Studio J -- Free-For-All in June!

Here's another Studio J two-page layout that took me fewer than 5 minutes to create! (Click image to enlarge.)

I used the pretty Sophia papers and a few of my favorite Easter photos of Ella and Beatrice, our precious grandgirls (3 yrs and 1 yr), in their Easter dresses.

During Close To My Heart's STUDIO J® FREE-FOR-ALL IN JUNE, everyone can receive ONE FREE Studio J® JPG file —- no purchase is required!

This is a GREAT way for you to give Studio J a whirl. If you haven't created scrapbook layouts online yet, you're gonna luv, luv, luv Studio J!

Here's what to do:

1. Log on to Studio J on my web site;

2. Create your two-page layout;

3. Then order one JPG file of your layout.

It’s as easy-ka-peasy as that!

Download and save your file so you can post your layout online, email it to
family and friends, or print the two pages for your memory book.

If you have a Studio J or a MyCTMH® account, just log in and start creating.

If you don’t have an account, creating one is easy. You can access Studio J
through my MyCTMH website HERE.

Discover how quick and simple scrapbooking can be with Studio J -- and -- get
your FREE JPG layout in Free-for-All June!

I've been using Studio J since CTMH introduced it, through a yearly membership, and I'm thrilled at how many layouts I've been able to create in such a short time. Not to brag, but--oh well--I WILL: I have our family memory albums all up to date! That is, until another wedding or another baby is born!

I hope you try Studio J! It's the bees knees of digi-scrappin'!

Free Shipping for Studio J Layouts

It's the last day of May! We've heated up into the 90s here in Missouri, and what better way to stay cool than to be playing in water. The tiny tots in our lives are an added bonus. Ella and Beatrice had fun pouring water over my feet and everywhere else! I created this Studio J two-page layout last Sunday afternoon to remember these fun moments together with our grandgirls. (Click image to enlarge.)

Here's a quick reminder that if you're a Studio J member, be sure to create 4--20 two-page layouts and order before midnight tonight to receive FREE shipping!

The shipping for members is free each month for your four to twenty layouts! Don't miss out -- it saves you money for even MORE layouts in the future!

Want to know more about Close To My Heart's online scrapbooking program called Studio J?

* You can try this program FREE here!

* You can buy 5-packs to use for yourself or to give as gifts.

* You can become a Studio J member and receive many benefits including low cost, high quality pages and free shipping!

Once you're a member, all for the price of $6.50 you will receive:

* a high quality printed two-page 12" x 12" layout (that's a great deal at $3.25 per page)

* a web quality jpeg image of your layout (great for sharing on Facebook, on your blog, or via email. My layout image in this post is a web-quality jpeg layout)

* a high quality jpeg image of your layout for you to save on disk or to use to print more copies

Email or phone me if you are interested in learning more about Studio J. I'll schedule a Studio J hands-on session with you to show you the online program, great techniques, and I'll get you started creating a layout of your own.

You can also visit my CTMH web site, click on Studio J, create an account for FREE, and start using Studio J to see how fun, fast, and simple it is! Remember -- Learning and playing with Studio J is free!

If you decide to purchase a membership and purchase layouts, you can read about the cost on the Studio J site. Using Studio J is a great way to create layouts at home or while you travel, whether you're catching up on your memory albums or simply loving to create in a digital media!

Have you heard me say, "I love Studio J!" ? I know you will too!

Memorial Day 2011 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery
St Louis, Missouri
Photography by Jane
May 29, 2011

"Thank you" is not enough, but those are the words we say
to each man and woman
who served with commitment and honor
and gave the ultimate sacrifice
so that you and I might enjoy the freedoms we share.

Thank you.

More Fun with Studio J!

I haven't had any time in my studio for more than a month ... lots of family activities happening here!

But this afternoon I played with Studio J and accomplished this easy layout in 5 minutes.

Whatta way to scrapbook when time is limited! Yay, Close To My Heart, for this great online program!

Want to find out more about Studio J and even give it a whirl for free? Click HERE!

Heart 2 Heart -- Sharing My Favorite Technique

(double click to enlarge picture)

This week the H2H challenge is "Our Favorite Techniques" and it's exciting to see all the very special techniques the participants are using and sharing in their paper art!

I have SO MANY favorite techniques, and always appreciate learning new ones from my CTMH friends! So thank you, one and all!

I used the 3-D stamping technique to create this card for a teacher who is retiring after 40 years of teaching service! That long stretch in itself is so awesome, but in addition, he has served with DELIGHT and his students all know and appreciate that quality and commitment from him!

For a manly card, I chose Twitterpated papers and the chocolate and sorbet colors in addition to the touch of blue. I used the "Delight in Everything" CTMH stamp set. (Inside left, I used a Verve Scripture sentiment.)

To achieve a 3-D stamping effect, simply stamp first with the White Pigment ink. I stamped on the B&T paper oval. Let dry thoroughly. Clean the MyAcrylix stamps with a baby wipe. I used a hairdryer to ensure complete dryness.

Then stamp slightly off, for a shadow effect, with an ink color -- I chose Sorbet to go with the card's background color.

I chose not to stamp the stems twice, since I like them simple, the way they are in white.

To make the stamped flowers pop, I added itty bitty opaque pearls.

This is a very easy technique to use when you just want to enhance a card with some shadow-looking effects!

Check out ALL the awesome techniques at the Heart 2 Heart Challenges! You'll LOVE what you find there!

New Clearance Items!

Oh, happy day! We LOVE a clearance sale!

More clearance items such as these Felt Whimsies and Opaques & Pearls were added to my Close To My Heart website earlier this week!

Simply click HERE.

Head there now to find some of our the most popular CTMH embellishments at low, low prices -- would you believe as low as $1.50?! Whatta deal! These make great birthday gifts, gathering prizes, and stocking stuffers ... hey, Christmas is just around a couple corners!

Hope

Chocolate and Hollyhock -- those are the colors in this "hope" card made by random stamping and using the "Hope and Help for Japan" stamp set from Close To My Heart.

While visiting in Ohio, Mom and I enjoyed a Sunday afternoon creative time with my upline, dear Deb Butler, whose card design this is.

Opaque pearls accent the card. Inside I stamped the sentiment, "I'm praying for you." I'll send it to one of my friends who is undergoing chemo treatments.

We've been so busy since getting home, helping with the painting and house renovations, that we've hardly had time to unpack and do laundry. I'm glad I had to find a clean shirt, because in looking through my luggage, I found this card right where I had packed it!

As I write, I wish that CTMH would come out with a Hope and Help stamp set or special creative kit for Katrina victims and for the 2011 tornado victims too!

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;

my hope comes from Him. Psalm 62:5