December 2011 Blog Hop–Mad About You

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

We will be featuring December's SOTM, which is Mad About You a set of 14 stamps.

 
If you have come here from Vicki’s Blog, you are on the right path! The blog hop is a great big circle, so you can start here and work your way all around. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants HERE.

This month we have 57 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. So sit back and enjoy each creation as you venture through this blog hop and get GREAT ideas to create on your own!! 

This Hop is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

I chose to create a couple of smaller sized cards this month...what FUN!!!!  The left card is a 4 3/4" x 3 card and the right card is a 3 1/2" x 2 1/2 size card.  It had been quite a long time since I created a different card size rather than the “normal” 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 size card. 
 
I used Jeanette Lynton’s WONDERFUL how-to book Originals to guide me in my creating! This book is a MUST HAVE and is such a HUGE time saver!!!  Who doesn’t like to save time?!?! J

Products I used to create these 2 cards…

X7140B Roxie level 2 paper
X5646 Vanilla Cream cardstock
Z282 Black Hemp
Z1463 Just Blooms Paper Shapes
Z1263 Bitty Sparkles
Z1326 Red, Pink, & Purple  Sparkles
Z1313 Stardust Glitz Glitter Gel
Z1320 Tulip Mini-Medley

 Ink colors I used…

Tulip, Black, Smoothie, Desert Sand and Cocoa

Now "Hop" on over to Helen’s Blog to see her work!

Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas!

Remember, the December SOTM is only available until December 31st!!!  Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!
********
Here are some more details on the two cards I created...

First of all – this December SOTM stamp set IS Cricut Compatible – Yayy!!!  The reason I LOVE this option, is I can get the beautiful look of a “cut out” stamped image, without taking the time to cut it out myself – the Cricut machine does it for me!!! J

Now, some details on my cards…the card on the left is found on page 24 of the Originals book and it’s called “Little Squares”. 

 
I used the edge distresser on my black cardstock and inked the edges of the Smoothie card base. 

If you look closely, you may notice the dry embossed hearts on the smoothie cardstock behind the words.  This embossing wasn’t quite the look I was going for, but it is very light and subtle and adds an extra touch to this card design.










The “You’re Sweet” card design is also found in the Originals book on page 16 and the pattern name is “Center View”. 

I love the zebra print in the Roxie paper pack and wanted to use this paper in some way. J The design on the other half of the card I created by stamping the large heart in smoothie ink and used 2nd generation to get the textured look. 

I LOVE that I could cut out this “circle4” image from the Cricut and stamped my frame, and than cut a smaller “circle4” to stamp the You’re Sweet on it.  The small heart was also cut by the Cricut machine…it was cut at .4, just under 1/2”.  I added some stardust glitz glitter gel and covered the small heart to give some extra shine! 

I hope you enjoyed my creations!  Happy Blog Hopping!!! J
 
  Krista

Wonderland Workshop Class

Two posts in one day!?!?!  This is a first! J 

I wanted to let you know about my upcoming workshop class to be held on Monday, December 12th here at my home.J

Keep in mind – you do not have to attend my workshop to be a part of this creating class J…just read the details below to find out how YOU can create these FABULOUS pages!!!!

Remember to click on this flyer to see it bigger! ;)

 
You may order this Workshop on the Go kit EVEN if you are not able to attend my actual class! J (check out the EXCLUSIVE stamp set in this AMAZING Workshop kit!!!)

If you are not able to attend, I will include directions with this kit, so that you will be able to complete 2-3 layouts with this paper pack PLUS you will still have left over papers!

I also created the Bonus Project (5 cards) shown on page 61 in the Idea Book with the leftover paper, and I still have 3 full sheets of designer paper left over PLUS scraps! J

If you are interested in creating these cards, check out the Extra Item list shown in page 61 for the needed supplies.
 

I NEED your December WOTG ORDER by

Monday night, November 28^th!!!!

You may choose to “ADD ON” to the Wonderland Workshop kit purchase and get the coordinating “My Stickease” that adds so much to this workshop.  The 3rd layout we will create in class is created with our Magic How-to Book and the Wonderland Stickease!!!

Here is a picture of the 3^rd layout

We used some leftover Shimmer Brads we had at a recent Workshop, and I added some FUN sparkles too!!!

For pictures of the first 2 layouts, please look above on the Options flyer or feel free to contact me and I'll email them to you.

If you would like to complete the 3^rd layout with the Stickease, you will need to purchase the Wonderland Stickease and TWO extra sheets of White Daisy Cardstock.

You can order White Daisy cardstock in two ways...
 24 sheets (#1385) for $9.50    OR       6 sheets (#X5900) for $2.95.


An added perk this month when you place your order J
***If you like, you will be able to order from the “while Supplies Last” Section on my website!!! Just CLICK HERE to see what BARGAINS are available through this link!!!

**If you are local to me - DO NOT place your order online, but email me the item numbers you are interested in.

**If you are NOT local to me – Email me for the invite that will allow you to place your order directly online!!! An invitation will arrive in your email box, you will then click on the link and then place your order and have this kit and order shipped directly to you! J

Also this month, when your SUBTOTAL (before shipping and tax) reaches the $50 mark, you are eligible for the November SOTM for ONLY $5.00!!!

CLICK HERE to see some creative artwork made with this stamp set!!







One more special that is taking place during the month of November…
For every $25 in STAMP SETS that you purchase, you are eligible to receive the “Holiday Wishes” stamp set…an EXCLUSIVE stamp set that retails at $17.95 and you can get it for $5!!!!

Contact me with any questions and

Have a WONDERFUL rest of your weekend!!!

Krista

Preserving Lasting Beach Memories with Studio J

I wanted to share a few more Studio J layouts with you!!!  I was soooo excited when this box arrived on my door step TODAY!  I couldn't WAIT to share these with you because the layouts turned out even BETTER in person!!! Yayy!!!  I love those kinds of surprises! 

With these Studio J layouts, I took extra time on these layouts because I wanted to experiment! J My experiment was to take 3 totally DIFFERENT paper packs and change the colors of the papers in these packs to coordinate with my 3 pages of themed pictures. J

These pictures are all about a BEACH trip we did this past summer.  When you look at these layouts, take notice of the picture of what the original paper pack looks like.  Then you will want to take notice of the pattern designs of that paper pack that are still a part of my layout.  Notice I changed those patterned designs into colors I was using in my beach theme in order to coordinate my 3 2 page layouts together!!!  How COOL is that?!?!

I LOVE that with Studio J you can use ANY COLOR (yes ANY) of our 60 exclusive colors on all of the layouts you create!!!!  So, the pattern of the paper is there, but I can turn that pattern into the colors I want to match my pictures! J

This is the first layout…

I used the Member’s Only paper pack called "Manmade"

and the 2 page layout design called “Dramatic Fashion”. 

Can you see how I rotated the right side of my layout and took away 3 squares on the left page to create my own twist to this design? J
Don’t forget – with Studio J, anytime there is a journaling box…you can change that box into a photo well!!! On the top right page of the sketch, the darker green square WAS a journaling box on my layout, but I made it into a photo well!!! Yayy!!! I LOVE options!  

SECOND Layout…

Does this paper pack and print design look familiar to anyone?  This is a past paper pack that is now only available in Studio J.  It is called “Moondoogie”. 
This is a wonderful beach paper pack – but I still did some color changing with this paper set.  I used the colors, desert sand, cranberry, crystal blue and sky in this 2 page layout.

For the layout design of this 2 page spread – I used a “Member’s Only” layout called “Bird’s Eye View”. 

I love that half circle on the page…it adds that little bit of extra! J

A new item I came up with on this layout was  stacking Stickease together! Notice the large hibiscus flower on the left page of my layout?   Did you notice that it looks like there are layers of stickers under it? 
Look at this picture to the right showing you all of the available Medium Stickease with the Moondoogie pack…(don't worry, you have LOADS more of Stickease to work with! This is just the medium section)

I used the greenery/flower sticker twice- just stacking them on top of each other.  Then I used the first purple/red hibiscus and placed that on top of the greens giving me hibiscus leaves coming out from under my Flower!!  Fun, FUN!!! 


The third layout…

Does this layout design look familiar? J 

Yes – you GOT IT!!– I used the SAME layout design (Bird’s Eye View) as I did in my layout up above... BUT I rotated both pages and by doing that it gives this 2 page spread a whole new look!!!

Can you see what paper pack I used?  It’s one of our new paper packs…Elemental!!!!  Here is what Elemental looks like in it’s true colors…

I changed the original colors on this layout to the garden green, cranberry, dessert sand, crystal blue and Lagoon.


The FUN surprise I had when creating this layout…the Stickease section of Elemental had soooo many images that are not available in our current Idea Book!!!  I LOVE the extras that Studio J gives us!!  More Stickease is just one of the FEW areas this happens!  
I LOVE the cranberry flowers as a stickease, and I made sure a few were added onto my layout.  Here is a picture of a few other medium stickease you will find as part of the Elemental Stickease Studio J collection.  See the adorable flower stem you can use...and a cupcake, and a butterfly...


If you are interested in learning more about Studio J, please CLICK HERE to go to a post earlier this week that will share details about how YOU can “Play for FREE” with Studio J . 

OR if you already know all the details and would like to CREATE with Sudio J -just head over to my website by clicking here!!!

Happy Crafting! J
Krista

Photo Box–great Gift idea!

What a FUN project to create…and it was so QUICK and easy!!

It had been a long time since I created anything with Close To My Heart’s recipe/photo box…and it was GREAT FUN to play with this white box and transform it into a photo box!  

I was asked to create a photo box for a Girls Scout Troup using this spacious box.  This is what I designed using our new ROXIE paper pack and some basic accessories– what FUN!!  The Roxie paper pack is so “girlish” and was a must in the designing of this box! J These 12 year old girls LOVED the zebra patterned paper.

I thought it would be nice to not keep the box white - so each girl took a Desert Sand ink pad, and used it directly on the box, coating the edges of each side of the photo box!  QUICK & EASY! J

We had a lot of fun with embellishments too…Check out the EXCITING ways you can decorate buttons!!! 

We also used a LOT of Cricut images in creating this box.  I used the Cricut flowers to add some dimension to outside of the box. 

To make quick and easy 4x6 photo mats, we used many different shapes from the Cricut Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge! 

We also used the Instant Memories stamp set, found on page 23 of our Idea Book.  I LOVE the swirl image that accompanies this stamp set!!  This swirl can be used on sooo many different projects! J     

Are you looking for other gift ideas that you can create for a birthday or as a special gift???

Check out this recipe/photo box and many more “white items” in the newest Idea Book on page 131.

There is a WIDE variety of items that make PERFECT gifts!!!  You’ll find a magnetic card box, all sorts of book type projects ready for your creative skills!  Banners, Journals, cubes, etc… Check out ALL of your options by clicking HERE to view our online Idea Book!J

Also, don’t forget that you can get the limited edition Holiday Wishes stamp set that coordinates beautifully with the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge for only $5 with a stamp order of $25 through November 30th!

Singing & Swinging

I had soooo much fun playing with Studio J yesterday! I kept Studio J up on my screen all day, and when I had time – I’d pop over and add some more to the layout.  I spent some time trying new things- so it took me a bit longer than normal BUT I did complete (8) 2 page layouts!! Yahoo!!! 

I thought I’d share one of my favorite layouts from this set.  Not that the scrapbooking part is anything special in this layout, but it’s what the pictures are about and the story behind them.J

I took these pictures this past June trying to capture our daughter, Makaah (ma-Kay-uh). For hours on end, this is Makaah’s pastime.  She swings around the big oak tree, singing at the top of her lungs! J
Our dog, Sam, is close by as he watches her, occasionally jumping to play – but mostly staying out of her way as she swings for hours at a time. 

Do you remember those days?  Just swinging and swinging with nothing else to do and enjoying the breeze blowing in your face.  This was one of my favorite things to do as a child too – and I LOVE seeing my children enjoy it as well!

A few details about this layout -

I LOVE the stitching option that is now apart of Studio J!!!  You can add stitched items to your pages – just drag them to where you’d like them to be!!!  There are stitched borders and even stitched banners!!  I love the scallop stitching that I added to the right side of my layout.

This paper pack is called “Discovery” – a paper pack that has long been retired!!!  BUT – with Studio J, it’s not retired anymore – Yayy!!!

I LOVE the benefits of being a member with Studio J (see info below)…I had sooo many layout options to choose from!  I chose to use a “Member’s Only” layout called “Click, Click, Click”.  It holds 7 photos and had some great inset pictures that would work well for what I had in mind.

I hope you enjoyed this layout…and that you get a chance to try Studio J on your own!  

Feel free to comment and let me know if you think Studio J is something you’d like to try OR if it’s something that you hesitate to start. J

Don’t forget – It's TOTALLY FREE to play with

Studio J!!!!

Just go to my website (http://ctmh.com/kristah), click on Studio J, create an account and PLAY! (creating an account doesn’t obligate you to purchase anything, BUT it does save your layouts in the system for 90 days without needing to make a purchase!!!) 

• You don't have to pay for anything unless you decide to order. So log on and play around. Check out all of the awesome features, upload some of your own photos and check out how fast and easy it is to make GORGEOUS Studio J layouts.
  
• Studio J boasts great photo editing options, in addition to all kinds of great kits, layout patterns, embellishments, distressing tools and MORE!
  
• With Studio J there is no need to pay for kits, embellishments, papers, etc, etc. It's all part of Studio J. You just pay the same low membership or per layout price no matter what embellishments you add.

If you will create 15+layouts with Studio J each YEAR - Membership is the BEST deal!!!

Three ways to purchase Studio J Layouts:
1. Buy a $99 One-Year Membership, which includes:

• 50% off retail price on two page custom layouts. You get them for just $6.50 per layout, which is only $3.25 per page. Are you kidding me? We spend that much just developing our photos for classic scrapbooking.
  
• 2 jpgs of every layout you purchase; one high resolution and one low resolution. These make it easy to share your layouts with friends and family members, as well as printing more copies, or saving your layout files somewhere safe forever!
  
• Access to all of the kits and page patterns in Studio J, as well as some that are for 'members only'!
  
• FREE page protectors for all the layouts you order
  
• FREE shipping and handling on one order per month from 4-20 layouts!

2. Buy a $30 Three Month Membership which includes the same benefits as the One-Year Membership but just ends up costing a little more per month. (3 Month Membership averages $10 per month, whereas the One Year Membership averages just $8.25 per month).

3. Buy a 5 pack for $55: This includes one shipment of 5 layouts. All costs are included in the $55 (shipping, layout cost, page protectors, etc.) 5 packs are WONDERFUL Christmas gifts. If you have a friend or family member who doesn't 'have the time' for classic scrapbooking, who says they 'are just not creative' or who loves anything digital, then this is the gift for them!

If you would like some step by step instructions when you are working with Studio J…I offer FREE one-on-one OR group classes to teach the basics with Studio J! We can do it in person, or online together!

Contact me to schedule a time where we can learn together. fun2stampnscrap@dejazzd.com OR 610-587-9116)

 I LOVE the ease and speed that comes with creating in Studio J!!! It makes creating a SNAP and these BEAUTIFUL pages will fit and coordinate in your “hands on” scrapbook album too!

Happy Creating!
 Krista

Christmas Card Ideas

Are you in the midst of creating Christmas Cards yet?  If you have, this may jumpstart some more ideas for you J.  If you have not started, this may get the “creative ideas” flowing for the upcoming Christmas Season! 

In a past post – I had talked about the Christmas Card Making Day that we hold each year.  This year, our friends/customers created TWELVE Christmas Cards during this 9-3:30 day.  We used new stamp sets and embellishments from the current 2011 Fall/Winter Idea Book and had a GREAT time using so many of these NEW items!  J

Here is a picture of 11 of the twelve cards they created. (sorry Mindy, I don’t have a copy of your card! J)

It was SOO FUN to come together and see the different styles and ideas that each person came up with when they used their new stamp sets!!! 

I’ll share briefly about each card and who created it & the products used! J

We wanted to use the Sept Stamp of the Month (SOTM) set – since this event was held in September J.  Stephanie Huber did a GREAT job in creating this wonderful  Money/Gift Card holder card using the Believe paper pack. 

We also wanted to include the October SOTM stamp set since in this was next months discounted stamp set!!!  So, Elizabeth Mindemann showed us how to use Liquid Applique and she used the new paper pack Elemental & the stamp set Christmas Love to create this card! J

Gennette Feagan created this adorable sleigh card using the October SOTM stamp set and our new ROXIE paper!!  Everyone loves Roxie J – it can be used for sooo many occasions!!!  Gen also used our new pewter ribbon slides…a GREAT add on to any creation. 

Some other new stamp sets that were used in our creating…

Winter Joy stamp set and Wonderland Paper pack by Brenda Rutt (LOVE the shimmer brad!)

Love Life, Roxie paper pack, Antique Copper Designer Brads and Bronze Glitz Glitter gel by Sheri Reiff. (FUN designer brads!)

Card using CRICUT Art Philosophy cartridge and all items cut from Cricut by Krista Hershberger. (the CRICUT bundle is the BEST!!!!)

Remarkable Wreath stamp set, Wonderland paper pack and our new RED glitz glitter gel created by Stephenie Zdrojewski! J Did you notice the card shape?  This card shape was cut from the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge!!  Love this feature on Close to My Heart’s EXCLUSIVE Cricut Cartridge!!!

December 25th stamp set, Typeset Paper pack created by Gennette Feagan

Snowflakes stamp set and Wonderland paper pack created by Gennette Feagan (inspired by Krista Hershberger)

A Holiday stamp set and Wonderland paper pack by Krista Hershberger

Glory to God stamp set and Sonoma paper pack by Krista Hershberger (inspired by fellow consultant Diane Tuggle)

I hope these ideas have been enjoyable to look at AND that you now have your OWN ideas too!!!  Enjoy your day as you create today!! 
If you’d like to place an order to recreate some of these cards, CLICK HERE to go to my Shop Online page where your order will be shipped directly to you! J 

Remember when placing your order that there are TWO special  stamp sets on sale during the month of NOVEMBER!!!

Purchase $25 in STAMP SETS and you are eligible for the EXCLUSIVE “Holiday Wishes” stamp set for ONLY $5.00!!!!

Also, when you spend $50 in CTMH products (prior to shipping & tax) you will qualify to get the “Cherish the Day” November SOTM stamp set for ONLY $5.00!!!  Click HERE to take you to my blog posting where I used this GREAT ticket stamp set! J

Please contact me with ANY questions you may have!! I’m here to help and serve you in any way I can!!
Blessings to you for a beautiful day!!!

 Krista