Studio J snippets

It must be Wednesday!  Yes, it is and it is time for another "Studio J snippet"! Many times I need a jumpstart for an idea to create my layout because there are times when I only have 2-4 pictures to make a page.  Rather than just stare at the paper, I 'google' ( how about that - a verb not an adjective?!) FREE digital scrapbook pages sketches.

Snippet #2 - Create your own unique scrapbook layouts using FREE digital sketches.

There are many sites out there and one of my searches resulted in this page here.  As I looked through the choices, I found one that will work with my photos.

But in Studio J you have to create a 2 page layout not just one...what to do??  I got this idea from fellow consultant Katy Donaldson Taylor and it is FAB-u-lous...  I created two different layouts using the same paper pack.

Check out her blog post here

SO I looked for another page and some pictures that would work with the Thanksgiving theme.

I decided this one might work....

I decided to use the "No Limits" pattern again so I could create my own layouts. After I scanned my photos and added them to the layout, I had to select a paper collection that would work with both photos.  Her explanation is quite thorough in how to do this ( so no need for me to do it!)

I scanned the photos in and cleaned them up in PSE 12.  I got the idea to add journaling strips to the layout on the left from Amy Ulen's You Tube Video. She is absolutely amazing when it comes to creativity using Studio J!

Here is the video..

Here are a few tips to add when creating with Studio J!

#1 - Try to think outside the box when you are creating your layouts, especially when you have only a few pictures to add to the layout.  
#2 - Don't forget that there are many resources out there to give you ideas to make it uniquely yours.  Just 'google' it!
#3 - The "No Limits" kit is just exactly that!  It can be used in so many different ways!

NEW!! "Studio J snippets"

Starting this week, each Wednesday, I will post a 'snippet' about Close to My Heart's fabulous on-line digital program called Studio J.  Their are so many versatile uses for this program. I dabble in digital scrapbooking using Adobe Photoshop Elements 12 BUT this program is so easy that it takes less time for me to create a quick layout.

Snippet #1 - Create a collage with photo wells and the "No Limits"  pattern.

The first 'snippet' I want to share is creating your own photo wells using Studio J. Check out this You-Tube video.

I started working on my son's wedding album with all of the 600+ photos. My biggest dilemma...... where to begin!'

The first step was to create a "Wedding Photos" album.  Then I decided to try and create this collage using the "No Limits" pattern and following the suggestions from the video.  

I still may tweak it a bit but at least it is saved and ready to go in the album until I am ready to place the order.

Why don't you give it a try?  you can log onto my site here and try it out.  It is under the PRODUCTS dropdown menu- the 3rd one down.  Let me know what you think by leaving a comment.

April Make It from Your Heart Workshop

I fell in love with the Claire paper pack so this month I am using it to create our 2 page layout and card design!

Claire Paper Pack

Here is the WOTG layout for the Claire paper pack - isn't it cute!

For inspiration with this month's layout, I again returned to Studio J.  I am such a visual person and I hate to waste paper trying to come up with a design that utilizes the Bulk B & T paper. This design is also found in the Magic book and so we are going to add a 4 x 6" flip flap to the font of the layout.

Check back later in the week for the completed layout!

Make It from the Heart Workshop

When: April 12, 2013

Time: 6-9:00 p.m.

Cost: $10.00 for the 2 page layout and a card

RSVP:  by Wednesday April 10th 

See you then!

Why I LOVE Studio J...let me count the ways.

Yeah!!  The opportunity to try out Studio J for only $5.00 per 2 page layout has been extended to March 15th! 

 
February and March are sure to be months of digital delights because you can purchase any Studio J® layout for only $5*—that’s a savings of $1.95 per layout! This is a great opportunity to try Studio J for the first time. Create adorable baby layouts with the Wishes and Fishes kit (shown), or use the new Express Collections with collections of 10 ready-made layouts plus a front and back cover that are easy to use and professionally designed. Preserve your memories at a low price for a truly digital delight!

*Shipping/handling applies. Studio J credits must be redeemed before this promotion can be applied.
Offer valid February 1–March 15, 2013.


I LOVE Studio J for a number of reasons. 

 #1. My first reason is that my photos can be any size and they print brilliantly on the layout and they will not fade and last and will last a lifetime!

Our first port was Grand Cayman Island.  The port was not deep enough for our ship so we rode in a smaller boat to the island.  I was able to get some fantastic photos of our ship and I created this 2 page layout. 

 My cost comparison chart........

Studio J layout - $5.00 (plus s & h)

Walgreen's Photo prints - 

6 - 4 x 6" prints @ $.19 each = $1.14

1 - 8 x 10" print = $3.99

1  - Surf's Up paper pack = $9.95

1 -  Surf's Up My Stickease =$4.95

Total - $20.03

No time to scrap, how about in your PJ's after everyone goes to bed?!  First time using Studio J?  Do you need some help in learning the program?  Here is a "Love Your Layout" video for February.
 

February SOTM Blog Hop

Oh my - here we go again - another month just flew by!  It is already time for the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!  How can it be???  It seems like I just took down my Christmas decorations!  If you are hopping with us then you have arrived from Erin's blog and checked out her little muslin bag.

This month's stamp set is S1302 Home Sweet Home.  It is truly a unique stamp set designed for both cards and layouts.  

Isn't it amazing how many different ideas the ladies have come up with this month?  Here are some other designs from Close to My Heart.

I thought the Avonlea paper pack would be perfect for my layout and it is one of the paper packs that will be in the Spring/Summer Idea book!  I have a dedicated scrapbook for pictures of my House(s) and Gardens ( I scrapbook by themes and not chronologically).

Once again I went back to Studio J and used the program as my design tool.  Here is my rough sketch of the layout - I changed the papers around (much cheaper than cutting up the paper pack!) until I was satisfied with the results.

 

This is my finished layout - I have not moved as many times as some of you but since I grew up in the same house that my dad still lives in - he is 89!! - it was very traumatic for me to move from my hometown to Florida!  I have lived the longest time in my home in Florida - every time my husband starts talking about moving - I tell him "You can move- I am NOT moving again!"

Supplies:

S1302 Home Sweet Home stamp set

X7155 Avonlea paper pack

X7155C  Avonlea Complements Canvas Shapes

Cricut cartridges- Art Philosophy and Artiste

Z1365 - Basic Assortment Brads- Chocolate -retired

I wished I had the time to take more photos of our first house - but I had a baby and a new teaching job - who had TIME back then?.....

Now it is time to continue on with the hop - so hop on over to  Joy's blog

for a look at her fabulous card project.

How to Use Studio J!

The title is my teaser!  It should read "How to Use Studio J to design your layouts!"  

Last month when I was designing the layout for the January workshop, I needed a jump start for my creativity.  So I went into Studio J and selected the La Belle Vie paper pack and played around with the design layouts until I found one that I thought would work.   

Here is my first design -

 

I was trying to figure out how I could incorporate stamping into this layout and I decided that is was not going to work for me.

The next design I was trying to add Cricut designs and stamping and I designed this layout.  I could cut the lamppost and Eiffel tower but I would not be able to duplicate enough to satisfy me!( the biggest critic of my work!)

So BACK to the drawing board and I came up with this layout!  I was trying to use BULK products that CTMH offers to consultants to make the workshop affordable.  I then decided  instead of the scalloped trim, that I would use the zip strips to the bulk paper.  If you look at the layout above you will see how I added the zip strips to the layout.

Some of you may have seen the finished layout already but here it is again and now you can compare the differences  between the two.  ( Kinda like the Highlights picture game!)

The workshop was a big success and I also printed out the original layouts for each table  as a guide rather than making additional layouts.  I must admit I basically came up with the cutting directions but I did make it work!

The best news is that February's  Constant Campaign is Studio J layouts for only $5.00!!

You can purchase all of the La Belle Vie paper that you want!  All of the CTMH paper packs are included (even when they are retired in the Idea Books!) and specialty ones like 'Wishes and Fishes' in the photo above.  I must admit that I was skeptical about digital scrapbooking but Studio J is "user friendly" even for a novice!  So click on my website - http://ctmh.com/sweetaline and start playing around with it now.  It costs you absolutely nothing to play!  Look for more inspiration through out the entire month and give Studio J a try in February!

Enjoy!

Not A Very Good start!

But again- it could be worse!!!...  I fell yesterday and broke my ankle and so I am now trying to amuse myself during the day....  a very tough job indeed - for someone who is so active!

So I dragged out a few layouts that I had created in 2012 and started adding photos to them!  The layout that I worked on today was a Studio J layout that I added some stickers and embellishments to complete the layout!  Isn't it fabulous how you can add some stickers and embellishments?..... and viola!  -it is completed!

(click on photo for a larger view)

The layout is "Picture Perfect" from Studio J and I added the stickers and embellishments to complete it! The paper pack is from Wonderland and I added the stickers to the design.  Viola- it done!

So I am trying to 'challenge' myself this year and enter a few challenges!  redundant, I know....  :) This is for the "Snow Much Fun"  Heart 2 Heart challenge for the week and the "LOAD" layout for the month  at the Let's Scrap blog.  2 for 1 - what a deal!!