Cricut Art Philosophy: Shape-a-Day

Do you need some inspiration and ideas for our Cricut Art Philosophy Collection? Close To My Heart's Founder and CEO, Jeanette Lynton, has been sharing a "Shape-a-Day" on her blog featuring a different shape (or two) every day during October from our fabulous Cricut Art Philosophy Collection!  She is sharing some AWESOME artwork using this cartridge and our fabulous Close To My Heart products. Be sure to check it out! 


Until next time...

Studio J: Love Your Layout {October 2011}

It's time for another episode of Love Your Layout from Studio J!  I LOVE these video tutorials from Close To My Heart! I always learn something, even though I play in Studio J quite a bit.

In this episode, you'll learn how to crop My Stickease to make custom titles and embellishments. With these techniques, you'll be able to make your layouts even more unique.



Create your own layout in 30 minutes or less in Studio J.

During October, YOU can get a Studio J 12-month Membership AND 5 layouts for FREE when you join my team!  Just choose the Studio J Add-On Collection as your free add-on when you sign up to become a consultant during October.  You'll enjoy making customized digital layouts in our fabulous Studio J Online Scrapbooking Program AND you'll receive the benefits of being a Studio J Member, as well as the discount from being a Consultant! Each layout works out to about $5.50 (with Indiana tax).

Until next time...

Studio J: Love Your Layout {September 2011}

In this Studio J video from Close To My Heart, you'll learn how to add journaling over blank space in your photos. Be sure to choose a photo with a lot of "blank space" or background, where your main subject is offset.  You'll also see a fun title done in two different fonts using multiple text/title boxes. It really makes the title pop!



Give Studio J a visit and see how fast and easy it is to create this beautiful layout in under 30 minutes!  If you'd like more information, contact me to schedule your free Studio J session!

Until next time...

Studio J: Love Your Layout {August 2011b}

So excited! We get TWO Love Your Layout videos this month! How awesome is that? In this video from Close To My Heart, you'll learn how to use the color picker tool to embellish your toggle accents. You'll quickly and easily find out how to color just one, a few, or all of the like toggle embellishments already pre-loaded into your Studio J layout.  You'll also learn a few journaling techniques and how to add a text box.



When you're done viewing the video, give Studio J a try for yourself. You'll be amazed at how quickly and easily your layouts come together.

Feel free to contact me if you'd like to learn more about our wonderful online digital scrapbooking program.  

Until next time...

Studio J: Love Your Layout {August 2011}

In this Studio J video tutorial from Close To My Heart, you'll learn how to use the quick-title tool, along with the text box function and My Stickease accents to create a unique and fun title for your layout!  You'll also learn a cool journaling technique using the vellum option over a photograph.



If you'd like to learn more about Studio J, contact me to schedule your FREE Studio J class. You'll be creating layouts and preserving memories in no time!

Until next time...

Happy Holiday Card Set - Project Inspiration

When you pair the Close To My Heart Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge with some of our delightful new My Acrylix® stamp sets, you'll find yourself making an armful of holiday cards in just one sitting! Watch this video to discover even more tips for streamlining your holiday card creation session.

If you'd like to create these cards for yourself, contact me to schedule a workshop. Workshop details are listed below the video.




I am going to be offering this as one of my Christmas Card Workshops. We'll create 10 cards using the products shown in the video. Here are your options:

Paper Only Kit $15.00 - Great for those that want to either schedule a workshop or attend my workshop and have a stash of embellishments to use. I will stamp your images for an additional $5, allowing you to complete your cards on your own. Please add $5 for postage if completing on your own.

• Die Cut Cards & Envelopes
• Pre-cut Cardstock pieces
• Pre-cut Cricut pieces
• Instructions

Embellished Kit $25.00 - For those that want either schedule a workshop or attend my workshop, but need embellishments. I will stamp your images for an additional $5, allowing you to complete your cards on your own. Please add $5 for postage if completing on your own.

• Die Cut Cards & Envelopes
• Pre-cut Cardstock Pieces
• Pre-cut Cricut Pieces
• Bitty Sparkles
• Designer Ribbon - Red Collection
• Instructions

Stampers Kit $35.00 - Perfect for those that want the stamp sets, but have their own embellishments. If you have the inks and other tools necessary (or want to modify the cards), you can also complete these cards on your own. Please add $5.00 for postage if completing on your own.

• Die Cut Cards & Envelopes
• Pre-cut Cardstock Pieces
• Pre-cut Cricut Pieces
• A Holiday Stamp Set
• Holiday Cheer Stamp Set
• Instructions

Complete Kit $45.00 - Perfect for those that want everything! You can also complete these cards on your own with your own inks and tools. Please add $5 for postage if completing on your own.

• Die Cut Cards & Envelopes
• Pre-cut Cardstock Pieces
• Pre-cut Cricut Pieces
• A Holiday Stamp Set
• Holiday Cheer Stamp Set
• Bitty Sparkles
• Designer Ribbon - Red Collection
• Instructions

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.  Check my calendar for future workshops dates & times, or contact me to schedule your own!

Until next time...

Buttoned Up Card Set - Project Inspiration

Close To My Heart released a few new videos last week featuring new products, projects, and techniques.  Lovely, chunky, fashion-forward bling turns your cards from charming to oh-so-fantabulous. Learn the WOW techniques in this how-to video from Close To My Heart, and then send holiday cards that people will be talking about into the New Year!



You can also do this technique with several other stamp sets! Just choose a stamp set that has a solid shape, stamp in second generation, then add some various bling!

Let's see what you can come up with!

Until next time...

Studio J: Love Your Layout - June 2011

In this Studio J video from Close To My Heart, you'll learn how to change the papers to coordinate with your photos, make custom embellishments, and enhance your journaling. 






Let your imagination be your guide, and play and have fun creating YOUR layout with our Studio J online digital scrapbooking program.  Let me know what you create with our program.  If you need help, you can always contact me for help. There are also several more videos for Studio J here!

Until next time...

Studio J: Perfect Placement

In this Studio J video, you'll learn how to perfectly place your accents and My Stickease on your layouts.  You'll learn how to use the align and distribute tool menu, as well as the layering tool set. 



During June, you can receive one FREE Studio J JPG file of a layout that YOU create! You can use these pictures to share your layouts with friends or have them printed.  You'll LOVE how easy it is to use Studio J and be creating fabulous layouts in no time!


Until next time...

Studio J: Personalize Your Layouts

Interested in learning a few more tips and tricks in Studio J?  Check out this video tutorial that shows you how to change papers, colors, add embellishments and resize them, and so much more!  You'll be creating FABULOUS layouts using our online digital scrapbooking program.  It's completely FREE to try! If you decide it's something for you, you can get your layouts for 50% off, as well as free shipping, and so much more with a Studio J Membership!



Until next time...

How to Add Dimension to Stamped Images {Tutorial}

Remember these flowers from my earlier post on the Sophia Layouts Workshop?

Here's a quick tutorial on how I added a little dimension to make the flowers pop.  You'll need a stamp that you can cut apart and layer back together. I used Heartfelt Treasures. You'll also need your micro-tip scissors, or another tool that has a rounded tip, and either the Versamat or the foam sheet that comes with each of our stamp sets.

 

Stamp your image twice. For the first image, cut the entire image out.

For the second image, cut just a piece of the image out so that you can layer it.

 

Now, take your Micro-Tip Scissors, or another tool that has a rounded tip to it.

You'll want to leave your scissors in their case.

Using the back side of the Versamat (or the foam sheet that comes with our stamp sets), you'll just rub your scissors in a circular motion in the middle of the flower.

You'll start to see a slight indentation and the petals will curl upwards.

To finish your flower, add a small piece of 3D Foam Tape between the two layers and finish off with a button for the center.

I used the same technique on the leaves, just rubbing in a line along the open areas of the leaves.

I added 3D Foam Tape to the leaves to help them stand out on the page.

Then added 3D Foam Tape to the assembled flower.

Until next time...

Sparkle with Studio J!

The second special from Close To My Heart this month is for Studio J Members Only!

It’s time to make your Studio J® layouts sparkle! Create your own embellished studio layouts in a snap with clear Sparkles and Opaques Pearl adhesive gems. 

Clear Sparkles

 Opaque Pearls Adhesive Gems

Just buy 10 or more layouts in one order and you’ll get two packages of these popular accessories (one of each kind) free! This members-only special lasts throughout April 2011.

Here's a step-by-step video to the basics of Studio J to get you started! If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me! 



Until next time...

Simply Scallops Tutorial

The Close To My Heart Art Department has done it again! Here's the latest video tutorial using our new 2" Scallop Punch. You'll see how to accent your artwork with scallops - including creating a scallop pennant and border.



Visit my website to purchase your 2" Scallop Punch or any of the other products shown in the video.

Until next time...

Rosette Ribbon Tutorial

The Close To My Heart Art Department recently began creating short video tutorials highlighting new products and techniques featured in the recently released Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book. This episode will show you how to create a pink accent for your cards and a lovely brooch for your sweater or jacket with our pink Designer Ribbon.



To purchase the new ribbons featured in the video, visit my website!

Until next time...

Tips for Your New Spray Pen!

If you've purchased the Wings WOTG or even the new Spray Pen, here's a tip for keeping the unclogged and ready to use.  We had SO much fun creating the Wings layouts (shown in previous post) with the new Spray Pen!  It sure makes for some shimmery backgrounds!

Until next time...

Wings Workshop on the Go Layouts and a Tutorial

I spent last Thursday finishing up a few layouts and playing with NEW Spring/Summer products!  I had SO much fun and thoroughly enjoyed spending the day to myself.

The first set of layouts I finished up were the Wings WOTG Layouts we recently did.  This is the workshop kit from the Inspirations brochure.  It will be available through August 31, 2011! So if you missed my workshop - there's still time to get it and do it yourself! Or get together with your friends and call me - I'll be thrilled to come help you put it together!

One of the new things I'm doing with my workshops this year, thanks to a great friend and frugal customer, is issuing a "Use Your Stash" challenge.  My friend generally orders the paper only kit, plus the My Stickease.  Like most of the rest of us, she has tons of embellishments, so she'll ask me for the colors and she'll pull out what she has and we go from there.  Now, while I generally purchase whatever the kit calls for, I LOVE this idea, and I actually put it to use this time!

Here's the layouts we created at our workshop.

This is the layout from the WOTG instructional guide.  I used the Black/Sweet Leaf dot B&T to cut photo mats according to the sizes in the guide.  This was a fun workshop with the new Spray Pens and reinker/pearl paint mixture!

This is the additional layout from the WOTG guide. It uses Lovely Assistant from Magic as the pattern. I added photo mats according to the pattern using leftover paper.  I don't generally stamp my titles until I know what photos I'm going to use, but I try to complete them other than that.  I'm not a huge butterfly person and the bold butterfly paper didn't really suit my tastes, so I just flipped it over and used the Sweet Leaf side.

This is the third layout we did.  I'll be honest, I scraplift quite a bit for simplicity's sake.  I saw this FABULOUS layout from Jeni Perkins and knew I could do something similar.  The layout pattern is Back Stage from Magic. I changed the papers around a little based on what was left in the WOTG kit.  She used Dimensional Elements On Target on her layout (at least that's what it looks like).  I know I have them somewhere, but where eludes me right now.  So, at the workshop, my friend and I were discussing what we could do and saw the same layout in the back of the new Idea Book done with buttons!  I have buttons - or so I thought - come to find out, no I only have the Craft Clear Buttons.  BUT with my circle punch, liquid glass, and the leftover B&T from the kit, I made the buttons work.

Here's a quick tutorial for the buttons.  You'll need the Clear Craft Buttons, a circle punch (I used the one from Creative Memories), Liquid Glass, and scissors.

Punch a circle close to the size of the button (bigger is okay).

Apply a little Liquid Glass to the punched piece.

Adhere the button to the punched piece and let dry.

Depending on how much Liquid Glass you used, it shouldn't take but about 10 mintues.

After it's dry, trim excess paper with scissors.

Ta Da! You now have a button ready to coordinate with any layout or project.

Here's a close up of the buttons on the Wings layout.

A note of caution - plan your page! I had a major headache last Thursday so was not going to try to plan more than two colors, but you certainly could! Have fun and let your creativity flow!


If you'd like to complete these layouts yourself, visit my Workshops page (above) and get the supply list. Then visit my website and order your supplies! Don't forget, the only way to get the stamp set that comes with it, is to order the Workshop on the Go Kit!


Until next time...

Organization: Sponges

I told you I managed to get a little work done in my disaster area this afternoon.  I've seen this before, and you may have too, but when I was searching for something on the CTMH Consultant Boards recently, I ran across a post by fellow Consultant Lorrinda, and it reminded me again that I need to do this.

So, after I cleared off my little 2x4 table upstairs, I grabbed my sponge boxes, loose sponges, a couple of color swatch rings, some small binder clips, and my Round Tab Punch from Stampin' Up (I knew I bought that for a reason!).

Start by lining up the wording in the punch so that it shows through and ends in one end of the round tab.

Your punched tab should look like this.

Fold your punched tab over your sponge.

Add a binder clip, and presto - organized sponges and a holder all in one.  When your sponges break down and you need to replace them, just unclip them and clip your label to a new sponge.

I store my sponges in these compartment boxes. I can't remember where I got them, but they aren't that hard to find. Check the fishing tackle boxes out as well!  I do have to fold the clips down in order to fit them in the compartments, but they are organized.

Now, when I pull sponges for classes and workshops, colors won't get messed up and I'll be able to put them away again (at least theorectically anyway).

Until next time...

'Tis the Season (continued)...

As promised, today I'm going to share with you another card pattern from Wishes that will allow you to get at least 100 cards from one Level 2 Paper Packet.

Today's card is Lucky Layers from Wishes. With a little planning, you can get 100 of these cards from one Level 2 Paper Packet.

Pattern: Wishes - Lucky Layers
Papers: Jingle Level 2 Paper Packet
Stamps: December Word Puzzle (retiring), Snow Flurries
Inks: Tulip, Juniper
Accessories: White Cards & Envelopes Value Pack

Let me share with you how...

If you take a look at Close To My Heart's Level 2 Paper Packets, you might notice there tends to be 3 bold or more prominent patterns and 3 sublte or accent patterns in the Background and Texture Duos. And, since they are coming from the same paper packet, all patterns and colors are meant to coordinate with each other - LOVE that!

For this card, I used the Jingle Level 2 Paper Packet. If you look, you'll notice that the Presents, Ornaments, and Swirl Border B&T's make up your bold patterns. The Tulip Dots, Juniper Stars, and Stripes make up your subtle patterns. You get 2 sheets of each pattern - for a total of 12 B&T papers!

Take your 6 bold patterns and cut pieces 1 1/4" x 5 1/2". Watch how you cut, so your patterns will be running the correct way. You should get 18 pieces per paper, or 108 pcs per packet.

Now, take your 6 subtle patterns and cut pieces 3/4" x 5 1/2". Again watch how you cut (especially the stripes) so your patterns will run the correct way. You should get 32 pieces per sheet.

Then, take your colored cardstock and cut pieces 1/2" x 5 1/2". You should get 52 per sheet, so you won't need all of it.

Cut your White Daisy cardstock at 1" x 2 3/4". You should get 48 per sheet, so again, you won't need all of it.

Assemble card as shown in pic (I think you can click on it and make it bigger). I used the big snow flourish from Snow Flurries stamped in Juniper ink for the top portion of the card to fill in some of the white space. Stamp your sentiment (here, from the December Word Puzzle) on the 1" x 2 3/4" White Daisy. Sponge the edges to make it pop off the card and give the illusion of a mat.

And viola - you have 100 cards from one Level 2 Paper Packet - with minimal pieces and stamping!

Until next time...

'Tis the Season...

for me to start thinking about Christmas cards. Actually, I've been "thinking" about them for awhile - I need to get motivated, make decisions, and start on them. I usually make and send around 150-200 cards each year. Last year, I sent none. Yes, I know that's bad.

This year, I wanted something simple, but something that would represent me and my artwork and that I would be proud to send. I turned to my Wishes book. LOVE that book! Not only are there awesome cards and the instructions to make them, 3 different bulk card making workshops (complete with cutting guides), but also little tips and tricks to take your card making to the next level.

I don't know about you, but I tend to come up with one design and make oodles of that design for Christmas. I do make a few different cards - specific for who's getting them (ie., Carl's friends get something related to motorcycles and I do something mail related for the office). But the bulk of my cards are one design.

I started flipping through Wishes and the Idea Book, and was inspired by the Framework card on page 71 of the Idea Book. It was simple, yet doable for Christmas cards. However, it is also a 5x7 card. I wanted standard size. So, I worked at scaling it down to standard size (4 1/4" x 5 1/2). That's when I also realized you could get oodles of these cards from one level 2 paper packet. You can get 200 of this design from one level 2 paper packet. Yes, you read that right - 200! You'll have to add in the card bases, but it still works out to less than 50 cents per card - and they are hand made! Did you know there are actually several card patterns in Wishes that will allow you to get 100 or more cards per level 2 paper packet? That's AWESOME for Christmas Cards, Party invites, Thank You's and more!

Pattern: Wishes - Framework (modified)

Papers: Jingle Level 2 Paper Packet

Stamps: December Word Puzzle (retiring), Holiday Commentary

Inks: Tulip, Juniper

Accessories: Cranberry Grosgrain Ribbon, White Cards & Envelopes Value Pack

So, you're probably thinking I've lost it (that's still debatable, depending on who you talk to). Let me share with you how....

Take the following papers and cut 2 1/4" squares from each (you'll get 25 per sheet) - Ornaments B&T, Juniper Stars B&T, Tulip Dots B&T, and Presents B&T. You should end up with 200 squares that are 2.25" x 2.25".

Take your Creme Brulee Cardstock and cut 2"x 1/2" pieces (cut 2" strips then cut them into 1/2" pieces). You'll have some cardstock leftover, but you'll get 200 pieces.

Take your Juniper and Tulip Cardstock and cut 100 squares from each color at 1.25" x 1.25". Again, you'll have cardstock leftover.

For your White Daisy Cardstock, you'll need to find an image that will allow you to get at least 50 per sheet. That's where the December Word Puzzle comes in handy - it's got small images that will coordinate beautifully with this paper packet (and many others). If you don't want to cut images out - making it even simpler, cut your White Daisy Cardstock into 1.5" squares. You'll be able to get 50 plus from each sheet - but you only need 200.

Layer your pieces on your card base as shown in the pic (I think you can click on the pic and make it bigger). For this card, I stamped the round ornament from the December Word Puzzle in Tulip ink and cut out. It is popped off the card with 3D foam (popdots). I stamped the word "merry" from Holiday Commentary in Juniper on the Creme Brulee CS, and then the word "Christmas" in Juniper directly on the card base. I added a little Cranberry Grosgrain knot to the top of the ornament - and viola - I have a simple, yet fun, Christmas Card.

Check back again (I'd like to say tomorrow, but I know better), when I'll share more card patterns from Wishes that you can get 100 or more cards from one level 2 paper packet! All it really takes is a little planning (and some graph paper doesn't hurt).

Until next time...

Sweet Home Cards

Last night was the first of my 2 card workshops this month. We used the Sweet Home Level 2 Papers to create 10 cards (2 each of 5 designs). This month I'm teaching how to use the Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint and re-inkers to make your own glimmer mist.

For the glimmer mist, you'll need a small spray bottle (I found some at Walmart for 50 cents), re-inker, Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint and 91% Alcohol (you can also use water, but I use alcohol since it will dry faster and I'm usually a last minute type person). Pour some alcohol into your spray bottle, add a few drops of re-inker, add just a little of the pearl paint. One word of caution, the more paint you add, the thicker your mixture will be. It can clog your sprayer. I would not recommend mixing more than you'll use in one sitting. Shake well before using. Make sure you protect your work surface with newspaper or paper towel. I used an old cookie sheet with layers of paper towel. Gently spray your Just Blooms (or cardstock or whatever) and let dry.

Patterns from the WOTG and Wishes

Papers: Sweet Home Level 2

Stamps: Enjoy the Journery (WOTG Kit)

Inks: Garnet and Indian Corn Blue

Re-Inkers: Garnet

Accessories: Just Blooms White Daisy, Create-a-Shade Pearl Paint, Pewter Brads, White Daisy Mini Medley Accents, Buttercup Ribbon Rounds, Colonial White Satin Edged Organdy Ribbon, Colonial White Brads
Other: 91% Alcohol

Until next time...