Altered journal

Anyone who knows me, knows I love lists. I make a daily to-do list and although I have tried to do it 'green' and use an online version, I'm just not very productive that way. Plus it means I have to be on the computer and honestly I'm trying to get offline more these days and actually CREATE or go play in the garden. Anyway all this means I needed a new book for my lists. I prefer the ledger type books for writing my lists. Lots of room for the lists (both chores, work and gardening) plus room for notes etc. I tried last week to do without but that resulted in low productivity for my type A personality, so this week I altered a new journal and wrote my lists for the week and behold - productivity!!!

Supplies: DCWV paper and cardstock; Misc ribbon and office supplies;

Keeping it simple as these things get some wear and tear so nothing that could get caught up, ripped off etc. I stapled the ribbon on so hopefully that should last! The clips are from Target dollar spot agggeeeeees ago, seriously so long ago that it's not even funny! I loved them too, bought all the colors they had (along with the pegs, paper clips etc) and then hardly used them. Story of my life with the Target dollar spot!!! So I added a couple of clips for notes etc.

Soon be Friday and then the weekend, I for one am looking forward to this weekend! Hope you all have something fun planned!!!

Di

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Card Sketch April #5

Another sketch going into the favorites files this week! Hope you all like it, I know the sketch girls ROCKED it! Remember though the flowers are just an embellishment placeholder, go with whatever works for you. I was just in a flowery mood this month!

I have to say I LOVE this weeks sketch! SLightly more difficult than I imagined it would be, but I think that's more to do with having so many options, too many flowers to choose from, and so many directions to take the card. In the end I kept the card design strictly to the sketch, but this is one I will definitely be using again for sure!

"your friendship" card by Di Hickman
Supplies: Paper & Cardstock: DCWV; Flowers: Prima; Stamp: Fiskars; Brads: HOTP; Misc ribbon, buttons

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"Best Wishes" card by Louise Connell
Supplies: Papers, flowers, buttons, jewels ~ Doodlebug, Rub on ~ Karen Foster

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"Happy Birthday" card by Jan Tatomir
Supplies: Paper, Rub: Crate; Cardstock: Bazzill; Flowers: American Crafts; Brads: Making Memories; Trim: JoAnns; Ink: Colorbox

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"Happy Birthday" card by Jo Willis
Supplies: Bazzill cardstock, Coredinations cardstock, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, Prima flowers, buttons, Scenic Route chipboard, ribbons and Stickles.

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"wish" card by Pearl Liu
Supplies: CI Barb Tourtillotte Tasty Pink Glitter pp , WRMK Tiffany 6x6 pad,

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"For You" card by Linda Flinders

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As always, if you create a card using the sketch be sure to link me up in the comments as I love to come check them out!

Di

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May Desktop

Time for another desktop freebie! The desktop is available in two sizes @ 72dpi and in PNG format so you can just drop your photo's behind the page, upload it to your computer and you are done! Available at: Di Hickman Designs, Scrapwow or A Cherry On Top

The desktop is made with my newest digital kit called Daydreams! The kit is available in my digital stores at Di Hickman Designs, Scrapwow or A Cherry On Top

Enjoy!

Di

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Manufacturer Challenge - Doodlebug (4)

I realized something this week as I was working with the Doodlebug products, I need to use up old stuff! I had some Doodlebug rub-on alpha's and most of them have adhered to the backing sheet. I can't blame Doodlebug really, they have probably been in my stash for about 3 years, maybe more! I don't think rub-ons have a huge shelf life really. Even other ones are doing the same thing so it's not a certain manufacturer problem it's a rub-ons in general problem.

Speaking of rub-ons and stash on this card I dug out some Basic Grey rub-ons to compliment this card. The metal tag is OLLLLLLLDDDD, seriously old. But I think the mixture of stuff goes together well. Oh and the Basic Grey rub-on was one of those that stuck to the backing sheet also, but I hid that bit behind the tag ;)

Supplies: Paper: Doodlebug; Cardstock: DCWV; Rub-on: Basic Grey; Tag: Colorbok

I'm really trying to use up stash as you've probably noticed over the last few weeks. Breaking out the ribbon, tags etc. I recently reorganized my embellishments into drawers by color and rediscovered all these embellies I bought and never used. That's one reason I like color organizing! Anyway I found these metal tags which were in a card making set I got from Target years ago, time to use them I think...

Supplies: Paper: Doodlebug; Cardstock: DCWV; Ribbon: MM; Tag: Target

Supplies: Paper: Doodlebug; Cardstock: DCWV;Tag: Target; Ribbon: Misc;

Also used up the last of the paper scraps from previous Doodlebug weeks this month. Just a few little bits left, but for cards that's all you need! Just add embellishments, sentiments and you're done!

Supplies: Paper: Doodlebug; Cardstock: DCWV; Rub-ons: Karen Foster; Flower: Prima; Machine Stitching;

Supplies: Paper: Doodlebug; Cardstock: DCWV; Rub-ons: Royal & Langnickel; Flower: Prima; Ribbon: Maya Road; Thumbtack;

I've had a request to use some products in future months so I'm gonna get on and get busy with that. Besides I need to clean up my scraproom as I just got a couple of boxes of product to put away! I swear the stuff breeds in here!

Di

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New digital scrapbooking kit - Daydreams

I have a new digital kit available in my stores this week! Daydreams is a soft dreamy kit, with no particular theme, so it's pretty much suitable for any occasion scrapbooking! There are 7 patterned papers, 7 coordinating solids, a die cut paper and over 20 embellishments in this kit, plenty for making LOTS of pages!

Daydreams is available in my Di Hickman Designs, Scrapwow or A Cherry On Top digital scrapbooking stores.

Di

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May Calendar Pages

Well yesterday was a bust for me. River got stung by a bee yesterday morning and apparently had a reaction cos her paw swelled up :( Took her to the vet for shots, some meds and waved goodbye to $95 but she's better this morning :) The paw took a while for the swelling to go down but all is good now thankfully! We'll have to keep an eye on her in the future though!

Are you sick of Calendar pages yet? No, me either! I just love sharing these. It really shows the uses of the Boxer papers throughout the seasons! May for me just screams gardening and nature! Time to get out and get back to nature, and no better way than with the ladybug papers :)

Supplies: 6x6 calendar; calendar stickers; Ladybug papers; Goldenrod brads;

I think this would also make a great 12x12 layout too! Just add a title along the bottom right quarter, add another flower and done! I'd probably use on of the library cards to journal on too and slip it behind the photo frames for some hidden journaling :)

Di

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scrapbooking alternatives to brads

This month I have two articles up at Scrapbooking.com, I already shared my first article projects but here is my second article: The frugal alternative to brads. For a while now I've been using thumbtacks as an alternative to brads. Cheap, green and effective! Sure sometimes a mini brad works, or a button, but sometimes you just want something inbetween, that that's where thumbtacks come in!

You can find my full article at the scrapbooking.com website, along with a step by step guide to recoloring your thumbtacks!

Di

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Spring for friends

Feeling better today! That was a horrible 24 hours let me tell ya! Though I spent most of it asleep so best way really. One thing I hate is not being able to eat properly! Love my food, so that was a test of a day for me. This morning was back to regular breakfast with juice etc, and I feel ok, so YAY!

I'm having a blast using old product lately. I mentioned on the blog last week that I am gonna use up my stash and just HAVE FUN creating with it. This is totally in line with the book I am currently reading "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron. Setting aside time to just play with our projects. All to often we get caught up with deadlines etc so I am taking time each week to create with No DT projects, no submitting, no creating for a call. Just create for the sake of playing!

Supplies: Papers & Cardstock: DCWV; Flower: Prima; Brad: HOTP; Rub-on: Karen Foster;

I think this is one of the reasons it's easy to get burnt out on DT's. It's easy to get in the mentality of just creating for DT work or for magazine calls, and I've been guilty of that in the past. That's why I like my personal manufacturer challenge and using my stash. It forces me to create with product I have here on hand, and without a real goal in mind.

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Card Sketch April #4

Just letting you know the newsletter will be late going out this week. I picked up a horrid stomach bug (thanks Bob!) and am sleeping a lot. Meanwhile enjoy this weeks card sketch!

I have to say I found this weeks sketch a little on the tricky side. Not sure if I just wasn't feeling creative or whether it was the heat. It's been in the 90's here this weekend, which has been a bit of a shock to the system. It almost got to 100 yesterday!!! It's April for heavens sakes!!! Anyway I eventually cobbled together something I was semi-happy with.

"Smile" card by Di Hickman
Supplies: Cardstock & PP: DCWV; Ric Rac: Boxer Scrapbooks; Flowers: Queen & Co; Brads: Boxer Scrapbooks: Pen: Sakura; Rub-on: EK Success;

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"Cheers" card by Pearl Liu
Supplies: Core'dination vintage cardstock, Lily Bee French Couture pp , Crafty Secrets Heartwarming Vintage Cat Crazy , Cuttlebug Embossing folder - Houndstooth , Prima flowers

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"Sleep tight" card by Chrys Rose
Supplies: Bazzill cardstock; The Paper Company paper; Daisy Bucket paper; Pink Paislee chipboard; Boxer Scrapbook brads; Ranger stickles

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"Just for you.." card by Linda Flinders

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"Happy Birthday" card by Jan Tatomir
Supplies: Paper: DCWV, K&Company, Crate; Chipboard: DCWV; Rub: Crate; Fence: Papier Valise; Buttons: American Crafts, Dress It Up; Punch: EK Success

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"Stop to smell the flowers" card by Celeste Brodnik
Supplies: Pattern Paper: Fancy Pants; Ribbon: MOD; Felt Flower: Heidi Swapp; Brad: Doodlebug Designs; Crochet Flower; Pen: Signo Unibal

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"Hi how r u?" card by Raechelle Bellus
Supplies: cs: Bazzill; pp and stickers: Basic Grey; stickers: Rose Moka; American Crafts Thickers; ribbon: Offray

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"Bouquets of thanks" card by Louise Connell
Supplies: Papers, rub ons, ribbon ~ Crate Paper Kaitlin; Sentiment rub on ~ K&Co; Flower ~ imaginisce; Adhesive pearls ~ Papermania

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"Hello" card by Annette Taylor
Supplies: Patterned Paper – My Mind’s Eye, Stabilo Pen, Brad – Papermania, Stamps – Studio G, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder and Nestabilities die, Giant Ric-Rac from stash, Gel dots – Papermania

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"Love" card by Jackie Price
Supplies: Made with Scraps from Jackie's stash!

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"Flowers for a friend" card by Jo Willis
Supplies: Papermill card, Hampton Arts stamp, Prismacolour pencils, Making Memories paper, Marvy pen and rbbon and pins from stash.

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Remember I love to come check out your cards so link me up in the comments if you make a card using the sketch!

Di

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Publishing 103

In parts 101 and 102 we discussed the basics and where to find calls, in 103 we're going to discuss the submission email! What to include, what to write, what to attach etc.

• Address: So first things first remember to tailor the email to the correct recipient! Make sure to check the call details carefully! Even if it's a magazine you've submitted to before always check the submission email as emails change, or calls may get sent to feature editors directly.
• Attach: Remember to attach the freakin' project image!
  
• Subject: Again in the call info will sometimes say to put a specific subject for the email but if it doesn't try to tailor it to the magazine. If the call for example is for PaperCrafts May issue, and your project is for their Mothers Day feature, try something like PaperCrafts May 2009 - Mothers Day Card Submission.
• Attach: Remember to attach the project image!
• Intro: The body of the email should always contain a little introduction as to why you are emailing, what magazine, issue and which specific call you think the project fits!
• Attach: Remember to attach the project image!
• Project info: Include a project title so that if you get a call back they don't have to request jpg 908651. Include a supply list of products used in the project. I sometimes include a brief how-to for the project if it is a particularly technique heavy project or if I know that the magazine I am submitting to will need that information. Also regarding the project I add journaling if the project is a layout and any other pertinent information like if the project is digital, or hybrid for example.
  
• Attach: Remember to attach the project image!
• Personal information: Always include a little paragraph of personal information. Nothing too large. Usually I opt for name, address, blog link, and email address in the signature of the email instead. But the idea is to give them as much information about YOU as possible. Usually these submissions are kept on file for a long time, you want them to have as much info to contact you as possible!
  
• Attach: Remember to attach the project image!
• Signing off: ALWAYS and a little thank you to the end of your email! A simple, "thanks for considering my project for your upcoming publication" works well and shows good manners.
  

Oh and in case I haven't mentioned it ALWAYS remember to attach the project image! I can't stress this enough! Even now 3 years later I still sometimes have a brain fart and forget to attach the image! Doh! I'm sure the editors are used to it happening all the time but double and triple check before you hit send!

So once you hit send, what happens next? We'll discuss that next time!

Read publishing 101, 102

Read my Design Team articles: DT's 101, 202, 303, 404 and 505

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If you are going to copy and paste this for other website remember to credit me, the original author Di Hickman! I have had numerous people copy and pasting my articles into various forums with no credit, and some blatantly claiming the work as their own. This is highly unprofessional. Give credit where it is due with my name and I would appreciate a link back to my blog, thank you. Di

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Manufacturer Challenge - Doodlebug (3)

Week 3 in the Doodlebug Manufacturer Spotlight! I have a few projects to share this week so sit back and take them all in! I made some more cards with the pink/red papers. I already mentioned I love the floral paper! Had to use up the scraps! I especially LOVE this first one!

Supplies: Paper: Doodlebug; cardstock; DCWV; Flower: Heidi Swapp; Stamp: Fiskars;

Again I'm basing the cards on old card sketches of mine. Love going through my scraps to make cards with my sketches. A couple of the designs are perfect for those little pieces of patterned paper left over from projects.

Supplies: Paper: Doodlebug; cardstock; DCWV; Flower: Prima; Rub-on: PSX; Pen: Sakura

Supplies: Paper: Doodlebug; cardstock; DCWV; Flower: Prima; Rub-on: EK Success;

I posted Saturday how I altered an oatmeal tub to contain my flowers and ribbon, and I mentioned I printed off text panels for all my embellishment colors and so I got busy :) Jumped into the altered stash and found a couple more oatmeal tubs to alter (already had a couple saved) so here is the brown ribbon/flower tub.

As you'll see slight alteration from the one Saturday in that I added elastic bands to keep the printed panel in place. Not because the adhesive didn't stick, but because with the flower "prettying" and my haste in getting the tub off the shelf I ripped the blue panel partly off the tub already! What can I say? I'm a klutz! Seriously I am so accident prone it's not funny! Anyway this'll hopefully keep them on and in place, with some room for movement if I end up catching them on each other!

I have another couple of cards to share with the red/pink paper, I just need to do the stitching on them, and then I want to use the last sheet of Doodlebug in my stash!!! That's like the brown paper above but it's grey/black. Not sure yet whether to use it for the ribbon tub, a layout, or to use it for cards... decisions decisions!

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New digital scrapbooking templates!

I have a new digital scrapbooking template pack released this weekend! Layout DiAGRAMS set #15 features 4 templates, size: 12x12" in PSD and PNG format. Priced at just $2.50 throughout April! Available at my Di Hickman Designs, Scrapwow or A Cherry On Top Stores

I did something a little different this month, in that I asked for a few members at DST to work with my kits and templates. I just love the layouts they created using this template pack and my Chick-a-dee kit!

Layout by Reba

Layout by Erica (DoodleBop)

Layout by Kim

Layout by Marla

They all used the Chick-a-dee kit, below and the DiAGRAM set #15, available in my Di Hickman Designs, Scrapwow or A Cherry On Top stores

Of course my CT had a play with the template pack too and made these great layouts!

Layout by Renee' Morris-Dezember
Credits: Di Hickman Template Pack 15, Jennifer Pebbles: Block Lable
& Skinny Date Lable, Carla Dudley: Capture+Record Digital Kit, Sande Krieger: Stitching, Shabby Princess: Staple

Layout by Shannon Blinn

So much fun seeing the great layouts made with my digital kits and templates!

Happy Sunday

Di

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Earth Day Project

Earth Day is coming up soon and I thought what better than practicing the three R's. I am reducing the need for a storage container by recycling an empty oatmeal container :) Just doing my bit for the planet, and hey it saves me money too!

Supplies: Boxer Turquoise dot paper; Small metal rim tag; White button; Blue Mini Brad; Prima Flowers; UHU twist & glue and glue roller

Now I just have to eat my way through a few more tubs of oatmeal so I can make more for my other color of flowers and ribbons :)

Enjoy the weekend!

Di

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Project 101 in 1001 - update

Project 101 in 1001 is going well so far! I already completed #5 and #6 on the list and I printed off my self portrait for March! Whoot! Hopefully by staying on track with the updates on the blog I'll keep printing and creating layouts for the album! This is the page I made for the goals achieved in March which was running 3 miles. Still working on the 4 mile page so I'll share that next time!

Supplies: Soon to be released digital kit by Di Hickman :)

Of course the self portrait part HAD to be commemorating the first goal achieved, so it's me after a sweaty run! I've saved the PSD with the frame, size and text layers so that I can just reuse it a a template and print it off easily each month. Adding the date and a little info gives me more to work with in the album. I'll be sharing the album next month as it's published in the current issue of Ready Set Create :)

Since I've done item #6 - run 4 miles, I need to get cracking on the page. I think this one will be a journaling heavy page instead of a photo page. Post run photo's are NOT good for the self image at all!

As for the other items, well I am doing fine with reading books (#45), I have LOTS in my reading list to loan from the library. I also found "The artists way" series of books available at the library so I'll be getting that soon (#18), and they also have Learn Spanish books (#33) and CD's so I added those to my list. The list is HUGE now! lol! This week I have been trying to do #4 - eat at least 1 thing I grew everyday for a week (besides oranges). I already eat an orange a day from the garden when possible (lots of those right now) but I want to USE the produce I am growing so this is an ongoing goal that I want to make a habit. I harvested almost 2lbs of peas on Monday, plus I have beets, turnips, greens and more peas ready to harvest, so this should be easy for this week!

Wish me luck! And if you have suggestions for items 88-100 let me know!

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Printing on the Prima chipmates stickers

The Prima Hybrid store has coordinating digital chipmates stickers for some of the paper lines so I thought I’d do a little tutorial to show paper peeps how to use the stickers to print just one sticker at a time. There are a few ways of doing this, but I am focusing on using digital editing tools. For this tutorial I am using Photoshop CS3 but the principle should be the same in all photo editing programs.

1. First open up photoshop and the chipmates sticker sheet you want to use, in this case I opened the “Signs of spring” chipmates.

2. Add a new layer and fill with white (second layer in screenshot). Duplicate the background layer and move ABOVE the solid white layer. Using the marquee tool draw a box around the chipmate sticker you want to print.

3. Next click, select, inverse (or right click, select inverse) and the selection should be inverted so all the sheet EXCEPT the area you wish to print is selected. Simply press delete to remove the excess printing area, leaving just the green sticker and text in this example.

4. Print onto a chipmate sticker sheet, and use in your project

Physical Prima Supplies: Signs of Spring papers; Clearly IOD transparency tape #517809; Loft 18 Flowers #52005 Signs of Spring epoxy overlay stickers; Chipmates Inkjet diecut stickers Digital Prima Hybrid Supplies: Signs of Spring Chipmates

I hope this helps you to save ink, save supplies, and makes your hybrid projects easier! As I said there are other ways to do this technique so if you have any questions about the tutorial just ask!

Di

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