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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Upgrades to Sudio J Memberships!

Hello Everyone!

I wanted to share the article below with you. Like the author of the article, I am not an online scrapbooker, however, I have fallen in love with Studio J-Close To My Heart's new online scrapbooking program. This program is fabulous and perfect for scrapbookers, card makers and paper crafters. I encourage you to visit my website (amy.myctmh.com) and click on "Studio J") an play with the program for FREE. If you liek it than you can purchase the membership. All memberships purchased before TOMORROW, SEPT. 30th at 5:00 p.m. will receive a FREE 12 x 12 Faux Leather Album of their choice FREE!

Check this out...

http://www.craftcritique.com/2010/09/scrapbooking-with-studio-j-by-close-to.html


or see article below:

September 14, 2010

Scrapbooking with Studio J by Close To My Heart

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Reported by Kristine Fowler

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While I'm a traditional paper scrapper at heart, I have done some digi-work in the past - and I'm always open to try new things. Most recently, I've been playing with the new online scrapbooking studio by Close To My Heart called Studio J.

With Studio J, you can create two-page 12"x12" scrapbook layouts that can be printed and added to your scrapbook album. You create your layouts using the online tools, and when you purchase your layouts, they are printed by Close To My Heart, and shipped back to you in 5-7 business days (shipping times will vary by delivery address). Alternatively, if you are a Studio J Member, instead of printing by CTMH, you can choose to purchase only the digital images (high resolution JPG files) for printing elsewhere at your discretion.

The Studio J interface is completely web-based, and there is no software to buy or install. This means that anywhere you have an internet connection with the Adobe flash-player plug-in installed, you can access Studio J and work on your layouts - even from a public access computer! The software is extremely intuitive and easy to use (even if you've never scrapbooked digitally before); there is also a built-in online help area to assist you if you get stuck and a dedicated Studio J support email address if you need help beyond that.

The digital papers and embellishments pre-loaded to Studio J are all part of current or retired Close To My Heart My Reflections scrapbooking kits, as well as new CTMH kits that are exclusive to Studio J. For the current and retired kits, all of the same patterned papers and My Stickease stickers that are/were available in the classic paper versions of the kits are available within the corresponding kit in Studio J. One big bonus though, is that with the Studio papers, you have the option of changing the colour of the paper to any colour in the CTMH 60-colour palette. Now that's flexibility! These means that you customize your papers to match your photos - something that can't be done with paper.

New papers are added to Studio J with each Idea Book release - and unlike other forms of digital or online scrapbooking there is no additional charge to access the new content.

Probably one of the coolest features of Studio J is the way that you can add distressing to your pages. I personally love the look of distressed art and almost always incorporate it in some form when I am classic scrapbooking. In Studio J, it only takes a click or two and you can sand & stipple and even apply digital 'ink' direct to your patterned paper and cardstock. You cannot, however, distress your photos, which would be a cool enhancement if they decide to add it later. With Studio J you can also add digital embellishments that mimic classic metal brads, hinges & photo turns, and/or add digital buttons and ribbon & all of these embellishments can be custom-coloured to any colour in the CTMH 60-colour palette.

There is even built-in photo editor that allows you to adjust a photo's brightness and contrast, saturation, sharpness, etc. You can apply filters to change your photo from colour to black & white or sepia, and there are even tools within Studio J to brighten teeth, erase wrinkles, soften blemishes, remove red eye, and more. While you won't find ALL of the photo-editing flexibility that you'd find in a full-service specialty program like Adobe Photoshop Elements, you can certainly do more than just the basic photo editing within Studio J.

What About Print Quality?
According to Close To My Heart, Studio J layouts are processed (not printed) "using a silver-halide process considered the highest standard in the photo developing industry. Unlike printed papers or images you might find from a home printer, the silver-halide process yields a "100-year+ quality" that has long been tested and used by the top photo labs in the world." I personally have ordered several Studio J printed layouts over the last few months and I can attest that the quality is truly superb. The paper they are printed on is, in my mind, comparable to a high-quality photograph - it is not a light-weight paper or cardstock. It has a light gloss appearance; unfortunately at this time a matte finish option is not available.

What About Price?
Studio J is absolutely free to use as there is no charge until you decide to purchase your layouts. When reviewing the pricing structure it is important to remember that a Studio J layout is two 12"x12" scrapbook pages. When you print 12"x12" elsewhere, pricing is usually stated on a per page basis.

There are two ways to purchase: Member & Non-Member pricing. {Follow this link to get all of the Studio J Pricing/Shipping details directly from Close To My Heart}

With Studio J Membership:
  • Layout printing: $6.50 US / $7.50 CAN for a 2-page layout (includes free JPEG files for archiving & sharing) that equates to $3.25 US / $3.75 CAN per page.
  • JPG Files purchased separately: $3.00 US / $3.50 CAN for a 2-page layout
  • Free shipping on one minimum order per month (minimum is 4 layouts in US and 7 for Canada)
  • Free Memory Protectors so your layouts are album ready.
  • Maximum of 10 layouts per month can be purchased at the reduced rates. Price per layouts ordered over 10 is $11.00 US / $13.00 CAN {this restriction removed effective September 24, 2010}
  • Cost of Membership:
    • $99.00 US / $115.00 CAN for 12 months.
    • $30.00 US / $35.00 CAN for 3 months
Without Studio J Membership:
  • Layout printing: $13.00 US / $15.00 CAN for a 2-page layout
  • Shipping per box of up to 20 layouts: $5.95 US / $13.95 CAN
  • JPG files are not available to non-members
  • Free shipping is not available to non-members
  • Free Memory Protectors not available to non-members
When you consider that members get access to additional layout patterns and kits, free shipping, and free Memory Protectors, the membership program is well worth the up front investment. For example, if you were to maximize the membership and order 10 layouts per month for 12 months (120 layouts per year), savings from membership are unbelievable! Under this maximized scenario, by my calculation (in Canadian dollars) non-members would pay more than $1900 for layouts, shipping and memory protectors whereas Members would pay only $900 for the same product + the cost of membership. Members would also receive additional benefits like free JPG files for sharing and archiving, as well as access to members only online content. When you're looking at that kind of savings, the membership fee of $115 is more than worth it. All tolled with an annual membership, creating 120 layouts per year, your cost per layout would be approximately $8.45 or just about $4.25 per 12x12 page. That seems pretty reasonable to me.
{all of the above figures exclude taxes and shipping on the Memory Protector portion of the order for Non-Members}

So How Does Studio J Work?

Step 1: Upload photos. This follows the same procedure we are used to seeing in other applications: Navigate to the directory on your computer where your photos are stored, select the photos you wish to upload and press Open.

Step 2: Choose the desired themed kit. There are currently 61 kit options available with more to be added with each Idea Book release. There has been no word to my knowledge of kits being 'removed' or retiring from Studio J in the future. Here's a sampling of what you'll find. You can also 'filter' the available kits by theme; for instance only displaying kits that are themed 'Celebration' or 'Family' etc..

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIzIWhGSDj24zCXGoU9GIpDuTNuSj9h6Q9BLslzgj656C-TI5FHWrGP2HJeBEulPLM1NJ_wIwebrst5mO5C1YXABGfkEa8kvfzB3KsLWxG-mH3P4onGa_1BQ-gWpdfb1vUQPqjxHppbY/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+9112010+103506+AM.bmp.jpg

Step 3: Select a layout pattern. There are currently 57 layout patterns available to members, and 32 available to non-members. For every layout pattern, the pages can be swapped left to right, and/or rotated individually for an endless number of possible combinations. At present there is no functionality to 'transpose' pages (that is flip individual pages horizontally). Here is a sampling of the available layouts. Note in the top right of the screen you can filter the available layouts by number of photo wells - displaying only that layouts that would be suitable for scrapbooking the specific photos you have in mind.


https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgS81ZK1iKsq4GRoLIXqPvgzIyIHrher75HJPpPO8npsjpLBi96I7DxQarNaSXPZEKwCXPNeF63_GGxp4Yk3AHcF1QGG5YbI0E4RZOxvFztz_ZZyo3mPpKECzr6LmVeAAidFRAsHQ1aY/s1600/ScreenCapture-StudioJ-LayoutPatterns.jpg

Once you have selected a kit and a layout pattern, you are then prompted to choose a suggested 'kit mix'. These kit mixes represent suggested placement of the various cardstock and patterned paper combinations available in the kit. While you must select a kit mix to start with -- you can always change things in the next stage if you are not satisfied. Here is an example of a kit mix selection screen and the resulting blank layout. For the purpose of this demonstration, I chose the exclusive to Studio J "Class Act" Kit, and the "Photo Booth" (members only) layout pattern. I chose Kit Mix #6.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLt41EFAaLel892qa_KQ3zDYLmrHqZViCLQk0YomWEowgW209Bbes_bdWGssMGBT3b1-bOr3yjW405fyKiUZJoROn1PBAxZGUOvfh-V74Rff_M7kiudSRHjSvzc49bXaHVjB4aTvDN8U/s1600/ScreenCapture-StudioJ-KitMix.jpg

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Step 4: Add your photos, embellishments, title, and journaling to your page. The interface is easy to use as it is essentially drag and drop. You can see in the above image, that there are 7 photo wells on this layout, a spot to add a title, and a journaling block. You might also notice that some basic embellishments are already placed, but are 'greyed out'. In this layout there are ribbon tabs and buttons in the top right above the photos, more buttons in the center area around the title and an additional piece of ribbon (which is hard to see) in the bottom left corner. You can choose to 'colour' these embellishments as placed (using any of the CTMH 60 colours), or you may choose to delete them altogether and either print your layout without them, or change them to something different altogether or modify their placement.

Here are a some closeups of the working toolsets you will use to create your layouts.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOb19zD8fFH_fsKV6kxU9VIZuDLr_hEj6ELO97UoWKqJ9HxjrjFtQlMMWfqjzRNowOHUsRkA-m6Ggq1mW9NZAaggxL2FAYPS_2zxam-prs0qsj4oZ19VdqZ1pYAE9o4RGtE7qz7V60gds/s1600/ScreenCapture-StudioJ-EmbellishmentPalette.jpghttps://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhB6VsTYqwg833kcZMzo1iPL-ww3iaklI91fVGTCragHjJAgs8RfbzSZKsZzWydABPp2aaddA2Osyq8XymUNThv8jtcoHCwjso5wHduX4tIBok8NatWLYCCOmCIgiBtfiF0GCmNK59k4/s1600/ScreenCapture-StudioJ-MyStickeasePallette.jpghttps://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMM5izRiaDtBmQSg4gjbUwbah2zc7MJzhEAwSXXhyphenhyphenS7FSoq_DVD147NZdV5kTG9btcuretvE3BszRRnape89fOtMLtP6qcYreJkFoqu6eD9iLJw3qA05SvGewXoAsFGg32W8-2mBuT58s/s1600/ScreenCapture-StudioJ-DistressingPalette.jpg

Here is the layout I completed while pulling this demonstration together (click the image for a larger view).

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr78Y7iWPHLsdWgz-xUw1rhbihAW4BXoxlcSooUYJE5-a_zVFMyHJjqw9Vj_YMyBE2MMQ62VD9O_To4gKDKf0rjEDQ_AKXE6JhTW_MI5TwPJ-2NTY_22vG-ynRIEWRCIm6BDONPY7FlqE/s1600/ScreenCapture-StudioJ-FinishedLayout.jpg
{Please note: This image is shared via screenshot, and the quality is thus not suitable for printing. It is not indicative of the image resolution of purchased JPG files.}

A few things I'd like to point out.
  • The kit I opted to use is actually themed for Back to School, but here is proof that it can work equally well for non school-related photos.
  • I changed the background cardstock from white to black and then 'sanded' it.
  • In the suggested kit mix, the paper border above the photos and in the circle was yellow, and I changed it to green.
  • I 'Grunged Up' the green paper further by adding edge distressing and stippling in Black 'ink'. converted the 'Add Title' journaling box to a photo well.
  • I removed the 'Add Journaling' circle to make room for my title, which I placed on the layout in a position other than what was suggested.
  • I added a transparent journaling box in the top right of the layout that was not in the original sketch.
  • I added an additional border below the photos by using the ruler border sticker that is included in the Studio kit.
  • The word Journey in my title was created using the Studio J Quick Title tool which uses the kit letter stickers and automatically aligns and evenly spaces the letters (this is so easy and convenient!)
  • I removed the ribbon tabs from the top right of the layout, but left the ribbon scrap in the bottom left and added a couple of Star stickers from the available kit stickers.

Step 5: Purchase custom-printed layouts ready for a cherished album and/or order digital images for printing elsewhere (Members only).

So what's the bottom line?

Is Studio J worth trying? Yes. There is a ton of functionality built into this online interface that will have you creating layouts unthinkably fast. The layout possibilities are countless and even if you use the same layout pattern or kit again and again you can make each layout unique. With membership, print pricing is competitive. Locally, I can print 12x12 pages at Costco for $2.99 per page. Studio J Members pay $3.75 per printed page ($7.50 for a 2-page layout). The way I see it, for the extra $0.76 over Costco, Studio J gives me great value considering that I did not have to invest in software or digital elements, and I am receiving free Memory Protectors with my order. The quality of the Studio J print is stellar, and I have been more than satisfied to date. I have not yet had opportunity to purchase the JPGs so cannot comment as to their resolution etc., but CTMH advertises that they are high resolution suitable for printing. Unfortunately, without membership, the cost to print and ship layouts may be prohibitive.

Are you ready to try it out for yourself? Visit Studio J now and try it for free. There is no charge until you decide to make a purchase.

Is there room for improvement? Yes, but a product as young as this one with likely improve greatly over time, as user feedback is received. In fact, we've already seen tremendous improvement since the initial product launch in April 2010. Here are some things that I would like to see improved or changed hopefully in the very near future.
  • Add the ability to Fully Justify text in a journaling box. In many cases I prefer that look. Currently only right-, left- and centered-alignment are available options.
  • Add the ability to add a photo well. Currently photos can only be positioned in existing photo wells, or by converting journaling slots to photo wells.
  • Add functionality for creating pages from scratch if desired.
  • Allow the user to 'zoom' a layout using the mouse wheel. Currently there is a zoom slider in the top left of the screen, but mouse wheel zooming would be much more convenient.
  • Allow the user to add/define drop shadows to give the printed layouts further depth. I think that some of the current printed embellishments (e.g. buttons) look a little 'flat'.
In summary,

Pros:
  • With Membership, the cost of printing Studio J layouts is basically comparable to getting scrapbook layouts printed elsewhere especially since you get bonuses like free Memory Protectors, and you consider that there is no upfront software investment.
  • The interface is extremely easy to use, even for an individual with limited computer experience.
  • The 'Studio' is is portable. As long as you have internet access (even from a public access computer), you can create/edit your scrapbook layouts.
  • You can customize the digital papers to coordinate with your photos by changing the colour of a selected pattern with just the click of a button.
  • No need to purchase templates, scrapbooking papers or embellishments separately. There are 61 'kits' available to members as of today, and more will be added with each CTMH Idea Book release.
  • You can order prints of your layouts without any 'digital' embellishments and add 'classic' embellishments later for hybrid pages. If you use CTMH classic accessories and embellishments, the colours will coordinate perfectly since they are from the same colour palette.
Cons:
  • You cannot change the size of photo wells (although you can convert a photo to text)
  • Single page layouts are not available - all templates and order pricing are based on 2-pagers.
  • You can design/print scrapbook layouts only - no cards.
  • Currently 12"x12" is the only available print size.
  • No matte finish processing option for printed pages.
  • No option to print a bound photo book.
  • You cannot mix papers/stickers from more than one kit on the same layout.
  • Without membership, you cannot purchase JPG files of your layout, and the price of printing layouts (without membership) is less than competitive.
Here are few more sample layouts that I have created with Studio J.

http://scrampingaddict.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a9761991970b013487154bbb970c-pi

http://scrampingaddict.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a9761991970b01310ff3757b970c-pi
http://scrampingaddict.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a9761991970b01310ff37574970c-pi

Have you tried Studio J? What are your thoughts? Do you agree with my opinions? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

1 Comments:

http://www.blogger.com/profile/13450316258606305512
Kristine said...

This just in.....Great News for Studio J Members. To help make Studio J® as user-friendly as possible, Close To My Heart is removing restrictions on the number of layouts members can purchase at 50% off each month. Beginning at 9:00 am (MDT), Friday, September 24, members are no longer limited to 10 layouts at this price, but will receive the 50% discount on every layout ordered. Members will still receive one free shipment per month for up to 20 layouts when their orders reach the existing minimums. If you have already purchased more than 10 layouts for the month and paid a higher price for the additional layouts, you (including customers) will be credited the difference automatically on the credit card used for the transaction.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Home Decor Project




I love the new Mix & Mingle Album in the Autumn/Winter Idea Book. This little go-anywhere album (#z1334) includes 2 clear and 5 white chipboard pages in 4 die-cut shapes for eye-popping variety. Jump rings are included with the album. The possiblities of this little album are endless! Here you will see I have created a fall sign and when you turn the album over it reveals a holiday themed sign.
I am also sharing a little box I created using 2 of the clear pages. I created the flower out of ribbon. Be sure to visit my website and click on CTMH T.V and watch the episode on Ribbon Rosettes and learn how EASY it is to create flowers from ribbon!
So, not only can you create a
mini album with the Mix & Mingle Album...you can also create many other things, as well!
I want to thank both Chris Green and Annette Green for sharing their ideas using the Mix & Mingle Album. They were the two who inspired me to create these fun paper projects.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Triple Play-CARDS!



There is just one week left to take advantage of the CLose To My Heart Triple Play Kit. You can purchase this kit for full retail price ($29.95 plus shipping and tax) or you can earn it at a discount...order $40 in stamp sets and pay only $5.00 for the kit OR order $25 on stamp sets and pay only $15 for the kit. Or you can collect $300 in sales and earn if FREE! Once September is over, the kit will be gone.

The kit includes all the materials needed to create 3 4 x 4 mini albums and this exclusive stamp set, too!

You will also receive in the kit:
4- exclusive Mini Stamp Pads (Hollyhock, Indian Corn Blue, Sunset and Desert Sand)
9-4 x 12 panels (3 of each color scheme)
3-6 x 12 Die-Cut Sheets
1-72" length Colonial White Grosgrain ribbon
3-Hook and Loop Fasteners
1- Instruction Brochure.
*YOu wil need to purchase blocks for your stamp images if you do not already own some*

I had so much fun putting my little albums together that I then took a 2nd kit and made mini cards from it!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Holiday "CLEAR!"

Here are two more cards I will be offering as a Create & Take at my booth this weekend up in Anderson, SC at the Heirloom Paper Arts Festival (stop by and see me is you are planning to attend!). This first card was created using the Close To My Heart 4 1/2' Assortment of clear cards. The package comes wiht 4 of the scallop cirlce cards like you see here and then 4 41/2 x 4 1/2 square cards that have rounded corners. You also get 8 clear envelopes in the package. The item number is #Z1309 $8.95. these cards are so much fun to create with. They are unique and have a style all their own! I also used the new Mistletoe Creative Basic Collection (#X5811) and stamp set St. Nick (#B1356). The Creative Basic Collection is PERFECT when creating a large quanity of cards. The collection comes with 12- 12 x 12 B&T Duos (pattern papers) (6 of each design), as well as, 4 yards of gold satin ribbon...all for $7.95! I love the St. Nick Stamp set...especially the santa imgage. It only requires a touch of color and is so elegant and "vinatge-y!"

The second card was made using the NEW! 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 clear card assortment (#Z1323). In this package you will receive 4 rectangle cards with rounded corners and 4 with with a bracket edge. You will also receive 8 clear envelopes. I used the NEW Mistletoe My Reflections level 2 paper pack (#X7130B) for this card and the "A Timber" (#A1110) Stamp Set. This set looks great in any color. Ink the tree in green, blue or pink and it looks super!

Friday, September 17, 2010

A Few Cards


T.G.I.F!!!!!
Boy...it has been a busy couple of weeks. I do apologize for not posting as much these last several weeks. Life has been hectic...and I seem to be spending more of my free time on Studio J these days. Have you checked it out and played with this INCREDIBLE online scrapbooking tool exclusive to Close To My Heart? If not...carve out some time this weekend to play. You will be so happy you did!

I am preparing for the Heirloom Paper Festival which is being held in Anderson, SC next week. I have a booth there so please stop by and see me if you are planning to attend the show. I am also teaching a card class on Friday morning. Visit the Heirloom Website to learn about the details and register today!

Here are a few of the cards I am offering as "make & take" projects at my booth. The fall themed cards feature the new Olivia Paper Pack and the top card uses the stamp set called "The Present: (item #D1436). The second fall theme card uses a set called "Timeless." This set is only available with the Olivia Workshop on the Go Kit (#G1013). I love the workshop on the Go kits. These are the kits we use in scrapbook and card club. You receive an exclusive stamp set, a level 2 paper pack and some type of embellishment. The Olivia Workshop on the Go kit comes with the NEW! Shimmer Brads. All Workshop on the Go kits are just $35 (this includes shipping and tax). The current Workshop on the Go kits can be found on page 24-25 of the New Autumn/Winter Idea Book.
This weekend I will post the two holiday cards I am also offering in my booth! Be sure to stop by and check them out!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

I'm in LOVE..with Studio J!!!!


I am in LOVE!!!!! I am having so, so , so much fun with Studio J!!!
I knew this program would be outstanding but I never dreamed I would love it as much as I do. I love to cut and stamp and create "classic" layouts but Studio J is going to add SO MUCH to my scrapbooks. I LOVE how I can intermix classic layouts with Studio layouts. So Very Cool! Here are some photos of the layouts I created last night. The school themed layouts are created with a NEW kit that is available to Studio J MEMBER's ONLY. Isn't it darling?!!!! And please keep in mind that I am still a novice when it comes to Studio J. There is so much you can do to create over the top layouts in a fraction of the time. The more I play the more I learn. It truly is addicting! My kids are just as
excited as I am about Studio J and are learning right alongside with me!

I am so in LOVE and so EXCITED about this program
and I really want ALL of YOU to visit my website and play (it is FREE to play) and get to know how it works. Then if you fall in LOVE like I have, treat yourself to a membership. Below is more info on Studio J and the benefits of becoming a Studio J Member.
Because I LOVE this program so much and want the world to know about it and be in LOVE, too, I am offering a SPECIAL INCENTIVE. I will give each individual who purchases a 12-Month Studio J Membership a FREE 12 x 12 NEW FAUX LEATHER ALBUM (that is a $25.00 Value!)! This incentive is available SEPTEMBER 14th (TODAY!)-SEPTEMBER 20th ONLY. Hope on over to my website (amy.myctmh.com) and get to know Studio J. Then contact me via email or phone to purchase your 12-Month Membership (if you do this on/before Sept. 20th you can choose a 12 x 12 faux leather album of your choice as my gift to you!).


Here is some more info on Studio J:

real life. real scrapbooks. real time.

Studio J enables you to quickly scrapbook your life as it happens. Simply download your photos, create your pages, place your order, and then slip your custom printed layouts

into your albums for sharing with family and friends. Studio J is the best of both worlds, fast online design and a tangible memory book to pass around. It coordinates with Close To My Heart’s long standing scrapbook philosophy and approach.

Patterns, Paper, and Palette

Studio J helps you easily create 2 page layouts using our foundational scrapbook patterns, exclusive color palette and theme designs all delivered in 12x12 custom prints ready for your albums. Studio J keeps the core traditions of Close To My Heart intact, but acts as yet another tool to make your scrapbooking Faster. Simpler. Easier.

The foundation of Studio J lies in the 3 P’s : Patterns, Paper, and Palette

Our patterns are des

igned by CTMH founder and CEO Jeanette Lynton. They show you where to place photos, paper, title, and journaling to achieve optimum results. You can rotate and swap the patterns to create thousands of unique layouts.

Our Background & Texture paper (also known as B&T paper) is beautiful and in Studio J you have plenty of options to choose from. Not only that, each pa

per kit includes coordinating MyStickease artwork just like in the classic version of the products.

Studio J Color palettes are drawn from our line of 60 exclusive colors. Complimentary cardstock, inks and accents coordinate with the colors in each kit. Because everything in Studio J works with our classic products, you can use your classic supplies to enhance a studio printed layout, creating what we call embellished layouts.

Flexibility, one step at a time

CTMH’s Faster.Simpler.Easier philosophy helps you build your scrapbooking skills one step at a time. In Studio J you can start with our professionally designed layouts and preplaced embellishments and then, as your comfort level grows, experiment with your own variati

ons. The preplaced toggle accents offer ease of use and balanced composition, but you can add and delete accents as much as you like.

The 6 paper combinations, or kit mixes, suggested for each kit are harmonious. But you can choose to swap different paper in and out to achieve a unique look that perfectly coordinates with your photos and journaling. Because of this, Studio J offers individuality with your personal scrapbooking that is second to none! No competitor offers the flexibility, variety or customization coupled with the ease of Studio J. With lots of patterns and even more kits to choose from, plus 32 rotate and swap options with each pattern and 6 kits mixes for each kit, you have literally hundreds of thousands of options even before adding the MyStickease images or accents.

We regularly add new patterns and kit

s to keep your personalization options fresh and practically endless. You’ll never see your layout in someone else’s scrapbook. Being creative and original has never been so easy!

Project Storage on SJ

Studio J is an online design tool rather than a photo storage site. For this reason, older projects will be deleted from Studio J if not purchased unless you have a Studio J membership. For Studio J users who are not yet members, active, unpurchased projects are stored for 90 days from the day of creation or from the customer’s last Studio J purchase date – whichever is latest. When a customer purchases a project , that project is stored on Studio J for 1 year from the date of purchase and all other active unpurchased projects are renewed for another 90 days.

All of that changes with a Studio J Membership. Studio J members’ active unpurchased projects will be maintained indefinitely as long as their membership is current. Purchased layouts will be stored for 1 yr. In addition, members receive FREE JPG files of each custom printed layout they purchase and can purchase Hi Resolution JPG files when not purchasing custom prints. That means members have

digital versions of their custom projects they can store indefinitely, even after the 1 year time period has expired on Studio J.

Studio J Memberships

The best way to scrapbook the Studio J way is with a membership. Members save more and get more! Membership opens the door to our best price of 50% off retail. To see just how competitive this pricing is, divide the two-page layout cost by 2 to get a per page cost of

just $3.25. When you compare that with 12x12 print prices from other retailers, you’ll be hard pressed to find one that can offer the same price and the same quality.

  • You’ll also receive free memory protectors for up to 10 two-page layouts per month.
  • Along with that, we offer one free shipment each month to continental US customers who order 4 – 10 layouts per month.
  • Members also get access to exclusive kits and patterns, as well as member’s only promotions, expanding your design options even more!



JPG Files

Remember the JPG files mentioned earlier? One of the best reasons to become a member is to access the Studio J layouts on your computer. These files are available for purchase as a standalone project or FREE with the purchase of a custom printed layout. Getting JPG files means you can download high resolution images – one of the left page and one of the right page, as well as a smaller thumbnail image of your entire layout to share online. Only members can purchase or receive FREE JPG files. So this really is a great rea

son to purchase a membership.

What can you do with JPG files? What about grandma on the other side of the country, or your group of friends who read your family blog? The smaller jpg files make it easier to share custom layouts through email, blogging, Facebook, you name it! Having the Hi Resolution files also makes it super easy to print multiple copies of your layouts. Did you just get back from a family reunion? Print a page for every family’s personal album. Are you trying to keep track of an individual album for your children? Use the JPG files to print a layout for each child’s album. And as suggested before, the Hi Resolution files are also perfect for archiving whether on your computer or through an online backup service.

Membership Renewals

One of the nice things about

buying a Studio J membership is that it is automatically renewed so you continue to receive membership benefits without interruption. A 12 month membership is renewed for another year at the end of 12 months. At the end of a 3 month membership, your card will be billed on a month to month basis. If you want to review or change your renewal options, you can click on my account and choose the membership tab.

5-packs

These are the answer to those who want to try out Studio J before you make it a regular habit and they also make a perfect gift! With one 5-pack you get 5 two-page layouts along with 5 memory protectors, and free shipping and handling. They make an ideal gift for that person you know will develop a SJ habit. And 5-packs have NO expiration date! And they are good for a single order only, so if you order fewer than 5 layouts you will forfeit the additional layouts.

Full Retail

Of course you can still order Studio J layouts at full retail price. Think of it as an a la carte option, so you can order as many or as few layout

s as you desire. Full retail means that you will pay full price for the layouts and for shipping. So a membership is really the best option if you want to continue the Studio J habit.

Something for Everyone

With Studio J, there is something for everyone! Whether you want to just try it out or you are already a life-long fan, Studio J has what you are

looking for!

Studio J Vocabulary

Classic Scrapbooking – what we call using paper and stamps to create layouts – not traditional. Think of Audrey Hepburn in her black dress, upswept hair and necklace of pearls. There is nothing traditional about that image; it is a classic that we want to revisit again and again.

Online or Studio Scrapbooking – creating Studio J layouts, online in an easy to use design studio. There is no software to purchase and install. The program resides online and available to everyone. We say online so we don’t confuse it with digital scrapbooking which usually requires the purchase of software and whose output is usually digital files rather than custom printed 12x12 layouts you can put in a classic scrapbook.

Embellished Studio Layout – when adding classic embellishments to a Studio J custom printed layout, rather than hybrid scrapbooking, making it unique and conveying the layout as a beautiful page made even more beautiful

Studio J Habit – the practice of creating and buying 4-10 layouts per month in order to take full advantage of Studio J pricing and free shipping

Why don’t we use the words traditional and digital like everyone else? Because Studio J is not like anything else on the market! We are different and proud to be so!

Introducing scrapbooking the Studio J® way! Studio J helps you turn digital photos into two-page layouts quickly and easily, saving you time and money.

If you haven't tried Studio J yet, you are in for a treat! It is one of the fastest and easiest ways to catch up on your scrapbooking, not to mention it is super fun!

Starting
September 8th, you will be able to purchase a Studio J Membership that will save you money, and get you a few extra freebies. You can purchase a 1-year or 3-month membership, or even a 5-pack to give as a gift or so you can try it out before committing to a longer term membership.

"What does a membership get me," you ask? You get all of your layouts at half price, free shipping once a month, free jpeg files of your layouts, exclusive members only kits, and special promotions and freebies to be announced. Where else can you get a digital layout for only $3.24 per page without having to pay for software, upgrades, kits, etc. It's all included!

Try it before you buy it. Create an account by visiting my website and click on the Studio J link on the left side, then choose create account. Upload your photos. Choose your layout and kit. Then play around until you get the layout to look the way you want. ALL FOR FREE! Then you can decide if you want to purchase the layout(s). The regular price for a 2-page spread is $12.95. The Membership price for a 2-page spread is only $6.48! PLUS, I'm offering a FREE faux leather 12x12 album in the color of your choice when you purchase a 1-year membership!

Take a quick look at the chart to see a comparison of the options and the savings you can enjoy with each upgrade!




Contact me if you are interested in seeing a Studio J presentation. I'd like to start a Studio J club where you can bring your laptops to my house once a month to learn new techniques in Studio J! Contact me if you are interested!








Friday, September 10, 2010


“STUDIO J” MEMBERSHIPS are HERE!

I am excited to introduce you scrapbooking the “Studio J” way! Studio J helps you turn digital photos into two-page layouts quickly and easily, saving you time and money.

If you have not tried Studio J yet, you are in for a real treat! It is one of the fastest and easiest ways to catch up on your scrapbooking, not to mention it is super fun!

Starting September 8th, you will be able to purchase a Studio J Membership that will save you money and get you a few extra freebies. You can purchase a 1-year or 3-month Membership, or even a 5-pack to give as a gift or so you can try it out before committing to a longer term membership.

“What does a membership get me,” you ask? You get all your layouts at half price, free shipping once a month, free jpeg files of your layouts, exclusive membership only kits, and special promotions and freebies to be announced. Where else can you get a digital layout for only $3.24 per page (12 x 12 size) without having to pay for software, upgrades, kits, etc. It is ALL included!

Try it before you buy it. Create an account by going to my website (amy.myctmh.com). Click on the “Studio J” tab on the left side of the home page. Upload your photos. Choose your layout and kit. Then play around until you get the layout to look the way you want. ALL FOR FREE!!!!! Then you can decide if you want to purchase the layout(s). The regular price for a 2-page 12 x 12 layout is $12.95. The membership price for a 2-page 12 x 12 layout is $6.48!

I have always been a classic scrapbooker. I love to cut paper and create with the actual products so I have to admit and say I was not all that excited about the online scrapbooking program. But Boy Oh Boy!!!!! Once I started playing with Studio J I have fallen in love with scrapbooking all over again! I will always continue scrapbooking the classic way but it has been so nice (not to mention FUN) scrapbooking while sitting on the couch watching a movie with my family, traveling in the car on a road trip and while waiting for my children’s dance and art lesson to finish up! There is nothing to clean up AND starting September 8th I can make multiple copies of my layouts because I purchased the 12-mppnth memberhsip. Sharingmy layouts with fmaily and firends is abut to get so easy and affordable! And the layouts come back looking like the REAL classic scrapbooking layout! I am truly amazed by it’s simplicity (I am technology challenged- if I can do this EVERYONE can do it!)!

Here are some of the benefits of having a STUDIO J Membership:

*50% off retail rice on custom-orinted layouts-that's just $6.50 for 2 pages ($3.25 per page-and it includes your photos-no photo printing cost!)
*FREE shipping and handling on your monthly order!
*FREE page protectors for your layouts!
*FREE .jpeg t use to mail to others,post on Facebook AND/OR print locally!
*EXCLUSIVE KITS AND PATTERNS available to Studio J Members ONLY!
*EXCLUSIVE CAMPAIGNS AND DEALS throughout your membership!

There are three options to buying a membership:

*$99 Annual Memebership-12 months of continuous usage (up to 10 layouts per month at the $6.50 price)- BEST DEAL!

*$30 3-Month Trail provides you with all the same, but just for 3 months

*$55 Studio J Gift Certificates can be purchased by you as a GIFT for others! This allows your gift recipient to make five 2-page layouts for free and you pay only $11 per layout as your gift to them.

...and to make it even BETTER...you can get it for 50% off by hosting a gathering or becoming a Close to My Heart Consultant. If you host a CTMH Gathering locally or online and your order total is $250 or more, you will get $40 in hostess rewards AND you will qualify to choose Hostess Reward Plus Collection Four- a 12 month Studio J Membership AND a Faux Leather Album-a $123.95 value for only $61.98!

OR...

*for only $129 (that's only $30 more than the cost of a membership) you can choose to become a CTMH consultant and add the "choose me 2" option to your New Consultant Kit along with 2 other bundles of products. AND as a Consultant, you will get an additional 22% off all your future purchases, bringing your per layout price down to just $5.00!!!!

I hope you will give it a try today!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I am always here to help!

I am so excited to invite all those who are local to a very special gathering at my home on Wednesday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m. I will demonstrate how to use Studio J on our large t.v. screen. If you own a laptop please feel free to bring it along with you so you can play along wit me. If you don’t have a laptop-no worries! There will be time for you to give this outstanding scrapbooking program a try using my computer.

I do hope you will join me on September 15th to learn more about this program. If you are not a scrapbooker (but have always wanted to be), if you never seem to have the time to scrapbook the classic way, if you want to learn about the best online scrapbooking program on the market today then please join me!

Light snacks and beverages will be served. Please r.s.v.p on/before MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th! Feel free to bring a friend!

I will be giving away one free Studio J layout the night of the gathering!

I will be posting more photos of the layouts I have created in Studio J so be sure to visit my Blog again!






Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Magnifique!

Hello!
I hope y'all had a fun and relaxing Labor Day Weekend! Here are the layouts my scrapbook club members will be creating on September 16th. I have a morning class and an evening class. If you are not currently in one of my scrapbook clubs but would love to come try a class out, we would love to have you join us! These layouts feature one of our new kits from the Autumn/Winter Idea Book called "Magnifique." The blues and greens in this kit sprinkled with the chocolate brown are superb! This color combination makes this kit perfect for just about any theme. Read below for the kit information. Feel free to contact me today to sign up for the September 16th class!

SEPTEMBER SCRAPBOOK CLUB
KIT DESCRIPTION
“MAGNIFIQUE”

Basic Kit: $35.00
All The Best Stamp Set
Magnifique Level 2 Paper Pack
Mini-Medley Acents Shades of Chocolate Collection (this is only available in the basic kit-it is not available as a single product)

ADD-ON OPTIONS:

#D1195 The Works Alphabet Stamp Set: $26.00
#C1422 Unity Stamp Set: $22.00
#D1446 Adorn-able Stamp Set: $26.00
#Z1349 Shimmer Designer Brads: $6.00
#D1301 Hodge-Podge Alphabet Stamp Set: $26.00
#Z2111 Chocolate Ink Pad: $6.10
#Z2192 Pacifica Ink Pad: $6.10
#Z2194 Sky Ink Pad: $6.10
#Z697 Sponge: $1.45 OR #Z1090 Foam Tools: $11.50
#Y1001 1 x 1 1/2 Block: $4.65
#Y1003 2 x 2 Block: $7.50
#Y1009 2 x 3 1/2 Block: $8.70