Using Black & White Along With Color Photos

This will be the last Studio J video I post for awhile, but I wanted to share it with you because the information is really helpful for those who use Studio J and for those who are looking for scrapbooking ideas.


Please let me know if you have any questions about scrapbooking, Studio J or Close To My Heart.  I would love to help you by showing you how to showcase your memories.

Thank you for visiting!
Beverly

OWH Cards and Happy Fourth of July!

On Memorial Day I was going to post pictures of a few cards that I made for Operation Write Home.  But I didn't get a chance, so here they are now. :-)

Actually, I made and sent 70 cards to them but I didn't think to take any pictures until most of them were packed up and ready to go.  So this is a random sample of one of the stacks of cards.

All of these cards are standard sized and easy to mail.

Embossing Folders with a Variety of Techniques & CTMH Stamps

Stamped Images are from Stamper's Best

 I hope you have a fun and safe Independence Day!
Thank you for visiting today!
Beverly

Love Your Layout

Yesterday I shared a CTMH video showing how to use photo wells to customize your layouts and increase your photo processing options.  For people who are not familiar with Studio J, I thought today's video might be helpful in showing some easy and effective ways to use some of the built-in options for customization.



There are so many fabulous ways to make your layouts uniquely your own!  To check out Studio J, please click here.

Please let me know if you have any questions.  Let's get the photos off of our computers and into our albums!

Thank you for stopping by today!
Beverly

Awesome Photos in Unusual Sizes

If you have used Studio J to do digital scrapbooking then you know how good the print quality is for your photographs on your layouts.  This great video shows how to use Studio J's "No Limits" option to process your photos in whatever sizes you need to use for traditional layouts. I am so excited about doing this so I can load up my page with lots of square photos and not have to pay huge amounts for photo processing!


Please let me know if you have any questions.  To try Studio J for free please visit here.  You do need to set up an account but there is no cost to use the software.  The only cost to you is if you decide to purchase the two page layouts you create.

Here is some additional information about the photo processing aspect of  Studio J  taken from the FAQs (the numbers don't correspond correctly to the actual FAQ):

What kind of printing or processing is used when I purchase Studio J layouts?

20. Studio J layouts are processed, not printed, using a silver-halide process considered the highest standard in the photo developing industry. Unlike printed papers or images you might print from a home photo printer, the silver-halide process yields “100-year+ quality” that has long been tested and used by the top photo labs in the world. We use the same papers and equipment used by leading labs to produce long-lasting photo prints, so you know your layout will be reproduced with high fidelity and will last throughout the years.

And

Can I print my layouts from a personal printer?

20. Yes, you can purchase JPG files of your layouts, plus you receive a free JPG file with each custom-printed layout you purchase. These JPG files are provided in two resolutions: web-ready and high-resolution for self-printing. To print on your personal printer, you must have a large-format printer capable of printing on 12" × 12" paper.
    
    For superior quality, trust our custom printing services. When you purchase projects, Close To My Heart processes them using top-quality silver-halide processing and then mails them directly to you.

Please let me know if you need any further information about Studio J or how to do custom sized photos or layouts. I would love to help you get your pictures into your albums!
Beverly

Canvas Art Kit - 50% Off!

Have you wanted to try one of Close To My Heart's Workshops On The Go?  Here is one of their fun home decor kits and it is half priced this month - while supplies last!

CTMH WOTG Canvas Art Kit Special

Use the materials and instructions in this kit to create a 12" × 12" canvas display. This kit comes with Dimensional Elements in two different color schemes to create a look that is uniquely yours. This workshop project is ideal for creating as a group or on your own and takes approximately 1 hour to complete.

Included in the kit:
1 – My Acrylix® Canvas Art Workshop Stamp Set (C-size)
1 – 12" × 12" Printed Canvas Display
1 – Cashmere Baker's Twine (1 yard)
10 – Clear Sparkles (10mm)
1 – Sparkles Flourish
2 – 12" × 6" Dimensional Elements In Color—Art Shapes
1 – Instructional Brochure

Some basic tools you may already have, such as inks, stamp blocks, or tools are needed to complete this project.

To view the contents or to order this kit please visit here.

Thank you!

Beverly

Free Shipping Pre-Order Special For CTMH's New Artbooking Cricut Collection!

Edited 7/31/2013 11:35 Mountain Time Zone Free Shipping Special is Over

Close To My Heart announced their new collaborative collection with Cricut will be available on August 1, 2013.  This new collection has over 700 images!  If you'd like to see them all please click here.  

CTMH - Cricut Artbooking Collection

There are mini-books, layout themes, overlays, titles, photo mats, borders, a fun new font and so much more on this cartridge.  The Artbooking Collection includes three My Acrylix D-size stamp sets and 3 Dimensional Elements sheets in coordinating shapes.  The retail value is approximately $125.

Artbooking Cartridge Minibook

I am offering Free Shipping for all Pre-orders placed prior to August 1, 2013 to show my appreciation to my wonderful customers and blog visitors.  The  Artbooking Collection will be drop shipped from CTMH in Utah beginning August 1st.  Sales tax is 8.55%.

A Chocolate Affair SOTM Artwork from CTMH

If you would like to receive the August Stamp of the Month for only $5 more, I will pay for the shipping as an extra 'thank you'! Please use the drop-down arrow to select that option if you would like to receive this 16 piece stamp set.

Please email me with any questions or if you would like to host an online party to receive Free Close To My Heart products.
Thank you for your business.  :-)
Beverly

"Irresistibles" Projects from CTMH

This video, produced by CTMH, shows several ways to use their Irresistibles Embossed Chipboard.




The Irresistibles Frames are located here.  Houndstooth Alphabet and Persnickety Journaling Spots are additional Irresistibles shapes that are available for many more projects. (Click on the item name to see them.)

Thank you for stopping by!
Beverly

CTMH Announces Retiring Products

It is that time of year when Close to My Heart is gearing up for convention and the release of the new Autumn/Winter Idea book.  Which means that there are a lot of new products that will be introduced in August.  To make room for them in the catalog, some of the other items will be discontinued. Some items are being discounted and are already on sale here.

The following list includes items that are while supplies last and/or will automatically be discontinued July 31st.  Stamps are produced in house, so they will be available through July.  If you are interested in any of the following items, you will want to make your shopping list soon! :-)

Spring 2013 Retiring List

        Item #   Description

• Z1366 Brads Metal Assortment Accessory brads 
• Z1410 Antiqued Copper Designer Brads Accessory brads 
• Z1704 Pewter Badge Buttons Accessory Buttons
• Z1703 Wooden Badge Buttons Accessory Buttons
• Z1821 Buttons Black Assortment Accessory Buttons
• Z1371 Buttons Blue Assortment Accessory Buttons
• Z1370 Buttons Pink Assortment Accessory Buttons
• Z1358 Buttons Basic Assortment Accessory Buttons
• Z1369 Buttons Red Assortment Accessory Buttons
• Z1372 Buttons Green Assortment Accessory Buttons
• Z1773 Color-Ready Noted Canvas Shapes Accessory Color Ready
• Z1718 Color-Ready Garden Wooden Shapes Accessory Color Ready
• Z1450 Cork Color-Ready Alphabet Accessory Color Ready
• Z1719 Color-Ready Evergreen Cork Shapes Accessory Color Ready
• X7164C Buzz and Bumble My Stickease® Assortment Accessory Complements
• X7155C Avonlea Complements Canvas Shapes Accessory Complements
• X7167C Later Sk8r My Stickease® Assortment Accessory Complements
• X7166C Claire Complements Canvas Shapes Accessory Complements
• X7156C Clementine Complements Canvas Shapes Accessory Complements
• X7157C Dakota Complements Silver Foil Images Accessory Complements
• X7159C Scholastic My Stickease® Assortment Accessory Complements
• Z1326 Sparkles Red, Pink & Purple Assortment Accessory embellishment
• Z1327 Sparkles Blue & Green Assortment Accessory embellishment
• Z1710 Just Blooms® Paradise Paper Flowers Accessory Flowers
• Z1612 Paper Clip Pins Accessory foundry
• Z1755 Posh Journaling Spots Accessory Journaling
• Z1734 Irresistibles™ Persnickety Journaling Spots Accessory Journaling
• Z1831 Buzz and Bumble Assortment Accessory Level 2 
• Z1813 Claire Assortment Accessory Level 2 
• Z1810 Later Sk8r Assortment Accessory Level 2 
• Z1748 Brocade Assortment Accessory Level 2
• Z1794 Cottage Assortment Accessory Level 2
• Z1766 Memo Assortment Accessory Level 2
• Z1780 Wrangler Assortment Accessory Level 2
• Z1487 Mini Medley Accents Pewter Collection Accessory mini medley
• Z1697 Mini-Medley Accents Smoothie Collection Accessory mini medley
• Z1489 Mini Medley Accents Olive Collection Accessory mini medley
• Z1798 Black Tulle Ribbon Accessory Ribbon
• Z1088 ChocolateWaxyFlax Accessory Ribbon
• Z1089 BlackWaxyFlax Accessory Ribbon
• Z906 BambooWaxyFlax Accessory Ribbon
• Z1081 ColonialWhiteWaxyFlax Accessory Ribbon
• Z1096 EmbroideryFlossNeutralAssortment Accessory Ribbon
• Z1347 12 x 12 Post Bound Album- New England Ivy Album album
• Z1827 My Creations™ Paper Pouch - Small Crafts gift 
• Z1828 My Creations™ Paper Pouch - Large Crafts gift 
• Z1740 My Creations® Bookmark Album Crafts My Creations
• Z1739 My Creations® Milk Carton Crafts My Creations
• Z1774 My Creations® Canvas Journal Crafts My Creations
• Z1736 My Creations® Mini Banner Crafts My Creations
• Z1267 Paper/StampOrganizer8.5x11(3) organization
• Z4200 AccessoriesOrganizer Organization
• Z4136 ExclusiveInksOrganizerCarryingCase Organization
• Z1474 6" x 6" Kraft Die-Cut Cards & Envelopes Paper Product cards
• Z1724 6” x 6” Kraft Envelopes Paper Product Cards
• Z1412 10-Things Pocket Paper Product cards
• Z1722 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" Kraft Envelopes Paper Product Cards
• Z1723 5” x 7” Kraft Envelopes Paper Product Cards
• Z1721 3” x 3” Kraft Envelopes Paper Product Cards
• X7155B Avonlea Paper Packet Paper Product Level 2
• X7157B Dakota Paper Packet Paper Product Level 2
• X7156B Clementine Paper Packet Paper Product Level 2X7159B Scholastic Paper Packet Paper Product Level 2
• X7167B Later Sk8r Paper Packet Paper Product Level 2
• X7166B Claire Paper Packet Paper Product Level 2
• X7164B Buzz and Bumble Paper Packet Paper Product Level 2
• Z4134 Handle and Swivel Base organization
• W1123 Spring Summer 2013 B&T Duo Sampler Supply Supply
• Z724 EmbossingPen Tool coloring 
• Z670 EmbPowderBlack Tool coloring 
• Z673 EmbPowderWhite Tool coloring 
• Z1246 EmbPowderCocoa Tool coloring 
• Z672 EmbPowderRed Tool coloring 
• Z1351 embossing powder dutch blue Tool coloring 
• Z659 EmbPowderCranberry Tool coloring 
• Z656 EmbPowderOutdoorDenim Tool coloring 
• Z655 EmbPowderOlive Tool coloring 
• 1771 WaterbrushMedium Tool coloring 
• Z1350 embossing powder topiary Tool coloring 
• Z1392 2" Scallop Circle Punch Tool cutting
• Z578 Corner Rounder Tool cutting
• Z608 EmbossingStylusMedium Tool
• G1061 Workshops on the Go® Chantilly Cardmaking Kit WOTG Card 
• G1060 Workshops on the Go® For Always Cardmaking Kit WOTG Card 
• G1062 Workshops on the Go® Canvas Art Kit WOTG home décor 
• G1053 Workshops on the Go® Chantilly Scrapbooking Kit WOTG Layout
• G1054 Workshops on the Go® Buzz and Bumble Scrapbooking Kit WOTG Layout
• G1057 Workshops on the Go® Later Sk8r Scrapbooking Kit WOTG Layout
• G1055 Workshops on the Go® For Always Scrapbooking Kit WOTG Layout
• G1059 Workshops on the Go® Surf's Up Scrapbooking Kit WOTG Layout
• G1056 Workshops on the Go® Claire Scrapbooking Kit WOTG Layout
• G1058 Workshops on the Go® Tommy Scrapbooking Kit WOTG Layout

         Stamp Sets

• A1132 Family 
• A1133 Festival of Lights
• B1372 Circle Together 
• B1395 So Grateful 
• B1396 School Rocks 
• B1405 Rugged Dude 
• B1406 Blessings of Peace 
• B1410 A Friend Like You 
• B1414 Bonjour Stamp BC1438 Tea Time 
• C1461 Salutation Seals 
• C1466 Instant Memories 
• C1505 Pun Fun 
• C1507 Angelic Blessings 
• C1508 Paisley Flair 
• C1511 Love Blooms 
• C1520 Christmas Joy 
• D1187 For Every Occasion 
• D1388 Card Chatter - Christmas 
• D1399 Dream Big 
• D1440 Everlasting Life 
• D1444 A Little Thanks 
• D1492 Christmas Love 
• D1517 Game On 
• D1519 Abundance 
• D1521 Powder Heaven 
• D1523 Sweet Music 
• D1528 Jardin 
• E1010 Chocolate Alphabet Large 
• E1014 Posterboard Alphabet 
• E1015 Cocktail Alphabet 
• E1017 Old World Alphabet 
• E1018 Pennant Alphabet 
• E1019 Bohemian Alphabet 
• E1020 Token Alphabet 
• E1021 Trinity Alphabet 
• E1022 Hero Alphabet 
• E1023 Varsity Alphabet 
• E1024 Keepsake Alphabet 
• K900 Single Name Stamp Stamp Custom
• K9012 Address Stamp w/o Icon 2 Lines Stamp Custom
• K9013 Address Stamp w/o Icon 3 Lines Stamp Custom
• K9014 Address Stamp w/o Icon 4 Lines Stamp Custom
• K9022 Address Stamp with Icon 2 Lines Stamp Custom
• K9023 Address Stamp with Icon 3 Lines Stamp Custom
• K9024 Address Stamp with Icon 4 Lines Stamp Custom
• W1600 Customized Set Stamp Custom

If you would like to purchase any of these items before they are gone, please visit my website here.  Thank you.

Scrapbooking Without Pictures

After taking a very long break, I am glad that the first blog post of my work includes an image of two of the biggest blessings in my life. Thanks for sticking it out with me and being here to share it.  I appreciate all the support that you all have shown me! Now on to the actual post...

At Disneyland there is a tiny shop on Main Street where silhouettes are made.  When we went in there last October, we were impressed by an amazing woman who could hand-cut a silhouette in just a few minutes.  She looks at the person and cuts with scissors.  All the while, she is carrying on a conversation!  I love how her artwork looks and wanted to keep it as part of our vacation memories in a scrapbook, even though it is not a photograph.

The silhouette is on a rectangular piece of cardstock.  I cut out the oval to mount it with foam tape on the double mat. Using a black paper as the background would give the best contrast, so that is what I chose. The For Always paper packet is classy and vintage-y feeling.  It seemed like a perfect choice for this silhouette of my two daughters. One was celebrating her 8th birthday and the other was 22 at the time.

Click on the picture to see more detail

Each piece of paper was ink distressed and all, except the oval, were edge distressed as well.

CTMH Black Tulle Ribbon made into Flowers and Bow-like Shapes

The black tulle comes on a wide roll.  It is easy to scrunch up into flower-like shapes.  I stapled the 'blossoms' and glued the top one in place and flattened it with a dictionary.  The two at the bottom of the page were attached to the page with brads.

CTMH Sparkles Black Flourishes

Usually, I do double layouts but since it has been such a long time (over six months!) since I have scrapbooked, I thought I would start with a single 12 x 12 page.

CTMH For Always B & T Papers

Initially, I was going to follow this sketch from Creating Keepsakes for a group of pictures that I wanted to scrap.  Rather than wait for the pictures to be printed, I decided to go ahead and modify the sketch to use it today.  It doesn't look a lot like the sketch, but it was the jumping off point for this layout.

All of the materials are CTMH except as noted:
For Always Paper Pack
Black and White Daisy cardstock
Black Tulle Ribbon
Sparkles: Black Flourishes and Black and Grey Assortment
Key from Brocade Assortment
Foundry Metal Pin Clip
Black staples/stapler
Black Soot Distress Ink - Ranger
Mickey Mouse paper clip - from stash
White lace ribbon - Martha Stewart
Grey ruffle ribbon - Pink Paislee House of Three
Washi Tape - Teresa Collins
Spellbinders ornate frame - this was a leftover piece that was in my stash so I don't remember which one it is.
Black thread and sewing machine
Black brads from stash

Thank you so much for stopping by today!
Beverly

Cricut Craft Room Video

Last Autumn, I posted a tutorial that was produced by CTMH that showed pictures using the Cricut Craft Room.  CTMH recently made a video tutorial which shows this easy process using your cartridges with the Cricut Craft Room.

Discover how to use Cricut® Craft Room—the free online design software that makes it easier to create projects with your Cricut®machine—in this step-by-step tutorial.