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Sunday, December 26, 2010

Convention 2010 and Studio J










This years Close To My Heart Convention was in Washington, DC at the Gaylord National Hotel.  In usual CTMH style, we spent in the week in luxury and beauty.  My CTMH girl friends, Tina, Allison, Lori, Gina, Athena and Joanne went together and all had a blast.  I preserved these precious memories using CTMH's online design software, Studio J.  You’ll love your Studio J layouts, perfect for your cherished albums and here's why:
• Every layout is custom printed using the highest quality photo processing paper and technology. Your layouts will last a lifetime!

• Choose from dozens of themed kits to suit any event or occasion, with coordinating embellishments, stickers, and fonts to customize your look.

• Select just the right pattern, accommodating from two to 15 photos per layout—great versatility.

• The software is free! Create an account to start designing complete layouts in just minutes.

You can get our best pricing plus fabulous member-only benefits when you purchase a Studio J membership.  It's the perfect way to stay up to date on your scrapbooks without breaking the bank, even if you lead a busy life like me.  Your artsy side will be inspired by the members-only content, your thrifty side will love the savings, and the over-achiever in you will be thrilled at how much scrapbooking you get done! 

Get the ultimate Studio J experience and save big.  Member pricing is just $6.50 per custom-printed layout - that's only $3.25 a page!  Membership benefits include:
     1 - Free hi-res JPG files for every custom-printed layout purchased.
     2 - Hi-res, printable JPG files also available separately for just $3.00.
     3 - Special members-only patterns and kits.
     4 - Free shipping and handling on your monthly order.
     5 - Free Memory Protectors.
     6 - Exclusive campaigns and deals throughout your membership.

Purchase a 12-month membership for the best value, or get your feet wet with a 3 - month membership and upgrade when you're ready.  Either way, you'll love being a member at Studio J!

Visit my CTMH website, http://www.dblack.myctmh.com/, to get started!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Bling, Bling!

I added lots of bling to this layout of my beautiful daughter's 8th grade picture.  She has always been a bling kind of girl so the Clear Sparkles (1104), Mocha Opaques (Z1333), Designer Shimmer Brads (Z1349) and Foundry Bookplates Metal Accessories (Z1147) added just the bling I wanted.  I used a stamp set that was part of CTMH's monthly specials (D1418) for the flowers and bird.  You can catch a great monthly special on my website, www.dblack.myctmh.com from now until the end of the month.  If you purchase $20 in product, you will receive a D-size acrylix stamp set ($22.95 value) for FREE!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Magic's Final Act


I hope you're not tiring of school pictures of Amanda and Jeffrey because I have lots more to go and I never tire of their pictures.  These layouts are from Magic and use the left side of the Final Act layout.  I covered the Dimensional Element Stars (Z1312) using Sunflower cardstock (1242) and sponged that color on the Color Ready Oxford Alphabet (X5749).  The perfect stamp sets for any school layouts are Good Work (D1385) and School Rules (C1434).  I am getting so many of these layouts done because Close To My Heart's layouts are truly Faster, Easier, and Simpler.  You can pick up any of these items on my site:  www.dblack.myctmh.com and take advantage of the December special for a FREE D size stamp!

Friday, December 17, 2010

On With The Show using Magic!


If you haven't gotten your very own copy of CTMH's Magic Scrapbook Program, you should order one today.  I can't say enough how awesome these layouts are!  You can bring Magic to your scrapbook layouts using clever interactive techniques.  You'll add hands on excitement and dramatically increase your photo and journal space using pop-ups, pullouts, cascades, and more!  Magic also includes 35 gorgeous 12" x 12" layout patterns that can be used on their own or with the interactive techniques.  A DVD is also included. 

For these layouts, I used the left side of the On With The Show layout.  The stamped images are from the sets, School Rules (C1434), Good Work (D1385), and Classmate Alphabet (D1303).    I was having a difficult time deciding what layout to use with these pictures because I had cut them in ovals for oval picture frames years ago.  I think the On With the Show layout from Magic worked perfectly and am super pleased with the results.  I love catching up on these school pictures of my children and making such fun layouts.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010


Well you have seen most of my family pictures from Christmas 1987 - These level 1 packs have made an easy task of catching up on this Christmas!  I am now working on school pictures - can't wait to show you what is coming next with my children and my new granddaughter's tear bear pictures!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Stardust and Paper Piecing for School


I used CTMH's Stardust level 2 paper pack and textured cardstock to create this fun school page of Jeffrey.  The letters are CTMHs Ready to Color Oxford (X5750) and Irresistibles Lots of Dots.  You can just sponge ink on these letters to have the exact color you need for your layout but white worked for me on this one.  The "2" is CTMH Dimensional Elements Simple Number (Z1115).  You can order these items on my website http://www.dblack.myctmh.com/ and if you do it in December, you can take advantage of the "Plenty for $20" special and get a FREE D size stamp.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Christmas 1987 Was Wonderful...Just look and see...


I'm still catching up on my family's Christmas pictures and am so thankful that CTMH gave me this totally beautiful level 2 paper pack and Stickease for this project. This layout pattern is right on the back of the Stickease so making these layouts was really "Faster, Simpler, Easier".  This paper pack will retire with our next catalog, so if you want to make sure you get one, order it today on my website, http://www.dblack.myctmh.com/ and for the month of December receive a BONUS - with a $20.00 purchase you will receive a D size stamp, a $22.95 value, for FREE.  I am all about FREE stuff - are you???

Monday, December 6, 2010

A Little Mistletoe Anyone?


Well Mistletoe is exactly what I need to do these Christmas pictures of my children.  This is a level 2 kit which is the level 2 Mistletoe paper pack (X7130B) and the level 2 Stickease (X7130C).  I am working on pictures from Christmas past but am excited the CTMH gave me such great paper to accomplish the job!  I love this year's paper pack - how about you?

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Look At This Level 1 Mistletoe...


Oh my ... these pictures from Christmas 1987 bring back so many memories!!  Isn't that what scrapbooking is all about. With CTMH we teach you how to preserve your family memories.  And,  with this level 1 Mistletoe paper pack (X7130A) you can accomplish your layouts in a snap!  My husband loves to see what I am working on because we love remembering these special family times.  What family memories do you have stored in a photo box that are waiting to be set free and enjoyed??

Just a little more fun with Acrylic Cards...


Did I say that I have fallen in LOVE with CTMH's Acrylix cards? I was really pleased with this card.  The paper is Perfect Day with Tulip cardstock.  I colored the Magnolia stamp with my fav markers, COPIC!  Still learning copic and still loving it....how about you?

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Have you seen???


Have you seen our Acrylic cards??? I have to admit, I had a pack of acrylic cars since we went to convention last summer.  But...I didn't do anything with them  until I pulled them out to make some Christmas cards ... can I say ... WOW!  These cards are totally awesome and your friends and family will be so impressed with the cards you make.  I have several of these cards to show you because I just could not stop...someone stop me please!!! It is a Magnolia stamp with CTMH barn red cardstock and a touch of Mistletoe paper.  I love the outcome of my Acrylic Card adventure .... what do you think???

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Plenty For $20!!

PLACE AN ORDER OF $20 OR MORE* ON MY MyCTMH website from December 1–31, 2010, and we’ll reward you with a popular, retired D-size stamp set for FREE! Talk about getting more for your money—the free stamp set is valued at


$22.95 US/$26.95 CAN! We’re sure you’ll be thrilled with the set we pick out for you. We’re also giving you FREE shipping/handling and tax on your free stamp set. That’s a lot of Plenty for your Twenty!

Grab Plenty for Twenty in December by visiting MY MyCTMH website and making a qualifying purchase today!

Plenty for Twenty Spend $20 or more in December and receive a FREE D-size stamp set!

*Excluding tax and shipping/handling. Qualifying purchases must include shippable products (Studio J® layout purchases excluded, Studio J memberships and 5-packs will count toward a qualifying order only if shippable items are also ordered).
 
Go to my website NOW to get your free stamp!  http://www.dblack.myctmh.com/

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Feeling So Blessed!

I'm finishing up my Christmas cards!  I have made a total of 45 cards and still have a few more to post.  This card also expresses my feeling of being so blessed and thankful.  The CTMH pewter brads and Mocha opaques on this card added just the bling I wanted.  It is a Magnolia stamp colored with Copic markers.  I am still learning Copic coloring techniques. 

Counting my blessings....Gary, Amanda, Scott, Addison, Jeffrey & Amy top my list.  What tops your list?

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Christmas Cards and Paper Roses

I got the instructions for these simple paper roses from Jeanette Lynton's blog a while back and now I put paper roses on everything!  I probably will not mail this card because I'm not sure how the PO would handle it, but not a problem since I hand deliver many cards.  The background Silent Night stamp is a magnolia and the roses are accented with CTMHs pewter brads and punched greenery. 

Friday, November 26, 2010

Copics and Christmas

This is a another one of my new stamps and I am still playing!  I used several paper packs including CTMHs Mistletoe and Perfect Day and Tulip cardstock.  Believe it or not, I handmade the ceramic apple button years ago when I had a craft business and made county style jumpers!  I cut out the stamped image and raised it to eye popping level with CTMHs foam tape. 

I am feeling so blessed and want to say that above all, I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I am also thankful for my wonderful husband of 30 years and our growing family.  I hope everyone has a Blessed Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

New Magnolias and Magnifique!

One of my favorite people, Tina, picked me up a few new Magnolia stamps on her recent road trip to Winston.  Thanks Tina!  Anyway, I couldn't wait to play so I got started on my Christmas cards.  This wonderful paper is CTMHs Magnifique and I think it works perfect for Christmas.  I also used CTMHs Mocha Opaques, Blue & Green Assortment Sparkles, and McGills Pine Punch.  All of the piece edges were sponged using CTMH chocolate ink and a sponge dauber.  I saw this card layout on a Magnolia stamp page and just loved it so I had to make one of my own.  The stamp was colored with Copic markers.  I love play days like this!!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

My New Favorite Close To My Heart Tool!!


I have a Studio J™ membership so these awesome layouts only cost $6.00 and I got to choose from exclusive layout designs!  You too can fall in love with online scrapbooking!  Close To My Heart’s online design software, Studio J™, helps you create two-page layouts faster, simpler, and easier—saving you time and money!  You’ll love your Studio J layouts, perfect for your cherished albums. 
Here’s why:

• Every layout is custom printed using the highest quality photo processing paper and technology. Your layouts will last a lifetime!

• Choose from dozens of themed kits to suit any event or occasion, with coordinating embellishments, stickers, and fonts to customize your look.

• Select just the right pattern, accommodating from two to 15 photos per layout—great versatility.

• The software is free! Create an account to start designing complete layouts in just minutes.

Visit my CTMH website, http://www.dblack.myctmh.com/,  to get started!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Look at My Studio J Layouts!



I'll never put away my paper, scissors and tape but I really love Close To My Heart's digital scrapbooking too!  I made these 6 layouts in about 30 minutes tonight.  You've taken the photos-now keep the memories.  With Studio J, CTMH offers you another fast and simple way to celebrate relationships.  In just 5 easy steps, you'll create beautiful 12" x 12" layouts showcasing your stories.  When the custom prints arrive at your door, no one will guess it only took a few minutes to design them!

Walk through the steps at my website:  www.dblack.myctmh.com and discover the ease of scrapbooking the Studio J way!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

I've Got a Scrapbook Secret!



I have impressed my friend with how many layouts I have completed lately.  They think I scrapbook 24/7 but the truth is I work a full time job and have had to work overtime for the past month.  So if you're wondering how I can work so much and still complete so many layouts, I'll share my secret.  It is Close To My Heart's faster, simpler, easier level 1 and level 2 kits!  I'm still working on our Gatlinburg trip and used the layout instructions on the back of the level 2 stickease for these pages.  This layout is in our new Magic How To Program book too.  If you love this paper like I do, don't wait around on ordering yours because CTMH has decided to retire our current paper packs with each new catalog.  So don't delay and get yours NOW!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Fall Beauty and Olivia Level 2


Well I'm moving right along getting my Gatlinburg weekend pictures scrapbooked.  For these pages, I used the Olivia level 2 (X7128B) and level 2 Stickease (X7128C).  The layout instructions are right on the back of the stickease so all I had to do was basically cut and adhere everything together for these beautiful pictures of Gary and me.  I am so thankful I have these special layouts to remember what a wonderful weekend we had.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

More Olivia Level One and Gatlinburg...


CTMH's Level One scrapbooking kits are the bomb!  I have so many pictures to scrapbook, I need to complete a lot of pages quickly without skimping beauty on the finished project.  Level one kits allow me to do just that.  These kits really are faster, easier, simpler!  The pictures are more from our weekend getaway to Gatlinburg, TN in the fall of 2007.  (You see, I am behind and need to catch up!)  As you can see, we had totally beautiful weather for a fall trip.  These beautiful pictures deserve the best so that is what I used.  If you would like to have your own level one kit of Olivia, just email me or shop online at www.dblack.myctmh.com.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Fall colors = Olivia!


If you've got fall pictures to scrapbook or are going to make some Thanksgiving cards, then this is the paper pack for you.  These level 1 pages (X7128A) are exploding with colors of barn red, pear, smoothie and sunset.  Since the stickease are included, you have everything needed to make these pages quick and easy peasy!  I scrapped mine and Gary's fall trip to Gatlinburg from several years ago and am so happy to have my pages done so quickly.  I love the finished product, how about you?

Sunday, October 10, 2010

A Child is Born!

Scott took this picture of Amanda and Addison on her second day of life.  The new mom was exhausted trying to adjust to motherhood.  I think it is the most precious picture so I used it for Addison's first page of her baby album.   

Friday, October 8, 2010

October Stamp of the Month - Share The Magic!

Here is the October’s Stamp Of The Month. This is a really cute Christmas stamp set called Share the Magic. You can get this for FREE with a $100.00 order or get it at a great discount.   Thanks for stopping by. I hope you all are enjoying your weekend. We are headed to Oktoberfest tomorrow. I am hoping to get some good pictures to put on the lastest scrapbook pages I made!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

My New Car Tag!!!

I ordered this tag weeks ago and it finally came!!  I would have liked to have CTMH ADDICT but there was not enough room - that is ok though because I am a CTMH GURU!  I am fully trained and certified with the CTMH Training Academy PHD!  So, whatever your need, stamping, scrapbooking, or cardmaking - I am your hook up for supplies or techniques.  Just email me...

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Gary's 50th Birthday Celebration All "Scrapped" Up!

Well these are the last of Gary's birthday pictures and now thanks to the Hooligans Level 2 paper pack (X7129B) and Stickease (X7129C), I have them all scrapped!  I love how quickly I can make these great layouts.  The layout are on the back of the Stickease and come from our new How To Book - Magic.  This book is full of brand new layouts and includes a lot of interactive techniques to add excitement to your pages.