SanSan's Paradise

A freebie from me!

2012-01-02T15:49:00.002-05:00

I think the last time I did this was over 2 years ago. Recently I have had to look up some design tutorials and stumbled upon some holiday themed samples. Well, I fooled around and came up with this. Everything was created following a tut or by freehand. Hope you enjoy.
DOWNLOAD HERE

2011-09-22T10:26:00.000-04:00

I am counting the months til next Spring's meet up in Vegas. Leave it to the folks at Scrap Orchard to make the deal even sweeter. One lucky person has a chance at getting their room paid for. Find out how by clicking this link.

Lots happening at the Orchard

2011-07-01T06:25:00.000-04:00

First off I am so excited to announce one of Scrap Orchard's most attended event/contest is BACK! Iron Scrapper 2 is one of the most fun and entertaining ways for you to have at a chance to win dozens of prizes...the biggest being an iPad2! Also going on right now we have a huge storewide retirement sale on kits from most of our designers. I have seen them and it is chock full of goodies! Lastly, please join me tomorrow for a Treehouse Chat. I always have something great to give away! See you around the Orchard!

http://scraporchard.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?598-Rules-Information-amp-FAQ-s

http://scraporchard.com/market/

http://scraporchard.com/forum/forum.php

Important info about Vegas next year!

2011-05-28T22:35:00.010-04:00

link

If you are thinking about going to next years Digiscrapapalooza, do not hesitate..This is your last chance to save $50 on the Registration. Those who went last year all have the same things to say...It was a BLAST...We all had the time of our lives...Like meeting old friends...etc, etc. I for one, cannot wait for March to get here again so I can see all those wonderful friends again. Read the threads all about this at www.scraporchard.com
Trust me, you WILL want to go! Stop thinking about it...go grab your coupon before May 31!

Convention memories

2011-04-07T17:51:00.000-04:00

I have finally come down off my high cloud from DigiScrap-apalooza, that was sponsored through Scrap Orchard on their 3rd Birthday. I flew out a day early and returned a day after it ended, so I was able to get as much fun as possible crammed into the extended weekend!

I think I had the most fun I'd had in decades, rooming with Jemenifer and Jaye. We three had absolutely the best time and completely forged a stronger friendship having finally met face to face after so many times chatting online or on the phone. One highlight of the convention was the opening ceremony where each 'team' had a skit or song to perform. Here is a glimpse...I am near the left side with the huge wig most of the last song. A HUGE Thank You to Sarah for the use of your video montage:

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Time is running out...

2011-02-27T12:11:00.001-05:00

If you want to be part of a memorable and incredibly fun event, you have about ONE WEEK left to reserve...Use that tax refund, break open the change jars...whatever it takes...but please try not to miss this! Check out the details here.

Daily giveaways...Don't miss these!

2010-12-01T05:28:00.001-05:00

And so the fun begins! These are not events you will want to miss!

Each day, for the entire month of December, there will be an insanely awesome sale.. oh yes, when we celebrate it is Go Big or Go Home! But wait, there is more! The Designer will also have a coordinating free’bee’, which we will be sending out in our newsletter and on our blog. But wait, there is more! In each free’bee’ zip file will be a puzzle piece, collect all the pieces to reveal a special coupon code which will get you 40% Off during the first week of January 2011!

Do not linger too long or else you will miss out on the festivities because the sale and free’bee’ will only be available for 24 hours!

Learn about the daily deals and Day One giveaway HERE!

Adding psd file to freebie

2010-11-28T08:39:00.009-05:00

Same art as yesterday except the zip file has png file added: DOWNLOAD

Freebie from me

2010-11-27T20:30:00.006-05:00

You might find these useful, so help yourself. PU only please.

DOWNLOAD

Don't miss this $2 per kit sale!

2010-10-09T09:52:00.000-04:00

Designs by Julie Bullock is having a giant $2 per kit sale in her store. There are plenty of gorgeous kits to pick from. I bet you can't buy JUST ONE! Get them here! What I love about Julie is that her kits are oversized and always jammed full of unique beautifully created pieces!

Mousepads, mugs and coasters

2010-09-13T14:33:00.000-04:00

It just keeps getting better and better...Scrap Orchard is now serving up coaster sets and mouse pads along with the coffee mugs..AND GET THIS....they are customizable as well. Here is where these can all be found (and more!)

Now you can have a piece of Scrap Orchard at your desk.

2010-08-29T13:48:00.002-04:00

I am happy to share with you that Scrap Orchard is now selling coffee mugs. Check 'em out now while they are on sale.

Speed Scrap Sat...8-28, noon EST

2010-08-27T23:07:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's time for another Make it Snappy...Hope you'll join me for this one. I am always amazed at how completely different the layouts are from the same set of directions.

Speed Scrap coming Sunday, 8-15

2010-08-13T20:53:00.001-04:00

It's my turn again to host a couple Make it Snappys in August. The first one is Sunday at 3 pm EST. Hope to see some new faces. Everyone who posts in the gallery by the deadline will get a discount coupon from Tracey and one scrapper will win a free kit. We always have a blast.

Iron Scrapper is arriving!

2010-07-11T11:50:00.000-04:00

I haven't seen this much excitement in the digiscrap world ever before! Get a load of the prizes to be won in this challenging digital scrap contest. Yes, you are seeing that right...First prize is an iPad! Details here... May the best scrapper win!

2010-06-05T18:40:00.000-04:00

Here is a page I made with Flergs kit called Shenanigans, for sale at Zig Zag Scrap. (She is guesting there this month).
So the title got me thinking of shenanigans that my friend and her family are always into and this came to mind.

Some more pretties

2010-05-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

I love scrapping pics of kids...even when they are not my own. Seems these days all I hear are groans from my teen when I have the camera in hand. If she walks in while I am scrapping HER photo, she grouses...ah well, it was fun while it lasted.
First two are from the newest release from Flergs called Daydreamer

Last night's Speed Scrap at the Orchard helped me create this cutie. I used Refreshed by Amy Stoffel.

Way overdue

2010-05-11T20:32:00.000-04:00

I can't believe how neglected my poor blog has been. I have some layouts around here somewhere. I did these just for me...no contests, no pressure. I got some pretty cool new kits recently and after all the great deals and freebies I got around iNSD last week I will have plenty more to use for weeks to come.

Meanwhile, I am way overdue posting some of the more recent pages I made for some of my creative teams. The first four are for mgl Scraps and I am in the middle of a really big file, making a rainbow page with Monica's stuff. Those Dreams in Color kits are coming in handy right about now! I'll post that when I get it done.

Serendipity

Casual Attraction

Indomitable

Duuude

I am beside myself with excitement because I am a Guest CT'r for the inimitable Flergs! I jumped in just in time to use this AMAZING beach kit called Welcome to Paradise

...and this gorgeous kit Estranged . I hear there is another new release coming out soon, and I can't wait!

Hopefully I won't wait this long again to post. I am off to play with more of my new stuff. Happy Scrapping!

A couple more to add

2010-03-09T22:36:00.000-05:00

Made with the amazing Lilypad Adventures by Irene Alexeeva for challenge 8

and another week I used Julie Bullock's Vintage Treasures

and one for Casual Attraction, a gorgeous collab by mgl Scraps and Flergs

More challenges...

2010-02-21T14:24:00.001-05:00

The past few weeks have been a challenge to say the least, foremost being that my home computer needs some TLC and between the mouse freezing and lack of free time, I have barely spent time on it. Regarding the ADSR challenges #3 and #4, and especially 4, I found them to be fun, but then again, I am a big fan of Altered Art. A lot of scrappers tend to find ATC's to be out of their comfort zone. For my first half of #4, I found this precious photo of my daughter taken just a split second before bursting into laughter. When she pouted, I would always say "Don't you DARE laugh...I mean it" and of course she would. Actually, I still say it to her.

The other portion required us to scrap our team partner. I really had fun with this one.

The Amazing Digital Scrapbooking Race is on!

2010-02-14T15:13:00.006-05:00

I completed my first two assignments for this years race. Two things you should know...I don't know WHAT I was thinking when I took it on again this year, what with opening a new business and working 10 hr days and weekends...BUT I am glad I did it anyway. I need to have time to breakaway from it if even for a hour at a time. The other thing is I am so happy to have Bec, YES THAT BEC, as my partner. Her Layouts are knocking off socks all over the world. Miss Rebecca also made us the cutest team blinkee.

Here is a look at what I (literally) threw together for week #1
I should have added "gorgeous" and Meryl Streep lookalike...tee hee. I made the background out of a bunch of textures and cut it out like a window. Certainly not professional grade, but it worked.

This one allowed me to use some of my older photos of Toot that are pretty low resolution. It's amazing at how much she has grown since these were taken.

Layouts with Clover Designs

2010-01-30T10:28:00.006-05:00

My friend Jen has been daydreaming for some time about designing and she finally got her big break..She is guesting at Scrap Orchard and has some very useful and cute stuff in her store. I made a couple pages with them:

In the layout above I used the paper from Ziggle Designs freebies from the new kit Count S.W.A.K.ula, found on the Ziggle blog.

Also in the layout above I used Magic Medley by Irene Alexeeva.

Beside photos masks and word art, Jen has a football themed kit there. She is beside herself with excitement that her team is playing the Superbowl. (Saints) which is what inspired this kit. Click here to go to store.

I hope we can encourage Jen...I know she has lots of great stuff in the days ahead!

2010-01-27T07:23:00.000-05:00

One of the things I had been anxiously waiting to arrive this past month is this super mega kit from Monica aka mgl Scraps. Check out all the wonderful kits, deals and layouts... and there is a freebie tucked into one of the recent posts at the mgl Scraps CT blog

Here are a couple of my layouts made with Dreams in Color 2

Charity Collab kit for Haiti- This one will knock your socks off!

2010-01-21T05:57:00.005-05:00

UPDATE** Kit is now retired. Approx $9,600 was raised and donated to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund

How would you like to help donate to the disaster relief effort in Haiti and get something beautiful in return? It is called One Love and it is the collaborative efforts of 48 designers. I just LOVE the palette on this one!

Designers from around the community have joined together to bring you this incredible kit with the common purpose of raising funds for Haitian aid and relief. Our theme, "One Love", symbolizes not only our heartfelt effort to help the people of Haiti, but also encompasses the diverse styles of all the designers involved in this project. This kit represents the diversity of our community and shows that even though we are all different, when we come together the result is truly spectacular.

The proceeds from the sale of this kit will be donated to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. They chose the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund not only because it embodies the spirit of One Love, but also because 100% of the donations will go to the relief and recovery efforts in Haiti and because they are working to provide both immediate relief and long-term support to the earthquake survivors.

This kit is only available for a limited time.
Click here to take you to the shop to get it.

**Updated** Here is the preview. Told ya it was awesome!

The Design Team:

Another designer favorite...

2010-01-09T22:38:00.000-05:00

We are SO lucky over at Scrap Orchard...We have been getting some really talented designers joining the Orchard. Fortune smiled on us when Julie Bullock decided to sign on as permanent designer and I have found myself drawn to her palettes and style more and more often.
Here is a page that basically made itself at tonight's speed scrap:

Kit Credits: Sunshine N Rainbows by Julie Bullock

My Grown up Christmas List

2009-12-23T23:50:00.000-05:00

Page design for a scrap challenge of a Christmas song using Irene Alexeeva's Amazing Snowland kit:

I adore her kits because the pages make themselves and that song is so wonderful, don't you agree?

Hoping you all have a Very Merry Christmas!

Quickpage- just in time for the holidays!

2009-12-20T22:07:00.006-05:00

One of my favorite designers is Monica of mglscraps and I was first a part of her CT about a year ago and lately am one of the contributors on the CT blog. See that round button right over there to the right ->->-> Check it out sometime. My favorite thing to do is give away goodies, and the latest is a quick page from one of the most elegant kits you'll ever see. Click HERE or the image to take you there so you can download my page.

Hope you like it! Happy Holidays everyone!

A Winter's Poem

2009-12-11T12:59:00.005-05:00

I was inspired to write a goofy poem after a conversation with a friend about the side effects of winter. I left the cold north about 6 years ago and haven't looked back! So I may seem like I am rubbing it in when I talk about heat waves here in December...I MEAN REALLY! Would I do that??? LMBO!

A Winter’s Poem

Or Why I Wised up and Moved to the Tropics

By Sandy S

Soft and fat snowflakes, tasting the first one

Bringing out the toboggan and sled, sounds like wonderful fun;

Snow forts, ‘no school today’ and snow angel anticipation

Be ready my friends, we’re in for a long haul of precipitation;

The dream of a fluffy white snow, just enough color in your cheek,

Is all an illusion, that feeling goes away in a week;

Soon replaced by the toil of windshield cleaning and shoveling walks,

Spinning on black ice and frozen car locks;

My lungs ache from breathing, from the chill in the air

My fingers are numb, my fuzzy socks are 'round here somewhere;

If one more big-rig sprays my car with gray, dirty snow

I swear my last bit of sanity is going to blow;

So my advice to you, if you can possibly go

Is to pack up and head south where the palm trees grow;

Just one bit of advice I bequeath unto you

As much fun as it is to tease about the cold weather blue;

Don’t let your northern friendships falter and wane

You’re going to need a place to stay for the big hurricane!

Catching up

2009-11-27T01:05:00.003-05:00

Where does time go??? I realized I have not posted quite a few of my most recent scrap layouts, so here are a few of them. I am hopeful my scrap mojo and the time to do more pages returns! I will reallllly try to make a December Calendar this weekend!
First up, a new kit from a new designer joining at Scrap Orchard, Julie Bullock. This kit is amazing and crammed full of goodies. Believe it or not the scalloped ground was made using the cloud shapes as a mask. My page from Lolli:

Next, I have made a couple layouts using kits from Monica (mglscraps) at SBG. I loooove bold and bright pages that stand out.
Kit: Strange Days and Alpha from Trap the Spark

Kit: Trap the Spark and Alpha from Snippets

This was from a recent kit from Matahati Designs, Summer Stroll:

...and another from Midnight Dreams

Scrap Orchard has an aweome DSD planned!

2009-11-05T06:41:00.000-05:00

Not to be missed! We have a day filled with challenges, chats, prizes and great deals in the stores! Pop in and out and there will always be something going on...or be like me and end up with a numb heiney because I won't be able to pull myself away!

I am going to host a gallery scavenger hunt/chat at 8 pm EST. Hope to see you there!

Make your plans for Nov. 7!

2009-10-23T19:09:00.001-04:00

Why? Because that's Digital Scrapbooking Day, where a full day of fun is planned with blog hopping, challenges, giveaways, speed scraps and more at Scrap Orchard...and guess who is hosting the Scavenger hunt?
Lots more info will follow so keep checking back!

A Halloween Freebie QP

2009-10-18T11:03:00.007-04:00

I have made a quickpage and put it up over at mgl Scraps CT blog where we are having a month-long birthday celebration. The Creative Team has been busy bringing you inspiration, freebies, tutorials, giveaways and more for a year now. Boy, does a year go by fast! You can grab this QP there, but first I want to remind you that THIS Friday, I will be your hostess at Scrapbook Graphics Chat Room for a Speed Scrap. Details below this image... Now, here is a preview of the page... You can get it here!

We have some freebies planned as well as a $10 GC to one lucky scrapper...THIS Friday...9 pm at http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/chatroom.htm
See ya there!

A new calendar!

2009-09-24T22:10:00.010-04:00

Here it is October already! I am pleased to share this desktop calendar with you. I discovered the unique talents of SherrieJD when I started dabbling in altered art at Scrap Orchard. She has moved her store to ScrapArtist.com and I'm sure my forays into this unique style will continue. Her kits have a traditional side as this calendar shows. I used Justin's Promise, Altered States alpha and a paper from Sheeps in the Meadow. Click image to snag it! It comes in 2 sizes: 1024x768 and 1280x800. Enjoy...and keep an eye out for some future altered art inspiration. Since Sherrie has moved, she has a sweet sale going on here!

Grab Bag Fever at SO this week!

2009-09-05T17:02:00.004-04:00

I can tell you this much...from what I see, the ladies at Scrap Orchard have pulled all stops in making some of the best Grab Bags ever! I got a couple today and here is my first layout so far. This will take you to the store for some amazing deals for about $3 to 4! Go grab em!

Kit Credits: grab bag by Amy Stoffel at SO

School is back in session

2009-08-27T06:42:00.005-04:00

I hope to have some free weekend time very soon and to get back to the business of scrappin! I feel terrible that I had so few posts over the summer. Boy, did that fly by fast. At least the kiddo is glad to be back in a routine. It doesn't help that my scrap mojo went AWOL for so long. So my question is...who has my scrap mojo? I made this word art just for the occasion. Click image to download.

Kit Credits: Garden District by Pineapple Plantation Designs; Three Cheers and Brown Sugar by SherrieJD

Little Darling...

2009-07-26T19:32:00.003-04:00

I got a really pretty kit today from Faith True at Scrap Orchard called Ugly Duckling...It is anything BUT that! Check this out...I found this page practically made itself!

July Calendar Freebie!

2009-06-28T22:13:00.005-04:00

Ziska just released this adorable kit...Lil Froggy and I knew it was perfect for July! Click image to download.

To go to her shop click this image:

Where did June go?!

2009-06-28T10:45:00.006-04:00

You ever feel like you are running out of photos to scrap? I am getting some really great photos from friends and loved ones that you will soon see in my layouts. This first one is from a friend who left the Keys, so I have missed her sweet little girl growing up, but here she is all princess-y! Isn't she a doll? (Hurry back!)

Kit Credits: Deep Breath by Irene Alexeeva; splat alpha by Ziggle Designs turned into a splat, glitterized; tag: Lonely by Franziska Altmann; Alpha: K Hartley Seascape, dragonfly from Arina & drop gems from Dreamer In Me, also from Irene

Here is our cat...she started out life in the shelter as Hazel. We tried a few names on for size..Sushi, Daisy, Bella..she wouldn't answer to any...Finally Baby got her attention, so Baby it is!

Kit Credits: All my Lovin by Tracie Stroud; light source from Pretty Music by Maelia; Green string from Flergs

My Sunday blog post for mglScraps was for making dull, suffering photos "pop" with color. Click here to go check it out.

Made some pages!!!

2009-06-21T00:41:00.009-04:00

Got this adorable new release from Franziska this week (at the Digichick) and very easily came up with these pages. Clicking the top image will take you to the shop. Happy Scrapping!

This is from Studio mgl's Trap the Spark...It had my fav colors in it... I just love it! Click image below to find it in her shop!

Tutorial: shortcut actions for saving

2009-06-20T16:17:00.013-04:00

Isn't it great when you stumble upon a shortcut that saves time? Here is a simple thing you can do to save the repetitious work of saving for the web or for printing.

Before you start, make sure your page is completed to your satisfaction and saved in layers. Many times I go back and make changes or save a different way.

Now for some ACTION!
In Photoshop under the Windows menu, find "actions". Locate the tiny triangle at the top to the right of the tabs, and when it slides out, choose New Action.

A dialog box appears where you can name the action, put it in a folder (within the actions palette) if you wish, and even pick a shortcut function key (F-Key). Once you hit Record, start saving the page in your usual order of steps. Typically I would flatten image, resize and change resolution. End by "saving as" to your destination. Just be sure your destination location is where you want all future pages to go. Personally, I use "desktop."

When you are completely done, click the square at the bottom left to stop the action. That is it, you can now re-use your saved action for future saves.

To later use your existing Action, do this:

Sample layout made with my own papers.

That is it! Simple isn't it? Actions are simply recording your repetitious moves. Use them for other tasks. Hope you enjoyed this tip!

BIG news at the orchard!

2009-06-15T06:26:00.003-04:00

The announcement is out...there are NINE new designers joining and in typical Orchard fashion the announcement comes with another fabulous blog train. All the new designers along with the current group have put together this complete kit. Curiosity got you? Then get started! The image will take you to the beginning.

It also can't hurt that the entire store is on sale right now! If you are not already a member at Scrap Orchard, you should be! It is a great digi community.

Change is in the air

2009-06-12T06:42:00.013-04:00

Lately, unless I am doing a speed scrap, it seems I am not making as many layouts. A couple of really exciting things have happened that will change all that. I am now an "Appletini", a moderator at Scrap Orchard and I get to see whats up and coming. The first thing I did was get the June Mega, where my June calendar came from. Another thing is knowing that we are getting several new designers very soon, so that will be exciting. If you don't already do it, you should start stalking the Orchard for their arrivals. I hear it's big!
The latest release from Matahati Designs is Vintage Charm and I made this kind of different page with it. As always new releases are discounted, so get over there!

Kit credits: Natural Charm, bird from Vintage Charm by Matahati Designs

At the same time I started handling Sundays as a CT Blogger for Studio mgl. I just got her latest release, Mediteranean Villa, and am scrapping a page right now for my "Sunday Post". This is another gorgeous one from Monica.

This week I was RAK'd this beauty from a designer new to me. You wouldn't believe the 'happy dance' I did!

Kit: Isabella, Bella Style (Melissa McMullen); word art by Jemenifer22

I was also RAKd by Sarah Bennett last week. She is just the sweetest! The kit I chose was this. Sarah is definitely bursting on the scene and has been churning out some pretty cool stuff between designer contests and her store at Funky Playground. Right now this is 50% off!

Forever Beautiful by Sarah Bennett; EWAB Bethany from Feb SO Mega; papercut strip from SO March Mega; wings: Vintage Charm from Matahati-Faith True Collab

before and after project

2009-06-06T19:01:00.005-04:00

My mechanic has an "almost vintage" still-working tractor that he wanted to spiffy up to look new. In the before photo you can see the tiny bit of info I had to work with to recreate the label.

and the result:

June Freebie Desktop Calendar

2009-05-31T14:22:00.009-04:00

I know I have been slacking on these. Two months went by and no calendar from me. I hope you'll believe me when I say I think it was worth the wait! I made this with the Mystery Mega from Scrap Orchard and all I can say is I LOVE IT. You can get the whole Mega for only $3... you're saving 90%! Click here for the store and get it before the price goes up. Clicking the image will take you to the calendar download.

Hosting another Speed Scrap tonight at DSA

2009-05-29T06:36:00.004-04:00

Last weeks scrap was some of the best fun ever! Jemenifer was our virtual bartender during a pretty rowdy speed scrap. I hope you can make it to this one! It's a great way to use your huge stash of freebies from the contest. Clicking image will take you to the website.

Sprocket Blog Train

2009-05-22T17:21:00.015-04:00

If you made it this far in the train and got to me, thanks for your diligence. My page is at the end of this post.

First, I have to share Kami and Shauna's lasest kit with you. I scrapped a page and I LOOOOVE this kit. I can get alot of miles out of it. Here is my first layout from Whaddamess.

Now on to the freebie bragbook page made with Sprocket (still available at Scrap Orchard) Click the image to get mine:

Here is the order of stops:
1. Ziggle CT Blog
2. Bec - http://becsnaps.blogspot.com
3. Tiffany - http://tiffanybodily.blogspot.com
4. Jennifer - http://neverendingfairytale.com/scraps
5. Holly - http://scrappinlilmoments.blogspot.com
6. Denise - http://www.denisebeattyoriginals.blogspot.com
7. Joanne- http://jayedid-designs.blogspot.com
8. Tami - http://ifyourescrappyandyouknowit.blogspot.com
9. Melanie - http://melanie3boys.blogspot.com
10. Sandy - http://sansans-paradise.blogspot.com
NEXT STOP:
11. Jemenifer - http://jemenifer22.blogspot.com
12. Jen - http://justanotherjen.wordpress.com

I'm hosting a Speed Scrap Friday

2009-05-21T06:31:00.002-04:00

Last weekend I hosted a (very impromptu) speed scrap in the chatroom at Digiscrap Addicts that got a pretty good response. While chatting, I was asked to host 3 more with the theme of using only kits from the SYTYCD contest. It is going to be bigger and better and I have my kits unzipped...now I need to think about the instructions. I'll try not to be too devious! Click image to go the the website. Please plan to join me!

iNSD hangover!

2009-05-04T18:47:00.003-04:00

To anyone that checks my blog who is not into digital scrapbooking: YES, we have a national "holiday" for it. The first Saturday in May is set aside for giveaways, shopping deals, challenges and general fun and games. I thoroughly enjoyed my 2nd annual NSD. ( I caught the bug just before it occurred last year) I got all kinds of yummy stuff and bought WAAAAY too much. I cleaned house in the Scrap Orchard's Farmers Market ($1 sale) I bought a bunch of Bren Boone's kits along with several others to complete my fave stash.

So Sunday was Recovery Day. I scrapped a bit, I rested...and today when I checked the DigiScrap Addicts site, what did I see? They have a long anticipated contest going on called So You Think You Can Design. Last years contest is how I found Scrap Orchard (where it orginated) The first Round is already filling up with the FIRST KITS...and they are all so terrific. Click here to get to the Round 1 Gallery. If you download, please leave them a comment, as they count as a "vote". I can't wait to see what else they come up with!

I have some layouts to make...and too much to choose from!

A simple tut on better grayscale photos

2009-04-24T22:56:00.010-04:00

There are many tutorials on making better grayscale photos utilizing many complex steps, but I always do this simple method first and if lucky, I may not have to correct much further.
Here is the starting color photo followed by the photo after changing it to grayscale in Photoshop.

Image; Mode; Grayscale
Not so great, is it?

1. A better way is to use lab mode. Open the color original. Bring the Channels Palette to the front.
2. Then go: Image; Mode; Lab.

3. Now you'll see Lab, Lightness, A & B channels. Drag A or B to the little trash can below (or right click and choose Delete Channel)
4. Now you see: Alpha 1 and Alpha 2.
5. Delete Alpha 2
6. Important step. Don't forget to go back to MODE and change it back to grayscale at this point. I also applied: Image; Adjustments; Auto Contrast.

Your photo is greatly improved. You can tweak the levels or the brightness/contrast, or any other methods you are comfortable with. This step gets you closer to a better end result quickly.
7. Most important step: SAVE AS and give it a different name so you won't save over the color original.

Grayscale only on left; using lab method on the right.

A "VERY COOL" kit from Ziggle Designs

2009-04-16T20:50:00.004-04:00

Pun intended! Isn't this just the cutest!? Pic is linked to the shop...It is 20% off for the next few days, so grab it!

I had a hard time deciding which parts to use...they are all so darn cute!

Kit credit: With a Cherry on Top Collab by Ziggle Designs and Amanda Heimann

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T07:35:00.000-04:00

Easy Peasy

2009-04-11T22:11:00.003-04:00

Don't you just love it when something falls together just so easily? I had picked up this gorgeous kit for the Apple Cart challenge at Scrap Orchard. It's by Irene and all her stuff is dreamy gorgeous. I was tired so I grabbed a template in my stash. It is from Pencillines...I gotta say every template I have seen from there is top shelf! Made this in a few minutes time...what was I thinking all that time I refused to entertain templates?!?

2009-04-07T21:16:00.002-04:00

I love this photo of Nat from a few years ago. She was getting ready to go on for her class Christmas concert and a friend (a boy) gave her this lamb. Love that sweet face!

Kit credits: Paper, Vines and Flowers- Vintage Flowers by Studio Ziska; ; Paper Frame from (Ziska) SBG Impressions of Honor; Gold Alpha (Flergs) Impressions of Heritage

catching up

2009-04-05T00:35:00.004-04:00

It's been a while with just busy life in general and I feared I had lost my scrap mojo. It's not completely back, but I think I am on my way. Spent tonight organizing and cleaning stuff out and decided to play catch up on a couple CTs. I hope to have all them done soon. Computer got an overhaul and cleaning out as well, and it works very fast now, so fast it feels brand new...and I guess it didn't hurt that I got more memory added. So here is the latest page I made...

Kit credits: Forest Friends Collab by Ziggle Designs and Franziska Altmann; Gold frame and grass strip from Firefly Lane Collab by Ziggle Designs and Amanda Heimann; Word art by Createwings Designs

RIP Seth :-(

2009-03-27T21:15:00.006-04:00

I heard some distressing news today. My favorite (and I think everyone else's favorite) Sea Lion, Seth had passed away in the autumn. I had this photo taken with him in 07 and saw him again just weeks or months before he died. Seth was truly "Mr. Personality". Seth, you will be missed.

Kits: Two papers (blended), swirly string, satin ribbon, black paper tag, green rick rack (altered) from Sunny Side Up collab by Pineapple Plantation Designs and Ziggle Designs; Layered journal and blue flower from Alice by Ziggle Designs

Grab Bag, and it's a good one!

2009-03-24T19:15:00.007-04:00

If you are a fan of unique, bold and pretty, this is for you. Z has included six yummy treats in here, including a complete kit...I won't say more. Click here to go see some layout examples at Z's shop. You'll see why this is a must have...and it's only $3 and it ends in about a week...so run!

Speed Scrapping

2009-03-24T00:03:00.004-04:00

Here is the LO for the latest SS.

1. You can pick as many photos as you want... BUT if you choose more than one, they have to have something in common with each other. Something in the background, a person, whatever...something must be in ALL of the pictures.
2. Choose three papers and only three...no more, no less. One must be solid.
3. Now...go back to the photos. Choose at least one and crop it into a circle. You can do more, if you like. If you only chose one photo, then it must be a circle.
4. Ok, so we are featuring SherriJD's new kits tonight, so let's add some forest elements... like, oh, Toadstools or Sprites... or other creatures, if you would like.
5. Time for elements. Let's keep with the forest theme and get some flowers, branches, leaves or other nature-inspired elements. Choose at least three...they can be the same or different.
6. I want to see some funky fonts!!! Pick a font out of your stash that you never use...or at least that you hardly use. The more unusual the better. You can use it as a title or journaling, or even make some word art...it's up to you!
7. Title your page and journal something.

Kit: Creation 23 by Createwings Designs and Catherine Designs; font is I'm Bored

Funny dream, new CT and another awesome site!

2009-03-21T17:02:00.007-04:00

I have to laugh now that I realize the dream I woke up this morning from was not real. At the instant of waking it took me a while to believe it wasn't real. This one had me in a scrap panic! The dream was basically that my sister (from the next town) had snuck in to my house to replace my computer with NEW one, I guess thinking it was a favor. The new computer was a horrible pea green color and the monitor was normal sized but the SCREEN part was about 4 inches. The old computer with all my kits and layouts was given away and the whole dream was about my horror and trying to chase down the new "owner". None of the details in it made sense, but the computer was so funny looking. I tried to draw it for your viewing pleasure.

Lots going on in my digiworld. I just got accepted into Matahati Designs Creative Team. I just love her bold, rich colorful kits. Zakirah just put out a brand new collab with Faith True. Here is the kit and a link to the store.

Also a toot...I got Gallery Standout for March 32st at Been There Scrapped That: http://www.beentherescrappedthat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=1151

As for the other big news...if you haven't heard yet about this new place, you might be one of a handful. Although "not officially opened yet", this place is rocking and rapidly growing like you wouldn't believe. Take the time to check out the forums and the galleries are stuffed with some of the best layouts I have seen in one place.

Speed Scrap Craziness and ANOTHER free kit!

2009-03-14T06:55:00.009-04:00

Lately, I have been having a blast during the Speed Scraps hosted at Scrap Orchard (twice monthly) and the best fun is harassing our very sweet, but devious hostess, Angie. Last night another wonderful friend, Jaye, stepped in to host when Angie couldn't. For example-Step one: We needed six papers! Now Jaye didn't make up the rules on this one, but it was a tough one to follow and everyone was gathering the pitchforks and getting ready to head over to Angie's...hahahaha. And because I had my computer torn apart and the external drive wasn't available you should have seen me scramble to find a kit to use. I had a page started and hated what I was doing, so at the last minute I dug out a kit I made myself about a year ago and pulled this together. The flower and staple are from Ziggle Scraps' "Alice" kit. I used a Template Freebie by Tracy Anderson, from Ellie's CT. (thank you!!!) The pink parts I made up on the fly during the scrap so they aren't in the kit.

It is not my best layout by a stretch, but is was cool to see that it came in handy after all! If you dig around a little you can still find it backdated in my freebies (I think it was sometime in July). I never did get around to making elements...but I might someday!

the steps:
1. choose 6 papers.
2. now choose at least 2 photos.
3. only 1 of those papers can be a true background. The other 5 must be reshaped into something. Eg. mats, paper strips.
4. you must use at least one frame.
5. add something from nature; a tree, leaf, flower, animal ( it didn't have to be organic looking)
6. add at least one heart.
7. create a title with a font and an alpha.

The previous scrap had these requirements:
(1) Pick one photo...with no people in it.
(2) Apply a filter, effect, or unusual crop shape to your photo.
(3) Choose at least two papers (more is fine). One must be multicolored (at least two colors on one page).
(4) Add some confetti, glitter, or other splatter-type element to your page.
(5)Add at least one piece of Word Art.
(6) Add a title and date.
(7) Embellish as desired.

As you can see, I was naughty:
Journaling says: March 8,2009 the day Angie tried (again unsuccessfully) to stump us all in the speed scrap.

Wanna know how you can get this fabulous freebie? It is found only on Kami's Peeps blog and won't be available long. Jemenifer has been raiding the place while "Mama Chick" Kami is away, and just giving stuff away like crazy. Go see what I mean! Click image:

The easiest tutorial you'll ever try

2009-03-09T21:22:00.013-04:00

At least I think it is...ha ha! There is more than one way to do this but I choose to do it the easy way! This time I am going to share the secret to making sticker effects. You can do this to an element, text or the photo itself. I used this technique in my blog header. In your layout, choose whatever you wish to sticker-ize. In the sample I am using the Birdilicious Collab Kit by Ziggle Designs and Irene Alexeeva.

Step 1. Have the layer active that you want to change and double click on the layer thumb to open layer styles.

Step 2. Check the Stroke Box at the very bottom (left side).
What you will get is the default setting of a red stroke of 3 pixels. Don't panic.

Step 3. Click on the RED color sample box..this takes you to the color picker. Make all the CMYK values 0 if you want white. In this case I wanted a light natural color, so I gave it C6 M3 Y16 K0

Step 4. Now you change the stroke width: use the slider or type in the size you want. While you're in there, go ahead and apply a drop shadow.

See! Wasn't that simple!?

You can try your hand at word art...

I post the same tutorials on our CT blog for Ziggle Designs and I am starting off easy ones. I will eventually get into more intermediate tuts, so please stay tuned.

HURRY if you want to get a full kit free!

2009-03-07T15:38:00.007-05:00

Yes, you read that right...Over on our CT blog for Kami (ZigglesPeeps) there is a full kit for the taking. If you like it, be sure to thank Kami for it! Click image to head over there. (link down)

It should be up at least through the weekend...Enjoy! Oh, and if you came looking for the QP Blog train, check yesterday's post right here on my blog.

P.S. Stay tuned for more great stuff coming soon!

We are due for another BLOG TRAIN and here it is

2009-03-06T00:01:00.005-05:00

The Peeps for Ziggle Designs at Scrap Orchard are at it again. Follow the blogtrain to pick up all your pieces of 12 x 12 quickpages using To The Nines. There are some really pretty pages to pick up. Here is my part. Click the image for the download.

You should have arrived from Tiffany. Your next stop is Jennifer
If you get lost, here is the starting post:
ziggle ct: www.zigglescraps.com/mypeeps

Better post these before I lose track

2009-03-02T22:37:00.006-05:00

Made this page with Impressions of Heritage collab at Scrapbook Graphics

Here are a few more layouts made in recent weeks that I just got too busy to post.
First one is from one of the many kits I earned for NDSR, DeCrows Blooming Blossoms.

This is the first page I made with the kit I won from Liella. Isn't it a great kit?

This is one picture I really wish weren't so blurred. Believe me, I actually corrected this quite alot as it was much worse before. This was a fun day strolling Longwood Gardens (near Philly) back in the early 80's I think. One of them is my sister, the other me...Can you guess who is who?

I am on a time crunch and will update the full credits on all these, but I recall this is mostly from Hot Cocoa from From B-Creative Designs.

Til Next time...

March Desktop Calendar Freebie!

2009-02-23T23:03:00.010-05:00

Man, February was a short month. It always IS, but it felt extra short to me. I mentioned earlier how much I liked Franziska's Marmalade Skies...so I decided to make March with it. I have been trying to keep areas on both the left and right sides not so cluttered. Hope you like this one. Image clickable and comments welcome:

You're going to WANT this one! Click here to go to the shop:

Pencil sketch tutorial

2009-02-22T11:56:00.006-05:00

Here is another very simple tut to give the appearance of a pencil drawn sketch. How heavy the shading or how fine the pencil stroke is controlled by you...Let's get started.

Step 1. Open the photo in Photoshop and make a copy of it; in the new layer do this; MENU Image: Adjustments: Desaturate

Turn off the original layer..This is result:

Step 2: Make a copy of THAT layer, so you'll have three. Do this: MENU: Image; Adjustments; Invert

Step 3. On this newest layer, go to blending modes (circled in red below) and choose Color Dodge. Don't worry if the screen is mostly or entirely white. (My screenshot here was all white)

Step 4. Under MENU Filter; Blur, choose Gaussian Blur and move the slider until you get the best result possible.

Step 5. FLATTEN image.
You can even take it a step or two further by making adjustments in Levels or Brightness/Contrast. See below:

Some tips: If you are doing a head shot, try to clean up the distracting backgrounds first if it will make a better end result. You don't have to do a fully clean extraction because cleaning up pencil blemishes is much easier at the end. This technique is good for low res photos. The example here was made from an extremely poor original. I have a whole group of years that, regrettably, most of my child's photos were taken with a bad camera, so I try to find creative ways to still use them.

Have fun with this easy tutorial!

I actually won something!

2009-02-18T22:05:00.004-05:00

I never ever win anything, so I tend to not bother entering (which explains the lack of winning- ha ha). But the other day I saw this really sweet little kit by Liella called Buggy Love. I kept going back to look at it, so I was pretty familiar by the time I saw the "Win my kit..." thread at DST. I made my post and forgot about it. I have to tell you- I was so darn tickled when I saw that I had won it. I really wanted to do a layout tonight but I got home really late. I will try to update this post tomorrow with a layout from it, but meanwhile take a look at this...Isn't it adorable!? (Oh, got the Alpha too!) If anyone wants to buy this kit click the image to take you to her store.

Allie, hope you are seeing this...thanks so much!!!!

Fool that I am...(and two ADORABLE kits)

2009-02-15T18:42:00.009-05:00

I should learn that procrastination DOES have it's place. I usually am at the front line for that, but silly me...I started on the "surprise" 13th ADSR challenge on Saturday...and as luck would have it, I was putting on the finishing touches when my partner informed me that they changed plans and now 13 is not necessary. She has a whole house of sick people and if she can, she will complete the other 'half' of the 2 pg spread. Here is what I ended up making. I love the bright colors and this page would not have happened without the challenge, so I won't grouse anymore!

Color me Happy Collab- Jana M Designs and Matahati Designs

Kami at Ziggle Designs has been cranking out some really cute stuff lately. These two most recent kits work very well together. Here is a quick jump to her store where you can find all of her items:

I didn't have to do the individual blades of grass, but I did do the flowers!

Kit:Firefly Lane-Ziggle Designs and Amanda Heimann; detail on flowers from Happy-Ziggle Designs; trail from from Sunny Side Up collab by Pineapple Plantation Designs and Ziggle Designs; Mask: AnnickPhilibert-DoodledFrames4

Kit: Sunny Side Up collab by Pineapple Plantation Designs and Ziggle Designs

ADSR wrapping up

2009-02-11T09:42:00.017-05:00

Between participating in the silliness currently going on in the Scrap Orchard forums (some of you know EXACTLY what I am talking about), getting my first tutorial off the ground over at Ziggles Peeps CT blog (and here) AND keeping up with the race, I have neglected to post my layouts here from the race. Each example had to be made per specific instructions. Here are just a few of my favorites that I made. All of the layouts are visible in this gallery (as are all the credits per layout in order to keep this post a bit shorter).

This is my absolute favorite. I confess...I spent the most time ever on a layout with this monster. Challenge required showing as many generations as possible in your layout. I recently thought of another photo (too late) that shows three, but I had already had this finished. This tested my use of perspective more than anything. I am proudest of making a flat sheet of paper look like it does here. (Some of these techniques will be future tuts so bookmark me!)

This one was simply asking a question where the answer is obvious in a single photo. The day of this carnival, Nat got on that bull over and over and over again! Photos of her ended up featured in two local papers.

A challenge to scraplift yourself using a layout that was the first uploaded to any of your own galleries. The original (which I still like alot) follows.

Had to scraplift someone else you feel is inspiring. Mine is nowhere nearly as good as the original, but I think I was sick that week...Yeah, that's it...thats my story and I'm sticking with it! (photo of this stunning butterfly always draws me to it because of its gorgeous tiny details.)

No photos allowed, but had to use at least 3 different frames.

Interview your racing partner. When I first saw this kit from Ziska, I yelled WOW! More to come using this baby!

The first challenge and one of my all-time favorite pages. We had to tear photo in at least 3 pieces. I taped mine back together. I like the flow your eye takes in this one.

There is one more challenge left to go and then they draw the grand prize winners. Apparently in past years the winners got mountains of freebies from all over digiland, so I am hoping for a miracle!

Til next time...

Tutorial for photo to text

2009-01-30T01:12:00.012-05:00

I have a fun and simple tutorial for turning a photo into a shape filled with text.

Step 1. Start with a 'clean' photo...one without alot of background.

Step 2. In Photoshop, go to Images; Adjustments; Threshold and set slider where the photo looks best. I used a setting of 105.

Step 3.
In a text program, like notepad, fill it with the word(s) you want as fill over and over till you get this. I typed Dream On.

Step 4. "Copy" all of the text you made. In a new text layer "paste. " Open Character Palette to choose the font and sizes you want. I mixed it up with several sizes from 6 pt to 11 pt:

Right click the type layer and choose "rasterize text layer"

Step 5. Select the template layer and with the magic wand at a tolerance of 32, click within the white area. Now go to Select menu; click Similar to select all of the light areas. With marching ants still active, select the text layer from the layers palette. Hit delete to clear the excess text. Either turn off or drag the template layer into the trashbin. You can also flatten the image or turn into a png.

Step 6. (optional) I added another layer and made a gradient with it, merged all for this final result!

Have fun!

February is here! Well, the freebie calendar is!

2009-01-24T19:09:00.010-05:00

I remember when I lived in the cold north, I used to tell myself...just make it to February and it's only another one and a half months or so before things start to thaw. I hope everyone is warm, toasty and comfortable where they are.

I got my grubby lil paws on 'Smooches' and had been holding out because I wanted to make the February Calendar Freebie with it. This jam-packed collab kit from Amanda Heimann and Kami (Ziggle Designs) is available at Scrap Orchard. Image is clickable for downloading and the second image will take you to the site.

Just a reminder for those in the Amazing Digi Scrap Race (ADSR4) that it will eventually be Scrap Orchard's turn to host a challenge, but I don't know when. I have to wait like everyone else...no one is spilling the beans.

Awesome New Blog Train goin on!

2009-01-10T11:13:00.007-05:00

We've got another really great blog train going on with one of Kami's slightly older kits, but before we get to that, along with Becky of B~Creative Designs, Kami has just released this adorable rocket themed kit called Rocket Doodle Do. I just love the colors and I had whipped up a LO in no time.

I have a girl...I totally overlook boy kits...shame on me! When I got the word we were doing Brag Book QPs with Ziggle Designs' Sk8r Kit, I was intrigued. Boy, was I blown away when I saw all the layouts from it. I hope you enjoy my little part. Scroll below the preview of the full kit (which will take you directly to the shop)...and while you are there, check out the awesome new look Scrap Orchard is sporting now!

Don't you just love the In-Your-Face colors?! Click here to pick up my quickpages:

Next stop is tiffany
If you get lost, here is the starting post:
ziggle ct: www.zigglescraps.com/mypeeps

2009-01-04T17:46:00.003-05:00

The Great Race at ADSR kicked off finally...6 weeks of challenges. Here is the first one. We had to tear a photo into at least three pieces and include some journaling.

Paper (tinted color) from Santa Baby Dec SO collab; Tape strips from Mums the Word Add-on by Pineapple Plantation Designs; Floral trail and butterfly from Faerily Moonlit by Lorie Davison, Sweetheart WA from Oscraps collab Love Letters; Tear Action from Atomic Cupcake

Happy New Year + 2 freebies!

2009-01-01T11:39:00.007-05:00

Hope everyone brought the New Year in OK. Georgie sends his New Year greeting. Georgie is my nephew-dog and he is so photogenic, don'tcha think? Read all the way through today's post to get 2 freebies, one from Kami on our CT blog and one from me.

Kami (Ziggle Designs) at Scrap Orchard has made a jam-packed GRAB BAG. It has two kits, two alphas, and some beautiful elements and papers among them. All for $3.00! When this offer ends these will all be sold separately, so go check it out:

Coordinating with the grab bag is a freebie of more papers. You will love how gorgeously well this all works together with the above Grab Bag. Check out our CT Blog to find out how to get it.

Also, I made you a couple Quick Pages with it which you can download right here:

I only touched the tip of the iceberg, so go get the full grab bag now before the price goes up!

And did I say..$3...that's all, for the whole grab bag! See you at the Orchard!

Happy Scrappy New Year!

2008-12-31T19:10:00.003-05:00

I'd like to say this past year may have had alot of tribulations but I'd also add one of the best things about it is that it was the year I really sunk my teeth into digital scrapping. Through this outlet of creativity I have been able to defrag at the end of the day and meet so many wonderful women just like me (well, no one can be as crazy as me!) and learn so many things while having fun.

Tomorrow, Kami at Scrap Orchard is launching a huge grab bag for $3. Watch for my post then. I will be giving you some quick pages from it and a link to pick up another freebie as well! Being able to share these kinds of goodies is another reason I love CTing! So bookmark any of us Orchard girls and visit often!

I wish you all a very happy, safe and prosperous New Year!

Ever the optimist, I say:
2008 may not have been so great;
but 2009 is gonna be just fine!

Happy New Year!

Calendar freebie in two languages!

2008-12-25T23:06:00.013-05:00

I am happy to offer another calendar each month and this one turned out to be one of my very favorites. Working with Franziska Altmann's Snowberry Kit, I could see the intricate details and imagine how magical it would look on the screen. I get a lot of visitors from Europe and I wanted to make this one for them too! Click on the English or German preview to get the version you want. Enjoy!

Here is what I have on my desktop:

Click to take you to the shop:

Check yesterdays post for a closeup detail!

It's the Hap-Happiest Season of All!

2008-12-25T20:52:00.007-05:00

Made with Peppermint Twist by Pineapple Plantation Designs

Be sure to stop back tomorrow for Januarys freebie desktop calendar. This time it was made with the stunningly gorgeous Snowberries kit from Franziska Altmann. Here is a sneak peek of part of the calendar.

Another Quick Page Blog Train...so soon!?

2008-12-20T01:15:00.010-05:00

All of Ziggles Peeps worked together to bring you another bunch of Quick Pages...this time using a really fun, bright and funky kit, ALICE. Click top image to download my part and click below to take you to the kit.

You can buy ANYTHING from Ziggle Designs at 50% off

Saturday only! This is a don't-want-to-miss oportunity!

Now follow the path to get the rest of the QPs:

Ziggle Ct Blog

Jaye

Angie

>> YOU ARE HERE <<

final stop

the ScrapOrchard Blog

The cheese stands alone

2008-12-16T22:48:00.007-05:00

Remember that silly little song? I'll bet no kid today even knows how it goes. It begins with "the farmer takes a wife" and ends with "the cheese stands alone." That's how my sad little bonus QP feels...not too many made it that far in the quest...and this was my favorite of my three (at least for today!) Grab it if you missed it! And go back a day if you missed the blog train entirely. It is too awesome to miss out on!!!!!

Here's the page I made with it.

Kit available here:

Freebie QPs! Hop on Our First CT Blog Train

2008-12-13T22:14:00.011-05:00

All of us crazy chicks on the CTs of the delightfully kooky Kami (Ziggle Scraps) and the lovely, talented Becky (B~Creative Designs) are so excited about our first Blogtrain freebie giveaway, we are bursting! One of my all-time favorite blingy-girly kits is Feels Like Home, a gorgeous collab by both designers. This kit is so easy to scrap with, as evidenced by how quickly we all put these gorgeous QP's together!

It feels like a warm n fuzzy lovefest here, so we want to give you all of these Quickpages FREE. You can snag my pages here. Click this link or the image. Then head over to Lori's blog to get the next part! If you skipped anyone, all of the CT member sites are linked on the right column and if you are coming in the middle, find the beginning post here:
Here is a preview of my 2 of my pages.

But you will need to go to the end of the train to get my third and the final bonus piece. When you get as far as Patti, she will guide you there. It's there at the very last stop...look closely and you'll find it! We're glad you all hopped on our train..enjoy all your goodies!

Kit available here:

A layout using more of the full kit:

But Wait! There's more!
Right now, we are in the first days of the 12 Days of Christmas at Scrap Orchard. It's an Individual-Designer-a-Day SUPER Sale. So far, designers have offered up to 60% off their own stores. Go see what I mean... Clickeroo!:

Check back every day!!!

Speed Scrap...and I wasn't late this time!

2008-12-06T13:21:00.013-05:00

Angie, "Jeepmama" at SO hosted a speed scrap and this was what I ended up with. She tried hard to stump us, but we were too swift for her! Better luck next time!!! Bwah ha ha ha!

I used the Dec Mega kit from Scrap Orchard, which has a ton of great stuff.

KITS CREDIT: Scrap Orchard December Mega "Santa Baby"

Also, did a LO with the new "Twilight-inspired" kit by Ziska and Shauna called Sweet Deceit. I had not jumped on bandwagon regarding the books, but plan to read them. Here's why...

Yesterday after school, DD came flying in the door so excited to tell me something. She asked me to guess what she had with her. It was the first book, which they had started reading in class (just long enough to get the kids into it) She sat at the computer for about one and a half minutes, stopped and announced "I HAVE to read some more of that book. She read 140 pages of that book without putting it down for the night. This from a kid I fight with to read!

She is reading it again this morning as I write (on p 236). I am astonished and if I could hug the author I would! My baby has made the leap into loving reading!

KITS CREDIT: Sweet Deceit collab by Pineapple Plantation Designs and Studio Ziska

KIT CREDITS: Happy Feet Collab by Ziggle Designs and Krystal Hartley

December Desktop Freebie

2008-11-30T19:33:00.010-05:00

Well kiddos! I have a nice treat for you...made with another great Ziggle Designs kit. This is one of Kami's best ever! You can buy the whole Reindeer Games kit at Scrap Orchard. Just click this image to download your freebie desktop! I love to hear from you, but like many I can't figure out how to leave comments to others on 4shared(even after logging on)! If anyone can explain it to me, please do.

KIT CREDITS: Reindeer Games by Ziggle Designs

I know you want it...so go shopping!

New Christmas Kits

2008-11-28T19:10:00.011-05:00

I just LOVE these kits! Reindeer Games was so easy to scrap with. This page came together fairly fast. This is my nephew-dog, George. He is a such sweetie! And he really does open his own gifts.

KIT CREDIT: Reindeer Games by Ziggle Designs

This is made with the December Mystery Mega from Scrap Orchard which will be revealed next week. Until then it is on sale for $3. This one is really jam-packed with great stuff.

KIT CREDITS: Scrap Orchard Mystery Mega except Snowscapes by B-Creative Designs

I made this LO using this cool angel wing effect earlier this year in another LO, but it is so cute I had to scrap with it again!

KIT CREDITS: Two Turtle Doves except journal tag (altered) from White Christmas; both by Ziggle Designs; and wings from Kit Asas de Anjo by Scrapsuper

A bunch more LOs for Ziggle Design

2008-11-20T20:31:00.005-05:00

This was one of those "you had to be there" sunsets. I ran into the house and found the camera in time.

Enchanting Indigo by Ziggle Designs

This is the last photo I have showing Nat with a heavy winter coat. She has faint memories of snow. I just can't bring myself to the thought of a cold climate again...sigh.

White Christmas by Ziggle Designs

This kit has a lot of possibilities beyond what I used so far...a third one is in the works from it.

White Christmas by Ziggle Designs

My second from Feisty. That overlay on the paper is actually a photo I took from the back of the condo we lived in last year. We still live in the same area, but not with that kind of a view.

Feisty by Ziggle Designs; (orchid- Efflorescence - Collab by Ziggle Designs and Studio Ziska)

So, you can see Kami keeps me very busy with all these awesome kits to use. Click here to go to the shop for any kits you see used above.

I have two more Christmas kits to take for a spin now. Wait til you see them! They are both whimsical and tons of fun...stay tuned!

Til next time...

The collab revealed!

2008-11-14T19:47:00.009-05:00

Want to get this entire kit free? Click on the image to find out how.

Lately getting some really exceptional kits

2008-11-12T22:43:00.003-05:00

I have been cranking out some pretty fun layouts lately and it's only because the kits I have been given to work with are just so good! This is from a collab from Ziska and Flergs called Sugar Rush... a must-have! I have also gotten my grubby hands on a soon-to-be released collab between two giants...that's all I am saying for now...but the first LO I did was really cool! Pic coming soon as I can release it.

KIT CREDIT: Sugar Rush by Studio Flergs and Studio Ziska

Daily Commute

2008-11-09T13:58:00.003-05:00

I cross over several bridges that separate the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico each day. I took several photos of those bridges and although technically this shot is a little bit past my destination it turned out the best shot I had in my stash. Most of the scenery I see daily is exactly like this. It helps the hour drive go by faster.

KIT CREDIT: Feisty by Ziggle Designs

Scrappin fool that I am...

2008-11-07T20:49:00.005-05:00

I am getting past a dry spell, creatively speaking. I did alot of pages in the last couple days, with more on the way! This is one of my favorite photos in it's significance. The two girls you see often in my pages have been BFFs for 5 years, but their very first meeting was at ages 3 and 4, respectively.

KIT CREDITS: June Bugs collab from the Scrap Orchard designers

KIT CREDITS: Gathering Leaves by Ziggle Designs

KIT CREDITS: Efflorescence - Collab by Ziggle Designs and Studio Ziska

KIT CREDITS: Efflorescence - Collab by Ziggle Designs and Studio Ziska

November Desktop Freebie!

2008-11-02T17:32:00.016-05:00

As promised here is the latest calendar desktop...made with Gathering Leaves by Ziggle Designs found at Scrap Orchard. I had a great time using this kit. It had everything I had in mind to use for a November desktop.

Packed with two sizes: 1280 x 800 and 1024 x 768

Images are clickable to get your download:

Click here to go to Kami's store to buy this fabulous kit:

A new CT announcement and NDSD event recap

2008-11-02T06:58:00.007-05:00

I have exciting news to share. A couple months ago I found myself facing a difficult decision to pass on a CT call for one of my very favorite designers. I was on 3 teams already. She was gracious enough to say to let her know when I was freed up again. More on who in a minute.

Well, I just finished a 2 month guest with Monica at mgl Scraps...those kits were really great...and I had a terrific time on the team. Mon, if you read this, again a big thank you!

I am SO thrilled to announce I will CT for Kami of Ziggle Scraps over at my home stomping grounds, Scrap Orchard! I love her stuff alot and hope it turns into permanent. Time will tell. Also, I will be offering the November desktop calendar with one of her kits. Watch for an update later today and you'll be able to download it here.

Yesterday was an exhausting, exhilarating, exciting race to see how many events I could participate in for National Digital Scrapbooking Day at the Orchard. Attendance was huge; I thought we might break the site for a minute there, LOL! I followed Sine's Scavenger Hunt. I missed a teensy detail...Arrrgh! I scrapped Zakarah's Blast from the Past challenge, played the Bingo game...bingo and I don't get along, LOL! I had less than 50% filled when it ended. Also tried using a template for the FIRST TIME EVER in the middle of the template chat that Kami held. LO below. I always thought that was cheating, ya know, but it's not. It is a great starting place so you will see more template use in the future.There were many events I missed as they were happening, but I hope to do some challenges after the fact, for sure. In all, it was a fun time.

This was Kami's template challenge:

KIT CREDITS: Wicked Sweet by Becky Vosburg- B-Creative; word art: Halloween Blogtrain freebie by Lliella

This was the LO for Zakarah's Blast from the Past challenge...you had to use one of the very first freebie kits you got.

KIT CREDITS: Festival from Shabby Princess

Scavenger Hunt goodies from Oscraps

2008-10-22T18:50:00.004-04:00

Want the kit that I used for these two layouts free? Head over to Oscraps and check out how to get Wildrose now before it ends.

KIT CREDIT: Wildrose and PopArt Alpha by Becky Vosburg (B-Creative)

KIT CREDITS: Wildrose by Becky Vosburg (B-Creative)

A chance to win $200 worth of scrap stuff

2008-10-22T00:35:00.007-04:00

Yup, heard that right! Scrap Orchard is hosting a bingo game online on Nov 1st. If a card is filled by 18 calls, winner gets a GC for $200 to spend over three months time. I will be there with bells on. I have never won at Bingo, so Nat picked the numbers. Participants have to scrap their own card. Here is mine. For details head over there. (now closed for new entries)

CREDITS: Happy by Ziggle Designs; Numbers from Ziggle Autumn Festival freebie

Another speaking engagement & new blog header

2008-10-21T14:29:00.007-04:00

A few months ago, after I gave a digiscrap/ blogging seminar I was approached by the Florida Keys Community College in Key West to do another one for them. I just now confirmed the date. I will be speaking and instructing on Dec. 4 and spreading more scrap-joy! Even though public speaking is not my favorite thing to do, with the subject matter being something I love, it will make it easier.

Notice something different up at the top? I have been wanting to change out the blog header for a while now and I got such a positive response to a LO I did a couple weeks ago, I just used it. It is comprised of the Oscraps Oktober Collab, except the knotted clip line is from Cloud 9 by mgl Scraps.

I have been anxious to use a kit I won a couple weeks ago during a speed scrap. I used a combo actually of a couple of Kami's kits.

KIT CREDITS: Paper, cluster and ring-o-bling: Enchanting Indigo by Ziggle Designs; Glitter flowers and key:Feels Like Home Collab by B~Creative Designs and Ziggle Designs; and Paper Overlay: Romance Bonus by Lindsay Jane Designs

Til next time...

A week of freebies at the Orchard

2008-10-18T21:18:00.002-04:00

Over at the Orchard they had 7 days of freebies called Autumn Festival. You had to be quick as the kits were out for 1 day each. I even made a layout right away with the first one.

KIT CREDITS: Autumn Festival Freebie-1: Cherry Mint by Irene Alexeeva

Til next time...

White Space LO

2008-10-11T08:57:00.016-04:00

Yesterday, I found a scraplift challenge at Oscraps that was definitely inspiring. I have been wanting to do a white/negative space layout for a while and I still tend to go overboard...this is the closest I've come so far.

KIT CREDITS: Everything from Oscraps Oktober Collab, except knotted clip line is from Cloud 9 by mgl Scraps

Freebie Desktop for October

2008-10-08T23:34:00.012-04:00

For October I made this desktop with the newest release from a collab from Monica and Franziska called Nightshade. It happens that I am CTing for BOTH these fabulous designers! I only used the tip of the iceberg...The kit has so much more. PLUS there was so much, they made an addon, alphas and QPs as well. I hope you enjoy this month's desktop. Click on the image to download. I'd love to hear your comments.

KIT CREDIT: Nightshade by Studio mgl and Franziska Altmann

Here is the preview of the kit, available here and here.

Til next time...

Experimenting with Illustrator

2008-10-04T11:40:00.013-04:00

Back in 2003 right after Nat finished 1st grade I took the photo here and around that time I had seen a tutorial somewhere about how to make the type drawing that is so popular now...kinda like the "Talk to Chuck" commercials. This was done purely by redrawing and not a shortcut action. It's not so bad, but I will have to work at it to get better.

KIT CREDIT: Cloud9 addon by mgl Scraps

I saw a neat designer challenge on Oscraps and came up with this. You had to follow a recipe:
1- Alpha
2 -Photos
3 -Papers
4- Lines of Journaling
5- Elements

KIT CREDIT: Spotlight Sampler by Annie Manning-Paint The Moon

Speed Scrap

2008-09-27T17:04:00.022-04:00

My apologies to the makers of these perfectly good kits for the butchery I inflicted in my first speed scrap. I forgot it started at 3, and when I chimed in I saw that all the instructions had been given, so I had to hustle my butt to catch up. Here is my contribution following these steps:

-Pick one and only one photo to use for this layout...
-Pick 3 papers to use in your layout
-Look through your stash and find your favorite "bling" element and use it in your layout.
-Let's try framing the one and only photo you are using... frame it with a frame or even some fantastic elements..! Also, let's 'visibly' stick the photo and/or elements to the page; use some staples or tape or stitching or photo corners or a fastener.
-For this layout, NOTHING can be exactly vertical or exactly horizontal! Everything has to be tilted one way or another (except your background paper, but extra points if you can tilt that too)!!
-Let's talk words.. or titles. Title your layout but only use ONE word and ONE alpha (or font).. and.. and.. hmmm.. the word can't be more than 5 letters long!
-At least 1 but no more then 2 of your layout corners has to have some kind of element or element cluster. They can be off the page (peeking onto your layout) or wholly on the page.
-Pick just ONE more element to add to your layout to make it a masterpiece!

So where one is supposed to have time to get it step by step, I was cramming for the test. The results...not my best...but I will redeem myself!

This was truly fun and I won another free kit from Kami during the chat afterward. Thanks Kami..look below the layout here to see it...

KIT CREDITS: Papers, Glitter Round and Frame from Free Spirit by Franziska Altman and mgl Scraps; Swirlies (retinted) Sunken Garden Add-on by Franziska Altman; tape- Mums the Word Add-on by Pineapple Plantation Designs

I am looking forward to playing with Enchanting Indigo It is a stunner...you really need to see it up close to get the full effect.

Fall Colors in So. Florida?

2008-09-26T23:24:00.005-04:00

Here in South Florida we don't get the typical change of colors in fall, but tonight's sunset did a pretty good job! This was such a nice surprise after a dreary day of clouds and rain.

CREDITS: Paper: Pixelfairy-Design; Glittered Branch and Clustered Frame: It's Falling by BonScrapatit; Lg Orange Leaf: Autumn Wood by Olga Unger; Orange Flower: Sweet September by JannyLynn and Lliella; Two Light Flowers: Autumn Gold by Bohemian Art; Sparkle: Dream about Autumn by Martencja

This next one is from the year I went to DC and hit the blooming cherry blossoms perfectly. We won't talk about the year I went and it sleet sideways with winds that blew the umbrella inside out...no we won't talk about that year! LOL!!!
Journaling reads: Saw the usual sights...and then around the corner there was this beautiful garden with a stately entrance...ended up spending a good amount of time here in this quiet, uncrowded respite.

CREDITS: Feels Like Home by Becky Vosburg of B~Creative Designs and Kami Leonard of Ziggle Designs

Ziska's Latest Release

2008-09-25T01:08:00.007-04:00

I forgot to post this before but if you like it as much as I do, you'll head over to the Orchard to get this. I did a really fun LO in the last post and plan a couple more! Clicking image will take you there.

Here is a new layout with it...yeeeesss that's me...cripes almost 40 years ago.

KIT CREDITS: Cutie Pie by Franziska Altmann

Til next time...

Strike a pose, a pile up and a KOOK

2008-09-20T01:40:00.007-04:00

These girls have been vogue-ing for the camera since they were little. Still haven't grown to old to strike a pose...

KIT CREDITS Cutie Pie by Franziska Altmann

Nat and Company piling it on...

KIT CREDITS: Toxic Pop by mgl Scraps and MB Designs; Word Art by me

This photo is definitely going in the Hall of Fame

KIT CREDITS Happy by Ziggle Designs except circle overlay Chilled Wine by Sugarplum Paperie & mgl Scraps

Til next time...