Twitterpated Workshop Cutting Instructions for Layouts #1 - #3

First let me tell you how I work. I'll give you the first cut of the 12 x 12 paper and from there, we'll turn the paper 1/4 turn - "like a hamburger" (flat and wide, like it would be when you take a bite out of it) - or we'll leave it as it is - "like a hot dog" (long and skinny across your trimmer blade, like it would be when you take a bite out of it!) Yeah, I know. Just go with it - it really does help to get the bearings!

So, lets get this started. We'll also be labeling every piece of paper with the layout number and an L or R for the left or right sides of the layout.

Start with the green print paper. Make a 4-inch cut across the length of the paper and discard that piece. Take the larger piece that is left and turn it like a hamburger. Make an 8-inch cut, creating an 8 x 8 square and label it 1L. Label the other piece (4 x 8) 1R.

Take your other green print paper. Make a 3-inch cut. Turn the 3-inch piece like a hamburger and make a 9 inch cut, creating a 3 x 9 piece. Label it 3L. Take the 3 x 3 square that is leftover and cut off 1/2 inch off of one side, making a 3 x 2 1/2 piece. Label it 3R. Take the large sheet that is left and turn it like a hamburger. Make an 8 inch cut. Discard the 4-inch leftover. Turn the 8 inch piece like a hamburger and make a 6 inch cut, creating an 8 x 6 piece. Label it 3L. Take the 3 inch piece that is left and turn it like a hamburger. Cut off 1 inch, creating a 7 x 3 piece. Label it 3R.

Take out 1 piece of brown cardstock. Make a 5 inch cut. Turn the 5 inches like a hamburger and make another 5 inch cut. Label the 5-inch square 2L. Label the 5 x 7 piece 2R. Turn the leftover cardstock like a hamburger. Make a 1-inch cut. Make another 1-inch cut. Discard the rest. Take the first 1-inch cut and turn it like a hamburger. Cut it to 5 1/2 inches and label it 2R. Cut the other strip (like a hamburger) to 3 1/2 inches and label it 2L.

Take 1 piece of the plaid paper and cut it down the middle making 2 pieces that are 6 x 12. Label 1 of these 2L and the other 2R.

Take 1 piece of the polka dot paper and make a 2 inch cut. Label it 2L. Keeping it like a hotdog, make a 1-inch cut (1 x 12) and label it 2R. Turn the leftover like a hamburger. In order to make your final layout (the one from the brochure) we have to use this paper sparingly. So this time we're going to cut a specific piece rather than just cutting all the way across. With your paper sitting like a hamburger, you're going to make a 2 inch cut, but only cut it 4 inches long. We're creating a 2 x 4 piece, so once you've made the 2 inch cut, turn your paper so that you can finish it off with the 4 inch cut. If you can't figure out how to do this (and believe me, I KNOW how complicated this can be!) just measure a 2 x 4 inch piece with a ruler and cut it with scissors. Label it 2R.

Get out your stripe paper. You can make your own choices with this paper. I used 4 1-inch strips for these layouts. Two of the strips went across the lines (where the lines make a short design across the 1-inch width of the strip) and two of them were long lines going the 12-inch length of the strip. The ones that were long-ways were necessary to give a ribbon effect, but if you want to save paper and like the look it gives, you can make them all like that. I'll give you the directions on how I did it, though. First, you're going to make a 1-inch cut, going with the stripe (so that they run the length of your trimmer) on the side of the paper that DOESN'T have the blue edge to it. Label it 1R. Turn your paper 1/2 way around so that the lines still run the length of your trimmer, but your cut WILL have the blue edge to it. First, cut the blue edge off! (About a 1/4 inch cut) Now make another 1-inch cut the length of your paper. The two cuts should be VERY similar! Label the second one 1L. At this point you can make two more 1-inch cuts (with your paper like a hotdog) down the length of the stripes for our 3rd layout. OR you can change to the other striped paper. I like the look of the short stripes running the 1-inch width of the paper better than the long ones, so I switched to the other paper. Make a 1-inch cut ACROSS the lines (with lines of "latitude" going from left to right on your paper cutter) and then do it again, the same way. The strips should be almost identical. Label the first 3R and the second 3L.

Take one piece of the acorn paper. Turn it in your trimmer so that you'll be cutting ACROSS the lines (with lines of "latitude" going from left to right on your paper cutter) and make a 4-inch cut. Turn this piece like a hamburger and make another 4-inch cut. Discard the 4 x 4 square and label the 4 x 3 piece 1L. Take the large piece you have left and turn it like a hamburger, making another 4-inch cut. (This time the lines should go the length of the paper) Label that 4 x 8 piece 1R and discard the rest.

Take the tree trunk paper. The first cut will be across the bottom of the tree trunks, so again the paper needs to go into your trimmer with lines of latitude, the tree trunks running across the cutter from left to right. Make a 1-inch cut and lable it 2R. Make another 1-inch cut. Turn this piece like a hamburger and cut it to 9 inches, making a 1 x 9 strip. Label it 2L. Take the left over and turn it like a hamburger. Make a 4-inch cut and turn that like a hamburger again. Make another 4-inch cut and label that 4 x 4 square 2R. Make another 4-inch cut. With that piece, we want to make a 4 x 3 piece, but it is mildly important that the tree trunks run from left to right across the shorter way instead of the longer way. You will need to cut 1-inch off of 1 side, but you'll have to figure out which way to do that, getting the trees sideways across the 3 inch width. Label that piece 2L and discard the rest.

Take out the other piece of the tree paper. This time, with the trunks going longways, parallel to the blade of your trimmer, make an 8 inch cut. Turn the cut portion like a hamburger and make a 10 1/2 inch cut, creating a large piece that is 10 1/2 x 8 with the tree trunks running longways across the cut. Label that paper 3R. Discard the 1 1/2 inch piece. Turn the leftover piece (4 x 12) like a hamburger and make a 4 1/2 cut, creating a 4 x 4 1/2 piece. Label it 3L. Still with the leftover like a hamburger, make a 3 inch cut. Turn it like a hamburger and cut it to 3 inches again, creating a 3 x 3 square. Label it 3L and discard all the rest.

You'll use some of the leftover paper on the layout in your brochure along with 2 of the pieces of Colonial White as base pages, so don't throw anything away. For my extra layouts, you'll use the 2 Sweet Leaf card stocks for the base of #1, the other 2 Colonial White card stocks for the bases of #2 and the Sorbet card stocks for the bases of #3.

Twitterpated Workshop - Layout #3

This is the third and final layout from my workshop - well, except for the one included in the instruction booklet. By the way, didn't you LOVE what they did with the ribbon in that layout??? But I digress. For this one, as for the others, don't adhere your pieces until you've completed your distressing. At first, just lay them on the bases. Use Sorbet card stock for these bases and your pieces should all be labeled #3L for the left page or #3R for the right page.

For the left page, lay the 9 x 3 green print at the bottom left edge of the paper. Add the 3 x 3 square of the tree trunk paper above that 9 x 3 piece. Lay the 1-inch striped strip next to these two pieces. My stripes go up and down, but yours, if you cut them according to my instructions, should go short ways across the paper. (I regreted the way mine looked, and used less paper this way!) Next to the striped strip, add the 4 1/2 x 4 inch tree trunk piece to the bottom edge of the page. Put the 6 x 8 green print directly above that, making an open space that measures 4 x 4 along the bottom right corner.

On the right hand page, lay the 10 1/2 x 8 inch tree trunk sheet flush against the bottom edge and 1/2 inch from the left edge. The striped strip lays across that about 1 1/2 inches from the bottom edge. **Note! Even when you're ready to adhere all the pieces down, only adhere the outside edges of this strip so you can slip your picture underneath it later!** The 7 x 3 inch green piece lays evenly between the tree trunk paper and the right edge and equi-distance from the top edge. The final green print piece (measuring 3 x 2 1/2) goes flush against the top edge of the base and about 1/2 inch from the left edge of the tree trunk paper.

This double carries a LOT of embellishments and techniques. First, I used a sponge dauber on all of the paper pieces of this layout with Sorbet ink. It gives a soft edge to the paper as you can see on the tree trunk and green print paper to the left. Also to the left, you can see the branch "button" (actually a chipboard accent from the Dimensional Elements Organic collection) that I added at the end of a ribbon border I used across the left page, from the right edge (Actually, I wrapped it around the edge and secured it at the back.) to the tree trunk paper. I used about 10 inches in all. I also added some Colonial White brads from the Basic Brad collection to this "button" to give a different look.


I did the same with the other branch "button" on the right hand side of the page, but in this photo, my distressing of the base page shows up really well! While I used a sponge dauber on the paper pieces, I used the direct method on my base pages. I scrap the corner edge of the stamp pad directly across the edge of the paper, leaving it with little points and lines. Usually the corners get a thicker layer of it. I used this method on the two sides of each paper, but at the tops and bottoms, I ran the stamp pad along the edge long ways so that the texture wouldn't cross and the lines would all go the same direction. It took a while for me to perfect this technique (well, perfect is a very LOOSE translation for what I do) but I kept playing with it on scrap cardstock (it doesn't work as well on paper) until I got the effect I was looking for.

Twitterpated Workshop - Layout #2

This is Layout #2 of my workshop. As with the previous post, set out your design first. That gives you a chance to distress your papers as you choose. Then adhere them to the bases. In this case, the bases are Colonial White cardstock sheets. As in the last case, your cut pieces are labeled. This time they will say #2L or R for the left or right sides of the layout.

First, set your 2-inch polka dot strip along the bottom edge of the left base. Directly about that is one of the plaid 6 x 12 sheets and the 5 x 5 chocolate card stock square goes on the left side of that, about 1/2 inch from the left edge. Above the plaid is the 4 x 3 tree trunk piece. The 1 x 9 tree trunk strip lays across the top open space from the right edge. Above that, I kept with the square theme and placed the back side of a 3 x 3 square from the tree trunk paper at the end of that strip. I think I'm going to exchange it for a square of polka dot paper, though. Finally, the 3 1/2 x 1 inch cardstock strip goes near the bottom of the base, against the left edge.

On the right side, the 1-inch polka dot strip sits along the right edge. The 1-inch tree trunk strip lies next to it, followed by the other 6-inch plaid sheet. The last tree trunk piece, a 4 x 4 square, goes at the top left corner of the base. The 2 x 4 polka dot piece goes in the bottom left corner, and the final 5 1/2 x 1 inch brown cardstock strip lies about 1 1/2 inch from the top, flush on the right edge of the base.


Before I laid all these pieces down permanently, I distressed them with chocolate ink. This time I used a "direct" method, brushing the stamp pad directly across the edge of the paper. It made stronger definition to the distress instead of the softer edge applied by the sponge dauber.

Also, I designed the open spots of my bases. After laying out the pieces, I could see that there would be two large open areas and I chose to decorate them with inks that matched the set and one of the stamps that came with this set. I used the stipple brush from my distressing kit to apply first Chocolate, then Sorbet ink. The effect was very subtle, but it really popped when I added randomly stamped leaves using Sweet Leaf ink.




I added all the mushroom "buttons" (actually chipboard accents from the Dimensional Elements Organic collection) to this layout. As you can see, I sewed hemp through the two smaller ones, tying them in knots at the back, just to give them an accent. The larger one, I stitched with the ribbon that came with the Twitterpated workshop kit. As with my other bows, I added just a touch of Liquid Glass to the knot to make sure it holds. You can also see in this picture (if you look really close) that I dotted all the dots with Liquid Glass, too. It makes a raised texture that shows easily when your looking at the page (rather than a digital image).

Twitterpated Workshop - Layout #1

Some of the gals who got this kit were unable to actually attend my workshop this evening, so I'm posting many of the instructions in the next few posts. This post will give the directions for laying out my #1 double. In subsequent posts, you'll find the directions for my #2 and #3 doubles. Finally, in my last post, you'll find my cutting instructions for all 3 designs. The advertised layout (in the previous post) is part of the workshop kit from CTMH and there are step by step instructions for it (as well as tips and techniques) in the full-color pamphlet. If you don't have your Twitterpated Workshop on the Go kit, visit my website, click on the "Workshops on the Go" link and order yours!

I know I still need some titles on these babies, and I know exactly what I'm going to do with them, but I just haven't gotten to that point yet.

This is layout #1. If you already got your papers all cut, you labeled them #1L for #1 left and #1R for #1 right. I always have my attendees lay out their designs without sticking them down, so they can go back and distress as they see fit. Do that here, as there will be distressing techniques later in the post. Use the two pieces of Sweet Leaf card stock as the bases for these layouts.

For the left layout, the green 8 x 8 print goes in the bottom left corner. The other 1-inch striped strip lies along its top border. The final 4 x 8 acorn paper (with the lines going across the paper short ways) sits about 1 inch below the striped strip and flush with the right edge of the base.


On the right page, the 4 x 8 acorn paper that has the lines running long ways on the paper sits about 2 inches from the right edge and flush with the bottom. The 4 x 8 green print butts against it, about 2 inches from the left edge and flush with the top. Then one of the 1-inch striped strips lies over the acorn paper about 2 inches from the bottom.

Now, before I stuck anything down, I distressed it all thoroughly. On this layout, I used Chocolate ink and a sponge dauber from my distressing kit to add a soft edge to every piece of this layout. I edge it all the way around both bases, too, as you can see in this close up view.

Once I edge all the paper, I went ahead and adhered it together. Then, again using Chocolate, I stamped the little branch image that came with the kit (Don't you LOVE getting a matching stamp set with these workshops!) so that it "sat" on top of the striped strip. I used glue dots to strongly adhere the acorn "buttons" (again part of the Dimensional Elements Organic collection) to the "tree." I used my paper piercing set to make holes and then sew the hemp through the button holes. In retrospect, I probably won't use the glue dots again for this. It made my paper piercing tool and my needle terribly sticky. Anyway, I tied a bow over the largest acorn button and tied knots in the back of the smaller ones, just to give them an accent without being overwhelming.


I have every intention of attaching a journaling tag under this brown button on the right side layout. By the way, I tied a hemp bow around this "button." (It is actually a chipboard accent from the Dimensional Elements Organic collection.) In order to assure that it wouldn't come undone, I put a tiny dot of Liquid glass right where the lines come together to form the knot in the center.

October Customer Update

Next Sunday (the 18th) is my Twitterpated workshop beginning at 5PM. Click the picture link for the flyer for this workshop and we will be making another 3 double layouts with lots of embellishments and techniques in addition to the one shown. This workshop comes with a stamp set and full embellishment package that you can keep! (See them both as well as optional embellishments at the link!) In fact, it is the ONLY way to get this stamp set and you get it all plus a full paper pack for $5 less than it would cost if you bought it all separately! There are only 2 places left for this workshop, so if you want to come, please contact me right away.

The following weekend, the 24th at 10 AM, is going to be one of my favorite workshops! We'll be working with the Jingle paper pack and creating a gift album complete with emblishments, using our new My Creations chipboard album. This workshop, for only $20 in supply fees, is going to be so much fun and you'll have a beautiful gift when you're done. There are only a few places left for this workshop, so reserve yours by contacting me!

Also on the 24th is my new Scrappin' Happy workshop. This is a free workshop, specifically to help you use those great papers you've been buying! It will begin at 4PM and we'll make 4 or 5 double layouts, ready for your pictures, in just a couple of hours. You will need a full "My Reflections" Level 2 paper pack of your choice, a 12 " paper trimmer, adhesive, a ruler, pencil, and scissors. Let me know if you want to come so I can make sure I have enough room.

Finally, directly following my Scrappin' Happy workshop, my As You Like It club night begins. This is the perfect time to finish off those layouts that were just made with pictures and embellishments. This 4 hour crop is exclusively for my club members and includes free use of my stamps and inks during the club night. If you would like to learn more about my club, give me a holler!

Last but not least - there are some great "picture opps" right now!

• My family just went to the State Fair and got a ton of great pics. Can't wait to design some pages for them!
• Traders Village is a local fair in Grand Prairie and is this weekend. Find out more about it at www.tradersvillage.com.
• Now is a GREAT time to take some "formal" pics with your family! I know the kids get school pictures taken, but they just aren't as personal as the group pictures that you can take yourself. There are some beautiful parks in the area - especially the Dallas Arboretum - to find just the right spot for your pictures. And don't ignore the area Pumpkin patches. Just like some of the other spots, they can be fun as well as a beautiful "frame" for your family.

Do me a favor! If you take some pics of your family, please send me a copy to post. I'd love to hear about where you went and what you loved about it! (Even if you're not in Dallas!).

Blessings on you this gorgeous autumn day!

Grace Workshop #4 - Completed

This last workshop has instructions on page 18 in Imagine. It's called, "Sideline Surprise". I gave both pages a quarter turn, which allowed me to use 4 x 6 pictures instead of doing the angled cuts.

You may have noticed that all the pages have the same pictures on them. Well, I've always done an album for each of my kids and for this event, my father-in-law's birthday, my 3 girls all came and needed the pages in their books. (Of course I needed a set, too!)

For this last set, I used some clear buttons to highlight a few of the little flowers in the B&T. (That's short for Background and Texture paper - it's the design paper that you see) I stamped my titles using Colonial White on the Field Trip Alphabet. On each of the pages, I created part of the title using a picture of a sign that hangs outside the home of my father-in-law. On this one, I added matching Twilight Edge Anchors to either side. I also "sewed" some cross-stitches using my piercing tool to make the holes and Crystal Blue Waxy Flax.

The "ribbon" on the right side of this page, and it's matching line on the other page, is actually a strip of the B&T that is decorated with all sorts of ribbon designs.

One last word about all of these layouts. I make the layouts before I decide on the pictures. Using digital photography makes it easy to print out whatever sizes I choose. And having premade pages makes scrap-booking at my retreats so fast and easy. BTW, that's the beauty of the Level 1 "My Reflection" kits, too. The 4 layouts are already done and waiting for pictures and embellishments. The kits even include 2 extra cardstocks, 2 extra B&T design sheets, and 2 pages of matching "Stickease." (Stickease is cardstock-weight sticker sheets.)

Keep watching! I've got a "Scrappin' Happy" before and after workshop to share as well as the Twitterpated "Workshop on the Go" which is this month's workshop. You can bet I'll do the same with them that I did with these and the embellishments for that workshop are so stinkin' cute! You can see a sample of the workshop at my website, marji.mycmth.com, at the "Workshop on the Go" link. Mine is on the 18th of this month and I only have 3 more spots left so let me know that you want to come right away so I can save you your spot.

Grace Workshop #3 - Completed!

This double-page layout also comes from Imagine program. This one is called, "In the Groove" and instructions for it are on page 20. I changed the layout a bit by moving the 3 x 3 square on this top layout from the bottom left to the bottom right corner.

Sunflower Edge Anchors (the circles) are used to embellish this page, along with Crystal Blue Waxy Flax. I only sort-of sewed along the top of this picture. It was much easier than actual sewing, though. I just poked holes in the paper using the piercing tool and the Waxy Flax is so stiff, I could "sew" it without a needle! I also used the Waxy Flax to add color to the buttons on this page.

My buttons are from an old set that we no longer carry, but the Basic Button collection is just MADE for this project. They come in some of the same colors, too.

My favorite embellishments on this page are the two-toned, stamped swirlies on either side of the large picture. Because Close to My Heart carries clear, see-through stamps, this technique is simple! I inked up my stamp with Chocolate and with my thumb I wiped a little of the ink off in some areas before I applied the stamp to the paper. Then, using Twilight Ink, I inked up the areas I had wiped off the first time, lined up the stamp right over my initial image, and stamped it again. The colors sort of mold together making it look like part of the picture. I bet you could do a 3-tone image the same way.

Although I'm sure someone has done it before, I came up with it on my own, in keeping with the rustic appearance of this layout. If someone knows the name of this technique, please give me a holler!

Grace Workshop #2 - Completed!

This was an easy layout from the Imagine Scrap-booking program. It is called, "Supporting Role" and you can find the instructions on page 98.

I used three different edge anchors in the same color (barn red) for the small card stock strips at the top of the pages. I chose to use 3 different ones because I didn't want to do matching one on the longer strip and leave the short strip as an "odd man out." Doing them all differently add an extra level of embellishment.
I used some of the swirlies on the stamp set to set off the pictures. The strips at the top are also decorated with the stamp set. I used the 2 smallest swirls to make a curvy line, in Chocolate ink, across the plain Crystal Blue card stock strip.

BTW, I'm doing workshops like this every month, usually the last Sunday night of the month. If you want to join us, please let me know!

Grace Workshop #1 - Completed

I LOVE the new Grace papers. The rich colors just jump off the page and the designs are both lovely and general enough to work with a variety of themes. I'll be using this set over and over, that's for sure!

This double layout was the original project from the Grace "Workshop on the Go" set. I particularly LOVE the way this incredible stamp set added just the right touch to these pages.

I particularly like the way the "ribbon" paper is used to created continuity between the two pages of this layout. I really draws it all together.

Besides the stamp set, the pages use Edge Anchors - Rustic along with the brads that go with them for extra embellishments.

You can get all the materials and the instructions for this double layout at my website, marji.myctmh.com, at the Workshop on the Go link on the left menu. Tune in for the next few days and see the other layouts and techniques that I used in this workshop.

Busy - Busy - Busy!

This week, I've been working hard on my upcoming workshops. I hope to post the "Grace" Workshop on the Go tomorrow. I'm so please with this workshop! And I have a great group of talented, creative ladies coming to voyage through these great layouts with me!

The way I'm doing the Workshop on the Go, (and you can see the kits at my Close To My Heart website at the Workshop on the Go link) is a little different. I'll be teaching 2 to 3 double layouts that I've adapted from either Cherish or Imaging. Then, the ladies can take home the full-color instructions and make the final layout (or the set of cards) on their own.

I think one of the best things about these kits is the exclusive stamp sets! They were created especially for the workshops and aren't available any other way. It also makes it SO much easier at a workshop when everyone has their own stamp set to work with. No one has to wait! I LOVE that. (Really hate to waste anyone's time!)

So stay tuned (or come back soon) to see the way these turned out!

10 Things

Okay, the name of this layout in Imagine does say something about 10 things, but I only used 8. It's an easy layout to pull off and perfect when you have a collection of pictures that don't really go together.

In my layout, I took some of my favorite pictures of my son during his senior year as one of the final pages in his album for graduation. This ended up being a mix of those favs and a couple of others where I didn't have enough of one even to make a whole layout with it.


Such was the case with the picture of the group at the bottom of the left page. That was an even when the seniors from our coop went to "Orphan Soles," a charity group that distributes free shoes to needy people. The group spent the day sorting and organizing the shoes by size and type, and boxing and shipping them. They had a great time, but I only got a handful of pictures and only 1 with my son in it. The same thing happened at his football banquet, but I just couldn't pass up getting some pictures with his coach into his book.

Last, but not least, were the 2 pics I took of him before his Hillbilly night party at youth group! What a hoot!

Titling Technique

Dimensional Elements have become my favorite embellishment. (Remember, I'm embellishment-challenged!) These are SO easy to use and make quite a statement!

I colored all of these with ink, but in different ways. The flat frames for the S and the A, I inked directly from the stamp pad, swirling it on in a circular motion. It took on some of the texture from the chipboard, making a neat pattern. For the N and S, I used reinker in a little Ceramicoat. This created an even, smooth look to the letter and made a great accent against the mottled look of the larger letters. I used a sponge for the r, t, c, and I. On the c, I sponged it several times to make sure it had a darker appearance.

You can easily cover the Dimensional Elements with paper, too. I'll show you in a future post! If you haven't tried using some of these, do! They are great!

Time for a new Challenge!

I've got this GREAT picture of my boy at his Honduras mission trip this summer, but I just haven't had time to get it into his book. So as I'm sitting here working on other computer files (Why did I EVER think that having a laptop would actually SAVE me time!!!???) I opened up my design file and sketched out the page I want to use for this picture. I hope to have time next week to actually create it, but in the meantime, maybe you could create a layout using the idea? I'd LOVE to see what you do with it! Please email it to me and I'll post it on the blog right along with the sketch! Deadline for these submissions is 10/5.

I do hope you'll try this out. I'd LOVE to see your work!!!

Double-Triple Layout - 4

I use the Double-Triple (double layout, with 3 decorated pages for each) when I have an event with a LOT of pictures - like my son's football season - but I don't want to make a bunch of extra pages.

Another trick I use to display a lot of pictures without making too many pages is shown here. I get acid free clear envelopes and stack them to make a little flip file.

Close to My Heart now has their own version of this with the new "Flip Flaps". They can flip up and down or sideways and will hold two 4 x 6 pictures.

Finishing the Folio Layouts

I wanted to revisit this because I've gotten some questions about it. I hope this clears it up enough for you to make a triple-double set of your own. Oh, and if you do - I want to see it!

Basically, the 1-2-3 layout is really just 3 different double layouts using the same paper pack and two of the CTMH folios. I used the bulk “Game On” package for the background star paper for each layout and added the stripe as accents as well as red and blue (Cranberry and Moonstruck) cardstock.

Once I put the layouts onto the star paper, I then mounted the star paper onto the folios. They need to be “upside-down,” like a tent, instead of like a file folder. First, the layouts are mounted on the inside of the folios (opened). Then, you can slip the un-notched sides (which should be the BOTTOMS of your lower layouts) into the page protectors of your album. Close the folios and mount the last two layouts onto the outside.

To protect the outside of the layouts, I use two more page protectors. These have to be adjusted to fit correctly. First, I cut off the 3-holed strip, cutting between the holes and the edge of the pocket that looks like its sewn. Then I cut a 3 inch opening for the notch at the bottom of the protector – just a slit in it. Finally, to make it fit correctly, I cut a 1-inch strip off of the top of the page protector (the opened part).

Hope this helps! Please send me a picture if you decide to make a layout of your own. I’d love to see it! (And post it!)

Double-Triple Layout - 3

This was the way it looked when it was all opened up. I kept the theme going on the inside with the stripes and diamonds and added some stinkin' cute star paper clips that I found at Office Depot to complete the look.

Also, check out the way the pictures on the top left and bottom right sort of fit together like a puzzle. I found a new toy! I loaded up a bunch of pictures onto Costco.com and made a composite with them. Then I printed it out and cut it in half to mount them on my pages.
But GUESS WHAT! Close to My Heart will have a new online software of it's own at the first of the year that will do this very thing! I can't wait to try Studio J!

Double-Triple Layout - 2

Yes, these layouts open up. I used the Close to My Heart Tru-Fit Folios. I turned them upside down and allowed the flap to open upward.

These were ideally made to collect memorabilia that wouldn't work on the top of a scrap-book page. Cards and tickets, or award ribbons can easily be slipped into the folio and the outside of it can be decorated just like any other page.

In this picture, I continued the Game On theme and slipped the Homecoming program through a small slot in the page protector so someone can actually look through the booklet. You can do that without fear using Close To My Heart products because our paper is buffered. That means that the acid from the news article or the copied booklet won't spread to my pictures! It makes a little protective barrier around the bad stuff, but still allows me to show it on my pages! I love that!

Double-Triple Layout - 1

I fell in love with this layout!
First, I started with Game On paper and used the All Star stamp set to give a splash of color. I just stamped a bunch of them in Moonstruck and Cranberry and cut them out then splashed them across the layout. I also double matted the pictures to make them pop.

This was actually a layout that we made at one of my retreats. I always have at least one workshop. Sometimes it is for a layout; sometimes I do altered projects. This one went over great! We added strips of design paper (b&ts) on the sides to center the artwork. Stay tuned, though, because I took my set to another level!

Homecoming Layout

Even though this paper is retired, it was still one of my favorite packages! I would've hated having to scrap-book for my boy without it!

The large square at the bottom is for the journaling that I forgot to do - bad Marji! I used Typewriter Keys alphabet stamps for the title along with some monogram Dimensional elements. Typewriter Keys is retiring! Make sure you visit my website and get a set before they are all gone!
marji.myctmh.com

Simple Circles

I like this layout. Again, I'm embellishment-challenged and while I know there is more I can do with this, I haven't a clue of what!

Any suggestions?

I wanted to connect the circle on the state seal with the circles of the inside of the dome, but I didn't take it any farther. I think I'm right in stating that the Texas Capitol building is the tallest in the US. I KNOW it is taller than the US Capitol (probably just from the outstretched hand of the lady on top). By the way, she is holding a star (the Lone Star?) but a large bird perched on top of it when I took the picture.

Portrait Layout

I used the Imagine patterns with the Close to My Heart paper package called "It's a Guy Thing." I particularly like the double and triple matting of this layout. It really made my son's portraits "pop".

The title is accented with a monogram Dimensional Element, but as I look at it, I think it really needs something else. Maybe some brass brads could go up the cream-colored line on the right? Would something else do better? I admit, I'm embellishment-challenged and I'm always looking for other things to add to my layouts.

One thing I did do with this was distress. much of the paper is torn and on the title I used a technique that I sort of taught myself. Back when I started stamping, I would always get edges in my images. Once I even dropped an inked-up block (well, part of it was inked) onto an almost-completed project! I was heart-sick. So I tried inking up the empty block again and applying the ink in a circular scrubbing motion. You can see the effect on that title section.

Five-Minute Layout!!!

Yes, 5 minutes! My pictures are down. The date/place/situation are all logged in, and it fits in just perfectly for my no-frills son's album.

For this layout, I used a "My Reflections" Level 1 Kit. Have you ever tried those? Talk about FAST and EASY! I added a bit of card stock to the base page and matted a couple of the pictures to complete the look. My title was also simple, thanks to the stickease that comes in the kit and a Cocoa marker! Using these Level 1 pages and the extras that come in those kits, I was able to make an entire album (actually, almost 2!) with 112 pages, over the course of only 9 days!

Football Layout

I just love the Cherish and Imagine scrap-booking programs! They make my scrap-booking so uncomplicated. I used some of my leftover retired papers to create this simple layout. The Outdoor Denim is actually a B&T paper (background and texture) and I used Barn Red card stock as my mattes and accents along with a smattering of Bamboo card stock. I used the Rustic Alphabet in Outdoor Denim for the titles and distressed the Barn Red card stock with some 2nd generation random stamping using the same stamps. 2nd generation just means that after I ink up the stamp, I stamp it first on scrap paper before I stamp it onto the project. That way it leaves just a shadow of the image instead of a dark stamp.

Email!

I'm so disappointed! I truly worked for hours getting that email set up and all linked only to have my sweet friend confirm that none of the links worked and it was received all messed up! Yikes! So I've recreated the entire email for you all here. Thanks for understanding!
*************************************************************

September is
National Stamping Month!

Close to My Heart is celebrating with a dynamite special! Many of you have really liked some of the stamp sets that I own which were limited edition specials from the past. You've been sad that I could no longer find those sets. Well, this is one of those sets! The full-sized stamp set comes with enough card bases and envelopes for 16 cards with full-color instructions. The set also includes mini stamp pads, coordinating card stock, design paper, ribbon, and embellishments! Click on the picture link to find the flyer with pictures, purchase information, and how to earn this kit for Free!



Monthly Workshops (Most of these titles are also links!)
Scrappin' Happy - this is a scrap-booking workshop where we'll make 8-10 layouts using the Cherish or Imagine instructions. It is a FREE workshop when you bring your own "My Reflections" paper pack, or you can purchase a package for a minimal amount. Each month requires a different amount of supplies, but the fee will be less than $15. Click HERE to see some samples from my Scrappin' Happy workshop!
Workshops on the Go - this is also a scrap-booking workshop where we will make some great layouts using a different NEW paper package each month. Your supply kit includes a paper pack with matchinging embellishments and an exlusive stamp set created especially for the workshop and ONLY available through the workshop! Also, each kit has a full-color instruction sheet with extra layouts you can do with the leftover supplies from the workshop. It even has instructions for a set of cards!
As You Like It Club - this club meets after the Scrappin' Happy workshops for a few hours of free scrap-booking and free use of my stamps and inks. Club members also get free gifts with each monthly club order and enjoy the hostess rewards one month out of the club term. Contact me if you would like to learn more about joining this great group of talented, creative ladies!
Other workshops offered during this season:
Jingle Gift Album - I'm still in the process of creating this, so there is no artwork I can post for it. However, you see it in the new Fall/Winter Idea book on page 43 (which you can see online at my website - HERE!) In my workshop, we're using the new Jingle paper pack to create a Christmas book. The workshop is set for October 24th at 10 AM.
Christmas Greeting Card Workshop - Oh, these are FUN! We'll be making 8 simple, festive cards on Saturday morning, November 28, at 10 AM for only $7! That's right - less than $1 a card! And they're EASY to recreate at home for a bundle of homemade cards to make your friends and family feel extra special this Christmas! Click HERE to see this set.

Schedule:
September

• Scrappin' Happy - Sept. 26, 4 PM
• As You Like It Club Night - Sept. 26, 6 PM - 10 PM
• Workshop on the Go (Grace) - Sept. 27, 5 PM

October

• Gift Album Workshop (Jingle Christmas Album) - Oct. 24, 10 AM
• Scrappin' Happy - Oct. 24, 4 PM
• As You Like It Club Night - Oct. 24, 6 PM - 10 PM
• Workshop on the Go (Twitterpated) - Oct. 25, 5 PM

November

• Retreat at the Addison Hilton Garden Inn - Nov. 20-22
• Christmas Card Workshop - Nov. 28, 10 AM
• Scrappin' Happy - Nov. 28, 4 PM
• As You Like It Club Night - Nov. 28, 6 PM - 10 PM
• Workshop on the Go (Jingle) - Nov. 29, 5 PM

December

• Workshop on the Go (Home Sweet Home) - Dec. 27, 5 PM

All workshops must be pre-paid, but the monthly WOTGs can be your AYLI club order if you are a member and would like to attend. Please contact me by email (marjiec@verizon.net) to sign up for a workshop and I'll let you know how to send in your supply fee.

Let me hear from you!

Grace Workshop on the Go - September 27

These first 3 layouts are the ones we'll be making at the workshop. They are all patterns from the Close To My Heart scrap-booking program called Imagine. I will have them fully decorated soon and will post them again at that point, but I wanted you to be able to see both the first step and the final product. By the way,

this is our new Grace paper pack. I love the autumn coloring of these papers! I'm offering a this workshop on Sunday night, September 27, beginning at 5PM. You will receive the Grace paper pack, a full color instruction sheet to create the last layout in this article, the edge anchors that were used, and a medium-sized stamp set create especially for this
workshop. Oh, and it is the ONLY way you can get the stamp set! You will find a flyer for this workshop HERE. Please contact me for supply cost and to reserve your place as space is limited!



I can't wait to get my pictures on these!

Christmas Card Workshop - November 28; 10 AM

This workshop will be completed in only a couple of hours and you'll leave with 8 hand-made Christmas cards that are easy to re-create. Email me with your desire to participate in this workshop and follow up with pre-payment so I can order your supplies. The supply fee for this workshop is only $7. That's less than $1 per card!

Christmas Layouts

Isn't that sleigh cool!!!??? I think, but I'm not sure, that she cut it out of some of the B&T using a Sissix machine. She also used glitter glue on the "skis". I love the way Alissa used little circle punches of the kids' faces as extra accents!

She also added the clear sparkles to the title and the sleigh along with ribbon and stick ease. This is a basic layout, with B&T as the base and coordinating primary colors as mattes for the title and pictures.

The second layout is also quite simple, with cardstock (9 x 12) and 2 coordinating B&Ts (1 x 12 and 2 x 12) vertically next to the cardstock. Again, she used mattes, ribbon, and stick ease to complete the look.

Christmas Layouts

Even when paper is retired, the ideas can be used again and again - and I know there are still some of you with retired paper still a part of your collection. I know I still have some - including this Hollydays pack. (Yes, it is one of my favorites!)

Kym used a picture as a title for this cover page for her Christmas book. The layout is actually a calendar layout and she added some "days" under the picture to show how the trip fit into the month's activities.

In these layouts, she displayed her Christmas card choice as well as some other cute-cute portraits that weren't chosen.

Her left layout used the green pattern paper (B&T) as the base and has one 2 x 12 B&T running vertically about 3 inches from the left edge on it. The right layout was built on white cardstock. A 9 x 12 made up the right side and a 3 x 12 strip made up the left. A 1 x 12 strip of the paper on the right ran through the middle of the paper on the left as an accent. Added to the basic layout are ribbon and stick ease pieces along with Cricut letters. Kym used edge anchors as accents on the red mattes on the left page and connected the two pages by using matching paper for her matte on the right layout.

Layouts from Julie

Thanks so much to Julie Armstrong for these layouts using the Evensong paper pack and stick ease.

These layouts are so easy, but so well-organized. The same layouts can be used again with a different paper pack to create an entirely look.




The first left layout uses a 4 x 12 piece, an 8 x 8 cardstock and another 4 x 8 cardstock. Add some accent paper or stickease and a design paper matte to complete the image.

The first right layout holds a 6 x 12 cardstock and a 6 x 12 design sheet. Matching accents, along with coordinating mattes make this an easy, inviting layout set.

The second set has a few more pieces but is still terribly simple. For the right layout, use a 4 x 12 design piece, a 5 x 12 cardstock (the red) and two 1 x 12 strips of cardstock (top and bottom borders for the other cardstock). The bottom corners are created by cutting a 4 x 4 square directly down the middle horizontally (from the bottom left corner to the top right corner). The right layout is made with three sections of 4 x 12 paper - 2 different cardstock pieces and 1 b&t (design sheet). The set is connected and completed through the accents and stick ease that is added.

Blue Ribbon Layouts

This is the perfect layout to end this month of July! I should recognize the kids in these pictures, but I don't (Alas!) so give me a holler if these layouts are yours so I can give you credit!

These layouts use the Blue Ribbon paper pack and the easy instructions for them can be found in the Imagine book from CTMH. The artist used Dutch Blue cardstock as the base and 3 different B&T papers along with mattes from Holiday Red to give just enough accent to make the pictures pop. The American Pride is a sticker from Me and My Big Idea company and is accented with decorative brads.

From Cindy Hardy

Cindy Hardy shared her designs from a collection of pictures from a recent vacation. She used 2 full sheets of B&T from the Simple Pleasures pack as her base page here, and tore a Desert Sand card stock in half (with extra tearing) to make the "beach" part of the layout. The cardstock was also wrinkled slightly and distressed with Cocoa ink on the raised areas as well as the white torn edge.

In keeping with the look, she tore and distressed the journaling card and the matte for it. She added some stamped, distressed images and Cricut lettering for the title.