Well, I'm starting to like owls!  I know they are definitely "in" this year.  The card at the top was made using Skylark paper, the July Stamp of the Month, aqua dots and the Artbooking Cricut Cartridge.  The next card was made using the masking tape technique (behind the owl) with black, slate and autumn terracotta inks, the "What a Hoot" August stamp of the month (available beginning tomorrow!), black shimmer tape, 3-D tape (under the Jack-O'-Lantern), layered white and black papers, sunset ink (owl's mask, "What a Hoot" and swirls on the owl's stomach), and the new markers to color in the owl (BR96 Mahogany, BR116 Clay, and I used the Colorless Blender to lighten the Clay color on his stomach), watercolor pencil to color in the Jack-O'-Lantern and the sequins are from the black mini-medley accent collections.  I think I'm going to have fun with this stamp set and I'm learning to use the new markers...not bad!  Here's to a great month of new techniques, trainings and tools!

Studio J®: Personalize Your Layouts

Here's Day 2 of videos showing you more about Studio J!  Have fun!

Studio J®: Step-by-Step Basics

I decided to spend some time on the consultant page of Close to my Heart today.  Looking at all of my options, I decided to explore the information about Studio J.  I love Studio J and most of the time I do not have access to the internet when we have gatherings so it is hard to share the steps of using this wonderful tool!  So, on the consultant page, I ran across several videos, which can also be found on YouTube and am going to share them on here.  I will post a new video (trying for daily) until I have posted all that are available.  Once you try Studio J, I believe you will fall in love with it too!  It is easy to use and reasonably priced.  The other great thing is that when you go to check out, you will be able to see if anyone is hosting a party around that time and if you click on their gathering, you will be helping them earn credit for free and discounted products!  You can simply click on the Studio J icon on the right side of this blog and get started!  In the video it mentions being a member.  We no longer have memberships...it is free to everyone!  Go on and start an account, upload some photos, play around with it and see what you think!  If you like what you see, you only pay for what you order.  Enjoy!

Last month of the Spring/Summer Idea book so it's time to get in all of those last minute deals and grab those items that will no longer be available in the new book! Follow the link below the photo to see what items are on the retirement list and be sure to order now before they are gone! http://lauriesmith.ctmh.com/Retail/Products.aspx?CatalogID=18

Cricut® Artfully Sent

I can't wait to get this and start playing! Not available until August but I am looking forward to some quality time on my Cricut with this one! If you would like to order your own set, simply click on the "Shop with Me" icon on the right and start shopping (remember, not available until August)! You may also contact me directly at thecountrycropper@gmail.com with any questions or help in ordering. Close to my Heart also has 3 other wonderful cartridges available, Art Philosophy, Artiste and Artbooking. Each cartridge has approximately 700 images and are very easy to use! These 3 cartridges are available now!