Digi Dandy Designs

Adding dimension to paper

2009-10-11T21:47:00.001-05:00

I recently thought to try something in PS and I really liked the results. I added dimension to the paper I was designing by adding a distorted Gradient Fill layer.

I haven’t really provided any tutorials here before but I figured there was no time like the present to start sharing.

Take your paper from this:

To this:

Or this:

Start with a blank canvas and fill it with the color of your choice.

Open the overlay you want to use and add put it over your colored layer.

Go to the blending options of your overlay layer.

Change the blending mode of the overlay to your liking. For this example, I simply changed the Blend Mode to Overlay.

Add additional overlay layers and adjust to your liking.

Add a Gradient Fill layer.

This is the window that will appear for the Gradient Fill.

Pick the style of gradient you want to use. For this example, I selected Silver.

Change the Style to Reflected.

Change the Angle to your liking. For this example, I changed it to 110 degrees.

At this point, you might want to remove any white from your gradient or make some color adjustments. To adjust this just click on the gradient bar.

The Gradient Editor will open. Just click on the color stops and change the colors. You can also add some additional stops and colors in here too.

Once you have the Gradient Fill layer to your liking, Rasterize the layer.

From the menu bar, select Distort and then Wave.

The Wave window will open. From here you will adjust the settings to get the wave effect that your want.

This is the settings I have for this example:
Number of Generators: 10
Wavelength: Min. 575 Max. 999
Amplitude: Min. 70 Max. 500
Scale: Horiz. 74% Vert. 8%

Select Blending Options for the gradient fill layer.

Change the blend mode.

For this example I have chosen Linear Light and changed the opacity to 15% and I also adjusted the fill opacity to 75%.

This is what my example looks like with these settings:

This can look very different depending on what blending options you choose. I decided to change the settings for this example. The new settings are Blending Mode Overlay at 75% Opacity with the Fill Opacity staying at 75%.

That change dramatically changed the final result.

You can add as many overlay layers before or after you have added the gradient layer. You could even start with a completed paper from any of your kits and get the same kind of results. The key is to just play with the settings until you get the desired effect.

When using the paper for a layout you can add to the effect by also distorting your shadow layer.

I am, by far, no expert and there are probably other ways to achieve this effect but I really hope you enjoyed this tutorial.

Photo Gifts made easy

2009-09-04T23:41:00.001-05:00

If you are looking for some fantastic gifts that are really unique, you have got to check out www.artscow.com. They are seriously my favorite new hangout. I love going to their site and drooling over all the different photo gifts.

On the serious side, this company is located in Hong Kong so it does take some patience to wait for your items to arrive but it is so worth the wait. There are many different companies where you can order photo gifts but I really think Artscow has the biggest selection at a reasonable price. They offer a lot of specials so you almost never have to pay full price. If you don't have a discount available, there are lots posted in their forum shared by other members.

My first purchase with them was right after Christmas. I used them to print photo books for gifts. They turned out really well. I have ordered other photo books from other companies and Artscow's quality was equal to or better than those other companies.

If you like the look of digital scrapbooking but don't have the time it takes to use a graphic design type program, Artscow uses Silverlight for you to create your own digital pages and designs. There are also lots of designers that offer their kits either for free or at a reasonable fee.

I most recently received two orders. One was for dog tag necklaces and the other was a purse. They turned out really well. I can't wait to show them off and get reactions from my friends. Everyone is going to want one of their own. If you like my designs I'd be happy to help design something unique for you. Just send me an email at digidandydesigns @ gmail.com (without the spaces) with a description of what you are looking for. I can give you a quote for your creation.

Here are the pictures. Don't mind the photo quality. These were really hard to photograph.

Handbags

Dogtags

Designer Survivor Lots of Freebies

2009-08-27T22:04:00.001-05:00

This is going to be a long post with lots of freebies. Sadly, I was voted out of Designer Survivor last week. I was really surprised I made it as long as I did but I was really sad to have to leave the game. I do still get to vote for the wining survivor at the end and have been enjoying watching the game play out this week. I did however enjoy having a much quieter week. My family enjoyed spending a bit more time with me too.

I have already started to revamping some of my kits and eventually plan on making some of them into larger sized kits. For now I thought I would give any of you a chance that didn't get them before a chance to pick up my freebies. Below you will find the complete list of my entries and give you all the direct links to download them. So, if you haven't already gotten them, now is your chance. I don't know how long I will keep these freebies active so get them now while you can.

Week 1 Reward Challenge

Download Here - Individual
Download Here - Sheets

Week 1 Dr. Seuss Theme Kit

Download Here

Week 2 Reward Challenge

Download Here

Week 2 Camping Theme kit

Download Here - Elements
Download Here - Papers

Download Here - Alpha Sheets

Week 3 Reward Challenge

Download Here

Week 3 Mini kit using one color based on emotions

Download Here - Elements
Download Here - Papers

As a side note, these are all created with no CU products and they are all my own designs. I'd really love to hear what you think of my entries and see anything you create with them. Feel free to leave me a comment here and/or leave me a link to your pages.

Frames Frames and More Frames

2009-08-18T21:19:00.001-05:00

Yes, I am back with another Freebie! This weeks Designer Survivor Reward Challenge had us creating lots of frames. Well, only one frame per person, but there's lots of frames to be had. For a chance at immunity we each had to create a frame using at least one element from our previous two weeks kits and something new. This was a lot harder than it sounds. Week one we created a Dr. Seuss inspired kit and last week we created a camping kit. Talk about different ends of the spectrum. In the end I think they all came out great. If you want to see them all head on over to the Brownie Scraps Gallery. There are 16 great frames to grab.

Here's the fun part! Yes, these frames are free but in return I am asking a favor from all of you. Our team would really really really love to win immunity this week. This would be huge for us. Please go over to the Designer Survivor blog and vote for the Staples team. Your vote does count and we would be forever grateful. So what are you waiting for? GO VOTE

Here's the great set of frames The Staples team created for you:

Vintage Fall Paper Freebie

2009-08-11T20:32:00.001-05:00

Let's continue to freebie trend. This week's Designer Survivor Reward Challenge had my new team creating a Vintage Fall Paper Pack. I have never scrapped many vintage type pages so it was definitely a challenge to work on this paper pack. Each member of our team created two solids and two patterned papers with a specific color. I had a sort of rust color and the paper came out pretty well. Here's what my part looks like:

And here is the team pack:

You can find the links to all the teams papers in the Brownie Scraps gallery.

If you don't mind taking just a moment of time to vote for this weeks winner, I would greatly appreciate it. If you are so inclined, I would be forever in your debt if you would PRETTY PLEASE vote for the Ric Rac team Memories of Fall paper pack. PRETTY PLEASE WITH SUGAR ON TOP! Ok, enough of my shameless begging. The voting will be up a little later at the Designer Survivor Blog. So after you check out all of the lovely entries, please go vote for the Memories of Fall paper pack by the Ric Rac team at the Designer Survivor Blog.

I hope you enjoy your freebies.

Cirkus Wirkus - Seussy Freebie

2009-08-07T08:48:00.001-05:00

Designer Survivor has kept me super busy this week. Working on a collab with my team has definitely been a challenge I wasn't prepared for. In the end, I think the Green Team kit came out perfect. You can pick up our kit for free along with eight other super kits at Brownie Scraps! There are no votes from outsiders for this challenge. Just like in the real Survivor show, each of the participants had to vote out someone. The competition is really good so it was really hard to pick someone.

Here's our submission:

This freebie will be available for a limited time so if you like it go to Brownie Scraps to grab it right away.

Cute little fishy alpha freebie

2009-08-04T22:56:00.001-05:00

I know it's been forever since I posted here. I have been in a bit of a design rut and haven't created anything until the last few days. TO make up for it I have a freebie for you today.

First I have to share something with all you digital scrapbooking wannabes. I don't mean that in a negative way at all. I know that some of you would love to learn digital scrapbooking but don't have the programs necessary or don't want to make a large monetary investment. Well, I found the answer for you. Artscow is a printing company that does photo books and many other personalized products that you create yourself. They have many free kits available to use to create your own designs. In fact, I have posted almost all of my past blog freebies for others to use there. I'd love it if you sign up and add my free kits to your stash. There's a little contest going on there and I am so close to the top. I'd love to win. You can visit there site by clicking HERE. You can see my free kits by searching for Kathi Bothwell.

Now on to the freebie...I have joined the Designer Survivor challenge at Brownie Scraps and our team has posted three beachy themed alphas. You can find them in the Brownie Scraps gallery or contribution is HERE. Please visit the Designer Survivor blog ASAP to vote for your favorite alpha sets. Voting starts at 12 midnight PST and ends at 3 PM PST on 08/05/09.

Here's a preview of our alphas:

The day after...

2009-07-05T21:44:00.002-05:00

I hope you all had a fabulous holiday weekend. I am still recovering from the long day yesterday. Although it was kind of cool and the sun stayed in hiding all day, we spent some time at the beach and went to see the fireworks. This kids had a great time. We were all pretty much spent by the time we got home. Today was spent relaxing at home and spending some good quality time together.

I hope you all have a great week. I hope to be back soon with some new goodies to share.

Please ignore the rest of this post. I need to put it out here for technorati. d5rqngvm8a

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-03T23:43:00.001-05:00

For those of us in the U.S. we are celebrate Independence Day. Are you doing anything fun? Our family is keeping a long standing tradition and going to the beach with family for lots of sun(hopefully), fun and good old fashioned BBQ. To wrap up our day I am sure we will go see a fireworks show someplace close to home. The kids have been waiting impatiently for the fireworks so it should be lots of fun.

Today I have a little freebie to celebrate the holiday.

Download Individual letters here
Download full sheets here

Whatever you do, I hope your celebration is a great time!

Summer Nights release with a Freebie

2009-07-01T22:48:00.001-05:00

I have added a third kit to my store at http://digitalscrapn.com.

Summer Nights is my newest kit. The colors were my inspiration for this kit. I love the beautiful sunsets of summer and the cool crisp air at night. The little sprinkle of glitter reminds me of all the stars in the night sky. This kit's perfect for scrapping some of those favorite summer memories or just about any occasion.

You can save on this kit today. It's regularly $5.00 but it's on sale for $3.25 through July 15th.

Would you like to try it before you buy it? As a newer designer I know not everyone is familiar with my quality so I put together a little mini add-on freebie for you to try out my designs. If you look in the download you will even find a special offer for my lovely blog visitors.

Here's a preview of the add-on:

Download Here

I hope you enjoy my latest creation. As always, I'd love to hear what you think or see any pages you make with my kits.

Funky Fun and another freebie

2009-06-14T22:45:00.001-05:00

Funky Fun! ~~$5.00~~ $3.25
On sale through 06/27/09

At http://digitalscrapn.com

Fun and Funky!
Bold and Bright!

This kit would be great for scrapping many different occasions
and may be used for personal use or scrap for hire.

This kit contains the following: 12 papers (6 solid and 6 patterned), 1 full alpha (including uppercase, lowercase, numbers and punctuation), 1 binder clip, 1 button, 1 curled ribbon, 1 doodled butterfly, 1 eyelet, 1 folded ribbon, 1 glittery corner decoration, 1 chipboard journaling circle, 2 doodled flowers, 1 mini purse, 1 ribbon, 1 bow, 1 ribbon cluster, 1 ric rac, 1 stitching, 1 tag, 2 tied buttons and 1 tied ribbon.

I created a quick page freebie from this new kit and it is all yours just for stopping by.

Download Here

Bloomin' and a Freebie

2009-06-07T19:55:00.002-05:00

My little news is official now. I am now selling at Digital Scrapn. I have my very first kit available now. And, just because I love all of you, I have put it on sale for the first two weeks. During the sale you can pick up this kit at a steal of just $3.00.

Without further ado, here is Bloomin':

As a bonus, I have created a quick page freebie for all of you too.

Download Here

Last chance

2009-06-07T16:37:00.001-05:00

Today is the last chance at the 1# dad blog train freebie. Later tonight I will be disabling the link and you will be able to purchase the full Mega kit at Brownie Scraps in the near future with all proceeds going to the ALS Association.

Even though you won't be able to get this as a freebie anymore, I will however be back to post another freebie and to share some news. This news is pretty big for me and I am about bursting at the seems to share. If you check out the sidebar ------> you might be able to figure it out. It has something to do with DigitalScrapn.com. Be sure to come back and find out what this exciting news is.

Freebies - #1 Dad Blog Train

2009-05-31T23:03:00.002-05:00

This is the first ever blog train in which I am participating. I hope you like not only the freebie that I created but all those you will find along the train.

So what are you waiting for? Jump onboard and travel from blog to blog collecting the freebie mini kit from each blog to make up a fantastic #1 Dad MEGA kit containing more than 40 papers and more than 60 elements! After June 7th. 2009 these will be combined and sold at Brownie Scraps with all proceeds going to the ALS Association.

Here is my contribution:

Download Expired

And, here is a sneak peek at all of the others:

If you just came from Mariposa Designs, your next stop is: Mad Genius Designs http://bothmadandgenius.blogspot.com

Otherwise the complete list of stops is below:

FlutterbyeFaery Designs www.flutterbyefaery.blogspot.com
Remember ME Digitals www.mommytimeplus.blogspot.com
Ohana Designs www.ohanadesigns.blogspot.com
Wyld Web Designs http://wyldwebdesigns.com/wordpress
Snuggle Berry Pie Designs http://snuggleberrypie.blogspot.com
Design by Sonja http://skrapp.123.is
JewelScraps http://www.jewelscraps.blogspot.com
JayaPrem's Hangout http://scraps-by-jayaprem.blogspot.com
MrsJayBob Designs http://www.mrsjaybob.blogspot.com
MissTrishs Digi Designs http://www.misstrishsdigidesigns.blogspot.com
Mariposa Designs http://thislifeilove.blogspot.com
Digi Dandy Designs http://digidandydesigns.blogspot.com <--- You are Here
Mad Genius Designs http://bothmadandgenius.blogspot.com
Paper Ma Chez Designs http://papermachez.blogspot.com

I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to leave all these lovely ladies some love.

Nature Walk Freebie

2009-05-26T21:35:00.001-05:00

I have been busy designing a few more freebies but thought I had better come back and post another freebie I promised you.

Here is Nature Walk:

Download Here

This was created for week 4 of the Brownie Scraps designer challenge. I love to go on little nature walks with my girls. Sometimes they are just in my neighborhood other times it's at the park and sometimes it's in a more wooded area. This kit was inspired by some of our walks and includes a few of the items my girls picked up on one of our most recent adventures.

Super $1 Sale and Alpha Freebie

2009-05-15T00:12:00.002-05:00

If you haven't discovered Brandy at Mega-Doodle Inspired, you MUST check out her store. She was one of the very first designers that inspired me to start digi scrapping. After joining her product test team I was able to take my scrapping to a whole new level. You will be amazed by her templates, actions and patterns. Seriously! Here's a peek at a few things I created with her products:

I made this page with her Alternative heart template:

The metal heart was created using her soon to be released fish scale style:

This adorable little fish was created with her soon to be released Fish template:

Do you see how fab her products are? If you want to know a little secret, you can grab any of her products for just $1 only May 16th & 17th. So, run as fast as you can to the MDI Store to pick some up for yourself.

And just for kicks, here's a little freebie that I created with her Spongey layer style:

Download Here

Sisters and Friends

2009-05-12T20:14:00.001-05:00

I have been playing around with some updates to my blog. I hope you like the cleaner style. I think it's a little easier on the eyes.

Today I want to share with you another freebie that I created for the Brownie Scraps design challenge. I love how this one turned out. Again, this was created all on my own with no help of CU items.

Download Here

Here's a sneak peak at my next two freebies:

You can currently grab the Teen Scene freebie at Brownie Scraps but remember that you have to register to get the freebies there. Make sure if you register you tell them that DigiDandyDesigns referred you. I did Teen Scene as a collab with Robo Scraps and she has the other half posted there too. You can even enter your layouts into the layout challenge for a chance to win a $5 coupon to the Brownie Scraps store.

I hope you love the freebies. Be sure to leave some love and have fun scrapping.

Brownie Scraps Layout Challenge

2009-04-21T18:38:00.002-05:00

Click the image to go to the site and participate in the challenge. You won't believe all of the fabulous free kits you can use to participate.

All Star Freebie

2009-04-21T18:34:00.001-05:00

I am back with my next freebie for you. This is my week two entry at the Brownie Scraps designer challenge. Everything in the kits are created with absolutely no designer resources. They are 100% my creation. Remember to leave me some love here or in the comments at 4shared.

Links are listed below.

Download here:

Papers

Elements

Alpha

Back with a Freebie!

2009-04-20T20:14:00.001-05:00

I know I have been promising a freebie for a long time and I feel like I have let you down. I think maybe you might forgive me after today. :)

I have a freebie for you and I can tell you how to get lots more. Ever hear of Brownie Scraps? I discovered them not too long again after reading about a design challenge that they host every two months. I really wanted to get a chance to start designing more and I haven't been up for scrapping much lately. I figured it would be worth checking out. Well, we are working on week four now and I think I have made some improvements.

Today I can offer you my week one kit here but you will have to go to and register at the site to get the subsequent kits. Trust me. It will be worth registering because all the participants kits are listed there for you to grab. While your there, you might as well check out the rest of their awesome site. They really have some fun challenges and great tutorials. You never know what you might find there.

And on to the freebie...

This is my week one kit. If you click the image it will take you to the download page.

or Download here

I am really proud of the progress I have made and would love to hear some feedback from you. Either leave me a comment here or on 4shared.

You can find the other freebies here: Brownie Scraps, but remember that you have to register at the site first.

And just because I can't wait to show them off, here is a peek at my week two and three kits. You can only get them at Brownie Scraps for now. I will be posting them here as soon as I am allowed.

Week two:

Week three:

I hope it was worth the wait. There will be lots more freebies to come.

Finally...

2009-03-28T18:23:00.002-05:00

I can't tell you how much of a scrapping slump I have been in and for how long. I can tell you that I am so relieved that I have finally been able to scrap something and I am so happy with how it turned out. For what seems like forever, I haven't been able to create much of anything that I have been totally happy with. I have started so many layouts and trashed them because my mojo just wasn't there. I think the long winter nights and the lack of photo opportunities have played a big part in that but in the last week or so there have been some nicer days and we have gotten out and played a little bit. To top it off Sine posted a freebie template on her blog today and it was perfect for the photos I wanted to scrap. If you want to grab this fabulous template, head on over to Sine's blog.

Here's the template:

Here's my layout:

Credits:

Template - BlogBee No. 06 - Designs by Sine

Papers and elements - SO Emily - Pineapple Plantation Designs

Style for Alpha - Wood PS Style - Bannerwoman Designs

Hello out there!

2009-03-01T20:13:00.001-06:00

It's been far too long again. I have had a crazy month that included business travel so I haven't done much in the digi-world. I am going to do my best to catch up and I have challenged myself to do a blog post everyday.

Today I need to post a long overdue thank you to a few people. Mega-Doodle Inspired and Bannerwoman Designs are two of the testing teams that I am on and they have put out some awesome products. The bonus of testing for them is that I get to keep the products after I had completed the testing. You wouldn't believe how many products were put out during the month of February. Here's a few for you to drool over:

I can't tell you how impressed I am with every single product I have tested from both of these ladies. With each new action or style I try I find a new favorite. You have to check them out for yourselves.

Miscellaneous Pages

2009-02-05T20:18:00.000-06:00

Here's a few other pages that I haven't shared yet.

This was for a Speed Scrap challenge at Get Digi With It:

Credits:
Paper and elements from the Scrap Orchard January Mystery Mega

This was for a template challenge at Get Digi With It:

Credits:
Template - GDWI Template Challenge Jan. 1-14
Kit - Grab Bag by Ziggle Designs

Journaling:
Your slumber party was so much fun. You were able to sleep on the living room floor, stay up late, watch movies and have special treats. There was a lot of giggling and smiles so you must have had a lot of fun.

This was for a Make it Snappy challenge at Scrap Orchard:

Credits:
Scrap Orchard January Mystery Mega

And this was just because I was having fun paying with a new scrapping style:

Credits:
WaterLO Project Snowflake World

ASDR4 - First Half

2009-01-28T17:23:00.000-06:00

My partner and I have made it through the first half of ADSR4.

Don't know what I am talking about??? Well, I never heard of it before either but, as soon as I saw what it was about, I knew I had to participate. ADSR4 is the Amazing Digi Scrap Race 4.

Basically, you are given two challenges a week and they must be completed before midnight of the following Sunday. It's just like the Great Race on t.v. where there are fast forwards, road block and other things to make it really interesting. There are prizes for each challenge and then a grand prize that all the finishing teams have a chance to win.

My partner is Malinda (mhulshoff) and you can read more about her on her blog; The Blue Side. Our team is called Blue Dandy and we have our own team blog; Blue Dandy. (I haven't been all that great at updating my layouts there either)

We have had six challenges so far. Not only has they been fun but I have learned a lot from them.

Challenge 1

The first challenge was this:

1) Rip and tear a photo into three or more pieces! (that's a photo, not papers!)
2) Use journaling on your layout (something I stress is SO important).
This is a challenge to be completed by both racers.

Here's the layout I created.

Credits:
Kit - Efflorescense by Ziggle Designs
Alpha - Scrap Orchard J
Envelope - Envelope Maker Action by Mega-Doodle Inspired
Hummies Layered Paper Tears

Journaling:
You are usually so happy but sometimes you feel like things don’t go your way. This was one of those moments. You were into mischief a lot today and Jazmine was being allowed to do something that your weren’t. To show how you were feeling slighted, you hid in your bedroom and pouted. It wasn’t long before you were found and even with a pout you were cute enough for a picture. The lesson I hope you learn from these things is that sometimes things don’t always go our way. We have to live with the consequences of our actions and be prepared for dealing with the result of your actions. We know you are able to behave and that is why when you do get out of line we forgive you. These are the moments you learn and will make you a more fantastic person in the future. You are loved and we know that everyone has a bad day sometimes.

Challenge 2

The second challenge was this:

Cabin Fever
(interpret this as you will, but it must be evident that this is the thought/theme behind your page!)
Must include:
3 photos
4 papers only (no more or less)
8 different elements - at least 1 must be acrylic
2 different fonts
Must have a title, and journaling (which must be visible - if it is not readable, please include in your description)

This was an intersection where we had to complete the layout together. Our finished layout turned out well.

Credits:
4 papers from Scrap Orchard January Mystery Mega
Acrylic Frame - created with PS Wow! Style
String with beads, Button, Flower and Felt Leaf from the Lakehouse collab kit by Angie Kovacs and ChrissyW at Elemental Scraps
FlipFlops and Swimsuit from the CLD July Collab kit - created by Paula Phillips Designs - recolored
Popsicle from the CLD July Collab kit - created by OneScrappyMom - recolored

Font 1 - Downcome
Font 2 - Missy BT

Journaling: School's out. The sun is shining. The kids want to watch t.v. and play video games. Everyone's getting antsy! You want to get out of the house and have fun. There's only one answer. Pack your bags and head to camp!

Alpha - Charlie by Chris Wasielewski at Elemental Scraps
Template - Pressed petals by alamama at ScrapMatters

Challenge 3

Challenge three was a regular stop, which means that both racers will need to do their own layout.

The challenge was simple.

Find the first layout you created that is still uploaded to a gallery and scraplift it using techniques, trends and concepts that you have learned since you did that original layout.

This is a scraplift of the first layout I ever uploaded to a gallery.
My original LO can be found here: http://www.digitalfreebies.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/24149/ppuser/6081

Credits:
Kit - Reindeer Games by Ziggle Designs

Challenge 4

Challenge four was the Art and Soul Challenge!

We both needed to complete this challenge! However, this it was a FAST FORWARD challenge which means that the first team done could SKIP the January 18th challenge if they wish! We didn't finish first but I personally would have participated in the next challenge anyhow.

1. The Art of it: Your LO must have artistic flair! Literally! Your LO must have at least 3 things “artsy” and/or “altered” on it–(such as but not limited to: paint splatters, a paintbrush, paint spills, crayon doodles, goopy glitter, watercolors, canvas AND/OR altered art items such as wings on photos, art dolls, vintage doodads, ephemera, etc). Really stretch yourself and try something “artsy” that you haven’t tried before!

2. The Soul of it: You must journal something from your Soul. Something positive, heartfelt and meaningful to you in your life! Something you’ve learned, something you’ve gleaned from your life experience. Perhaps something you would want to pass on to the next generation! (It can even be your favorite quote and why it touches/inspires you) Uplift us, make us smile–inspire us! You must share your journaling with us-if it’s hard to read or blended into the background-part of the challenge is to share your journaling in your description.

Here's the layout I did:

Credits:
Paper tear action by Atomic Cupcake.
All elements from WaterLOProject Behind the Desk.

Journaling:
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
This bible passage reminds me that no matter what happens throughout the day, it is a gift. There is beauty surrounding us. Each day has another masterpiece just waiting to be discovered. Only you can choose what to do with it.

Challenge 5

Challenge five was to create a layout that has no photos on it, but includes at least 3 different and separate photo frames. We both had to complete this layout.

Sometimes we have special thoughts, feelings and/or memories about a person or place or event or pet or whatever, but no photos. OR, we could be missing someone who has passed on or something that is no longer in our lives and would dearly love to be able to express that on a page.

Because scrapbooking is all about recording our life journey and that of our family we can still create a page to record and preserve those special thoughts, feelings and/or memories with a little thought and planning and with the creative use of photo frames and journaling (although journaling is not required for this challenge).

And my layout:

Yes, you saw this a few times before but here it is again.

Credits:
Frames - Designs by Sine SO Useful Frames
Lace background - Obsidian Dawn Lace patterns
All other elements - Scrapbrat Designs at CLD

Journaling:
I carry pieces of you with me throughout my life. You have helped me to become the woman I am today. Because of you I am a strong and independent woman who can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I am kind, loving, honest and caring because of all the things you have taught me. Thank you for being you and teaching me to be me.

Challenge 6

The sixth challenge was a roadblock. This means that only one of us was supposed to complete it. Malinda decided to take on the challenge.

You must choose a layout from your partners gallery and scraplift it using the following direction:

Take your chosen layout from your partners gallery and flip it either horizontally or vertically.
Now take the layout and rotate it 45 degrees.
You must use this "new" version as the sketch for your layout.
When creating your layout you must use the EXACT same number of items that your partner used in the original layout, no more, no less.

Here's my layout that Malinda lifted:

I hope she doesn't mind me sharing but here is the layout she created.

credits:
cu items by - Ashlee Wall, Kim B designs, Manuela Zimmermann, Disasterpiece Studios and Studio Flergs
Paper by Vera Lim Free to live
font - CK Ali's writing

Another favorite store

2009-01-27T17:19:00.000-06:00

A digiscrapper could go broke buying all of the fabulous designs that are constantly put up for sale. I don't know how people do it. I have been lucky enough to be able to test some awesome new products at Elemental Scraps. If you are looking to find a way to spend a few more dollars (snicker) go check out some of these products at Elemental Scraps.

These are just a few of the great products available and if you look closely you will see that a few of them are freebies.

And, here are some of the great layouts I created with those items listed above.

Credits:
Alpha from the Garden Charm kit by Pamela Donnis at Elemental Scraps
All other elements and papers from the WaterLO Project Behind the Desk kit.

Credits:
Template - ChrissyW 's Template Challenge 12
Kit - Leah Riordan's Great Expectations at Elemental Scraps

Credits:
Template - Template Freebie 8 - ChrissyW at Elemental Scraps
Kit - January Scrap Orchard Mystery Mega

Journaling:
Jazmine and Ali love playing in their bedroom with their Disney Princess and Dora dominos and brand new walkie talkies is a great way to start the day. They don't really play the dominos game but instead they sort, stack and build with the dominos. This was also a PJ day. Since we would be home all day, we stayed in our PJ’s. Jazmine is also wearing a Cinderella costume and a new bathrobe that she got yesterday. Mommy wears her bathrobe a lot of the time at home because she’s always cold. When these robes were spotted we knew that Jazmine and Ali would fall in love with them. Jazmine didn’t stop wearing hers since she got it.

Credits:
Kit - Playtime - Angie Kovacs at Elemental Scraps

Journaling:
Who would have thought that a grilled cheese sandwich would be someone’s legacy? I often make grilled cheese sandwiches for my girls and each time I think of Auntie Barb. I remember her often making me my favorite grilled cheese sandwiches. Anytime I would visit their house she would ask me what I wanted for lunch and the answer was always the same. She made the sandwiches on her giant electric stove. One of my favorite memories was a time when I told her she made the BEST grilled cheese sandwiches and she proceeded to burn my sandwich really badly. We laughed so hard over that one. Now that she is gone I hope she knew how very much those sandwiches were appreciated. She made everyone with love because she loved me so much. She meant the world to me and I miss her very much. I will continue to make my girls grilled cheese sandwiches and each one is filled with love from me and Auntie Barb.

Credits:
Kit - Cuddle Time by Angie Kovacs at Elemental Scraps
Fabric Piece by Gunhild

Credits:
Template - Template Freebie 10 - ChrissyW at Elemental Scraps
Kit - Lakehouse - Collab by Angie and ChrissyW at Elemental Scraps

Journaling:
We adopted Nellie from a pure bred rescue about 4 years ago. I remember seeing her listed on their website for a long time. I was kind of a stalker to their website. I would check in almost daily to see what pretty kitties they got in. I felt bad for Nellie. She was there for so long that I started feeling really bad for her. She definitely wasn't the prettiest kitty in the bunch but she still deserved a loving home. She had some eye problems and an unknown history. I told my husband about her and we decided to go visit her and see if she would be a good addition to our home. Her foster mom told us over the phone to not expect much. She said she that our first reaction will probably be that she is pretty ugly but she said that she is so ugly that she is kind of cute. When we got to see her she was very skittish. She was kind of ugly but there was something really adorable about her too. She didn't like to be held and stayed away from the other kitties in her foster home. After some deliberation we decided to take her home. Her eye problems might have required for her to have future surgery but we were willing to take on the risk. She was definitely not a lap cat and she didn't like to be picked up or held. We kept the name that the rescue had given her. Nellie seemed fitting because she was so nervous all the time. Well, here we are so many years later and she is almost not like the same cat. Her eye problems seemed to mostly stem from her nervousness. When she gets really nervous her eyes water like crazy. She loves attention now. She will even hop up onto my husbands lap and soak up any attention that he will give her. Nellie was a great addition to our family. Oh yeah, she doesn't look much like the same kitty we picked up all those years ago.

A new look and some great new designs

2009-01-26T16:52:00.001-06:00

I told you a few days ago that I have become a Color Babe at color line design. In a nutshell, that means I am now on the site's creative team. I am loving ever minute of it. Have you been to the site since it had a complete makeover. The site design now goes great with the site name. It's so colorful and there's lot of new things happening there. The site is under new management and, let me tell you, there is a lot going on behind the scenes to make it even better than it was before.

Anyhow, I have done a few layouts for color line design and I thought I would share them with you today. There will be lots more coming in the very near future but here's what I have so far.

This is using the December collab kit. You can get the monthly collab kit for free just by completing three challenges at color line design and posting links to those layouts on the in the site forum. Who wouldn't want to get an awesome free kit? Go check out what the January kit looks like. You will want to start participating in the challenges right away.

Credits:
Template by Kellie Puddy -January Template Challenge 1 at color line design
December Collab kit at color line design

Credits:
Template - Circle of Stars - Designs by Sine
color line design January Collaboration kit

These next two are using the new Moonlight and Roses kit by Scrapbrat Designs at color line design. I know you saw the second one already but I wanted you to see the great kits you can pick up at color line design.

Credits:
Moonlight and Roses by Scrapbrat Designs at color line design

Credits:
Frames - Designs by Sine SO Useful Frames
Lace background - Obsidian Dawn Lace patterns
All other elements - Scrapbrat Designs at color line design

Totally Tempting Templates

2009-01-25T11:27:00.001-06:00

I have gotten to work with some amazing templates from Designs by Sine. This month has been no different. Sine is simply amazing. Her templates are so easy to work with and super versatile. You can flip them and rotate them and each and every layout you create will look so different. Plus she includes both 8.5" x 11" and 12" x 12" sizes so that they work for almost any digi-scrapper. Besides templates, Sine has a few other amazing items in her store.

Here's what I have worked with so far this month.

And, this is a Free"bee" for the Scrap Orchard Template Challenge #7.

Check out these gorgeous layouts that I was able to create with Sine's great products.

Credits:
Template - SO Reviewed 2 - Designs by Sine
Kit - January Scrap Orchard Mystery Mega

Credits:
Template - SO Reviewed 3 - Designs by Sine
Kit - January Scrap Orchard Mystery Mega

Credits:
Template - Circle of Stars - Designs by Sine
Kits used:
Scrap Orchard January Mystery Mega
Ziggle Designs Grab Bag3

Credits:
Frames - Designs by Sine SO Useful Frames
Lace background - Obsidian Dawn Lace patterns
All other elements - Scrapbrat Designs at color line design

Credits:
Template - Designs By Sine Template Challenge #7 at Scrap Orchard
Papers - Leslie Bodoh - Totally Worn Paper Pack at Elemental Scraps
Backwards Staple - Happy Chappy Kit by Krystal Hartley and Misty Cato
Duct Tape alpha, Bone Paperclips, Backwards Brads and String - Gunhild Storeide

Journaling:
I always enjoy making just the right cake for family birthday parties. This was no exception. Samantha’s surprise 13th birthday party had a fear factor theme. After finding some fun food challenges for the guest to do, I found this awesome cat litter cake recipe. While it looked pretty disgusting, almost everyone was up for the challenge of eating it. Many were surprised to find out that it tasted really good.

I'm baaaaccck

2009-01-24T10:23:00.001-06:00

So, I am a little overdue with an update. I have had so much going on and it's taken me a while to get myself organized. Things have been exciting to say the least. I have lots of re-organizing to do and then I will be back to post some more layouts and some long awaited freebies.

What's been going on? Well, as of November I was doing product testing for Mega-Doodle Inspired. I had just been asked to be a December guest for Designs by Sine at Scrap Orchard and I was starting to do some product testing for Bannerwoman Designs. There were a few people who were encouraging me to apply for some other creative teams and I was watching a few other calls in the digi-world. As of this month, my workload has increased significantly.

I am still doing product testing for Mega-Doodle Inspired and Bannerwoman Designs. In addition to that, Sine of Designs by Sine asked me to stay on her creative team permanently. I also joined the Elemental Scraps team doing product QA, I became a color line design Color Babe and I became a Scrap Orchard Love Bug. Besides all that, I joined the Amazing Digi Scrap Race 4 and I have a few books to work on for customers.

It's all been a whirlwind but it's been fun. I have finally gotten myself into a little rhythm and I think I can fit in posting here again. I have a ton of layouts to share but rather than post a ton at once I will just do a few a day.

I hope I didn't lose too many of you. I will be back within the next few days with a freebie. Thanks for visiting!

Lots to share

2008-12-21T10:42:00.002-06:00

I did it again. I have been creating away and have been neglecting this blog. I have to tell you about what's coming soon and I have lots of LO's to share.

This past week Bannerwoman and Mega-Doodle Inspired have been keeping me busy with some product testing. I am so excited about the products they have been creating.

First of all, Bannerwoman has some awesome Glitter Foam that will be coming out in 2009. There's so many styles and I fell more in love with each now style. Here's a sneak peek. LOL!

Then I tested a really interesting but super fun style from Mega-Doodle Inspired. This is a Stuffing Layer style and it includes instructions to Fuzz your edges if you use PS brush paths. It's super easy and adds so much. Here's the style and a preview of what I tested.

I hope to have a freebie to share soon but until then I'll share my most recent LO's.

First of all, I have to give a shout out to Sine of Designs by Sine. The first four layouts here were created using just a few of her fantastic templates. They are so super easy to work with and create fabulous results. I have really enjoyed being a guest creative team member for her this month.

This was for the Scrap Orchard Make it Snappy on 12/19/08.

Credits:
Template - Photo Gazeuse 2 - Designs by Sine
Kit and elements - Grab Bag - Pineapple Plantation Designs

Credits:
Template - A Little Edgy 1 by Designs by Sine
Kit - 10 Little Monkeys by Ziggle Designs

This was for the December Template Challenge at Scrap Orchard.

Credits:
Template - Template Challenge 6 Designs by Sine
Kit - Peppermint Twist Freebie by Pineapple Plantation Designs
Paper Clip - Office Romance by Pineapple Plantation Designs

Journaling:
After our visit to Candy Cane Lane we stopped to see Santa and tell him what we wanted for Christmas. Jazmine and Ali both wanted Littlest Pet Shop toys. Jazmine also asked for Princess toys and Ali asked for a baby.

These will be a gift for my oldest classmates.

Credits:
Papers and Elements from the Pineapple Plantation Designs Grab Bag
Template - variation of SO Memorable 02 by Designs by Sine

This was for ChrissyW's template challenge 11.

Credits:
Template - ChrissyW Template Challenge 11
Kit - 10 Little Monkeys by Ziggle Designs

This was for the Paper 2 Digi challenge at Get Digi With It.

Credits:
Summer Lovin' kit by Pineapple Plantation and ellie lash designs
Alpha from Grandma's Lap by Pineapple Plantation Designs

Journaling:
I love you more today than yesterday but only half as much as tomorrow.

This was for another Make it Snappy Challenge at Scrap Orchard.

Credits:
Scrap Orchard December Mystery Mega

Another Old Fashioned Freebie

2008-12-14T13:11:00.002-06:00

So, I haven't got a way with words. I don't have a catchy title for my posts but that's not why you came here anyhow. I know you would love another freebie. Am I right?

Today I have a chipboard alpha with some bonus ornaments. Once again this freebie was created with some awesome styles from Bannerwoman. I love being a product tester and I especially love these awesome styles. They are so easy to work with and there is such a variety. I just knew that her new chipboard styles and glitter styles would create a perfect alpha to go with the mini kit I offered earlier.

Here are the new styles she is offering:

Click on the images to see them in her store. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Now on to the freebie. This is a pretty big file. It comes with a full apha including both upper and lower, numbers, punctuation and a few different ornaments. I hope you enjoy these!

Download Here

I can't forget to tell you about the awesome alpha cutter that I used. The cutter is by Brandy at Mega-Doodle Inspired. You won't believe what a time saver it is. It practically does all the work for you. So if you want to try your hand at creating your own alpha or smaller elements, consider the Mega Alpha cutter.

Awesome templates

2008-12-12T15:37:00.002-06:00

I have so many projects going on this weekend that I think my head is spinning. Before I got too far into it I thought I better start sharing some of my pages with you. I have already gotten behind but I'll catch up before the weekend is done.

So, if you remember, a while ago I applied as a guest CT member for Designs by Sine. I was picked as a guest for the month of December. Sine's templates are awesome. They are really versatile. She just released an awesome set of calendar templates. There are all different sizes included in this set plus the calendars are individual .png files so you can use the pages without them too.

Here's a page I did for March 2009:

Credits:
SO Memorable templates by Designs by Sine
Kit - Emily by Pineapple Plantation Designs

Earlier this month I did this page for a Speed Scrap at Get Digi With It:

Credits:
Que Sera, Sera by Polka Dot Plum
Template - A Little Edgy 2 by Designs by Sine
Journaling:
You really love anything that has to do with a princess or a bride. You have now found a way to bring your two loves together. Your princess dresses have this mesh hoop to go under them to make them poofy. I heard you call me and say look I am a bride now. You had taken the hoop and made it into the perfect veil. You were a beautiful princess bride dressed in your snow white costume with the veil over your head.

For the Journaling challenge at color line design I did this page:

Credits:
Template - A Little Edgy 3 by Designs by Sine
Kit - The Hamptons by Pineapple Plantation Designs
Journaling:
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from the safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails.
~Mark Twain
There were lots of things to explore in Shawano.
Jazmine discovered that driving the boat with Grandpa Bruce was a lot of fun.

And just because I had to capture an awesome memory for my girls, I did this page:

Credits:
Template - SO Stacked 3 by Designs by Sine
Kit - Topsy Curvy by Ziggle Designs
Stitches - Sparkilicious Stitches by Ziggle Designs
Journaling:
Ali and Jazmine’s favorite reward is getting their fingers and toes painted. It always has to be some shade of pink. The brighter the better. In the Summer the nails usually match the outfit for the day. They can’t wait until they are old enough to go to the salon and have them done by a professional but until then they are satisfied with getting them done by Mommy.

Have a great weekend!

Old Fashioned Holiday

2008-12-08T20:06:00.002-06:00

It's taken me far too long to get you another freebie but today is your lucky day. I found some seriously inspiration from the color challenge at color line design. I also recently had the opportunity to test a few new products from both Mega-Doodle Inspired and Bannerwoman Designs.

First of all here was the swatch from the color challenge:

I used this with a few things including the Mega Argyle Template from the Mega-Pattern Set 03-Argyle by Mega-Doodle Inspired and the PS Cork Styles from Bannerwoman. The template and styles are awesome. They are really easy to use and you can create some fun papers and elements for yourself. Click on the images below to go check out the products.

And, now you get an awesome freebie! This reminded me of an old fashioned Christmas with a modern twist. So I present to you Old Fashioned Holiday.

Download Here:

Papers

Elements

I hope you love it as much as I do. I just love how this turned out. If you download, please leave me a comment here. I can't wait to see your creations with this. Don't be afraid to show me your layouts. Just leave me a comment or send me an email so I can check them out.

Enjoy!

Keep on Rollin'

2008-11-29T15:49:00.002-06:00

I absolutely love the weekends. I especially love long weekends like this. I can spend hours getting lost creating different layouts. This weekend I have been catching up on some challenges I have been meaning to do. I am really on a roll. Rather than show you too many pages at once I figured I would show you what I have created so far. All but one of these pages was created in the last few days.

This was for a Make it Snappy Challenge at Scrap Orchard.

Credits:
Sweet Shoppe Designs and Scrap Orchard Collab Sweet Orchard
Photo Clips and frame from Scrap Orchard November Mega
I put my own spin on a template freebie by Mrs.Wresh

This was for a Template Challenge at color line design.

Credits:
Kit used - Two Turtle Doves by Ziggle Designs

This was for a Fruit Salad Challenge at Scrap Orchard.

Credits:
Stitches from the Scrap Orchard and Sweet Shoppe Designs Collab Sweet Orchard
Template - Photos Gazeuse - Designs by Sine
Everything else is from the December Scrap Orchard Mystery Mega

This was for an Element Challenge at Scrap Orchard.

Credits:
Scrap Orchard December Mystery Mega

This was for a Scrap That Tune Challenge at Scrap Orchard.

Credits:
Template - So Stacked - Designs by Sine
Efflorescence by Ziggle Designs

This was for an Inspiration Challenge at Scrap Orchard.

Credits:
Pineapple Plantations Inspiration Challenge #3 Free"bee"

Journaling: Since Mommy has off every Friday, this has become Mommy and Ali’s special days together. We try to do something extra special for Ali since she is away from her sister all day. We go shopping, other times we play games and sometimes we go for a walk and explore our neighborhood. No matter what we do it’s special because it’s time for us to be together.

Photo Swap Thank you's

2008-11-28T18:35:00.002-06:00

Some new challenges have been popping up and they are super fun. In these challenges you swap photos with another digiscrapper and you scrap a page with their photo(s). I participated in two of these swaps this month and had some fabulous pages created for me.

At Scrap Orchard it is called a RAK Challenge. In this swap you post your photo for someone to grab. It ended up that me at Charmaine (charmedeebob) grabbed each others photos.

Here's the beautiful page she created for me:

You can click on the photo for credits. This is one of my favorite Christmas photos and I just couldn't find a way to do it justice. I absolutely love what Charmaine did with it.

In turn, here is the page I created for her:

Her son Casey is just the most handsome little boy. Aren't you just drawn into those gorgeous eyes?

Credits:

Ziggle Designs - Feisty Kit
Ziggle Designs - Tag Alpha
Template by ChrissyW

At color line design we were paired up with the person we would swap photos with. Petra (Sugar 'n Spice) and I swapped photos of our little girls. I gave her a lot of photos so she would have lots of choices. She ended up scrapping three pages and used all of my photos!

Aren't these pages gorgeous:

You can also click on these photos to get the credits. Petra also has a beautiful blog where you can check out all of her beautiful pages and get lots of scrapping inspiration.

In turn, here is the page I scrapped of her beautiful little girl.

I couldn't help but make a play on Petra's user name-Sugar 'n Spice.
Credits:
Sweet Shoppe Designs and Scrap Orchard - Sweet Orchard Collab Kit.
Template by ChrissyW

So here is a great big THANK YOU! You ladies did a great job and I had a ton of fun participating in these swaps.

Lots to Share - Part 2

2008-11-27T22:23:00.001-06:00

As you can probably tell by a lot of my previous posts, I get a lot of my scrapping done by participating in challenges. I have a few favorite sites to visit for challenges. Once in a while I will find a challenge posted by a different site and I soon become hooked. Within the last few months I stumbled upon the Scrap Orchard site. I was hooked almost immediately. The members there are fabulous, the products in the store are amazing and they have some of the best challenges around. You might even see that a lot of my recent pages are made with designs by many of the fabulous designers at Scrap Orchard. I really found a place I love and I visit there quite often. If you haven't visited the Orchard lately you really should check it out.

Here are a few pages from recent challenges.

This was for a Scrap Orchard Bring It Challenge.

Credits:
Kit used - Topsy Curvy by Ziggle Designs
Photo mask by Gunhild
Journaling:
Miracles happen when you least expect them. That’s what happened the day you came to live with us. Our story is not that of a typical family. We knew the day may come that you needed a place to live but I don’t think we ever really expected it. We had no children and suddenly we had Ali who was one and a half and Jazmine who was two and a half. We didn’t have anything in our home for a child let alone for two active toddlers. We had a room for you and a big bed for you to share. Eventually we got all the other things you needed. Some people gave us clothes. Others gave us toys and books. Even though this was supposed to be temporary, you started to take over our home. By the time we knew this would be permanent, this was your home too and not just a place for you to live. You now have more toys than a lot of little girls, more books than you will ever be able to read and lots of clothes to keep you warm. We can’t imagine you not being our family and we are happy that you call us Mommy and Daddy. You will always know your “story” and what makes our family so special. You will always have a home, we will love you forever and ever and we will be your Mommy and Daddy as long as you will let us.

This was for a Scrap Orchard Scrap That Tune Challenge.

Credits:
Kit Used Ziggle Designs Reindeer Games
Journaling:
This cold cold Saturday morning in November, we went to the annual Milwaukee Holiday parade. This was the first time Summer and Sierra had been to the parade but we have been every year. Jazmine and Ali didn't remember ever going before. I think they were pretty excited. We had to park about 5 blocks away and walk to our spot. Did I mention that it was very cold? After we found our spot we settled in and got ready for the parade to start. Ali had a great time and enjoyed everything. Jazmine spent the entire time crying because she was cold. We ended up back at the car while everyone else enjoyed the rest and waited to see Santa Claus. Next year we will be better prepared for the cold and we will all get to see Santa Claus. 11/22/08

This was for a Scrap Orchard Scraplift Challenge.

Credits:
Kit Used - Scrap Orchard and Sweet Shoppe Designs Sweet Orchard Collab Kit
Journaling:
Buscia came to visit us for the first time. We loved spending time with her and she really spoiled us. She took us shopping, bought us fancy new clothes and took us out to dinner. We can’t wait to get to see her again. Maybe next time we can go to California to see her.

This was for a Scrap Orchard Font Challenge.

Credits:
Reindeer Games kit by Ziggle Designs

This was for a Scrap Orchard Apple Cart Challenge and a color line design Font Challenge.

Credits:
Just So Mini Kit by Irene Alexeeva
Template by ChrissyW

This was for a Scrap Orchard Scrap That Tune Challenge.

Credits:

Free"bee" kit by Irene Alexeeva
Template by ChrissyW

This was for a Scrap Orchard Apple Cart Challenge.

Credits:

Chocolate Swirl Free'Bee by Polka Dot Plum
Journaling: We may not be a traditional family but we are still a loving family. Our many pieces make us unique. Someday these little girls will know how much it takes to make this family work. Until then, we will continue to love them as our very own.

This was for a Scrap Orchard Bring It Challenge.

Credits:
Alpha - Free"bee" by Ziggle Designs
Papers and elements - Free"bee" by Polka Dot Plum

Lots to Share - Part 1

2008-11-27T21:35:00.001-06:00

I have been neglecting this blog for too long. I have had some projects going on that have taken quite a bit of my time. When I wasn't working on that project I was creating layouts. I really need to get into a habit of sharing my layouts here as soon as I have them finished. Plus I want to start putting up some freebies that I have been promising for too long.

I decided to do this post in 2 parts because I have way too many layouts to share. I hope you like them and I would definitely appreciate any comments you leave. Some of these are pages I made within the last few months. It seems that I may have missed a few in the past. If I duplicate any, please forgive me.

Credits:
Template by ChrissyW Sample Pack Two
Kit used - Collab by ChrissyW and Angie Kovacs

Credits:
Template by ChrissyW
All papers and elements from Lauraskathi from the following kits - Atalami, Gabriella and Sabrina

This was for a Speed Scrap at Get Digi With It

Credits:
Template by ChrissyW
Kit used - Lakehouse from Collab by ChrissyW and Angie Kovacs

This was for a Speed Scrap at Get Digi With It

Credits:
Variation of a template by ChrissyW from sample pack two
Paper and Elements from Angie Kovacs Playtime kit

This was for a template challenge by ChrissyW.

Credits:
Template by ChrissyW
Kit used - August Collab from Color Line Design

This was for a font challenge at color line design.

Credits:
Metal Clips by Franette
All other items created with commercial use items by the following:
Overlay and Stitches by Gunhild
Custom Shapes by Obsidian Dawn
Folded Ribbon by The Scrappin Cop
Journaling:
As soon as Ali saw this costume she really wanted to be a doctor for Halloween. The costume came with a name tag and I had a feeling that she already knew what she wanted her name to be. For the last few weeks she has had this little nickname that she has been calling all of us. “Pumpkin Mumpkin” When she was asked what kind of doctor she was she said that she was a doctor that helps babies. She said she helps them keep all their blood in. I think she really picked this costume just so she could play doctor at home with her dolls.

This was for a font challenge at color line design.

Credits:
Template by ChrissyW from the ChrissyW and Angie Kovacs Collab.
Paper and Elements by Lauraskathi Julia Kit
Journaling:
Jazmine wanted to be a witch for Halloween and I think she pulled it off pretty well. When she put on her costume she had this cute pouty face which really worked for this costume. We told her how good she looked when she wasn’t smiling so for the longest time she wouldn’t smile. It was so not like her so we kept thinking there was something wrong with her. After we figured out that she was playing with us she got a good laugh. As you can see, by the time she started trick-or-treating she was back to her “normal” self. This picture is a pretty good shot of how she looked the rest of the time. She was flying around the neighborhood.

This was for a Paper 2 Digi Challenge at Get Digi With It and a Word Art Wednesday Challenge at Scrap Orchard.

Credits:
All Worn Out overlays by Penny Springmann
Crumpled Paper overlay by Cindy Doerksen Designs
Folded Paper overlay by The Scrappin Cop
Word Art by Elegant WordArt by Bethany
Papers and Elements from Add on au Kit Cherish for love by Franette

This was for a Template Challenge at Scrap Orchard and a Title Works Challenge at color line design.

Credits:
Summer Lovin' Collaboration kit by Pineapple Plantation and ellie lash designs
Template by Designs by Sine
Paperhearts Alpha by Pineapple Plantation

This was for an Artist Challenge at color line design and a Word Art Wednesday Challenge at Scrap Orchard.

Credits:
Kit used - Welcome to the Orchard by Pineapple Plantation Designs and Irene Alexeeva
Word Art - Elegant WordArt by Bethany

Frame - Feisty Kit by Ziggle Designs

A scrapping hangover

2008-11-09T14:41:00.001-06:00

Yes, I really think it's possible to get a scrapping hangover. Why? I made 8 layouts in one day and it's taken me over a week to recuperate. This is a problem since I have a big project that has to be worked on and I don't feel like I used up all my creative juices on International Digital Scrapbooking Day. I hope you all have recovered more successfully than I have.

For DSD, I spent a majority of my day at Scrap Orchard. I completed almost all of the challenges, which was a challenge in itself. Here are the layouts I completed. If you click on them it will take you to my Scrap Orchard gallery where you can see the credits for the layouts.

Tiffany's DSD Fruit Salad Challenge:

Stacey's DSD Scraplift challenge:

Jennifer's Make It Snappy!:

Angela's Template Challenge:

Kami's Template Challenge:

Mel's Make It Snappy!-Special Pet Edition:

Melody's Mega Challenge:

Zakirah's Blast From The Past Challenge:

As you can see, most of those challenges were completed using the Scrap Orchard November Mystery Mega. I am so happy I purchased this before DSD. It was a real life saver and it has so many great products that will be used over and over again.

Besides those challenges, there was a creative team contest. I entered two pages in hopes to join the Scrap Orchard creative team. Alas, there were many beautiful entries and I did not make it to round 2. Here are the pages I submitted.

All in all, it was a fantastic day. I hope to recover soon and show you lots more pages that I am working on.

Fun with food

2008-11-06T21:00:00.001-06:00

I have taken a bit of a hiatus from blogging. Rest assured it's only for a few weeks. I hope to get back to posting regularly again this weekend. In the mean time I have a fun photo to share with you.

This is my little one having what I believe is her first ice cream cone. A few weeks ago my mom gave me all of her photo CD's and this is one of my favorite photos that I discovered.

Why in the world am I posting this? Well, you should find a fun photo too. This is for my entry into the "Prego FUN with FOOD" photo contest being held by 5 minutes for Mom. Go submit your entry for a chance to win a $500 grocery card. Wouldn't that be awesome???

A fun challenge

2008-10-20T21:27:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago I saw a call by Sine of Designs by Sine at Scrap Orchard looking to add guests to her creative team. I have been drooling over some of the calls that have been posted there and submitted my application for a few but hadn't gotten picked yet. Well, when I saw Sine's call I just knew I had to apply. She is a template designer at Scrap Orchard and she does beautiful work. I love working with great templates so I had to jump at this chance. Needless to say, she received lots of applicants. I love what she did next. She decided to have a scrap-off. We were given a template and had to scrap 3 different pages. really liked this because now I get the chance to show this designer what I really can do. Templates are so versatile and I wanted to show that in my different pages. Weather or not I get picked to be on her team, I had lots of fun and I think my pages turned out great.

Here's the template we were given:

Here's the pages I made:

Kit used: Cloud #9 by Irene Alexeeva at Scrap Orchard
Template by Sine of Designs by Sine at Scrap Orchard
Quotes: Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne
We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. ~Frederick Keonig

Credits
Kit used: Danielle by Lauraskathi
Additional items: Frame and stitches by Gunhild, Brads by Memories Made Easy and Sticker Action by Atomic Cupcake
Template by Sine of Designs by Sine at Scrap Orchard
Journaling:
We went to the Jelly Belly Factory Tour in Pleasant Prairie, WI. The tour wasn’t quite what we expected. Afterwards we went shopping at Gurnee Mills. The day was tons of fun. Samantha bought a giant jawbreaker, we thought she would never fit it in her mouth. She proved us wrong and showed us her BIG MOUTH.

Credits:
Template by Sine of Designs by Sine of Scrap Orchard
Tattered Paper Overlay, Stitches and Paper Tear by Gunhild, Tree and Chain by Angie's Asylum, Bow by The Scrappin Cop. All items created by me using commercial use products.
Journaling:
Finding the perfect pumpkin wasn’t nearly as fun as carving a pumpkin for the very first time. Even though we didn’t really like the feeling of pumpkin guts on our fingers we really liked pulling it all out of our pumpkins. We had fun designing the perfect faces. Mommy and Daddy helped with the cutting because we can’t use a knife yet. In the end we finally had the Perfect Pumpkins.

There is so much you can do with a template and while I did use the template in almost the exact same configuration the designs came out so different. I could have made some other changes like flipping the template in another direction or replacing one of the pictures with a different element, but I chose to keep them the same just so you could see how some smaller changes can make a huge difference. To get some of the other great templates by Sine be sure to visit her store at Scrap Orchard: Sine of Designs by Sine.

Catching up

2008-10-20T21:12:00.001-05:00

Sorry that there was no freebie last week. I have almost everything together for a nice kit but I haven't had much free time in the last week. I have been busy scrapping. When the moment hits me I have to just go with it. I got almost 1000 pictures from my Mom's stash and I couldn't help but get some pages done with those. I'll show you most of the pages I have made in the last few weeks.

These are all from various challenges at color line design:

Photo challenge

Black background paper from lauraskathi - Birthday Bash 30 a kit
Everything else is from lauraskathi - Danielle Kit

Artist Challenge

Template by ChrissyW of Elemental Scraps
Papers and buttons from Lauraskathi Birthday Bash 1 kit
Frame and stitch by Gunhild
Butterfly bling by Natalia Designs sale freebie
Quote:
Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures. ~Henry Ward Beecher

Mix it up challenge

Background paper by Irene Alexeeva at Scrap Orchard
Worn edges on Main photo and heart by Penny Springmann
Alpha by Lauraskathi
Vintage Jewelry by Gunhild
Vintage button by Rachael's Scraps
Staples from Krystal Hartley and Misty Cato's Happy Chappy Kit
All other elements designed by me.
Quote:
The history of our grandparents is remembered not with rose petals but in the laughter and tears of their children and their children's children. It is into us that the lives of grandparents have gone. It is in us that their history becomes a future. ~Charles and Ann Morse

Scrap Lift Challenge

Hangars from Mega-Doodle Inspired Dot Me Silly2 kit and Angies Asylum Tagger Goodies2
Alpha Frames from Valarie Ostrom
THE created with Alpha Brushes by Kellie Puddy
Background Paper and all other elements from Happy Chappy Kit by Krystal Hartley and Misty Cato
Also, frames bent with Sticky Note action by Mega-Doodle Inspired.

TNT Challenge

Fun Frames by Kellie Puddy
Strings and Stitches by Gunhild
Background paper and remaining elements by Creative Dreams - Eclectic Love kit

Template Challenge

All items from Lauraskathi Julia kit.

These are all from various challenges at Get Digi With It:

Speed Scrap Challenge

Mega-Doodle Inspired European Traveler Kit
Handstamped Brushes Michelle Coleman of LittleDreamerDesigns.com
Ribbons by Gunhild Storeide

Speed Scrap Challenge

All items were created by me with my own designs and items by the following designers:
Crow, tree and moon by Angie's Asylum
Folded ribbon and overlay to create frames by The Scrappin Cop
Stitches by Gunhild
Bottle cap and folded edge created with actions by Mega-Doodle Inspired

Speed Scrap Challenge

Papers and elements from the CLD August Colab kit
Alpha and doodle by Lauraskathi

Template Challenge

Kit used - Happy Chappy by Krystal Hartley and Misty Cato

These are all from various challenges at Scrap Orchard:

Template Challenge

Template by Sine of Designs by Sine.

I created all of the elements with designer resource items. Paper fold action by Mega-Doodle Inspired, Splash Overlay by Wetfish Scraps, Brush to create Beach Ball by Obsidian Dawn and Sticker action by Atomic Cupcake and Alpha brushes to create Splish Splash Words by Kellie Puddy.

Bring It Challenge

Main kit used: Cloud #9 by Irene Alexeeva
Alphas all by Lauraskathi
Template by Chrissy W at Elemental Scraps
Journaling: You love to dress up and when I see you I immediately get a smile on my face. You can make anything into a costume. Your favorite thing used to be the silk play scarf but now it is anything princess. You dress up for fun but I think you love to see the smile on everyone’s face when they see how beautiful you are. You really light up my life.

Are you a storyteller?

2008-10-10T15:38:00.001-05:00

We all have some kind of story to tell. Some of us may not know how to tell those stories. Do you want to learn how to tell your story?

There's a great new class coming up.

I stumbled upon The Sprague Lab a while back. And I have been loving reading it ever since. This class looks like it is just what I need. I always experience things that I know I just need to document and then by the time I sit down, I have either a) forgotten all about wanting to document the experience or b) don't know what to write about. I also want to make sure I expand my focus on journaling on my scrapbook pages. I know that when these pages are shared many years from now, the person looking at them will want to know a little about the story behind the pretty pages.

Mark your calendars and don't miss out on this class. Oh yeah...the best part is that it's FREE!!!

It's been a long week...

2008-10-09T20:25:00.001-05:00

...and there hasn't been enough time or energy for scrapping.

Last weekend was scheduled pretty full. We got started with a shopping trip on Friday and then a long time at the apple orchard/pumpkin farm on Saturday. Then...it...happened. Jazmine got sick at dinner. I knew that the rest of us were doomed. By Sunday afternoon I had been bit by the flu bug too. I think yesterday was the first day that I was fully recovered. That was lucky because I was able to play a little and I made another freebie.

I have to give you a bit of background on this freebie first. I may have said it about a billion times but I am a part of the product test team at Mega-Doodle Inspired. It's great because we are able to get a sneak peek at some of the new elements and actions that Brandy develops. I love that I get to play with these new things but I was also missing some of the previous actions that Mega-Doodle Inspired already had in stores. That's why when I saw that there was going to be a bundle of them sold, I knew I had to have them. Here's a tiny bit of info but if you click on the pictures you can go right to the store to see what all is included. Oh yeah, I think you can still get a discount if you go to the Mega-Doodle Inspired blog and read <THIS> post.

The reason I am telling you about this is because that cute little purse that you see in this freebie was created with one of the actions that is included in the PS CS3 bundle. You can also buy it separately but why would you want to do that when you just know you want even more of those cool actions.

The newest release from Mega-Doodle Inspired is this grab bag. You can also click on the link to go right to the store to make the purchase or you can go to the blog and see where you can pick up a bunch of freebies using items from this grab bag. I used one of the plastics styles to create the cute little lipgloss that is included in today's freebie.

Here's a page I made using the notebook and the keychain from this grab bag.

Credits: Strings and rubber band from Gunhild, pattern to create the texture on the leaves by The Scrappin Cop, Notebook, Paper and keychain all by Mega-Doodle Inspired.

The jounaling says: We started taking walks as often as possible. Not only are our walks fun but they are educational. We recently were learning about all the different kinds of trees and leaves we find. We also love to play red light green light stop. We can't wait to see what we can discover when spring comes.

I guess it's about time I get to what you all really came here for. On to the freebie. This was really made because I wanted to try out another fun new action I got. It was an action by Cindy Doerksen Designs. It was to clean up clip art and line art. I wanted to try it on some sketch brushes I had from Obsidian Dawn. I just knew that the makeup sketches would go perfectly with that cute little purse.

So without further ado, I present the Makeup Mini Kit. I'd love to see what you create with these. Please come back and leave a comment with a link to your page so we can all see.

Download the kit here:

Makeup Mini Kit

If you followed along this far thanks for stopping by!

Create-A-Pumpkin Freebie

2008-10-02T21:47:00.001-05:00

I have another freebie for you today. This time you can create your own pumpkin sticker. This mini kit includes 4 unique papers, 2 unique pumpkin stickers and a number of different pumpkin face stickers. I have included full face stickers with eyes, noses and mouth and I have included each separately. Pick your eyes, eyebrows, noses and mouths to create your very own jack-o-lantern face. My kids have had a lot of fun designing their own pumpkins and now they are all excited about getting the real thing so that I can use their jack-o-lantern stickers on a page I scrap of them at the pumpkin farm this year.

The stickers were created with the transparent sticker action by Mega-Doodle Inspired. Even though that is fantastic I have to rave on something else by Mega-Doodle Inspired. Do you remember those pattern papers an overlays I told you about. I used them to create this prior freebie. Well, with the pattern set is a tutorial for creating your own patterns in PS. I have had so much fun creating my own patterns now. Just a few of my new patterns were used to create the papers in this kit. So, if you want to learn how to make your own patterns in PS you have to check out the pattern set by Mega-Doodle Inspired. I can say enough how fun it is to create patterns on my own. You have to give it a try.

So on to the freebie.

Download the Freebie here:

Create-A-Pumpkin

Power Scrapping Weekend

2008-09-29T22:22:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a pleasant weekend. I sure did. Other than some play time with the kids I was able to scrap all weekend long. It was great.

Someone posted a little extra challenge at Color Line Design. The challenge was to participate in 15 challenges for the month of September. I only 6 completed as of Thursday so I had counted myself out of the challenge. The scrapping bug bit me on Friday morning and I just went with it. I ended up completing all 15 needed with only one layout counting for 2 challenges. I was pretty proud of all of those pages too. This has been some of my best work so far.

Here are most of the layouts I completed this weekend.

This was a scraplift challenge:

Credits:
Overlay by The Scrappin Cop

Brushes by Obsidian Dawn
Glitter Pattern by Creative Dreams

Journaling reads: This has become our favorite family past time. We get to go on a hide and seek adventure and find fabulous treasures along the way. Most times it’s not about what we find at the end of our quest but what we find along the way. This train car was found right near Butler park at a small fire station. I had to grab the camera and get a picture. While it may be rusted, the car was just beautiful. If we weren’t on our treasure hunt we would have never found this little beauty. We can’t wait to see what other amazing treasures we can find on our geocaching adventures.

This was a Template challenge. Check out those awesome star stickers. I created those with the new sticker action by Mega-Doodle Inspired.

Credits:

Template by Heavenlyscraps
Ribbon, backwards brads and notebook paper by Gunhild.
Sticker action by Mega-Doodle Inspired
Glitter Pattern by Creative Dreams

This was a photo challenge. We we to look at the differences in our photos from color, black & white and sepia. I decided to turn it into a layout. Ali, the star of the page, helped me design the whole thing.

This page was created using the Color Line Design Aug. Colab kit.

This was the monthly artist challenge. We had to look at the gallery for inspiration. These fantastic papers are from a kit by another awesome Mega-Doodle Inspired Product Test team member - C.W.Picket.

Credits:
Paper Stickers and Ribbon from XOXO kit by C.W.Picket

Heart charm and Pin by Angie's Asylum
String by Gunhild

This one was tough. It was the Mix-it up and color challenges together. For the mix it up challenge we had to use the following elements.

1 - photo matte or frame
2 - staples / fasteners of some type
3 - pictures
4 - stitches
5 - flowers/stars/cardboard pieces
6 - papers (may be pieced) - your photo matte (if used) is NOT included in this count.
7 - glitter/gems/sequins or bling pieces

Credits:
Flowers with rafia by Cindy Doerksen Designs

Other flowers and large frame by The Scrappin Cop
Metal Frames by Angie's Asylum
Metal clips by SeAScrApS (Sandra Adamson)
Wood photo clips by TerrellS

Stitches by Gunhild

Glitter pattern by Creative Dreams
Swirls created with brushes by Obsidian Dawn

This was for the All About Me Challenge. We were to scrap about our favorite holiday. I created this page for a challenge on another board too where we we to scrap photos representing then and now.

Credits:
Grid overlay, Alpha, Strings, Stitches, plastic pockets and cardboard all by Gunhild.
Pumpkin sticker created with actions and tutorials by Mega-Doodle Inspired.

Journaling reads: This has been my favorite holiday as far back as I remember. Over the years I have won many different costume contests. There’s so much fun in choosing and designing my costumes. Making costumes is just another way for me to unleash my creativity. I even vividly remember designing this clown costume with my Grandma when I was 7 years old. After that I have been dressed as everything from an accident victim to a clown riding a flamingo. Most recently I designed these zombie costumes. People’s reactions to some of my zany and crazy costumes are priceless.

And my favorite Layout to date. This was for a song lyric challenge. We we to be inspired by the song Colors in the Wind by Vanessa Williams.

Credits:
Dots pattern by Mega-Doodle Inspired
Retro Circles overlay and glitter pattern by Creative Dreams
Frames by Gunhild
Butterflys and glitter swirls created with brushes by Obsidian Dawn

I used a verse in the song for the journaling. It reads:

And you'll never hear the wolf cry to the blue corn moon
For whether we are white or copper skinned
We need to sing with all the voices of the mountain
We need to paint with all the colours of the wind
You can own the earth and still all you`ll own is earth until
you can paint with all the colours of the wind

I Wish - the kit

2008-09-25T20:35:00.001-05:00

If you remember my Stepping out of the comfort zone post, then you'll remember my I Wish page. It was inspired by some beautiful bedding that I saw. I created a page for a challenge over at Color Line Design. I have decided to turn that page into a small kit and give it to you. Yes, another FREEBIE. I actually have a few freebies in the works. I will be posting a freebie for you at least once a week.

Next to the colors, my favorite thing in this kit are the flower stickers. I created these using a brand new action from Mega-Doodle Inspired. You can pick up the action to make your own flowers at Scrappin Freestyle or My Scrap Shop or go to the Mega-Doodle Inspired blog to see where else you can pick it up. You can adjust the setting on your sticker too so you can create stickers any way you like them. You really have to give this action a try.

Also, the I Wish Kit has a gorgeous color combination with beige, brown, a light cranberry and a light blue. These colors can be mixed and match to make this kit very versatile. I hope you have as much creating your layouts with this kit as I did making it.

Here's the kit:

You can download it here:

Download

Football Freebie

2008-09-19T10:38:00.001-05:00

Today's freebie was actually the first one that I made but I loved those papers from yesterday so much that I couldn't hold out on sharing them with you.

This freebie was created with some fabulous football related products from Mega-Doodle Inspired. I am so lucky that I am a part of this test team. I suppose you are pretty luck too because now you get Freebies from me.

Go check out the Mega-Doodle Inspired blog to find out how you can get your hands on the kits used to create this freebie.

This one was a little outside of my comfort zone. I really am not all that into Football so I don't know what all of the terms mean. We do have the Green Bay Packers here and years ago I was a die hard fan. While we are a Packer loving family, I am just not all that into the sport. That certainly didn't deter me from giving these items a try and I even think I have some old photos from a game we went to in Detroit to create a page.

Here's an example of one of the papers:

Here's a preview of the Football Mini Kit:

You can pick up this kit here:

Football Mini Kit

I hope you have fun with this. Please let me know what you think and if you create any pages please share.

My First Freebie

2008-09-18T21:45:00.002-05:00

Well folks, here it is! I have my very first freebie to share with you. I got some really cool Pattern overlays and a PS pattern file from Mega-Doodle Inspired. I started playing with a combination of the overlays and the patterns to see what the combinations would look like. I added in another texture overlay and came up with a few fabulous papers. Today I am going to share those papers with you. I also added a few elements that I think compliment the papers very well. So without further ado, I give you Time in a Bottle.

Download Time in a Bottle Here:

Time in a Bottle

A new adventure

2008-09-15T20:39:00.001-05:00

There are many many digi scrapping blogs that I have followed for a long time but one always stuck out to me. Mega-Doodle Inspired is a blog by a wonderful designer named Brandy. She does fabulous work and I have admired many of her actions and other products forever.

Well, recently Brandy put out a call for a product test team. I stepped out of my comfort zone and put in my name for consideration. Guess what? I am now a part of my first team in the digi scrapping world. Brandy asked me to join her team.

What does this mean for you? Freebies! Yes, I am now going to start producing freebies to share her on my blog. There's one in the works right now. It's a little different than anything I have seen out there so be sure to keep checking back so you can grab it up.

While you are waiting to start seeing the freebies, be sure to check out Mega-Doodle Inspired and look around at all that Brandy has to offer.

Salvaging a not so great picture

2008-09-15T20:28:00.001-05:00

Do you have some pictures that have cute parts but aren't what you would normally present in a photo album? All hope is not always lost with those kinds of photos. I had this photo of Jazmine at the Zoo. You can tell that she was looking at some sort of animal but it is not in the picture.

I knew that I could find a way to make this work on a scrapbook page. I extracted just the part I wanted to focus on. In this case, I extracted Jazmine with the railing and a small piece of the rock. Next was finding the right page to use this on.

Color Line Design hosts a Stash Dash Challenge. With that you are given a list of items that we keep meaning to use in our digi stash. There is a list of 10 items and you must use at least 8 of the items. This month's list included the following: Shiney Alpha, Acrylic Element, Card Board, Striped Paper, Circle Frame, Button, Picture of a Wild Animal, Leaf, Overlay and/or more than one picture. I picked a zoo picture because I definitely had pictures there of wild animals. Here's the page I created:

Our Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo.

Credits: Template by Gunhild, Striped background paper and card board element by Mega-Doodle Inspired, Circle Frame by Gloria ValVerde at Moo Two Designs, Buttons from the Azurine kit by Passions Création Fraisinette, Paper Tear by Cindy Doerksen Designs and Animal Print and Marbled overlay by The Scrappin Cop.

So, if you have a photo that isn't perfect but still has a beautiful subject you still want to share, see if there is a way to salvage it in a digital scrapbook page.

Perfect pictures

2008-09-13T11:28:00.001-05:00

The TNT challenge at Color Line Design was one I really wanted to do. We were supposed to create a page using extractions. An extraction is where you extract a part of your photo. In this example I extracted the tree and Ali from two separate photos. I had this tree that I extracted a long time ago. I took that picture at the botanical garden back in July. I knew the type of layout I wanted to do for a long time but until yesterday I didn't have the other picture to go with it. I just happened to snap the perfect picture yesterday.

Glitter filled letters, frame and paper tear: Gunhild

Ribbon, leaves, heart, clip and journaling paper: Petite Silk kit by Le digiscrap de Shineangel
Background papers: Azurine kit by Passions Création Fraisinette

Journaling says: One very special thing about her is that Ali loves leaves and all kinds of nature. She picks up leaves where ever she goes. She calls them her lucky leaves. She will collect them and take them with her where ever she goes. I hope she never loses her love of all things nature.

I was a little stumped for the Title Works challenge at Color Line Design. We were to create a page focusing on the word New. I had no idea what to do for this one. Well, that was until I received photos of a brand new addition to our family. Then I knew exactly what to do. I didn't solely use the word New but I made sure it was a larger part of the text.

Altered template: Rose McDigiscrap
Papers, ribbon and stitches: Raspberry Road Designs Preschool Play kit and Tatums Day kit
Rocking horse: Vivi's Designs
Diaper pin: created with a brush by Obsidian DawnPacifier: Le blog de coco Happy Nursery kit

So many reasons to scrap

2008-09-08T21:06:00.001-05:00

As you can probably tell, I try to scrap as often as possible. It's sometimes hard to find subjects to scrap about. I think that is why I now take my camera with me almost every where I go. Sometimes I take pictures for no reason at all except that I have a beautiful subject or scene. You just never know when those pictures will come in handy.

One thing that my family enjoys doing is geocaching. If you don't know what it's all about go check out www.geocaching.com. One recent trip was the perfect subject for a template challenge at Color Line Design.

The journaling says: While at Pretty Lake, the older kids and Auntie Kathi went geocaching. We didn’t have much luck but we did find some beautiful spots. This was our favorite. It was an old covered bridge that was paid for by the people who live in the area. We really enjoyed out time there.

All papers and elements are from the Petite Silk kit by Shineangel.

The brag book challenge at Color Line Design was a little more challenging for me. I think because the page is much smaller I feel like I have to use less pictures. Although less is more, sometimes I get a little carried away.

The journaling on this one reads: Mommy and the girls went for a beautiful walk today. Along the way you found these pretty little flowers. You put them in your hair and couldn’t wait to show Daddy. Of course you begged me to get out the camera so I could take your picture. I couldn’t say no because you were so happy and proud. I take pictures of you whenever you ask and even when you don’t want me to anymore.

Tag by Angie's Asylum, Curling ribbon by Gunhild and the colorful circles were created with brushes by Obsidian Dawn.

Simple and Pretty

2008-09-07T17:53:00.001-05:00

A recent challenge I participated in called for making a page to celebrate what we did on summer vacation. We really hadn't done much but we did sneak in a quick trip to Pretty Lake on the weekend right before school started.

The journaling says: A weekend away at Pretty Lake was just the refresher we needed before school started. We went to the cabin with Grandma, Uncle John-John, Auntie Amy, Sam, Emilio, Kirsten and Zach. Jazmine and Ali spent almost the entire weekend in the water or playing in the sand. The only thing the girls really missed was the T.V. so Sam built one out of sand for them. Jazmine even found the perfect remote control. Mommy and Daddy mostly spent their time sitting around and watching us play. We can’t wait for next year. Maybe the girls will get their voices back by then.

The layout was an alteration of a template obtained from Color Line Design, the water background is an overlay by Wetfish Scraps and the stickers are by Kylie Moore.

This challenge was the bi-weekly journaling challenge at Color Line Design. We were instructed to create a layout incorporating the idea of "simple". I knew I had to use these photos that expressed the simple love between Sisters.

The quote says: There's no Love more Simple that the Love of a Sister!

The layout was a template by HMScraps, the background paper was also by HMScraps, the frames were created from brushes by The Scrappin Cop and the paper strips were created with a pattern by The Scrappin Cop.

Newer Designs

2008-09-06T21:13:00.001-05:00

There are a few recent personal pages that I have created that I don't think I have shared here yet. These were created as a part of a challenge in the online community that I belong to. These were from the last few months.

A really different challenge was to scrap about one of our favorite things. The catch was that it have to be MY favorite thing, NOT an animal or human. Not something my family likes but one of MY favorite things! Of course my favorite thing is digi-scrapping.

This is what the journaling says:
I found something that I am so passionate about. I can spend hours on the computer at work and come home and spend another few hours designing papers and embellishment and creating scrapbook pages. I don’t have a huge mess to clean up afterwards and I have unlimited supplies. I am creating a book for each of my girls that I will give to them when they turn 18. They will be able to share their memories with generations to come. I also hope to share my passion with many others throughout the years with my new business Digi Dandy Designs.

I created most of the "papers" for this page. I chose these papers because it was the first thing I ever designed all by myself. The thing on the flower on the upper left of the page is the entire first digital kit I created for myself. The flower is by The Scrappin Cop and the post-it is by Mega-Doodle Inspired.

For this next challenge we had to revolve around the color green. Since green had been a color of choice for me I thought it would be pretty easy. Well, I was pretty wrong. I struggled to come up with a page that I liked but this is what I ended up with. It's simple but I really like how it turned out.

The background paper was done using an overlay by The Scrappin Cop.

The next challenge was to use 9 squares on our page with at least 3 of them being photos. I started by creating this page:

I sort of felt like I had cheated. While I had used more than 9 squares, I don't think that was really the intention of the person who posted the challenge. So, I decided to create a second page that was similar. I have been loving pages with black backgrounds and bright colors so this is how I changed up my page.

The journaling says:
For Mommy’s birthday, Daddy helped up make our own cards for her. And, we went shopping to pick out presents and a birthday cake. Mommy said she felt really special and we made her smile all day.

The ribbons on both pages are by Gunhild and the overlay is by Lively Up Designs.

Since it's the beginning of the month, there have been lots of new challenges posted. I should be posting lots of new pages very soon.

The coolest use of Digital Pages

2008-09-06T15:52:00.000-05:00

I donated a digital scrapbook to raise money for an event held by an online community that I belong to. I spent a lot of time working on the scrapbook and the winner of the book realized this. She was awesome to work with and I had a ton of fun creating her book. Her book was all about her geocaching adventures. I am also a geocacher so I really got into making her book extra extra special. Well, because she loved my book so much she offered to make me a bracelet. She creates Custom MEGA Italian Photo Charm bracelets. The links are bigger than a normal Italian charm bracelet. They are a perfect medium for a digital scrapbook page.

Anyhow, she made me 3 bracelets. One for me and one for each of my girls. I was stunned by how beautiful they are. Take a look for yourself.

Her website is CraftyGurlz and she has some fantastic items. I highly suggest that you check out her other work.

New site design

2008-09-06T00:31:00.002-05:00

I found a great way to utilize this blog. I have added on to it to showcase my Scrap for hire business. Digital Design is my passion and I want to share it with the world. Up until now I have only sold in my Etsy shop and through a small online auction site. Hopefully by utilizing this site more people can have an opportunity to see what I have to offer.

I did have a small problem with logger acting up on me so hopefully I haven't lost any important information. I do also plan on expanding a few areas so be on the look out for more new items.

Stepping out of the comfort zone

2008-08-24T20:43:00.004-05:00

It's been a few weeks since I posted because I was working on a special project. The project is now over and I have had some extra time to do a little scrapping. The only problem is that I haven't had much time to do it and couldn't find the inspiration I needed. Then I remembered that there were some challenges that I didn't complete from Color Line Design. This gave me a chance to ease into scrapping again.

The most recent pages I have created each caused me to step out of my comfort zone a little. You see, the reason I hadn't completed these challenges was because they were hard.

There was a journaling challenge where you needed to use I Wish as the start of your journaling. This wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I remembered an email I had seen numerous times. It was a story about an airport and someone overhearing someone saying to a passenger "I wish you enough." I promptly found the whole story and included a piece of that as my journaling. I also had gotten a catalog in the mail and there was some bedding that inspired me right away.

Here's a photo of the bedding that inspired me.

Here's the page I created:

The journaling reads:

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much
bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye.

The whole page was my creation only using brushed from Obsidian Dawn.

The next page was even more challenging. This one was to be All About Me. Specifically it was to be about 10 things that make me happy. Yes, there are many things that make me happy but I have a hard time putting it down on paper. I also have very few photos of me. I also used bedding as my inspiration for this page. The colors are just gorgeous.

Here is a photo of the bedding that inspired me:

Here is a picture of the page I created:

The journaling reads: 10 thing that make me HAPPY! 1.Smiles on the faces of my girls 2.My husband and all he does for me 3.A gorgeous sunrise and sunset 4.The smell of freshly cut grass 5.Fun things my girls enjoy doing 6.Tasting dark chocolate 7.Hugs and kisses from my girls 8.My extended family 9.My kitty cats antics 10.Scenic drives

This uses a paper heart by Gunhild and an argyle template by Digiscrapalicious.

This late challenge was the most difficult for me. This was a challenge where you you had to use a specific artist for your inspiration. The artist was Dawn DeVries Sokol. She has a very interesting style that I wanted to give a try.

Here's the page I came up with: Ali helped me create the page by asking for the clouds, including rain, and the rainbow. Since it usually rains when we go to this lake it was easy to oblige.

This used some awesome sketch brushes from Obsidian Dawn.

All in all, while it was challenging to do these pages, it was a lot of fun. I know what styles I will stick to and I found a new source of inspiration.

Marathon scrapping weekend

2008-08-03T22:26:00.002-05:00

Both girls spent a majority of the weekend at Grandma's house so I had lots of quite time to scrap. It really was a marathon scrapping weekend. I made 4 personal pages and 9 pages for an order I have. I really should have taken more breaks because my shoulders are pretty tense from staring at the computer for so long. But, I can't help myself. I love doing this so much that most of my time is spent thinking about the next page. It's just too much fun!

Let me share the personal pages I made. These were of course for challenges. It's a new month so there was a whole new set of challenges at Color Line Design. I already shared one of the pages yesterday but here are the rest.

This was for a 12 x 12 template challenge:

Overlay by Paradise Scrap at mitiaassef.com.

Journaling: The best school project was a huge mural the whole class painted. They did it outside because they got really messy.

This was for a brag book challenge:

Papers all by The Scrappin Cop.

And, last but not least, this was for a Trends and Technique challenge. The challenge was to use black as a focus of the layout with splashes of color. I don't know if I like the layout but I do like using black as a base in my layouts.

Overlay by Sweetmade.net and frame by Gunhild. Flowers are from photos I took and the ribbons are my creation.

A very special first

2008-08-02T14:29:00.002-05:00

The first August journaling challenge at Color Line Design is all about firsts. I couldn't think of a better first than Jazmine's first day of school. It was a pretty important first for Jazmine and I had lots of great pictures to choose from.

I did a little Photoshop fun on the main photo and did the journaling in a little different way. What is my favorite part of this page is that is uses Jazmine's actual handwriting. I had her help me with a project a while ago and she nicely wrote out the whole alphabet for me. She did it in black sharpie so it scanned very well. I just cut out the letters and put them together into the words I needed. I plan on doing this every year so we can see how her handwriting improves over the years.

Overlay by Digi Scrap by Coco, retro paper made with overlay by Creative Dreams and pattern by The Scrappin Cop.

The journaling reads: Jazmine’s first day of junior Kindergarten was perfect! She was excited to meet all kinds of new friends. She was the shortest person in class but definitely had the biggest personality. Her teacher Miss G. was pretty great. Jazmine was nervous to begin the day but by time she got home there was no stopping her from talking about it to anyone. At the end of the first day Miss G. gave everyone a kissing hand cookie as a very special treat.

Birthdays and flowers

2008-07-25T13:31:00.002-05:00

I have come to the realization that I have so many photos that need to be digi scrapped. When I am participating in a challenge I am getting a great opportunity. I get the chance to go through some older photos and get the inspiration to scrap them. I just have to be careful that I don't re-scrap the same photos. Yesterday I was inspired to do a LO for one of my girls birthday and another page to showcase one of my favorite photos from when we visited the botanical garden last year.

Here's is Ali's 2nd birthday:

Star overlay by Kimberly Cameron, String, Stitches, tags and gummy bear frame by Gunhild & Svenning and buttons by I Love Yesenia.

Here is the botanical garden:

This was a simple design so there isn't much to share as far as resources. I am trying to figure out where the hearts came from. These are valentine brushes that I have but I must have misfiled them since I can't find the source. If you know where these came from please let me know. The flower is from Moo Two Designs and the eyelets are from Memories Made Easy.

Feasting with the Beasties

2008-07-23T22:11:00.002-05:00

One of the best things about scrapbooking is getting the chance to go back and relive some of your favorite memories. Today I am revisiting a special day that I spent with Ali. We went to a local botanical garden and spent an afternoon. There were these "Beastie" characters all over the gardens and a few fun activities just for kids. These are two of my favorite photos of the day. This welcoming path and this beautiful girl feasting on a cookie she decorated herself.

This was a brag book template challenge for Color Line Design. Papers are PS patterns by Obsidian Dawn. The tree and grass have a paper overlay by The Scrappin Cop, the brogs are by Memories Made Easy and the Bow and Ring embellishment are by Carolina Girl Scrap Creations.

Emerson's birthday

2008-07-22T23:12:00.003-05:00

My nephew Emerson is almost 3 years old. I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday. I love being present for the birth of a baby. There is something just so special about welcoming a new baby. Today I decided to use Kellie Puddy's template challenge at Color Line Design to create a LO about this special day.

The journaling says: It was a beautiful warm day. Mom, Dad, Big Brothers, Grandma and Auntie Kathi were all excited to meet you. The doctors thought you were going to be a big baby so they were all ready to bring you into the world by c- section. We all settled into our places. Mom got ready for surgery. Dad got into his scrubs. Grandma, Delano, Elijah and Auntie Kathi all settled into the waiting room. We were overwhelmed with joy when Dad came in to tell us that you were here. A few minutes later they brought you into a room for us to watch you get cleaned up and all your little tests done. Your brothers looked on in amazement. Elijah had told us earlier that he didn’t want a brother but when he saw you he didn’t want to leave your side for even a minute. Delano was soon distracted by a game book he had. Grandma and Auntie Kathi took your proud new brothers for a walk by the fountain across the street. This gave you r Mommy and Daddy some time to get to know you all by themselves. Your brothers were so happy to think of all the things they were going to do with you. When we returned we all spent some time watching your every cute little move. Yes, in the end it was a perfect beautiful warm day.

The background is a pattern by The Scrappin Cop with a Retro overlay by Creative Dreams, another overlay by Sonia Harvy (Saab) and scroll embellishment by Memories Made Easy.

Brag book challenge

2008-07-21T20:20:00.002-05:00

Can I say it again? I am really lovin' all of the challenges I am finding. Rose McDigital posted a brag book challenge and of course I had to give it a try. I haven't done brag book pages before and wondered how difficult it would be to feature one or two small photos. I have generally only done 12 x 12 pages.

Saturday night my niece was over and she saw the design I was working on and I had to make one for her and for my two girls. I guess I like the brag book pages because I can print them as a 4 x 6 photo too. We ended up printing these and taking them to Grandma. Grandma fell in love.

Overlay by Scrap Kitten, Wings are a brush by Obsidian Dawn with a glitter pattern by Creative Dreams, Flower Embellishment by Cindy Doerksen and charm frame by Angie's Asylum.

Overlay by Scrap Kitten with a pattern overlay by The Scrappin Cop, Wings are a brush by Obsidian Dawn with a glitter pattern by Creative Dreams, Crochet flowers by Digi Scrap by Coco, Bow by Cindy Doerksen, charm frame by Angie's Asylum and stitching by Imanitas Designs.

Overlay by Scrap Kitten with a pattern overlay by The Scrappin Cop, Wings are a brush by Obsidian Dawn with a glitter pattern by Creative Dreams, button by I Love Yesenia, charm frame by Angie's Asylum and ribbons that I created.

Loving the challenges

2008-07-17T22:14:00.002-05:00

While blog surfing I have been trying to find more scrap challenges to participate in. I found a really cool site called color line design. I found it through Kellie Puddy's blog. I don't know how it all works specifically but I saw one of the template challenges she posted and I fell in love. She creates beautiful templates and hosts a bi-monthly template challenge. They are perfect for showcasing your photos. She even puts a perfect spot in for journaling. I was a little late in submitting this for the challenge but I had to use this template.

Instead of a background paper I used a photo I snapped while we were at the park. I love taking photos at the park. They always turn out so fun.

The journaling says: We discovered this beautiful park that was pretty close to home. On a day with gorgeous weather Mommy and Daddy decided to head out to play as a family. We started out the afternoon with a nice picnic lunch. Afterwards, we took a stroll around the pond. We spent some time on the playground. Even Mommy rode on the swings. We finished off the day with another stroll around the pond and a climb up this giant hill. It was so awesome and we couldn’t have asked for a better day together. There are more days like this in our very near future. 06/01/08

The papers are Summer Fun patterns from The Scrappin Cop, The chipboard is from Atomic Cupcake, the grunge border was adapted from an overlay I got from Sweetmade.net, safety pin from Angie's Asylum and brogs from Memories Made Easy.

Blog Challenges to help me scrap

2008-07-14T22:26:00.003-05:00

Not too long ago I discovered an awesome template designer. She is at Rose McDigital and she sells in a number of different stores. I purchased one of her mega packs and have started designing using some of her templates. I also searched for her blog to be able to stay up to date on her designs. Well, she just came out with a new Mega Template pack and posted a contest with a Freebie template she posted. I had to give it a try. Be sure to check out her blog for yourself. I am sure you will be pleased with her work.

I used this as an opportunity to help me continue scrapping my girls books. Photoshop was giving me some trouble so I actually started this layout twice. I am very happy with the final design.

This is a photo of Jazmine who is now 5. She is being rocked by her Great-Grandma. At the time this was a photo of the oldest and youngest member of our family. I can even hear her singing Rock-a-bye Baby. Sadly Grandma passed away less than a year after this photo was taken. It is the only memory Jazmine will have to carry with her. I miss her very much and wish Jazmine would have had the chance to get to know her like I did.

This layout uses patterns by The Scrappin Cop, bow by Rachael's Scraps, cut out action by Atomic Cupcake and some ribbons that I created.

Starting books for my girls

2008-07-09T22:44:00.000-05:00

I have decided that it's fine time for me to start scrapping books just for my girls. I want to create a book for each of them individually that they can keep forever and ever. Jazmine in 5 and Ali is 3 1/2. I have plenty of years left to scrap them but I better get started on the last 5 years worth of photos. Tonight I started Jazmine's book. I did this page of our fuzzy haired little girl.

Recent Designs

2008-07-06T20:16:00.003-05:00

This is going to be a long post but I just had to share some of my recent personal pages I created. I have recently participated in a few scrap challenges and these would be perfect to share. I must say, they really did challenge me. Even though I scrap digitally, these pages took me a few hours each but I really couldn't be any more pleased with the results.

The first challenge was to scrap about ourselves. I really don't have many pictures of myself since I am usually the one behind the camera. I dug out some old photo albums and scanned some of my grade school pictures. This is what I came up with. Please don't laugh at the funky hair.

The next challenge was to scrap about traveling. The topic was easy for me because I went on the best trip ever in 2006. I went to Cancun and I had a ton of pictures I could use. I actually scrapped 11 pages for this challenge because I wanted to get a good start on my book. I have been meaning to work on this for a long time but this challenge gave me a reason to have to do it. I work on this in an 11" x 8 1/2" size. Here are a few of the pages.

The next challenge we were supposed to use a song to inspire us. This was one of my favorites. I used "In My Life" by the Beatles and I scrapped a page about me and my Dad. I haven't given him the page yet but I think he is going to love it.

I hosted the next challenge and my theme was Love. It could be any kind of love. One person even scrapped about her love of books. It was awesome. I don't think I would have ever thought of that. Anyhow, I scrapped about my girls and their sisterly love. They have a bond like no other.

The most recently challenge was to use a specific quote as inspiration. I think I came up with the perfect page. The quote was “Heart on her lips, and soul within her eyes, Soft as her clime, and sunny as her skies” - Lord Byron. This took some thought but I ended up doing my design about my youngest. This is what my journaling said: She is a lover girl who will smother you with kisses. She is always at peace. She is a deep thinker who savors every moment of life. She is a beautiful child. She is... The quote fit her perfectly.

That's what I have done recently. I plan to share lots more. I hope you enjoy!

Where can you buy my designs?

2008-07-06T19:29:00.003-05:00

Currently I am selling a few premade semi-custom digital scrapbooks at my Etsy Shop. These books have 30 pages each in one of 6 color combos. There are designs that can be used for children through adult. If you are looking for custom colors you can contact me. I would be happy to work with you on any custom digital designs.

I hope to have dedicated site somewhere in the near future but we all have to start somewhere.

Designer Resources

2008-07-06T19:20:00.002-05:00

This blog also has an area where I will share designer resources. This is for those of you who wish to create your own digital scrapbook pages. Many of the resources center around Photoshop. More specifically, I use Photoshop CS2 and these resources can be used with this. I am not certain how these resources work for other programs.

I don't want to hide anything because I know many people are capable of designing digital pages and books all on their own. I also know that many of these resources are available with a few web searches. These are there for those of you who wish to give digital design a try all on your own.

This list is far from complete, but I have listed a few to get you started. Many of these resources are other bloggers who offer their items free of charge. They do this out of the goodness of their own heart. They deserve credit for all the hard work they do. I hope to be able to feature them and show you the wonderful work that they do.

So, if you want to give digital desgin a try, check out the designer resources listed in the sidebar.

What is Digi Dandy Designs?

2008-07-06T10:49:00.001-05:00

As you may have read in my about me page, I have discovered a love of digital scrapbooking. I recently completed my first book. I created 40 pages with thoughts of my girls through the year 2007. I had so much fun creating the pages but I was overwhelmed, in a good way, when I saw the finished book that I had professionally printed. Not only does this book hold precious memories, it is also beautiful beyond words. I was so proud that I had to immediately share the book with family and friends. Everyone was also taken with the beauty of the book. Friends expressed amazement that this was something I had created. They knew I was a crafty person but they just kept complimenting me on the book. Many asked if I could create something like this for them with their own photos. I had already thought that this would be a great idea for many people. I also knew that many people would either not know how to do this or just did not have the time. After the numerous requests to create books for others, the idea of Digi Dandy Designs was created. I have most of the logistics down for how this will work and at this point I am using this blog to document how this will work.

Digi Dandy Designs will be a place for you to purchase individual pre-made digital scrapbook pages and/or a complete set of pre-made pages using your photos ready to be printed. There will also be handmade cards and other gift items.

I am also open to suggestions for ideas from you. Feel free to leave me a comment and I will work with you on your own personal creations.

Design a Bracelet

2008-01-08T21:56:00.002-06:00

Digital scrapbook pages can be turned into a beautiful personalized Italian Charm Bracelet like this:

My friend Laura made these beautiful creations for me and my family. She is the owner of Craftygurlz.

Not only does she have these stunning creations available but many other fantastic gift ideas. Please check out www.craftygurlz.com and if you are interested in a personalized bracelet like these make sure you send me and email at digidandydesigns@gmail.com.

Current pricing is only $5 per page created for the Mega Italian Charms. (See www.craftygurlz.com for pricing of the Bracelet.) For eight (8) or more pages ordered you will receive a 25% discount when mentioning this site.

Gift Ideas

2008-01-07T11:11:00.002-06:00

Grandma and Grandpa

Grandma and Grandpa would love to carry around pictures of their precious little grandchild. They can show off pictures to all of their friends. They will love bragging about the brand new addition in the family or showing off all the antic of the entire brood. Order the petitie 5" x 5" book or 3.5" x 3.5" .

Grandma and Grandpa would also appreciate the 8" x 8" or 12" x 12" size for showing off when they receive house guests.

Minimum order of 2 for the 5" x 5" size
Minimum order of 3 for the 3.5" x 3.5" size

Wedding/Engagement

Save all of your dating photos in a fantastic love story, put together a book to announce your engagement or create a happily ever after story to capture the magic of your wedding memories. Don't forget to include the story of how you met and why you fell in love.

The 5" x 5" or 3.5" x 3.5" brag books make a spectacular invitation or wedding favor for your guests.

Minimum order of 2 for the 5" x 5" size
Minimum order of 3 for the 3.5" x 3.5" size

Birthday / Anniversary

Are you celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary for a special friend or family? Will there be guest attending that would share a special story or picture that the guest of honor would enjoy? Have all of your guest submit photos and special memories and compile a lasting memory. Imagine the look on their face when you present this gift.

You can even give everyone who contributes and option to order their own book. If you request your book to be uploaded to VioVio, you can share the link for ordering with anyone.

Graduation

What better gift for a graduate than a treasure that includes memories of all those school years? Don't forget to include all those awkward pictures with missing teeth or crazy hair. Log all those trends that were followed, special friends and school activities. The receiver will have a lasting memory that can be shared for many years with children and grandchildren. You are creating a lasting treasure.

Memorial

One thing that is more precious than anything after the loss of a loved one is memories in your heart. Create an everlasting memory with photographs and stories you can treasure forever.

An option would be to include photos of items that were special to the person you are honoring. If they had a certain style of clothing, those items can be scanned to include as backdrops to pages.

It's never easy to lose someone you love but you can hold a piece of them as you page through your memories.

Samples

2008-01-06T11:10:00.002-06:00

Sunny Designs
Cheerful Designs
Lucky Designs
Giggle Designs
Candy Designs
Joyful Designs

F.A.Q.

2008-01-04T10:32:00.001-06:00

How does this work? When you make your purchase I will contact you to provide your photos and page choices. If you want me to pick your mix of pages, just let me know. Your photos will be placed in a variety of pre-made digital scrapbook pages. The “Title” on the pages can either be removed or you may provide descriptive words. Each of these pages becomes a unique custom design by the use of your photos and captions. Your custom design may be a variation of the designs on the sample pages with slight edits to design and number of photos to suit your photos. Once I have your photos it will take 1-2 weeks to complete the CD. Inquire for processing times at the time you place your order.

How and when do you pay? Payment is accepted via Paypal, including debits/credit cards. A minimum deposit of 50% will be required prior to creation of your scrapbook.

What is the process to receive a bound book? We complete all of the digital design and an outside company completes the printing. The order you place with us is only for the digital design. We recommend the printing of digital scrapbooks through VioVio but you can use the company of your choice. There are many printing resources available but we highly recommend VioVio for printing digital scrapbooks and Vista Print for business cards.

When you place your order with us, we complete the digital design and provide you with a CD or digital file of your artwork. If you choose to use VioVio for your digital scrapbook, we will upload it to their site and provide instructions for ordering.

What is the advantage of using VioVio for your book? The number one reason is for the variety of sizes they offer for printing of your digital scrapbook. When your book is uploaded to their site it is in the largest size but they will automatically resize it for you if you want a smaller size. Based on my previous experience it takes about 1-2 weeks for your book to be shipped once ordered. You may also choose to print your pages or book with any number of other companies.

Contact Us if you have any additional questions.

Pricing

2008-01-03T10:30:00.001-06:00

Custom design pricing will vary depending on the size of your project. See below for details. Custom design is completed to reflect the subject matter, the theme and colors of your photos. Journaling, quotes and page titles may be added per your request. Your custom design may be a variation of the designs on the sample page with design edits to suit your photos.

All digital scrapbooks are originally designed in a 12"x12" size and can be resized based on your needs or request.

25 pages plus cover design $100-$200
Pricing includes CD-Rom with all of your complete pages and files uploaded to VioVio.com

* We do require a 50% deposit before we start any project.

Individual Digital Scrapbook Pages are also available and are beautiful when framed.

For digital scrapbooks and all other items, Contact Us for a price quote.