchase the Monthly Calendar (Z1030). It is 12" x 12" with 12 blank calendar pages (the grid lines and days of the week are pre-printed). Another idea is the My Creations™ Display Album (Z1054). It has chipboard covers with 12 spiral-bound 6" x 6" page protectors. It would make a cute desktop calendar when used with some of the smaller number stamps.

Capture the Date is a set of 72 stamps that you can only purchase during the month of November 2012. The stamp set can by yours for $5 when you place an order of $50 or more in Close To My Heart Products (or you can purchase it for $17.95).

Recommended CTMH My Acrylix® Blocks to accompany the November 2012 SOTM: 1" x 1" (Y1000), 2" × 2" (Y1003) and 2" x  3 1/2" (Y1002).

Also during the month of November 2012 is Capture the Savings. Get a stamp set of your choice 50% off with a qualifying purchase! When you qualify for and purchase the November 2012 Stamp of the Month you can get an additional bonus of 50% off any other stamp set in the Idea Book. Items excluded are those stamp sets sold as part of Workshops on the Go® kits or our Cricut® collections, but that still leaves you over one hundred options to choose from!

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

Studio J® Love Your Layout: October 2012

October 2012 - Moonlight Kit: Easy Photo Editing

In this video, Love Your Layout: October 2012, the Moonlight kit is used. We learn how to rotate our B&T papers to get a different look and covert our photos to black and white or sepia. We also create ribbon fringe and cluster My Stickease® to highlight our title.

The basics of putting your layout together:

• Kit Name: Moonlight
• Pattern: Front & Center—In the Middle/Sidebar™
• Kit Mix: 1

Let's watch the video.

The CTMH description for the video reads "Use Close to My Heart's online scrapbooking software, Studio J®, to create a beautiful layout in just minutes by watching this month's Love Your Layout(sm) video. You'll learn creative techniques, including how to apply photo filters and create ruffled ribbon. Watch the video here and then log in to Studio J to try it yourself!" Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

Studio J® Love Your Layout: May 2011

May 2011 - Lucky Kit: Clustering My Stickease®

This is the first Love Your Layout episode. In this video, Love Your Layout: May 2011, the Lucky kit collection is used. Several My Stickease® are used to create a custom cluster to decorate your layout.

The basics of putting your layout together:

• Kit Name: Lucky
• Pattern: Glimpses™
• Kit Mix: 5

Distressing:

• Cross edge
• Desert Sand

Toggle Accents:

• Buttons: Colonial White
• Brads: Cocoa
• Ribbon: Barn Red

Let's watch the video. You'll want to pause the video at approximately 4:05 if you want to add the My Stickease® exactly as they appear in the sample layout.

The CTMH description for the video reads "In this episode of Love Your Layout, learn how to create a beautiful layout featuring you and someone you love in just minutes! It's easy with Studio J®, Close To My Heart's online design software."

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

Studio J® Love Your Layout: June 2011

June 2011 - Miracle Kit: How to Make a Ribbon Flower

There was no July 2011 Love Your Layout video, so we are moving to June 2011. In this video, Love Your Layout: June 2011, the Miracle kit is used. We create a custom embellishment using standard embellishments and My Stickease®. We also make a ribbon pinwheel just using a ribbon knot, a My Stickease® flower and some brads. We also make some of the works in our journaling stand out by making them slightly larger and a different color.

The basics of putting your layout together:

• Kit Name: Miracle
• Pattern: Card Trick™
• Kit Mix: 1

A few more details about recreating this layout:
Added My Stickease®:

• Flourishes
• Photo border
• Butterfly

Added embellishments:

• Desert Sand brads

Title:

• Deleted title box
• Added My Stickease® title
• Added text box

Let's begin the video.

The CTMH description for the video reads "Feature your gorgeous photos on a spring-themed layout that will take you just minutes to create!"

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

Studio J® Love Your Layout: August 2011

August 2011a - Fanfare Kit: Creating a Unique Title
August 2011b - Veranda Kit: Colorizing Toggle Accents

In August 2011, Close To My Heart published two Love Your Layout videos.

In the first video the Fanfare kit is used. We learn the different ways to change paper - one way only let's us change the color, the other let's us change the pattern. We also use stars to dot our "i's". Don't forget you can use your mouse or arrows on your keyboard to move items. Using the arrows moves items a little at a time which may give your more control.

The basics of putting your layout together:

• Kit Name: Fanfare
• Pattern: Picture Perfect™
• Kit Mix: 6

The following Toggle Accents were used:

• Buttons: Black
• Button thread: White
• Ribbon: Cranberry
• Delete the brads

Let's start the video.

The CTMH description for the video reads "In this episode of Love Your Layout, discover the perfect layout to archive your summer photos!"

In the second video the Veranda kit is used. The pattern is perfect if you have several photos you want to include on your layout. We are also shown how to color individual items rather than all like items when using the color picker.

The basics of putting your layout together:

• Kit Name: Veranda
• Pattern: Click, Click, Click™
• Kit Mix: 6

The following Toggle Accents were used:

• Buttons: Black
• Button thread: White Daisy
• Ribbon: Cranberry
• Delete the brads

The CTMH description for the video reads "In this episode of Love Your Layout, use Studio J® to capture your summer vacation memories in a snap!"

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

Studio J® Love Your Layout: September 2011

September 2011 - Splendor Kit: Journaling Over Photos

In this video, Love Your Layout: September 2011, the Splendor kit is used.We add some ribbon and manipulate My Stickease® to create our own unique layout. We also mix fonts in our title.

The basics of putting your layout together:

• Kit Name: Splendor
• Pattern: Powerful Trio™
• Kit Mix: 2
• Turn off Toggle Accents (check box under Embellishments menu)

Let's watch the video.

The CTMH description for the video reads "Create this darling layout in only 30 minutes or less and express your love for someone dear to you."

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

Studio J® Love Your Layout: October 2011

October 2011 - Wings Kit: Cropping My Stickease®

In this video, Love Your Layout: October 2011, the Wings kit is used.We will be shown how to crop My Stickease® to truly make our layouts unique to us. We will create our own title sticker and make a fluttering butterfly from a butterfly that has their wings spread. So many great ideas - I hope I can remember all of them.

The basics of putting your layout together:

• Kit Name: Wings
• Pattern: Elegant Showcase™
• Kit Mix: 2

In this video baby pictures are used, but several different photo subjects would look great with the Wings kit.

The CTMH description for the video reads "Capture your life as it happens in Studio J®. We'll show you how to create this elegant layout, perfect for important occasions or special relationships. All you need to do is watch the video, and we'll walk you through each step, start to finish."

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

Studio J® Love Your Layout: November 2011

November 2011 - Dreamin’ Kit: Layering My Stickease®

In this video, Love Your Layout: November 2011, the Dreamin' kit is used. We will layer My Stickease® embellishments.

The basics of putting your layout together:

• Kit Name: Dreamin'
• Pattern: Super Star™
• Kit Mix: 1

Let's watch the video.

The CTMH description for the video reads "Dreamin' Kit: Layering My Stickease®. Make sure to capture your autumn memories with this star-studded layout in just 30 minutes or less. We'll walk you through each step in our Love Your Layout episode; then you can log in to Studio J® and create your own!"

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

Studio J® Love Your Layout: December 2011

December 2011 - Wonderland Kit: Creating Your Own Border

In this video, Love Your Layout: December 2011, the Wonderland kit is used. We will resize a My Stickease® to create a border and use button thread on its own to embellish our layouts.

The basics of putting your layout together:

• Kit Name: Wonderland
• Pattern: Performance™
• Kit Mix: 2

I love the colors in this kit. I hope you do too.

The CTMH description for the video reads "'Catch' your winter memories with this chilly layout in Studio J®. Watch the video here; then log in to Studio J and create a warm layout for your frosty memories!"

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

Studio J® Love Your Layout: January 2012

January 2012 - Sonoma Kit: Using My Stickease^® for Journaling

In this video, Love Your Layout: January 2012, the Sonoma collection is used. We learn how to use My Stickease® for journaling when the photos "speak for themselves", cluster several My Stickease® to create a new look and use small and medium accents at 100% to quickly add embellishments - we will even create a ribbon-like embellishment with buttons

The basics of putting your layout together:

• Kit Name: Sonoma
• Pattern: In Focus™
• Kit Mix: 5

Here's the video.

The CTMH description for the video reads "In only minutes you can capture some of your happiest memories with this simple, yet beautiful layout using Studio J®! Just watch this Love Your Layout episode to get the step-by-step instructions. You'll even master a few techniques along the way."

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

Studio J® Love Your Layout: February 2012

February 2012 - Stella Kit: Creating Your Own Patterned Paper

I am going to start posting two Love Your Layout videos each day because otherwise I will not be able to share all of them before the Studio J® promotion ends on October 31. If you do not want to wait for me to post all of the videos, you will find links to all of them here; when you are done watching the videos, just click on the green Get Started! button in the upper right corner to start creating your own layouts.

In the next video of the series, Love Your Layout: February 2012, the Stella collection is used. We learn how to create our own patterned paper and another way to use text boxes.

The basics of putting your layout together:

• Kit Name: Stella
• Pattern: Performance™
• Kit Mix: 1

Hope you have your popcorn ready to watch the video.

The CTMH description for the video reads "Watch our latest Love Your Layout episode to see how to make this fabulous Studio J® layout. In just minutes, you'll learn how to create your own patterned paper, crop My Stickease® accents between pages, plus we'll show you a fun new way to use text boxes."

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

Studio J® Love Your Layout: March 2012

March 2012 - Florentine Kit: Using the Stitching Tool

In this video, Love Your Layout: March 2012, the Florentine collection is used. We learn how to use the stitching tool, are shown how to use two title boxes to mix up the fonts used for our title and a few other "tweaks" for using embellishments.

The basics of putting your layout together:

• Kit Name: Florentine
• Pattern: Treasure Tags™
• Kit Mix: 4

Let's watch the video.

The CTMH description for the video reads "Spring is just around the corner! Use Studio J® to capture this beautiful time of year with fresh colors and simple techniques that come together in minutes! Watch this month's Love Your Layout video for instructions that will show you how to make this darling layout. We'll show you a clever way to add your title and also play with the stitching tool! Log in to Studio J and start saving those memories!"

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

Studio J® Love Your Layout: April 2012

April 2012 - Pemberley Kit: Enhancing Photos

In this video, Love Your Layout: April 2012, the Pemberley collection is used. We are shown how to enhance our photos so they are not "lost" on our layouts.

The basics of putting your layout together:

• Kit Name: Pemberly
• Pattern: Priceless Pics™
• Kit Mix: 2

I hope you get some great ideas from the video too.

The CTMH description for the video reads "This month's Love Your Layout installment is celebrating the sunshine. Watch the video to find out how to make another fabulous layout in Studio J®, using the Pemberley kit. Learn how to add wow to your photos and discover other techniques that will make your layouts shine!"

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

Studio J® Love Your Layout: May 2012

May 2012 - Lucy Kit: Embellishing Across Two Pages

In this video, Love Your Layout: May 2012 we use the Lucy Kit and learn how to embellish across two pages.

The basics of putting your layout together:

• Kit Name: Lucy
• Pattern: Jazzy Homeycomb™
• Kit Mix: 2

I love this collection and was fortunate enough to purchase it when it was in the Idea Book. I suspect once that is gone I will be coming to Studio J® get the opportunity to use it again and again. This video is a perfect example of why you may want to use Studio J®: so you can easily make multiple copies of a layout for family or friends.

The CTMH description for the video reads "Use Studio J® to create a beautiful layout in just minutes by watching this month's Love Your Layout(sm) video. You'll use toggle accents and My Stickease® images to help you preserve those special moments. Watch the video and then log in to Studio J to try it yourself!"

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

Studio J® Love Your Layout: June 2012

June 2012 - Cruisin’ Kit: Getting the Polaroid Look

There was no Studio J® Love Your Layout: July 2012 video. I am guessing that is because the new Idea Book was released in July 2012 and it was around the time of the CTMH Convention. Therefore we are going to jump back to June 2012 and use the Crusin' kit and learn how to get the look of Polaroid photos on our layout.

The Crusin' collection was released in the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book. Unfortunately the Cruisin' collection can no longer be purchased in physical format, but thankfully is it still available in Studio J®.

The basics of putting your layout together:

• Kit Name: Crusin'
• Pattern: Harmony™
• Kit Mix: 3

Now let's get started creating a layout.

The CTMH description for the video reads "Use Studio J® to create a beautiful layout in just minutes by watching this month's Love Your Layout(sm) video. You'll use text boxes in creative ways to add unique touches to your artwork. Watch the video here and then log into Studio J to try it yourself!"

I really like all of the special touches that were added to this layout. Who would have through you could create the look of Polaroid photos and banners with simple boxes. I think the staples were a great touch too.

I will be adding links to each of the Love Your Layout videos over the next few days, but if you are anxious to view the previous Love Your Layout videos immediately, you will find all of the Close To My Heart Studio J® videos at Close To My Heart's YouTube channel.

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

Studio J® Love Your Layout: August 2012

August 2012 - Avonlea Kit: Creating Custom Ribbon

In the August 2012 Love Your Layout video we use the Avonlea kit, In Focus(tm) pattern and kit mix 2. We learn a trick to create custom ribbon.

The CTMH description for the video reads "Use Studio J® online design software to create a beautiful layout in just minutes by watching this month's Love Your Layout(sm) video. You'll learn creative techniques, including how to create the custom candy-stripe ribbon featured in this month's layout. Watch the video here and then log in to StudioJ.com to try it yourself!"

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

Studio J® Love Your Layout: September 2012

September 2012 - Dakota Kit: Using Photos for a Background

In this video, Love Your Layout: September 2012, the Dakota collection is used. We learn how to use photos for a background and are walked through creating a great layout from journaling to embellishments to distressing and more.

The basics of putting your layout together:

• Kit Name: Dakota
• Pattern: Jazzy Combination™
• Kit Mix: 2

Let's watch the video.

The CTMH description for the video reads "Use Close to My Heart's online scrapbooking software, Studio J®, to create a beautiful layout in just minutes by watching this month's Love Your Layout(sm) video. You'll learn creative techniques, including how to create a journaling box with a photo background. Watch the video here and then log in to Studio J to try it yourself!"

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

A Few More Notes About Studio J®

As I mentioned on my October 11, 2012 post, Studio J® is the CTMH product that is featured this month and has a special promotion tied to it.

The promotion is buy 9 custom-printed Studio J® layouts, get the 10th free. Just add 10 or more layouts to your cart and you’ll automatically receive every 10th layout free! There is a limit of 4 free layouts per order. Included with your custom-printed two-page layout is the accompanying free JPG file (whenever you purchase a two-page layout you also receive the JPG file free). Shipping for Studio J® layouts is charged per box (regardless if the box contains free layouts or not) and one box will hold 50 layouts. The full retail value of the free layout is $6.95. The promotion ends on October 31, 2012.

I have to admit that I am a fairly new Studio J® user, but I do not want that to deter anyone from using it. I have been using the product and watching the videos that I have been sharing with you over the past two weeks and it is a very versatile product. I love that I do not have to purchase software and install it (and keep track of a license key); I only need my digital photos, a live Internet connection and a web browser with the Adobe Flash Player plug-in to use Studio J®. So simple.

Another thing I love about Studio J®: I can use previously released paper packs that I love, but no longer can find for purchase. Because of that, over the next few days I will share many of the "Love Your Layout" videos, including layouts made with older paper packs. Who knows what tips or tricks your will learn from those videos?

In case you are just getting started with Studio J®, here is a list of my blog posts with Studio J® videos designed to help you get started creating your own wonderful layouts:

• Studio J® Promotion - October 2012
• An Introduction to Studio J®
• Step-by-Step Basics for using Studio J®
• Photo Editing Tool in Studio J®
• Personalizing Your Layouts in Studio J®
• Putting the Focus on Your Photos in Studio J®
• Perfect Placement in Studio J®

Here is a list of kits currently available in Studio J®:

Animal Cookies	Aspen	Avonlea
Back Country	Believe	Bella
Bliss	Blue Ribbon	Boo!
BoomDiAda	Caboodle	Caprice
Cherry-O	Class Act	Clementine
Crusin'	Dakota	Daydream
Discovery	Dreamin'	Elegant Bouquet
Elemental	Emporium	Enchanted
Evensong	Everlasting	Expedition
Fanfare	Flirty	Floral Tapestry
Florentine	Footloose	Free Spirit
Game On	Giggles & Grins	Good Times
Grace	Hippity Hop	Hooligans
Independence Day	It's a Guy Thing	Jingle
La Belle Vie	Let's Get Together	Life Delights
Love Bird	Lucky	Lucy
Magic Moments	Magnifique	Majestic Blue
Manmade	Mayberry	Miracle
Mischief	Mistletoe	Moon Doggie
Moonlight	More to Adore	Notebook
Olivia	Paper Garden	Passages
Pear & Partridge	Pemberley	Perfect Day
Rough 'n' Tumble	Route 66	Roxie
Sarsaparilla	Scholastic	Silhouette
Simple Pleasures	Sonoma	Sophia
Splash Zone	Splendor	Stardust
Stella	Superhero	Sweet Home
Sweet Pea	Sweetheart	Take the Cake
That's Amore	Tinkerin'	Topstitch
True Friend	Twitterpated	Typeset
Unforgettable	Veranda	Victory
Vintage Travel	Whoops-A-Daisy	Wings
Wonderland	You Rock	Zippidee

You can narrow the kits by these categories:

• New Kits
• "Love Your Layout" Kits
• Baby
• Celebration
• Family
• Feminine
• Heritage
• Holiday
• Masculine
• Outdoors
• School/Friends
• Sports/Activities
• Vacation
• Wedding

Or you can search for a kit by keyword, for example, balloon or animal.

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

Perfect Placement in Studio J®

In this video, Studio J®: Perfect Placement, we learn more about getting the embellishments we add to our Studio J® layouts exactly where we want them.

The CTMH description for the video reads "Discover the tools in Studio J® that help you perfectly place your embellishments right where you want them!"

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that during October 2012 you can purchase nine two-page layouts and get the 10th two-page layout for free so now is a great time to try Studio J®. For details and how to take advantage of the promotion, please see Thursday's blog post.

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me  if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

Putting the Focus on Your Photos in Studio J®

This video, Studio J®: Focus on the Photos, gives your tips and tricks for using your photos on Studio J® layouts. Help is offered with zooming in, resolution, changing text boxes to photo boxes (and back) and more.

The CTMH description for the video reads "Learn tips and tricks that will make your beautiful photos the highlight of all your Studio J® layouts!"

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me  if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

Personalizing Your Layouts in Studio J®

This video, Studio J®: Personalize Your Layouts, shows how to add and personalize elements on your layouts. Change paper colors, add embellishments, stickers and distress your papers.

The CTMH description for the video reads "Studio J has options galore for personalizing your scrapbook layouts! Change the color of your photos; swap the cardstock and patterned B&T paper in your layout; embellish with buttons, ribbons, and metals; and distress the surface or edges of your paper using a range of tools and colors. You'll love the way Studio J offers you incredible artistic freedom with the click of a mouse!"

October 2012 is the perfect month to try Studio J®. Buy 9 custom-printed Studio J® layouts and get the 10th free. Full details are on my October 11, 2012 post.

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

Photo Editing Tool in Studio J®

In this video, Studio J®: Photo Editing Tool, we will discover the built-in tools that will help us enhance the photos we use on our Studio J® layouts.

The CTMH description for the video reads: "Edit your photos right in Studio J, including adjusting brightness; changing color balance and saturation; removing red-eye, blemishes, and wrinkles; and whitening teeth. Find out how easy it is in Studio J, Close To My Heart's online scrapbook design software!"

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

Step-by-Step Basics for using Studio J®

The video, Studio J®: Step-by-Step Basic, is a great place to start if you would like to try digital scrapbooking.

The CTMH description for the video reads "You'll love the way this video walks you through creating a layout from start to finish in Studio J®!"

Since during October 2012 you can purchase nine two-page layouts and get the 10th two-page layout for free, now is a great time to try Studio J®. For details and how to take advantage of the promotion, please see Thursday's blog post.

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

An Introduction to Studio J®

There are many reasons why someone might like to use digital scrapbooking. You can take it with you if you travel often for work; you just need your computer (with your photos saved to it), a web browser and Internet connection. Or if space in your home is a premium and you do not have room to store all of the papers and embellishments that go into traditional scrapbooking. Or you want to create multiple copies of a layout because you want to share the layouts with family and friends. Whatever your reason, Studio J® is a great place to start because you do not have to purchase and install software on your computer. Everything is done from an active Internet connection and web browser with the Adobe Flash Player plug-in.

The CTMH description for the video reads "You've taken the photos, now keep the memories. Introducing Studio J™, online design software from Close To My Heart. Real life. Real scrapbooks. Real time."

Let's get started with Studio J®. For pricing and the FAQ scroll down that page a bit. If you have questions that are not answered there, please contact me by clicking on the Shop with me link below.

Studio J® Promotion - October 2012

I am sorry I am late posting this information. It has been a hectic few weeks. If we could sit down for a cup of coffee or tea, I could do most of the talking. :-)

The Close To My Heart Promotion for the month of October 2012 is buy 9 custom-printed Studio J® layouts, get the 10th free. Just add 10 or more layouts to your cart and you’ll automatically receive every 10th layout free! There is a limit of 4 free layouts per order. Included with your custom-printed two-page layout is the accompanying free JPG file (whenever you purchase a two-page layout you also receive the JPG file free). Shipping for Studio J® layouts is charged per box (regardless if the box contains free layouts or not) and one box will hold 50 layouts. The full retail value of the free layout is $6.95. The promotion ends on October 31, 2012.

You might be new to Studio J® like me. Here is some more information:

• You can access Studio J® from my online store here
• There is no software to purchase or download and install; you use Studio J® from a web browser while connected to the Internet
• If you have shopped at my online store before you can use the same email and password (if you forgot your password, there is a link to help you); if not, you will need to create an account
• Scroll down the Studio J® link at my online store for pricing and the FAQ
• You do not have to complete your layout(s) in one sitting; you can save your work and go back to it at later time
• If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me, there is a link at the bottom of this post

Here is a video introducing you to the Express Collections layouts that require minimal customization to complete, but don't let the video fool you. If you choose Create Your Own Custom Layout you have so much more control over the layouts you create in Studio J®.

The CTMH description for the video reads "The recent enhancements to Studio J® make it a whole new tool for you. It is now faster and easier than ever to get professional results from your digital scrapbooking using the new Express Collections."

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me  if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

CTMH October 2012 Stamp of the Month: Very Merry Christmas

The Close To My Heart October 2012 Stamp of the Month is Very Merry Christmas.

This is an adorable stamp set available just in time to make special creations for your holiday gifts, cards and scrapbooks. Several of the stamps have a corresponding shape on the Cricut® Artiste Cartridge (item Z1790). If you would like a list of the products used to create the above samples, download the Recipes booklet (in PDF format) that accompanies the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book.

It is a set of 11 stamps that you can only purchase during the month of October 2012. The stamp set can by yours for $5 when you place an order of $50 or more in Close To My Heart Products (or you can purchase it for $17.95).

Recommended CTMH My Acrylix® Blocks: 1" x 3 1/2" (Y1002), 2" × 2" (Y1003) and 3" × 3" (Y1006).


Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

CTMH Home Decor Workshops on the Go® Kits

The Autumn/Winter 2012 Close To My Heart Idea Book not only introduced us to cardmaking Workshops on the Go® Kits, but to home decor Workshops on the Go® Kits too.

The video Project Inspiration 2012 Autumn/Winter Idea Book: Home Decor introduces us to two of the home decor kits available.

The CTMH description of the video reads "Let Close To My Heart's Workshops on the Go® kits make your home an even cheerier place to be when you create and display the festive advent calendar and eye-popping scroll album. You'll love these two new workshop offerings designed just for you!"

Featured items used in this video:

• Workshops on the Go® Advent Calendar Kit (G1044)
• Workshops on the Go® Scroll Album Kit (G1042)
• Cricut® Artiste cartridge (Z1790)

It is recommended that you use photographs printed on real photo paper because the paper is more flexible for rolling back onto the wooden pin. Also, using Bonding Memories® Glue (1512 or Z553) adds to the flexibility of the photos. Memory Book Glue Dots® (1772 or Z341) work best for attaching the buttons and Liquid Glass (Z679) assists the already strong adhesive on the canvas shapes to be certain they stay in place over time. It is also suggested that you use Exclusive Inks® Mini Pigment Pads when making home decor items because pigment inks stand up better to regular exposure to light over time than dye-based inks.

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

CTMH Color Palette and Coordinating Products

Learn more about the CTMH exclusive color palette in this video Adding Color to Your Crafts. There are 40 colors in the exclusive color palette. They are divided into four palettes, Basics (colors are "sweet and refined"), Enchantment ("fall and harvest looking"), Adventure ("bold and bright") and Whimsy ("soft and fresh"), of ten colors each.

Products the colors are available in are the Exclusive Inks® Stamp Pads the classic size dye-based ink pads you have come to know CTMH for; Exclusive Inks® Re-inkers for use with the dye-based ink pads; Exclusive Inks® Mini Pigment Pads a tower of ten ink pads; Exclusive Inks® Markers CTMH's new set of two alcohol-based markers available in each of the 40 colors and one coordinating lighter or darker shade; white core cardstock.

There are also My Reflections® coordinating paper pack collections that have additional cardstock colors, but these collections are typically only available for a limited time.

The CTMH description for the video reads "Learn about the new color families, cardstocks, and papers from Close To My Heart that can spruce up any design. Adding color to your crafts is simple, easy, and beautiful!"

Featured items used in this video:

• La Belle Vie Paper Packet (X7158B)
• Flirty Paper Packet (X7160B)
• Avonlea Paper Packet (X7155B)
• Exclusive Inks® Mini Pigment Pads; there are four options:
• Basics Exclusive Inks® (Z2503) which contains the following coordinating colors:
• Black
• Slate
• Whisper
• Cocoa
• Chocolate
• Saddle
• Cashmere
• Champagne
• Desert Sand
• Bamboo
• Enchantment Exclusive Inks® (Z2502) which contains the following coordinating colors:
• Smokey Plum
• Outdoor Denim
• Indian Corn Blue
• Ponderosa Pine
• New England Ivy
• Olive
• Goldrush
• Autumn Terracotta
• Barn Red
• Ruby
• Adventure Exclusive Inks® (Z2501) which contains the following coordinating colors:
• Gypsy
• Pacifica
• Lagoon
• Topiary
• Pear
• Honey
• Sunset
• Cotton Candy
• Hollyhock
• Cranberry
• Whimsy Exclusive Inks® (Z2500) which contains the following coordinating colors:
• Twilight
• Crystal Blue
• Sky
• Juniper
• Sweet Leaf
• Buttercup
• Crème Brulee
• Sorbet
• Blush
• Smoothie

With so many options you are sure to find the perfect color for your project.

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me  if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a  Home or Online Gathering.

CTMH Cardmaking Kits

Close To My Heart has long been known for their Workshops on the Go® Kits that create scrapbook pages. When you purchase a WOTG kit there is enough product included to create the featured layout and an additional layout. If you purchase two to three additional items (listed with the WOTG description in the Idea Book or online) you can also make a bonus project. Instructions to make the bonus projects can be found at my online store under Ideas & Inspiration then Workshops on the Go® or Workshops on the Go® instructions. The bonus project sometimes are cards, but other times are mini albums, ornaments, recipe card or photo boxes or other home decor or gift items.

Now CTMH offers WOTG Kits dedicated to cardmaking. As with the scrapbooking kits, there is a C-size stamp set as well as all of the other materials you need to make 15 greeting cards; five each of three different designs. Please watch the video to learn more.

The CTMH description for the video reads "Take a peek at the two new Close To My Heart Workshops on the Go® cardmaking kits, featuring exclusive accessories you're sure to love. Create 15 cards for the holidays or year-round giving in just a few hours!"

Featured items used in this video:

• Workshops on the Go® Avonlea Cardmaking Kit (G1041)
• Workshops on the Go® Pear & Partridge Cardmaking Kit (G1043)

I hope we have inspired you to make greeting cards for your family and friends.

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.

Another reason to love CTMH My Acrylix® stamps

The thing I love most about CTMH My Acrylix® stamps is that they are clear and I can see if I have enough ink on the stamp and exactly where the image is going to be on my project. The video I am sharing with your today gives me (and I think you too) another reason to love them: the ability to bend and shape the stamps to create "new" images. For example a sentiment that fits a banner perfectly or a border that follows the curve of a handle on a gift box or bag.

The CTMH description of this video is "Clearly the Best, Stamping with Close To My Heart: "Bend It, Curve It, Stamp It" features a stamping technique to manipulate the stamp images for personalized designs."

Featured items used in this video:

• My Acrylix® Frame It Up (D1524)
• My Acrylix® A Friend Like You (B1410)
• My Acrylix® Stitched Together (C1459)
• My Acrylix® Eclectic Edges (C1450)
• My Acrylix® Sweet Moments (C1467)
• Versamat (Z1279)

I hope the video gave you as much inspiration as it did me. I do not think I will look at a stamp the same way again.

Click the Shop with me link below to place an order or contact me if you have questions about any CTMH product or promotion or to schedule a Home or Online Gathering.