Just 5 More Days!

Yes, til Christmas, but also to save 40% at DigiDiner! This is the biggest sale we've ever had, so don't miss out! And new stuff is being added every day, at the sale price! Check out this new kit:



You can get it, and everything else in the store, at 40% OFF!

GET IT HERE

And VISIT THE STORE for other great new additions.

Happy Holidays!

Grandma update...

Thank you all for your kind words. You're a bunch of sweethearts. It means so much to have your support.

Grandma is getting settled into her new place, and has made it quite homey I'm told. Which doesn't surprise me a bit. She's getting good at giving directions and asking for help (some might say bossy. LOL). The good news is, she doing very well, and is stronger than any of us, her doctors, and even she gave her credit for. She's really surprised us all.

DH and I and my little bro are driving home for Christmas, and will stop on our way back home to visit her and check out her new digs. I'm excited to see her in better shape than I saw her last - when I really thought it was the last time I'd ever see her.

I'm told that Hospice brought her a new scooter so that she can get around on her own and not rely on the help to bring her to dinner and back (since they left her for two hours after dinner one night, and that's completely unacceptable in my book). So now she scoots around on her scooter and has a little more independence that way. She's getting her hair done at the little salon in the building, and she even has made a couple new friends and started playing Bingo.

I'm happy to hear she's doing so well, and adjusting to her new situation. I wish it didn't have to be that way, but she seems resolved to be OK with it and that's what matters.

Sugar Plum Fairy - a New Digital Paper Kit

I just had a blast with these papers! (you can probably tell) There are 30 fabulous papers in this kit. They feature fanciful fairies, drifting snowflakes, and lovely swirls. It's a great kit for any wintery or snow pages, or for little girl pages, or for your annual trip to the Nutcracker (or performance in it). Many of the papers are "snowless" so they can be used year-round.



This kit, and everything else in the store, is 40% OFF until Christmas day. So get them while they're hot!

Get the paper kit HERE.

Let me know what you think! If you like the papers, I'll put together an accessory pack.

WOW! Another Freebie!

This one is really fun. These were made to coordinate with my "Old Time Christmas" kit that you can get at 40% OFF at DigiDiner. I just love lables like this. One is a little grungy for an urban feel, the other is all sugar and spice. Lots of fun!



You can get them at the DigiDiner Store HERE

Enjoy!

Christmas Accessory Pack

I loved the Old Time Christmas kit so much, that I had to play with it some more and came up with this great accessory pack. This is now included in the original kit when purchased at the DigiDiner store. OR you can buy just this set on it's own for $1.00. The tags took me loads of time, so it's well worth it.



You can get the full kit, with the new accessory pack,
HERE

Or get just the accessory pack HERE

Thanks for checking in!

A Great Christmas Kit

I just love this color combo! Totally inspired by the vintage postcard that is included in this kit. Comes with 15 richly textured Christmas themed papers (and a few that are not themed that could be used for anything), 1 vintage postcard, 1 aged journalspot, 4 rippled ribbon corners, and 10 different glitter snowflakes in matching colors. It's a new twist on the old fashioned Christmas.



You can find the entire kit at DigiDiner HERE.

Enjoy!

Another Christmas Freebie

Well, these two don't exactly go hand in hand like the last two, but they're cute just the same. :) A funky embroidered christmas tree, and a velvet one that looks like it's been heat stamped or embossed.



You can get them HERE.

Enjoy!

Finally A Freebie!

Whew! It's been a while, huh? Well, I was feeling in the mood, so I did up some stitched Christmas Trees with adorable embroidered ornaments. They're fun. They're even missing a few stitches here and there (looks just like my sewing!).



You can get them at DigiDiner HERE

Enjoy!

Some News and Updates

I know it's been ghostly quiet here. These past few months have been very... interesting.

It started in September when my grandmother was diagnosed with a very dangerous, and fatal, pancreatic cancer. It was not unexpected, as she's been having problems since last year, and that was the suspected culprit. Since then, she's been in and out of the hospital, in varying states of emergency. At the beginning of the month she was taken by ambulance and we were told to say our goodbyes that day. However, she's stronger and more willfull than the doctors gave her credit for, and she's still with us.

Last week she was released from the hospital and sent home. However, she requires 24-hour care, which the family can no longer provide. We've all taken shifts over the past 3 months to be there and take care of her. This week she decided to go into assisted living, which seems a double edged sword. One the one hand it's a relief for us all to get a break and not have to continue to put our lives and jobs on hold, and on the other, none of us really wanted that to happen. But she has made up her mind, and that's that.

So I've spent a lot of time back home in Montana in the past few months, and have been away from many of my duties, including this blog, and my digital work.

To add a pleasant note to all of this, I found out I'm pregnant with our first child. I'm elated, and so pleased that I could share that with my grandmother when I saw her in October. I'm busily working on our overdue wedding album, and our everyday photos that have piled up, trying to get things done as best I can before the June arrival of Baby Elkins.

Life has thrown me some curveballs these past few months, but not all of them bad. But it HAS kept me from doing a lot of the things I love to do, like scrapbook, design, and blog.

Hope all is well with all of you. Stay tuned for new digital stuff (soon, I hope).

Watercolor Flowers Freebie

Aren't these just darling? What a great way to add a splash of color to your pages! Let me know what you think. If you like these, I may make more.



Get them HERE

New Kits and Embellishments

Boy I'm just bouncing all over the place lately. Seems I'm going from one extreme to another. After that crazy retro-style surf themed kit, I jumped headlong into a more formal, antiqued, Victorian style kit. Who knows what I'll be up to next! :)

I think this kit turned out beautifully. The colors are so rich and the patterns are wonderful. It's got a rich romantic, almost baroque feel to it. It's available in the store now, so get it while it's 30% off! Just one day left!

Get It HERE



And I've added a grungy flourished labels set with 4 new rub-on labels in black and white.

Animal Tails: A Cat in a Cone

Had a minor tragedy last week. I had to take my fur-kid (Buck) to the vet Thursday morning because he's been fighting with the neighbor cat, and had a huge abscess that burst Wednesday night (boy was THAT fun). -- I told him if he kept fighting with the neighbor "kid" he'd end up at the vet, but did he listen?? -- So, I got him home after work all drugged up, with a cone on his head (OK, so it was hilarious, but I had to TRY not to laugh at him... out loud.).

I left for a concert (Marc Broussard and Toby Lightman. FABULOUS!), and hubby hadn't gotten home yet. He was leaving that night for an overnight hike. I got home at 11:30. No Buck. I looked everywhere in the house. Had my neglectful husband let my drugged-out-cone-for-a-head cat out of the house!?!? Yep.

So I searched for over an hour for him, and was totally distraught. I thought he probably wandered off in his drug-induced state and gotten lost or stuck somewhere in his cone. I thought I'd lost him. I changed for bed and decided to try one last time. So I threw on a robe and went outside. After a few minutes I heard a rustling. There was Buck, moving as slow as molasses doing the get-this-off-my-head march. I was so relieved I cried. Boy, I don't know what I would have done if I had lost him. I've gotten so attached to the little rascal. Well, just look at how adorable (and hilarious I might add) he is, even in his cone.



And this, I think, is why he took so long coming home. He'd get the cone caught on something and just stop. Like it would release him if he just waited long enough.

Insta-Cards Digital Freebie!

Hey, these are super cool! Have you ever found yourself in a bind for a quick card? I know I have! On my way out the door to a party that DH forgot to tell me about, for a family member I don't know, who's birthday it is, and we're late as usual. Hm. Need a quick card. Well, here's the easiest solution yet!

The card faces are already done. Just add one of the pre-made greetings or embellies, print, cut and paste onto a card! There's even greetings for the inside! How easy is that?! (OK, so I'm just SOOOO tickled with myself over this...)




Link to freebie page: HERE

Here's a couple of samples using the cardfaces and a couple of the greetings in the kit. So quick it's almost like cheating!

Surf City, Here We Come!

Oh boy, did I have a blast doing these papers! This is not my usual style, but I sure had a good time playing with these. And I think they turned out great, if I do say so myself. :)

Don't forget... Everything at DigiDiner is 30% off!



The word art is awesome! This kit would be a great hybrid kit for just the word art and the surfboards alone. Print them and cut out, or add to your photos before printing. They're totally Rad! (OK, I couldn't resist the 80's surfer speak)

Get the kit HERE

There are 20 sheets of wonderfully retro patterned paper, with an updated feel and 4 textured solids to match. Totally sweet! ;)

Southern Oregon Scrapbook Expo

October 13-14, 2007

Fun crops, lots of shopping, and ME! :) I'll be there at the BlueMedia sponsored booth to meet and greet and answer questions about "Layout Blueprints".

Come join us!

Details are at their blog: SOExpo

Another new Kit, a SALE, and a FREEBIE!

I'm feeling so energized and inspired lately! I have so many ideas running through my head that I can hardly get them down fast enough. Then I'll start working on one idea, and that leads to something totally new, and I'll have to get to work on that before it's gone. I feel like I have scrap ADD. It's exhillerating and at the same time very frustrating because I can't work as fast as the ideas are coming.

So, here is a result of the idea flow from last week. A cute, simple, very graphic kit with some awesome embellies, including lots of felt (SO cute!) and some great embellished tags.



You can get the kit HERE at 30% off.

I have made my favortie embellished quote tag from the kit available for free. It's stitched, layered, with a felt letter and a great quote about Happiness.



You can get it, and the other freebies, HERE.

The best news is, EVERYTHING IS ON SALE! To celebrate the beautiful new storefront (after months of work and revision) Everything in the store is 30% OFF! For the entire month of August. Visit the store today! DigiDiner

Enjoy!

Rock and Roll! Another new kit!

I'm on a roll! And I'm having a blast! I've really enjoyed these last two kits, and they've come together so nicely. I really think it's the color combinations that made them so much fun. :)

This is the full kit, available now at DigiDiner.



And if you'd like just the painted ghost alphabet from this kit, it's also at DigiDiner, under "Scrappetizers" HERE.

And here's the FREEBIE! This is just a sample of what is in the kit. So that you will have an idea of how detailed everything is, and the quality of my work. I hope you like it!



Download it from DigiDiner under "On The House" .HERE

Ice Cream Social Digital Kit

This kit is simply scrumptious. 17 fabulous 12x12 papers in rich, aged and detailed layers of color are complimented with 35 different accents and elements that round out this lovely kit. Ribbons with two bows and a knot in each of the 5 tasty kit colors are included, along with several matching buttons, stitches for the buttons, a shabby stitched frame, rub-on frame and photo corner, fabric scraps, and a journalspot. This kit also includes a pre-made page overlay to drop over a photo for an instantly beautiful layout. All kit contents are at 300dpi.

Cool off with some ice cream on a hot summer day!

Available exclusively at DigiDiner.

Who Wants Ice Cream?

I'm so excited about this new kit I've been working on! It's just so yummy, if I do say so myself. The papers are simply scrumptious, and I've included several ribbons with several different matching bows, buttons, a slightly shabby stitched frame, rub-ons, a journalspot, and a few fabric scraps (so far). Not to mention this awesome overlay. I've made up a sample layout using the overlay that will be included in the kit, just to give you an idea of the kit colors and style. I hope to have it up in the store by the end of the week. I'm calling it "Ice Cream Social" because of the yummy colors.

A New Freebie!

Things have been SOOO busy for me lately, but I've managed to come up with a pretty little paper kit for you. Very soft and subtle aged papers with hints of India. Batiked papers and patterned papers. These would be great for beach layouts.

You can see more of my kits and freebies at DigiDiner.



You can download the kit
HERE


Enjoy!

What Some People Would Do...

For a clean windsheild.

So, I'm driving to work yesterday morning, minding my Ps and Qs, when from out of nowhere I'm struck. A bang like a gunshot and glass shards fly all over me. I thought I had been shot! A quick check of my surroundings, and a check for blood indicated that was not the case. A huge rock had hit my windsheild, and actually come THROUGH the glass! The windshield was destroyed. It looked like it had been a stunt car in a shoot-em-up movie. My poor car.

And, here I am, coated in sharp little glass shards. What do I do? Well, I really wanted to just pull over and compose myself, but I was afraid that if I adjusted my position, or got out of the car, I'd be sitting on little glass shards. So I just continued on my way to work, heart pounding a hole in my chest.

When I got to work, I carefully got out of the car and vaccuumed myself off, then the car, and called the insurance company. I found someone to replace my windshield same day.

So... now I have a beautiful sparkling clean windshield! And the rest of my car looks SO dirty. hahaha

Happy Dancing!

I'm so excited! My little brother (not so "little" anymore since he has about 8 inches on me) got a job in Portland, and will be moving here in three weeks! I'm just so thrilled I could pee. (gross, I know, but if you knew me you'd know I'm just like a cocker spaniel.)

He's transferring within his company, so that will help him make a smoother transition. He has a few friends here already, and of course his adoring sister and one of his best buds, my hubby.

All you Portland area ladies, fair warning, he's an absolute doll and a lady killer. (who would kill me if he saw I had posted this silly photo of him) This was at Christmas during our "silly headgear required" Christmas Eve celebration. (see Dec 2006 post for a description and rules for this fun annual event)



I just can't even describe how incredibly stoked I am to have this kid close by. We are so close, and aside from my hubby, he's my best friend. Just love love love this guy.

Is Scrapbooking "Life Art"?

It's a fairly new term being used throughout the industry, "Life Art". What is it? Is it simply the expression of life through the use of paper, photos, and writing? Is it merely a record-keeping of ones life in a somewhat artistic fashion? We haven't really defined it yet, have we?

Some days I feel more artistic than others. Lately... not so much. I guess I go through stages. I'm sure many of you do, too. Right now I'm in the "I don't have time" stage. It's sad really. I want so badly to take the time to really sink into that wonderful scrapbooking bliss that seems so rare these days, but I seldom can find the time and inspiration to do so.

Lately, my work feels forced. And I'm feeling stifled by things I "have" to do and not being able to do what I "want" to do. Not that it's bad to have assignments, but it's not always what I want.

So, back to my question "What is Life Art"? For me, that changes I guess. Right now, it's simply the record of my life on paper. But I'm working to change that. I'm hoping to free up some time (ha!) so that I can just sit and "go Zen" with all my tools and supplies. Use anything I want. Play any way I want. And just feel inspired to get my stories down in an artistic way that expresses my inner art.

Sad News: Update

This man was the first from my small hometown to be killed in Iraq. (A stroke of luck for my town) I'm impressed with the tribute they are making for him. The city has gathered volunteers to hold flags all along the funeral route as a salute. It will be covered in the local newspapers, and by the local news stations.

What I want to know is, why aren't we seeing these things on the news? Why are our fallen soldiers not given, at the very least, a moment of silence (Like the Newshour with Jim Lehrer does) at the end of the news program? Why don't we see the funerals, or the caskets draped in flags? Is it because seeing that every time we lost a soldier would make the occupation real to us? I wonder.

Sad News from Iraq

This week I was delivered some sad news. An old friend of mine was killed in Iraq. He and his unit were on a patrol when they were confronted by a group of Iraqis. When communications started breaking down, the Iraqis fled. He pursued and tackled one of the men, at which time the man detonated a suicide bomb strapped to his chest. It killed them both instantly. The army, and the men who were with him, believe that he saved the other soldiers' lives by taking down the man with the bomb. The other soldiers opened fire and chased the other Iraqis off.

He was 31, with an 11 year old son.

It makes me question - even more than usual - what we're doing in a country where they don't want our help. Why are we senselessly wasting lives, both American and Iraqi, in this occupation? What is our goal there? And have we really accomplished anything? When we look back in history, years from now, will we be able to say "It was all worth it"? Somehow, I doubt it.

Anymore it's not so much about whether you're "for" or "against" it. I'm just "for" getting our troops home safe. All of them.

God bless those who are still there.

From inside a bubble

You know that commercial for a cold medicine, where the guy is walking around with a balloon for a head? That's how I've felt for the past 5 days. I've got some terrible crud that makes my head feel like it's not attached to my body and floating around in a fog. (mostly I just wish I could temporarily detach it and go about my business until it gets better, but that would look pretty silly, wouldn't it?) So... I've been hibernating at home and away from human contact. I've been grumpy and rotten and bless my dear hubby for putting up with me.

I'm finally starting to feel more normal, though I still sound like death. Hopefully I'll kick this nasty bug real soon, and get back to the real world.

Being sick stinks. I hope you're all having a better week. :)

Rediscovering an Old Technique

I recently decided to flip through some old magazines and idea books to see if I could revive the inspiration a bit. In flipping through I came accross one of my favorite, and long forgotten, old techniques. I used to call it "Poppin' Pastels". It gives a really soft effect much like a soft light camera lens would. I thought it would be perfect for a nice spring card like the one below.




To create the soft glow on the flowers use Versamark Ink by Tsukineko (This is by far one of my favorite products! SOOO many uses. It's the one ink pad EVERY scrapper should have.) to stamp stems. Using a dauber, sponge, or cotton ball lightly dab on a green chalk. You will begin to see the stems "pop" out at you. Then stamp three of the flowers in Versamark. Chalk those with a different color. Stamp the last three flowers and chalk in another color.

TIP: It's important to stamp each item that will be a different color separately to keep colors from mixing too much. It's also important to be careful while chalking not to touch other stamped items so colors don't get muddy.

All papers and stamps by Boxer Scrapbooks

New Digital Freebies!

Here's a couple of new freebies for you all! These are parts of kits that are available at the new site DigiDiner (That I design for!). Please check out the site. All my kits are there, as well as several new goodies and freebies. They'll be having a Grand Opening in April with lots of games, contests, and prizes. YAY!

This is from the Fern Prairie Kit at DigiDiner. A cute set with a touch of country.

This is from the Maryhill Kit at DigiDiner. A nice word art perfect for springtime.

CALL: 20 New Blueprints Due 4-30

This call is for our upcoming idea book "Layout Blueprints 2", the sequel to the highly successful "Layout Blueprints". Use the Blueprints shown below to create layouts, and email them to us for consideration. We accept paper and digital pages and international entries. Please include a complete supply list with your entry, and a copy of your journaling if it cannot be read in the picture. Entries for Blueprints must be in by their respective deadlines to be considered. Please make sure the files are no larger than 200Kb each so that they will be considered for publication. Please mark your email subject with the Blueprint number so that we'll know how to sort it.

If you'd like some tips directly from BlueMedia on submitting great layouts, check the FAQ section for links to the "Publisher's Perspective" article series on the Layout Blueprints blog at layoutblueprints.blogspot.com.

E-Mail your entries to : bluemediasubs@gmail.com

Deadline for these Blueprints is April 30th. Be sure to have your UNSEEN layouts in to BlueMedia by then!. Please ask any questions on our MESSAGE BOARD so that everyone can benefit from them. Thank you!

A Recent Layout

Aww. I just love this layout. Mostly because it has one of my favorite pictures of my kid, Buck. He's such a cuddle bum. Twenty pounds of lovin packed into a soft fur ball. How could you resist?

All products are by Boxer, including that adorable cat stamp and the "meow" ribbon. TOO cute!

MORE Blueprints! DUE MAR 30th

We are starting the final push to get all of the Blueprints called and filled. So stay tuned. Here's the next batch, due MARCH 30. Be sure to have your UNSEEN layouts in to BlueMedia by then!. Please ask any questions on the message board so that everyone can benefit from them. Thank you!

*DON'T FORGET! There are several Blueprints in the previous post that are due FEB 28th*

"Layout Blueprints 2":
This call is for our upcoming idea book "Layout Blueprints 2", the sequel to the highly successful "Layout Blueprints". Use the Blueprints shown below to create layouts, and email them to us for consideration. We accept paper and digital pages and international entries. Please include a supply list with your entry, and a copy of your journaling if it cannot be read in the picture. Entries for Blueprints must be in by their respective deadlines to be considered. Please make sure the files are no larger than 100Kb each so that they will be considered for publication (see note above Blueprints). Please mark your email subject with the Blueprint number so that we'll know how to sort it.

If you'd like some tips directly from BlueMedia on submitting great layouts, check the "Publisher's Perspective" article series on the Layout Blueprints blog at layoutblueprints.blogspot.com.

E-Mail your entries to : bluemediasubs@gmail.com

Preview Scrapbooking: Styles Defined!

Ooo! You are going to just droooool over this book. The layouts are AH-mazing. There's a preview and pre-order sale at BlueMedia right now! Check it out.

BlueMedia Home Page

Preview of Styles

New February Blueprints!

Here they are!

This call is for our upcoming idea book "Layout Blueprints 2", the sequel to the highly successful "Layout Blueprints". Use the Blueprints shown below to create a layout. Get a nice, even, scan of your creations and email them to BlueMedia for consideration. Entries for Blueprints 5 - 14 must be in by February 28, 2007 to be considered. Please make sure the files are no larger than 100Kb each so that they will be considered for publication. Please mark your email subject with the Blueprint number so that Blue will know how to sort it.

If you'd like some tips directly from BlueMedia on submitting great layouts, check the "Publisher's Perspective" article series on the Layout Blueprints blog at layoutblueprints.blogspot.com.

E-Mail your entries to : bluemediasubs@gmail.com

Please see dates by Blueprint for submission deadlines. Be sure to have your UNSEEN layouts in to BlueMedia by then!.

I have provided both 12x12 and 8x11 for your convenience. BlueMedia accepts all sizes of layouts.

Boxer CHA Sneak Peeks!

Hooray! Lucky you get to see some Boxer products hot off the presses! They are releasing just a few things each day on their blog, so check there for the new papers, printed ribbons, and clear acrylic stamps! These use some of the new papers in the black/red line including the new ginghams. I'll post more later!

BlueMedia Seeking Digital Design Team!

Hey hey! This is the big time! All the details are at their site HERE.

Good luck all!

Another Digi Kit!

Mmm... I just love this kit. And it's chocked full of goodies. 70 pieces to be exact. A beautiful painted wood alpha, tags, journalblocks, little word strips with stitching, eyelets, and ribbons. You'll have plenty to play with! This kit is available at BlueMedia's new shopping cart. Go to the BlueMedia site and click "Online Shopping" or "Store" to see this and other great kits!

Happy Scrapping!

More Calls for Blueprints!

These will be due Feb 15th to bluemediasubs@gmail.com, so get a move on! Expect more later this month! We're kicking it into gear! Check the BlueMedia site for submission details (or see previous blueprint calls below)

Another Digital Kit!

This is my new Olympia Kit. Lots of fun goodies here! Embroidered patches and embellies and an embroidered fabric title with lots of fun papers to match. Enjoy!


This kit is available at BlueMedia's new shopping cart. Go to the BlueMedia site and click "Online Shopping" or "Store" to see this and other great kits!

Happy Scrapping!

Boxer Scrapbooks!

I'm very excited to announce that I will be joining the Boxer Scrapbooks 2007 Design Team! I'm just thrilled to be working with the folks at Boxer. So I'll probably post projects, sneak peeks and info here (IF and when I can).

Thanks "bunches" to the team at Boxer!

New Blueprints Calls!

Details and answers to Frequently Asked Questions can be found at the BlueMedia Forums

It's time again for a new Blueprint! YAY! This month, you get TWO! Double YAY! Watch for more later this month as well.

Please note that ALL themes and subjects will be accepted.

Use the Blueprint to create a one or two page layout, then send your pages to BlueMedia for our next Layout Blueprints book! Missed the first one? You can get it here: Layout Blueprints

For your convenience, there are both 12x12 and 8x11 versions of each of the Blueprints. Enjoy!


Mail your entries to :

bluemediasubs@gmail.com

Please make sure the files are no larger than 100Kb each so that they will be considered for publication. And mark your subject with "January Blueprint Challenge" so that we'll know to open it right away. If you'd like some tips directly from BlueMedia on submitting great layouts, check the "Publisher's Perspective" series on their blog at http://layoutblueprints.blogspot.com.

This call/challenge ends January 31st. Be sure to have your UNSEEN layouts in to BlueMedia by then!

Good luck!

NEW Digi Kit!

Hey look! It's my debut digi kit!



There are some fun papers and goodies in this, including nice felt accents. I'd love to see your creations using this kit, so please contact me and share your work.

This kit is available at BlueMedia's new shopping cart. Go to the BlueMedia site and click "Online Shopping" or "Store" to see this and other great kits!

Happy Scrapping!