Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Fast and Easy Scrapbooking-It's Digital-It's Studio J

Many people like the feel, smell and look of scrapbook papers. I totally understand that view. 

But sometimes you just want to get a whole lot done in very little time. If you have digital files, and who doesn't!, Studio J is the perfect answer to "I don't have the time to scrapbook". Studio J is Close To My Heart's answer to digital scrapbooking. I love it!! 



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!


Your Studio J layouts are 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 on my website and start   designing complete layouts in just minutes. 

     *Each two-page layout is only $6.95!! Amazing!!  

I was able to complete four layouts in one hour. Here are some of my pages:








Please don't leave your files just in digital mode. Your phone or laptop or disc or the cloud, doesn't allow for viewing at a later time. I've seen digital storage change from the days of tapes, I hate to admit that. There is no permanence in storage modes or equipment. Printing can be passed down for everyone to enjoy. And, while I'm at it, a little journaling can go a long way. I have a beautiful OLD scrapbook-the kind with the black pages, beautiful black & white photos held in place be corners, but there are no names of anyone and there is no one left to ask. It makes me sad. It could be anyone's family album. Remember names, dates, place, at the very least. OK, I'll stop preaching now...sorry.

Start your digital scrapbooking today. WooHoo, you can do it!!




Saturday, September 6, 2014

The Scrap Cave Closet

My attempt to try to be in control of my stuff! Here it is:


Cardstock is on shelving that I purchased from a lady who was downsizing her scrap store.  Boy, did I luck out!

The closet in my office/scrap cave is maybe 24" deep and has a 2-door opening. Some of the shelving  came with the closet and the rest is Elfa shelving from The Container Store, one of my all time favorite stores. All of the bedroom closets have Elfa shelving for added storage and organization.


Tuesday, September 2, 2014

There's more to scrapbooking than pages or cards.

I love Close To My Heart products! They give me ideas of things to make outside of scrapbook pages and cards. Let me explain...

Several years ago, fortunately before my Dad died, I decided to make a mini 6" X 6" 8 page fold-out for my parents from their 3 children and their grandchildren, including their great grandchildren. As Thanksgiving was approaching I thought how appropriate it would be to tell Mom & Dad why we were thankful for them.

Just so you understand why this idea came about, my family is scattered. My sister and her 2 daughters are in NY, my brother and one of his sons live in NC, the other son and daughter live in FL, my parents in NC and I'm in TX. Sunday dinners with the grandparents (like in my childhood) were not possible. 

I decided to gather pictures and a paragraph thanking Mom/Grandma and Dad/Grandpa from each family through email. This did take awhile and several encouraging emails :-). I loved being able to size and print the pictures to fit into a 6 x 6 layout and copy the provided text to print on some background paper. I added layers of cardstock to frame either pictures or text. Then, of course, embellishments (my personal downfall-where my motto is "too much is not enough") were added for fun and accent. In the end, I had no idea how much this meant to my parents. Each time I called for many, many months Mom would say "your Dad is looking at your book". They loved it and I loved making it for them.

Here is an overview photo:


Here is the first page, last page and my family's page just so you get the idea:

The picture is Mom and we 3 kids vintage 1956 or 57.



The background papers are no longer available but, depending on your pictures, Close To My Heart has many papers and cardstocks that would look great. The pages could be put together with rings, ribbons or Washi tape (page 172-173 of the Annual Inspiration Close To My Heart catalog). 


What I love best about this little book is it is a gift that keeps on giving rather than another thing to dust! Any elderly or not so elderly person in your family would love it. 

I hope this might give you a little inspiration for DIY gifts. Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner!!