Terrific Tip Tuesday - 4-29-14 STUDIO J

Have you ever looked at pictures you wanted to scrap and realized, "Oh, if only I still had some of that Close To My Heart paper from a few years back . . . it was JUST the right color combination!"?????

My tip for today is to check out all the great "paper packs" available through Studio J - our online scrapbooking program. When I went to design this layout of my niece's baby shower recently, I found this "oldie but goodie" design theme from years ago . . . STILL AVAILABLE when you design your layouts on Studio J. 

And remember - you can get into Studio J any time and look around, design, play - - - it doesn't cost a penny until you decide you are ready to purchase layouts that you've made. It doesn't get any better than that!

Visit my website and take a look . . . it's fun, and FREE to play!
http://julie.ctmh.com/ctmh/products/studioj.aspx

April Stamp of the Month Art # 10

Art by Karen Pedersen

Does this card feature some of your favorite retired products?  Dig them out and get busy!

April Stamp of the Month Art # 9

Art by Shari Froemming

Three great projects here, including a gift box, cut on the Cricut and using our new 2-sided Paper Fundamentals Basics Assortment.

April Stamp of the Month Art # 8

Art by Jaime Llewellyn

Great texture is introduced to this card with the use of our "Dot" embossing folder.  Simply emboss, then sand gently and the white core of the paper is allowed to show through.  

Terrific Tip Tuesday - 4-22-14 Inspired Color Combos

 Look around you!  What color combinations feel good to you?  What makes you smile?

I came across a FB page the other day that got me thinking about being inspired by color combinations that surround me.  So today I opened my eyes for what might draw out my creativity, and make me smile.

A map - this is the world map we mark as our son travels the world as a Merchant Marine.  I love the earthy tones..........

Blooming pansies - I love nature's vivid colors here, and the plant was a gift from some dear friends.....

A pottery platter - which was a gift from Close To My Heart at last year's Convention, in recognition of my Director title.....

Each of these things have beautiful color combinations that are very pleasing to my eye - and they each evoke for me a good and positive feeling.  Now - how might I translate these color combinations into my own creativity?

Could I use the soft map colors to create a beautiful scrapbook page that would lay a beautiful background for photos?  Could I use the bright pansy combination of purples, greens and yellows to make a festive birthday card?  Would the pottery colors work together to make a gorgeous gift bag or box, using our Cricut Artiste cartridge?

The end results would be beautiful - AND - I would have the bonus of working with colors that I already know make me feel good.

Visit this FB page for more inspiration, and then open your eyes, look around, and see what might inspire YOU!

https://www.facebook.com/designseeds?ref=stream

April Stamp of the Month Art # 7

Art by Tina Dupin

Laughing Lola is the paper theme here, accentuated with our Neutral Metallic Baker's Twine.  "Hello, it's me" is a great greeting for any type of card!

April Stamp of the Month Art # 6

Art by Shannon Law

Mix it up!  We just can't get enough of our BT Duos, no matter what the paper pack.  Stripes, polka dots and geometric all come together well here, in the Babycakes theme.