Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Update; MIA

Hello,

I am sneaking in here to let you know that my computer is down. Hopefully, it will be fixed good as new quickly and I can get back to scrapping.

My camera is acting up, too. The flash on it won't work and when I take photos that require the flash, the photos are blurred. I can deal with underexposed photos, but not blurred. I have had the camera since Oct. 2005, me thinks it is about time that I buy a new one.

I think that I might have to go out and get a real job if I want to update my computer and buy a camera. It is kind of hard in this economy and the fact that I have been a stay at home mom for the last 7 years doesn't help.

Scrap for hire sounds good about now! Hmm, any takers? ;)

Take care,
Kait

P.S. Jen W., I have your qp ready, but was waiting to hear from the designer about promo stuff.
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Friday, March 20, 2009

Retirement Sale


Traci Sims is retiring from designing so her whole store Studio Traci at Scrapbookgraphics is 60% off until April 4th. Now is your chance to get her designs at a deep discount. Hurry on over before they disappear.

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Wish List - Part 5


Phuong Ton (Studio Phuong) is another of my favorite designers. She's got a great sense of style and brings lots of personality and charm to her designs. I love her realistic elements and classic colors. Somehow, I think that Maya's Everything But the Kitchen Sink - Encore and COMING HOME by Phuong perfectly complement each other. What do you think?


Altered and collage artists of the traditional cut and paste medium have long been familiar with the technique of cutting out text from books, magazines or newspapers and using small bits and pieces of words and phrases as a design element. While we have been using "word strips" in our digital designs for years now, they are usually created with contrived phrases that are common to scrapbooking. Poetic Cut-Ups are authentic snips of "found text", collected and organized into packages by theme. Using a small, quirky selection of a sentence or random phrase as a starting point for an art piece can often stimulate the sub-conscious and inspire unique works of art that would not otherwise have been considered. Alternately, topping off a completed layout with an authentic cut-out word strip, may prove to be a very interesting, amusing or thought provoking journaling technique. The Happy & Sad collection offers a random assortment and there are more than 50 unique phrases in this package.


Studio Maya - Everything but the kitchen sink

This version of Everything But the Kitchen Sink has been updated, re-worked and renewed, with new papers and additional elements included. Perfect kit to scrap your precious heritage photos, or perhaps one of grandma's cherished recipes.

I love that this kit has realistic elements and a french country feel.

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Wish List - Part 4 Templates




BE SURE TO CLICK ON ALL PREVIEWS TO ENLARGE THE IMAGE.

Jen Caputo has a weight loss template journal that is absolutely fabulous for those of us trying to lose weight. I'll show you a sample of her latest sketch collection - Collection #28, and will also let you know that she has a YEAR IN REVIEW template here and a DOUBLE PAGE template set for those of us doing the 365 PROJECT.







Hillary Heidelberg is another designer with a modern and sometimes simple approach to scrapping. If you are working on the 365 photos project, be sure to check out her monthly templates. This is third in her 365 project series. She also has lots of templates that are perfectly suitable for white space layouts. Click on her name to be taken to the store where you can view all of her templates.




Studio Helene Douchet
Well, now that you have all of your photos and kits rearing to go, how about some help in the design dept.?
Helene Douchet is not only a great designer with a fabulous eye for modern designs and colors, but her layered sketches are wonderful, too. Take a look at these samples, I am sure you will agree with me.

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Wish List - Part 3 - Guest Designer: Irene Alexeeva












Treasures of the Deep
Are you still with me? This month's guest designer at Scrapbookgraphics is IRENE ALEXEEVA.
Her kits are seriously gorgeous and full of beautiful elements and whimsical designs.

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Wish List - Part 2

















If you are into 3D scrapping, this kit is for you! Not only does this kit contain 75 elements and 25 papers, it also includes a gorgeously painted carousel and a cute little circus tent in layered form.

You can choose to download the layered files in either psd format (for PS and PSE,) or pspimage format (for PSP) or positioned separate PNG files for all other programs!

Also included is a separate download of cast and perspective shadowed elements to make the realistic 3 D shadowing much easier for you if you want to try your hand at it! So if you've been hanging on to those photos of carousels, fairs, circus, bungy jumping or other fun activities/memories - this is the kit to scrap them with.
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Wish List - Part 1 - Flying Dreams Quickpages: The Artist's Way




Be sure to check out the close up samples at the store.

Lorie Davison's quickpages are high on my list. If you want a whimsical, well-composed page, but lack the time or inclination to figure out a design or coordinate papers with elements, then this is the solution for you.
The pages all coordinate together and would be great for those photos of your little princes and princesses in your life. These would look absolutely amazing in a bound Shutterfly book and would be a fabulous present for a grandparent or a favorite aunt/uncle in your child's life.
I have enclosed a sample page I made so you can see it upclose. But guess what? If you like my page, but wished you could use a different bg. ppr. - you can!!! All the elements have been merged together so that all you have to do is place your photo and background paper, add a title and journaling and you are done! Easy peasy, right?
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My Wish List / Drool Alert!


Happy Day by ON Designs
Be sure to check out the samples pages for ideas.




Spring Awakening by Studio Alana.
Be sure to check out the detailed previews and sample pages. They are awesome!




Tea Party by Alana McCarthy
Having tea with a friend? Or your daughter playing tea party? Or if you are a quirk, you can make yourself your very own mad hatter tea party.

Have you been to the store at Scrapbookgraphics lately?
There are so many wonderful new designers and designs that it boggles the mind.
So many kits, so little time. Sigh.
Anyway, these are some of the items that I have been lusting and drooling after.
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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

What Life Would Be Like

Before you read any further, let me just preface this entry with a note that I am not a bible-thumper by any stretch of the imagination. Not that there is something wrong with that, but it is just not me.

But as of late, it seems that when I am at my lowest point, I turn the radio on and this is the song that has been playing. How I found a christian music station is beyond me. Anyhow, it touches me deeply. Especially the part that states "I wish I was more of a man (a woman, in my case) and I feel like less than what I was meant to be. " It all rings so true to me. Have you ever felt that way. If so, what have you done about it?

Here's the lyrics for the whole song, What Life Would Be Like, by Big Daddy Weave. I wish I could find a better version of the song, but for now, this is as good as it gets.

I wish I was more of a man
Have you ever felt that way
And if I had to tell you the truth
I'm afraid I'd have to say
That after all I've done and failed to do
I feel like less than I was meant to be

What if I could fix myself
Maybe then I could get free
I could try to be somebody else
Who's much better off than me
But I need to remember this
That it's when I'm at my weakest
I can clearly see

He made the lame walk and the dumb talk
And He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits while His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like if we let Jesus live thru you and me

What if you could see yourself thru another pair of eyes
What if you could hear the truth
Instead of old familiar lies
What if you could feel inside
The power of the hand that made the universe
You'd realize

That He made the lame walk and the dumb talk
And He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits while His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like if we let Jesus live thru you and me
Yeah, yeah

All our hearts they burn within us
All our lives we've longed for more
So let us lay our lives before the one who gave His life for us

He made the lame walk and the dumb talk
He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits while His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like if we let Jesus live thru you and me
Yeah, yeah
Let Him live through you and me
Yeah, yeah
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Happy St. Patrick Day!

It has been said that we are all Irish on St. Patrick Day.
Here's a quick intro to the culture, foods, etc.

I often wondered about St. Patrick Day so I googled it. Here is what Wikipedia says:

Saint Patrick (estimated AD 387 - AD 461)(Latin: Patricius,[2] Irish: Naomh Pádraig), said to have been born Maewyn Succat (Latin: Magonus Succetus), was a Roman Britain-born Christian missionary and is the patron saint of Ireland along with Brigid of Kildare and Columba. He was educated at a monastery and school of divinity founded by Saint Illtud (now Llantwit Major), often called "the oldest university in the world".

It was distinguished for also educating Taliesin, Saint Gildas, Saint Samson, Saint Paul Aurelian and possibly Saint David, Patron Saint of Wales.

When he was about sixteen he was captured by Irish raiders and taken from his native Wales as a slave to Ireland, where he lived for six years before escaping and returning to his family. After entering the church, he later returned to Ireland as a missionary in the north and west of the island, but little is known about the places where he worked and no link can be made between Patrick and any church. By the eighth century he had become the patron saint of Ireland. The Irish monastery system evolved after the time of Patrick and the Irish church did not develop the diocesan model that Patrick and the other early missionaries had tried to establish.

The available body of evidence does not allow the dates of Patrick's life to be fixed with certainty, but it appears that he was active as a missionary in Ireland during the second half of the fifth century. Two letters from him survive, along with later hagiographies from the seventh century onwards. Many of these works cannot be taken as authentic traditions. Uncritical acceptance of the Annals of Ulster (see below) would imply that he lived from 340 to 460, and ministered in what is modern day northern Ireland from 428 onwards.

On 17th March St.Patrick's day is celebrated to remember him and what he did. This is celebrated across the world.

If you have made it this far, here is your reward, for your scrapping pleasure:

Ellie Lash has a super cute IRISH EYES kit available for free on
her blog.


Tara Sroka, Queen of all things Green, has a kit called BRING
ON THE SHENANIGANS, free for 24 hours only.


Lindsay Jane has a cute frame
and silver shamrock charm on her blog.


Major TiggerScraps has some Gaelic
words
for you.

Happy St. Patrick Day!
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I Can Scraplift That! Challenge Posted







This is our inspiration page for this week's scraplift challenge. Won't you join us? See information HERE.

Anyone that plays along and scraplifts our page by next Monday, the 23rd, will be entered into a drawing for next month's Studio Girls' collab, Impressions of Renewal.
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Monday, March 16, 2009

Rain


Kaylie and Liam love rainy weather. There is nothing that they would rather do than jump on puddles and watch lightning strike int he distance. July 21, 2006
Clouds, raindrops, sun, rainbow, umbrella, flowers, border and frogs from The Weather by Sussie M. at SBG
Font: Virginie, problem secretary
Papers from Spring Breeze by Natali Design @ SBG.
Little Old Alpha from Blooming Hearts Elements by Kitty Chen and Lorie Davison @ SBG
Template from CroquisPack 2 by Helene Douchette @ SBG

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Friday, March 13, 2009

A Boy and His Cat, Puurrfect Together


QUICK! LET'S DITCH THE DOG SO POOR LIAM CAN HAVE A KITTEN!


Liam loves his stuffed cat, Meow. Often, he tells me to give Speedy, our dog, away so he can get a real cat. I don’t think so! (Note: We have a Chihuahua who isn't friendly with kids.)


Cat, ribbon, tan bg. ppr. and mice from Feline Fun Elements by Alana @
SBG

http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/product.php?productid=22836&cat=0&page=3

Red bg. ppr. from Petit Noel-Solids by Baersgarten.

http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/product.php?productid=23031&cat=0&page=1

Font: Arial Narrow and SBC Scribbled

White glittery ribbon by Gina Cabrera

White buttons from BRRR kit by AHartline

blue, orange and stripped ppr. from Love Sprung by Dani Mogstad and Traci
Reed.

Candyheart wordart by Michelle Godin (retired.)

Template by Gina Miller. Chihuahua graphic downloaded from the net.

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Do You Feel Lucky? Random Draw / Lorie Davison

My most favorite designer, Lorie Davison, is being featured over at The Daily Scrapper.

I love to read what inspires people to create and what motivates their art. Lorie's interview is most enlightening.

Want to learn more about Lorie's work? Check out her blog.

And guess what? 4 lucky people will win their kit of choice.

Are you feeling lucky? Well, are you?

Go on, check it out HERE.

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Spring Fever featured in Memory Makers Online Magazine

My "Spring Fever" layout is being featured in today's Memory Makers Online Magazine.

http://www.memorymakersmagazine.com/page_idea.aspx?id=21827

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Monday, March 9, 2009

Blowing Bubbles




My kids blowing bubbles while on a visit to granny's house.

Spring Breeze by Natali -
http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/product.php?productid=23660&cat=0&page=1
Font: Futurist Fixed
Staple and Bee from Breeze Elements by Natali
http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/product.php?productid=21096&cat=0&page=1

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Saturday, March 7, 2009

Dreams




Dreams
Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams. - Ashley Smith

Little Old Alpha and grassy knoll from Blooming Sweethearts by Kitty Chen and Lorie Davison @ SBG
http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/product.php?productid=23240&cat=0&page=1
Swirl from Flitting Fall Faeries Coll by Lorie Davison @ SBG
http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/product.php?productid=22348&cat=0&page=2
Font: Pea Jessi
Kit used: Forest Polka by Irene Alexeeva coming soon to Scrapbookgraphics.

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Thursday, March 5, 2009

Toot - 7 pages published in Somerset Studio!












This is my education series that I did about the animals that we saw at the Six Flags Great Adventure Wild Safari this summer. I used Lorie Davison's Rough to the Touch collection, which can be found at Scrapbookgraphics.
If' you have never seen Lorie Davison's designs, then you don't know what you are missing. She is a professional illustrator and the most creative and talented person that I have ever had the pleasure of coming in contact with - yes, I am a huge fan - she might say a stalker - NOT! Ever since I was a child I have loved cartoons and all sorts of illustrations, so it is no wonder that I am drawn to her designs.
Anyway, I'll come back later with my latest page. That time away from scrapping did me some good. I am trying out new things...
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Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Liam's Striped Shirt




Liam loves his striped shirt and so do I. He looks super cute in it. He event drew it for a class project. 2/12/2009

Fonts: SD Striped by Sausan Designs and Pea Jessi
Art Photo Masks Add On Kit by Phuong Ton
http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/product.php?productid=23513&cat=0&page=1
Art Photo Mask by Phuong Ton
http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/product.php?productid=23512&cat=0&page=1
Artbrushes from Border Bunches by Maya @ SBG
http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/product.php?productid=21811&cat=0&page=1
Cream fabric paper by ON Designshttp://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/product.php?productid=22185&cat=0&page=4
Orange distressed paper by AKay
Multicolored paper from Lost Mojo by Doris Castle (retired).
paintPalette by Catherinedesigns_C23AddOn
Orange splotch - JBOLT-CoffeetableDoodled arrows by Sausan Designs

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Monday, March 2, 2009

Build A Snowman / Snow Drift by Doris Castle




Kit: Snow Drift by Doris Castle
http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/product.php?productid=22723&cat=0&page=1
Font: FO Giggles by Fontologie @ SBG
http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/product.php?productid=21687&cat=0&page=1
Template from Croquis Pack 2 by Helene Douchet @ SBG
http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/product.php?productid=23657&cat=0&page=1
Backward staple by Jenn Patricks.
Doodled arrow by Sausan Designs.
Beaded heart from Smile kit Part 1 by Sev
Wrinkled paper from Behind the Reeds by Simphonie

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All I Want For Christmas...


Kaylie's christmas gift...that she really wanted. Background papers, ticket, flair, string, ribbon, and alpha from Petit Noel Collection by Iara/Baersgarten Designs.
Fonts: Jacki's Hand.
"So Sweet" and heart by Corina Nielsen.
Kraft present by Catrine @ Catscraps.
Blue wrapped present by KSharonK - Let's Celebrate kit.
Sketch from Scrapbook's Etc's Page Planner book.
Journaling labels by RetroJivegirl.

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Spring Fever / Blooming Sweethearts by Kitty and Lorie



Last week I bought Kaylie a lime green shirt with white daisies. It was love at first sight. The shirt looks fabulous against her olive skin. There are 3 more weeks of winter before spring begins, but she’s got SPRING FEVER!

-Frames (freebie) by Nicole Young @ Digital Scrapbook Place
-Font: SmallTypeWriting
-Sketch by CrissyW @ Elemental Scraps
-All papers and elements (except as stated) are from Blooming Sweethearts by Kitty and Lorie @ Scrapbookgraphics

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