Oh, no! A scrapbook page!

I am going to let you all in on a little secret...  I am a really slow scrapbooker.  And by slow, I mean go-to-a-weekend-crop-and-maybe-get-three-or-four-layouts-done kind of slow.  You know what I'm talking about.  I mean, you have to pick the pictures.  Print the pictures.  Decide on paper.  Decide on a layout (although I will say, CTMH's "How-To" books make this step go way faster!).  Reprint pictures to fit the spaces on your layouts.  :-)  Decide on embellishments.  Cut the papers. Adhere the papers.  Adhere the pictures.  Add the embellishments.  Come up with cute title.  Journal.  Go back to the layout months (or even years!) later to complete the journaling.  Oy.  So many choices!  :-)  Now, don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't enjoy scrapbooking, it just takes me a really long time to decide what I want to do on a page.  I mean, a REALLY long time.  I'm not good with decisions.  :-)  Lucky for me, it's the PROCESS that I enjoy.  The colors.  The textures.  The design principles.  Love it!  The end result of a completed scrapbook page is simply icing on the cake for me. 

So, when I found out that the challenge this week at H2H was a layout WITH JOURNALING, I must admit I panicked just a tiny bit.  I mean, we only have a limited time to get our projects done, and posted for you, after all.  What was I to do??  And then it hit me...STUDIO J (it's in all caps so you can hear me yelling this brilliant idea out loud).  Studio J is Close To My Heart's absolutely incredible online digital scrapbooking program.  It took me all of about 45 minutes to complete this layout.  Uploaded the pictures, decided on what paper I wanted to use, chose a layout design, and customized to my little heart's desire.  Placed in shopping cart, hit "submit", and Ta-Da!  Completed layout in less than and hour!!  So fast and so simple.  I love it!  Click on the picture to see the layout in more detail.

So why don't you give it a try? It doesn't cost a single penny to play around and try it out.  Simply create a free account, upload some pictures, and give it a whirl!  Click this link ----> here  to go directly to my website to start.  If you like what you see, let me know, and I'll fill you in on how you can purchase the layouts you create. 

Whether you create layout pages traditionally, or digitally ( or a combination of both!), be sure to link up at the H2H Challenges blog for your chance to win some great prizes this month!  And thanks for stopping by!

Some new classes coming up.....

Over the next few days, I'll be posting some pictures of classes I'm offering in Sepetember.  The first few have registration deadlines that are very, very close, so if you're interested, let me know ASAP!  Here they are:

Scrapbook 101 using Elemental papers

Join me for this fun and quick class using the fabulous Elemental level 2 paper pack, and the coordinating chipboard Dimensional Elements Complements.  Participants in this class will leave with two 2-page layouts, completed and ready to be showcased in your album! All you need to bring is adhesive and a smile!

Date:  Weds., Sept. 21  7-9pm

Cost:  $18

Registration Deadline:  Weds., Sept. 7

Elemental Workshop On The Go

 

This class has that "Wow" factor, using beautiful stamps and gorgeous colors, as well as some really cool techniques like masking.  Students will leave with 5 versatile cards, as well as a 1-page layout that can accomodate several pictures of different sizes. 

Date:  Mon., Sept. 19, 6-9pm

Cost: $35 (includes the following):
 - a 6 double-sided patterned papers
 -6 pieces of coordinated cardstock
-exclusive C-size stamp set
-Just Blooms Flutter Paper Shapes
-Antiqued Copper Designer Brads
Registration Deadline:  Thurs., Sept. 8

 

Mini-Album using card bases:

 

 

 

This fun little mini-album uses the new Kraft Die-Cut Cards as the base....want to know how?  Join me as we have some fun with the new Cork Alphabet letters and Decor Journaling Spots.  Perfect for that quick family get-away pictures!

 

Date:  Friday, Sept. 23, 6-9:30pm

Cost: $20

Registration Deadline:  Friday, Sept. 9

 

 

See something you like, but can't make it?  Or not local to me?  You can order a kit, and I will send it directly to you (shipping charges will apply in addition to class cost).

 

It's rainy and dreary here today, so I think I'm going to head on up to my craft room for a little creative therapy!  Thanks for stopping by!

Ready for the 4th!!

This is picture of a layout I made in June, for my "Use Your Stash" class.  It is based on a sketch in the newest addition to the Close To My Heart "how-to" books, Magic.  I think it's one of the first times I've created a layout in advance of the event. LOL!   :-) 

(click on the photo to enlarge the picture)

There will be a vertical photo on the left page, centered over the red circle, but my little place marker fell of as I was bringing the layout downstairs to photograph, and I was just too lazy to go back upstairs to get it.  :-)  I used the Fanfare paper pack, which I'm thrilled to announce will be carried over in to the new Idea Book.  I did some tone-on-tone stamping with the Cranberry strips, and some Clear Sparkles add a bit of pizzazz.  There is some dimension on the page too, with the Dimensional Elements stars and letters.  I simply inked them up, using a dauber (the letters in JULY), and I stamped on the stars.

Thanks for looking!!

Materials list (all products CTMH, except where noted):

-paper:  White Daisy cs, Cranberry cs, Fanfare level 2 paper pack
-ink:  Pacifica
-Stamps: Friendship Alphabet Large, Boom!, Friendship Alphabet Small
-Embellishments:  Clear Sparkles, Dimensional Elements Stars, Dimensional Elements Simple Alphabet Uppercase (discontinued)