Thursday, October 11, 2012

Studio J tricks to add FLAIR to your layouts!

StudioJ_ConSul_Logo_BW_website

I LOVE the resources that Close To My Heart shares with us as consultants AND customers!!!


Check out their latest tips using Studio J!  This tips will add excitement and flavor to YOUR Studio J layouts!!!

Make sure you check out my NEWEST Studio J layouts that I created at the bottom of this post! :)
2012 -10 October Constant Campaign_Studio J buy 9 get one free
Even though Studio J® is fast and easy to use, it is helpful to know some great tricks that can make customizing your layouts even more exciting. Here are some Studio J tricks straight from our professional Close To My Heart artists:

1. Customize your background and texture paper. You can change the color and intensity of the background and texture paper included in whichever kit you choose. Simply select the piece of background and texture paper, change the color in the color selection tool, and increase or decrease the intensity of the color in that same popup box.

2. Crop My Stickease® quotes, titles, and tags. The cropping feature on the My Stickease images allows you to select a section of a quote, title, or tag to use as a border or other embellishment.

3. Create a customized My Stickease image. If you have a specific image in mind to use as an embellishment on your page, you can create a customized My Stickease to fit your theme perfectly. Simply add a text box, photo hanger, ribbon, ribbon slides, and Stickease to create the little suitcase! So easy! Be sure to crop or send elements behind other elements when necessary, and add several elements together for a unique look!

4. Select more than one element at a time. If you want to move several elements of your layout at once, simply click and drag your mouse around the elements you would like to select. Let’s take buttons, for example. After the buttons have been selected, you can click the icons in the popup box to choose to align the buttons vertically or horizontally if you desire.

5. Make faux washi tape with vellum text boxes. To create the look of a piece of clear washi tape, make a small rectangular text box, filled with vellum background (this is the default color for text boxes). You can make the tape strips as large or small as you want, or even layer them for more emphasis.

6. Stretch one photo across multiple photo wells. If you have fewer photos than photo wells, instead of deleting the excess wells, try scaling the picture to a larger size and then copying the picture to other photo wells and matching the photos up until they align with an almost seamless image. This trick works best with photo wells that are adjacent to each other.

7. Create ruffled ribbon. Select “Ribbons” in the drop-down menu under the Embellishments toolset. Choose ribbon tab and rotate the tab so that it is vertical on the page. Then layer several tabs on top of one another, sending every other one to the back to create a ruffled look.


8. Create a jagged border with text boxes. You can create a jagged border simply by rotating multiple text boxes about 45 degrees and making them the same color as the background. Put these boxes on top of a long, rectangular box of another color, and you’ve got a jagged border!

9. Change the background of your layout. Sometimes you may like the photo and journal arrangement in a layout, and yet want to change the background colors. Because photos sit on top of everything else, this is easy to do. Simply pull a journaling box over the space you want for a different background and fill it with a color from the color selection tool or a patterned paper from the Papers toolset. Then, send it backwards until the photo wells are on top of your new background.

Bonus Trick! Use keyboard keys to make embellishments. Did you know that some of the best tools for creating custom embellishments are the basic keys on your keyboard? It’s as simple as typing into a journaling box with no background color. Use periods to make a polka dot pattern, angle brackets to create a trendy Chevron look, overlapping pound signs to make burlap, question marks to make rope, and so much more!

October is the perfect month to give STUDIO J a try because for every 9 layouts you create, you’ll get a 10th layout for FREE!!!

I’m also having a MYSTERY HOSTESS contest you won’t want to miss, during the month of October!!!  All qualifying Studio J layouts purchased on the Mystery Hostess link of my website -  WILL earn tickets for YOUR chance to be one of THREE Mystery Hostess’s!!! 

CLICK HERE for all the details of how to become a Mystery Hostess!
 
Here are a few layouts I recently Created using Studio J EXPRESS COLLECTIONS!!! I LOVE these collections!!!  Everything is colored, embellishments are set – all I NEED to do is drop in my pictures!  I can, however, change the wording of my title and add journaling anywhere I’d like on the layout…it’s THAT EASY!!!
 
I created these layouts from this past Close To My Heart Convention in Dallas, TX!!!  This is only about 1/2 of the layouts I created…they are so FUN and easy to create!  Click on the picture to see it larger...
convention_2012_-_6
convention_2012_-_2
convention_2012_-_4

convention_2012_-_10

Please contact me with any questions you may have OR
CLICK HERE for more info about the BEAUTIFUL layouts created with Studio J
Blessings to you!
Krista Hershberger J























Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Christmas Card Making Day cards–2nd post

Christmas Card Making day 2012_cardinal artwork

In case this is the first time you happened upon our Card Making Day post – you’ll want to make sure to take a moment and go back to the other TWO posts prior to this! J

CLICK HERE to read the 1st post explaining all about our annual Christmas Card Making Day.

CLICK HERE to see the 1st set of cards we created that day!

TODAY, I will be sharing the 2nd set of cards we created in the afternoon of Christmas Card Making Day!!!


Here are the SIX cards we created during the 2nd part of our ANNUAL Christmas Card Making Day!!!
Christmas Card Making Day_6 afternoon cards
DETAILS….

Martha Zook’s Card
Martha Zooks cardinal Christmas card



This card was created using our Kraft Cardstock…I have been using Kraft Cardstock as a card base more and more!!  I love the rustic feel it brings to my creations.


Products used: To You & Yours stamp set, Dakota paper pack,Black ARCHIVAL ink, Cranberry Alcohol marker, Honey alcohol marker, Harvest Baker’s Twine, Metal Brads,












Nickie Hoffer’s Card
Christmas Card Making Day - by Nickie Hoffer-
I love this card design that Nickie came up with!  The tag circles, are popped up with 3D foam tape, and the tag shapes are cut from the Artiste Cricut Cartridge!!!

Products used: Perfect Fit-holiday stamp set, Cricut Artiste Bundle, Inks used…Topiary, Sweet Leaf, Pear & Cocoa, Clear Sparkles, 3D foam tape


Brenda Rutt’s Card…
Brenda Rutt Pand P WOTG stamp set Christmas card
To create this card, Brenda used the stamp set from the Pear & Partridge Workshop on the Go (WOTG) SCRAPBOOKING kit!!!

Check out this EXCLUSIVE stamp set on page. 65 in current Idea Book!  This stamp set is ONLY available when you purchase the Scrapbooking WOTG kit – Item G1052 ~ you receive this WONDERFUL kit for a cost lower than retail price! 


Products used: Pear & Partridge WOTG stamp set, Pear & Partridge paper, Pearls, Prisma glitter, Liquid Glass


Stephanie Huber’s Card…
Stephanies merry and bright card
I love using non-traditional colors for Christmas cards.  La Belle Vie paper pack works VERY nicely with this card!

Products used: Merry & Bright stamp set, La Belle Vie paper pack, burlap ribbon


Gennette Feagan’s card -
Gennettes ornament slide card_thumb[1]
This was a favorite by all during Card Making Day– lots of GLITZ and GLAM to make this a completely SPARKLY Christmas card!

Did you notice – it’s a postcard like card, where the band slides away from the actual card…
Gennettes ornament slide card_close up_thumb[1]
This card was completed by using the ARTISTE cartridge!!! LOVE how easy Artiste makes creating!!!

Products used: Ornamental Cheer stamp set, Moonlight paper pack(yes the halloween paper J), Cricut Artiste Bundle, Bling assortment, Clear Sparkles, Red Glitz Glitter Gel, Green Glitz Glitter Gel


Krista’s card…
 Kristas-Peace-on-Earth-card_thumb2
Again, a simple and easy card – thanks to the Artiste Cricut Bundle & the Art Philosophy Cartridge!!!

I love to use colors different from the traditional Christmas colors and was happy how this turned out!

Products used: Frame It Up stamp set, Christmas Joy stamp set, Glory to God stamp set, Scholastic paper pack, Avonlea paper pack, Artiste Cricut Bundle, Cocoa cardstock, Outdoor denim cardstock, Silver shimmer ribbon, Silver Glitz Glitter gel.


I hope you enjoyed our “tour” of Christmas Card ideas!!!
Now – OFF To create your own Christmas Cards J OR maybe you would like to purchase some new items to complete your cards? 
ExclusiveProduct Flirty 2012
October is my MYSTERY HOSTESS month ~ and YOU could be one of my 3 Mystery Hostess’s earning anywhere from $30-$60 in CTMH products!!! !!

EVERY $25 in purchases you make (on the special LINK!) on my WEBSITE during the month of October– YOU will be entered into my personal Mystery Hostess Drawing!

This is a special that I, Krista Hershberger, am giving to my CMTH friends!!!
You will have until Oct. 31st to place your order, earn tickets and get YOUR chance to be one of my THREE Mystery Hostess winners – winning FREE Close To My Heart Products!!!

(Studio J orders DO count and can EARN you tickets too! This month’s special – purchase 9 Studio J layouts, get the 10th FREE!!!)
CLICK HERE for all the details!!!


Happy Creating!
Krista J

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Sponge Dauber FUN!!!

****CTMH is GIVING away a Cricut ARTISTE Bundle!!!! CLICK HERE to learn how you can get a chance at WINNING this Bundle!!!

I LOVE Close To My Heart’s sponge daubers…and if you have been to any of my workshops, parties, etc – you KNOW we use these ink buddy's quite often! J

The weekly “Clearly the Best” video shares a GREAT way to add some pop & color to any creation by using these handy sponge daubers!!!
Clearly the Best

If you have MISSED any of Close To My Heart’s weekly “Clearly the Best” shows…make sure you go to The CRAFT CHANNEL to catch up on the ideas, techniques you have missed!! 

After a show is aired, there is often a GIVE AWAY for something that was used during the show!!!  You’ll want to make sure you are a part of my FACEBOOK group – where you will receive updates on how to ENTER at a chance to WIN these free items!!!

When you are completed watching this clip, you may want to get some of these WONDERFUL sponge daubers for your own!! 

Click on the picture below, to go directly to my website to order some of yours today!!! 


You’ll want to remember to check out the amazing DISCOUNTED items under the “While Supplies Last” tag while on my website.  There are some AMAZING deals there!


Don’t forget – EVERY $25 in subtotal sales that you place during the month of October will earn you a TICKET into the Mystery Hostess drawing!!! 

Enjoy the video!!!

Friday, October 5, 2012

Christmas Card Making Day ~ 1st set of cards

Christmas Card Making day 2012_Christmas trees


I’m back – ready to share the 1st set of items we created from our Christmas Card Making Day which was held on Sat, Sept 22nd.

If you didn’t get a chance to read the first post about Christmas Card Making Day – CLICK HERE.


Today, I will be sharing 6 out of the 12 items made at this Annual Day held in Lancaster County!!



Our GOAL as we designed cards for this day was …
~ to use ALL of the new paper packs in the current Idea Book (whether they were Christmas like or not)

~to use AS MANY of the NEW EMBELLISHMENTS as possible!!


 We COMPLETED our GOAL!!!

We divided up each of our customers into six different groups of ladies.  Each group stayed together all day and rotated  to a NEW table every 20  minutes.  Once there – they used different techniques AND created a brand new CARD or 3D item!!!

Here are the 6 items we created in the morning…

( As I finished typing this post – I realized…these were not exactly the 6 cards we created in the morning!  Sorry about that!  Rather than re-taking pictures to include just the morning pictures, I thought I’ll just share these 6 cards and go from there.  Thanks for understanding! J)
Christmas Card Making Day_6 morning cards


Let’s start with Nickie Hoffer’s card…
Nickies Pirouette Christmas card
There was a lot of embossing on this card, so Nickie took it upon herself to pre-emboss some of the items to make it less stressful for our customers.  They still did their own embossing, and learned how to do it…but were able to get the card completed and not be frustrated by the time restraint.

Products used: Pirouette stamp set, Perfect fit-Holidays stamp set, Avonlea paper,  Silver Shimmer Ribbon, Embossing Powder, Boutique Assortment, and Pigment inks


Next we have Sheri Reiff’s card…
Sheri Reiffs Christmas Card- love blooms

A elegant and beautiful card using a “non-Christmas” stamp set! 

Products used: Love Blooms stamp set, Merry & Bright stamp set, Pear & Partridge paper, Almond Glitz Glitter Gel, Brown & Tan sparkles


Kate Fisher used the new Blessings of Peace stamp set
Kate Fishers peace-dove card

Kate created the burlap bow a different way too – and that was quite the hit with our customers!  I only have a cell phone picture of this bow…pardon the bad quality – BUT I thought it may be very helpful to share to show you how many DIFFERENT ways the Burlap Ribbon can be used!!!
burlap ribbon strings bow

Products used: Blessings of Peace stamp set, Clementine paper, Twilight Cardstock, burlap ribbon, almond glitz glitter gel, square durables


Brenda Rutt’s card is next…
Brenda Rutt monogram La Belle Vie Christmas card
Brenda & I found a card created by fellow consultant Lisa Stenz similar to this card design.  Brenda loved the idea, and from there went with it and created THIS card!  I LOVE the changes she made, and how she turned it into a soft, BEAUTIFUL Christmas Card!!!

Products used: Monogram C stamp set, Perfect Fit-Frames stamp set, Everlasting Life stamp set, La Belle Vie paper and Clear Sparkles


Gennette Feagan’s item-
Gennettes 3D bag using Flirty
We wanted to do some type of 3D item, and because of that – we chose to use the Flirty paper pack to create a fall like gift bag!!  The ARTISTE Cricut Cartridge is the PERFECT solution to creating something Fast and easy!!!

Products used: Artiste Cricut Cartridge, Casual Expressions stamp set, Olive cardstock and Black Tulle



We will end with the first card I created for this day! J 
Kristas snowman card full size
 I love trying to think of a TECHNIQUE that may be new to some…so I put on my thinking cap and tried it on this snowman card! J  Did you notice the edging around the card base?  Can you guess how we created that look?

I used Whisper re-inker & our stipple brush!!!

This was something that I was taught how to do at the Scrapbook Spa Getaway that I won from CTMH two years ago!!!  What a FUN time with Kristine, Monica and my 9 wonderful CTMH friends!!! 

Kristas snowman card
Any way – by dabbing your stipple brush in the re-inker, wiping off the access ink – you can create this look! 

1. Lay your card on top of scrap paper

2. Ink up stipple brush

3. Starting from scrap paper – PULL brush TOWARDS card base.  Your brush marks will START on the scrap paper – and end up on the edge of the card base as well.

I hope this makes sense – if not, let me know and I’ll try and get some pictures to share with you!!!

Also, by taking sand paper and sanding off an area, it gives a GREAT background to stamp a word directly over that white spot!!!

Products used: Flakey Friends stamp set, Avonlea paper pack, Slate Polka-dot satin ribbon, sanding kit, stardust glitz glitter gel

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks for stopping by to see the 1st part of our Christmas Card Making day!!  Make sure you come back at the beginning of next week to see the other 6 cards we created!!!

As you start creating your OWN Christmas cards, don’t forget about my Mystery Hostess Contest that is going on NOW! This is a special that I, Krista Hershberger, and giving to my CMTH friends!!!

You have until Oct. 31st to place your order, earn tickets and get YOUR chance to be one of my THREE Mystery Hostess winners – winning FREE Close To My Heart Products!!!
CLICK HERE for all the details!!!



Have a BLESSED weekend!!!

 Krista J




Thursday, October 4, 2012

October Mystery Hostess Contest


Mystery Hostess you say? 
Oh FUN!!!
Details – DETAILS!!! J


From now until October 31st, you will have an opportunity to WIN… FREE, quality, GORGEOUS products from Close To My Heart!!!  This is a giveaway that only I, Krista Hershberger – CTMH Independent Consultant, am giving to my Customers, friends and their friends!!! 


You could WIN $30-$60 in CTMH products…for FREE!!
ExclusiveProduct Flirty 2012

How can I win?  
Place an order on my website, and click on the link that says “Mystery Hostess orders in October”.  (see picture below)

For EVERY $25 in subtotal sales (total before shipping & tax) that you order from my website – you will earn a ticket!!!
2012-10 Mystery hostess OBA screen shot
So for example, if your order is $35 you will receive 1 ticket.  If your order is $59 you will receive 2 tickets!!!


Everyone’s ticket(s) will be put into a drawing on on November 1st and I will pull 3 names that will be my WINNERS!  

EACH of the 3 Mystery Hostess winners will earn at LEAST $30 in FREE product!  Depending on the amount of orders that are placed – all 3 Mystery Hostess winners could earn up to $60 EACH of FREE product!!!


More Details…
What are the benefits of placing an order on my website???
1. Your order will be shipped DIRECTLY to you!!!!

2. You have the option to chose the $4.95 or 4.95% Shipping Option...the order will take a day or two longer and will arrive from your mail carrier, but I have found this shipping method to be a GREAT way to save some money! 

3. You have access to the “While Supplies Last” section that has HUGE discounts on retiring items.  Make sure you check out this section on the left side of my web page.

4. Any STUDIO J layouts you complete this month can be added to this Mystery Hostess party too! You will receive 1 ticket for every $25 in Studio J orders!!! (There’s a GREAT special with Studio J this month!  See info at bottom of page.)



Can my order qualify for other CTMH specials?
 For SURE!!! J 

The October Stamp of the Month (SOTM) special is available and is a BEAUTIFUL stamp set~ perfect for the upcoming Christmas season!!!  CLICK HERE to see artwork created with this stamp set.
OctSOTM_S1210-VeryMerryChristmas

When you place an order of $50 (prior to shipping & tax) on my website, under the special link…



*you will receive TWO tickets towards the Mystery Hostess Drawing
PLUS
*you will be eligible to receive this BEAUTIFUL, Christmas Stamp set above (Very Merry Christmas) for ONLY $5.00!!! ( a retail of $17.95)


I LOVE having giveaways and can’t WAIT to see who my 3 winners will be!  Yayy!!! 

Feel free to spread the word and let your friends know about this chance to WIN some FREE Close To My Heart items!!!

 “EXTRA” way to earn tickets… J
**Email me and let me know when YOUR friend places an order online, that has not ordered from me before, and I will give you an EXTRA 2 tickets towards the Mystery Hostess Drawing! 


Spread the WORD to your friends and earn MORE TICKETS and be one of my  3 Mystery Hostess Winners!!

***One last thing
if you don’t have access to a computer on a regular basis…you can STILL be a part of this contest!!! Give me a call, and I will enter your order under the special link for YOUR chance to WIN! J

If you have ANY questions – please don’t hesitate to CONTACT ME!!!


This is a PERFECT time to start thinking about gifts you need to purchase for the upcoming holiday season. You could even WIN items off of your OWN wishlist by entering this contest! J


CLICK HERE to head to my website to get started!  Make sure you JOIN the "Mystery Hostess orders in October" party to have YOUR chance to be a MYSTERY HOSTESS!!!

Blessings to EACH of you and may you have a WONDERFUL day!!!

 Krista J



STUDIO J~ October Special!!!
2012 -10 October Constant Campaign_Studio J buy 9 get one free
October is the PERFECT time to…
try out STUDIO J ~ Close To My Heart’s online scrapbooking program!!!

October 1-31st ~ Get a FREE layout when you purchase 9!

CLICK HERE for more info about the BEAUTIFUL layouts created with Studio J

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Christmas Card Making Day 2012

What happens when you have 48 ladies PLUS 10 consultants in one room for a 7 hour period? J


christmas tree cardOur 5th
Christmas Card Making Day
in Lancaster County!!! Yayyy!!!




Our day was FILLED with laughter and fun, there was scrumptious food to be eaten AND of COURSE – BEAUTIFUL Christmas Cards were created!!!!

This day is always a special day and well worth the time and energy put into creating this day for our customers!!!  This year we SOLD OUT of tickets 2 weeks prior to the event and were packed full with 48 people!  Everyone created 12 items to take home with us, won some door prizes and took home MANY ideas they plan to create on their own!!

Continue reading, to see what a FUN day we had – and maybe YOU will be able to join us for next year’s event! J

***Recipes for the Cranberry Jell-O & Taco Soup will be at the end of this post. J


48 Goodie Bags – READY TO GO!!!  Everyone received a bag to put their created masterpieces inside.  They also received in their bags – sparkles and pre-cut Cricut pieces that were cut with our NEW Artiste cartridge! Christmas Card Making day 2012_goodie bags ready to go
As everyone came to pick up their goodie bag, they also had opportunity to use the  October Stamp of the Month to create a tag for their bag! 

My teammate, Nickie Hoffer, created this ADORABLE display board, showing how they could create the different tags!  The customers also had pieces in their bags to create the 3x3 card shown in this picture.  The standard card, was an example of how they could create a 2nd card with the extra pieces in their bags! J
Christmas Card Making day 2012_tag display

These were all the Cricut pre-cut items in everyone's bag.  In their spare moments throughout the day, each person took time to come back up to this table to stamp their tag, card, banner, etc. and then could take those items with them.
Christmas Card Making Day goodie bag cricut items

Nickie even created a cupcake to show how the stamped cupcake wrapper would look used!!!


Here is the layout of the room…yes, it is an older fire hall, complete with interesting, decorative, 50’s wallpaper! J

We had 6 tables around the room.  Each table had a group of 8 ladies. This group of 8 ladies stayed together the entire day as they rotated clockwise to each of the 6 tables, creating a new item at each table. Six items were created in the morning, and six items in the afternoon for a TOTAL of 12 items created during the day!!! 
Christmas Card Making day 2012_room set up

The beloved – DOOR PRIZE table!  Each person at Card Making Day went home with a door prize!  It may have been a handcrafted item, or a product from CTMH…there were MANY items to chose from!!!Christmas Card Making day 2012_door prize tableJPG

The GRAND PRIZE of the day was the Pear & Partridge Card Making kit!!!  Everyone’s name was put back into the pot – to have a chance at WINNING this kit!!!
Christmas Card Making day 2012_grandprize

If there was any extra time…everyone had the opportunity to come to the “middle table” to use the many different sentiments to stamp inside their cards, their envelopes, etc. 
Christmas Card Making day 2012_sentiment table

One of my FAVORITE display items, created by my team member – Brenda Rutt- is her traditional, yearly Christmas Trees!
I love how she chose to decorate them….using Christmas CARDs, rather than ornaments!!!  LOVE this idea and our customers love it too!!!
Christmas Card Making day 2012_Christmas trees

Here are a few pictures, sharing with you artwork from our display tables.  Take a look at the room layout picture above…the entire left side of the room was lined with tables, displaying MANY pieces of artwork!!!
Christmas Card Making day 2012_Christmas display
The wreath below is beautiful!  Designer is Elizabeth Mindemann

Christmas Card Making day 2012_fall wreath

Flirty & Avonlea creations
Christmas Card Making day 2012_avonlea and flirty display

Items shown are mostly using the La Belle Vie paper pack.
Christmas Card Making day 2012_cardinal artwork

I hope you enjoyed the quick view of what our day was like…

I ENCOURAGE you to check back here at my blog in the next day or so J …I will be sharing all TWELVE items we created during at our Christmas Card Making day!!!!


Now for the RECIPES – that many of you have been asking about…


ENJOY and Blessings to you!!!
 Krista Hershberger J



Layered Cranberry Jello
16 oz. can crushed pineapple
water
2- 3 oz. pkgs. cherry or cranberry gelatin
16 oz. can whole cranberry sauce
1 cup sour cream
1. Thoroughly drain and reserve juice from crushed pineapple.
2. To pineapple juice add enough water to measure 2 cups.
3. In a medium saucepan bring juice and water to a boil.  Stir in gelatin until dissolved.
4. Remove from heat.  Stir in pineapple & cranberry sauce.  Pour 1/2 of mixture into a glass serving bowl and chill until set.  Keep remaining gelatin mixture at room temperature.
5. Spread sour cream over firm gelatin and pour reserved gelatin mixture over sour cream.  Refrigerate until firm. 
Makes 10-12 servings

***for Card Day – I did a double batch of this and put it in a 9x 13 pan.

Taco Soup

1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
15 1/4 oz. can corn, undrained
15 oz, can black beans, undrained
15 1/2 oz can red kidney beans, undrained
1 envelope dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix
1 envelope dry taco seasoning
1 small onion, chopped
Tortilla or Corn chips
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
1. Combine all ingredients except the last three, in the slow cooker.
2. Cover. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
3. Garnish individual servings with chips, cheese and sour cream!