I'm baaaack!!!

Okay...I know...I've done it again...I disappeared from the blogging world. But, I promise I am back and I also promise that I am going to try better to post more regularly (again)! I have lots more to share, and I have lots more that I'm working on...stay tuned...

Today starts the beginning of a 5 part post. I am scheduled to attend a CTMH event next weekend in New Jersey. One of the benefits of attending this event was that each attendee received 5 free Studio J layouts. I am a huge fan of Studio J digital scrapping. If you haven't tried it yet, or if you want to learn more about Studio J, email me at jobarron@ptd.net for more information or for a demonstration.

We learned many different techniques during the process of creating these 5 layouts. Over the next few days, I am going to share each of these projects with you. I hope you enjoy these layouts as much as I enjoyed creating them.

This first layout was completed using the Dreamin' paper pack. The photo on the bottom of the right layout was split between six photo wells. (You can click on the image to get a closer look!) I've always wanted to try that, so I was excited to learn this technique with this layout. I think the overall effect is stunning! We also learned to add stitching to a page. I love the look of stitching on paper crafts, so this is a great feature to add to any layout. These photos are from my mom's minister's last day preaching at their church. I am planning to frame it and give it to him to add to a scrapbook I made for him when he left. Enjoy :o)

Dreamin' Card

Well...I think I have finally recovered from my whirlwind week in California. It took me a while to get over the jet lag, and I'm not sure that I'm completely recovered, but I am functioning again. Thanks to all of you who came along on the trip by following this blog. I've gotten so many nice comments from people who were following and I am so happy to hear that people were actually reading my posts :o)

I've gotten back to crafting this week and I have a card I can't wait to share with you! This card uses a lot of new product and I had so much fun making it for my mom to give to her pastor. This weekend will be his last service at their church, after 17 years as their minister. She wanted something special since there aren't many thank you cards for pastors. I'm sure he will be getting many duplicate cards, but I can guarantee this one will be one-of-a-kind!

I started with one of the new Kraft Die-Cut Cards (Z1474) from CTMH. I love the look and feel of these cards and know I will be stocking up on many more! Another new product I used on this card is the new Dreamin' paper pack (X7142B). I just love the new thicker paper, and the cool 'zip-strip' on the top of each page. I used this strip on the side flap and I think it just adds so much to the card. The stamped flowers and the interior sentiment are from the Treasure Life stamp set (#D1306). The "God Bless You" sentiment on the front is from the Card Chatter - Sympathy (D1476) set. I stamped the flowers using clear embossing powder on white daisy cardstock. Then I added color by sponging in honey ink over the flowers. I finished the image by sponging in chocolate around the edge of the flowers. The final touch was a series of Cream Opaques (Z1336) added to the scalloped edge. As always, feel free to click on each picture if you want to take a closer look. I absolutely love the look of this card and am so proud that I could give my mom something special for this wonderful man. Thanks for looking!

Card front

Card interior