What if....

you could scrapbook all your holiday photos in just a couple of hours with no mess.  Just imagine how it would feel to wrap up your holiday memories and share them in the new year! 

A new limited-time Express Collection is available in Studio J® beginning January 1. The new collection has been designed by our studio artists using the Yuletide Carol paper packet, which is perfect for preserving your memories from this festive time of year. Like our other Express Collections, this limited edition collection will offer you 10 pre-designed layouts, plus a layout designed to give you a first and last page for your album. With a grand total of 65 photo wells, this collection has plenty of room for your favorite photos from the holidays.

 I started mine and completed the first pages in just 20 minutes.  I chose the "home for the holidays" layout, uploaded my photos, dropped them in the photo wells, resizing them just a bit, added my journaling and it was done!  If you click on the photo, you can see a larger image.

Now I know that it is fast, simple and easy but of course, I did a little bit of "editing" to make it my own.  I changed the background paper from Flaxen to Desert Sand, the brads from White to Ruby, and I added the "distressed embellishment" of sanding.  I also changed the lettering to Colonial White in the title and Cocoa in the journaling.  See the difference?  Really, this only took me about an additional 5 minutes.

The collection will only be available through February 28, so be sure to make time in the first part of the year to add your photos and order your layouts to keep the memories fresh for years to come!

FAQ's:

How do I access Studio J?   Visit my website and click on"Products>Studio J Online Scrapbooking>Enter Now".  If you don't have an account, create one so you can save your work. 

How do I learn to use Studio J?  Close to My Heart has provided several videos for beginners.  You can access these on my website here.  Or, I am happy to give you a 30 minute tutorial in person or over the phone. 

Here's to a new year of scrapping,
Michele

Craft Daze "til Christmas: 42 days Photo Holiday Cards.

This month Close to My Heart is Celebrating five years of Studio J.  Now if you haven't seen Studio J, you need to try it and it is no cost to you just to play!  Here is a link to a getting started video and you can read the details of this month's special on my blog here.   This will explain all the ways you can WIN with Studio J this month but right now, I want to focus on Photo Holiday Cards.  

Yes you can use Studio J to create your own unique family holiday cards and best of all, Studio J layouts are on sale for $5 this month.  

Here's how:

1.  Go to MRowley.CTMH.com, click on products and choose Studio J from the drop down menu.

2. Once in Studio J- either log in or create an account if you are a new user.

3. Once in- begin a new project. I called mine Christmas Cards 2014.

4. You will then be prompted to upload photos- upload the ones that you would like to use on your cards (I did two different photo styles)

5. The select “create your own custom kit”

6. At this point you will be given lots of options for paper- my recommendation is to go with one of our holiday themed papers so that you will have access to the holiday ‘stickease’ and images that go with that pack.  You can put "Christmas" in the search bar and it will show you all the Christmas/Winter related paper packets.  For mine I chose the Yuletide Carol kit.  Choose your kit and click continue.

7. Next you will be given your choice of patterns, chose the ‘No Limits’ pattern and then click continue.

8. Your next option is for a kit mix- yours will all be blank – just click on one and continue to the next screen.  

9. Now you will start to create your cards! On the left you will need to click on the text and photo areas.  You want to add journaling areas to your layout- just drag the ‘add journaling’ option onto your page.  Once it is placed you will have a box appear where you can adjust things- you can choose your card size.  Regular envelope sizes are 5x7, 4x8, or 4.25 x 5.5.  I created mine 5x7 this year.   Once you have one box sized and placed (see the sample above for how you can place them to optimize space) you can click on your journaling box and the click copy at the top of the screen.  Then hit paste- this will give you a second box of the same size  that you can click and drag (and rotate) anywhere on your layout.  Do this 8 times until you have your page full.  It may look like the left side when you are complete this step.

10. Next click on the paper tab on the left.  From here you can drag and drop any of the patterned paper or cardstock options for the kit.  Have fun with this and feel free to use a variety- after all, you can!  Once you have those all in place you will want to get rid of the prompt to add journaling- just click on the box, select edit text, and delete the text.  Then click on the next box and do the same.  When done you may have something like shown on the left side.

11. At this point I think it is easiest to go in and begin to add photo boxes- go back to the add text and photo tab. Once there, drag and drop photo boxes onto your cards- I made mine a 4x4 size but you can do whatever size works for you and your pictures.  The toolbar that appears with each photo box will allow you to add a photo mat if you would like- and you can pick your desired color.  Once you have your boxes and place (and you can copy and paste them as we did earlier) then you can drag and drop your pictures inside them.  In the photo toolbar you can add a filter and make your photos black and white or even sepia- have fun with this!

12. Now your photos should all be placed and you are ready to decorate! You will find all the fun things to decorate under the My Stickease tab- use the drop down menu to navigate between different embellishment sizes but remember that you can always resize them by dragging down the bottom right corner of any image.  You will also find Holiday quotes and tags in this section that could make your card really come together!  

13.Then I added our family name.  To do that I added a smaller journaling box (you should be a pro at adding this by now) and just typed in the box with the font they suggested. I colored my boxes black and then chose a white font.  I also went to the distress menu and added sanding so it would look a bit like a chalkboard. 

14.  I added some ribbon and knots by using the embellishments tab, selecting ribbons, choosing my color, and then dragging and dropping them onto each card.  When you right click on the embellishment, you can send it back, which allowed me to put the ribbon behind the chalkboard journaling spot. 

Once you are happy with your card you are ready to order them! You may notice that I have two small photos on mine in the middle space- it was empty space so I dropped some photos in to fill it out. Once my pages arrive I plan to use those photos in some base and bling projects.  When ordering you can order as many copies of that page as you will need for your cards. Your pages will arrive in the mail within a week or so and you are ready to go! 

I hope you are inspired to give it a try.  If you would like a one on one personal tutorial, I am happy to schedule one with you.  Don't wait too long, you will want to take advantage of the special before it ends November 30th.  And just think, you will have one thing DONE on your holiday to do list. 

Michele

Studio J: Make your photos any size you like!

Studio J comes with the layouts that are pre-designed.  You choose your layout style and drag and drop your photos into place.  But you also have the option to change the size of the photo wells and text wells.  This allows you to customize the layout to your capture your personal photos at their best.

I just loved this photo of Alli.  It captures her huge personality and I couldn't resist enlarging it ...to show her large character!  With Studio J, I was also able to add a "stickease" quote that captions the photo as well.

You can see on this designed layout, the original left hand page was rotated and the photo was a smaller, vertical size.  By rotating it 90 degrees and enlarging the photo, I was able to catch Alli, just like she is!

The photos on this page were kept at the original design size and rotation so as to not compete with my favorite photos. 

  You can start using Studio J for no cost here.

How do you get started?  I will be sharing a series of videos throughout the next few weeks starting today with the step by step basics.  I am also offering FREE personal Studio J instructional sessions through out the next few weeks.  Contact me to schedule your in person or online sessions.   AND if after your session, you create and purchase a set of Studio J layouts by November 30th, I will put your name in a drawing for a new Close to My Heart Album of your choice.  Drawing will be held Dec 2nd.

Now for the video.



Let's get started!
Michele

5 Lucky ways to be a winner

Close to My Heart is celebrating the 5 year anniversary of Studio J.  And you can be a lucky winner!

I have been using Studio J over the past 5 years to create layouts that fit right in my albums with my classic layouts, printing my own photos the exact size I want them, creating calendars for gifts, and creating holiday photo cards and graduation announcements.  Studio J is a versatile addition to your crafting experience.  

There are 5 ways to win during the month of November (but you can start creating now)!

1.  Everyone is a winner during November with $5 Studio J double page layouts.  That's a 25% savings from the regular retail price ($6.95). 

2.  Your second chance to win big must come by sheer luck: every fifth order placed in Studio J during November receives a FREE surprise Close To My Heart accessory in its shipping box! The accessory has a retail value of $5 or more.

3.  Willy Wonka at his best!  Five GOLDEN tickets will be given away in the Studio J orders.  This “golden ticket” is redeemable for one of Close To My Heart’s new D-ring albums* loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors™.

4.  After you have created your Studio J layouts, post them on CTMH Facebook page with #ctmhlucky5.  After November 30, five lucky winners will be selected from the entries based on their artistry and creativity and each of these winners will receive their own D-ring album loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors!

5.  And there is one last way to win: take your new Studio J artwork and post a picture of it on Instagram using the hashtag #ctmhlucky5. Just as it is with Facebook, after November 30, five lucky winners will be selected from the entries to receive their own D-ring album loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors!

Happy crafting,
Michele

Studio J! No mess!

I love Studio J.  I can take my photos, select a paper packet, select a layout and create to my heart's content without making a mess!   Yes, it really is that easy and that tidy!  Just me and my laptop, anywhere I have internet access.  I am working on updating my daughter's album through this past year because she is graduating...and I want to share her albums with our guests.  Studio J is fast too!

Another thing I love about Studio J is sizing my photos.  This layout has a place for a large photo.  I love to work with large photos but it is a little more challenging to get the printed and cropped to the right size with classic scrapbooking.  With Studio J, it is easy.  You just drag and drop the photo into the photo well and then crop to fit!  (I actually enlarged the photo just a bit to get the fullness of her hair as well.)  The large photo of Alli is one of my favorite and I am so excited I was able to focus on her face and beautiful smile.  (Yes we paid beau coup bucks for those beautiful teeth too.)

Just for your information, this is the Claire paper packet and the Side Bar-Photo Accent (left side) and Side Bar-Balancing Act (right side).  You can also find the cutting guide for these layouts in our Relections how to book.  You can see all the how to books and purchase this book on my website here. 

 Want to play with Studio J?  It is free!  Access Studio J here.  Want more information or a tutorial?  Contact me to set up a date and time.   

Project Life: Studio J Style

I love the concept of Project Life and have always wanted to try it.  Basically it is “scrapbooking” a piece of everyday life, everyday.  Well, I have taken more of a “journal” approach and captured some of the highlights of the month and then created a Studio J layout. 

Here is January:

February is Studio J Month!

This month, all Studio J layouts are $5.  That is a savings of $1.95 per layout.  If you haven’t tried Studio J, I encourage you to give it a try…I think you will like it. 
Who is Studio J for?

• Someone who has lots of photos that are “stuck” in the camera or on the computer.  Get them out to share with family and friends.
• Someone who doesn’t have time or space for classic scrapbooking.  All you need is your computer with internet connection and you are set to create!
• Someone who wants to play “catch up”.  Do you find yourself taking photos faster than you scrapbook them?  Why not use Studio J to scrapbook the special moments that you had today and save those printed photos for a crop time later.

What is your reason for trying Studio J?
Let this video inspire you to try it today! 
Use Studio J®, Close To My Heart's online scrapbooking software, to create a festive layout in just minutes by watching Love Your Layout video. You'll learn creative techniques on how to add your own stitching, create a top border with journaling, and more. Log in to Studio J to create it yourself while you watch!

You are Darling

Every year Close to My Heart hosts a convention for their consultants.  I started going in 2003, when it was in Portland OR and cannot miss it.  It is such an inspiring time!  (More on that later.)
This year, the inspiration begins before convention with 5 Studio J layouts.  The corporate office gave us 5 layouts with directions on using different techniques in the program.  I had a blast putting these layouts together with the step by step instructions.  And I hope to host a workshop where you can learn these techniques as well.  But until then, you can enjoy the layouts I have created. 

This tips in this layout featured:

• Deleting unneeded photo wells
• Using text boxes to cover up portions of the pattern
• Cropping My Stickease® borders to make ribbon streamers

You can enjoy playing with Studio J without any cost.  Just visit my website here and start playing.  Got questions?  Give me a call. 
To see the unique layouts using the same “tips and techniques” created by other convention going consultants you can see them here, here, and here. 

Stitching in Studio J

I love the look of stitching on my cards and scrapbook pages but have yet to pull out the sewing machine to create the look.  What do I do instead?  I have a couple of well used stamp sets with different stitching designs that I use on cards and classic layouts.  But what about my Studio J layouts? 
The Studio J online scrapbooking has a stitching embellishment tool.  This allows the look of stitching with little effort.  Watch this video to see how it is done.

Here is a layout that I have created using the stitching tool.  The second set of banners are not stitched because I was demonstrating how to add stitching in my Studio J workshop. 

If you want a one on one Studio J tutorial, I can come to your home or meet you in the coffee shop and show you how.  There is no cost to “play” with Studio J.  Contact me today to set up an appointment.
The next Studio J Crop at my house is Tuesday May 8th. At 7:00 p.m.  Watch for details in the next newsletter.   

February Studio J Love Your Layout

The new paper packets are now on Studio J.  This month, the video highlights the Stella paper packet and teaches you how to create your background paper using My Stickease. 

Before you watch the video, here’s a reminder about the Fabulous Five Special for Studio J during the month of February.  When you purchase one five pack of layouts, you get a second one for FREE.  There is no limit to how many 5 packs you purchase and the 5 packs do not expire so you can use them when you want or give them as gifts throughout the year!  You can purchase your 5 packs here or contact me.  You can see the flyer with details here. 

And now for the video.

Studio J Photo Editing

Studio J has a photo editing tool built right in.  You can edit your photos in the photo “library” after you upload them or after you have placed them on your layout.  This month we will work with this tool during our Studio J workshop.  Join me on Monday Feb 13th, 7 p.m. to learn about the photo editing, “practice” with some guidance, and then crop until 9:30 p.m.  Bring your laptop with photos uploaded or on a disc or drive and I will get you hooked up to WIFI. 
Want to learn more about Studio J?  Contact me today. 

Studio J, the answer for the overwhelmed, wanna be scrapbooker

I had the lovely opportunity to share Studio J with two ladies this week and have a class in my home.  Now I have been excited about Studio J since the beginning and even had a premonition the year before it was announced that Close to My Heart was up to something.  After sharing Studio J again this week, my enthusiasm is renewed...

Want to get started but don't know how?  Well you can start right here and it doesn't cost to dime to make a layout and play with the product.  After you have played and decide you like it, you can buy a membership or just your layout and add it to your book of memories.

Here's a getting started video.  I am also available to meet with you and give you a personalized "tour" of the product.  Just email me!

Need a gift idea?

Make it a calendar!  These Studio J pages were created with the intention of using both pages of each layout to create a calendar.  I have printed these and will attach them to the Close to My Heart 12x12 calendar.  But with a Studio J membership, I also have the option of purchasing a jpg or using the jpg that comes with the layout purchase and I can use another digital source to actually print the calendar. 

If you want help with this idea, feel free to contact me to set up a personal consultation.  I would love to help you create your calendar.  Or you can try it on your own…HERE!

April calendar page

January calendar page

Studio J Layouts: A great way to catch up

Don’t get me wrong, I love classic scrapbooking.  It’s my job and I love it!  But sometimes it is so satisfying to sit down and get a set of pages done in thirty minutes.  No mess, no clean up, just pure satisfaction!  Did you know about the Studio J blog?  Close to My Heart shares art and tips that support your play!  Visit the blog here. 

Sharing Studio J Love

Close to My Heart is hosting a video contest for consultants.  The topic is "share the love for Studio J".  Well, I am not a videographer...and not sure if I ever will be but I have sure enjoyed watching the videos that fellow consultants have created.  Some are reminiscent of Hallmark commercials, others have been labelled "Fear Factor".  Take a look at some of these creative endeavors and see why people LOVE Studio J.

From Tresa Black, the stamp goddess:  http://youtu.be/U-CtgEsvM34

From Joy McHargue:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRzoXXcafxY

From Dr. Phil:  http://youtu.be/vZ_OtWlYo3I

Interested in learning more about Studio J?  You can play with this online program at no cost to you!  Give it a try or give me a ring!

You can scrapbook anywhere!

Studio J is the perfect scrapbooking tool!  You can take it with you wherever you have access to the internet, work on  pages  to catch up or design pages for your next crop time.  Today I am at my daughter's science competition and although my internet connection is slow, with some patience, I am able to design pages using the newest scrapbook kit Lucky.

Watch my blog for those pages in the future or better yet, attend my workshop in June and create the pages yourself!

Here's a video about getting started with Studio J.  And remember, there is no charge to just give it a try!  Create away!

Finished scrapbooking 2008! Taking Advantage of the Specials

I loved the Studio J special in February. I went back to photos that I had not yet printed or scrapped in 2008 used Studio J to finish up the year. Through out the month, I also watch some videos created by Amy Ulen who does a great job of using Studio J to take her online layouts to the next level and best of all, she shares it with us. You can find her videos here on her YouTube channel. Thanks Amy!

Here are my layouts that I completed.

 

Marissa made this one.  Studio J is great for kids!

What if you could scrapbook 10 double page layouts this weekend?

You can still take advantage of the February free layout month for Studio J® members! For every 9 custom-printed Studio J layouts you buy, you'll receive the 10th layout free. And you can totally take advantage of this promotion by ordering in multiples of 10. Buy 9, get 1 free. Buy 18, get 2 free. Buy 27, get 3 free. And so on! If you're not a member yet, now's a great time to join!

Here are some layouts that I have done.  I am working on more and will order them this weekend...taking full advantage of the special. 

Studio J vs. Classic scrapbooking: what will I choose?

Both of course!  I love the feel of paper and embellishments, cutting, trimming, cropping and arranging my photos to create that perfect layout.  I won't give that up!  But I also love the fast, easy, no mess, scrapbook anywhere option of Studio J.  I will definitely be a dual scrapbooker.

Here is another one of my layouts from my East Coast Trip.  I was able to narrow down to a few firework shots and create this fun layout (for members only) on Studio J.

 

You can have a Studio J membership with fabulous benefits!

Becoming a Studio J member is the perfect way to catch up on all of your scrapbooking while also getting access to exclusive content that will give you even more creative options and flexibility. On top of that, members get our best pricing of 50% off retail—that works out to be $3.25 per page! Compare that price with other 12” x 12” printing services. You'll be hard-pressed to find a better deal!

One of the best reasons to become a Studio J member is your exclusive access to high-resolution printable JPG files as well as low-res files perfect for emailing or posting on blogs or Facebook. Members also get free Memory Protectors® for every custom-printed two-page layout ordered, as well as free shipping and handling on one monthly order.  Minimum 4 and maximum 20 layouts qualify for free shipping.

In addition, Studio J members also have access to exclusive, members-only kits and patterns, allowing for even more creativity. With all of that, members still get exclusive promotions and deals throughout their membership!

What are your membership options for Studio J?

There are three different purchase options, all with great benefits.

12 Month Membership for $99
3 Month Membership for $30
5 layout pack for $55

What is the difference between a 3-month and a 12-month membership and the 5 pack?


Both 3-month and 12-month members enjoy the same benefits; however, the pricing structure for membership differs. A 3-month membership is priced at $30 and automatically renews at $10 each month after the initial 3 months. A 12-month membership is priced at $99 and automatically renews for a 12-month term at the end of each year.  (You can cancel the renewal before the expiration.) 
 
A Studio J® 5-pack, priced at $55 US, includes 5 two-page layouts, 5 Memory Protectors®, and free shipping and handling. It’s the perfect way to try out Studio J for the first time, and it makes a great gift!

More layout samples to show in future posts. 

Studio J - The Best! Should you be a member?

We traveled to the East Coast this summer for about 10 days and between my daughter and I, we took about 2000 photos.  Now 1000 of those were of the fireworks on the Fourth of July in NYC so I only have a few more to scrapbook!  How do I scrapbook all this photos of the great places we got to explore together as a family?

Studio J to the rescue!  So much fun too!  Here is one of the layouts I just received in my October order.

Although this photo just doesn't do it justice, it is absolutely gorgeous in person!  And here are some really cool things you should know about Studio J!

•It's TOTALLY FREE to play with Studio J. Just go to my website (http://mrowley.myctmh.com/), click on Studio J, create an account and PLAY! 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 your own FABULOUS 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.

I will show you more layouts on my next post and share the membership options and savings.  If you can't wait, then click here to read more about it.