Close To My Heart's Summer 2010 Idea Book...and BLOG CANDY!

It's here and it's live! The Close To My Heart 2010 Summer Idea Book went live today and it is right here on my blog and ready to view and order from. WAHOO!!

Just click on the photo of the Idea Book on the left side of my blog, or today you can also click right here. Make your wish list and then head to my website here to order. Don't forget that it's also National Scrapbooking Month and the "Miracle" kit special is in full force. It's a great addition to your order...you can even get it at the amazing discount of $5. Click here for more details on the Miracle kit.

You will also want to check out my post from yesterday (click here) for a chance to win some blog candy. Just comment on yesterday's post following the instructions there for a chance to win $25 in product from this new Idea Book. I'll be drawing and announcing the winner on Monday, May 3 so hurry up and get yourself in the running.

I've included a photo of some artwork made with two of the new kits in the Idea Book, Passages and Zippidee. Passages is masculine and elegant at the same time. I love it! My Play Group classes will be using this kit in September. Zippidee is PERFECT for all of your Disney photos, or anything else fun and bright. My Play Group classes will be using this kit in July. I have also shared artwork from two other new kits (Splendor and Cherry-O) here and here. My Play Group classes will be using Cherry-O for our June classes and Splendor for August (you can read more about how my Play Group classes work on the left side of my blog. Just look for the "Play Group Information" heading). Cherry-O is also featured in the artwork on the cover of the new Idea Book. Every Idea Book I think that Close To My Heart can't possibly top itself and every Idea Book they prove me wrong. Enjoy the eye candy as you kick back and take some time to soak up the new product goodness!

Blog Candy from Close To My Heart's Summer 2010 Idea Book

How are you liking Studio J? I hope you have taken a little time to play with Close To My Heart's new digital offering! If not, click here and give it a try. It's totally FREE to play! And, I have a little bit of blog candy to share today! If you play with Studio J and then leave a comment here on this post about your experience (what you loved about it, any questions you have, etc.), you will go in a drawing for an envelope full of $25 worth of product from Close To My Heart's Summer 2010 Idea Book, which will debut TOMORROW, May 1 right here on my blog (look on the left side). I'll be drawing on MONDAY, May 3...so check back then for the big announcement. It could be YOU!

I have some fabulous artwork to share with you today made with a smattering of gorgeous new products from the new Idea Book. In case you missed my earlier announcement, that book debuts tomorrow! You'll be able to view it page by page here on Saturday, May 1. Just look for the photo of the cover on the left side of my blog, like the one at the top of this post and click on that. Then, once you make your wish list, you can hop on over to my website and order some of the brand new goodies there.

These beautiful cards were made by five of my Close To My Heart team members. I have the world's greatest team! Bravo, ladies on a wonderful job!

As you read about each card below, you will notice order numbers of several of the items these wonderful artists have used. They are not links because the Idea Book does not go live until tomorrow, but if you jot down the numbers you can check them out tomorrow when you start looking. I will include the page number they are on in the book next to the order numbers.

This gorgeous card was made by Carolynn Hale using the brand new summery Splendor papers (X7124B, pg 14) and the darling new Over The Rainbow stamp set (D1426, pg 15). The inside of the card says, "over the rainbow..." Remember how I mentioned a day or two ago how 'in' clouds are right now in the papercrafting industry? Not only does the Splendor Paper Pack feature a beautiful cloud printed B&T paper, but the Over The Rainbow stamp set includes two fluffy ones as well.

This bright and cheery card was made by Jennifer Critchlow. Jennifer used some of the B&T paper from the brand new Zippidee Paper Pack (X7125B, pg 18). It's a perfect kit for Disney photos, but also for anything else bright and cheery. She also used the new Hit The Spot stamp Set (C1406, pg 19).
As you look at these cards today, you'll be able to tell that a favorite new paper pack of my team is Splendor (X7124B, pg 14). This one by Maria Van Adrighem features not only the Splendor papers but also the matching new Splendor brads (Z1317, pg 92). The "hello friend" sentiment came from the Hot Diggity stamp set (C1407, pg 15). Love this, Maria!
Moving from cute and fun to elegant, I'm pleased to share this card made by Trisha Morton with you. Trisha used the new Passages Paper Pack (X7126B, pg 22) and the Live Inspired stamp set (C1408, pg 23). Passages is a perfect kit to use to scrap those European vacation pics, among so many other things. I plan to use it to scrap a lot of my boys' photos. Very masculine and elegant. Great job, Trisha!
Kate Ware also chose to use Splendor (X7124B, pg 14) and the Hot Diggity stamp set (C1407, pg 15) for her card. So darn cute! I hope you can see in the photo that Kate also used another great new product that we will be carrying in this new Idea Book, Clear Cards (Z1309, pg 96). They come in a package of 8...4 square cards and 4 scalloped circle cards, and they also include clear evenlopes. If you look closely at the photo, I think you can see that Kate chose to put her happy little frog and two circles on the front of the clear card and her B&T paper and sentiment on the inside. Clever, Kate!

A Day with Daci

I'm excited that my little granddaughter, Daci will be here any minute. Her mommy and daddy are in Chicago this week looking for housing for when they move (which I refuse to think about) so I get to play with Daci all day today and tomorrow.

I love this little photo. Last week the boys were playing keep away out in the yard with Daci. She was not happy that she couldn't get her hands on that football. When she did finally get it she was not about to give it up.

By the way, if you are a Facebooker, I have taken the plunge. I'd love to have you be my 'friend.' I am registered on Facebook as Karen Overstreet Pedersen.

More Splendor from Close To My Heart

Yesterday I shared a photo of a beautiful layout created with the brand new (being released on May 1) Splendor Kit. Did I wet your whistle for some new products a little? I hope so!

I'm so excited for Saturday when you can actually see the new Close To My Heart Summer 2010 Idea Book on my blog and look inside and see the Splendor kit, as well as the new Cherry-O kit (click here and here to see some artwork that I've already shown you with that kit), and 2 other new kits: Passages and Zippidee.

I spent the day designing my Play Group scrapbook classes for July in which we will be using the Zippidee Kit. The Zippidee collection is perfect for Disneyland photos. I have the best job in the world! I can't wait to show you the June (made with Cherry-O) and July Play Group projects soon.

In the meantime, I thought I'd share some more Splendor artwork today. Have you noticed that so much of the papercrafting artwork you are seeing in magazines and on many scrapbooking sites are featuring clouds? Well, Splendor brings you some nice, fluffy, white ones! The colors in this summery kit are Goldrush, Heavenly Blue, Moonstruck and Topiary. It makes me want to pack a picnic and go to the park!

By the way, did you go to my website and play (for free!) with Studio J yesterday? I'd love to hear what you thought! If you haven't yet, go give it a try. You'll want to be sure and create an account so your projects are saved for when you want to purchase them. You're gonna love it, baby!

2 Studios: Studio J and Studio 5 (Puddle Pads)

I have two "Studios" to talk about today.

1. Let's start with Studio J. Today is the day! Studio J (Close To My Heart's answer to digital scrapbooking) went live on my website (http://leavealegacy.myctmh.com) this morning. Be sure you create an account so your layouts will be saved for 9o days. Don't worry...it's free until you decide to place an order. Just click on the "Studio J Online Scrapbooking" tab once you reach my homepage and the rest is easy, peasy, lemon squeasy! If you have any questions, please email me (pedermom@aol.com).

2. Now on to the second 'studio' I want to talk about today...here in Utah, our local NBC station (www.ksl.com) has an awesome mid-day show called "Studio 5." Click here to watch the clip. It's only about 3 minutes long and oh-so-much-fun! Studio 5 is a great show and recently they featured Close To My Heart and the same fun technique you learned on the "Live Your Dreams" webisode of Art and Soul this month, PUDDLE PADS. So, if you have about 15 minutes, you'll have time to watch both. This Art and Soul webisode is just over 12 minutes long.

So, the moral of the story is "Get Studio" today...Studio J and Studio 5.

I didn't really have a photo to share today to go with my 'studios' so I thought I'd share a bit of artwork using new products that go live in the Close To My Heart Summer 2010 Idea Book on May 1. You'll be able to see it right here on the left side of my blog beginning May 1 (Saturday). This artwork is created using the darling new "Splendor" kit (we'll be using this kit and colors in my August Play Group scrapbooking classes!). Feel free to click on the layout to see it larger. Yummy!

Studio J...TOMORROW!

Tomorrow (Tuesday, April 27) is the BIG DAY...Studio J launches at 8 am (MDT). Goody, goody, gum drops! You won't want to miss it. I know you are going to LOVE it as much as I do. Just look at this beautiful layout and you can begin to imagine the possibilities.

For details on this brand new digital (which we call 'studio') scrapbooking program from Close To My Heart, click here to go to my post announcing it from a couple of days ago. I have also included a few more questions and answers at the end of today's post. Studio scrapbooking is for EVERYONE: those who already love to scrap with papers and embellishments will love adding this to their repertoire, those who already enjoy scrapping digitally will be blown away by this new program, and those who have never scrapbooked now have a great reason to try! See what I mean...EVERYONE!

There is a short and informative video that you can watch here. I have also included several questions and answers at the end of this post that you might want to go over.

When the clock strikes 8 am (MDT) tomorrow morning, you can try out this new program by heading to my website by clicking here and then clicking on the new "Studio J" tab that you'll see on my home page. Feel free to email me with ANY questions (pedermom@aol.com). I am here to help! Also, if you think this is something several of your friend will like, I am more than happy to come and do a demonstration at your home for your group. Just email me for that as well (pedermom@aol.com).

Questions and Answers:

• What is Studio J™ Design Software?
  Studio J™ is free online scrapbooking design software brought to you by Close To My Heart. Studio J helps you easily create custom-printed two-page layouts using our foundational scrapbook patterns, exclusive color palette, and themed designs all delivered in 12" × 12" custom prints ready for your albums. It’s a snap!

• Is Studio J easy to use?
  Studio J software is extremely intuitive and easy to use. The program walks you through five steps that include:
  1. uploading your photos;
  2. choosing your desired themed kit;
  3. selecting an exclusive layout pattern;
  4. adding photos, embellishments, titles, and journaling;
  5. and purchasing custom-printed layouts ready for a cherished album.

• I love Close To My Heart products. Will Studio J use the same great papers, patterns, colors, and embellishments?
  Of course! If you love Close To My Heart’s scrapbooking philosophy, then you will love Studio J.

• Do I need to download any software to my computer to use Studio J?
  Not at all! You only need an Internet connection, and then you simply log in to your Consultant’s MyCTMH website to get started. Feel free to design to your heart’s content—you are not required to buy anything or provide any personal information to get started!

• Can I save what I am working on and come back to it later?
  You bet! You can create a customer profile that allows you to save and return to a project in progress at a later time. Your active projects will be saved for up to 90 days, giving you plenty of time to work on them. You extend that timeline for your active projects by 90 days each time you make a purchase, and your purchased projects will remain archived for one full year after purchase.

• Do I need a printer that can print 12" × 12" pages to use Studio J?
  No. Your Studio J layouts are not available for you to print from a home computer. In fact, we take care of the printing for you. When you purchase your designed layouts, we print and ship them quickly and directly to you using only top quality printing technology and archival-quality papers.

• What is the price?
  You are not charged a thing until you order your custom prints. The price per printed two-page layout is $12.95. We also offer some fantastic rewards for larger orders. You can receive FREE Memory Protectors® to protect your layouts in your albums, and FREE shipping/handling based on the number of layout prints you purchase in a single order as follows:
  • For 5–9 layout purchases: You’ll receive a pack of 5 Memory Protectors FREE!
  • For 10–20 layout purchases: You’ll receive FREE shipping/handling PLUS a FREE pack of 5 Memory Protectors for every 5 layouts in your single order.
  
  
• When can I begin creating with Studio J?
  You will be able to start creating layouts with Studio J TOMORROW (Tuesday, April 27 at 8 am {MDT}).
  

May Play Group Pages (You Rock)

Layout One: "Be You"

Layout Two: "Grand Concert"

Layout Three: "Football Banquet"

I LOVE the fun and funky feel of these "You Rock" layouts (feel free to click on any photo to see it in more detail). Close To My Heart never fails to put together a great kit full of beautiful colors and patterns.

At my Play Group classes in May we will be making these 3 two-page 12" x 12" layouts. You can come to class (at my home in Highland, UT) or you can even participate long-distance (email me to find out how...pedermom@aol.com)

May's Play Group Class Dates and Times are (email me to sign up and purchase your kit if you haven't yet...pedermom@aol.com):

• Tuesday, May 4, from 10 am - 1 pm
• Tuesday, May 4, from 7 - 10 pm
• Wednesday, May 5, from 10 am - 1 pm
• Wednesday, May 5, from 7 - 10 pm

Shopping List (to attend Play Group you must purchase at least the Basic Package. I need your orders placed no later than April 29 in order to attend a class. Email me to order...pedermom@aol.com). If you are not familiar with how Play Group works, you can read a short summary on the left side of my blog.

Basic Kit:
You Rock Level 2 Paper Pack (X7122B) - $12.95
Top Coats Rockin' (Z1272)- $4.95
Mini-Medley Outdoor Denim Collection (Z1277) - $4.95
Bitty Sparkles (Z1263) - $2.95

Total: $29.61** (this is including shipping and tax)

Better Kit = Basic Kit plus the following:
Irresistibles Lots of Dots Letters (Z1261) - $7.95
Outdoor Denim Marker (Z2340) - $2.95
Outdoor Denim Stamp Pad (Z2140) - $5.25

Total: $44.68** (this is including shipping and tax)

Best Kit = Basic and Better Kits plus the following:
Sunflower Stamp Pad (Z2150) - $5.25
Goldrush Stamp Pad (Z2123) - $5.25
Black My Legacy Writers (4275) - $11.95
Rustic Alphabet (E1002) - $34.95

Total: $110.52*** (this is including shipping and tax)

**at this purchase level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month at 25% off ($17.21)
**at this purchase level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month at 75% off ($5.74)

Email me (pedermom@aol.com) to sign up for May Play Group Classes. Also, don't forget the AWESOME National Scrapbooking Month special ("Miracle") this month. You won't want to miss it!

Speaking of things not to miss, be sure to mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 27 at 8 am MDT. STUDIO J is going to be one of your new favorite things!

Shoot 4 the Stars

Be sure to check out yesterday's post if you haven't yet. It's good stuff!

Today I am excited to share a layout that I did that was featured at Creative Scrappers yesterday. It's Creative Scrappers birthday and to celebrate they have invited several readers to be guest artists. I was one of the lucky ones chosen. I was given an AWESOME sketch created by Katia Adams to work with. I chose to make it into a mirror image two page layout instead of a one page one. I used Tannon and his basketball season and accomplishments as my subject matter. Feel free to click on the photo to see it in more detail. Thank you, Kristine (Creative Scrappers creator) for choosing me!

Close To My Heart products used: Game On Level 2 Paper Pack (X7097B), Game On My Stickease (X7097C), Sweet Home Level 2 Paper Pack (X7116B), White Cardstock (1385), Dimensional Elements Fresh Shapes (Z1019), Dimensional Elements Monograms - S, H, O, T, A, R (Z1073, Z1062, Z1069, Z1074, Z1055, Z1072), Color Ready Alphabet Hodge Podge (X1406), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), Chocolate Stamp Pad (Z2114), Round Sponge (Z697), Basketball Stamp Set (retired).

Non-CTMH products used: Heidi Swapp Ghost Stars, Scallop Scissors (brand unknown).

Click here to shop at my website 24/7...especially when you're shooting for the stars!

Studio J Release Date! BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

Do you have your calendar handy? How about a red pen? No? Well, I'll wait a minute while you grab one. Got them? I hope so because this is a RED LETTER DAY...as in Letter "J." Studio J that is!

I am here to announce (horns and trumpets please) the customer release date of Close To My Heart's AMAZING new digital scrapbooking program, Studio J. The 2 layouts you see here (click on either to see them larger) were made by little old me during our consultant testing period. Trust me, you're going to LOVE this! Our tagline is: Real life. Real scrapbooks. Real time.

You are going to want to carefully read this whole post. It will be worth every juicy little tidbit!

To answer a few commonly asked questions:

Q: Well, get on with it Karen. When is the flipping (maybe you are more of a lady than me and didn't say "flipping") release date?
A: TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2010. 8 AM MDT. Just go to my website (http://leavealegacy.myctmh.com) and there will be a tab added that day for Studio J. Click there and you can begin playing...for FREE! You pay NOTHING unless you order some layouts. Putting them together is TOTALLY FREE! I love free! In the meantime, if you haven't watched the Studio J introductory video yet, click here to do it!

Q: I LOVE traditional scrapbooking. Will Studio J take away from that?
A: Absolutely NOT! There is room for both in your life. I am living proof. I love them both for totally different reasons. I love the artistic feel of hands on paper and embellishments. I love the speed and ease and professional look of Studio J. Plus, you can always order Studio layouts and then add a few 'lumpy bumpies' of your own once they come if you have a serious need to do the tactile thing.

Q: I am not a traditional kind of scrapbooker. I have been scrapbooking digitally for years. Is Studio J something that I will like?
A: No doubt about it! I have looked at and tried several different digital offerings out there, and in my opinion, NOTHING can compete with Studio J in quality, concept, cost or beauty!

Q: So seriously, how much does it cost?
A: There is NO COST to use the program. You have no software or hardware to purchase or download. Unless you make a layout (defined as a two page 12 x 12 layout) and decide to purchase it, there is absolutely no cost. Once you decide to purchase, each 2 page layout is introductory priced at $12.95. That is WAY below the industry average! And, if you purchase 5-9 two-page layouts at a time, CTMH will throw in 5 free page protectors. 10 or more and you get FREE SHIPPING, as well as a package of 5 page protectors for every 5 layouts in the order. Cool beans! Once ordered, Close To My Heart prints your layouts on high quality photo paper (I wish you could see the quality of my photographed layouts above in person) and sends them to you. Mine arrived within days of when I ordered them.

Q: What if I make a layout and want to save it and purchase it with a group of layouts at a later date?
A: No worries, girlfriend! That is actually the smart way to do it anyway. CTMH will save your projects for 90 days. And, every time you make a purchase your 90 days start over. So, say you make several layouts and then purchase them on day 80. Your 9o day clock starts over. They are saved again. Totally awesome, dudette! On top of all of that, CTMH even emails you periodically to remind you where your project clock is.

Q: In a nutshell, how does this "Studio J" thing work?
A: In a nutshell, these are the steps to creating an amazing 2 page layout:

• upload some of your favorite photos
• choose from one of the 54 awesome kits (including most of your faves from our Idea Books plus some that are exclusive to Studio J).
• choose a layout pattern. There are MANY to choose from. They are like the patterns you'll find in our wonderful "how to" books like Cherish, Imagine, Reflections. The possibilities are endless because all the patterns you can choose from can be rotated 3 ways and flip flopped.
  
• now personalize! You get to drop your photos in, add text, choose cardstock and background and texture papers from the kit, add accessories (just about every accessory item you can imagine!), distressing, titling, MyStickease, and so much more.
• save and/or buy your layout(s).

Q: If I'm not the techiest of techies, or even techie at all, will I be able to do this?
A: YES! This program is great for techies and non-techies alike. The program is VERY intuitive. I only had to refer to the user's guide/help document one time while I was creating my layouts.

I am SOOOOOOOOOO FLIPPING EXCITED (there's that flipping word again. Sorry!) about this program. I know you are going to love it. So, take that red pen I made you run and get and mark Tuesday, April 27 at 8 am MDT on the calendar I made you run and get. You won't want to miss it!

If you have any questions, I am MORE than happy to answer them. Email me at pedermom@aol.com. If you have lots of friends who love digital, you might even want to consider signing up to be a Close To My Heart Consultant with your own website so that you can make money (cha-ching) while they fall in love with Studio J! You can do that right now while you are waiting for Tuesday. Just click here, then on "Your Opportunities" and then follow the prompts. You can become a Close To My Heart Consultant for as little as $99!

THANK YOU!

This little card is to say THANK YOU to all of you. Thank you for your prayers and support during the last 18 months. Thank you for your kind comments here on my blog, and personal emails that so many of you have sent over the past 18 months. It means more to us than all of you could ever know (see yesterday's post if you don't know what the heck I'm talking about).

Close To My Heart products used: Hit the Spot Stamp Set ( C1406, available May 1), Thank You Stamp Set (D1361), Connections Stamp Set (D1330), Cherry-O Level 2 Paper Pack (X7123B, available May 1), Moon Doggie Level 2 Paper Pack (X7111B), Versamark Pad (Z891), Cocoa Embossing Powder (Z1246), Cocoa Stamp Pad (Z21145), Indian Corn Blue Stamp Pad (Z2130), Clear Embossing Powder (Z671), Dimensional Elements Monogram "T" (Z1074), Colonial White Marker (Z2268), Round Sponge (Z697), Corner Rounder (Z578).

Click here to shop for these and other great items on my website 24/7... especially when your husband has a JOB! WOO HOO!

Stay tuned tomorrow for a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT here on my blog! You're gonna LOVE IT!