Digital Artist Magazine - May Issue!

Friday, May 29, 2009


The MAY issue of Digital Artist Magazine is available online, this issue is packed full of articles, eye candy and tutorials for you hybrid and digital gals! Another great issue this month, and remember each issue comes with exclusive downloads! The May issue features downloads from Lily Designs, Cre@ Bisontine and Line Designs. You can purchase a copy of the May issue here.

We're wrapping up the June issue of DAM, all the articles are in, just a couple of layouts to chase up, then its proofing and editing. Having so much fun working with the team at DAM! Really fun to get inside a mag rather than just writing for it. We've just taken on a bunch of new layout artists, and will be revamping the blog soon too! Lots happening....

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Theme Thursday - Feminine Cards

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Last week of this months Theme Thursday which is Feminine cards. I've really used a lot of pink this month, which is great cos I tend to hoard it :) Using up some stash with these couple of cards...

Supplies: Paper: DCWV, Colorbok; Tape: Heidi Swapp; Flower Frame: Rob'n'Bob; Stamp: Kim Hughes (CHF); Rub-on: JoAnns;

Really having a hard time getting good photo's lately. Either too bright and sunny or too overcast. All the pinks match on both cards, yet the floral accent on both seems to stand out a lot more than it does in real life. Ah well C'est la vie!

Supplies: Paper: DCWV, Colorbok; Cardstock: DCWVl Tape: Heidi Swapp; Stamp: Kim Hughes (CHF);Button: American Crafts;


On a side note I am finally getting back into a normal sleep pattern. The holiday weekend was great, relaxing and finally saw Bob return to some regular hours at work. Which means we eat dinner together again (you wouldn't believe the last time that happened on a weekday!) and we walk the dogs together, and go to bed at a decent hour! Which means... sleep! Our sleep pattern has been disrupted so long I was beginning to think we'd never get back to a normal routine! Anyway because of all this I thought I'd share an odd dream I had this week.

The setting: A restaurant, kinda looked like a deli counter with some tables and chairs though, but in your head you just KNOW it's a restaurant. You know that stuff happens in dreams right? Anyway I was the manager (I think this stems from my previous career as a deli manager YEARS ago).
The scene is that staff are serving customers, waiting tables etc except one girl who I know is Sheryl from the Deli I worked at. She and her boyfriend (who I didn't know in the dream, except I did know Sheryls boyfriend IRL so that's odd) were necking in the corner of the restaurant. All the customers are uncomfortable and the staff are mad cos they are working hard and Sheryl isn't. So I go over and tell her off, everyone applauds. The couple get up, Sheryl apologizes. Then the boyfriend turns to me and hands me a Scotch Egg...

I make a surprised sound... (both in the dream and IRL apparently as Bob nudges me awake)

and I wake up. Yeah Wierd. ROFL! I mean a scotch egg? WTH? Even now I am cracking up just thinking about it. I'm seriously losing it!



Di

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Card Sketch May #4

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Happy Wednesday! Time for the final card sketch for May, and this weeks is perfect for scraps. As always the digital template will be available in my digital store for a limited time only, snag it while you can.


This week I decided to go hybrid with my card using my "Daydreams" kit turned out to be a good idea, as I really like the end result! Coupled the digital portion with some photo corners, flower and a brad for finishing touches. Using the template for the papers, stitching and text etc really makes this card a snap to make!


"Friends" hybrid card by Di Hickman
Supplies: Daydreams digital kit by Di Hickman; Font: Arial; Photo Corners: Heidi Swapp; Flower: Prima; Brad: MM;



"Just for You" card by Louise Connell
Supplies: Papers ~ Sassafras Pocketful of Rosies & My Dearest; Journal Sticker ~ Hambly; Alpha stickers ~ Adornit; Gems ~ Hero Arts; Trim ~ from local market



"Thanks a million" card by Chrys Rose
Supplies: SEI papers; Melissa Frances rub on



"Joy & Cheer" card by Annette Taylor
Supplies: Various Patterned paper scraps from stash including Cosmo Cricket, Fancy pants and Bazzill Basics cardstock and Swiss Dot. Rub-on from Basic Grey, Ribbon and button from stash, Blooms from Jenny Bowlin and prima, Floss from DMC, Fiskars Border Punch



"Friends" card by Pearl Liu
supply list : Rose Moka pps , DCWV Sweets dimensional sticker, K&CO dimensional sticker , Cuttlebug Embossing Folder -D'vineSwirls



"Best Wishes" card by Linda Flinders



Remember to link me up in the comments if you make a card with the sketch, I love to come check them out!

Di

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Create & Decorate

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Just sharing a published piece in the April issue of Create & Decorate, great mag for full step by step projects.


This project was a piece I originally created for Prima Hybrid back in 2008, the editors at Create & Decorate loved it and I shipped it off to them. One thing about getting published is it always seems like forever from when you send projects in to them actually getting published, I think some people don't realize that, lol. Kinda like creating for Christmas in March *sigh* or right now, creating for Valentines in May! lol.


Hope everyone is having a good week so far! I'm totally in vacation mode. Dunno if I mentioned but I am taking a little vacation from my DTs in June and totally looking forward to it :) Time to design for fun (I have tentative plans for June) and to get into my Summer schedule, open up the pool and get some jobs done around the house!

Have fun!

Di

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Manufacturer Monday - HOTP (3)

Monday, May 25, 2009

Happy Memorial Day to those of you in the US! I know that my friends and family in the UK are celebrating with a holiday too so celebrations all round! I for one am ready to get out in the garden and get busy sowing some veggies, and generally getting ready for Summer :)

Just sharing a couple of cards today with Hot off the Press again for the Manufacturer Monday spotlight. Just using up scraps from the Citrus paper pack, the bright colors really go with a lot of my existing stash so I am managing to use up some miscellaneous embellishments too!

Supplies: Papers: HOTP; Rub-ons: JoAnns; Chipboard: Heidi Swapp; Flower button: MM;


Having a blast again using some old sketches, and this is something I really want to focus on in June so stay tuned for details on that! I personally love this design as I can get 2 cards out of one flower. Instead of folding the flower I cheat and cut it in half :) Waste not want not!

Supplies: Papers: HOTP; Flower: HOTP; Ribbon: Maya Road; Epoxy: Target;


Whilst I am done with the Manufacturer Mondays for this month I am not done with HOTP products (so don't worry Fab!), you all know I have the rule that I can't put away partly used product so I'll be using the scraps up and making some more cards. I just found out about the cards for heroes program and plan on sorting through my stash of cards and making a ton more for them. Great cause which I for one want to support!

Until tomorrow....

Di

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Just Weddings

Saturday, May 23, 2009

This week I thought I'd share projects I had published recently in "Just Weddings" magazine! The Boxer Scrapbooks wedding stamp set was PERFECT for this issue, and I just adore the dot papers for any formal occasion cards/invites.



I just love these stamps for invites, thank you cards, 'just married' and other bridal related projects! Check out the stamps for all your wedding/bridal projects!

Di


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Project 101 in 1001 update

Friday, May 22, 2009

I've been a little lax in posting updates about this project but hopefully getting back on track with scheduling blog posts will help that. Project 101 in 1001 is something I started in March, hoping to achieve 101 goals in 1001 days, culminating in my 40th birthday.Since making my list I have completed the following:

1
- get down to 130lbs - - (4/25/2009)
5 - run 3m/5k - (3/27/2009)
6 - run 4m - (10/4/2009)

My weight seems to be holding steady at around 129lbs, I began a weight training routine this week so hopefully the wobbly bits will stop wobbling soon! I just want to get some muscle definition now, and lose some body fat and I'll be happy :) lol not asking much huh?

The running is coming along, not sure I'll be entering a race anytime soon as I am pretty slow. I run inside on our treadmill in the garage and honestly I'm not sure how much longer I'll be doing that as it's starting to get warmer and that garage is like an oven. I just changed my schedule so I am running around 9.30am now which should help :)

In progress:-
2 - do 50/100 sit ups
7 - Run 5m - maybe today? lol
18 - work through - the artists way - in progress
45 - read at least 1 book a month - on track
Also on track with the self portrait every month :)

I've discussed getting my motorbike license with Bob and he's all for it. I'm thinking I'll go for the weekend course so I guess I better research when our next one is locally :) I've been riding offroad for a while so it's all a matter of driving on the road, hopefully I'll do ok. I can ride a bike offroad and I can drive a car on the road so shouldn't be such a stretch to ride a bike on the road right?

I don't think that's too bad right? I should be achieving 3 things a month on average, and seeing as some of my things are month long, year long or project long things then I think I'm on schedule!

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Theme Thursday - Feminine Cards

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Nothing gets more feminine than pink, gemstones and flowers! This card has all three :) As usual utilizing my scraps and stash with this one. Digging around in my stash for stickers, scraps of HOTP papers that I had on my scrap table for the manufacturer Monday spotlight, add some scrap strip of K&Co cardstock (you can't really tell here in the pic but it's embossed, trust me). I added the bling to replicate the dots in the patterned paper. Repetition of a design element really ties a project together. There are lots of dots/circles on this card, in the paper, the bling , button and the bead in the button center.

Supplies: Cardstock: K&Co; Paper: HOTP; Flower: Prima; Button: one heart... one mind; Bling: Heidi Swapp; Sticker: DCWV;


Repetition is also featured in the cardstock and the flower, as the flower is embossed too! Didn't catch that when I made it but I guess my head just went for the embossed naturally :)

Di

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Card Sketch May #3

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Love Wednesdays as it's card sketch day here on the blog :) Though I really need to focus and get Junes sketches done and sent to the sketch girls! Wow June soon already, this year is definitely flying by!


Had HOTP papers etc on the scrap table so just used those for this weeks card. Not one of my favorites but I think it works. If anything I'd say the flower is a little too orange for the card, but I think it works. The circle in the middle are just 1" and 1.5" circles punched from patterned paper. The flower I cut into quarters rather than folding over as that can get a little bulky on cards.

"Smile" card by Di Hickman
Supplies: Cardstock: DCWV; Papers & flower: HOTP; Epoxy: Target;



"hi" card by Jan Tatomir
Supplies: Paper: American Crafts; Cardstock: Bazzill; Ribbon: Strano Designs; Letters: Sticker King; Button: vintage; Punch: EK Success



"friend" card by Chrys Rose
Supplies: Pink Paislee paper; Prima flower; Fancy Pants chipboard; Kaiser Craft rub on



"Pink Flower" card by Louise Connell
Supplies: Papers ~ Basic Grey Two Scoops; Blooms ~ Heidi Swapp & HOTP; Ribbon & button ~ from stash



"Wish" card by Pearl Liu
Supplies: Bazzill Swiss Dot CS ,Prima Florals , Vellum , May Arts Ribbon ,Tim Holtz's Adage ticket



"For You" card by Linda Flinders



Remember to link me up in the comments if you make a card with the sketch, as I love to come check them out!


Di

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Resizing projects photo's

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

One thing I got emailed about in the DT and publication article series is "how do I resize photo's for submission?" so I thought I'd do a little step-by-step for everyone using photoshop :) This is MY process so take from it what you will.

Step 1 - Take a photo of the project. In this instance I used a card I made for the sketch earlier this month.

Tip: As you can see I use a super professional backdrop, lol. That's a DCWV stack of paper, just open at a coordinating color for the backdrop and it 'should' stay open if the back is leaning against something :) I prefer the pastel stack so the colors of the backdrop don't compete with the colors in the card. Usually I'd take the card outside and photograph in natural light, but for time sake I skipped that part ;)

Step 2 - Using the crop tool, click and drag a rectangle around the card and crop. Usually here I check the levels/curves especially if like in this example I had to photograph indoors.

Step 3 - Save the image. I personally save THREE versions of each image. Now this may seem excessive to some but personally if you are thinking of submitting I think saving the image as a BIG filesize is a good precaution to take. If you need to resize/add text/copyright brushes all this is best done from a larger image. I named this file: 090505-hereforyou-DiHickmanBIG.JPG my logic here is the date, name of card, my name and my 'code' so I know which file is which at a glance. BIG = my original.



Step 4 - Next up is to resize the image for submission. Usually this means to resize so the file size is around 100KB. Do this by going to> image> image size then the pop up box appears:


Then I alter the resolution to 72 dpi, then change the width to 500 pixels. This usually takes the file size to around the 100kb size. Again I save as a new file, this time I save as: 090505-hereforyou-DiHickman.JPG this is my submission file.

Now the next step I do cos I started putting a copyright logo on my blog pics after getting some images stolen and someone trying to claim my work as their own (yeah it DOES happen). So now I save a third image with my copyright brush. Which is my step 5



This version gets saved as: 090505-hereforyou-DiHickmanWEB.JPG which is the one I upload to the blog, and online galleries etc. In my computer files they look somewhat like this:


Each image having three files like I mentioned. Like I said this is MY system and it's worked well for me over the last couple of years.

Hope this helps, any questions just email or ask in the comments :)

Di

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Freebie Winner - stamps & randomness

Monday, May 18, 2009

Popping in to announce the winner of the Friday stamp freebie, and the winner is...

Linda - I really like the simplicity of this card!! I just recently found your blog and now check it everyday. :)

Email me Linda and I'll get the stamps in the mail to you!


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In other news I got an iPhone on Friday :) Well technically Bob got a new one, and I got his cast offs, but I'll take it. Since then I've been an iPhone junkie. I take it everywhere, and update facebook more often than I used to for sure. I have an application on there that tracks my runs for when I venture outdoors rather than using the treadmill in the garage. So far loving the iPhone :)



Di

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Digital Store Update

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Time for a digital store update, and back in my stores this week is this scallop template pack. Repackaged and ready to buy this set contains scallop templates in 3 shapes and 3 sizes. The papers are approx 11.5" x 11.5" to be used onto of a 12x12 background, and 8"x10.5" to be used on an 8.5x11" background, but can easily be resized. Created at 300 dpi. Available in all my digital stores at Di Hickman Designs, Scrapwow and ACOT


I use these all the time in my digital scrapbooking so I hope that someone else finds them useful!

Di

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Cheep Shot

Saturday, May 16, 2009

This week I thought I'd share a layout I had published in the April Issue of Scrapstreet Magazine. The layout is based on a sketch by Michelle McClung. The center portion of the layout with the photo, title scallop and journaling was created in photoshop and then printed. Simply cut it out and then assembled the layout traditionally.



I love how the layout turned out! The title is a play on words, kinda corny but I think it works!

Di

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Friday Freebie!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Wheeeee Friday Freebie today, haven't done one for ages and after clearing out some of my stash I have some goodies set aside to give away. This freebie is a little Studio G "thanks" stamp set. To enter the freebie giveaway just sign into the comments and I will draw a winner on Monday 18th May so make sure to check back Monday!!

Good Luck!

Di

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Theme Thursday - Feminine Cards

Thursday, May 14, 2009

This months Theme Thursday is "feminine". I decided to go for the pink and used up some DCWV paper, with scraps of patterned paper and cardstock. I've recently gotten a new desk to scrapbook on, it's HUGE and has a hanging file drawer, so I bought some files and organised my paper scraps by color. I use scraps so much more since I did this! Everything available at a touch, in fact that drawer pretty much stays pulled out most the time I'm at the table (good job it's next to a wall!). Anyway this one was pretty much all scraps!

Supplies: Paper: DCWV, Prima; Stickers: DCWV; Flower: Misc; Sparkle Gems: Sulyn;

I used one of my sketches for this one, loving the sketches lately :) Back with an update tomorrow :)

Di

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Card Sketch May #2

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

This weeks sketch is inspired by gift wrapping. The strips are very reminiscent of ribbon around a package, just a few little tweaks with embellishments and sentiments. Remember the brads as embellishments are just suggestions!


Nice and easy sketch this week, which usually means trouble for me, lol! After some deliberation on whether to use patterned paper or solid I went with this mix from DCWV Whimsy stack. The subdued polka dot means the sentiment shows up without too much work on my part, but it's interesting enough not to just be solid kwim?


"Hello" card by Di Hickman
Supplies: Paper: DCWV Whimsy Stack; Rhinestones: MAMBI; Alpha Sticker: Miss Elizabeths;



"Hugs" card by Ruth Trice
Supplies: Paper, letters and ribbon sticker by Cosmo Cricket, flowers by Prima and other, leaf punch by Leone Em, ribbon, Pebeo Pearl Touch and gems from stash.



"Congratulations" card by Celeste Brodnik
Supplies: Pattern Paper, Journaling Card: Cosmo Cricket; Jewels: Me & My Big Ideas; Glitter Glue: Stickles; Ink: Colorbox



"Fabulous" card by Pearl Liu
supply list : Glitz Design Audrey pps , Prima Rebellion journaling spot , Creative Imaginations sticker , Kaiser pearls & rhinestones



"Birthday Cupcake" card by Louise Connell
Supplies: Papers, stamp & brad ~ Imaginisce All kinds of Happy; Ribbon ~ HOTP; Scallop Circle Punch ~ Marvy



"Happy Birthday" card by Linda Flinders



Remember to link me up in the comments if you make a card with the sketch, I love to come check them out!

Di

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Manufacturer Monday - HOTP (2)

Monday, May 11, 2009

Hot off the Press is this months feature for Manufacturer Mondays. I have lots of their papers and embellishments so lots of options to choose from :) I went with more cards this week though as I had a ton of scraps to use up from previous projects, and you know me with cards and scraps of paper!

Supplies: Paper: HOTP; Cardstock, Ribbon & Sticker: DCWV; Flower: Heidi Swapp; Brad: HOTP;

These cards were made with scraps from projects I made a LONG time ago. In the past I just tended to shove a page protector full of scraps in the manufacturer file with plans to use it in the future. Nowadays I try to use every little scrap so I don't put partial sheets back into my stash!

Supplies: Paper: HOTP; Cardstock: DCWV; Sticker: MM; Flower: Heidi Swapp; Brad: HOTP;




Di

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Mother's Day Card - Boxer

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Today is Mothers Day here in the US and although I'm sharing a card I'll probably save this for next year as in the UK Mothers Day is in March. Not sure why they are on different days/months when Fathers Day is the same date in both countries. Sure does mess my schedule up!


Supplies: Paper: Boxer; Cardstock: DCWV; Sticker: Boxer; Ribbon: Boxer; Stamp: Boxer; Tag: Boxer

I created this card using this weeks card sketch :)
Did you remember Moms Day?

Di

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New card template pack!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Popping in this Mothers Day weekend to announce that I have a new card template pack in my store! These are 6"x 4" and could be used as photo cards, greeting cards, or for a brag book! So many possibilities :) You can purchase Card DiAGRAM set #7 in my digital stores at: Di Hickman Designs, Scrapwow or A Cherry On Top


Enjoy the weekend!

Di

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Published - SS&S

Friday, May 8, 2009

That's Stamping, Stationery and Scrapbooking magazine, 2nd quarter issue! This is the mag found on the East coast in the Hobby Lobby stores. For those not with a Hobby lobby well here is a little peak at my projects in print :)


I had a mothers day card in this issue, not my favorite of the cards I sent in, but that's how the editors pick em I guess! Sometimes they pick the strangest things. IMO the other card was much better, lol!



Baby cards I sent in a couple. I submitted this one as I love the design and the overall look of the card. I think this was when I started a pink and square card phase last year!


Now this card I absolutely LOVE! Like the one above it's based on a card sketch of mine from 2008. I adore the Best Creations papers! Really great line for Baby cards!


And that wraps it up for today! If you have a Hobby Lobby near you check out the mag it's great value for just $1.99 and packed with inspiration!

Di

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Theme Thursday - Feminine Cards

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

As it's Mothers day this month I figured I'd take the women on board and get feminine with it on Theme Thursdays this month! If anyone called me feminine I'd say they didn't know me very well, but I really do love flowers, bling and pink on cards! I guess that 'girlie' side of me is in there somewhere it just chooses to spill out onto cards instead of clothing ;)


Supplies: Paper, ribbon & Cardstock: DCWV; Stamp: Kim Hughes; Flower: Heidi Swapp;
You might have to bear with me this month as I unleash the bling, ribbons, and pinkness. I really hate all that in real life (clothing, make-up etc). but I guess I live it vocariously through crafts. For example right now I'm listening (singing along) to Offspring singing "Genocide" and rockin' it, whilst playing with Pink Paislee girlie papers! lol.

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