Studio J®: Step-by-Step Basics

This is a great video to show you all the basics of how to scrapbook completely digitally...no glue, no papers, none of the hard stuff, but all of the fun stuff. You get gorgeous papers digitally, and the button, bows, brads, titles, journaling, and coordinating ribbons that match that paper. You just drop your pics into the boxes they provide, and add your own journaling....incredibly easy for all you that don't have the time, or room to do things the "old fashioned" way. Then you submit your layouts to be purchased and a few days later here they come, all ready for you to pop into a scrapbook, or you can share you layouts digitally with grandparents, aunts, and uncles. The best of both worlds, paper and technology combine.

Fabulously Flowery!

Another page done, my this year is just flying by!  For October, I broke out the Just Blooms!  I keep wanting to try the half circle layout of buttons on pg 115 in the catalog, but thought that many buttons on a calendar page might be to heavy, so I settled for putting the buttons inside the paper flowers (I've still gotta try just the buttons some time for a regular scrapbook page). I think it turned out Fabulously Flowery!  and by the way, for all you people out there who say you can't stamp, there is absolutely NO STAMPING on this page... all stickers and bling :0)

Project list:

Sophia level 2 paperpack.........................X7131B....12.95
Sophia level 1 paperpack (my stickease)..X7131A.....9.95
Sophia level 2 my stickease......................X7131C.....4.95
Just Blooms paper flowers, white daisy....Z1300.......5.95
Designer Ribbons, pink colle....................Z1384........7.95

Springin' Up Flowers

August Calendar Page

Well, another calendar page done, this project has been alot of fun.  Kind of a challenge for me to come up with 12 different pages using the same paperpack, but its coming together nicely, and I'm almost done too :0)

I have been dying to try this with the Rosy Regards stamp set, and I love how it came out.  Again, alot of detail cutting with my microtip scissors, but totally worth it for the framing effect around the picture.  I also got to use some more of the Designer Ribbon, it goes so well with the roses.

Product List:

Rosy Regards stampset....................B1369.........$13.95

Chocolate alphabet large..................E1010...........34.95

Sophia level 2 paperpack.................X7131B........12.95

Exclusive inks, hollyhock..................Z2128............5.25
Exclusive inks, blush........................Z2106............5.25
Designer ribbon, pink collection.......Z1384............7.95

September's Calendar Page

Ok, so I know I'm out of order on my calendar pages, but I really love all the bling on this one.  I'ts got lots of my nephew's favorite color--"SHINY".  I did have lots of fun with this one, I know it seems like a lot of cutting for all the flowers, but I just take a night to sit in front of the TV and relax cutting them all out, so it's not really work at all, and I love the effect of all those flowers, but not the expense of buying primas....yay!

I of course used the sophia papers again, this time level 1 and level 2.  I used the stampset that came with the workshop on the go again...that's where all the flowers come in.  I also used white daisy ink to shade the edges of the pear photo back grounds. I think it softened them nicely.  Hope you enjoy.

Product list:
Sophia workshop on the go...........................G1019......29.99
Sophia level 1 paperpack...............................X7131A....9.95
Sophia My Stickease assortment....................X7131C....4.95
Exclusive inks, white daisy (pigment)...............Z2163.......6.95
Glitz glitter gel, stardust...................................Z1313.......2.75
Sparkles, blue and green assorment.................Z1327......2.95
Sparkles, red, pink, and purple assortment......Z1326.......2.95
Sparkles, clear, bitty.......................................Z1263.......2.95

Get Well Card with Sophia

So here's a sweet little get well card I made from the Sophia Workshop on the Go, I didn't actually use the pattern that came with the kit, but I think it turned out well anyway.  I've also been using this kit for the calendar I've been making, that way the pages, all go together nice.  It's so bright and spring like it helps to keep me from dwelling on all the snow we keep getting.  (makes me wish that global warming thing was for real...lol)

I made the scallop edge using the CTMH corner rounder, you just take the guide off, and it makes an nice scallop edge.  Two uses for one tool, gotta love it!

I kept with the colors of the sophia paperpack, Hollyhock, Goldrush, Pear, and Blush

Product list
Exclusive inks, hollyhock................Z2128........$5.25
Exclusive inks, goldrush..................Z2128.........5.25
Exclusive inks, pear........................Z2128..........5.25
Corner rounder...............................Z578...........7.95
Micro-tip scissors...........................Z534...........9.95
Opaques adhesive gems, pearl.........Z1336.........2.95
For every occassion stamp set..........D.1187......22.95
Sophia workshop on the go kit..........G1019.......29.95
   includes a level 2 paper pack, pink button assortment, colonial white waxy flax, and the stampset I used here.  A great bargain, and I've used everything in the pack for several projects and still have some left.

my "real" job

This is a pic of the building I do my transcription work in.  I love that I get to work in a beautiful old mansion, very inspiring for us creative people. 

And this is the view outside my office, so peaceful....

And this is my office, nice, another perk from working in an old mansion.

June calendar page

It's Buttefly Time!  ok, so maybe I got a little crazy with the butterflies here, but I couldn't help myself. I LOVE butterflies.  This set of butterflies is so whimsical, who wouldn't? and after I glitzed them up with glitter gel they look even more magical!  The secret to making them pop up is simply using your fingers to bend the cardstock and adhere them on their bodies with memory book glue dots.  The butterflies were done in goldrush and hollyhock.  The letters I added with a curlz MT font on my computer.  I hope this helps you add some whimsy to your own projects.

Product list:

Memory book glue dots.........................1772...................$7.50
Micro-tip scissors...................................Z534....................9.95
Glitz glitter gel, stardust...........................Z1313..................2.75
A Flitter stampset...................................A1108..................7.95
Sophia level 2 paperpack.......................X7131B..............12.95
Exclusive inks stamp pad, hollyhock.......Z2128...................5.25
Exclusive inks stamp pad, goldrush.........Z2123..................5.25
Sponge daubers.....................................Z726....................3.95

Fill in the blank Stamp set

The NEW Fill in the Blank StampSet (set of 35 stamps)
Check out everything you can do with this set, it is soooo versatile.

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” said Leonardo da Vinci, and who could argue with that great artist? The seeming simplicity of the My Acrylix® Fill In the Blanks stamp set (D1465) is what makes it such a perfect—and perfectly versatile—addition to any stamper’s toolbox!

The words and outline images that make up this set really lend themselves to a variety of looks and techniques. Let’s take a peek at some artwork!

The butterflies on this card are stamped tone-on-tone using the small butterfly image from the Fill In the Blank set, and then we took word stamps and stamped them in first and second generation to create our own patterned paper.

We’ve also used the small butterfly stamp on this layout, but can you guess what other stamp we used from the set? If you guessed “flower,” you’re right! Since our My Acrylix stamps are flexible, we’ve scrunched up the flower stamp in different ways to get these cute cloud images. We stamped them on B&T Duos® paper to give them a subtle pattern.

For this card, we cut out the large butterfly stamp image a few times and then layered it to make it dimensional. Here are the steps so you can make it yourself:

1.Stamp butterfly with Desert Sand ink on Colonial White cardstock. Using a craft knife, cut along wings, leaving body intact. Mount cardstock piece on Cocoa cardstock and Bamboo B&T paper. Pop up wings using 3-D foam tape.

2.Stamp butterfly again on Crystal Blue B&T paper. Cut out entire image, omitting body. Mount on Colonial White butterfly using 3-D foam tape.

3.Stamp butterfly a third time on Sweet Leaf B&T paper. Cut out entire image, including body, and mount on Crystal Blue butterfly with 3-D foam tape.

4.Accent body with Opaques Mocha adhesive gems.

Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book, page 96

This card, featured in the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book on page 96, also shows the stamping on B&T paper technique. This time we used the bird stamp, and the background pattern is much stronger. To give visual variety, we stamped the bird’s wing on a complementary piece of Grey Wool cardstock. Then, we stamped three different sentiments with Grey Wool ink, then highlighted one of them by stamping over it in Goldrush ink. This brings in a third color and makes the “friends always” sentiment stand out as the main message of the card.

Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book, page 96
Does this card look familiar, too? It’s also from the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book on page 96. Check out the Hollyhock cardstock on the sides. We stamped the flower on it in a repeating pattern to make an abstract, subtle patterned paper. Notice how the petals overlap in various spots? This gives the flower image a whole new look!

And here’s a final technique for you: using the stamp set as a cutting guide for negative space then filling it with a patterned paper to give visual interest. To create the stars you see in this layout, follow these steps:

1.Stamp three stars on top of your layout, overlapping paper pieces and photos.

2.Use a craft knife to cut out the center, leaving a 1/8" border, and distress the edges with a stipple brush dipped in Desert Sand re-inker.

3.Stamp three 2 1/2" × 2 1/2" pieces of Colonial White cardstock with words or phrases, using Cocoa ink and first, second, and third generation.

4.Attach the cardstock pieces to the back of your layout so the sentiments show through.

5.Accent each star with a pair of Opaques Mocha adhesive gems to give them even more zing!

Have you created a fun project using the My Acrylix Fill In the Blank set? Post it on the Consultant bulletin board in the Artwork section and on our Close To My Heart Facebook wall. Be sure to label it “Fill In the Blank”—we’d love to see it!

May Calendar page

Hi everybody, I had lots of fun with this page. I love the beautiful rose ribbon on this page.

Product List:
Designer Ribbons, Pink collection...............Z1384.....................7.95
Buttons, pink assortment............................Z1370.....................5.95
Sophia level 2 paperpack...........................X7131B................12.95
Monthly calendar.......................................Z1030.....................7.95
Love You Forever stampset.......................C1398..................18.95
Waxy flax, colonial white.............................Z1081...................3.95
Sponge Daubers...........................................Z726....................3.95
Exclusive inks marker, hollyhock.................Z2328...................2.95
Exclusive inks marker, desert sand...............Z2318...................2.95
Exclusive inks marker, indian corn blue........Z2330...................2.95

Exclusive inks marker, pear.........................Z2397...................2.95

Exclusive inks marker, goldrush...................Z2323...................2.95
Exclusive inks stamp pad, hollyhock............Z2128...................5.25
Exclusive inks stamp pad, archival black......44751...................5.95

March Calendar Page

The March page just fell together easy like...probably because I used the Sophia MyStickease.  I love how they pull everything together.  I also got to use the pompom ribbon in the New Pink Collection.  What FUN!

Product list:

In the month of March stampset.......................C1404..............18.95
Sophia Level 2 paperpack...............................X7131B............12.95
Sophia Level 1 paperpack...............................X7131A.............9.95
Sophia Level 2 My Stickease Assortment........X7131C..............4.95
Designer Ribbons, Pink Collection...................Z1384.................7.95
Exclusive Inks, Pear........................................Z2197.................5.25

Scallop Circle Flowers

Hi everyone,
I've been looking at these flowers in the idea book for a while, and thought I should try them.  I love how fun and cute they are.

Product List:

Cards and Envelopes, white value pack..........X254..........14.95
Designer Ribbons, pink collection...................Z1384..........7.95
Buttons, Basic Assortment..............................Z1358.........5.95
Designer Ribbons, colonial white collection......Z1126........7.95
Universal Background stampset.......................D1477.......22.95
Exclusive Inks, cotton candy...........................Z2193.........5.25
Sponge daubers..............................................Z726...........3.95

April's Calendar page

This is for the calendar I'm working on...I used the March Stamp of the Month...I just love the sweet little bunnies, perfect for springtime.  I used the water brush to color in the details so it looks hand painted.  I love the water brush because it's so easy to use.  You just squeeze your inkpad tightly to get some ink on the lid, and the brush picks it up to transfer to the picture.  A little advice though, make sure you stamp your picture with either our archival black ink, or another permanent ink, like StayzOn so that your picture doesn't run.  This method is so easy (even easier than markers) and it looks so professional when you're done, all your friends will think you're an expert...lol. Have some fun and try this new technique.

Product list
March's SOTM...Sensational Season.........D1454...........$22.95 (free with $100 purchase)
Sophia Level 1 paper pack........................X7131A...........9.95
In the Month of April stampset...................C1405.............18.95
Monthly Calendar......................................Z1030..............7.95
2" Scallop Circle Punch.............................Z1392..............14.95
Glitz Glitter Gel, stardust............................Z1313...............2.75
Exclusive Inks, blush..................................Z2106...............5.25
Exclusive Inks, hollyhock...........................Z2128...............5.25

Exclusive Inks, goldrush.............................Z2120...............5.25

Exclusive Inks, pear...................................Z2197...............5.25

Exclusive Inks, amethyst.............................Z2100...............5.25

Exclusive Inks, chocolate............................Z2111...............5.25

Exclusive Inks, crystal blue.........................Z2117...............5.25
12x12 cardstock, hollyhock........................1246.................9.50

12x12 cardstock, pear...............................X5760...............9.50

Perfect Paper Pinwheels

Butterfly with sparkles

Another beautiful card, I love the color combination on this one: creme brulee, sunset, and heavenly blue for the butterfly.
I used the rock-n-roll technique on the butterfly with creme brulee on the inside, and new england ivy on the edges.

Supply List
Olivia level 2 paper pack........................X7128B...........$12.95
Veranda level 2 paper pack ..................X7119B..............12.95 (retired)
Find your style stampset ......................January sotm.........22.95
Universal Backgrounds stampset............D1477................22.95
Rosy regards stampset (sentiment)..........B1369................13.95
Designer Ribbons, colonial white.............Z1126.................7.95
Sparkles, clear.......................................Z1104..................2.95
Exclusive inks, creme brulee...................Z2167..................5.25
Exclusive inks, new england ivy...............Z2135..................5.25

Sympathy Card with Bliss

I got the chance to make some cards for my friend Kathy, this is one of them...a sympathy card.  I chose the bliss paper for this one because it's so serene.  This was my first chance to stamp on the new canvas badges too.  I love how it turned out.

Supply list
Bliss level 2 paper pack......................X7132B......$12.95
Live Inspired stampset........................C1408..........18.95
Designer ribbons, cocoa......................Z1316...........7.95
Canvas badge buttons.........................Z1398...........6.95
Memory book glue dots......................1772..............7.50
Bonding memories glue........................1512..............6.95
Edge distressor....................................Z1297...........2.50
Exclusive inks, chocolate.....................Z2111............5.25
Cards & Envelopes, colonial white.......X1410.........14.95

Hope you enjoy.

Best stamps on the Block

When you order a stamp set in March, you get a FREE 3"x3" or 2"x6 1/2" My Acrylix block!   Check out MY CTMH website for more details