Created by Heather

2012 Goals in a layout!

2012-01-24T12:29:00.001-08:00

I was so excited when Lynnette (nettio designs) created this set of templates for goal related layouts. It’s Goal-tastic. Look how cute that one with the word quote cut out is!

I was all ready to scrap because I just posted my goals on this blog. So for the journaling - I copied and pasted my 12 2012 goals and then reordered them, took out the numbers, and changed some to add some personal goals as well as scrapbooking goals.

Credits:
Positivity by Jenn Barrette and Lauren Reid
It’s Goal-tastic Templates by Nettio Designs
My personal goals include reading more and writing at least a paragraph in response to each book. I’ve found that when I look back at books I’ve read a while ago or not so long ago, I can’t remember as much as I’d like to. I’m not really going to focus on plot – more my response to characters, situations, likes, dislikes, inspiration….I’ve tried this with three books so far and like how it is going.
I also want to be more flexible this year. I was inspired by Elise Blaha a long time ago about how one of her goals was to do the splits. I’ve always wanted to do this in the back of my mind, but just didn’t think it possible. But I’ve been noticing that when I bend, I feel really stiff and it has gotten out of control. So any improvement in flexibility I would be ecstatic about.

Meet Harold and Vinnie.

2012-01-23T11:38:00.001-08:00

I just think they are adorable. When they were finished, I knew they were just right. Jenn Barrette has a new kit called Puppy Love. So cute.

And I’ve been wanting a puppy for a while but I just can’t go for it right now because of the traveling I do. But these little guys warm my heart.

Here’s Harold:

Here’s Harold sleuthing out the truth in a paperback:And this is Vinnie:

I used a Martha Stewart punch (one that I got patterned off a Japanese punch) to create a weaving hole for the ribbon leash (blue ribbon – American Crafts, brown and blue ribbon – unknown company – from Michaels). I also printed out a similar colored paper to adhere to the back and make the bookmark more sturdy.

Excuse me while I go take these guys for a walk!

Jan 2012 Organization Check in

2012-01-20T14:56:00.001-08:00

Digital scrapbooking kits:

I feel like I am making some headway. I’ve organized all the kits I have from one store and now I am moving on to the next. I’ve had the opportunity to search for some Christmas supplies and found a kit I didn’t even know I had and also rediscovered some old kits that I would like to use again. I find it motivating seeing my organization in practice because that’s the whole reason I am spending the time, right? For easy access. Also I need to use it to see if I really am organizing in the way that is most effective for me.

Jan 03, 2012

Today: Jan 20, 2012

Main folders: 265

Previews tagged: 845

Total space: 219 GB

Files: 214, 829

Folders: 15906

Photo stats:

Jan 17, 2012

Total: 76180

To Keyword: 54438

To Rename: 3313

To Star: 55668/48366

This is where I am starting from now. As you can see I have my work cut out for me, but I see the numbers going down a little. And I am really looking forward to having more photos on hand to scrap!

2012–Here WE come!

2012-01-19T17:56:00.001-08:00

Here’s a recap of my 2011 scrapbooking goals.

1. To scrap more layouts again…

2. To spend less time organizing but be more efficient.

3.To incorporate more of my rubber stamping tools into my hybrid and stamp more.

4. To blog more - more posts, more meaningful content.

Good. But now I hope this year to change things a little.

Revamped Goals for 2012

1. Twelve layouts a month.

2. Use more of the kits in my stash.

3. Participate in more challenges.

4. Be more active in classes.

5. In LOM fashion, 15-20 minutes on as many days a week as I can fit it in, working on my photo triage and preparation for slideshows and scrapbooking.

6. 15-20 minutes on as many days a week as I can, working on my digi kit organization and rediscovery.

7. Try a monthly round up – aiming for completion by the middle of the next month.

8. Get my memorabilia and ephemera ready for display.

9. Try at least one new technique a month.

10. Print some layouts.

11. Leave more gallery comments.

12. Update blog more with meaningful posts.

I am going to try and keep track of my “stats” a little more to see if I find them motivating. If they don’t help, I am going to discontinue that portion of my plan.

2011 Goal Check In–To Make Way for 2012!

2012-01-15T13:32:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of the goals I posted in July 2011 – how am I doing?

1. To scrap more layouts again…

2. To spend less time organizing but be more efficient.

3.To incorporate more of my rubber stamping tools into my hybrid and stamp more.

4. To blog more - more posts, more meaningful content.

1. Definitely heading in the right direction with scrapping more layouts. I have a couple of ideas on how to improve and scrap more. Including a really inspiring class and the completion of my Christmas book. I’ll expound more on this section later. I really want to get myself prepared so that when I have time to scrap, I’ll know what stories I want to tell.

2. Yes and no, with the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012, I have had a bit of time to do more organizing. I am trying to spend a little bit of time on all the days I can to organize some of my scrapping supplies and photos. I am making progress and that is FANTASTIC!

3. Well, I haven’t done so well here – but I think that is mostly because I have been traveling a lot and have been away from many of my rubber stamps. It makes me really appreciate how much I am able still to do my digital projects since I travel with my computer and external hard drive. I will look to this as a continued goal for 2012.

4. I am happier with the posts that I have written. They say a bit more. I would like to improve on consistency. I hope to save my blog posts for future reading because they say more about where I am now. I would like to use the blog as a reflection of me but more casual. With content that doesn’t really need a layout (or could be a future layout). That really can be satisfied with mostly words.

I like these four goals and will strive to work on them in the coming year. I also have some more goals and reflections that I plan to post about later as well as my word for the year (a hint is in the fun surprises post I created earlier!).

Fun surprises!

2012-01-13T10:51:00.001-08:00

I love creating stuff – well because it’s fun. But I can’t say that I don’t love it when someone notices something I’ve created and says “I’m inspired too!” or simply “I like that!”

I thought I’d compile a little list of notices I’ve had over the past months that make me happy.

Hybrid Gallery Stand Out At Me So Scrappy! Oct 24, 2011

I’ve been enjoying making cards – I usually end up making cards for a particular reason and for a particular person. This year, I would like to increase my stash of cards that I can give away so that I can be more prepared at short notice.

Pinned on Pinterest! Nov 26, 2011

This makes me happy. I really haven’t made the dive into pinterest yet. But 2012 may be the year to start.

Me on the Daily Digi – Scrapbooking Books! December 27, 2011

This is something I plan to continue this year – reading more and documenting my reads by at least writing a paragraph about each book – I’m not sure if I am going to scrap them all or not yet – we’ll see what works.

I’m planning to post soon about my plans for this year – maybe if I record it – I will be more successful?!

Gift Journal

2011-12-15T08:51:00.001-08:00

I made a notebook as a thank you for a dear friend using some products by Jenna Desai. I recolored some so that they all worked in the white, dark blue, and gray family of colors. I really like how it all blended together. Some patterns are really distinct and then they flow together. I made the covers and placed them on a branded journal and then it's ready to give!

I used: Singing the Blues, Border Frames vol. 3, and Autumn Stamps.

So Thankful.

2011-11-30T18:20:00.001-08:00

This Thanksgiving was not the most elaborate in terms of celebration for me. But I think that it is one where I was able to celebrate the things in life that I am thankful for even more than usual. I really think that scrapbooking and the current interest in being grateful and celebrating the big and little parts of our lives has helped me to gain perspective.

That’s where this layout comes in. Some layouts we do about a small specific event. Some layouts are really general. The layout I started out making – I thought it was going to have little quirky items in a list. But it ended up being really big picture and general. I think it’s nice to zoom out and zoom in at times.

I created this layout using Thankful by Elise’s Pieces and Embellish Holiday: Thankful by Nettio Designs and Traci Reed. I love how this template has the added stitching and slip-in pockets, they are such great layout starters. Stitching and page protectors – two of my current FAVES!

I used Rad Lab to edit this photo – it’s fun to play around with all the sliders – I think I need some more practice to see what the combinations create – it should be fun!

Beginning a December album

2011-11-27T12:57:00.000-08:00

I’ve decided to create a December album this year – I’ve been debating this for several years now and all the inspiration I see is finally getting to me. I’m not planning on something daily because I honestly don’t do that many holiday related events prior to Christmas… I love some parts of the holiday festivities, but others I’m just fine without. This year feels like it is going to be different and I want to celebrate it. I’d like to start out small and see what it becomes.

I’m going to do a 5 x 7 size book – the reason for the size with become apparent soon enough. And I finished my first page.

Candy Alphas (recolored), Flowers ‘N Swirls, Holiday Stamps and Bits, Striped Papers, Photo Frames no. 7 by Jenna Desai

Pea Natalie

I’m really ready recently to be bloggily active (and scrappily active) right now. I hope it keeps up. It feels good to post and create.

Playing with Tape!

2011-11-26T12:28:00.001-08:00

Jenn Barrette has released a series of tape element packs recently – most appropriately labeled Happy Tape! The set she created for Black Friday is a Christmas themed set. I challenged myself to use the tape for a hybrid project – I wasn’t sure about my ability to make the digital tape come out well….in a physical print – but I just LOVE how it came out!!!!

Happy Tape: Christmas by Jenn Barrette.

A tree shape turned out to be such a fun way to use lots of tape all on one project. Definitely made me happy after a tough day.

Help! Memorabilia Storage Problems!

2011-11-23T17:34:00.001-08:00

I realized again recently that I’m not happy with my storage of memorabilia. Stuff that I love and want to keep from trips or gifts or just everyday stuff is mostly in a pile of paper that is “to be sorted.” This is ridiculous because the reason I want to keep these things is to have fun and remember, but it ends up as a tedious task.

I tried to fix this problem by sorting the papers into ziploc bags – with a different ziploc bag for each trip and a bag for items collected at home. Although this is better (I know generally where a ticket might be located), it doesn’t look pretty and doesn’t encourage me to check it out and reminisce every once and a while.

I need to have a better way to store my memorabilia so that when I go to look at it – it can be like how I look at my layouts – as a fun activity. Off to the internet to see what other people are doing….

I found this quiz that I thought might help on Club CK and thought maybe it would help.

1. What types of memorabilia do you have?

Ticket, receipts, cards, coins, brochures…

2. Where is your memorabilia currently stored?

Either in a pile or in a separate ziploc bag.

3. How important is your memorabilia to you?

Very important. I LOVE collecting paper reminders. My best friend says that I will pick up anything that is not nailed down (and free).

4. Do you enjoy your memorabilia--either by going through it, seeing it, or displaying it--on a regular basis?

No, this is what I am sad about. I never get to go through it and enjoy. I usually only encounter it as part of tidying or house cleaning and then I am on a mission and don’t get a chance to check it out.

5. Do you or would you like to use your memorabilia in your scrapbooks?

Maybe. Although since I am digi – I don’t tend to use it very much and I find scanning boring. I also love having the actual piece of paper in my hands – to me – it is very different than looking at a scan.

BUT I really want a way to display it – maybe next to pages or on their own. Or maybe I would come up with more ideas, memories, and stories if I saw my memorabilia more.

6. Are you able to find your memorabilia to incorporate into your scrapbook pages when you want it?

Short answer – no. And sometimes the loose papers that don’t have homes have gotten tossed inadvertently. Bad scrapbooker and memory keeper!

***

It’s interesting that in answering those quiz questions – I came up with some of the same ideas I had thought about before….

Then I checked out the internet some more….

Simple Scrapper

1. Folder – A majority of my memories from high school and college are tucked into a single purple folder embellished circa 1996 with stickers. It may be falling apart, but it packs away nicely and I know where it all is.

Maybe. I wish I could see it better. And I’m the kind of person who would try to fit too much in one folder.

2. Plastic Bins – I call my favorite set of Sterilite bins “double-wide shoeboxes” because they are about the same length as a shoebox, but wide enough to hold letter-sized paper, magazines etc. I keep cards and letters between my husband and I in one of these. These are also the perfect size to store a school year’s worth of memorabilia.

Also maybe. But whenever something goes into a box, I’m less likely to stop and take it out and that is one of my dreams with a new system – TO LOOK AT IT!

3. Page Protectors – Most often, the memorabilia I save is tied to a particular album I’ve planned in advance. (This helps me put boundaries on what I save.) I use page protectors in full-page and various divided configurations for saving papers, brochures and clippings from vacation.

This is intriguing. I feel like I want to be able to flip through my memorabilia and see it – is this the best way?

4. Filing Cabinet – During the year, we use our main filing system for temporary storage of memorabilia. Each child has his own folder and we also save photos we receive from friends and family. Once or twice a year, we empty these folders and transfer the items to one of the above options or the the recycle bin.

This feels practical and boring to me. My bills are in a filing cabinet. This is a dumb reason because I work on a computer. And I scrap on a computer. But I guess when I think about this I was dreaming of something prettier.

And the last informative page I looked at in my quick zoom around the net…

Get It Scrapped

I like the way those small tickets were displayed in 5.

Coins by Tammy Dailor

What does this remind me of? Project Life! I don’t know whether I want to go for it or not (I’m afraid of buying supplies and then not following through – and I feel more nervous about purchasing paper products now that I am digi). But doesn’t this seem awesome. One page and at least nine memories and pieces of memorabilia. Protected but removable. I’m really tempted.

Any thoughts or ideas?

Celebration Bookmark

2011-11-09T14:31:00.001-08:00

I just love Mickey and the Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It Party at Magic Kingdom. When I saw these sparkles and swirls by Jenna Desai, I just thought of those swirls on Mickey’s outfit and that I was planning on making a birthday card. The birthday girl loves reading, so what better shape than a bookmark!

DST New To You Designer–August 2011–Daybreak Scraps

2011-09-21T09:33:00.001-07:00

Just got back from a trip, so I’m a little late in posting this …. but The new to you designer for August is Daybreak Scraps – the kit Beautifully You has a pretty color combo.

My favorite part of the kit is the semi circle journaling block – my layout started with this element and evolved from there.

These ducks were hilarious – probably would be better documented with a movie than a picture. But I like how the sepia treatment of the photo turned out.

Berry Berry Quite Contrary

2011-08-08T17:16:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for the ScrapMatters Birthday Blog Train – please scroll down one post.

So I mentioned earlier that TinaMarie was guesting at another store this month – and it has opened for the month of August at Zig Zag Scrap!

Her new kit Berry Berry Quite Contrary has some really cute elements and papers.

Here’s my card:

It seems I’m kind of into dotted lines and I’m trying out a clean simple style at times. I really love how this style can emphasize one or two really special pieces in a card.

ScrapMatters 4th Bday Blog Train 2011!

2011-08-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my stop on the ScrapMatters birthday blog train – (you probably got here from the previous stop – Neverland Scraps) - follow along the train to all the stops to collect wonderful clusters, QPs, brag book pages, and page stacks created with the ScrapMatters Design Team collab Garden Party!

And this kit is free Aug 5-7 with a 20 dollar purchase in the store!
The blog train gifts are only available for a short time after which they will be packaged up and placed in the store. There’s also a fun photo puzzle contest going on – with hidden puzzle pieces located in some of the blog train downloads, check out the ScrapMatters blog for more details.
Here’s my gift for you – a stacked paper!

Thanks so much for stopping by – your next stop is Manda. Or check out the list below to see all the stops! I love comments and really love reading any words you have time to write. Thank you in advance. And if you like it here – take a look around my blog or subscribe, I’ve got some fun random posts, some posts about my scrapping projects and hope to post even more in the future!
1. Scrapmatters.com blog: http://scrapmatters.com/wordpress/
2. Andrea: http://andilynndesigns.com/
3. Wendy: http://wendys-craftycreations.blogspot.com/
4. Val: http://geniabeanascraps.com
5. Mary: http://plumdumplingdesign.blogspot.com
6. Jaime: http://simplyjstudio.blogspot.com
7. Jenn: http://www.confessionsofadigitalscrapper.com
8. Amber: http://stolenmomentsdesign.blogspot.com/
9. Angie: http://downthisroaddesigns.blogspot.com/
10. Tanya: http://crossbonecuts.blogspot.com/
11. Erica: http://ericazane.blogspot.com/
12. Krisi: http://krisiskreations.blogspot.com/
13. Steph.designs: http://lesdigisdesteph.blogspot.com/
14. Lina: http://ldragdesigns.blogspot.com/
15. Ana: http://sugaryfancy.com/blog/
16. Jenn H: http://truebluestudio.blogspot.com/
17. Elise: http://www.elisespieces.com
18: Amy: http://justus-mylifeinpictures.blogspot.com/
19: Cheri: http://dreambigdigi.blogspot.com/
20. Christina: http://www.wimpychompers.com/
21. Yari/Jady Day Studio: http://www.jadydaystudio.com/
22. Kimbytx: http://kimbytx.blogspot.com/
23: Calliclaire: http://www.calliclaire.blogspot.com/
24: KimB: http://kimbsdesigns.blogspot.com/
25. Jenn http://www.thetypativescrapper.blogspot.com/
26. Fran http://franscraps.blogspot.com
27. Ophelia http://www.navaja77digiscraprealm.blogspot.com/
28. Amanda http://mhkscraps.blogspot.com
29. Heidi http://myfamilyscrappings.blogspot.com
30. Fiona http://mydigaddiction.blogspot.com/
31. Kendall http://majorscrapitude.blogspot.com/
32. Neverland Scraps http://neverlandscraps.blogspot.com/
33. Heather K http://createdbyheather.blogspot.com <—YOU ARE HERE!
34. Manda http://sankostudio.blogspot.com
35. Melissa http://yzerbear.blogspot.com
36. Trista http://tristaree.com
37. Annisa http://themeyersfamilystory.blogspot.com
38.Chel: http://scrappingchelcreations.wordpress.com/
39. Melanie: http://live-capture-create.blogspot.com/
40. Heather W: http://heatherw25.blogspot.com/
41. Sharon: http://quietangelsb.blogspot.com/
42. Amy: http://melniczenkomusings.blogspot.com/
43. Cathy: http://scrappycath.blogspot.com/
44. Kat: http://katdesigned.blogspot.com
45. Becca A: http://www.beccas-paper-view.blogspot.com
46. Crystal: http://www.sugarpiescrapping.blogspot.com
47. Day: http://digiinspirations.com/blog/
Happy Birthday SM!

DST August New to You Designer August 2011–Snips and Snails

2011-08-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

The New to You Designer for August 2011 is Snips and Snails. This kit is even more fun than the preview makes you think. The color scheme is great (love blue and green) and the doodle alpha is fantastic! You should see the layouts with this kit – they are some of my favorites!

I created these monogram bookmarks – matched perfectly with a ribbon set I’ve been dying to use. I had fun altering the positions of the ribbons to add a fun touch. The kit works really well for a clean graphic style as well as a more complicated scrappy style. The font is Honey Script.

DST August Gold Member Kit Designer–Allison Pennington

2011-08-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

Allison Pennington is the Gold Member designer this month for August 2011 and she created a huge kit!!! There are tons of doodle and realistic elements. And a range of fun, bright, rainbow colors.

I created a fun card inspired by the bee doodle:

Some fun sales…

2011-07-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

by some great designers. Elise is moving and she has some retiring products as well as a sale on those that will be transferring to the new store as well.

She’s moving to one of my other favorite scrap stores… August 1!

And Tinamarie is having her birthday sale for the rest of this month – so be sure to snag anything you love!

Tinamarie is going to guest at another store next month as well. Stay tuned!

Scrapbooking Goal #2 Check-in

2011-07-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

I posted about my organizational scrapbooking goal here and now I’m back to see how I’ve done over the last two weeks.

So I haven’t been working very hard at deleting, but I have spent a chunk of time at least three times over the last two weeks organizing some high use folders. I moved a lot of kits into their proper positions, deleted duplicates of the same designer named in my system in different ways. And I deleted a LOT of folders!

Lets see how it turned out – my initial snapshots are small sizes and the large snapshots are the larger images.

Hmmm…. so I knew that my total GB wasn’t going to go down because my finger wasn’t hot on the delete key – so 45 GB to 44.9 GB wasn’t a big surprise. But I really thought I had deleted at least 100 folders and the count – 16,390 to 16,392. Up? Oh well.

This just tells me that the numbers aren’t the whole story because at least I am feeling a bit better about my kit organization and I have a slightly better sense of what I have and what I don’t. My worst fear is getting some of my favorites twice….

And at least I tried to work on it. It’s got going to get better if I don’t spend the time. Off to try again!

Yay!!!! New CT!

2011-07-24T11:47:00.001-07:00

Pinch me….I think I’m dreaming. Is that me in the lower right corner next to those superstars?

Thank you so much Lynnette for the invitation. I’m ready to be awesome, creative, and adventurous. Or at least try!

(And I’m really hoping that this template team with help me with my #1 scrapbooking goal – more layouts!)

Scrapping Related Goals 2011–Part 4

2011-07-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

See part one here.

And part two here.

Part three here.

4. To blog more - more posts, more meaningful content.

Well, I have done some posts and this month has certainly been my best so far. I love using Live Writer - it makes posts faster since the photos just upload at the end rather than while I am ready to write. And I think that these last four posts along with my 2 or 3 new 52 posts have been the best I've done so far. I want my blog to have a bit more than just here’s what I’ve done. More along the lines of my layout goal of more journaling and more meaningful journaling.

Looking to do more. I think I can. I hope these posts continue to inspire me to keep with it.

Scrapping Related Goals 2011 –Part 3

2011-07-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

See part one here.

And part two here.

3.To incorporate more of my rubber stamping tools into my hybrid and stamp more.

Much of my crafting life before I discovered digital scrapping involved rubber stamping. When I think about it - there are actually many similarities between the two (with the added benefit of easy resizing on the computer). But I have these supplies that I still just love that have been sitting sadly in the corner, waiting for their day. Finally it came this month, I created two cards recently that involved stamping and even stamped on its own for one of the first times since I became involved in digiscrapping and it felt good. Although, it is messy - inky fingers and stuff scattered all around my apartment! Next step is to pull out my Spellbinders die cuts - I'm looking forward to it.

Here's a card with a super cutey elephant stamp from Stampendous. (Papers from Tangerine Twist by LDrag).

To keep with my goal I want to continue to combine my stamping with my digi hybrid and create more stamping solo projects.

Scrapping related goals 2011–Part 2

2011-07-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

My second goal for this year. See part one here.

2. To spend less time organizing but be more efficient.

I'm using ACDSee right now and I do LOVE it - when I've tagged what I am looking for. Problem is - I go through phases of caring and making the time and then phases of feeling so time crunched and thinking I only have time to create my project or layout- and no time to organize which = GAPs in organizing.

Why does it take me so long to organize? One- I seem to like thinking about organizing more than doing it. And because I'm indecisive. Sometimes I find myself laughing - I mean I go back and forth and this takes me several minutes if not more to decide - should I file under T for The Lilypad or under L for lilypad. Once I've made that decision, I then encounter -The Digichick, forgetting I've already made a decision and then in my current mood make the opposite decision of what I had previously chosen. I have a really hard time choosing and then sticking with it without second guessing myself.

But on to my new step... This is a work in progress, I've just transferred all my digi kits to one central drive - before I had a combination on my computer and the full-to-the-brim drive. I'm going to try again with the small amounts at a time approach - this time focusing on the kits that I know I will want to find again ie CT designer kits and then moving on from there.

Here's a look at what I've got going on right now. To keep myself accountable, I'll post what this looks like in 2 weeks. (Thank you snipping tool for allowing me to create this screenshot.)

Maybe later I'll post more about what is going on with my photos as well, but for now let's leave it at Lightroom, desperately behind in Finding Photo Freedom (and Library of Memories for that matter), recent trip with not only mine but 4 sets of photos to sort, still needing to import before 2008.

Scrapping Related Goals 2011–Part 1

2011-07-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Lynnette (nettio) , I'm going to post over the next several days about some of the scrapping related goals I set for myself this year - 2011. I didn't write them down officially before -but here's a chance to see where I'm at and maybe set some smaller goals to get to where I hope to be.

I also think that this might be a good idea because I'm not sure that I am doing all I could be....and I think this is a good time to reassess. With the ScrapMatters newsletter on hiatus this summmer, I've had more time at the end and beginning of this month to be creative for myself!

To scrap more layouts again…

Well, in general this one is not going as well as I hoped but it isn't going badly either. When I have a new digi kit in front of me, I often get distracted into the world of hybrid and a lot of my creative energy can go in that direction.

But I like having a record of me. I like the combination of words and photos that tells more of the story. So... my goal has not been just to scrap more layouts this year (2011) but also to put more journaling and more meaningful journaling into my layouts.

Here are two pages I scrapped recently!! They are very random, but I love how they came out.

This one started from a memory trigger - no photos but I hadn't thought about this trip since high school and then a bunch came flooding back.

Credits: Summertime Fun: Camping Out by Jady Day Studio and Family Fun by Plum Dumpling Designs

And this one is from a trip in 2008 - I've been thinking about this forest trip and when I looked at many of the photos - they look quite similar. I have to think about what makes that photo unique and why I took it to begin with.

Credits: Hip to Be and Bottom Ups 4 by Traci Reed

I'm hoping that the act of scrapping more will also help me to get my photos in order - but it's kind of a loop isn't it?

Good Times CD Folder

2011-07-12T14:22:00.001-07:00

I created this fun CD folder – never mind that I haven’t even made the mix CD I plan to put inside yet… this fun and bright little envelope is inspiring me to make the CD I’ve planned for a while now.

and inisde:

I get worried about CDs slipping out the tops of envelopes like this (especially when the person you give this to turns it upside down without realizing) so I added a ribbon to secure it all together.
This uses Lazy Days by Jenn Barrette – she’s guesting this month at her old home – ScrapMatters- during July!(later it will be released at her Sweet Shoppe store) and the CD folder template by Simply J.

Love how it come out!

Paper Garden Topiary

2011-07-11T22:52:00.001-07:00

I am so happy that my tutorial to create a paper garden – topiary tree was featured in the May 2011 Artisan Notebook in the Hybrid Corner.

It uses digital items from the following kits by Jenn Barrette:
Papers from Petite Mademoiselle, Best.Birthday.Ever, Blah Blah Blah, and Cuppycake Love by Jenn Barrette
Papers and elements from So Happy Together by Shawna Clingerman and Jenn Barrette.

I really love how this project came out – probably one of my favorites ever.

July 2011 DST Featured Designer–Traci Reed!

2011-07-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

Traci Reed is a most fantastic designer – I love so many of her products, it’s hard to restrain myself from the add to cart button! This month’s kit is called Daydreams and Jelly Beans and is available to Gold members. Love it. Her designs are available at the Sweet Shoppe.

Here’s the card I created – I just love how all the patterns came together. I used a card template by Colleen Swerb from NSD and the flower tutorial Cristina created for the April 2010 ScrapMatters newsletter (wow, was it that long ago?)

And here’s a detail photo of the flower – I’m never going to be able to fit this one in an envelope!

DST July 2011 New to You Designer–Irene Alexeeva

2011-07-02T21:46:00.001-07:00

This month’s featured designer is really fun and I love the kit. My favorite element is the crown – so I had to make sure it was front and center!

Using Let Them Eat Cake by Irene Alexeeva:

Andilynn Designs CT Call!

2011-06-21T18:15:00.001-07:00

It's time for a CT call!
Andilynn Designs is looking for some enthusisastic, talented scrappers to join her CT.
Requirements (on average):
3 layouts/month
1 team project/month
1-2 enables per month
Call ends June 27th! So, send your applications to andilynn AT scrapmatters DOT com AND/OR andilynndesignsct AT gmail Dot com.
We so look forward to hearing from you! Good luck!

Summer Soiree Papers by Tinamarie

2011-06-10T07:14:00.001-07:00

Tinamarie has some new blending papers out called Summer Soiree – I think they would work perfectly for soft interesting backgrounds or to use for photo blending.

Pretty!

DST – Featured Designer – May 2011 – Paislee Press

2011-05-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sigh, I just love Paislee Press – Liz’s byline is “embrace you inner minimalist” – and that’s just what she makes me want to do. When I create, I like putting stuff all over the place – I’m not a super clusterer, but most of my creations are not sparce. And Paislee Press makes me want to be simple but beautiful.

Her kit for Digishoptalk as a featured designer is called Huntington:

And here are the fold-over stationary notepapers I created:

I’m excited to use them!

DST – New to You May 11 – Studio 4

2011-05-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

I’m not really a glitz and glam kind of girl – so initially the new to you designer kit for this month proved to be a bit of a challenge. But as with many kits, when you look a little closer, you can find inspiration in a variety of ways – the colors, the patterns, and some of the elements!

Here’s the kit – Girl’s Night Out:

And here’s my card:

Rushing Around - Tinamarie

2011-04-25T12:19:00.000-07:00

What a great name for a kit!!! This new kit by Creations by Tinamarie – collabing with Che Yang and EH Studios – describes how I feel so often. I can’t wait to create something with this kit – but the reason I haven’t used it yet? Probably because I feel like I am always rushing around!

Easter Joys – Andilynn Designs

2011-04-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone! As you put on your best easter bonnet and look for those wonderfully decorated eggs, see if the Easter Joys kit by Andilynn Designs might just fit the bill for your photos and memories.

(psst. there’s a matching word art set and a freebie in her store as well!)

Happy spring and joy!

April 2011 – DST Gold Member Designer – Sahlin Studio

2011-04-09T14:34:00.001-07:00

Pretty kit isn’t it? Sahlin Studio is the featured designer at DST this month. I’ve loved Krista’s designs since she started designing at ScrapMatters. She continues to make beautiful items and well put together kits with a wonderful style.

I went for sweet and simple with the cards this month and I just love how they turned out.

April 2011 – New To You Designer – Flutter Expressions

2011-04-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

This month the new to you designer is flutter expressions at Sunshine Studio Scraps and the kit is Looking Ahead:

I just loved the paper and realistic leaves in this kit – so I used them to layer up a paper flower corsage pin.

New – Sunny Disposition and Just Chillin’ by Tinamarie

2011-03-11T11:36:00.001-08:00

New from Tinamarie – Sunny Disposition and Just Chillin’ just in time for the Oscraps 5th birthday party! Twenty percent off everything with an extra 10% off for newsletter subscribers. I’m planning to check out the festivities a bit later – I hope I get to have some fun with everyone!

March 2011 – DST New to You Designer – Colleen Lynch

2011-03-03T14:14:00.000-08:00

This month’s New to You Designer is Colleen Lynch at Digidesignresort – with her kit collection Timeless Keepsakes. I made this treasure chest using a wood grain paper from the kit.

In this project – I also created the keyhole for the chest – I think it just needed that little detail. I learned a new technique for “cutting out” papers digitally to create that keyhole effect – and I love how it came out!

March 2011 Digishoptalk Gold Member Designer – simply.scraps!

2011-03-02T14:10:00.000-08:00

This month’s gold member featured designer for Digishoptalk is simply.scraps by Laura Banasiak. The kit – Lucky in Love – strikes me as the perfect combo of doodley, lovey, and St. Patrick’s Dayey. I used lots of mounting tape and some yellow ribbon that I am just loving to add some fun accents to this card.

Calendar Fun!

2011-03-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

I love how this turned out – I used my Bind-It-All to make a pocket calendar using New Year, New Me by Jenn Barrette and Everyday Moments by Jenn Barrette and Lauren Grier. The templates for the calendar are resized from Geeky Diva’s 2011 Calendar Grid Overlays.

Here’s the back:

And here are some of the pages – I even went up to February of next year because I always seem to get into the swing of calendars a bit late!

Tinamarie – Simply the Best!

2011-02-28T11:07:00.000-08:00

New fun to be had! I’m helping out Tinamarie with some of her advertising for her designs at Oscraps. So on my blog and around digiworld you might see me showing off her new fun stuff. Here’s what Tinamarie has for this week!

Simply the Best Kit Frames Alphas Bundle

Cute – isn’t it? And it’s on sale for 20% off this week until February 3rd if you get the whole set with the kit, the frames, and the alphas.

New 52 – Reasons

2011-02-24T12:58:00.000-08:00

Okay – so part of me is freaked out about this project because I also don’t like change. And irl things might change for me a lot soon so maybe that’s part of the reason I wanted to start the newness – so that big newness might not seem as shocking if I can handle little new things….but the point is that I don’t really know what is going to happen in the future, so I’ll try as best I can to take advantage of now.

My new for this week – is a way of getting rid of some stuff I don’t need. I’m a bit of a pack rat and I love having my favorite things close to me. But I also have some stuff around that I don’t need. For example, I bought this mouthwash that is not so great – I don’t plan to buy it again. I stopped using it and having been using my regular mouthwash. Now I have been having two bottles on my shelf for longer than I want to admit. My plan is to – use it or lose it. And when I reached my hand to the unfavorable mouthwash to put it in the trash (if I’m not going to use it…) all of a sudden I heard this voice in my head say –“It wasn’t so bad.” So I have to keep using it until it’s done or it goes bye-bye anyway. It’s a little step, but one I’m proud of so far.

New 52 – Givin’ it a try!

2011-02-17T09:12:00.000-08:00

Here's something else I'm a bit late on the bandwagon. But I'm starting today. New 52 was started by Peppermint and Christine and the idea is (short version and how I interpret it) – to do something new every week to experience more, get a bit out of the normal routine, and maybe feel like you are slowing time down for a while.

I actually have two new things to blog about to start this project off with a bang. I'm blogging a bit about me. Last year, I said that I was going to try and blog more. And I think it didn't work because during the time I spend on the internet - I am at other sites, galleries, and forums - not at my own place. My new idea is trying Live Writer to see if I can work on more posts here and there. We'll see what happens. But I also plan to not get mad at myself when/if I don't make my goal.

I'm reading a new book now called Glamorous Powers by Susan Howarth - a book at first glance I never thought I'd read because it's about a monk, but it's great. I picked it up at a Barnes and Noble bargain books sale. There are some traumatizing moments, but I love the deep respect of religion and the main character's perspective - he's hilarious.

I also was thinking the other day, that when I first started digital scrapbooking, I was learning something new or experimenting with each layout. For whatever reason, time, speed, becoming familiar enough etc. I seem to have fallen out of this practice. I'm planning to restart and consciously try something new with at least one layout a week.
This layout - if you can believe it - is the first time I have tried the really small photos. (Yes - again late on the bandwagon). And I'm loving it! I like how some really special photos to me can be on the layout, but it's not all about them.

Credits:
La La Land and Summer Breeze by the Design Girl
Fuss Free Don't Box Me In 2 by Fiddle Dee Dee Designs

Wow, with that post I've got three news, maybe I'm catching up with 2011! Here's to new 52!

My Word for 2011: Strength

2011-02-15T14:17:00.001-08:00

I think I'm a little behind. It seems like every year, I end up making February resolutions rather than New Year's Resolutions. I tend to start some projects in the 2nd month of the year rather than start the first month, taking January instead to contemplate what I hope to improve this year. I've picked my "One Little Word" for this year a la Ali Edwards and scrapped it using the kit Robot Love by Jenn Barrette and Jenna Desai. The font I used is The Quiet One by Heather Hess (love this because people are always saying that about me). It's the same font I used in my Remember layout.

February New To You Designer

2011-02-13T08:57:00.000-08:00

The New to You Designer this month is Geek Chic Scraps. I made a thank you card with the Kit Thankful for You. It has nice rich colors. The fun detail in the card is the cut out edge on the right (almost scalloped) but following the line of the fun button border. I printed a strip on the inside of the card too to highlight that edge!

February DST Featured Designer

2011-02-08T17:24:00.000-08:00

This month’s Digishoptalk featured designer is Amanda Rockwell. I knew that she ran a great digital CU shop and I was really excited to see a full kit by her! The patterns in the papers are fabulous and there is a collection of wonderful realistic elements.

Since the kit is called My Love – I created a heart shaped card.

January Digishoptalk Gold Member Featured Designer

2011-01-11T17:16:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! This January, the Featured Designer at Digishoptalk is Connie Prince. She created a fun year round kit with bright primary colors along with some great project 365 type elements.

The kit is A New Year and here's the fun candy box I made with it using the Candy Box Template by Krisi's Kreations. I just love how festive it turned out.

DST January New to You Designer

2011-01-11T17:05:00.000-08:00

This month the new to you designer at DigishopTalk is JayaPrem's Hangout. This kit is called Memories. I think that my favorite part of this kit is the colors - the soft orange combined with gray is just sigh.... great. You know what's funny too- as I am adding my photo to make this post - photobucket just changed their colors to these.....

Here's the treasure box I created with this kit also using the Small Card Box Template by Simply J Studio.

Oscraps Blog Blitz Featuring Vera Lim and a Contest!

2010-12-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I am so happy and excited to participate in the first Oscraps Blog Blitz! This blitz features a daily blog train featuring layouts and projects and reviews of a beautiful kit created by the December Oscraps guest, Vera Lim.

Check out the kit: Wild and Beautiful by Vera Lim.

Wild & Beautiful is a “gorgeous and stunning pastel colored kit!” It includes 10 papers and 34 elements (available as colored and shadowed versions – 63 total elements)

Now I should let you know that in exchange for writing this post, this kit was provided to me for free to review, but Oscraps asked that we make our reviews honest - so that it should not influence what I post here.

First a bit about where I am at right now. I've really been thinking a lot about trying more clean layouts that emphasize the photos and carefully and beautifully use digital scrapbooking product and I wanted to put these ideas to use when I created my layout. I'm not sure if I really ended up doing that with this layout because the pieces of the kit were so much fun and just had to be used! I was inspired by the name of the kit - Wild and Beautiful and upon downloading the kit, I thought of several possible uses for this kit in my scrapbooking projects. Here's the first layout I've made with this kit.

Now this is a good sign, because I don't always use kits more than once if I don't really think of other layouts immediately. We'll see if the other layouts floating in my head materialize, but I love having ideas swirling around. I liked the soft colors in this kit, because, well, it feels very "in" right now as well as the great chance that it will go with a lot of photos.

I've really liked and admired Vera Lim for a long time. This is the first opportunity I've had to create with one of her kits. It is beautiful. I love the dimensional flowers that are so popular right not and a lot of the fun and creative elements. The papers are fun - many with some of the elements already placed on the paper. This kit does not come with any really solid or light papers - but you could easily use a paper from another kit if you are looking for a more plain item to coordinate.

Several of the elements are color variations and shadowed elements. It is very clear and the total number of unique elements is clearly provided. I like having the options to choose and it is and I think it is great as long as you know that before you purchase. The elements are also labeled e1, etc. and I prefer descriptive names in case I want to search later or as a hint to how the designer envisioned some of the elements. I really liked the style and variety of the elements and found that I wanted to use a lot of them on my page. There is a really nice combination of handdrawn and dimensional elements.

Overall, I really loved working with the kit and I can't wait to create with another one of Vera Lim's products.

Thanks to Oscraps and Vera Lim for providing this kit. Here's a little more about Vera Lim -

Vera Lim lives in beautiful New Zealand with her dear hubby and two georgious kids. She decided to guest this month at Oscraps because, well, she heard some good things about the O’s and thought why not try it for herself!

Here are some links to find out more about:

Vera Lim
Vera Lim's Guest Designer Store at Oscraps
Vera Lim's Facebook Page
Vera Lim's Blog
Vera Lim's Store

And do you remember that I mentioned a contest earlier? Here's how to enter!

Visit each blog on the Vera Lim Blog Blitz and gather the words for a Christmas quote. When you have compiled the quote, e-mail it to bloghop @ oscraps.com (remove the spaces). All e-mails must be received by midnight CST, Wednesday, Dec. 22.

One winner, from those who submit the correct quote, will be picked randomly – using Random.org - to win a kit of his/her choice from Vera Lim.

Here the words to add from the Created by Heather blog - "It may weave a spell of nostalgia."

And here's a link to the post on the Oscraps blog about the Vera Lim blog blitz

And a list of the blog tour spots:

The Tour:

12/15

Oscraps Blog
http://bit.ly/VeraLim_blogblitz

Elisa Hubbard - ehstudios
http://blog.through-my-eyes.org/

12/16

Tronesia Derrico - diamndprincz
http://dsbmylife.blogspot.com

12/17 *** TODAY*** You are here!

Heather K - interstitchal
http://createdbyheather.blogspot.com

12/18

Elaine Millar- elainem
http://elainemillar.blogspot.com

12/19

Lisa Jurrens - imsewkrazy
http://www.imsewkrazy.blogspot.com

12/20

Tricia Berg - Lulutoo
http://thehappydandelion.blogspot.com

12/21

Melissa Rhodes – scraphappyrhodes
http://idahorhodesfamily.blogspot.com

So if you are just starting here -check out the Oscraps blog or check out yesterday's post at Tronesia's blog and tomorrow's post at Elaine's blog!

Thanks for coming!

Digishoptalk December 2010 Featured Designer

2010-12-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

December's Featured Designer is Creashens. The kit she created is totally amazing - I just love the style and combination of elements!!!

Here's a set of gift tags I created with the kit Merrily. I love how it is so traditional and yet modern and retro all at the same time!!!

I made some of the elements - including the ornaments dimensionally layered also for that extra pop.

New to You Designer - Digishoptalk December 2010

2010-12-03T12:39:00.000-08:00

The New to You Designer this month at Digishoptalk is Ramona the Pest.
I created this card using the kit Hearts Full of Thanks available at Brownie Scraps.

Battle of the Creative Teams - DigiScrapAddicts

2010-11-06T04:30:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for the ScrapMatters DSD Blog Train - you are in the right place - just scroll down 1 post!

So I've been participating in the Battle of the Creative Teams at DSA for the past four weeks with the team for Andilynn Designs. It has been a blast working together with 4 great scrappers each week to come up with our entries - Shari, LeAnn, Becky, and Amber. Thank you gals for all of your hard work! If you'd like to see all of our layouts - they are linked in this thread.

Here are my layouts over the past 4 weeks -

The voting for the fourth week is going on this weekend - Andilynn's team would vote it if you voted for us! The link will be posted in a thread here for week 4 when it goes live. Thanks in advance!

ScrapMatters DSD Many Thanks Blog Train

2010-11-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

Happy DSD everyone!
If you are following the blog train - you should have arrived from Fran's blog.

Our theme of the blog train is thankfulness - the theme of the free with purchase kit for DSD weekend - Many Thanks.

I am thankful for a lot. But I am really thankful for good people who make life worthwhile - here's to you.

I created a hybrid placecard - printable 4 at a time on an 8.5 x 11 inch page. Hope it makes some of your entertaining this year a bit easier and festive!

**EDITED*** Sorry this download is no longer available :(

This link will be active for one week - after that the downloads will be available in the ScrapMatters store.

Next on the blog train is the amazing and fabulous Andrea of Andilynn Designs. She has a coordinating hybrid printable for you. And while you are at Andilynn's blog - check to make sure that you have her new web address http://andilynndesigns.scrapmatters.com in your readers or subscriptions to get updated on all of her new items and fun info. The http://andilynndesigns.com address still works - but all the feeds come from the andilynndesigns address now! And don't forget, if this train gets stalled or derailed - check the ScrapMatters blog for a list of all the participants! Have a great day!

November DST Featured Designer - Karla Dudley

2010-11-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

The November Featured Designer - Karla Dudley - just moved to Design House Digital. I like the stamps in this kit and the patterns on the papers are really wonderful.

November DST New to you Designer!

2010-11-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

This month - November's New to You Designer is Carena's Designs at DigiDesignResort and the kit is Golden Forest.

I really like how my blending with the photo turned out with this layout. I converted it to a bookmark shape too and it turned out great!

DSt Gold Member Kit - October 2010

2010-10-11T07:01:00.000-07:00

The gold member kit for this month at DST is Sense and Sensability by TaylorMade Designs. I absolutely loved creating with this kit because I have been wanting try Amanda Taylor's designs for a long time - but I just hadn't gotten to it yet. She has a wonderful simple yet well crafted style that is a sure combination for a beautiful page. I'm hooked.

Here's my layout:

New To You October 2010 at DST

2010-10-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

The new to you designer at DST is picked randomly each month - and the designer featured this month isn't new to me (love her) but I hope you check out Erica Zane's Designs at ScrapMatters. It's kinda funny because Erica was a featured designer last year at DST and had a fabulous kit she created then that is not revamped and in her store.

This month the feature is EZ Wishes - a birthday bundle with lots of great stuff inside. One thing I love about this kit----- lots of green - my favorite color - so I made a birthday card that's very green and has an alpha cut - out on it. I've been wanting to try that out for a long time.

Here's my card:

September DST - New to You Designer

2010-09-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

DST has a new feature - instead of the Hot Product - there is a New to You Designer picked each month by a lottery.

For September - the New to You Designer is Down the Road Designs and this is her featured kit: Bohemian Blooms.

Here's my layout with the kit:

Next month will feature a designer from a store I frequent....

Would you like to receive a free kit designed by Gwenipooh?

2010-09-08T08:08:00.001-07:00

Gwenipooh has retired from selling in a store - but she has created a new freebie available on her blog!

Cute isn't it? In order to receive the kit - you just have to create a layout using one of her freebies - head over to check it out!

DST September Featured Designer - Faith True

2010-09-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

Great kit -isn't it! It's only available for the Gold Members right now at DST....
Here's my card.

Happy Birthday ScrapMatters!

2010-08-06T04:04:00.000-07:00

ScrapMatters is having a birthday party and we are all invited - hope you get some time to stop by - and hope I do too! Blog train! Sale! And lots of fun and games!

August DST Featured Designer Gold Kit!

2010-08-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Some changes are happening at DST - and now the CT members get to work with the gold member kit! I'm excited about this because some of the best designers in the community have the oppportunity to make an exclusive kit for Digishoptalk. I've always wanted to get my little hands on some of these beauties!

Here's the layout I made with the August Gold member kit - by Fruitloop Sally!

I just love the fun elements in this kit - the doodles, the popcorn, the rides.... puts me in a good mood!

Fun all in one Gift Card!

2010-07-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

I made a gift card recently and thought I'd post it here. I wanted to make a gift certificate and thought I'd make it an all-in-one with a box to wrap up!

The yellow area is where the sentiment goes along with a little more detail!

Here's the front of the box - a little hint to what's inside - but I didn't want to give it away from the beginning!

This will get wrapped up with a sparkly ribbon for some extra shine!
I used Simply J Studio's Gift Card Box template and Jackpot by Britt-ish Designs to create this funness!

Gwenipooh's Retirement Sale

2010-04-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

This is a sad time :(

Recently one of my favorite designers - Amy Sumrall retired from The Lilypad. And now another fabulous designer is retiring!

Gwenipooh will be closing her shop at the end of April at ScrapMatters. But the upside - she's having a sale!

Check out her store to grab any items you've been eyeing. Gwen - wish you the best - it's been great creating for you!

Check it out! Winning layout at Vanilla Bees!

2010-04-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! I was chosen as the winner for the first digital scrapbooking challenge at Vanilla Bees ! It was an inspiration challenge - and I'm looking forward to more challenges - you can use any kits you want!

happy together

2010-04-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

I really liked how this card came out...

I used Happy with my family by Gwenipooh Designs.

Vanilla Bees

2010-04-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

I just found this site online -haven't had much of a chance to check it out yet - but it looks like it might be pretty cool and run by some really inspirational scrappers. They are having a contest too for some photo actions that look fantastic!

http://www.vanillabees.com

April Hot Product at Digishoptalk!

2010-04-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

The kit for this month is fun and brightly colored - with some great characters inside like the turtle and crocodile.... it's called Dazzletude and it's by Teresa Hernandez.

I used a calendar overlay for 2010 by Geeky Diva Designs for this project - easier for me to keep track of the months at a glance.

Disclosure Policy - Long Version

2010-04-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

Since I am on the creative teams of several designers and stores, I think that it is a good idea to have a disclosure policy on my personal blog. On the right hand side of this blog, I have blinkies of all of my creative teams. Please feel free to contact me if you have any thoughts, questions, or concerns!

***

I am a member of creative teams for digital scrapbooking designers. I receive digital scrapbooking kits in exchange for creating layouts and advertising these products. Although I receive this compensation, I truly love the kits I use and would create with them even if I were not part of the team. I create for Andilynn Designs, Geeky Diva Designs, ScrapMatters, Elise Hansen, Plain Digital Wrapper, Digishoptalk, and Gwenipooh, Amy Sumrall, and Pamela Donnis as of the writing of this post. The blinkies on my blog will have the most up to date list as teams change.

Official policy:
This policy is valid from 09 March 2010

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog does not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions. However, we will and do accept and keep free products, services, travel, event tickets, and other forms of compensation from companies and organizations.

The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content.

The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.

To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org

Elise's Pieces CT Spotlight

2010-02-26T12:16:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited - I'm the CT spotlight this week on Elise's blog - go check it out if you have a moment!

Hope

2010-02-13T09:43:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share two layouts I created in thinking about the new year.

This first one is about my word for the year - hope. This is the first time I have picked out a word for the year (inspired by Ali Edwards). I wasn't planning on it initially but as I was scrapping this layout and writing the journaling - I realized that I was picking a word without meaning to! The photo from this layout is from Lake Powell in Arizona - it happened by accident that I was trying to take a picture of a rock wall but the sunburst got in the way! But I thought of it right away when I started scrapping with this kit by
Elise Hansen and Nikki Epperson - Resolution.

This second one is more fun and light hearted. I decided to pick out a bunch of secondary words to help me focus on my main word for the year (which feels a little abstract to work with daily and set goals although it captures the spirit of all of it). I used a template by Cathy Zielske and a fun funky kit by Amy Sumrall appropriately named Funny Flowers.

I plan to look at these layouts monthly - also a new goal for me - to refocus and reflect. Here goes!

Love is Everything

2010-02-12T09:52:00.000-08:00

Love is everything - well especially when it involves chocolate, right! Yum!

Made with Love is Everything by Gwenipooh Designs and Mini Truffle Box Template by Geeky Diva Designs. Also check out Gwen's blog - she has a really cute template for you!

Peak at my Tools

2010-02-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

I took this picture to show my tools - for my project for the Hybrid Bootcamp happening now at ScrapMatters. I've got my scissors and my super easy double stick tape and my new presentation paper.

The Bootcamp is really amazing so far with lots of fantastic information. Way exceeds what I was even expecting. If you've thought of hybrid trying hybrid but don't know where to start, it is really well organized and breaks everything down. But - beware of craft store enabling!!!

I'll post what I made with these tools tomorrow!

February DST Hot Product

2010-02-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hello my name is... Heather. But really this post is about my hybrid project for DST this month. It's a bookmark keepsake box. Perfect as a gift for any booklover. It is a wonderful way to present handcrafted bookmarks and it's a fun way to keep them and other bookmarks in a handy spot. When I made this box, I decided on a size for the bookmark and then made the box to fit around the bookmarks - so it could be adapted for any shape.

I made the bookmarks and the box using the kit Hello my name is... by Digital Scrapbooking Studio. The girls as Stone Accent Studio have reinvented themselves and want to reintroduce themselves. This is me - waving back and saying hi!

Gwenipooh's New Kit - 365 Days of Love

2010-01-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

I made this card with Gwenipooh's new kit - 365 Days of Love. Can I tell you how fun this is? You can use this for your 365 project - it has some cute day labels. But I have finally realized that I'm not ready for P365 yet. I am planning to try and premake some cards this year so that when I need them I can just grab and go. Do you have a stash like that?

Here's the hybrid card I made. I'm not sure whether I will use this for Valentine's Day or to give it on a regular hard day when someone needs a little extra cheer and surprise. We'll see!

I love the colors - love the grays and whites with the baby blue and bright pink - it'd be great for boy or girl pages and Valentines. But the little flower patterns are so cute!!!

Here's a preview of the whole kit.

And Gwen has an add-on available on her blog too!

Happy Friday!

My Bloggie Plans for this Year

2010-01-21T09:46:00.000-08:00

Since it's the beginning of the year - I've been reassessing and setting my goals. And one goal that I am making is to post more! I've been doing pretty well at posting my hybrid antics, but I want to show off more of my digi layouts here too - I realized that there really aren't any on my blog! This came to me when the DST gallery was down a couple days ago and that's where all of my layouts are displayed.... I'd like my place on the web to be a better representation of me - so look forward to more digi and hybrid goodness in 2010!

January ScrapMatters Newsletter Layout Challenge

2010-01-19T14:21:00.000-08:00

After a break for the holidays, the January ScrapMatters newsletter has a new challenge for you lasting until the end of January!

Here's the template:

It looks like the link in the newsletter is not working - so here is the direct link to download the template from 4 shared:
January Newsletter Template Download

Check out the newsletter for the challenge details!! Come join us!

Here's a look at the participation prize for this challenge - the beat up &screwed up alpha by Stolen Moments if you upload your layout to the January Newsletter challenge gallery by January 31, 2010!

January DST Hot Product!

2010-01-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

The Hot Product this month is one of the most fun ones I worked with so far - I love the style of the coordinating kits by Deena Rutter, Carina Gardener, and Jen Allyson!

I created a 5 x 5 January highlights book. It includes some fun journaling cards to record the memories of the month. I plan to create some January layouts and integrate them into all together into a memory mini album. I'm really looking forward to it!

Aren't the papers fun!

I also made a layout using this kit - it's really fun to integrate some of the journaling pages into a digital layout.

Check out Design House Digital for more new designs - they are opening today and I'll be heading over too!

Post-Christmas Card Show off

2009-12-28T18:19:00.000-08:00

Hi there! I couldn't post these before Christmas because then there might not have been some surprises under the tree! Here are a couple of the Christmas cards I gave for Christmas - I love all of the options of traditional and non-traditional Christmas colors!

This snowflake card was created using the kit Wonderland by Paste Optional Designs.

This winter scene and star card was created using Winter Wasteland by Princess for Life Designs.

And this one with the fantastic ornaments was created using a kit I received for signing up for the newsletter at a new digital scrapbooking site opening in January - Design House Digital - isn't it great? If you like it go sign up! It looks like they have a really great lineup of designers - I look forward to checking the site out when it opens!

And check back here on January 1st to see a layout and project I'll be posting for the DST January Hot Product - it just might be by a group of designers I've posted about on my blog before :) !

December DST Hybrid Project

2009-12-01T13:44:00.000-08:00

I created a fun hybrid project this month using the DST Hot Product - The Wedding Collection by Scrapbooks Gone Digital

I used some papers from this kit and layered them to cover some oh so boring manila folders - now they look elegant and sophisticated!

And here's another take on these folders using the Mouse Collection by Scrapbooks Gone Digital.
This is fun and festive and ready for planning a special trip!!!!!

Link me up if you've customized file folders - I'd love to see them!

Log Your Memory

2009-11-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

I've been checking out this website - Log Your Memory - that has been featuring some layouts from the digi community. I found out about it because they posted one of mine. Well now two!!! They feature a calendar, journal, with prompts and so much more - I think it sounds pretty neat.

Check these posts out to see me!

50 Things I Like/Hate

Tea Time

November DST Hot Product

2009-11-01T20:51:00.000-08:00

November's Hot Product is We Are Family by DigidesignResort - huge collaboration kit by all of the designers. So there's lots of variety in style and a lot of choice.

I made this star box based on a template by Magenta.

Drop by DST to see all of the other layouts and projects created with this kit!

ScrapMatters Newsletter Celebration!

2009-10-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

The ScrapMatters newsletter is having a big anniversary celebration - with the added bonus of fun and prizes!

There's a scraplift challenge - entries should be posted here in the Newsletter Challenge gallery.
Here's a tempation of a prize:

And I'm hosting a scavenger hunt! Pm the answers to me and I'll pick 10 random winners to receive this alpha and a special surprise!

Don't delay - these challenges are only open until Friday October 23rd and then those fabulous prizes are going into the shop!

Yay!

2009-10-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed celebrating Krystal Hartley's new CT blog (http://scraphappinessinside.blogspot.com). It's her designiversary - She created this wonderful mini kit called Fresh Baked Fall for the occasion. I used it for two challenges and I won them both!

Here's the hybrid party cone I created:

using a template by Mirkwood Designs.

Here's a scraplift I created inspired by one of Krystal Hartley's own layouts!!!
As you can tell there's a bit of a theme in these two projects - I'm on a wellness journey - and I have to say that I am starting to feel a bit better already!

ScrapMatters Manic Monday!

2009-10-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

Today is Manic Monday at ScrapMatters - and that means sale time! Geeky Diva Designs has her Tag Sale Rounded Tag Templates on special today you can click on the product name to be linked to her store. Here's a tag I created with one of the templates using Gypsy Girl by wm[squared]. I've seen some great tag books created by some of my fellow team members too!

World Card Making Day

2009-10-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

In honor of world card making day - I am featuring a fun card I created using Butterfly Birthday by Elise Hansen. It's a fun square card and the inside says "Wishing you a special day!". I also made a fun matching square purple envelope. The tag on the front allows for writing a name/address that is visible - even when you HAVE to make your envelope out of a darker paper.
Have a fun day celebrating!

DST October Featured Hot Product

2009-10-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

After creating this project I was chosen for the Creative Team at Digishoptalk - "the hub of the scrapbooking community." Each month they feature a different product from around the digiscrapping world. I think it's fun to show all of the variety available to scrappers. And it will introduce some of us to designers or highlight some we know already!

So now at the beginning of each month - I'll post a project with the featured kit! This month is Sunshine and Songbirds by Digilicious Designs available at Divine Digital. I created a "Sweet Tweet" box. Yummy chocoloates or other treats can be placed in the individual pockets to give to someone special.
Yum!

Amy Sumrall's Blooming Doodles Blog Train!

2009-08-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

We're celebrating the opening of Amy Sumrall's new store with a blog train. A bunch of us on Amy's creative team got together and created some freebies for all of you using one of Amy's new kits called Blooming Doodles!

And where is Amy now? The-Lilypad! So after you pick up all the fun stuff - go and check out her new store at http://www.the-lilypad.com/
She has a ton of new fun stuff out today!

Here's my frame freebie to download from box.net.

And here's a list of the other fun stops! You can always check Amy's blog to start at the beginning if you missed anything!

Keep in mind, we are all in different time zones so if one of us has not posted yet, be sure to check back later!

Amy S: http://lilbitsandberries.blogspot.com/
Cristina: http://cristinascrap.blogspot.com
Julie: http://mycrazylifeasamomandawife.blogspot.com/
Tara: http://thewildmountainthyme.blogspot.com/
Sally: www.rainbowskydesigns.wordpress.com
Jennifer: http://neverendingfairytale.com/scraps
Brandy: http://luckisforlosers.blogspot.com/
Holly: http://scrappinlilmoments.blogspot.com
Nicole: http://crop-a-holic.blogspot.com
Heather: http://createdbyheather.blogspot.com <- YOU ARE HERE!
Tina: http://www.theflohrs.blogspot.com
Laura: http://www.simply-scraps.net
Tracy: http://tracykosofsky.blogspot.com
Sylvia: http://sylviascraps.blogspot.com
Crystal: http://crystallongbrake.blogspot.com
Bryn: http://www.scraptacularscraptacular.blogspot.com

Digi Layout Idea Notebook

2009-07-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

I made this for the ReNEW it challenge for this month at ScrapMatters. I don't have any children so I adapted the pages to create an inspiration notebook in which to record my ideas!

Here's the inside cover - the phrase "create and celebrate everyday" shows up beneath the pages - I hope it's inspiring!
And finally here is the back cover! I used the kit One Fine Day by Happy Scrap Girl - I love so many elements and papers in this kit!

Can't wait to start using it!

Frames - Dazzling Decor at SM

2009-07-24T00:25:00.000-07:00

I've participated in the Dazzling Decor challenge at ScrapMatters this month - it's a lot of fun - to create a frame!

This is my frame-

I used the kit Birds of a Feather by wm[squared] - Love all the patterned papers! I used some Glossy Accents - to make my printed flair raised and shiny!

Aloha Hula Monkey!

2009-07-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

Amy Sumrall created this super cute kit called Hula Monkey - I love the colors and shapes!

Here's the card I made with this kit!

This is the first card I have made that pivots at the top left corner (instead of folding open). I kinda like it!

I used the alpha from her kit Desmond and Molly Jones to create the Aloha greeting on the inside of the card.

Oh, and the monkey shakes too!

Seascape Light

2009-07-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

I created this light cover using Seascape by Dirty Feet Designs.

Wouldn't several of these be perfect with little votive candles to decorate for a summertime party or perhaps for a night of relaxation!

Of course me being Little Miss Afraid of Open Flame Near Stuff That's Important to Me and also Little Miss Afraid of My Fire Alarm Being Set Off - I am using little flashlights or click lights to get the same fun effect!

This is my first time printing on vellum and I think it worked out wonderfully!

Pop Up Card and Shopping Bag!

2009-07-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is a fun combo - a pop up card to give along with a gift bag of goodies! I used Lady Bugga by Jennifer Barrette and Lauren Grier to create these fun projects!

Here's the inside of the card - I made the flowers stand out and the ladybug pops up from the flower when the card opens!

Here is a super cute shopping bag I created using a template by Simply J Studio. It's so easy to use - perfect size to print on letter size paper and the template comes with other sizes too! My favorite part is that the flaps on the bottom do not require glue so you can fold the bag down for storage or reuse!

Love this little ladybug - had to put her on the back - for a little surprise!

Stay tuned for more - I am having a blast of a month at ScrapMatters!

Let's Celebrate!

2009-07-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

Toot! Toot! Let's celebrate my new blog and my feature in Gallery Standouts!

I created this using Hot Feet, Cool Treat by Amy Sumrall and Pamela Donnis! and a template created by Casey Krause. I printed out an extra copy of the game boards to cut out the different pieces. Then the pieces can be placed in a basket to call out the pictures and letters during play!

Curved Flap Card/Envelope

2009-07-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

I created this project using a template by Casey Krause and the kit Hop, Skip, Jump from the Lily-pad. I love the versatility!

Here are pictures of the back and the front.

You can use this as a card and write in the center or as an envelope and tuck your card inside.

I also created fun stickers to close the envelope - I couldn't decide which I liked best so I made them all! I think each sticker gives the same basic card a fun and different character!

Thanks for looking! I'm looking forward to posting about more fun projects!

It's Time!!!

2009-07-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

It's time I started a blog to display some of my hybrid and digital creations. Please pardon my dust while I spend some time making it look pretty and shiny!Thanks so much for visiting and please feel free to comment or email me!