Sophia layout

This layout uses the last of my papers from the retired paper pack "Sophia" from a few years ago. *Sniff!* I loved, loved, loved this paper pack! The colors were so bright, so girly and so vibrant! They worked with every picture I take of my rambunctious little girl!

I'm sad I used the last of it but I'm so glad I had some to use for these photos. My daughter got to meet her preschool teachers during the winter open house and she enjoyed playing with all the toys and puzzles in her classroom. Because the room doesn't have a window, they have it painted a very vibrant green and paired with her bright pink outfit (her choice by the way!) I knew these papers would have a punch! :)

CTMH Sophia scrapbooking layout by Stephanie Huber at LavendersageDesigns.blogspot.com

The right page is snapshots of the kiddos on my son's birthday. He's not much of a "make a fuss over me" kinda guy but he's learning to take photos like a champ (it's faster to cooperate, he says!). And of course, if mister has his photo taken, missy wants one too!

Bowling with Babycakes

February is a big holiday month for us. My neice has her birthday right after Valentine's Day! :)

This was a big year for her because she had her first "friends" party!  And since cousins are the bestest of friends, my littles were invited too. 

For this layout, I used Babycakes (retired) and Gray Wool (retired) cardstock as page bases. This was an easy layout with a B&T cut in half, two zip strips across the tops and 2 border Stickease across the bottom. The journal card was cut with Art Philosophy and inked in Desert Sand. 

CTMH Babycakes scrapbooking page by Stephanie Huber at LavendersageDesigns.blogpost.com

Actually, now that I'm typing this post up, I think I reworked this layout on my Team Crop this past weekend ... Hmm, I'll have to snap a photo of that one and post a before and after photo.

Did you ever rework a layout page after you finished with it? How did it turn out??

It's Crop & Share Time Again!

The only redeeming factor of winter, in my humble opinion, is its when I get to go on weekend crops. Specifically two each year. My husband, who is an on-the-road truck driver and thus not home more often then he is home, is forced to be home and play Mr. Mom. Don't misread this, he does a great job as their father but when I'm gone ... I really don't know if I'll ever know the truth of what happens, what they eat, or wear, or play with. I try not to think about it and just lavish all my creative energies into getting as much scrapbooking done as inhumanly possible because let's face it, this is the only dedicated time to scrap I get. Sure I have a wonderful creating space at home. But there are no doors and I have to share it with the kids' play space. Great for sneaking in some "me" time during playdates but not conducive to getting lots done on a regular basis. If they see mommy, they want mommy's attention.

Sigh ....

But when I go away ... well, scrap happens! :)

Over the next few weeks, I will share with you some layouts I've done this past weekend. I still have another weekend coming up so I'll add them in too.

This past weekend is a wonderful time away at a local retreat center. The accommodations are lovely, the food is wonderful (I gained 4+ pounds this weekend!), and I never have to leave the building so I get to stay in super comfy clothes (read: workout clothes all weekend and no judging!!). I actually was all packed up when I realized I had not seen my sneakers in three days and had to go looking for them. Thankfully, the cleaning staff found them under the bed and returned them to the front desk for check out. My goal this weekend was to get from January through August of last year because that was as far as I had sorted my photos. And I actually accomplished it! I am so proud of myself! Even better, I love all the layouts I did! Usually there are a bunch I just throw together just because. Crafting all weekend can be draining and there are just hours where my brain refuses to work. This time however, I rarely had that feeling and was able to power through and get 70 pages done (about 35 two page layouts). Since about half of them need some sort of Cricut cut to finish them completely, I'll only share the completely finished ones now. I'll add the others in later.

First one up ...

CTMH Scrapbook layout using PML page and Frosted (retired) paper pack by Stephanie Huber

The first page of the album I'm using as a title page, but I still need to add the numbers so this is the first full layout and features all the snows from last winter (one snow looks like the next one, right?). I'm learning how to use my DSLR to take the photos I want to use on mys scrapbook pages so I'm liking my pages better. Maybe that's why I didn't have any problems designing, I liked all my photos! Designing with a mix of traditional pages and PML (Picture My Life) pages took some thinking ahead but I'm really happy with the results. I tend to be photo heavy and I want to document *everything*. PML pages and Flip Flaps are my most used accessories!

CTMH Scrapbook layout using PML page and Frosted (retired) paper pack by Stephanie Huber

 This is the next page in the album and I continued using the Frosted papers since the pictures were mostly blue. The Stickease from the paper pack made it easy to decorate. Add in some gems and a Cricut cut as a journaling card and done!

CTMH Scrapbook layout using Frosted (retired) paper pack by Stephanie Huber

This was a quick layout of my daughter. She is so expression-full and I had to document it! I used a scrap piece of Frosted to highlight the sleeping photo and a chipboard border from the Chantilly (retired) Complements pack. I absolutely love how our colors work together so you can mix and match from each paper pack! The letters are from the Fundamental Sticker Packs - these are a new addition to our product line and I was so thrilled with it when it was announced at Convention.

I'll be back Wednesday with a new layout for the Joyful Stars Blog Hop.

:)

Stephanie

March Joyful Stars Blog Hop

Hi all! Welcome to another blog hop with the Joyful Stars!

I'm fresh off two weekends in two months of scrapbooking crops so I have some new stuff to show you over the next few weeks! If you're coming from Nickie's blog then you're on the right track. If you get lost along the way,  so at Joyce's blog for the complete list.

I shared this layout with you back in September but didn't have any photos or embellishments on it. Here it is again but all dolled up.

Now you're of to Jolene's blog. See you next month!

Chalk It Up Layout - from Convention

Every year at Convention, Corp spoils us consultants in so many ways! My favorite part of going to convention is getting to make all the beautiful artwork created by Corp using all the new, fun products that were just announced!

This layout was especially fun because it used a theme paper pack (back to school) in an unexpected way.

This layout is just begging for candid shots from a random day - I'm thinking of one of those days that everyone is yelling at each other all day long until we're all outside, digging in the dirt, and I'm watering the garden then surprise! Everyone is wet and giggling and playing together. {Okay, maybe not a random day - that was our yesterday.}

Here are some close ups of some of the fun parts of the layout. 

I have always been a stickler for actually handwriting the journalling on layouts, whether they're mine or for a client (I make them do it). There's just something extra special when you're own handwriting is on the page. This layout uses little sketch marks to embellish the title. I love sketch marks, there really is no wrong way to do it.

This concludes my month-long project with the Chalk It Up paper pack. I hope you enjoyed it! I did so I'm going to continue next month only using one paper pack. I'll be working with the Scaredy Cat paper pack, embellishments and coordinating stamps. See you soon!

Joyful Stars New Product Blog Hop: Babycakes

Hello and welcome to the August Joyful Stars Blog Hop featuring new products from the new Idea Book. 

If you came here from Nickie's blog you're on the right track.  It's a circular hop, so if you're starting out here  you can keep going 'round till you come back again. There is a list of participants at the bottom of the post if you want to skip ahead. 

I've been working on this layout in my head for awhile because I started with the right page from the Idea Book but since it's from the Reflections How-To Program book and doesn't suggest a left side page design, I had to work on it myself. *sigh* I really like how CTMH does all the planning work for me, so having to design something myself is time consuming... but I suffered through and after about the third sit-down, I finally have something I like. 

I wanted to use the same pattern but vary the sizes of the squares to make it stand out but it wasn't until I decided to use an 8x10 photo mat did the layout come together.

I enjoyed using some of new Irristables Hexagon shapes, very easy to ink up and stick to the page.

The new cork shapes are fun to use, they come in lots of shapes and sizes and given that they already have adhesive makes it super easy. Just peel and stick!

I also tried a new-to-me technique - sewing! I finally got my sewing machine fixed (okay, the problem was really the user but I got that fixed but finding a good instructor!) and I've been playing! I am thrilled with how easy it is to add a little panache to the page with some stitches. I will be experimenting with some of our stitches stamping sets so stay tuned for some more on this topic!

The blank spot on the left side is where I will place the date of the photos when I finally decided which ones to use. For now, my scrapbooking style is to make the page then find photos to fit. I have so many photos to preserve from the last many years that I can't work in any order at this point. 

Now you're off to Hellen's blog!

Here is a list of participants  so you can pick up anywhere. These are direct links to their blog hop posts (unless noted) so if you're tuning in late, you'll be on track. Feel free to visit each blog and check out all that they have to offer!

Joyce Houck

Nancy Brown

Lori Meadows

Heather Flaherty (link to blog home)

Krista Hershberger

Nickie Hoffer

Stephanie Huber

Hellen Gullett

Elizabeth Mindemann

Betty Locco

Jean Murphy (link to blog home)

Cindy Leek

More Scrapbooking layouts

Here are three more layouts I added pictures to this past weekend at a day crop I went to.

The first layout is the Workshop on the Go layout from Winter Wonderland. I used some photos of my son in a blue snowsuit - I don't even remember him ever wearing it other than these pictures until I read the journaling notes on the back of them and remembered the story behind them. That's why we scrapbook, huh? To remember all those moments we would otherwise forget.

Scrapbooking pages

Now that the holiday rush is over, I have put away the last of the Christmas decorations and thrown away the last of the toy packaging. Now, it is time for me to scrapbook. I love the doldrums of January and February because, to me, it means I get to spend a lot of time in my craft room! It also means hunting will soon be over and when that happens, not only do I get my husband back, but I get to go to crops! I did a day crop this past weekend and finished up my son's first year album (it only took me 3 1/2 years to do) but I have a few more scheduled for the next few weeks.

If you are a customer of mine, check your January newsletter - I made some changes to my Crop in February. Payments are due to me to hold your spot and it is filling up quickly!

Now on to some of my scrapbook pages.

Here are two layouts I did this weekend to finish up my son's album. One of the ways I can get a lot done at these crops is that I use up my stash of layouts I make for workshops, classes and swaps I participate in so you'll see some old and new paper packs. I'll share some more layouts with you over the next few days. Enjoy!

My 2012 Class Schedule

I have just updated my Class Schedule for the new year. Check it out on the above tab! See you in 2012!

I have all the final details in place for my Winter Weekend Crop in February. Check out the "Upcoming Events" tab for more information or email me for an application.

Farm Show scrapbook page

Our town puts on the last farm show of the season in our county - and it is a really big deal for us. I married into this town and I have had a blast getting involved in the community since I've lived here. Celebrating my son's first farm show was a big deal and considering we live right down the road we were there every day, all day! This is one of my favorite photos of all time with my husband and son - when I close my eyes this is what I see when I think of them - and I had to preserve it in a beautiful layout. My sister consultant, Vicki Melhuish, is a very talented designer (she can do things with embellishments that just astound you) and this is her layout I was fortunate enough to get during a team swap.

Scrapbooking catch up

Having a second child on the way has increased the pressure to finish my firstborn's baby book. Currently, I am on the second album of his first year but only up to six months of age.... I think I have a problem brewing on my hands! I have started something I will have to continue for the next one, I can only hope that this one will be as cooperative in front of the camera as my son.

I am learning some things as I go along, one being that CTMH still has the photo storage pages that hold 12 photos in a 12" x 12" size page. They are available in either horizontal or vertical pockets. They are a great way to add a bunch of photos to your layout without Flip Flaps (that's another story for another time). This layout is from the Baby Parade I entered my son when he was 6 months old. My husband is a truck driver so I decorated the stroller to look like Daddy's truck, complete with the swan hood ornament! He won first place in his division and was invited to participate in the main parade a few days later but considering I would be the one to walk the whole thing while he slept (the parade would have been at his bedtime) I declined the offer but it was still an honor!

Upcoming Class Schedule

I have updated my September Class schedule to include a picture of the 2 scrapbooking layouts we'll be doing on Saturday, September 24th at 10am. I need to have your payment by 9/12 to hold your spot. If you can't join me that day but still want to do the project, let me know by 9/12 so I can mail your project with instructions to you.

You may recognize these layouts - they are on page 16 & 18 in the current Idea Book. I liked these so much better than the Workshop on the Go kits for this paper pack that I figured you might like them too! (Of course, if you like the WOTG kits better, please let me know so I can schedule something for you!)

I also wanted to apologize that I haven't posted anything new recently, I am working my designing butt into the ground for a Christmas Card Workshop I am teaching in a few weeks with a few other consultants. I can always whip up a pleasant looking card when I'm late for a birthday party or baby shower but when I'm asked to teach - whoa! My brain shuts down. I have designed at least six cards for this event and I'm not happy with any of them. I have to figure something out soon - the event has sold out and I need to start prepping the materials! It's a good problem to have, I guess but I will post the cards once I figure out which one I'm using. Until then, have a great day!

Christmas Layout using Sonoma

Here is the design I made for my team swap using Sonoma. I used the "Oh Holy Night" scrapbook page from the Idea Book (page 83) and matched it with the Quartet: Offset pattern from Reflections. It's kept me pretty busy to make so many but now I can concentrate on my Christmas Card Workshop and Scrapbook Workshop (using Typeset) in September. I am updating my Calendar with dates for the next few months so make sure you check your calendar too - I have lots of great papers and embellishments to show you!

Studio J layouts

I have been working digitally most of this month preparing for the Studio J classes I offered to help customers with learning to scrapbook in this new format. I have so much fun working digitally - it won't replace traditional scrapbooking for me but the way my life is currently, digital scrapbooking fits me so well! I love that I can do it while my three year old is sitting on my lap - no worries about microtip scissors or paper piercers! I even get journaling ideas from him - as I upload the photos, he tells me what is going on in them and from there I will usually get a great quote to use. Plus it helps him to identify more with the layouts because they are in his words.

I placed my order for the month of June and since I'm a member I saved so much money! I don't usually see any savings in traditional scrapbooking and so I got to do a little bragging to my hubby - "Look! I'm saving money!" If you haven't tried Studio J and you missed the June promotion - don't worry! Studio J is still free to set up an account and play for three months - I bet you won't need all three months to decide it's great! If you want hands-on help, please contact me so I can show you how easy it truely is!

I am currently working on getting ready for Convention in Anaheim CA in a few short days! I cannot believe I am actually going - and that my business paid for it! I am truely humbled by how successful my Close to My Heart business has become in such a short time (I've only been with the company since October) and my hobby has not come out of our personal budget at all! I will have so much more to post towards the end of July so I will be on hiatus until then but here are some Studio J layouts I've done. I'll be posting a few each day this week.

Magnifique - Studio J layout

Sophia - Studio J layout

Studio J: Day 3

Since the company is giving away a free electronic file of a layout you create in Studio J, I am spending some time focusing on Studio J. I have been using the online scrapbooking software for awhile now and I love how easy it is to create beautiful scrapbook layouts! I have a preschool- aged child at home with me and he is very interested in whatever I am doing when I sit down at the computer. Studio J is a great way for him to get involved in my scrapbooking without worrying about scissors and glue. He helps me pick out photos and even gives me journaling ideas. He helps me pick out colors and some of the Stickease. He loves looking at the layouts once they arrive and because they are just as archival safe as traditional scrapbooking layouts they will last through his lifetime and his kids' too. And if something does happen to the pages (crayons?) I still have the .jpg file from when I created the layout to print them out again! Here is another video describing additional techniques in using Studio J. And check your calendar to get to one of my Studio J classes this month - you'll get to use Studio J and leave with a free .jpg  of your creation!

Studio J

I discovered that Studio J is such an easy and relaxing way to end my day! Last night as I sat on the sofa with my hubby so "we" could watch baseball I brought my computer over and worked on a few layouts in Studio J. With the awesome special that Close to My Heart is giving away a free .jpg file of one of your creations, I had to get my free one too! Anyone, even if you don't have a membership, is able to get a free .jpg file to email to family, post on a blog or even print out to share. Here is another video to help you get started. I will be hosting a Studio J class where everyone will get to make their free layout so bring a USB drive along. Check my Upcoming Events page of the classes and workshops I'll be hosting this month and throughout the summer. Interested in something else, let me know!

Studio J: Free for All

June's special from Close to my Heart is so awesome! If you haven't tried Studio J yet (or even if you have) you get a .JPG for free!

Here is a video to entice you to try it out for free and get a free .jpg of your project to email to family and friends or to print out yourself.

New Workshops and Upcoming Events

I updated my Upcoming Events page through August. I have a Workshop class and Free Crop every month through the summer. I have some open dates for you to host your own Workshop with your friends and earn some free product. Check out the photos below.

Also, be sure to check back soon because Close to My Heart has some AMAZING specials for you in May since it is National Scrapbooking Month! Check out my website to see all those specials deals!

Miracle Scrapbooking Workshop

Miracle Card Workshop

Contest Update

I have heard those of you who are having trouble with the follow button. I have added the "Follow by Email" function. If you choose this method, you MUST email me directly telling me that soh I can enter you into the contest.

Thanks to those of you who are already following - make sure to tell your crafty friends so they can enter to win also!

Sophia Workshop

I will be hosting a Workshop on April 17th from 6-9pm. YOU WILL WANT TO BE HERE! In addition to the two layouts will do using a beautiful paper pack, I will teach you some new, fun techniques to make 3D flowers to add to your layouts, cards, gifts and home decor. You do not want to miss this!



Payment is due in my hand by April 2nd  (I accept credit cards) to reserve your spot. Due to the extra technique, I am only having 5 spots for this event! This my only event this month so don't miss it!