Memorial Day Remembrance...

As we go into Memorial Day today, please pause to remember the families of people across our great country who have lost loved ones. So many great servicemen and servicewomen have fought to preserve our freedoms, allowing us the ability to work, live, worship and more, as we FREELY choose. Many fought then paid the ultimate price for these freedoms. Please remember them and their families today.

We are fortunate to have a craft that affords us the opportunity to not only deal with hard issues like sorrow and grief but also allows to create artwork to document, honor and remember. In this LO created by my dear friend, Ms Sara, honor and importance is given to remembering this young marine; one who did "give all".

In remembrance and gratitude, today, reflect on your freedoms bought for you by the service and sacrifice of so many.

Peachy Heart and grateful hugs, Debbie

Passages...

This artwork was created by artists at CTMH corporate office. The papers used are from our new level 2 paper kit, "Passages". These papers have a very warm and wonderful old world feel to them, in my opinion. They are reflected specifically on pages 20 through 23 in our current Idea Book. (If you don't have a current Idea Book, you can see one online at my website, debbietaylor.myctmh.com or you can contact me to obtain your own copy.) The Passages palette includes Barn Red, Brown Bag, Cocoa and Garden Green, fabulous for heritage, masculine, travel and outdoor photographs. I plan to use it on some photos I have not yet scrapped from the time we lived in Italy and went on a retreat with most of our church over a Thanksgiving weekend. I think these papers will complement those pictures nicely. Very simple and classic, perfect inspiration for those masculine card needs. Happy Card Making everyone! Peachy Heart hugs, Debbie

The Winner Is...

Well, I guess she must have got on my blog just after I posted, because I got a message from Geri about ten minutes after I posted my last message...I had not even logged out of the blog yet. So congratulations Geri! Geri selected "Connections", which is a very versatile stamp set and is great for Random Stamping. If you don't know what RS is, then ask me, it is a wonderful technique to have in your repertoire. Peachy Heart Hugs, Debbie

100th Post - Wahoo!!

The last post was number 100!! I did not realize it til after it posted...way cool! To honor this MOMENTOUS (hehe) occasion, be the first to email me that you read my 100th post, and you will win a D-stamp set, your choice. Good luck!

Peachy Heart Hugs, Debbie

Our New Summer Idea Book is Here Now!

Close to My Heart's newest Idea Book released on 1 May, yesterday, and it is chock full of wonderful artwork and products to inspire your Summer creativity!

There are four new My Reflections paper kits (Cherry-O, Splendor, Zippidee and Passages) and LOTS of new My Acrylix stamp sets, embellishments and alterable items to play with. Cherry-O is shown on the cover here -- screams SUMMER doesn't it!! On one May, visit my website and click on the "Products" link on the left side of the home page and you can browse the Idea Book online. Then select "Shop Online" to place your secure order and have your new goodies shipped directly to your home!

If you want your own hard copy, attend one of my RAFB classes, come to my May club meeting, my National Scrapbook Day Crop or contact me via email.

For more information on our product line, techniques or my calendar of events, email or call me.

And...tada, this is my 100th post...to celebrate, check out my next post.

Peachy Heart Hugs, Debbie

STUDIO J....It's Here!!

I've been so excited about Studio J since I first saw it last fall at Casey's Team Meeting. It's going to change the way people do digital scrapbooking. I know all of you want to know when you can actually start playing with the program. Well, no more waiting, it is now live, as of 27 Apr. All you'll need to do is go to my website http://debbietaylor.myctmh.com/ and you'll see a link on my myctmh website that will connect you to the Studio J program. **Or you can just click the link on the right side bar on my blog and it will take you right to the program. Once in it, you will be able to choose from some of our most beloved paper kits and even some Studio J exclusive papers, select from our designer layouts, add distressing and our exclusive embellishments, add our stickease stickers and much more. Once you have played with it a while, you will be addicted - so don't go blaming now...I am here to help you! Play with it to your heart's content -- it is all free! You can upload your pictures and create your layouts free of charge. Our software is not something we charge for like some other companies. When you have your LO exactly like you want it, you can purchase your layouts for an introductory price of only $12.95 for a two-page LO. Next best offer: Order five to nine LOs and get five free memory protectors Best option: Order 10 LOs and get 10 page protectors FREE and FREE SHIPPING. I am always watching for deals, especially FREE shipping, so I am sure you will be excited about this "best option" deal too. You can also use Studio J to create and tweak your LO til you have it perfect; then using your digital sample, create it traditionally and delete your test sample; all for FREE! I Have some samples, so ask me and I will show you them. I know that you'll be amazed at the quality of the printed layouts, the easy usability of Studio J and the creative aspects only Close To My Heart's Studio J can provide. Curious? Just click the link here on my blog, to the right, and try it out for yourself. Send me your comments. I think you will love it as much as I do!! Peachy Heart Hugs, Debbie

Studio J Launches Tomorrow!

Studio J is a free online scrapbooking software brought to you by Close To My Heart. Studio J helps you create two-page layouts using Jeanette's foundational scrapbook patterns and exclusive, versatile colors and themed papers. Your 12 x 12 custom creations are delivered to your door.

I will be sharing more information about Studio J over the coming weeks. But to start today with some initial information, you access the software via my website, debbietaylor.myctmh.com.

You will create an account at my website to use to access and save your information using the software. The software is easy to use and should not take long for you to have a good understanding of it. Once you know the navigation and tools, you will be able to make a double page layouts in 30 minutes or less.

You can order the completed LO as is or you can play with the layout and embellishments til you get your LO just right, and then go make the LO traditionally. "Practice" online first, til you get it right. Save supplies, time and no clean up! If I have picqued your curiosity, then give it a try tomorrow. Then let me know your thoughts about it.

Happy scapping!! Peachy Heart Hugs, Debbie