Free Scrapbook Class from Stacy Julian. . . Be inspired by yourself

I was totally inspired at our annual Close to My Heart Convention with keynote speaker Stacy Julian, founder of Big Picture Scrapbooking. I have already put many of the things I learned from her into practice. I am feeling better about myself and no more guilt or obligation about my scrapbooking – well almost. Stacy is very passionate about pictures, memories, and telling your own personal stories which is why she is a favorite among many.
Many of her ideas already existed as part of my life, however I am adding many more into practice and finding to be happier and more fulfilled. Make and find time for yourself, What is your "Enough Quotient" ? How much is enough ? (for yourself), You can't please everyone all the time, but you can please yourself. Come join one of my workshops or classes and let me show you how.

Living with your pictures can change the spirit of your home (Example a digital frame). I download favorite photos from all my travels and have it running all the time, it makes me smile every time I pass it.

Surround yourself with cute. Most recently I have become an Empty Nester and passing my children's empty rooms is a constant reminder of this. Even though I am very happy and proud that they are out on their own, and am enjoying having my house back, I do miss them. So last week I started the project of making the upstairs into guest rooms, with a goal of having a low budget scrap house available at some point. I have finished Shawn's room and it will now be called the Bowling Green room. It most certainly is a much happier place than an empty room. And yes surrounding yourself with "cute" is fun. Ask to see it at your next class or workshop.

Become an "Anti-chronologist", start with a favorite memory and scrap about it. Scrapbook stories, not events. Your scrapbooks will become so much more interesting and memorable for people to look at, save and become family heirlooms.

At this years Convention Stacy's words were as powerful as ever as she shared this beautiful video which was set to music and words, written by Hilary Weeks. It is a song called, Stand Still on her latest album, Every Step.

From Stacy:
“My message is that time moves so very fast and most of the time we do too. But, we can choose (with practice) to slow down and to savor simple everyday moments. We can pull out our cameras and take pictures and we can live with these pictures and let them work magical things inside of us. Doing so will make us more grateful, more content, more aware and more happy. There is so much that is overwhelming and challenging in life. Efforts to capture and share your memories should be neither.”
Are you behind on scrapbooking?

Take Stacy Julian’s Big Picture class,

“Finish Line Scrapbooking” for FREE!

What you need: 45 pictures, 4 hours, themed paper packet, My Creations Display Album, Mini-Medley accent pack, paper trimmer, small scissors and fast adhesive.

What you get: A completed display scrapbook and the wonderful sense of satisfaction that your stories are being told.

You’ll create a completed scrapbook with 20 pages in just 4 hours. She gave us this awesome class as a gift and told us to share!! Visit Big Picture Classes , click purchase button, use the promo code CTMH to redeem your free class (it will subtract the 12.00), and then check-out. The class will then be ready for you to take anytime :) Offer expires Dec. 31, 2013.

Announcing my first ever - - - Mini-Convention - August 11th

Be one of the first to be pampered in my new comfort foam cushions and use the individual beverage /trash bag holders. I've purchased all the supplies and saved a seat just for you. I am limiting this to the first 12 paid customers. . .  6 seats currently remain.

The morning will start with an introduction to what happens at convention and the sticky boy video to win some stamps. The whole day 10am-10pm has an approximate $200 retail value and will include a Vera Bradley block organizer, 3 projects, prizes, product, idea sheets, small make-in-take, box lunch and Gourmet Dinner.  All for just $100.

Goodie bags of product and Vera bag will be picked out when you pay, the sooner you pay the better the selection.

I have lots of fun things planned, projects will be an accordion 6x6 mini album, pocket file folder (exclusive Kimberly design), and the new home décor workshop on the go Scroll Album.

Come ready for crafting, mingling, and to be motivated at Kimberly's first mini convention Celebration! Make your reservation and pay today!

Contact me today at kimstom@wcnet.org for more information and to get registered.  SUBJECT LINE: Mini Convention
Or RSVP today at Northwest Ohio Friends Scrap

Digital Day - Oct 27th 10am-5pm

"Don't let your baby's grow up to be Jpegs"

In this new digital age we seem to be storing all our photos, instead of printing them. Wow, how is your story going to be told. Start with a memory and scrap it. And if you are getting behind catch up with Digital Scrapbooking. You can even mix and match.  Want to scrapbook your event in 30 minutes or less ?? If so, click here and try out Studio J ! No obligation to buy....just play! You do have to create an account but you do not have to make a purchase. GO AHEAD....try it. You will fall in love with Digital scrapbooking. SIMPLE, FAST and EASY !
Private free lessons Saturday October 27th 10am-5pm, just call and let me know when I can expect you.

or watch the current Studio J Tutorial called Love Your Layout: Using Photos for a Background

 

With this in mind I started an album of my weekend adventures that never seemed to get traditionally scrapbooked. Welcome to "My Life"



DOUBLE CLICK On layout for larger view


 

Sneak Peak from Dallas Convention - - New Autumn/Winter Catalog

Our new Cricut Artiste collection will help you discover the artist in you, turning everyday life into festive celebration filled with gift boxes, treat bags, banners, cards and more. With 700 images, the cartridge features themed projects, interactive cards, awards and more. From robots and spooks to weddings and Valentines, your cupcake liners, invitations and party favors to help you plan the perfect party for any celebration. Like this wonderful Spellbound party above using the new Workshop on the go Spellbound Cricut kit.

Exciting news, we have expanded our product line by adding home décor items including 3-D 12” dimensional star, Chipboard bracket frame, Heavy shipboard cubby display with 25 cubby holes,  and wooden display tray/frame. And Workshop on the go Scroll Album and advent calendar.

Introducing exclusive alcohol-based marker sets (now with a complimentary shading color for detail work or broad strokes). Two each for our entire one-of-a-kind palette including 40 unique hues, making 80 markers in all. This means when  you choose to purchase a marker, it includes an additional marker that is either one shade lighter or darker.. This distinctive packaging system guarantees that you will have the proper tools to harmoniously shade and add dimension to your  artwork. $5.95 per set.

Also introducing all our updated colors in Mini pigment pad sets, great for distressing your papercrafts and using on home Décor items. 19.95 per 10 color set.

I can’t wait to get my hands on the How-to Patterns in Volume one of our newest publication called “Make It from  Your Heart”. This publication features 16 two-page layout patterns, two single-page patterns, as well as 12 different card patterns.  This publication highlights all-new artwork, technique ideas, and color palettes.  Each layout or card pattern in the “Make It from Your Heart “ book includes a detailed blueprint, cutting diagrams, full-color artwork, and helpful hints for creating projects you’re sure to love. Just $7.95

Much more news to follow in the next couple days, including updating you on my summer through the eyes of Studio J, My trip to Nova Scotia and all the fun I had at convention.

Celebrate your Creativity- - - - July Issue

Summer is in full swing with July's Perfect Pairs promotion!
Get Your Perfect Pairs Before They Run Out
Earn perfectly-paired products with your next purchase!

Like peanut butter and jelly, like lemonade and barbecues, like glitter and glue—some things are just made to go together. That’s the heart of July’s Perfect Pairs campaign: to celebrate how perfectly Close To My Heart products go together, because having papers, stamps, and accessories that were designed to work together makes embellishing your projects that much easier.

Throughout the month of July, we’ll have several different product pairings consisting of a favorite My Reflections^® paper pack with a corresponding Complement or accessory kit that you’ll be able to get for free! Each pair will be available for only a limited time, and only while supplies last, so when you see one that you want, act quickly! All you need to do is place an order of $75 or more in full-priced retail products on my shopping website, and you’ll be able to receive that day’s “perfect pair” for free!

You’ll love how easily these product pairs work together, making your crafting more fun and rewarding than ever! Treat yourself to some perfectly-paired products by participating in this month’s promotion.

Get more details and see which pairs will be available in July »

July Stamp of the Month:
Live Out Loud
Words you can live by

The Live Out Loud stamp set (S1207) of all-purpose sentiments will take the words right out of your mouth and put them on paper in new, creative ways. Each sentiment takes on new life with the artistic treatment it receives in July’s Stamp of the Month set. Use the phrases to adorn artwork, cards, and letters with your own unique, hand-stamped touch. Earn your set for just $5 with your next $50 purchase — but remember — this set is only available for the month of July, so order yours right away!

View the July Stamp of the Month set »

Make Summer Fun Last Year Round

Plan now how to save the fun

You can bottle your summer tomatoes and preserve berries in jams so that the tasty fruits of summer last all winter long, but sooner or later the slip ’n slide is going to be rolled up and put back in the shed, and the kids will go back to school. What can you do during the height of summer to keep these golden days with you all winter long? What’s the best recipe for preserving a memory?

You have several options open to you: scrapbook pages, layouts, and albums, or else mini-albums, showcase albums, or a vast array of home décor projects, such as the My Creations^® collage cubes or banner. Often, the hardest part can be turning your good intentions into actions. Here are some ideas for giving yourself a head start on making those summer moments endure:

1. When taking photos, capture at least 7–10 of the same event. Instead of just taking a single group shot at the family reunion, single out individuals too, and get some action shots of the all the fun activities. A typical two-page layout uses 4–8 photos, so if it’s an event you want to scrapbook, make sure you have the photos to support it.
2. While we’re on the subject, use a strategy when snapping your photos. Take photos to answer the who, what, when, where, and why of the event. Shots of signs marking the entrance to campgrounds, theme parks, or states supply great photographic context. You could also take photos of maps, play or recital programs, event tickets, or other types of memorabilia rather than trying to include the actual item in the layout.
3. As soon as you know what sort of project you want to preserve your photos in, get them printed — don’t wait for fall! Choose which photos you want to print (or, if you’re planning on using Studio J^®, copy them into a designated folder), and organize them by event. You can even go so far as buying the papers, stamps, and accessories you plan to use. Drop all the supplies into the paper pack’s resealable bag to make your own custom project kit for when you have a bit more time for crafting.

If you are too busy having fun, taking advantage of the long days and nice weather, you can at least start making your plan now, jotting down notes, printing out pictures, in order to find yourself ready to start in fresh when the summer begins to fade. You’ll love reliving your favorite summer memories through the creative process and again and again as you look back over your completed creations.

Stock up on supplies for crafting all your summer fun »