Is he trying to be a frog?

Yesterday I looked at the ad challenge found at The Daily Scrap for the month of February. I usually don't. I just don't have the desire to do many challenges. I'll do them if they catch my eye. I am not super interested in the attendance of posting bonuses either. I just like to scrap.


When I looked at this particular ad challenge, I immediately thought of pictures that I had taken just earlier in the day. It was perfect! See the posted inspiration. Obviously, I've taken some liberties to modify and adjust the inspiration a little bit. I've also done mine as a 2-page layout instead of just one.

This was a lot of fun!

The journaling reads: "I walked into the living room to find you, marker in hand, coloring all over yourself. I am not quite sure where you got the marker from. I don’t think anyone ever knows how an active and curious 2 year old finds these things, but you found a green marker nonetheless. Fortunately, you kept your green marker masterpiece to your body for the most part, but why oh why couldn’t you have just colored on that piece of paper that was laying right next to you on the couch? Paper is for artwork, not little boy’s bodies. I rushed you off to the bath to clean you up. You turned the bath water green!"

Fonts used: Adobe Garamond Pro

I even scrapped the layout with all of my own stuff. I have really found that it isn't easy to scrap my own stuff. I can make it, but I can't use it. Well that had to change. My personal challenge is to use the stuff that I design.

Striped paper: Stacey Sansom’s "Spinning Wheels"
Green Paper: Stacey Sansom’s "Simply Lush"
Bookplate: Stacey Sansom’s "Going in Cirlces"
Ribbon & Bow: Stacey Sansom’s "Faded Romance" (recolored)
Vellum: created on the spot

Inspiration: February 2007 Ad Challenge @ The Daily Scrap (Dove soap products magazine ad)

Is it ok to go against the grain? My scrapbook related ramblings. . .

I know that many believe that the standard in digital scrapbooking is 12x12 inches. I don't disagree, to some degree. I think it has just become accepted. That is ok, it is certainly easy to accept. That said, I know that not everyone scraps at 12x12. I do not scrap at 12x12. As a result of this, many of us smaller size scrappers are being forced to crop and/or reduce the sizes to fit our 8x8 canvases (or 10x10, 6x6, or whatever suits your fancy). I don't think that there is necessarily anything wrong with this persay, but it does add yet another step between me and my finished product. Let's just get it done, already!

As a designer, this got me to thinking. I know, thinking is a bad thing. Sometimes it just hurts when those lightbulbs explode. Sometimes, however, little flickers is all we get. Those aren't so bad. Maybe it was partly caused by the fact that I was trying to dig myself out of a designing slump. I wasn't selling. Well, as of what I know right now, I am still not selling. That is another story by itself. We'll see what Friday's payroll from The Daily Scrap yields. Again, that is another story we won't go into. I wasn't designing much either. I am a busy person. I was having problems (1) finding the motivation to keep turning out stuff that noone buys, (2) finding time, (3) finding the energy, and (4) coming up with fresh, fun ideas. All of those can lead to a major designing slump. Ever heard of "writer's block?" Well I had "designer's block!" Evidently I was suffering from "Scrapper's block," too.

Now the thought that came to me was "why not design at 8x8?" Yeah, why not? I mean, it is natural for me. I scrap that size anyway. So I decided to go back and pick a layout that I had started. I usually design as I scrap. At least that was the way it was before I started selling in a store and the pressure was on. The ideas were right there! I had to embellish and develop and extend what I already had. It was a start though. Sometimes getting started is the hardest step.

I had created my first 8x8 kit. It felt good. I didn't feel pressured to push the limits of my aged computer's dying abilities. I didn't feel pressured to have "enough" to fill a 12x12 page. I didn't feel preasure. That was the good part. So I did another one! Again, it just felt good.

Now I can't tell you if they have sold yet. That is the sad and disappointing part of the whole process. I wish that The Daily Scrap would offer us a 'real time" accounting of what is and is not selling. It would just be nice to know. It would be nice to know when ads are working and which ones are working. Of course, this is another story for another day, perhaps (or perhaps not at all).

So. . . I am a 2 size scrapbook kit designer. I design both 8x8 and 12x12. I know this doesn't solve the problem for those 8x10 and 8.5x11 scrappers out there, but I am trying to do what I can. I am just trying to define my place in the digital scrapbooking world.

On a different note. . .

I applied for another store. I applied to be a designer at One of a Kind Scrapz. It is not that I am not unhappy at The Daily Scrap. I am not UNhappy there, the people are great. However, I am not certain that it will ever be what it has the potential to be. I know and understand all too well that it is a huge undertaking. I get that. I respect that. That is part of the reason that I didn't just start my own store when I got the crazy idea to actually sell my designs.

I didn't even know that I was "interested" in looking at another store. There were a huge number of new Creative Teams being posted at Digi Shop Talk over the past few days, and that was something that I was interested in. I don't want to be on one, persay. I really don't. I just know that as a designer, I will need to extend a call one day soon.

The CT calls are in the same forum area as the Designer and other calls. There was one call posting that just struck me. So I opened it. I stewed on it for a few days. I emailed back and forth with the person that issued the call to get some more details. I wanted to be certain that going into another store would be more than I wanted right now. I just can't handle much more "digital scrapbooking design" responsibility right now. Too much going on.

But I finally took the plunge. I applied yesterday. I am still waiting on a response. We'll see. No big deal if I don't. I'm staying at The Daily Scrap reguardless. Part of my designs would be exclusive to The Daily Scrap as it is one of the few places that actually accepts 8x8 kit designs. Again, we're back to going against the grain. One of a Kind Scrapz only accepts 12x12 kits.

Has your love for scrapping faded?

Has your love for scrapping faded? Then pull out those old photographs and dust them off. Take a few moments to relish in those memories. My newest kit, "Faded Romance," has hit the TDS Mall. This kit offers a subtle variation of color and is perfect for a variety of pictures.


Get "Faded Romance" for a special introductory price of only $2.50 until March 13, 2007!

Did I catch that scrapping fever?

Well I couldn't just leave 1 layout that had remained incomplete as the only one that reached its completion today. I just couldn't. I took my Adobe Illustrator quiz and I decided that I need to finish another layout that had remained incomplete. I actually scrapped! A 2-page layout even. Go me!


I bought the Canon Digital Rebel XT back in May (end) and these were some of the first pictures I took using it. Not all of them were great, but I did get some that made me go "WOW!" Let's just say that it didn't take much to convince me of the quality of this camera. The pictures worth worth 1,000 words.

These are just a few of the ones I took that day at Mercer Arboretum's Botanical Gardens. I can't wait to see what this spring holds. I had planned on taking the boys to see it this past Saturday, but the weather had other plans for us.

Kit used: Stacey Sansom's "Simply Lush" (yes, I actually scrapped with one of my own creations) available at The Daily Scrap.

Fonts used: ITC Souvenir Light BT, English111 Vivace BT

For those of you that must know, this layout only took me 6.5 months to complete. OK, now I feel bad. I should be more diligent. It is something that I truly enjoy doing.

Today has been such a GREAT release of creative energy. Usually that energy is going into a web design client or what is left after that goes into trying to come up with a "new" digital scrapbooking kit idea. Today, however, my focus has shifted to just reflecting, remembering, and enjoying.

I'm looking at which child?

I finally scrapbooked a complete layout. A 2 page layout at that. I've been in design mode for so long, I would think about sitting down for actually scrapbooking and I would get design ideas instead. That doesn't get much scrapping done. Anyway, here is my most recent "completed" layout. Take a look!

I was going through some old photos. You know those printed photos from years ago? The ones that those of us who have joined the digital revolution have allowed to collect dust. The ones that are still in the developement envelopes and tossed in a box to "get to" later (which never comes). Those pictures that require us digital scrapbookers to actually scan something and so we continue to put it off.

These particular pictures were already on CD so I popped it in and browsed. . . I found the pictures featured in this layout. They caught my attention. They brought a smile to my face. I JUST HAD TO SCRAP THEM - immediately. I started - right away! I just had to scrap them after all. How could you not scrap them?

The really sad part about all this? I started this 2 page layout 10 months ago. The pictures struck me so much, because I couldn't remember who I was looking at for a moment. I was looking at an image of my youngest son who was roughly the same age as the one in the pictures. If I hadn't been able to tell from the background elements in the pictures, I wouldn't have known that it wasn't him.

These are pictures of my middle child, Kyle (now almost 7).

This layout was the inspiration for my kit "Dusty Boy Memories" (available at The Daily Scrap). It is a simple kit, but sometimes the simplest kits are the most fitting for those memories that we have to rub the dust off of to enjoy. The alpha in the layout out is not in the kit.

Fonts used: ITC Souvenir Light BT, Courier

It felt really good to actually to actually scrap today. I just felt like I wanted to do it since last night. Last night when the desire hit, it was too late to get started on anything. I did some of the things I needed to get done earlier today and so I treated myself to some scrapping time. It felt good. I am glad that I did it.

HAPPY SCRAPPING EVERYONE!

The unnamed gets a name!

Well I have finally finished the "unnamed" kit. I couldn't come up with a name. I just couldn't. Nothing seemed to fit. But alas I didn't think that anyone would appreciate a kit named "?????????" So it had to have a name. It needed to be finished too, but that's another story all together. Tonight it not only got its name, it reached completion. Go me!

Check out "Faded Romance." It should hit The Daily Scrap Mall sometime in the next day. If you want to see this kit in action, be sure to see my previous post "If duty calls, just scrap it."

Go ahead, let them SPIN their Wheels!

Go ahead and let them spin their wheels and take LOTS of pictures! "Spinning Wheels" is officially in the mall at The Daily Scrap. This kit is perfect for all things transportation so have a little fun! Better yet, let them have lots of fun. . .
Get "Spinning Wheels" for a special introductory price of $3.25 until March 12, 2007. Don't forget, there is more to come because what good is spinning your wheels without cars, trucks, and trains? Get "Spinning Wheels" now!

I don't know where it came from, but I am glad that it came!

I don't know where my mojo came from the last few days, but I am grateful for its appearance and extremely glad that it came to visit. I hope it doesn't leave right away, I am kind of enjoying its company. I have been busy DESIGNING for the last 2 days and I am ready to unveil to the world what I've done.

Now, before you go saying "what about the other kit?" Don't panic, it is still there. . . it is even being worked on, BUT when the inspiration comes you just have to go with the flow. So my new "unnamed kit" as of yet is still unnamed though it is mostly finished, just a few more finishing touches left to do on it.

But CHECK THIS OUT!!!

This kit is perfect for anyone who has boys! I should know, I've got 3. Got pictures of your children with hotwheels, trains, planes, and anything cars? Then scrap them! I plan on scrapping mine - I've got lots. It is perfect for all those road trip pictures. Been on vacation and what to share? Then scrap them!

And for what it is worth, this is NOT all. This is just the starter kit. It is a full kit, but it is just the start of things to come. I've got at least 3 more kits lined up to go with this, each specializing in a mode of transportation (cars, trucks, and trains). You never know I might find that I need more than just those 3, so stayed tuned. In the meantime, snatch this kit up and have fun. It should be hitting the mall at The Daily Scrap in the next several hours!

Happy scrapping everyone!

Where did that come from?

I think I found my mojo today! I think I found my mojo today! I just sat down and *boom* there it was. It came out of NO WHERE! I am so excited! *happy dance* You all will just have to wait and see what I've got in the works. . .

If duty calls, just scrap it

Well you all might be surprised to see something like this appearing - it hasn't happened in so long after all. I have officially SCRAPPED A PAGE! Now, it isn't a page of pictures - at least, not my pictures. It isn't even a page of my memories. It is a scrapped page, none the less. Go me! Scrap! Scrap! Scrap! It was such a release today. I should do this more often. I just don't always have the time. I should make the time. I guess I could spend less time trying to design, but I enjoy doing that too. I am just slow at all of it in general these days. But, I scrapped! Check it out. . .


What is this for? Part of my duties at church is to do the newsletters and calendars every month for the ladies group (the Relief Society) and to design flyers for the activities if needed. We have an activity coming up the first part of March. So here is the flyer! It is done completely with the kit that I am currently working on. It is a kit that is still un-named. I'll get there. I just can't decide. Part of working on this flyer really helped me get some stuff done for the kit - it was lacking in elements. I am excited about this flyer. I am excited about the new kit as well. I hope to have it released by the end of this coming week. We'll see if we actually get it out then, but I am going to try.

Fonts used: Amienne, Artistamp Medium

Check out the Bargain Basement Sale at The Daily Scrap

Come on, you know you want to. . .

Check out the Bargain Basement Sale at The Daily Scrap that's going on right now. . .

I mean, who can resist an awesome sale - most kits starting at just $1.50. This one happens every weekend over there - kits and designers may vary. This weekend, however, we're celebrating the premier issue release of Scrapbook Dimensions Magazine. The Daily Scrap has an advertisement in the premier issue and we're celebrating by passing on even more savings to you. Go check it out! Runs all day Saturday (Feb 17) and Sunday (Feb 18).


You can add my 2 kits: "For Marissa" and "Going in Circles" (seen in the ad above) to your collection and not feel guilty. You certainly won't break the bank or blow your budget. Get more goodies for less!

Don't be shy you know you want to. Get my kits and many other kits by many other designers for drop bottom prices Saturday and Sunday only!

A Touch of Blue and Other Ramblings

Well it has been a long time coming, but my newest kit has finally been released for sale in the mall at The Daily Scrap. I am quite excited about the release of this. I designed it to be a gender neutral kit. I wanted to keep those that scrap girls interested but I also wanted to make sure that those of us who scrap boys don't feel left out. You'll find the advertisement for the kit below:



A while back I posted about a series of kits in the blue variety. Inspiration ran out, I guess. I just couldn't pull it together. So I combined the Gentle Blues kits that were all still "works in progress" and thus A Touch of Blue was born. And here is the preview for the finished kit:



If you hurry, you can get A Touch of Blue for a special introductory price of $3.50 until February 23, 2007! Pick up A Touch of Blue!

I am not sure what else I will have in the works. I've got a million ideas running through my head. I can't always keep them straight and they don't always work out. I am currently working on a submission to the soon to be released March Mega Kit in collaboration with the other The Daily Scrap designers. It should turn out to be a lovely kit. The colors are not your ordinary March/St Patrick's Day colors, but they are lovely. Keep an eye for more details!