Kottan Kandi A Beary Special Friend!

I'm smitten over our newest video tutorial in our Love Your Lay-Out series so much so that I decided to incorporate some familiar photos that I did in my "classic" pages for our "You & Me Stronger Together" campaign.  

When I watched this video I knew right away the story I wanted to tell about Kottan Kandi and what a Beary Special friend she's been to our precious angel.  I also entered it into our "StudioJ Free-for-All" Close To My Heart Facebook Contest!  I couldn't help myself with the FREE .JPG promotion I have all month long on my StudioJ tab via my web-site.  After all it was absolutely FREE!  You can get yours too by clicking the title to this post.  There is a lot of creativity going on and I would love to see what you do with your FREE .JPG.  You can also enter the contest or view all the "Studio" lay-outs, just click HERE today. 

  

StudioJ FREE For All!

June is the start of summer and the bridge for our graduates!  My sincerest Congrats to the class of 2011!   I'm pretty excited to share this month's FREE for all StudioJ.  I'm just smitten over StudioJ for many reasons the #1 being that I can do something with all of those pictures that are on my camera cards in a way that I can preserve them uniquely.  Just in case your just stamping by All month long EVERYONE gets a FREE .JPG file at my StudioJ to share online, via e-mail, to print (the quality is superb), or to archive!  YAY!!!  The coolest part is that YOU can also share it online at our Close To My Heart  "StudioJ FREE For All" FB Page Contest! What a way to play with StudioJ for the first time. **Click Like CTMH FB Page and read the about the contest to enter**
To help you get started on Your FREE .JPG image Just click the Title of this post to be directed to My StudioJ online.  I'm also including a Step-By-Step video Tutorial on the basics of setting up you FREE account and how it works.  If you want to learn more about StudioJ I will be posting video tutorials all month long, so stay tuned...Thanks For Stamping By!

StudioJ "Some I Love"

StudioJ is one of my FAVORITE FREE online software tools to utilize for something quick, fun and easy!  I had taken some photos of our darling daughter before picture day this year and I went a little camera happy so I was wondering what to do with all these digital photos on my card.  It just so happens that Close To My Heart introduced our first in a series of "Love Your Layout" tutorials.  Of course it was a perfect opportunity to do a special page on "Someone I Love"!  Too cool.  Of course K was wearing a bit of pink, some animal print and there was tons of foliage in the backgrounds.  

I had a lot of fun creating this after viewing the tutorial on it.  The FUN part is that I have a StudioJ membership so the cost of just having a .jpg file was only $3.00.  Yes it is in high quality so I can re-print these lay-outs on a cool textured cardstock to put inside of her album using my 12x12 printer.   If you have extra camera cards lying around, You too can create some fun, quick, fast, and easy pages to display on your family blog, Facebook, or anywhere online.  Just click the title at the top of this post to be directed to our StudioJ and play for FREE.  

Bonus: If you do decide to purchase your page creation using the below tutorial and post your .jpg image via Creatique Innovationz Facebook Album "StudioJ" I will enter your name to win a FREE Level 1 paperpack out of our Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book. (The Creatique FB Link is located to the left column of my blog).   I hope you ENJOY the video it is also in CC.  Have a Happy Scrappy Day...

Click My Picture For A Larger View!

To View This Video In CC Just Click The CC Icon. 

StudioJ Basics (CC) - Incredible Options, No Fuss Scrapbooking!

Please take a moment to view this Awesome tutorial on our exclusive StudioJ program.  I'm in love with StudioJ and even more in love with having the opportunity to share with you a video tutorial that is also in (CC) if you click on the box to view with closed captions. :) I've long awaited for a video that can show you the difference between "classic scrapbooking" and our FREE online design software for "Studio scrapbooking" and how versatile the using it is. 

April is a month with no exception because you can incorporate these gorgeous lay-outs and embellish upon them to create vibrant classic pages as well.  As a StudioJ member through the month of April 2011, when you purchase 10 created lay-outs you receive our exclusive opaque pearls and sparkles to jazz up your pages. 
There are so many bonuses in utilizing my FREE software program here are just a few that I use it for: 
1. Not one single lay-out ever looks the same and it is exclusive to just YOU!
2. I can create several albums as gifts with an event like I did for CU 2011.
3. I can use quality .jpg images to share with all my social networking sites for family, friends, followers and the like by purchasing just the jpg image - though you do get them with the page purchases to. 
4. Sometimes I order a 2nd set so that I can cut the quality printed photos out and create a "classic" page to go hand in hand with my "studio" pages. That's right...no need for all the cutting and gas spent to go and have them printed and picked up because these come straight to my door. 
5. It is sooo Fast, Simple, and Easy Peasy to say the least!
So what do you get out of being a StudioJ member?
There are 2 membership options: 3-month or 12-month - You can get your feet wet with a 3-month membership.  Though the best value is packed with a huge punch in my 12-month membership. 

• Studio J members get 50% off custom prints: that's just $3.50 per page!
• Members get one free shipment a month of up to 20 lay-outs - that's 40 scrapbook pages.  My oh, my the endless possibilities. 
• Members save even more with members-only special promotions. (April opaques and sparkles)
• Exclusive members only patterns. 
• JPG files of layouts are available to members only, either for a seperate purchase or FREE with a custom print, so you can share your layouts online, print more copies, and archive them for the future.
• FREE Memory Protectors are inclued with each custom-printed lay-out.

The 5-Pack membership Perks:

• Perfect for gifts to friends and family. 
• Each pack includes 5 two-page layouts, 5 Memory Protectors, and FREE shipping and handling.
• Buy Two...one for yourself and another for a friend!  What a deal...
  If your ready to start your creative adventure and Scrapbook your memories Fast, Simple and Easy Today just click on the Title at the top of this post (StudioJ Basics (CC).  Have Fun getting creative!
  Here is one of my Favorite Lay-Outs I did in a prior StudioJ post:
  

  

  
  Bonus Creatique Candy give-away...Post a link to your photo as a comment of what you've done in StudioJ and I will randomly pick your photo to link to next week. Thanks For Stamping By....

CU in StudioJ - "Mayberry"

During my resting period this weekend I wanted to take advantage of our FAB FEB promo in StudioJ to create an album remembering my incredible four-day weekend at Camp Lutherhaven nestled on the gorgeous Lake Coeur d'Alene, ID. where we had our 4th annual Creative University. 

As promised I wanted to do a write-up so to speak about my experiences at CU and what it means to me.  Sometimes there is an experience soooo inexplicable that one can only tell it by showing a story or series of pictures.  I want to start out by expressing a HUGE Thank You and pay homage to Tresa Black for bringing this Ah-Mazing event each year. There is a lot of work that goes into putting on such an memorable retreat.  Just a small list of things that she preps for and I could never imagine matching this Uniquely Fabulous Multi-Tasker; Planning: Now to some planning entails details. Every last one of them were Fabulous from the Communications with CU attending members to a blog resource and newsletters. That is just the information portion....then there is the Theme: CU 2011 had an awesome theme "WINGS" how to spread our wings of inspiration, this was demonstrated in a group project by the attendees which I'm so excited to see how that turns out.  (This project was a collaboration of a "Twinchie") Of course colors that also go into the Logowear.  

This year the color scheme was Red, Black, White, and Grey. These were also done in our Handmade gift bags that were all sewn by Tresa's hand (A wonderful piece I treasure each year), If that weren't enough we have a charm swap we do that was incredibly led by Erin Grotegut who was also our jewelery class instructor this year where we learned and created handmade bobble necklaces...can I say ADORABLE. Then more classes; Oh My all the classes are INCREDIBLE!  I can only imagine the work it takes to arrange, organize, create, and make 55+ kits with these CU Instructors this year and Tresa even did an awesome schedule rotation based on Sororities, I was in Megha Inka; Friday- We had the Card Boutique until the Student assembly ran by: Sheila Bennett, and Donna Smith. Can I interject here how FABULOUS these gift card and sentiment cards were soooo full of awesomness.  Then after our Student assembly that is when I got to take Erin's class for the necklace. Saturday morning was so much fun taking a scrabooking class learning how to make ribbon flowers and tacky glue with Nona Davenport I loved learning how to use the pleated ribbon in such a fast easy way. After lunch I was able to retreat into a wonderful Altered clipboard class with Denise Anderson-Turley, this was one of my FAV's because Christina assisted in contributing to my Ribbon Frenzy addiction.  (One I didn't know I had till now!) Then it was Chrissy Dunham's class which I found very interesting in using vintage combined with Fabric in scrapbook lay-outs. I'm not a very good stitcher or sewer for that matter but Chrissy made it all seem so easy and I have to thank her for my new border punch infatuation. :)  Of course one of my last-classes of the CU season 2011 was Jen Royal's Bookmark corner card.  Now how ingenious was this...a great gift idea and especially for those who LOVE to read. 

Now, try to imagine for only but a moment what it takes to co-ordinate, organize, create and multi-task all of these elements into a Fabulous four-day weekend.  Uhm....Okay I know I couldn't do it but that is all apart of why CU is so dearly apart of my annual schedule come rain or shine or even after a nice ER visit prior to my departure and coming home to learning I was in a serious state of medical crisis. Nothing can hold me back from this endearing weekend.  There is so much more to CU then just the above that I don't know how to share it all at once...so what I did as the Doctor ordered this weekend was relaxed and created some StudioJ lay-outs that I wanted to share.  I was not able to get in all the photos that I wanted nor did I get some of the class photos I wanted in either.  However, I'm safe enough to share our CU blog so you can visit the secret class pictures and read a lil about them or even visit some of the links above in the Instructors to see what they've posted.

One part of CU that is my favorite is the "Friendships"!  Each year becomes more endearing then the one before.  Not only are there so much talent and different unique stories behind each individual we all have one thing in common and that is our love of crafts, some seriously needed relaxation and down-time to just create for ourselves.  This common thread if you can imagine is like a silk diamond spindle to me; delicate, unique, and utterly priceless. So without further ado I share some of my CU StudioJ memories of CU 2011 with you: 

Each page has a story for me...I can not wait to put it in my Cranberry Faux Leather Album that should arrive within the next 3 days. I don't know about you but if I were a betting lady I would say if you have the time and start saving today that next year I just may be able to CU at CU 2012!  

I'm Right Where I Belong!

Today was one of those days...it started out raining, then turned cool with clouds in the sky and the sun decided to play peek-a-boo for most of it.  Then again, I've been very under the weather sick for a few days at least and spending most of my time wrapped up in my fuzzy blanket, sleeping.  I realize lots of vitamin C, water, and rest are the key ingredients to feeling better.  Well, so does creating a little something inspirational to remind me that I'm right where I belong.  
I was able to muster up enough energy to create some lay-outs that I want to dedicate to my Darling Husband.  He's mustered through the worst of "sickness" storms and more with me.  
It is rare for us to go out and have a date night or spend quality time with our children on a day-trip, something we used to do once a week when we were back home in South Dakota.  These photos are from here in gorgeous Idaho taken a couple months ago.  However, they are a reminder of the love we share and the precious moments we do get with one another and truly does provide that "medicine" I need to help me feel moocho better in times like these. 
When your feeling a little blue and somewhat a little disconnected, it is very therapeutic to find reminders of just where you belong. Thank you Kip for being that Pillar of Love, Inspiration, Support, The most Amazing Daddy to our wonderful children and most of all the Love of My Life!

You view more detail in a larger format just by clicking on each of the photos.  

I'm always inspired by Helen Onulak's StudioJ Tips.  She shows so many goodies on her blog on how to incorporate ideas, use tools, or take advantage of our exclusive membership program in creating well designed lay-outs in a fun, elegant, informative and most certainly some of the most unique ways of expression.  Hence, I've created an additional few "Studio" scrapbook lay-outs using some of her tips.  Stay tuned to my blog for more upcoming posts during our annual "Blogtoberfest".  There will be some "Creatique Candy" to give away coming soon.

H2H Challenge "It's Time To Get Scrappy"! & Boy Did I Ever!!!

I Love to scrapbook lately & especially when it comes to creating pages with pictures I just have not had the time to print out or develop that tend to just sit on my SD card (I tend to forget they are there sometimes even) LOL :)  With that said H2H got me thinking about the EXCLUSIVE "Splish Splash" pack that is only available through Studio J & How perfect it would be to have pictures from the sea salt pool we had a blast teaching Kaedyn how to swim in.  So I got my card out & started just playing & WOW I couldn't control myself as I also got inspired to use "Moon Doogie" to scrapbook some pages we did whilst at the Hot Springs during our camp out a couple weekends ago.  & YEPPERS That is "Moon Doggie" paperpack that you see I promise.  So My H2H Lay-Out(s) are created with limited time & using our exclusive FREE design software.  TY H2H for this incredible challenge!
(To View Entire Lay-Out Just click on the Image for more detail!)


"Moon Doggie" Camping May 2009!

"Moon Doggie" Hot Springs Camping!

"Splish Splash" - Tuscany Suites Sea Salt Pool Vegas 2009!

"Splish Splash" Daddy Teaching Some Swimming

"Splish Splash" Mommy Teaching Some Swimming

LOVE TO PLAY WITH STUDIO J!!!

Oh What Fun I've had today playing with Studio J.  Getting some pictures done that have needed to be done for quite some time. :)  Some of these already have been posted individually & some well...I will just have to post them one by one.  
I actually LOVED playing with "Zippidee" & "Passages" where I was able to get Alec's DC trip scrapbooked.  I can not wait to get the finished pages in my hot little hands.  If you have not tried STUDIO J, I strongly encourage you to try it today!!! I can't believe how fast simple and easy it can be & boy did it save me a lot of time & moola.  Whoot! Whoot!  Awesome thing is that it looks as though I spent hours on all of it not to mention that the 3-D look is incredible.  Thanks a MILLION Close To My Heart for allowing me the privelage to sell such a wonderful memory maker.  FREE Software & FREE to try it out. I'd love to see what you come up with. (hint) (hint)....Till next time....

So I've Been Tinkerin'

Howdy Everyone...thanks for stopping in to visit me! (Waving)  So as my title says it all I've been Tinkerin around & not just with this incredible paperpack exclusive online now in our StudioJ, but also in a myraid of crafting genres.  Yes I'm finally starting to get those creative juices flowing bak at me.  Tinkin with the lay-outs, CS2 program, Contest Entries, Preparing for our Incredible Summer Adventures in Close To My Heart and well just plain old Tinkerin.

How's that for the latest & greatest...Oh yes I forgot to leave out that I have grown fond of Facebook and the games but not to impressed with the company behind most of them ZYNGA.  That is a whole nother blog in and of itself.  Anyhow off the soap box.  Most of you know I'm just learning and starting to get into this more and since I haven't been putting my writing skills to use.  All of this may look greek and have no absolute value, none the less I enjoy getting busy and sharing. 

HUGS TO ALL MY SISTAS @ Creative University. 

A special Shout Out to Amy Muse WE miss you!

Congrats to Kathy and Kenzie both (endearing RL Friends) On Your engagements.  

Happy Anniversary to my HUSBAND 6 years and counting.....

My LOVE to all my Family, Friends, Customers, & All Who have blessed my life! 

Playing with StudioJ Today!

So I'm working with "Back Country" using our StudioJ FREE online design software.  I had this saved in my projects forever now.  This lay-out is in my purchase cart one of many that I'm working on from gathering vacation pictures that otherwise I would have no clue how to get scrapbooked :).  The beauty is that in one week I will have these delivered in my hot little hands ready to put straight into my album.  This was of our vacation in Whitefish in March of 09. See what I mean a day late & a dollar short.  I never would of been able to cherish these memories faster, simpler, & easier without Close To My Heart.  Just one of the many blessings they offer me to cherish our family memories. I will add a few more of these lay-outs as I finish them off. 

"More To Adore" in Studio J!

How delightfully fun!  I got to enjoy creating this retired classic paperpack "More To Adore" in our exclusive Studio J (a bonus perk for the CTMH consultants who attended Leadership Conference 2009) when I finished my layout I wasn't quite sure what to expect until I received it 4 days later in an adorable box.  It is as true to life as it is here.  I so wanted to share this lay-out as there are so many elements involved into it that you can get as detailed as you like or as simple as you will see.  I'm bursting with ideas and I just couldn't wait to share it.  


Studio J is going to have a variety of patterns that come from our Cherish and Imagine how-to books.  Since I had so many photo poses of Kaedyn on her picture day I wanted a lay-out that I could combine 12 photos in and highlight different areas.  This of course was my very first one using our upcoming FREE online design software. (Due to release in May of 2010!). 

Here is just a small list of my favorite things I could do with Studio J:

• I could zoom in and out of my photos to highlight what I wanted to.  I was also able to invert vertically for some of them to create a visual balance. Along with changing the tone to sepia on some of them.
• I could add an additional text block over the tag my stickease, and create the my stickease to be smaller or larger for the boot on the right side of the page.
• I was able to add a photo mat behind the photos with various color options that went along with the kit.
• As the distressing Queen I was also able to sand the background in blush (an option I can not do in classic scrapbooking). - I really had a heyday with the distressing of course which brought the entire lay-out into balance. 
• Adding the metal accents with colors we do not have for classic embellishments was also fun!

There will be more to come while I attempt to catch up on the scrapbooking challenges and learn from one of my favorite mentors Helen Onulak.  Thank You Helen for sharing such a joy.  I'm so excited about Studio J and I'm really looking forward to sharing it with you too. :)