Queen of Unfinished Projects

Leaping into Project Life 2012

2012-01-13T23:35:00.001-06:00

Last year (2011) I jumped into Project Life, with the goal of taking a photo a day. I did a pretty good job of keeping up with the photos, but not so much with completing the pages and certainly not with posting them here. But this Leap Year, my approach will be a little different and, I think, have a better chance of success!

My plan is to complete each week’s spread on Sundays (and hopefully post here on Tuesdays). I’ll be concentrating on the week as a whole vs a photo each day. I think that will take a lot of pressure off.

Last year I used the Turquoise Edition of Project Life, and love, love the designs. This year, I’m going to use bits and pieces left from that and some other projects, particularly my travel journal. My journal was 6x8, so I conveniently have a bunch of strips that are 4x12 – perfect for 4x6 title cards and 3x4 journal cards. I’m also mixing in some great digital products from Robyn Meierotto, Karla Dudley and other Design House Digital Designers, along with some Ali Edwards digital brushes.

Here’s a peek at my cover page. I’m thrilled to pieces with it, although this photo of it isn’t so great. The photos I used weren’t necessarily showcase-quality images, but they tell the story. I plan to embrace imperfection in this album and focus on capturing the stories rather than the perfectly lit shot.

Credits Digital Paper: Cool Kid Papers by Robyn Meierotto, Fun & Festive Papers by Robyn Meierotto; Journal Cards: Cool Kid by Robyn Meierotto, Fun & Festive Elements by Robyn Meierotto; Word Art: Today Brushes by Karla Dudley, The Story Word Art by Ali Edwards, Remember Word Art by Ali Edwards; Banner: Right Now by Karla Dudley; Brushes: Digi Essentials by Karla Dudley, Thick Alphabet + Numbers by Ali Edwards; Supplies Presentation Paper: Epson; Chipboard Letter: Scenic Route; Letter Stickers: American Crafts; Stickers: Simple Stories; Twine: Martha Stewart; Staples: Advantus; Ink: Technique Tuesday; Punch: Zutter; Pocket Page Protector: Becky Higgins

Hoping to get “caught up” on this long weekend and to do some major scrap supply purging.

Happy Scrapping!

~Carey

Hello 2012

2012-01-01T00:14:00.000-06:00

Farewell 2011. You were quite eventful with lots of great memories. Hello 2012! Happy New Year to you - I hope it brings renewed spirit and joy.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T04:00:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a very merry Christmas! I hope you are taking the time to relax, enjoy the moment, and share the magic with family and friends. Have a peaceful and blessed day!

~Carey

Cyber Monday Deals!

2011-11-27T09:41:00.001-06:00

For one day only, on Cyber Monday (Nov. 28th) Design House Digital is having a sale! 40% off Halloween, Fall & Christmas Digital Kits and 25% off the entire shop! Sweet!!

Be sure to stop by DHD tomorrow and grab a great deal!

~Carey

Lost Tooth

2011-11-26T23:42:00.001-06:00

Sat. Nov. 26: The boy woke up this morning & had lost his loose tooth – before his permanent tooth even starting coming through (a first for his bottom teeth). He was very excited.

He cleaned the tooth (since apparently you get more money from the Tooth Fairy for a clean tooth) and put it in a zip-lock baggie. He also wrote a note for the Tooth Fairy to include with his tooth.

It was a rainy day today – perfect for putting up more of our indoor Christmas decorations, taking it easy (I’m still fighting this cold) and watching Christmas movies. The boy has discovered the Peanuts movies and really enjoys them. :)

~Carey

Christmas Journal

2011-11-26T23:25:00.000-06:00

Friday, November 25, 2011: Today, the day after Thanksgiving, was the official start of the Christmas season for me, and so the official start of my Christmas Journal. This year I plan to follow along with Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas class, although I'll likely using her prompts in a different order. I also plan to mash up JYC with Ali Edwards' December Daily. I'm excited to get started!

Since this is most likely our last Christmas in our current house, I want to capture all the little details and go all out decorating. I want to savor the magic during this hectic time and enjoy the traditions our little family has established. I will record something each day, with words and photos (and other scrappy goodness) to document this, my favorite time of year.

Today, I had planned to work but stayed home sick (sadly, I was sick yesterday too and hubby did all of the cooking for our feast). The boy loves to decorate for any holiday, but by far Christmas is his favorite. After some pleading, I agreed to put up the tree. I had purchased some new filler ornaments and glitter decor last year after Christmas, so we had a lot to put on the tree! The boy shares my love of decorating and reminiscing as we pull out each ornament. I love sharing that with him.

The boy said it's our prettiest tree ever, and even placed his award ribbon from his 1st grade "prettiest" tree contest onto the tree. I have to agree with him - it looks pretty and is very full!

SNR Digital Staffer Call!

2011-11-20T21:47:00.001-06:00

Would you like to be considered for a staff position with SNR? We'll be accepting applications from November 16, 2011 until December 15, 2011. Please read more for complete details.

SNR DIGITAL Staffer Call Information

Please click here to submit your application.

Please read the following in its entirety:

It’s important to note that this is not a design team call. We are seeking DIGITAL paper crafters who will become an ongoing staff member with no predetermined term and with an at-will relationship.

Early submissions are encouraged and we strongly suggest that applicants not wait until the last minute to turn in their applications. Of course, all applications will be painstakingly considered and waiting until the deadline, or near the deadline, will not harm your chances of becoming a staffer.

We have chosen not to disclose how many people we’re seeking for staff members as it will depend on the quality of the artwork received and the enthusiasm of the applicants that will ultimately affect our decision.

For this call, we’re searching for DIGITAL scrapbookers as well as DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING article/tutorial writers and designers.

We’re looking for a variety of styles, skills and personalities, and you do not have to have advanced digital skills but they are a plus. Rather, we’re looking for artists that complement our existing staffers and magazine artwork. It's important to note that we are in need of eclectic and whimsical digital scrapbookers, although this is not the only style we'll be choosing for this call.

Please do not try to guess what we’re looking for and tailor your application to your thinking as you may end up trying to put a square peg into a round hole. Instead, tell us about yourself and go ahead and sing your own praises. Be true to who you are and that will shine through more than putting on a good show. We also strongly encourage you not to check boxes that do not apply to you, your style, or your skills.

Our goal is to make this a win/win relationship and putting your best foot forward is a must, but projecting a false image or a style that isn’t true to you will only hurt you and SNR in the long run. Since it is an at-will relationship, we will evaluate new staffers based on their applications as well as their attitude and willingness to participate once a part of our staff. If they do not live up to the standards they expressed in their application, SNR will end their position.

We also ask that you do not contact any current staffers for information about SNR unless you already know them and they would be receptive to your questions. Otherwise, please feel free to ask them about the integrity and professionalism of our company.

We will be accepting submissions from November 16, 2011 until December 15, 2011. Staffers will be announced within three weeks after the deadline.

Exact details of the position will be provided upon invitation only to become a SNR staffer. While we encourage questions regarding the application, we will not answer any questions that have not been addressed in the call.

Staffer Requirements:

A minimum of 5-7 projects per month, depending upon your position with SNR.
Provide artwork content for the front page as well as in the magazine (this is a part of the minimum projects per month).
Actively and enthusiastically participate on our board, promote SNR, and contribute to SNR events.
Have an appetite to learn and be willing to try new techniques; self-education is a plus.
Work well with others in a team environment as well as work independently on your own projects.
The most important attribute is the ability to meet all deadlines and turn in quality artwork that is worthy of your own approval.

About SNR:

We have been in business since April 2008.
We have passionately created a fun, friendly, encouraging and educational atmosphere.
We help staffers to carve out their own niches and look at new opportunities when it comes to learning new things and techniques.
We appreciate valuable input from our staffers and respect their ideas, opinions and suggestions.
We communicate with staffers on a daily basis so they always know what’s going on.
We ensure that all staffers feel good about working with SNR and have their best interests at heart.
We have almost 15,000 registered users on the SNR site.
We have thousands of visitors and subscribers per day, which you can check out on our front page on the Users Online counter.
Our motto is to check the diva at the door. All staffers are created equal and no one is put above another.

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Good luck!

~Carey

Crop Night!

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

Looking forward to spending some time with scrappy friends tonight at our monthly crop! (Oh yeah, and doing some scrapping too!) I honor of tonight, I wanted to share a recent LO about my trip to the CK Convention last month. Girl Power!

Happy Scrapping!

~Carey

And the Winner Is…

2011-11-17T21:18:00.001-06:00

Using Random.org, the winner of the $5 gift certificate to Design House Digital is commenter #4: MamaBug. Congratulations! Please send me (carey-bridges) a PM at DHD with your name and email address so I can send it to you.

Thanks to all who stopped by and commented. Be sure to check out all the great New Releases today at DHD! I am TOTALLY getting these:

Plus a few other items. ;)

Happy Scrapping!

~Carey

Halloween hybrids [belated]

2011-11-15T20:52:00.001-06:00

So I’m a bit late posting these, but I wanted to share a few hybrid projects I made for Halloween – all using Carina Gardner’s The Raven collection at JessicaSprague.com. Love this line (and LOVE Halloween)! For me, Halloween kicks off the holiday season with a bang, and then it’s just a blur from there as we zip through to, well, Valentine’s Day!

If you want step-by-step instructions on how I made these (and the credits for supplies used), check out the most recent newsletter from Carina Gardner. These projects can easily be converted into other holiday themes, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, just by switching out the themed paper while still following the basic design. Hmmm…that sounds like a challenge! Maybe I’ll try it out. I’d love to see any of your creations inspired by these projects – just link me up in the comments!

Happy Scrapping!

~Carey

3-Day Weekend, Layouts and a Giveaway

2011-11-13T21:31:00.002-06:00

Gotta love long weekends! I was off work Friday for Veterans Day and spent 11.11.11 on a scrapbooking playdate at my friend Jocelyn’s house (along with Charlene and Missy).

I got a few digi layouts done and spent some quality time pondering my Christmas journal for this year (and thinking that I really need to finish the one from last year!). I also got to eat one of my favorites – the Oops Roll from Love Sushi. YUM.
It’s been a while since I’ve shared some LOs, so here goes! All are linked for credits.

And finally, I wanted to thank everyone who stopped by during the blog hop last weekend (and hopefully some new followers!). I’ve got a $5 gift certificate to Design House Digital up for grabs for a random commenter to this post. Just comment on how you spent your day on 11.11.11 for your chance to win! I’ll be back in a few days to pick a winner!
Happy Scrapping!
~Carey

Digital Scrapbooking Day Freebie!

2011-11-04T01:00:00.004-05:00

Happy [early] Digital Scrapbooking Day! In honor of the annual event, the Design House Digital Decorators are hosting a blog hop with some FREE goodies just for you! I’m honored to be a part of this group of super-talented, super-friendly, super-helpful group of ladies who comprise the creative team at Design House Digital.
For this blog hop, the Decorators have made a quick page (both 12x12 and 8.5x11) from the DHD Designers' DSD blog hop kit:

Simply hop around to all 19 of the Decorators’ blogs, collect all of the Quick Pages along the way, and you'll have 26 (yes! 26!)fabulous pages! Use them to create your own album all on their own or add along with your own pages using the freebie kit.
Here's my contribution:

To get it, click here, or on the image above. It's a big file, so be patient! :)
Here’s my page using it:

Be sure to stop by all of the other Decorators' blogs to snag their pages (and get some sweet inspiration), too! If you made your way here from Aria Andrus’ blog, then your next stop is Christy Carlson. If you got here by some other means, then pick a link below and go grab some more freebies!

Happy hopping & thanks for stopping by! Have a great scrappy day!
~Carey

New Releases at Jessica Sprague

2011-06-13T20:29:00.001-05:00

It’s a two-for-one day blog posts for me! (Yes, pick your jaw up off of the ground.) Carina Gardner has two new kits in the store at Jessica Sprague today.

Sugar & Spice

Sugar & Spice: Diamond Dust

And a little sneak peek of what I did with the two kits:

Happy Scrapping!

~Carey

Scrapbook News and Review Magazine June Issue!

2011-06-13T20:03:00.001-05:00

Part 1 of the June issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine is now available! (Part 2 will be available on June 26, 2011.)

Cover Created by SNR Senior Editor Carey Bridges (yeah, that’s me!)

Cover Layout Created by SNR Staffer Corrie Jones

This issue is so jammed pack of yummy scrappy goodness that’s it’s not only a DOUBLE ISSUE, it’s our LARGEST issue EVER! Get on over and check it out. Don’t have a subscription? Sign up today so you don’t miss out on all the great content!

Interested in being published? Calls for the July issue close tomorrow (June 14), so check them out and submit your projects! What are you waiting for?!

Happy Scrapping!

~Carey

SNR July 2011 Calls

2011-05-29T12:51:00.001-05:00

Calls for Scrapbook News and Review Magazine - good luck if you submit!

July 2011 Call Descriptions
Deadline: June 14, 2011

Digital

8.5 x 11 in. Layouts: Don't be a square! Think outside the box and try your hand at this standard layout size. It's the perfect size for printing at home. We're looking for digital or hybrid layouts for this call.

Lift a Layout: This paper layout by SNR staffer Corrie Jones appeared in the May 2011 issue of SNR. There are so many possibilities for scraplifting as a digital layout - the elements, the shadowing, the stamping, the color scheme and the overall design. Show us how you are inspired by this fun layout.

Style: Photo-Focused/Big Photo: Big photos are hot right now! We want to see your digital and hybrid layouts where a large photo is the main focal point.

Weight Loss Journey: Losing weight can be a goal and a challenge for many people. Document your weight loss journey, both successes and roadblocks, and share your story with us, whether you include photos or not.

Please submit electronically by June 14, 2011 HERE.

Digital Scrapbooking Strut Your Stuff

Digital Strut Your Stuff: In each issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, we spotlight scrapbook pages of any style and genre. We're currently looking for pages in digital scrapbooking that feature a clearly defined style such as Clean and Simple, Dark and Industrial, Eclectic and Freestyle, Romance and Pretty Chic, Whimsical or Fantasy, and others just ripe for the picking.

Please Note: This call is for digital and hybrid scrapbookers only. There is a separate call for paper scrapbookers.

Please submit electronically by June 14, 2011 HERE.

Scrapbooking Strut Your Stuff

Strut Your Stuff: In each issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, we spotlight scrapbook pages of any style and genre. We're currently looking for pages in traditional paper scrapbooking that feature a clearly defined style such as Clean and Simple, Dark and Industrial, Eclectic and Freestyle, Romance and Pretty Chic, Whimsical or Fantasy, and others just ripe for the picking.

Please Note: This is for paper scrapbookers only. There is a separate call for digital scrapbookers.

Please submit electronically by June 14, 2011 HERE.

Scrapbooking

Back to School: Summer may be in full swing, but school time will be here before we know it and what better way to greet it than with pages chock full of school related topics.

Color of the Month – Orange: Fresh, fun and funky, orange screams summer from popsicles and beach balls to sand pails and surfboards and it’s a great color to feature on your layouts. Projects can be of any theme or subject but you must use they must use at least 80% of the color of the month, so think monochromatic color scheme with a couple other colors to balance it out.

Fabric, Fiber & Felt: These three “F’s” rock on layouts of any kind and we would love to see how you use one of them or any combination of the three. Get creative and be sure to provide us with a tip or two on how you incorporated them onto your pages.

Favorite Band/Singer: We all have one or two and while for some they may be just a mild crush or fascination, for others it’s a full-on obsession. Show us your love for your favorite band or singer. Layouts featuring lyrics or song titles will get extra consideration. Please make sure you give credit to the songwriter in your supply lists cause you know we at SNR always like to be on the up-and-up.

Hometown Haunts & Hangouts: Each town has its own flavor and distinct places, so take us on a trip around yours. Whether just one or two or a smattering of your favorite haunts and hangouts, we’re looking for pages that bring to attention the places in your hometown that have special meaning to you.

Numbers: Why should letters get all the spotlight? Let’s give numbers their full 15 minutes of fame.

One Word – Treasure: For this call, we’re looking for pages that include the word “Treasure” in the title.

Shapes – Stars: Big or small, we have a thing for stars and they lend such a unique flair to pages of any theme or subject.

Scrap Your Stash - Ribbon: We wouldn’t be surprised if you have oodles of ribbon hanging out in your stash and we challenge you to use it in cool and creative ways! For this call, please only submit layouts that feature lots of ribbon.

Please submit electronically by June 14, 2011 HERE.

Cards

Clear Acrylic: For this call, we’re looking for cards that either use clear acrylic as the base, background or as the main embellishment on your card.

Fussy Cutting: It’s a popular trend and rightly so. Beautiful creations can be made with simple patterned paper and cardstock and we can’t wait to see yours.

Summer Elements: Balls, Suns, You Name It: If it smacks of summer, then it’s fair game on your cards and they can be of any subject or topic.

Shapes – Stars: Big or small, we have a thing for stars and they lend such a unique flair to pages of any theme or subject.

Watercolors: Show off your mad painting skills! Watercolors are a great way to give a punch of color and we would love to see cards that use watercolors in a variety of ways.

Please submit electronically by June 14, 2011 HERE.

Stamping

Please note that the following calls MUST use stamps. You can’t use patterned paper or embellishments that feature the following spotlight items.

Fruit & Veggies: For this call, we’re looking for cards and other stamped projects showcasing fruit and veggie stamps.

Furniture & Home Accessories: For this one, we’re looking for cards and other stamped projects that showcase furniture and home accessories. Cute puns for sentiments are a plus.

Seaside: Whether nautical or beachy, we want to see cards and other stamped projects that use stamps that feature a seaside theme.

Stamping calls are not limited to just cards. You can submit stamped projects of any type.

Please submit electronically by June 14, 2011 HERE.

Mixed Media

Artist Trading Cards - Americana: Books, maps, paper, documents, relics and even song lyrics can be integrated on your ATCs. Please note that submitted ATCs must have American ephemera on them. No other cultures will be accepted.

Artist Trading Cards – Strut Your Stuff: Grab your 15 minutes of fame and can send in ATC’s featuring any theme, style or color scheme.

Arches - Bygone Era: There is a world of options at your fingertips with this call. Arches must be reminiscent of days gone by and can be of any subject but must feature imagery or clipart that conjures up memories of the past.

Inchies – Patchwork: The possibilities are endless with patchwork techniques as the background. You can construct inchies with a patchwork background in any fashion and with any theme or color scheme, but your inchies must be ON a patchwork base.

Mini Albums – Strut Your Stuff: The rules are the same as with the altered art call. Anything goes!

Please Note: All mixed media calls are for artists of all styles and categories including traditional paper, hybrid or digital.

Please submit electronically by June 14, 2011 HERE.

Using Your Cricut

Cartridge – Wild Card: Complete any type of project using this cartridge.

Numbers: Create any type of project using your Cricut to include at least one number on your project.

Please submit electronically by June 14, 2011 HERE.

Want to get published?

2011-05-11T21:46:00.000-05:00

You can’t win if you don’t play! Same goes for being published – you gotta submit to have a chance! So, what are you waiting for ? Check out the current calls for Scrapbook News and Review Magazine and send in your artwork. Good luck if you submit!

June 2011 Call Descriptions
Deadline: May 21, 2011

Digital

DIY (Do It Yourself): Do you love to make your own digital papers or embellishments? Now's your chance to show off your skills with digital or hybrid layouts featuring products created by YOU.

Grungy/Dark: If it's grungy, messy, dark and distressed, we want to see it! Can be digital or hybrid.

Hardware: Clips and hinges, gears and screws, and hardware-store finds make their way on to digital layouts, too. Masculine and grungy or feminine and shabby chic, hardware can be fun embellishments for your pages. Show us how you use them on your digital or hybrid layouts.

Lists: Top ten lists, current favorites, personality attributes and even the week's grocery list all capture the stories of our everyday lives. Send us your digital or hybrid layouts that include lists in any style or form.

Please submit electronically by May 21, 2011 HERE.

Digital Scrapbooking Strut Your Stuff

Please Note: This call is for digital scrapbookers only.

Please submit electronically by May 21, 2011 HERE.

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Scrapbooking Strut Your Stuff

Please Note: This is for paper scrapbookers only. There is a separate call for digital scrapbookers.

Please submit electronically by May 21, 2011 HERE.

Scrapbooking

4th of July: Show us your patriotic side with layouts featuring a 4th of July theme. For this call, we’re also accepting pages regarding days of independence day.

6x12: The challenge is to use your mad skills on 6x12 pages; they may be half the size but they pack the twice wallop.

Babies & Toddlers: They’re cute, they’re cuddly, they’re curious and they’re just right for any themed scrapbooking layout.

Bingo Cards, Playing Cards & Game Pieces: Toss your hat in the ring with a page spotlighting bingo cards, playing cards, game pieces or all of the above. The page can be of any topic, it just has to have the above items to qualify.

Color of the Month - Turquoise or Blue/Green: Send in your pages showcasing the color turquoise or blue/green. In order to be considered, they must use at least 80% of the color of the month, so think monochromatic color scheme with a couple other colors to balance it out.

Everyday Fun & Family Fun Night: There’s always great fun to be had and it’s even more fun to capture those memories on your pages. Such layouts can include anything that is either a fun memory or a fun event.

Fussy Cutting: It’s a popular trend and rightly so. Beautiful creations can be made with simple patterned paper and cardstock and we can’t wait to see yours.

One Word Titles - Routine: We’re excited to debut this new call, and for this one we’re looking for pages that include the word “Routine” in the title.

Scrap Your Stash -- Brads & Eyelets: We wouldn’t be surprised if you have oodles of this little gems hanging out in your stash and we challenge you to use them in cool and creative ways! For this call, please only submit layouts that feature brads and eyelets.

Please submit electronically by May 21, 2011 HERE.

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Cards

4th of July: Show us your patriotic side with cards featuring a 4th of July theme. They can be of any color scheme and with any imagery.

Anniversary: Whether it’s a friend’s, a loved one’s or your own, we’re looking for cards that showcase an anniversary theme in any type of style.

Dresses, Skirts, Purses & Shoes: Fashion is always in style and we challenge you to use any combination of them for chic cards that dare to impress.

Mists: It doesn’t matter how you use them, for this call, submitted cards need to feature mists as the star of the show.

Photos: We use them on our pages but they’re also perfect for using on our cards to give an extra special and extra personal touch.

Using Circles on Your Cards: Small or big, scalloped or plain or any old way you can think of, circles are the name of the game and special consideration will be given for cards that use circles in out of the ordinary ways.

Please submit electronically by May 21, 2011 HERE.

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Stamping

Buttons, Ribbon & Ric Rac: There are lots of savvy stamps out there that sure to delight and we challenge use to use them in unique ways. Please note that the buttons, ribbon and ric rac must be stamps and not the actual thing.

Pretty Princesses & Crowns: Chic, feminine and oh-so-darling, this theme just begs for some glitter and bling. While it’s not mandatory to use glitter and bling, we would love to see cards that are girly and rock out the embellies.

The Sun, the Moon and the Stars: Use one or use them all, but make them out-of-this world with a celestial theme sure to please any recipient.

Stamping calls are not limited to just cards. You can submit stamped projects of any type.

Please submit electronically by May 21, 2011 HERE.

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Mixed Media

Artist Trading Cards – Grunge or Steampunk: We're looking for ATCs that sport either a Grunge or Steampunk style and they can feature any theme or color combo.

Artist Trading Cards – Strut Your Stuff: Grab your 15 minutes of fame and can send in ATC’s featuring any theme, style or color scheme.

Inchies – Canvas: The possibilities are endless with corrugated cardboard as the background. You can use corrugated cardboard in any fashion and with any theme or color scheme, but your inchies must be ON corrugated cardboard.

Altered Art – Strut Your Stuff: We’re trying something new this month. If you enjoy working on altered art projects, then now is your time to shine. Please send in altered art pieces featuring any theme, subject or style. Just get crafty with it!

Mini Albums – Strut Your Stuff: The rules are the same as with the altered art call. Anything goes!

Tags - Travel: Whether by land or by sea, send in your ATCs that are reminiscent of travel, leisure and play.
Please Note: All mixed media calls are for artists of all styles and categories including traditional paper, hybrid or digital.

Please submit electronically by May 21, 2011 ]HERE.

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Using Your Cricut

Cartridge – Wild Card: Complete any type of project using this cartridge.

Numbers: Create any type of project using your Cricut to include at least one number on your project.

Please submit electronically by May 21, 2011 HERE.

~Carey

[inter]National Scrapbook Day Freebie

2011-05-06T23:00:00.001-05:00

It’s finally here! The day scrapbookers all over the world wait all year for - [inter]National Scrapbooking Day! OK, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch, but it’s a fun day of scrapping, shopping, chatting, and of course, blog hopping! I, along with the other Design House Decorators, have some goodies just for you in our very own blog hop. I’m honored to be a part of this group of super-talented, super-friendly, super-helpful group of ladies who comprise the creative team at Design House Digital.

For this blog hop, the Decorators have made a quick page (both 12x12 and 8.5x11) from the DHD Designers' iNSD collab kit. Simply hop around to all 12 of the blogs, collect all of the Quick Pages along the way, and you'll have 15 fabulous pages! (a couple of stops are 2-for-1 deals!) Use them to create your own album all on their own or add along with your own pages using the freebie kit.

Here's my contribution:

To get it, click here, or on the image above. It's a big file, so be patient! :)

To see the layout I created using this QP and to find links for the DHD Designer blog hop kit, check out this post.

Be sure to stop by all of the other Decorators' blogs to snag their pages (and get some sweet inspiration), too! If you made your way here from Allison Waken’s blog, then your next stop is Gennifer Bursett. If you got here by some other means, then pick a link below and go grab some more freebies!

Happy hopping & thanks for stopping by! Have a great scrappy day!

~Carey

iNSD Design House Digital Freebie kit

2011-05-06T15:40:00.001-05:00

In honor of [inter]National Scrapbooking Day, the Designers at Design House Digital have put together an awesome blog hop kit! Each Designer contributed a monochromatic mini-kit that you can combine, use alone, or mix and match with your existing stash. Pretty awesome, huh?!

This freebie kit includes 48 papers, 69 elements, a brush set and 1 alpha. To get this great kit, you’ll have to “hop” around to the designers’ blogs and grab each of their respective files to compile the full kit. There will be 13 sets all together, from the following designers: Audrey Neal, Agnes Biro, Celeste Knight, Dana Zarling, Gennifer Bursett, Jen Allyson, Jopke van Dongen, Karen Funk, Karla Dudley, Kate Teague, Robyn Meierotto, Sara Schmutz, and Tiffany Tillman.

To start, simply visit Audrey Neal’s blog and you’re on your way!Don’t forget to leave a comment and bookmark each of the designers’ blogs so you can keep up on all of their great creations!

Here’s a layout I created using this awesome kit.

For more inspiration on using this kit, check out the pages created by the DHD Decorators at the DHD blog.

Be sure to come back Saturday for the DHD Decorator blog hop!

Happy Scrapping!

~Carey

2011 [inter]National Scrapbooking Day [Week] at Design House Digital!

2011-05-02T22:40:00.001-05:00

Yep, that’s right – Design House Digital is celebrating [inter]National Scrapbooking Day, all week long! Everyone celebrates a little differently, at Design House Digital, we like to have a big week-long celebration, that way not all of the festivities are crammed into one day. So mark your calendars and get ready for a very scrappy week! Here’s what is going on starting May 1st:

25% OFF!

25% off EVERYTHING in the shop. This is a great opportunity to grab those kits you’ve been keeping your eye on. The sale goes from May 1st through May 8th.

TWO BLOG HOPS!

1. A designer hop with 13 of our awesome designers participating. If you hop around and grab everything, you’ll have more than 100 gorgeous items FREE! This hop starts on Wednesday May 4th.

2. The Decorators are hosting a QUICK PAGE hop using the designer hop items. You’ll be able to hop around to 10 decorator blogs (including mine!) and download 10 great quick pages – now that’s a fast and free way to get an album done! This hop starts on Saturday May 7th.

Check out the DHD blog on corresponding dates for the first hop link.

DOLLAR KITS

It wouldn’t be a DHD sale without dollar kits! Check in every day for new dollar kits. If you aren’t subscribed to our newsletter go and sign up now so that you can receive an email about which kits are $1 each day of the sale.

CHATS

We will be having 3-hour blocks of hosted chats with gift certificate give-aways. Mark your calendar for 7-10PM (CST) Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings (May 5-7). There will also be a SPEED SCRAP chat during the Saturday night chat. If you haven’t participated in our monthly speed scrap event, this will be a great time to try it out!

GIVEAWAYS

We have a HUGE blog giveaway this year – one very awesome Cricut Expression! It’s easy to enter, but all entries must be posted between May 1st and May 8th 2011. a link to the Cricut give-away was posted on the DHD blog on May 1st. All you’ll need to do is submit a comment to that blog post to be entered to win.

We’ll also be giving away a $5 gift certificate to a random gallery poster EVERY DAY between May 1-8th 2011, so get your layouts up in the gallery to inspire us all!

Mark your calendars and join us for some very scrappy fun!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T15:16:00.001-05:00

I hope your having a blessed day with your family! We’re just chilling out at home on this cloudy, rainy day.

I wanted to share this LO today. The story behind it practically melted my heart and almost brought me to happy tears! DS was just beaming, he was so excited to give this basket to DH. He just couldn’t stop smiling, and neither could we. DH & I just kept giving each other that knowing look of “how sweet is this kid” and “how lucky are we?” He came up with all of it on his own, and only needed my help to take the photo and print it. He’s a sweetie, and so creative! I need to take a close-up pic of the basket, but DH took it to work and forgot it there.

Now, off to raid the Easter candy!

Happy Scrapping!

~Carey

Scrapbook News and Review Magazine turns 3!

2011-04-12T21:19:00.001-05:00

It’s hard to believe that this incredible magazine, started to be a “Refreshing Change from the Same Old Formula” and to give the regular scrapbooker a chance to get published, has been around for three years now. Happy Anniversary SNR! I’m thrilled to have been along for the ride for over two years now. :)

To celebrate SNR’s third anniversary, there’s a special offer! You can get a one-year all-access pass to SNR for 40% off -- that's $24 for a whole year of amazing content.

Sweet deals like this don't come around all that often, so snag it while you can. Even better, our next issue is coming out soon and we always keep 4 issues viewable but one will go away as the new one comes in...so now is a great time to get in on the action!

In case you didn't hear, we have so much fabulous content jam packed into each issue, that we're now offering Scrapbook News and Review Magazine TWICE A MONTH! It's true! And it's been met with some serious enthusiasm and jumping for joy.

For the first part of the month, we publish all the inspiration and calls and articles and then for the second part of the month, we publish all the tutorials and primers and technique articles. You really have to check it out to see just how amazing it is.

There's nowhere else on the planet that you can get this much info and education in one place at one time for $24! So don't delay...subscribe today. And while you're at it, wish SNR a Happy Birthday (and maybe grab a cupcake too)!

Special pricing ends Friday, April 15th at midnight EST.

Seriously?

2011-03-15T22:19:00.001-05:00

Yes, a post! So, the last time I posted it was all snowy and winter. Who knew we’d have seven inches of snow on March 14th! It was certainly a shocker to wake up to all the snow, including for the weathermen!

Anyway, I’m trying to get back in the habit of sharing some layouts on the blog. Yes, eventually I hope to also post my Project 365 pages too. This year I’ve decided to use Becky Higgins’ Project Life. So far it’s working for me, although I need to keep up on the printing of my photos.

Here’s a few of my digi layouts that appeared in Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. Click on the images for credits.

Until next time…

Happy Scrapping!

~Carey

Looking Back at 2010

2010-12-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

Well, it’s that time of year to look back and reflect on the previous year before ringing in the new one. I wanted to create a year in review layout, using one photo from each month. This layout also made a great cover for the hybrid calendar I’ve made and will share with you tomorrow.

Click image for credits

I kept the paper and embellishments simple to keep the focus on the multiple photos. Love the word art by Karla Dudley!

Happy Scrapping!

~Carey

Winter Hybrid Cards

2010-12-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

Send some warm winter wishes to brighten up someone’s day!

Click images for credits.

Happy [hybrid] scrapping!

~Carey

Winter Wonderland

2010-12-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

I love snow! (As long as the roads aren’t bad, that is, if I WANT to drive on them – bring on the snow days!) We had a white Christmas with snow that was absolutely perfect for packing and playing.

Our first snow this year wasn’t quite so perfect – it was very light and fluffy, but still fun. I remember always loving playing outside in the snow as a kid. Now, I’m not as thrilled to be cold, but once I force myself to bundle up and go outside, I have a blast and get to be part of the snow fun!

Tiffany Tillman’s Pink Snow kit was perfect, even for a BOY layout!

Happy Scrapping!

~Carey

Merry Monday!

2010-12-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

Did you get some great sales yesterday? I’m hoping to find some deals still around today and maybe scrap a few December photos. Here’s some recent layouts using Carina Gardner’s fantastic kits released this December at JessicaSprague.com. Perfect for those Holiday photos calling your name!

Using O Christmas Tree by Carina Gardner

Using Happy Holidays by Carina Gardner

And a few from today’s new release: Fresh Picked Winter Collection by Carina Gardner:

Happy Scrapping!

~Carey

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-26T16:12:00.001-06:00

Wow, December has flown by! I hope Santa brought you some wonderful scrappy goodies! Now I’ve got lots and lots of pictures to scrap for the month. Here a few festive things to share with you!

Our Christmas card.

Happy Holidays!

September 30: Home Sweet Home

2010-11-28T22:28:00.001-06:00

As much as I enjoy getting out and doing things, I really just like hanging out at home.

If you’ve made it this far through my posting blitz, thank you! This is the last page of my Learn Something New Every Day album. I’ll have one more post with my completed album once I get the photos from snapfish!

My next project will be combining Shimelle’s Journal Your Christmas with Ali’s December Daily. I’ve already started since for me, the Christmas Season starts the day after Thanksgiving. I’m planning to blog my photos and hopefully keep up!

September 29: PJ Day

2010-11-28T22:24:00.001-06:00

Pajama Day at school – always an exciting day. Why can’t adults have pajama day at work?

September 28: Daily Breakfast

2010-11-28T22:23:00.001-06:00

My daily breakfast – Greek plain yogurt, honeycrisp apples, sunflower and pumpkin seed granola. Yum!

September 27: iLove my iPhone

2010-11-28T22:20:00.001-06:00

I love my iPhone. It’s such a great gadget! I know I don’t use it to its fullest abilities, but it’s such a helpful tool for what I even know how to do with it!

September 26: Making Mists

2010-11-28T22:18:00.001-06:00

Today I made my own glimmer mist! A dropper of black ink (dye-based), some Perfect Pearls, mixed with some water in a travel spray bottle. Easy peasy!

September 25: Kicking the Habit

2010-11-28T22:16:00.001-06:00

I finally did it! I gave up drinking soda. I’ve been drinking water exclusively for over two months now (as of Nov. 28). It feels great and I really don’t miss it like I thought I would. :)

September 24: Inspiration

2010-11-28T22:13:00.001-06:00

I love this picture in the bathroom of my chiropractor’s office. I’m thinking it’s great inspiration for some inchies or other projects. Certainly an unexpected place to find inspiration!

September 23: Colorful

2010-11-28T22:05:00.001-06:00

Airheads candy definitely will turn your tongue blue!

September 22: Love

2010-11-28T22:03:00.001-06:00

Eleven wonderful years of marriage. I love my wacky guys!

September 21: Pink Gadgets

2010-11-28T21:25:00.001-06:00

Buying my gadgets in pink ensures that my boys won’t want to use them (unless they’re desperate). It was a no-brainer decision.

September 20: Simplicity

2010-11-28T21:18:00.001-06:00

Dogs are amazing creatures. I just love having one as part of my life. Humans could learn a lot from their canine companions, such as finding the joy and contentedness in simple things. Not that I’m suggesting we start chewing on bones – I’m guessing my dentist would frown on that one!

September 19: Babies

2010-11-28T21:14:00.001-06:00

Our friends adopted a baby boy, and of course we had to make a visit! He’s such a sweetheart. I’d forgotten how it feels to hold a tiny baby in my arms. It just melts away anything else and makes you feel good about the world.

September 18: Brownies

2010-11-28T21:09:00.001-06:00

So I’m finally catching up with posting the rest of my Learn Something New Every Day album. The photos have all been ordered from snapfish, so I can finish my album as soon as they arrive.

I’ve always loved licking the bowl after making brownies, cake, cookies, any sweet goods. As a kid, my sister & I would fight over it. Now I share with ds (that’s his hand in the bottom of the pic).

Thankful…

2010-11-27T09:25:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family, good conversation and of course, yummy food!

click image for credits

And now, in the aftermath of cooking and Black Friday shopping, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas and decorating!

First ATC

2010-11-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

I dabbled and made my first Artist Trading Card (ATC). ATCs are 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. miniature works of art. Creating this hybrid ATC was a fun way to play around with my digital and traditional goodies, no pressure of showcasing my photos or telling stories, just play.

click image for credits

Published in the May issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

This card inspired my blog header, and the saying fits me very well. ;)

I’m not sure if I’ll be doing many ATCs, but it’s something that would be fun to play with now and again.

Good Dog, Copper

2010-11-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

Copper is an unbelievably sweet dog. She is so good-natured and fairly obedient, although she does willfully disobey some commands. :) She’s sweet and friendly, but a great protector - definitely lets us know when something is going on outside or someone she doesn’t know is around. Dogs are awesome.

click image for credits

Featured at the TheDailyDigi.com on 7/7/10.

You Are An Original

2010-11-21T18:00:00.000-06:00

click image for credits

Nothin’ like goofy sweet faces to make a momma smile. I love capturing those every day photos – they capture personality and the things I want to remember most.

Scrapbook News and Review January 2011 Calls

2010-11-21T13:25:00.001-06:00

Good luck if you enter!

January 2011 Call Descriptions

Deadline: December 19, 2010

Digital

Basic Black - Use Black as a Background: Black can give a formality, authority or seriousness to layouts and it can also make colors really pop! For this call, we want to see your digital or hybrid layouts using black as a background.

Brushes: One of the most fun and flexible tools in digital scrapbooking is brushes. Swirls and flourishes, text and shapes, the types of brushes available are endless. We're looking for digital or hybrid layouts that prominently feature brushes.

Extractions - Kids: One of the most popular scrapbooking subjects, kids can be seen gracing the pages of layouts everywhere. Put your extraction skills to the test and send in your digital or hybrid layouts showcasing extractions of kids.

Minimalist: Attention grabbing, yet elegant, minimalist pages keep the focus on the photo, a simple message and barely there elements. With everything perfectly placed, a little goes a long way and makes a big impact. For this call, we're looking for minimalist digital or hybrid layouts.

Please submit electronically by December 19, 2010 HERE.

Digital By Style: In each issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, we spotlight scrapbook pages by style and genre. We're currently looking for pages in digital scrapbooking that feature a clearly defined style such as Clean and Simple, Dark and Industrial, Eclectic and Freestyle, Romance and Pretty Chic, Whimsical or Fantasy, and others just ripe for the picking. Please submit at least three to five layouts that you feel best represents your work and explain in a few brief sentences what style you feel best describes your work.

Please Note: This call is for digital scrapbookers only.

Please submit electronically by December 19, 2010 HERE.

Scrapbooking

By Style: In each issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, we spotlight scrapbook pages by style and genre. We're currently looking for pages in traditional paper scrapbooking that feature a clearly defined style such as Clean and Simple, Dark and Industrial, Eclectic and Freestyle, Romance and Pretty Chic, Whimsical or Fantasy, and others just ripe for the picking. Please submit at least three to five layouts that you feel best represents your work and explain in a few brief sentences what style you feel best describes your work.

Accepted styles are Boyish Charms, Clean & Simple, Distressed, Eclectic & Freestyle, Fun & Playful, Modern & Graphic and Pretty Chic/Vintage Romance.

Please Note: This is for paper scrapbookers only. There is a separate call for digital scrapbookers.

Please submit electronically by December 19, 2010 HERE.

Birds and Butterflies: Snow has yet to fall, but we’re already dreaming about spring, and what’s more representative of spring than birds and butterflies? For this call, we’re looking for whimsical pages featuring soft, dreamy colors.

Color Scheme: This month's color scheme is pink, chocolatey and full of fun. How will you use it? We want to see, we want to see!

Kraft Backgrounds: For some scrappers, it’s the first thing they reach for and they’re going to love this call. For others, it’s not the norm and this will be a stretch, but we hope they’ll take the challenge. Layouts can be of any style, theme or color scheme. They just have to be on a Kraft background to be considered for publication.

Lace, Pleats & Ruffles: Nothing says homespun and full of love than lace, pleats and ruffles and for this call, we’re focusing on layouts that showcase, one, two or even all three.

Love and Romance: Valentine’s Day is upon us and love and romance is on the menu. Please note that layouts do not have to be centered around Valentine’s Day – they just need to be about someone you love and cherish and hold dear to your heart.

Monochromatic Color – Red: We’re starting a new feature this year. Each month, we’ll spotlight a different color and scrappers can only use this color. No black, white or other colors can be on your pages. Just varying shades of the selected color of the month.

No Patterned Paper OR Only Patterned Paper: Now here’s a challenge for the imagination. For this call, we want to see pages that feature either only patterned paper OR don’t have a stitch of patterned paper on them. You decide, it’s completely up to you. Or surprise us and send in both!

Scrap Your Stash – Chipboard Letters and Shapes: Another new feature for 2011! Each month, we’ll dig into our collective stashes for a popular or oft used product. Please only submit layouts that feature chipboard letters and shapes. We would also love to hear how you used them, so write up a little blurb about how you changed them up and include it in the supply list.

When a Heart Isn’t a Heart: What kind of shapes and elements can you create with a simple heart? We want to see them. They have to be on a layout and a quick bit about how you accomplished the task needs to be attached to the supply list.

Please submit electronically by December 19, 2010 HERE.

Cards & Stamping

ABC (Anything But Cards): We’re looking for paper crafting projects with a Valentine’s Day/Love flair and they can be anything made with paper such as banners, gift bags, treats, and the like. Anything but cards, that is.

Birthdays: Young or old, male or female, we’re looking for birthday cards that celebrate that special day of someone you want to send a special shout-out to.

Candy, Lollipops and Sweet Treats: When is a card more than a card? When it packs a sweet punch. Send in your cards that feature actual candy treats. We’re thinking sweet tarts, rolls of mints, and packs of gum. Let your sweet tooth rule the creative process and show us the yummies.

Color Scheme: This month's color scheme is pink, chocolatey and full of fun. How will you use it? We want to see, we want to see!

Girly Punches: Calling all punch enthusiasts. For this call, we’re focusing on cards that feature feminine style punches and anything is fair game – lace or doily borders, swirly flourishes, and even flower punches. Let your feminine side run wild and rock the girly punches.

Lace, Pleats and Ruffles: Cards aren’t just about flat and simple, so it’s time to get 3-D and incorporate lace, pleats and/or ruffles onto our cards.

Thank You/Sweet of You: Whether it’s a note, gift or perhaps just a show of support, thank you cards are always in style. Show us your cards that feature a gratitude, sweet of you theme.

Please submit electronically by December 19, 2010 HERE.

Mixed Media

Arches – Vintage Valentines: Ah, Valentine’s Day. What a feeling just those two simple words evoke. We would love to see arches with lots of red as well as more muted colors like robin’s egg blue and olive green – colors that are more reminiscent of the past, but it’s not mandatory in order to be considered for publication. In addition, textures like ribbon and trim and 3-D embellishments would be lovely.

To get your creative juices flowing and to make life a little easier, we’ve included a list of links for vintage Valentine’s Day images as well as an arch template created by Roni Johnson of Inkstains.

graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/search/label/Valentine%27s%20Day
www.silvercollectblog.com/free-vintage-valentine-postcard-images-happy-valentines-day.html
www.freevintageimages.com/free-vintage-images-valentines-day.htm
hubpages.com/hub/free-vintage-valentine-cards-cherubs
www.angel-guide.com/angel-valentine-card.html

Artist Trading Cards – Rhythm and Blues: For this call, we’re looking for ATC’s that feature a musical theme such as rocking jazz, gospel and rock n’ roll as well as instruments with lots of heart, soul and energy.

Artist Trading Cards – Strut Your Stuff: Anything goes and you can send in ATC’s featuring any theme, style or color scheme.

Inchies – Birds and Butterflies: This call corresponds with our Birds and Butterflies scrapbooking call with a slight twist. Think “Dreaming of Spring” rather than the actual depicting of spring as well as nature, plants and trees. We also ask that you not include bees, dragonflies or other insects.

Please Note: All mixed media calls are for artists of all styles and categories including traditional paper, hybrid or digital.

Please submit electronically by December 19, 2010 HERE.

New Feature: Using Your Cricut

Cricut Fun: You have this wonderful machine and love using it. Now we’d like to see what you’ve made with it. We’re looking for any project that features Cricut cut-outs and they can be used on layouts, cards, and other paper crafting projects.

January's Featured Cartridge:

Forever Young: Every month, we’ll feature art made with a different Cricut cartridge. This month, our featured cartridge, Forever Young, is perfect for Valentine’s Day – or any day you’re feeling girly. Any and all artwork featuring cut-outs from this cartridge will be considered for publication.

Valentine’s Day/Love: Love is in the air and we’d love to see your Valentine’s Day projects featuring Cricut elements.

Please submit electronically by December 19, 2010 HERE.

Crop Night!

2010-11-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

Yay! The third Friday of the month – that means it’s crop night! I love getting together with my scrappy friends to chat, eat and maybe scrap a little. Ha! It’s certainly my Happy Place!

click image for credits

The design and color scheme of my layout was inspired by one of my favorite sweater/tank combos. It’s amazing the inspiration that can come from your closet (or a fashion magazine)!

The black and hot pink color scheme, the zigzag edges and the tie closure (ribbon) all found their way onto my LO. :)

~Carey

Simply Perfect

2010-11-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

I really can’t say much more than that. I’m so blessed to have such a wonderful boy in my life.

click image for credits

[Not Quite]

2010-11-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Another release in the Daisy Jane Collection by Carina Gardner – for One Buck Wednesday at JessicaSprague.com! Grab it while it’s on sale!

Credits:

Daisy Jean Set (3 Pack)

Daisy Jane – Borders

Daisy Jane – Paper Bits

Daisy Jane – Inkblots

all by Carina Gardner at JessicaSprague.com

Journaling reads: You were being silly making all sorts of cheesy faces for the camera. I told you to give me your sweetest face that you would show Santa so he would give you presents, and this is what I got! 5/24/10

~Carey

Love Sushi

2010-11-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

One of my current favorites places to eat (and has been since the beginning of the year right after I discovered them) is Love Sushi! I’ve tried a few different items, but my fave is still the OOPS roll. Yum. I think I may have to go there today for lunch!

click image for credits

Have you scrapped about a favorite dish or restaurant? It’s fun to record them and see how your tastes (or obsessions) change. I know I’ve gone through several local faves over the years…hmm…that gives me an idea for another LO!

TTFN!

~Carey

Christmas Album

2010-11-15T21:43:00.001-06:00

I’m already getting excited about Christmas and participating in Shimelle’s Journal Your Christmas class and mixing it with Ali’s December Daily. I’m currently planning to do my album digitally (although I’m still waffling on that – I’ve got lots of Christmas goodies in my paper stash).

I’m hoping to make it easier on myself by using Karen Funk’s Christmas Magic Quickpages along with her Christmas Magic kits to mix in my own pages with the quickpages. These can be found at Design House Digital. By making it easier, hopefully I’ll be able to stay caught up!

Happy Scrapping!

~Carey

Happy to See You Too!

2010-11-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

It’s More in Store Monday at JessicaSprague.com and some new kits for the Daisy Jane Collection by Carina Gardner are hitting the store today!

Daisy Jane – Paper Set 3

Daisy Jane – Paper Bits

Daisy Jane – Flowers

Daisy Jane – Inkblots

Daisy Jane – Borders (coming soon to JS)

I was drawn to Paper Set 3, with all of its bright yellow cheeriness. I knew I wanted to use it to scrap a picture of my mom, since yellow was always her favorite color when we were growing up. This recent photo from Collin’s birthday was perfect!

~Carey

Best Buds – Hybrid

2010-11-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

A sweet hybrid LO to share. If only both of them were still that little!

click image for credits

I printed the background with all the papers, journaling and brackets on one sheet. I wanted to have glossy photos, so I printed them separately on photo paper (but sized them in PSE first by adding them to the digital LO and then printing them as a separate file). I inked the edges of the photos to make the stand out against the lighter background paper. I then added some dog-themed rubons and chipboard, along with rickrack, felt ribbon and title chipboard stickers.

~Carey

One Thousand

2010-11-13T06:00:00.001-06:00

This photo + story is from earlier this year, but it still makes me smile thinking about his thrill of his accomplishment (and my amazement)!

Published in the March issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. Click image for credits.
Journaling reads: The boy began counting after school and all through wrestling practice. He was at 842 when I picked him up and reached 1000 before we hit Hwy 50! He said he was probably the first kid at school to ever count all the way to 1000!
The note he’s holding was written while we were still driving home. One excited kid. Not bad for a kindergartner!
~Carey

Coquette Hybrid Card

2010-11-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

Did you know that Carina Gardner is now selling her digital designs at JessicaSprague.com? She debuted with her new collection, Coquette, based on her gorgeous fabric line!

I wanted to share a recent hybrid card I made using Carina’s Coquette collection.

I printed the base of the card separate from the squares, brad and strip.

I cut everything out, using pinking shears to cut the squares. I roughed up the edges of the main card front. Then, I inked the edges and adhered. I used pop dots for the squares and brad to make them stand out. I added some white rickrack adhered with tiny staples. Then I glued the card front to a folded white card base.

A quick and easy card to put a smile on someone’s face!

~Carey

Serious Project 365 Catching Up

2010-11-11T10:26:00.001-06:00

I have been trying to keep up with Project 365. Well, at least on the photo taking part of it. I am woefully behind on the scrapping part, but I haven’t given up yet! I am even further behind on posting the completed LOs, lol. My goal is to make some major headway before the rush of Christmas. :)

Week 7:

Week 8:

Week 9:

Week 10:

(all images are linked)

TFL!

Happy Scrapping!

Technical Difficulties!

2010-11-06T11:52:00.001-05:00

I’m sorry to announce that the chats today at Design House Digital have been cancelled due to technical difficulties. BUT, stayed tuned – we’re planning to have the chats another day once the site issues are fixed!

Be sure to check out the blog hop today & pick up the pieces to this gorgeous free kit!

Digital Scrapbooking Day!

2010-11-04T22:36:00.001-05:00

If you haven’t heard, Saturday, November 6th, 2010, is Digital Scrapbooking Day! At Design House Digital, we’re planning a fun weekend celebration starting Thursday November 4th. We’ve got a lot going on this weekend, so take notes and join us for a really great time!

• Site-wide 25% off sale from November 4th - 7th
• New Fall Blog-hop Freebie
• Gallery prizes to two random gallery posters using DHD product
• Hosted Chats by designers & Decorators (also debuting an official chat room)
• different $1 kits Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Join me, along with my co-host CTM Tiffany, on Saturday at 7pm MT (8pm Central) for a fun chat and your chance to win a great prize!

Here is the chat schedule (all times are Mountain):

9AM: Robyn Meierotto
10AM: Karla Dudley
11AM: Jen Allyson
12PM: Tiffany Tillman
1PM: Karen Funk
2PM: Kym Tsukamoto
3PM: Deena Rutter
4PM: Kate Teague
5PM: Sara Schmutz
6PM: Missy Backues, Katherine Hansen
7PM: Carey Bridges, Tiffany Bodily
8PM: Jen Papadimitriou, Jeryn Carlisi
9PM: Gennifer Bursett

So mark your calender, and plan a fun scrappy day and weekend!

It’s beginning to look a lot like…Halloween!

2010-10-24T19:02:00.001-05:00

I love Halloween – and my current home decor certainly shows that! I recently created this SPOOKY banner to hang at the top of the foyer stairs.

Step-by-step instructions are featured in the 10/24 Scrapbook News and Review Magazine Newsletter and in the forum at ScrapbookNewsandReview.com. If you’ve found your way here from the SNR newsletter, welcome!

Here’s some close-up shots of each banner:

My son was creating at my scrap table while I was working on this banner, and he wanted to make one too. I had left-over pieces from my project, including the centers of the “O”s, along with some Target Dollar Spot Halloween papers and stickers. He made this banner & hung on his bedroom door.

It does a momma proud!

Have a boo-tiful week!

~Carey

Publication Calls!

2010-10-21T21:38:00.001-05:00

Good luck if you submit!

Scrapbook News and Review MagazineHoliday Sampler Call Descriptions

Deadline: November 1, 2010

Scrapbooking

By Style - Winter, Holiday and New Year's Eve Only: In each issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, we spotlight scrapbook pages by style and genre. We're currently looking for pages in traditional paper scrapbooking that feature a clearly defined style such as Clean and Simple, Dark and Industrial, Eclectic and Freestyle, Romance and Pretty Chic, Whimsical or Fantasy, and others just ripe for the picking. Please submit at least three to five layouts that you feel best represents your work and explain in a few brief sentences what style you feel best describes your work.

Accepted styles are Boyish Charms, Clean & Simple, Distressed, Eclectic & Freestyle, Fun & Playful, Modern & Graphic and Pretty Chic/Vintage Romance.

Please Note: This is for paper scrapbookers only. There is a separate call now for digital scrapbookers.

Please submit electronically by November 1, 2010 HERE.

Childhood Memories: You’ve gotta admit, the holidays as a kid were something pretty special. No matter what your faith or background, the holidays meant family, food and fun. Show and tell us your holiday related childhood memories and for this call, pages with cool journaling are preferred.

Christmas Morning: Oh, how sweet it is! The magic of Christmas morning is something we can all get keyed up about and our pages usually reflect that joy, although sometimes Christmas morning just ain’t what it was supposed to be. For this call, share your memories – the good, the bad and the oh you’ll never be forgiven for that gift! – with us. We can’t wait to see them.

Christmas Song Lyrics: Get your Fa-La-La-La-La on! This call is all about holiday music and it doesn’t matter if it’s on patterned paper, a stamped image, used as a title, or part of clip-art, if it’s singing, it’s fair game.

Color Scheme: Who says Christmas colors have to be traditional? We’re breaking out of the holiday mold and charting new ground with this fabulous color scheme. How will you use it? We want to see, we want to see! Just remember, it has to be Christmas, Chanukkah or New Year’s Eve related. No exceptions, please.

Holiday Traditions: We all have them, but each family is so different and unique that it’s exciting to see pages chock full of holiday traditions, beliefs and customs.

The Reason for the Season (Any Religion): All December holidays, no matter what faith, are in place for a reason and we want to see your pages chock full of the meaning of the holiday you celebrate. Once again, pages with journaling are preferred.

Winter Sketch: We’re all about the sketches here at SNR and here’s a fabulous one created by one of our staffers. For this call, we’re looking for pages based on this sketch and featuring a winter (not holiday) theme.

With Lotsa Bling: Glitter, flock, tinsel, embossing powder, paint and more – the delight is in the bling. No matter whether your layouts are shabby and sweet or modern and sophisticated, we’re looking for holiday layouts that are shimmery, shiny and full of life.

Yummy Treats: Prepping, mixing and baking, they’re a part of the holidays just as much as reindeer, snowmen and mistletoe and for this call, we’re looking for layouts that make us drool and wish we could come over to your place. Pages that include recipes – especially downright yummy ones – will get extra special attention!

Please submit electronically by November 1, 2010 HERE.

Cards & Stamping

Cards with Bling – Glitter, flock, tinsel, embossing powder, paint and more – the delight is in the bling. No matter whether your cards are shabby and sweet or modern and sophisticated, we’re looking for holiday cards that are shimmery, shiny and full of life.

Christmas Song Lyrics – Get your Fa-La-La-La-La on! This call is all about holiday music and it doesn’t matter if it’s on patterned paper, a stamped image, used as a title, or part of clip-art, if it’s singing, it’s fair game.

Color Scheme – Who says Christmas colors have to be traditional? We’re breaking out of the holiday mold and charting new ground with this fabulous color scheme. How will you use it? We want to see, we want to see! Just remember, it has to be Christmas, Chanukkah or New Year’s Eve related. No exceptions, please.

Ornaments – Stamped ornament images are just right for this call! Your card can be of any size, shape or color, but it must have two magical ingredients – be holiday related and feature a stamped image.

Silver Bells – No, not the song, though that would be a perfect fit for our Christmas Song Lyrics calls. For this one, we want to see cards that feature silver in any way, shape or form. It can be paint, mist, cardstock, patterned paper, glitter, embossing powder – you name it, you can put it on there and the more, the merrier!

Winter Sketch – We’re all about the sketches here at SNR and here’s an awesome one created by SNR staffer Pam Maas. For this call, we’re looking for cards based on this sketch and featuring a winter (not holiday) theme.

Please submit electronically by November 1, 2010 HERE.

Digital

December Day-by-Day: December is a whirlwind month of celebrations, gift giving and spending time with family. Many digital products and classes are geared toward documenting your life and memories throughout the month of December, both present and past, and we want to see how you document your daily life and special memories with digital or hybrid layouts, albums or projects.

Holiday Decorating: One of the joys of the holiday season is decorating – your home, your office, anywhere! We’re looking for digital or hybrid projects that feature your holiday or New Year’s Eve decorations.

Holiday Gifts: With the madness of the holiday season upon us, using your digital skills to mass produce gifts is a definite time saver. So show us your digital or hybrid holiday gifts, including printed albums, calendars, gift packaging, bag toppers and more.

Holiday Layouts: Who doesn't have lots of holiday photos to scrapbook? No matter which holiday you’re celebrating this December (including New Year’s Eve), we want to see your digital or hybrid pages. Pages with multiple photos are preferred.

Please submit electronically by November 1, 2010 HERE.

Digital By Style - Winter, Holiday and New Year's Eve Only: In each issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, we spotlight scrapbook pages by style and genre. We're currently looking for pages in digital scrapbooking that feature a clearly defined style such as Clean and Simple, Dark and Industrial, Eclectic and Freestyle, Romance and Pretty Chic, Whimsical or Fantasy, and others just ripe for the picking. Please submit at least three to five layouts that you feel best represents your work and explain in a few brief sentences what style you feel best describes your work.

Please Note: This call is for digital scrapbookers only.

Please submit electronically by November 1, 2010 HERE.

Mixed Media

Altered Art

Banners and Wreaths: Tis the season for a holiday banner or wreath just ripe for decking the halls or welcoming family and friends at the door. Each can be of any size, shape or color but must have a holiday or winter connected theme.

Arches

Angels and Holiday Related Imagery: For this call, we’re looking for arches (please see attached template) that feature angels and holiday related religious imagery. The arches need not conform to any specific size, but they must be created on an arch-style base. To make it even more of a challenge, you can even turn it into a triptych by adding a half panel to the arch base on either side.

ATC’s

The Holidays: The holidays are without a doubt our most favorite time of the year. They even wrote a song about it, so it must be true! No matter what your faith, ATC’s are a perfect vehicle to share the meaning and magic of the holidays.

Inchies

Winter: From holly and mistletoe to stars and snowflakes, winter has a beauty all its own and we’re looking for inchies that capture the enchantment and peacefulness of the final season of the year.

Please Note: All mixed media calls are for paper artists of all styles and categories including traditional paper, hybrid or digital.

Please submit electronically by November 1, 2010 HERE.

Halloween Countdown Calendar

2010-10-19T22:26:00.001-05:00

I just love Halloween! We’re counting down the days in our house until the fun day. To help us count down, I made a countdown calendar that my son can cross off each day until Halloween!

For instructions on making this countdown calendar, check out my blog post at Design House Digital!

I used paper and elements from Carina Gardner’s Haunted Collection at Design House Digital, plus a few of my paper supplies. By hanging it in a page frame, we can use a dry erase marker to mark each day. At the end of the month, it wipes clean and the calendar is ready to use next year.

Halloween will be here before we know it!

~Carey

Autumn’s Kitchen

2010-10-02T11:30:00.001-05:00

I was lucky enough to get to play with Sara Schmutz’s new Autumn’s Kitchen papers at Design House Digital. The warm autumn colors and cuisine-themed papers turned my mind to pecan pie (YUM!) and Thanksgiving Dinner. I knew the papers would be perfect to record our typical Thanksgiving meal.

The “utensils” paper, with strips of various patterns, inspired me to use those strips cut apart on my layout. I also freehanded the arrows using the brush tool in PSE.

(click image for credits)

Here are the three paper kits used:

Check out the 1 kit, 4 ways blog post at DHD to see what the other DHD Decorators did with the papers and leave a comment there for your chance to win these three papers!

I hope you are enjoying this lovely autumn day!

Happy October!

2010-10-01T13:05:00.001-05:00

I'm excited to be hosting the Technique Challenge at Design House Digital this month!

If you're like me, you're always striving to capture that perfect photograph. When multiple people are involved, especially when some or all of those people are children, that perfect photo can be quite elusive. That's where your digital skills come to the rescue!

For this month, I challenge you to combine or merge two or more photos to get that perfect group shot and then create a layout with that photo. I typically use my selection tool, copy and paste the "good" face over the bad one, do some enhancements for lighting or color, maybe some selective erasing, and then use the clone stamp and/or healing brush on the flattened image. Voila!

Here's a few examples of photos that I merged:

So, let's see what you've got!

One participant will be selected randomly at the end of the month to get a $5 gift certificate to Design House Digital, but you must post your layout/project in the October Technique Challenge Gallery and link us up in the challenge thread!

Be sure to check out the other great challenges for October while you’re there!

September 17: New Purse!

2010-09-26T18:59:00.001-05:00

So excited about my new purse! It’s been quite some time since I’ve bought a new one. I feel so stylish now. :)

September 16: Silly Bands

2010-09-26T18:56:00.001-05:00

Yes, Silly Bands are all the rage with First Graders. Couldn’t resist buying the dinosaur bands for C. He was thrilled!

September 15: Presentation

2010-09-26T18:54:00.001-05:00

I’ve been dreading giving this presentation for a while. I gave it once before, so I don’t know why. Of course I procrastinated, so I didn’t have much preparation time, but still did a great job!

September 14: Crafty Inspiration

2010-09-24T20:55:00.001-05:00

The Oriental Trading Co. Halloween catalog came today. I almost threw it in the recycling, but I’m so glad I didn’t! You saw it and got lots of ideas for things to make (like this bat mask – if you look on the left side of the magazine, you can see the example from the kit they sell). It’s so wonderful to find a source of inspiration!

September 13: Good Girl

2010-09-24T20:48:00.001-05:00

I admit it. I’m a good girl. A goodie-two-shoes. When I break the rules, even if it’s for the right reasons, I sweat it.

Journaling reads: “Deep down, I’m not a rule-breaker. I really am a “Good” girl.”

September 12: Decorating

2010-09-22T16:51:00.002-05:00

The boy absolutely loves decorating for holidays, and Halloween is one of his favorites (probably b/c it is so close to his bday). So, we’ve started decorating the inside of the house, but will TRY to wait until October arrives to decorate outside.

September 11: Never Forget

2010-09-15T22:05:00.001-05:00

I will never forget how the events of that day nine years ago shook me to the core. The memories still do.

September 10: Big Band-Aid

2010-09-15T21:57:00.001-05:00

C fell on the concrete and scraped his knee up pretty badly. He was quite upset. I had to find a pretty big band-aid to cover the owie. His amazement over the huge band-aid made him forget the pain pretty quickly!

September 9: Beanie Baby Love

2010-09-15T21:52:00.002-05:00

The boy was bummed when he got home. One of his friends didn’t play with him at recess and then he didn’t get a reward in art, even though he was really quiet (apparently some kids got something for being quiet, and he said he was really quiet). Then he found this beanie baby and that made him feel so much better and lifted his spirits. He loves this little guy and named him Coyote (even though he’s a wolf).

September 8: Blowing Bubbles

2010-09-15T19:45:00.001-05:00

Some bottles of Bubbles + the family (and the dog) = an evening of fun! Copper really liked biting at the bubbles.

September 7: Back to Work

2010-09-15T18:55:00.001-05:00

I love four-day weekends! But it’s REALLY hard to focus when I return to work afterwards…

Back 2 School LO

2010-09-15T18:47:00.002-05:00

It’s September and school is back in full swing. A school-related LO to share with you!
(click images for credits)

Karen Funk's quick page template made it so easy to put this LO together quickly! The photo spots were perfect for the tall photos I wanted to use. I just added a few elements from her coordinating Elementary Elements kit, my journaling, and I was done!

Thanks for looking! Have a great rest of the week!

September 6: Read the Instructions

2010-09-12T10:06:00.001-05:00

It pays to read the instruction manual.

We had trouble with our cable TV a few months ago. Ever since, I haven’t been able to get the VCR/DVD to pick up TV stations. It works great for watching videos and DVDs, but no matter how many times I go into the menu and mess with the settings, it still won’t work. I wanted to tape Camp Rock 2 so ds could watch the entire movie (instead of just the first hour and then go to sleep). After an hour of frustration, climbing behind the TV set, messing with cables and finding one that ran from the VCR but had nowhere to hook into the TV, I pulled out the instruction manual (so glad I kept that!). A-ha! It seems dh messed with the cables when the cable TV wasn’t working & did not reconnect them properly! So glad I figured it out. Even though I didn’t get the whole movie recorded (yes, I need a DVR), I did get the final hour that ds hasn’t seen! Victory is mine!

September 5: Go to Bed!

2010-09-12T09:58:00.001-05:00

I feel much better the next day when I go to bed early rather than staying up late and sleeping in late.

This is a lesson I am constantly trying to relearn. I just don’t get enough sleep because I stay up late way too often! So much to do…so little time.

September 4th: Absolutely Perfect

2010-09-05T22:54:00.001-05:00

It doesn’t get much better than this. 75 degrees, blue skies, breezy and it’s my day off! Absolutely perfect. I am loving this weather!

September 3rd: My Boy Loves Mario

2010-09-05T22:03:00.001-05:00

“Mom, it’s the costume I’ve dreamed of my whole life.”

How can you say no to that? My boy loves Mario, and Target had THE PERFECT costume. I’m so glad we stopped by to pick up a few things. We couldn’t pass it up!

September 2nd: What’s the Hurry?

2010-09-05T21:53:00.001-05:00

People drive like maniacs on our street. Traffic has increased as people cut through from the highway due to the construction and road closure nearby. Many drivers don’t even slow down at the stop sign near our house. One of our neighbors notified the police dept. The first morning they were out, I was amazed at the efficiency of the officer. At least 5 people pulled over in less than 20 minutes, one right after the other. Hopefully it will help slow people down!

September 1st: Job Lessons

2010-09-05T21:39:00.001-05:00

Credits: All digital items from Design House Digital. Word Art: A Kind Word Vol. 4 by Deena Rutter; Frame: Design 365 Journal Rubons by Jen Allyson; Font: 1942 report

Today, our new Program Director starts. This means that my boss is returning to his position and I am no longer acting as Section Chief in addition to my regular duties as Unit Chief. (Yes, as in any bureaucracy, there is quite the complicated org chart and chain of command.) While I learned a lot during my three months as Acting Section Chief, I quickly learned that doing one job is much easier than doing two. :)

Learn Something Album Cover

2010-09-04T15:04:00.001-05:00

I finished my hybrid album cover & photographed it (although not very straight)!

Credits: All digital items from Design House Digital. Digital Paper: Maybe Mega Paper Pack by Deena Rutter; Tags, Borders, Stamps: Maybe Elements vol. 2 by Deena Rutter; Bunting: Vanity Fair Persimmon Elements by Jen Allyson; Word Art: A Kind Word Vol. 1 by Deena Rutter; Frame, Mask: Design 365 Journal Rubons by Jen Allyson; Font: 1942 report.

Other Supplies: Letter Stickers: Cosmo Cricket, American Crafts; Ink: Clearsnap; Glitter Glue: Ranger

My plan is to mount the cover on cardstock and back with chipboard. I’ll print each page as a 4x6 photo, then mount on cardstock so I can bind with my Bind-It-All without punching holes through the photos. By October 1st I should have a complete album for the month!

Smells Like Teen Spirit!

2010-09-03T17:00:00.000-05:00

A song from my High School/College Days – seems appropriate for sharing some teen pages! While most of my scrapbooking revolves around my DS, I wanted to create some LOs using my handsome nephew Trey’s senior photos. He turned 19 last week (so hard to believe – he was born at the start of MY senior year in HS – yikes!) and has started his freshman year in college!

click images for credits

published in the June issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine

All products are from Design House Digital. Plus, I love the graffiti-like font “el&font gohtic!” I downloaded free from dafont.com.

Learn Something New Every Day

2010-09-03T13:32:00.001-05:00

Starting September 1st, I am participating in Shimelle’s Learn Something New Every Day class where I’ll focus on learning
something new from my life for every day in September. With the kiddos off to school to start learning new things, what better time than now to document my continual journey of learning! I’m hopeful I’ll keep up with daily entries and eventually get them all scrapped!

What have you learned today?

Hi!

2010-08-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

If you’ve found your way to my blog from the Scrapbook News and Review newsletter, welcome! I’m so excited to be featured in this week’s newsletter! I joined the SNR team over a year and a half ago and am now an Assistant Editor and Digital Team Coordinator. I’m constantly inspired by the amazing talent of the SNR team and readers and am blown away by the knowledge shared in the SNR Forum.

Although I’m primarily a digital scrapbooker now, I still dabble with my traditional supplies (especially since I have SO MUCH of it!). Lately, I have been branching into the hybrid world. I’d like to share a recent hybrid card with you! I used Carina Gardner’s Back to Basics Collection and Deena Rutter’s Pendant Banners Digital Cutting Files, both from Design House Digital.

Additional supplies: scissors, glue, border punch, edge distresser, distressing ink, twine, alpha stickers or stamps for card sentiment.

Step One: Use the pendant banner cutting files as clipping masks for various papers in Photoshop. Print papers for card components and clipped banners. I clip all of my papers to my desired size before printing to save on ink.

Step Two: Cut out all printed items.

Step Three: Distress or ink edges of papers, as desired.

Step Four: Fold pennants in half matching up ends, thread over twine and glue wrong sides of pennants together to form banner/bunting.

Step Five: You’re now ready to assemble the front of the card!

Step Six: Layer paper pieces on brown card front.

Step Seven: Tie ends of bunting in knots and trim. Place liquid glue under knots and the pennants on each end to secure bunting to card.

Step Eight: Add sentiment using letter stickers or stamps (I used Thickers). Attach card front to folded card base.

That’s it! I hope you’ll share some of your hybrid cards by linking up in the comments for this post!

If you want to see more inspiration and fantastic tutorials and articles, check out the brand spankin’ new issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, debuting tonight! Here’s a sneak peek of a few of my projects that will be in the issue:

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Scrapping!

-Carey :)

My Budding Photographer

2010-08-27T13:00:00.002-05:00

The past few weeks the boy has taken quite an interest in photography, using my pocket point and shoot Kodak to snap, oh, a few HUNDRED photos! As I look through them, I’m amazed to see the world through his eyes {big smiles here} and to also see some really great photos! Here’s a few gems I found:
(click images for credits – everything from Design House Digital)

I can’t wait to see what else he snaps!
-Carey

Make A Wish – Free Subscription

2010-08-26T07:00:00.001-05:00

The world isn't perfect, but here's a perfect chance to make a difference and help make a wish come true.

From August 22, 2010 to August 31, 2010 only, Scrapbook News and Review Magazine is doing its part to make a difference. Just purchase an annual or semi-annual subscription at the special rate of $29.99 for an annual subscription and $19.99 for a semi-annual subscription, and they'll not only double your subscription, they'll match the proceeds dollar for dollar and donate them to the Make a Wish Foundation.
That's two years for a one-year subscription and one year for a six-month subscription, and you can either keep it for yourself or share with someone you love.
This special pricing is only available until the end of the month, so make sure to sign up as soon as you can. Pretty neat deal, eh? Please spread the word so you can make a difference, too.

Back To School Already?

2010-08-25T20:40:00.002-05:00

I really can’t believe school has been in session for a week already and even more so that my baby is now a First Grader! He’s had a great start this year and is very excited about school.
Here’s a LO from his first day of Kindergarten:

And pictures from the first day of First Grade – my how much they change in just one short year!

His 1st grade teacher:
Here’s a sneak peak of the First Day of School hybrid LO I did – it will be in the upcoming August issue of Scrapbook News and Review magazine debuting this Sunday (in the Inchies article):

I hope back to school goes great for your little one!
Carey

Red, Green and Tan

2010-08-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

I love the way red and green, complementary colors, really pop on a neutral tan background. Here’s a few layouts inspired by this color combination!
(click images for credits)

Published in the April issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine
Published in the April issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine

Some Layout Love!

2010-08-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

A few layouts of me and my beloved!
I really wanted to tell the story of our first “real” date (our very first date was the Homecoming dance). Unfortunately, I was not the shutterbug then (1989) that I am now, so I didn’t have any photos. I did have my yearbook from that school year handy – one of the perks of marrying your high school sweetheart – so I scanned in our school photos from that time period. The quality was very poor, so I fixed them up a bit using the free version of Neat Image.
(click images for credits)
Published in the February Issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine

Published in the February Issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine
Now, go scrap your love story!

Free Word Art!

2010-08-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

In my Aug. 1 post, I shared a LO that used “pout” word art I created by

first typing the word
then creating a brush from the text
and finally stamping the brush at various sizes and opacity.

You can download this word art for free here (link fixed – it still looks weird on the 4shared preview).
Enjoy!

Where has the summer gone?

2010-08-01T19:21:00.002-05:00

I can’t believe it’s August 1st already! The summer certainly does fly by! It’s been a while, so I wanted to share some of my layouts from the past several months. :)
Remember, be sure that YOU are appearing in your scrapbooks, too!
(click images for credits)

Stay cool and happy scrapping!

Some fun projects

2010-05-08T22:35:00.002-05:00

I have one silly, hilarious boy! I just love doing fun energetic layouts about him! All layouts use product from Design House Digital. (click images for credits)

Happy Scrapping!

Some Hybrid Projects!

2010-05-02T10:13:00.002-05:00

At Design House Digital, the Decorators Focus for April was hybrid projects. I had a lot of fun making them and became very good friends with my Stickles. (click images for credits)
Hybrid Gift Box

Spring Hybrid Banner

A close-up

National Scrapbook Day

2010-05-01T21:53:00.001-05:00

Is today! Have you been cropping the day away? I have not gotten any LOs done, but I’ve been chatting away and picking up freebies. :) Design House Digital has a fun weekend planned, with lots of great challenges, goodies and sales! Be sure to check it out!

A Sampling of Some Layouts :)

2010-03-14T23:00:00.002-05:00

It’s been a while since I’ve posted some LOs, so here we go!

My February desktop for my computer. Image linked for credits.

Valentine’s card. Image linked for credits.

A hybrid wall hanging for Feb. Image linked for credits.

Yes, he’s obsessed with Mario! Image linked for credits.

March Monday Madness at DHD

2010-03-14T21:21:00.001-05:00

Check out the great deals on Mondays at Design House Digital! For Monday, and Monday only, of each week there will be 1 kit available for FREE and 3 kits for only $1 each. Don’t miss the deal!

P365 Week 6 Layout

2010-02-21T17:23:00.002-06:00

Click image for credits – everything from Design House Digital

Week 5 Layout

2010-02-13T21:52:00.002-06:00

Credits: Design 365 - Color Kit 1; Design 365 - Color Kit 2; Essentials Inked Edges Frames v. 2; Design 365 Journaling; The Toolbox Swirls;
all by Carina Gardner; The Bliss Collection - Embellishments by Meredith Fenwick; Fonts: Angelic War, CK Ali’s Writing, Pea Squeaker

Just My Type

2010-02-13T09:37:00.002-06:00

I am absolutely LOVING Audrey Neal’s designs at Design House Digital lately! Her designs are perfect for my style and subjects. :) I love her color combinations, element variety & of course, word art! Here’s her latest release, Just My Type.

And here’s a LO I did with it.

click image for credits
Sunrise on Cocoa Beach – I mounded up some sand, put my beach towel over it, and set the camera in it for the self-timer pic.

Week 4 Layout

2010-02-09T20:42:00.001-06:00

Credits: Design 365 - Color Kit 1, Essentials Inked Edges Frames v. 2, Design 365 Journaling, The Toolbox Swirls, all by Carina Gardner; The Bliss Collection - Embellishments by Meredith Fenwick; Fonts: Angelic War, CK Ali’s Writing, Pea Squeaker