Creative block

Had a monster creative block today. Not really a problem except the layout I was working on is due for a deadline tomorrow! I like the end result which is rare on these occasions. After I worked through the layout I whipped out three cards... must be just in a card phase right now.

I'm almost hyperventilating right now at the thought of all the deadlines I have coming up this month. I so need to get on top of things this coming couple of weeks.

Sadly nothing to share today cos I've been a total slacker and only made things I for things I can't post. Sometimes I hate that, but unfortunately that is the way most the mag calls are going these days and I don't want to shoot myself in the foot. I will have some projects to post soon cos I have a ton of things to make for this month (and get ahead for next) but I exhausted my 'blog leftovers' when my parents were here.

In other news: I am totally loving my old sketches. Had a little memory lane trip and looked through the last year of my sketches. I've even reused a couple today, which is always cool.

Anyway hopefully get around to sharing some photo's of the parents trip tomorrow or something...

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Card Sketch Nov #1

Happy Wednesday! And Happy card-sketch-versary! Exactly one year ago today I started posting my sketches here so I figured it would be fitting to go back in time and reuse the sketch (albeit a little spruced up sketch!). I really cannot believe it's been a year, totally flown by! And to think that back then there was just me doing a sketch and a sample... how things have progressed!!! Anyway here is this weeks sketch, and usual the digital template is available for download for a limited time.

My original card for this sketch got picked up for publication so I whipped up this one using SEI Kaboom. I love this line, no matter that its pretty old now. Got some more of it last month from one of my teams and I still love it. Especially the puffy stickers. Have a couple of projects planned out for these papers already. The "We're so sorry!" is reverse printed using this technique for printing in white text. Love this card! Inside greeting which reads "we forgot your BIRTHDAY!", also printed from computer.

Supplies: Paper, cardstock and sticker: SEI (Kaboom); Brads: Doodlebug; pen: sharpie; other: tag, photoshop

TIP: If you don't want to drag out the sewing machine then either use rub-ons, stamps or draw the stitching by hand with a pen.

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Card by Wendy McGlinchey
Supplies:- A selection of Dye ink pads, Black Versafine ink pad, white card stock, black marker pen, Rubbadubbadoo Girl Power stamp set, yellow card stock and ribbon bow.

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Card by Cindy Gilchrist
Supplies: Digital Pattern Papers and Elements: Saturday Market by Dani Mogstad, Digital Stitches: The Ultimate Stitch Collection by Dani Mogstad.

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Card by Kelli Smith
supply list- Heidi swapp family stamp, heidi swapp flowers, Eksuccess flower punch, pp: luxe, mustard moon

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Card by Jo Willis
Supplies: Amy Butler Sola papers, Crate paper (Twirl collection), Technique Tuesday stamps (Hanging by a thread), Heidi Grace sentiment stamp ( from Wild Daisy Road set), Colorbox chalk ink, flower from dismantled silk flower and button from my collection.

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Card by Kelly Nelson
Supplies: Scraps of bazzil and unknown cardstock, American Crafts patterned paper, Stampin Up stamp, Versamagic ink, black zig pen, sewing thread and button, DMC embroidery thread, and handcut felt flower.

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Card by Pearl Liu
supply list : Bo Bunny Double Dot Cardstock, Bo Bunny Glee pps, Q&Co Primary Felt Frenzy flowers

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Card by Krista Pearl
Credits: Backgrounds and Elements - Jessica Gorny, Fallen, One of a Kind Scraps
Font- Pea Cami-Pea, Fonts for Peas

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Card by Cheryl Meehan Supplies : Papers by Doodlebug, Stickeroo by Penny Black, Faux Stitching with Sakura Pen.

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Card by Angela Shetzer
Credits: Winter kit by Amy Kropp; Font: Vivaldi & LCR Itz Snowflakes

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BACK SOON!
HAPPY TO REPORT THAT JOLENES CARD
WAS PICKED UP FOR PUBLICATION!
Congrats Jolene!


Card by Jolene Johnston
Supplies: Bazzill cardstock, Die Cuts With a View Old World papers, Making Memories glitter brad, Oriental Trading flower, JoAnn rub on, machine stitching,Colorbox ink

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As always hook me up in the comments if you do the sketch and I'll come check out your creations!

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Do you hear that?

It's the sound of a busy little bee creating away! Yep I have one project box out the door this morning for CardMaker and another on it's way to Simple Scrapbooks, phew. So far today I've created a card for tomorrows sketch, as the one I had got picked up for publication *smile*. Sorted through my deadlines and took on another little project that I can't share yet (sorry!).

Met up with fellow scrapper and EDS team member Susan on Sunday. Fun to finally meet her, we shared some goodies and had a quick chat. Can't believe the girl runs marathons! Think she needs to kick me in the butt and get me motivated too!

Todays to-do list is going down slowly. Thankfully still a good portion of the day left so I can keep creating. I'm hoping to get organized this week and work work work like crazy. Gradually catching up on comments and emails, so continue to bear with me, I hope to be caught up on all those by the end of the week.

Lots of little projects in the future that I need to start on, some blog changes and work needed on the new website. Back into the swing of things FULL FORCE! See you tomorrow with the latest card sketch!

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Cut it Out!

Recently I've been sharing basic ways to use the computer in you projects and this month I thought I'd discuss the latest trends in die cutting machines, and how you can achieve the same look using your computer with less $$. It used to be that we only had traditional die cutting machines, the sizzix and quikutz type, which obviously aren't hybrid, But the past year has seen a revolution with the wishblade/craft robo and the cricut. Electronic cutting machines are definitely here to stay but what's the difference? and how can you get the same look without spending the cash? well read on!

First let's look at the wishblade/craft robo. In case you don't know they are essentially the same machine just retailed through different names by different distrubutors but the machine is exactly the same, only the software is different. This is a machine that hooks up to your computer and using the software it enables you to cut out ANY font on your computer in ANY size (Obviously within the dimensions of the machine). Because it's hooked up to the computer and you use a software program I classify this as hybrid. Each person my have their own opinion but Hybrid Scrapbooking is classified as using the computer and well, with this machine you have to. I love the fact I can use any font on my computer and resize it to suit my layout, definitely worth the extra initial cost considering there are no other costs for cartridges or dies. If you can make it in your software (or import it) you can cut it! An example of a layout done with a craft-robo cut title is below.

Moments to Remember by Di Hickman. Supplies: Cardstock: DCWV, Patterned Paper: DCWV, Buttons: EK Success, Other: flower, clip

In the same category as the wishblade and craft robo are the Pazzles machines. These again have to be hooked up to a computer to work but the main differences I can see from this to the wishblade/craft robo (aside from the increased price) is that they are available in different sizes and the Pazzles software has the joining of images built in, with the others there is software than can do it but it's not built in and you have to use a different program to do it.

Another die cut machine to hit the scrapbooking world is the Cricut. I personally don't consider this a hybrid took and I'll explain why. Basically you don't use a computer, yes it's electronic but then so is my heat gun, can I claim that as a hybrid tool too? Not really huh? For this reason Cricut isn't a hybrid tool.

So now onto a way that we can all get the same look but with less cost! All you need is: your computer; any word processing program, or painting package; and a craft knife with a steady hand. To get the look all you need to do is type your text out like you would for any journaling, mirror image it then print it out on the reverse of the paper or cardstock you want to use. Now the key point here is that you need to mirror image the text. You can either do that in the paint package or when you send it to the printer (some printers have a 'mirror image' feature to check). Once you've printed out the title, remember it's reversed so cut it out carefully turn it over and voila! Yes it's a little more time intensive than the fancy die cut machines but it works. The following layouts show titles printed out mirror image on the back of the paper and cut it out using a craft knife.

Layout by Robin Blankenship.
Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzil, Patterned Paper: Basic Grey, Rub-ons: Three Bugs in a Rug, Chipboard: Magestical Memories

Layout by Robin Blankenship.
Supplies: Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket, Paint: FolkArt, Chalks: Craf T,

As you can see the effects are stunning and can be used for other elements as well as titles, circles or other shapes, dingbat fonts etc. The possibilities are endless.

Published in Scrapstreet Ezine September 2007
Copyright Di Hickman 2007

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So, October....

time goes too fast. Mom and Dad got picked up by the shuttle yesterday afternoon and called today to say they got back ok. Lots of emails to wade through, so if you're expecting an email from me, give me a little more time.

Got a ton of pics to sort out too. Some from the California end of their trip and some from New York. Didn't take as many photo's as I thought we would, strange how that works out.

So yeah, I'm back. Back to blogging normally and my table is all set up in my room and ready for creating! Which is a good job cos I got deadlines looming. I've already been cardmaking this morning, lots to work on and hope to share more stuff soon!!! In the meantime here is Octobers round-up...


October Round up
What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
Was there time? I don't think so!!! I read a couple of scrap magazines. Well kinda. I flicked through, looked at the pics and browsed when I had a spare minute or two.

What movies and/or tv shows did I watch this month?
All the usual stuff. Watched some movies with my parents, just stuff on TV while we chilled at home. Lots of our regular shows to catch up on this month.

What special days did I celebrate and how?
Halloween! Love Halloween. Usually we're not big into Holidays (we didn't even put a tree up last winter!) but Halloween we definitely celebrate! Went out for extra candy Wednesday morning. Mum was in charge of counting the trick or treaters. Last year we had 75. This year? 112!!! Not sure where the extra kids came from but I started to get worried when 3/4 of candy was gone in the first hour. After that it slowed down and in the end we were left with 2 twix and 1 kitkat. Not bad! Love seeing all the costumes.

What gifts did I give and/or receive?
Product from Design Teams as usual. Got a card kit for a guest design position I had in October, very fun! Mum and Dad brought us a few things from England, but the best thing was seeing them again, been a while!

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
Allergies were a nightmare. Wildfires close by meant ash everywhere so we've been sniffling more than usual. I hate the fire season, and these recent ones were made especially bad considering some were arson! Urgh! Seriously!

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
Trips out shopping with parents. Took them to the beach. Also went to the Griffith Observatory (complete wash out 'cos he planetarium was broken!), and the zoo (again). Other than that just regular stuff, hanging out with friends and family.

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?
No new restaurants (before my Mom corrects me the Indian place was in November! News on that in Nov round-up) but we sure ate out a lot this month! Whenever we have guests we do eat out a lot. Both of us being vegetarian we don't allow meat in the house so eating out gives everyone the option to eat what they want.

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
Parents were here so lots of trips out and shopping. Didn't buy much though so pretty good overall.

What were this month's disappointments?
Just the fires being close again. Definitely brought back memories of 2003 and 2005. Seems to be a 2 year cycle of fires near us, weird. The biggest disappointment is that the place we ride at burned. All of Rowher and Drink water burned. So now we'll have to travel to Gorman to ride (not only further but also sandy, don't like that so much).

What were my accomplishments this month?
Yep had a good month, some things picked up for publication. Always love seeing those emails *grin*

Anything else noteworthy to record?
Mom and Dad came to visit from England! Haven't seen them since May 2006 so been a while! Always fun to have house guests, especially family. Got to show Mum my ever expanding stash of scrap supplies and taught her a few new (to her) techniques. We went scrap shopping and stocked her up with supplies. Apparently the choice isn't as good in England

Total craft projects - I gave up counting... I think a million cards and a handful of layouts. Definitely a cardmaking month!

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Scrapstreet October Pubs

Ok sharing projects published in the Scrapstreet October issue. The theme throughout the mag was obviously was fall, and halloween for most the articles, with some technique stuff thrown in for good measure. Like my Hybrid article on transparancies. Always something for everyone at Scrapstreet!

The October manufacturer showcase was Paper Trunk. Now I touched on them during the blog action day and hope to get a full review done later this month, but I thoroughly enjoyed working with their papers, and hope to see more from them in the future.

I made this layout for the showcase article. It's a layout of our friends Nigel and Kerry's dog, little Ollie. Love him to bits, totally cute and adorable. Naturally not as cute and adorable as MY dogs but still...

Supplies: Cardstock/PP: Paper Trunk; Chipboard Alpha: Lil Davis; Rub-on: Basic Grey

Also got time to do a card with the Paper Trunk products. Love the floral paper in their line. Also these papers are from both lines, so I LOVE that each line can co-ordinate with each other, gotta love companies that do that.

Supplies: Cardstock/PP: Paper Trunk; Sticker: DCWV

This card was in the Cards article, all Halloween cards in October. This was probably the beginning of my dabble into mixing patterned paper manufacturer. I usually like to keep to the same manufacturer, but I have started to force myself out my box.

Cardstock: DCWV; PP: Reminisce & DCWV; Brads: MM; Fabric Tag: Colorbok

Old layout that got picked up for the fall layouts section. Bob took the pic in Fall 2005. I still have that yellow fleece. Funny how now I look at this and think about the Ford Windstar I was driving.

Credits: Fall kit by Spink (www. scrapstreet.com)

I did this layout for the pet section. You all know torture my dogs by dressing then up. I'm not mean I just love a good photo, and it's good training for them, yes that's it... training!

Credits: Paper, Ribbon and Tab: Holiday Sampler kit by Shabby Princess; Notepaper: Sweet Summer Bliss kit by Shelle Pukas.

As always the free digi kit, was distributed to the digital team and we had fun with this Halloween kit by Katey. You can snag the kit from the scrapstreet digi store.

I'll admit I struggle with some digi kits. Paper supplies I can make work but digital sometimes I just get a creative block.I made this layout and it's one that I would call "ok". I have been struggling lately with using the digital stuff for 100% digital layouts. Mostly I've been doing hybrid, and thats great but it seems I lost my digi layout mojo. If you find it, please return!

Credits: Scrapstreet Halloween Harvest kit by Handmaid Designs, Font: SP Coffee Break.

So there you have it, projects from Scrapstreet October issue! Oh and the November issue is up now and ready for viewing. Also the latest calls are out for the January issue, check it out!

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Layout Sketch November

Beginning of another month and here is Novembers layout sketch. The digital template is available for download here.

And for the first time ever in the history of my sketches.... no sample from me yet! Sorry, just been busy with the parents. In hindsight I was being optimistic to even try to get one done but ah well. Hope to get one done next week sometime. The good news is there are PLENTY of layouts from the sketch girls!

Layout by Dawn McFarland
Credits: Journal notepaper from Stationeries kit by LindaGB at ScrapArtist; Alpha from Shabby Fall Garden by Gina Marie Huff at Weeds and Wildflowers; Circle stitching from Believing in You kit by Gina Marie Huff at Weeds and Wildflowers; All other elements and paper from Falling Into Art kit by Two Sister Designs at ScrapArtist

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Layout by Egle Noel
Credits: Tattered Treasures Kit by Kim Hill (www.ACherryOnTop.com); Journal This Elements Pack by Kim Hill (www.ACherryOnTop.com); Essentials Definitions by Amy Teets (www.ACherryOnTop.com)

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Layout by Jolene Johnston
Supplies: Papers by Daisy D's, ProvoCraft and Deja View; StazOn ink, American Crafts ribbon, Heidi Swapp ghost shapes, ProvoCraft paper sculpted stickers, Michael's leaves, Stickles, Making Memories brad, Sakura pen

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Layout by Angela Shetzer
Credits: All papers, ribbons, brads & alphabet from thedailyscrap's Ides of March kit; Green vellum by Digi Debz's Aubrey kit; Font: Book Antiqua with Satin effects; Photos by Angela, Matt & Kim

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Layout by Dawne Carlisle

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Layout by Joanne Bain
supply list : Timeless Journey Kit by Manuela Zimmerman, Wordart by Dani Mogstad

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Layout by Teresa Jackson
Credits: Sandwashed Summer kit by Di Hickman

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Layout by Tracy Madsen
credits: BooneHall, Laura Burger; font is Amber, by Kim Hill

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Layout by Renee' Morris-Dezember
Materials Used: Summer Fun Kit by AndreaDesigns ( www.andreadesigns.blogspot.com)

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Layout by Dawne Inskip
Supplies/Credits: Paper, elements and overlay ('Christmas is Coming digi
kit by Dawn Inskip), flourish and ribbon (by Dawn Inskip)

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Layout by Sandra Budde
Credits: paper red and green by BrenBoone, paper beige by lauraskathi, ribbons by lauraskathi and agus, stars by ida-doodles and LWO, fiber by gmiller, card by jhe, buttons by cms, sttches by Terragina and jhosford, staple by Lara Payton

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Layout by Peta Boardman
Credits: Miss Mints Twinkle Toes Kit

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Layout by Jacinda Prattley
Supplies: All I Need Kit by Tracy Collins at Retrodiva; Swirl under title from Legacy Kit by Keri Scheuller at Scrapgirls; Chopin Script and Garamond fonts

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Layout by Christina Dean
supply list - piggy tales paper; thickers chipboard lettering; bazzill cardstock; white gel pen;

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As usual hook me up in the comments if you do the sketch and I'll come check out your creations. I should be back to regular routine next week sometime and hope to catch up on comments then. More creativity coming soon!

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