Digital update - card templates

I mentioned on my blog Wednesday that I've been reminiscing about past sketches/templates of mine over the last 2+ years. I haven't always offered the digital templates for my sketches, and even though I do offer the templates now, they are free for only a limited time. It's quite a struggle balancing my desire for educating and inspiring with the sketches/templates and wanting to earn some money from the digital designing. It takes quite a while each month to create the sketches/templates, and although I love what I do, I admit it's nice to get a pay check too! lol.

After some soul searching I think I've decided on a happy medium. In the future ALL Wednesday card templates will be offered free for 48 hours only. Upon the 48 hours I will remove the item from the store and (eventually) repackage them into card template packs for sale in the store. I really feel that this is the best solution for everyone concerned. Plus it will give everyone a second chance to snag templates they missed. Also some templates will be in their original format, some may change shapes, or styles, some may be made into photocards, and some may just get thrown on the discard pile, lol. My plan is that the initial sale price will be just $1.00 for a week, then $2.00, then the regular sale price.

On that note, I am releasing packs of card templates in the upcoming year from all the sketches over the last TWO YEARS! That's a LOT of card templates! Card set 1 was released a while ago and can be seen here.

Card set #2 is unique in that these were cards that I didn't make templates for originally. These were based on card sketches done in 2006 when I created my first sketches. As such these have NOT been previously offered as freebies on the blog :)

This week sees the release of set #3. For this one I decided to put all square ones together in a pack. These templates make 5"x5" cards. All the card packs are available at Di Hickman Designs, Scrapwow or A Cherry On Top


Freebies are great, I personally love using them, and love creating them, however they also come with a time tag which needs to be paid. To that end I really think this is a fair compromise, and I hope you agree!

Lots more soon!

Di

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Stamping, Stationery & Scrapbooking 2009

The 2009 1st quarter issue of Stamping, Stationery and Scrapbooking magazine is available in Hobby Lobby stores nationwide! Great magazine for eye candy, inspiration and at just $2.99 a great deal!

I have a card in this issue which I love! Fun papers by Glitz and the super adorable stamps by my girlfriend Kim Hughes (you know the insanely talented and OMG that IS HER HANDWRITING Kim!). Anyway I am totally happy they chose this card to publish =)

That's all for today!

Di

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Digital Friday Freebie

Digital freebie this week! If you'd like the chance to win a $5 coupon to my digital store, just sign in the comments! I'll pick a winner on Monday 12th January.

Good Luck!

Di

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Theme Thursday - NEW

As it's the start of a new year, it makes us think of new things. Whether that's a new job, new house, new body, or in this case new baby! I busted out some one heart... one mind from my stash and got busy with a couple of cards. These were TOTALLY inspired by the little metal "baby" tabs I snagged at the dollartree.

Supplies: Papers & Rub-ons: one heart... one mind; Metal tab: Miss Elizabeths

Supplies: Papers & Rub-ons: one heart... one mind; Metal tab: Miss Elizabeths

Now before anyone asks NO not pregnant, NO not trying to get pregnant, ok now that is out the way, lol. I like to look at my card stash every New Year and see what types of cards I am low on, and strangely the ones I am making this month are all needed! Must be the time of year! Every Thursday this month look out for projects with a "new" theme!

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Decided to join in a fun meme I'd seen floating around the blogsphere. This is one of those "100s" lists. It lists 100 activities and you are to bold the ones you have done and italicize five you would like to do most. If you want to participate, just snag and post to your blog!

1. Started my own blog – Yeppers! Got more than one now!

2. Slept under the stars – Does in a tent count? no?

3. Played in a band – Does Rock Band count? I've sung with a band but that's not technically playing is it? I don't even play an instrument though I am kinda learning to play the guitar (though haven't practiced in a while). I'm learning to play by Tab as reading music bores me, I want instant results =)

4. Visited Hawaii – No but I'd like to. Friends of ours have been and it looks beautiful!

5. Watched a meteor shower – yep watched a couple actually. We got a pretty good view of the last few we've had.

6. Given more than I can afford to charity – I've raised money for charity in my time, given lots of items to charity and given money to charities. Kidney disease is something that impacted my life greatly, and will for years to come so obviously that is dear to my heart. This will probably be something I'll talk about later as my Mums kidney function deteriorates, due to Polysystic Kidney Disease. Right now she's at 14% function, has her Cimino fistula and is preparing for a future of dialysis.

7. Been to Disneyland/world - Been to Disneyland many times (and we get in for free now Bob works for Disney so it's a cheap day out for us). On our 1st anniversary we went to Florida, didn't so Disneyworld, but we did Animal Kingdom (awesome btw). I've scrapped a few photo's of the Disneyworld ones when my parents were over, but none from 1997, or Animal Kingdon in 1999. Need to get busy on that!

8. Climbed a mountain – Yes, it was technically a mountain though I was only 15/16 at the time so can't remember a whole lot about it. I do have photo's though, which also need to be scrapbooked!

9. Held a praying mantis – we get these in our garden during summer. Love the way they look, very unusual creatures yet so interesting to look at!

10. Sung a solo – Karaoke queen! Sung with a live band karaoke style at a party a couple of years ago. Fun times!

11. Bungee jumped – no, not sure I would either.

12. Visited Paris – been to France but not Paris specifically

13. Watched lightning at sea – nope don't think so.

14. Taught myself an art from scratch – I can cook (some stuff), and I taught myself to scrapbook and make cards. Oh and I taught myself photoshop =)

15. Adopted a child – If we ever did have kids I think we'd adopt, but I do not have any desire to have children, biological or otherwise.

16. Had food poisoning – It was either the Mushroom Stroganoff or the eggnog desert thing. My money is on the eggnog. Man that was a bad time. I don't even remember the name of the restaurant but ewwww puke city! Only time I've ever had it, and never want it again!

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty – Nope. We did go to the top of the Empire State Building though. That was during an 8 hour stop over whilst waiting for flights.

18. Grown my own vegetables – Something I've recently started again here in the US, but I did this in England. This year we grew tomatoes, beans, corn, radish, cucumbers etc and I have cool season crops in now. Nothing like a tomato right off the vine!

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France – Nope, no real desire to.

20. Slept on an overnight train – Nope

21. Had a pillow fight – Yes I remember having a pillow fight twice in my life. Once with Lisa and Shelley, and again at a slumber party at Rachaels house.

22. Hitchhiked – Nooooooo, have you not seen horror films!

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill. – hahaha if anyone answers no to this then they are probably lying.

24. Built a snow fort – tried to build an igloo once but we didn't get much snow so I guess with just 1ft high walls it was more a fort?

25. Held a lamb – no but I'd like to I love animals!

26. Gone skinny dipping – hahahaha... no.

27. Run a Marathon – No but again its something I'd like to do.

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice – never been to Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse – yes,

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset – oh yes, many times

31. Hit a home run – Never played baseball, but we have a similar game in England called rounders which I was totally crap at. Now give me a tennis raquet and give me a fighting chance of hitting the ball! I never was much of a team sports player, I prefered tennis, or running, or later on aerobics!!!

32. Been on a cruise – no

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person – no

34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors – um, yeah I guess. My heritage is English and I am from England so yeah.

35. Seen an Amish community – no. Live without the internet? Yikes, sorry no, couldn't do it! I do love farms though, and the lifestyle they lead. I'd like to incorporate SOME elements into my life, but their lifestyle is a little too strict for me.

36. Taught myself a new language – At school in England we're taught French. Even if you do two languages the other is typically German. I will say that I knew a little French before school as my friend Shelley taught me some as she was learning at school (she was about 4 years older than me). Naturally French does me completely no use here in the US where the second language is Spanish! So even though I know French I'd like to learn Spanish this year (or next year)

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied – We have enough to pay bills, the mortgage, and some savings so yes.

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person – Nope.

39. Gone rock climbing – yep. When I was 15/16 I went on a school trip on an adventure week. We did lots of sports and activities. One of which was rock climbing. I'm quite thankful for that trip to whitehall and getting to try out so many outdoor pursuits.

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David – no

41. Sung karaoke – yep many times. Bob loves Karaoke too. We've sung it regular with the backing track on the TV, and with a live band. I would say without a doubt it's Bobs favorite activity. He loves to sing!

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt – No,

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant – nope

44. Visited Africa – Nope. I would love to go on one of those tours round the plains though and see all the animals. Closest we got was the tour in Aminal Kingdom, I'd prefer to see the animals in their natural habitat.

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight – Yes, on my own, deep in thought.

46. Been transported in an ambulance – Don't think so. All the injuries etc I've had, I don't think any required a trip in an ambulance. If I needed emergency treatment I believe we've always got there by car.

47. Had my portrait painted – No, better things to paint!

48. Gone deep sea fishing – Introducing a new part to the meme of "things I will never do". I'm vegetarian, and totally against this kind of "Sport". Besides the oceans are overfished already!

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person – So not a “chapel person” and no desire to see this.

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris – Nope never been to Paris.

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling – No, but I'd like to at some point.

52. Kissed in the rain – Yes

53. Played in the mud – I garden, so I play in the mud on a regular basis.

54. Gone to a drive-in theater – No, but one of these is happening soon here as they try and bring back this activity. Maybe we'll go and check it out

55. Been in a movie. – Maybe! Haven't seen the film yet and right now I can't remember what it was called (something like "romance in the park" which was a working title too so could have changed anyway). But about 3 years ago I was walking the dogs in the park and there were notices saying they were filming and basically by entering the park you could be in the movie. I continued my walk. So if you see woman walking a Dalmatian in the background of a movie, let me know! Wish I could remember the proper name, it may come back to me.

56. Visited the Great Wall of China – No, no real desire to either.

57. Started a business –Yes =) I was self employed for many years in England with my company Dynamic Fitness.

58. Taken a martial arts class – No, I've always wanted to though, but I've since discovered that due to my Kidney disease I shouldn't do contact sports.I dunno, I think it's something I'll do at some point just to say I did it. Plus I think the outfits look cool =)

59. Visited Russia – No, no real desire to either. If I could go anywhere I'd go to Egypt (love to see the pyramids), India (hello we LOVE the food!) or somewhere like Hawaii.

60. Served at a soup kitchen – No, I've never even seen a soup kitchen.

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies – nope.

62. Gone whale watching – Yes, more than once. Love it! Such a peaceful experience, love being out on the boat too, even though both times I got sunburnt!

63. Got flowers for no reason – Yes I have BUT I don't like cut flowers. I much prefer seeing them in their natural environment, or in a pot alive. I'd be happier with a packet of vegetable seeds though.

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma – no, not completely sure if I can due to Kidney Disease either.

65. Gone sky diving – No, we went gliding this year though.

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp – nope, and no desire to.

67. Bounced a check – Nope, never.

68. Flown in a helicopter – Something I want to do at some point.

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy – No, I'm not really attached to things. I couldn't even tell you my favorite toy. I had a few I liked, for example: Kermit puppet, Orinocho Womble (loved the Wombles, way ahead of their time too! The BBC should totally bring the Wombles back!) , blackboard, Cindy/barbie dolls, but nothing really stands out as a favorite.

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial – no, again no desire to.

71. Eaten caviar – Never have, never will. Vegetarian for 17 years, and quite honestly even when I did eat meat the idea of eating fish eggs just sounded completely disgusting! Ewwww

72. Pieced a quilt – Nope, though I have sewn my own clothing!

73. Stood in Times Square – No, that many people in one place? = my idea of HELL.

74. Toured the Everglades – No, kinda regret not doing that while in Florida, but we had crappy weather with Hurricane Flloyd at the time.

75. Been fired from a job – No, but I got laid off from a job for the first time this year.

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London – yes, and I have photo's.

77. Broken a bone – Not broken no, dislocated collar bone and other cuts and scrapes but nothing broken. (yet... had to add that 'yet' being the clumsy thing I am)

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle – yes =) Though offroad so technically can you speed offroad? I have ridden on a motorcycle on the highway too though, just not as the rider but as a passenger.

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person – No,

80. Published a book – no, but I think everyone would like to write a book, but this is something I really want to achieve!

81. Visited the Vatican – No and no desire to, who thought up this list?

82. Bought a brand new car – Yes! My Hyundai Tuscon we bought brand new in 2006, after my Windstar died. And for anyone wondering, it's awesome, I love it!

83. Walked in Jerusalem – No, again no desire to.

84. Had my picture in the newspaper – Yes, I've scrapbooked it too. I was very young though!

85. Read the entire Bible – No I haven't. I'm not a Christian, I have no desire to read the Bible. I was christened when I was very young, but given a choice I wouldn't have been. Not even sure why my Mom saw fit to have a christening when she isn't religious herself?

86. Visited the White House – Nope, something I can't say I have any urge to do either.

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating – NO! Ewwww! Vegetarian remember! I swear I think the person who thought this list up was a religious person who liked hunting and fishing a lot!

88. Had chickenpox – More than once as I recall!

89. Saved someone’s life – Save my own on a regular basis being the clumsy tart I am! We also saved our dogs lives by rescuing them, 2 weeks at a shelter is a LONG time here, we heard the staff say they were in their final days beforethey were done.

90. Sat on a jury – Not yet. We keep getting the notifications in the mail that we've been selected and we keep telling them we aren't US citizens. They really need a better way to do Jury selections!

91. Met someone famous – Yes! Martin Clunes, Lee & Herring, Brian Clough, Greg Kinnear to name a few.

92. Joined a book club – No.

93. Lost a loved one – Yes, my Grandad died of Kidney failure complications after battling with PKD for many years.

94. Had a baby – Nope and don’t want to! Give me puppies any day! Dang puppies are so cute! Honestly I have no maternal desire for children. Truth be told I don't even like kids that much till they get to about 7-8, and babies, yuk forget it. Some women just weren't made to be mothers. I fall into that catergory.

95. Seen the Alamo in person – No, no desire to

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake – no

97. Been involved in a law suit - Nope, thankfully.

98. Owned a cell phone – Yep I do. Which usually isn't charged up or on my person when I'm out and about. I try I really do! I'm much better than I have been the past few years though, and it's becoming more second nature again. Back in England when I was working and driving all over, it was with me 24/7 but now I just forget... or I'm home anyway and it seems pointless. I will say that having the Helio ocean has been much better for texting, and since I found out the photo uploading thing for facebook I've been using that too!

99. Been stung by a bee – never, I have this insane fear of being stung and act all crazy about bees/wasps being near me. I love them to be beside me on flowers etc. But if one comes too close I get crazy!

100. Ridden an elephant – no but how cool would that be?


Snag the meme if you want to!

Di

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Card Sketch January #1

Welcome to Card Sketch Wednesdays! Hurrah for sketches, that's what I say! I was having one of those 'blast from the past' days the other day and went looking through my sketch files, and WOW that's a LOT of sketches! Over 2 years now I've been doing Sketch Wednesday, and loving every moment. Though that's also over 100 cards! Just think if we made a holiday card with the sketch every week, no mad rush in December! lol! That would be 52 cards ready for the holiday craziness, but where would the fun be it that? lol!

Anyway here is this weeks sketch

This weeks card from me is a very personal one, it's the one I sent to Beverley's family. I want to thank everyone for the emails, and comments. It's such a blessing to know how much she was loved in the crafting community. Her passing has really made me sit back and think about what I want from life, to appreciate the small things, and most importantly not to waste a single minute!

"With Sympathy" card by Di Hickman
Supplies: Prima Hybrid Tea & Silk Kit

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"Cherish Today" card by Jan Tatomir
Supplies: Paper: My Mind's Eye; Cardstock: The Paper Co; Punch: Fiskars, Family Treasures; Twine: Wellington; Snowflake: Michaels; Wax: Gartner Studios; Stamps: Hero Arts; Ink: ColorBox; Other: Corregated Cardboard

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"Happy Anniversary" card by Louise Connell
Supplies: Cardstock ~ Bazzill; Papers and ribbon ~ Fancy Pants Botanical; Swirl stamps ~ Autumn Leaves; Sentiment stamp ~ Woodware; Flowers ~ Prima

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"Happy Birthday" card by Linda Flinders

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"Be Mine" card by Pearl Liu
Supplies: Fancy Pants Splendid pp & die cut , Making Memories Sticker tab & Rouge Paperie journaling spot , Rangers Red Distressed Stickles, Crackled Accent

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"Happy Birthday" card by Liz Davidson
Supplies: swiss dots embossing folder on Creafters companion pearl card , dove craft brad, Gingham blossom, Studio D letter stamps. The pink lace . scrap of flowery ribbon.

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"Happy Birthday" card by Kelli Seeman-Smith
Supplies: K&Co patterned paper, Heidi Swapp bling strip, Paper Bliss chipboard cupcake & flourish, Paper Studios stamp Happy Birthday

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"Happy New Year" card by Celeste Brodnik

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"Best Wishes" card by Chrys Rose
Supplies: SEI pattern paper; Prima flower; Hero Arts stamps and ink; Bazzill cardstock; Imaginisce rub on; Boxer Scrapbook button; Kaiser Craft pearls

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"Thank You" card by Jo Willis
Supplies: K & Co paper, Martha Stewart punch, Fancy pants ribbon, Inkadinkado stamp, versafine ink, Nestabilities die-cuts, MAMBI rhinestones.

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"Together" card by Ruth Trice
Supplies: Paper by K and Co, Flowers by Prima and unknown, Pebeo Pearl Touch, Leaf Punch by The Punch Bunch, vintage lace and brads from stash.

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"Big Sister" card by Annette Taylor
Supplies: Bazzill Cardstock, Patterned Paper Doodlebug, Hydrangea Blooms Prima, Brads and Pearls by Papermania, Ribbon from stash, Stamps by Zina Wright at Scrapboxx and Studio-G, Paints from a local stationers

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Di

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Design Teams 101

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 this 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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Design Teams, what are they, what's the different kinds, how can you get one and what should you know... etc? Those are all questions I want to answer for you today, so grab a cuppa and some snack and sit back while we discuss Design Teams...


What are they?
A design team is a group of creative individuals that work to provide inspiration, projects and more for an organization. Each organization will set guidelines for the group and these guidelines vary A LOT depending on the type of team.

Why do you want to be on a design team?
Different people will have different answers, but what I have seen is many DT members doing it for free product, totally the wrong reason. You should WANT to create with a specific product, or kit club, or store. If you are doing it for the free product it can become a chore. This is especially so if you are creating for a manufacturer, if you don't love their product working with it every month will not be the highlight of your month it's supposed to be!

How much time do you have to spare for a DT?
Many people think it's just a matter of receiving product, creating projects and that's it. Depending on the type of team you're on it can be a LOT of work! I'll go indepth into the different teams in next weeks but I have to say some teams require a lot of participation, others are more laid back. Definitely look at the call carefully and assess whether the team is right for you. Also worth noting here is if you are already on a DT (or two) will you have time to commit to another? It's true that some people can juggle multiple teams but if you have a job, kids, family commitments etc then think about how that will impact your already busy life!

What kind of team do you want to apply for?
There are many different kinds of design team:

• Online Stores/sites
• Local Scrapbook Store
  
• Blogs
  
• Kit Clubs
• digital designer/store
• Ezines
• Product manufacturer
  
• Magazines

Each of these has their own purposes from increasing kit sales to promoting manufacturer products. Each has it's own rules and it's own pro's and cons for pursuing a specific design team. I want to cover each one in depth so I'll tackle the different teams in an next weeks article.

What is the duration of the DT term?
A typical duration is one year, but 6 month terms aren't uncommon these days. It's good to check that you'll have time to create during holidays, or if you have a house move scheduled. I've also seen 3 month contracts popping up for stores and kit clubs.

What are Guest Design Teams?
For guest positions you get to live the Design Team life without the long term committment, you get the spotlight for one month. These are great for those with busy lives who can't commit to a long contract. It's also a good way to see if Design Teams are for you, kind of like a trial run. On the other hand, if you really do well during your guest spot, it's also a way to promote yourself and maybe earn a permanant position.

When to resign from a team?
Part of being on a design team and being professional is knowing when to call it a day and resign from the team. Reasons to resign from a team can include:

• struggling with the work load,
  
• family/personal issues,
  
• ill health etc.
  

It's worthwhile remembering that you should try to have DT terms of 6 months increments on your resume. Also worth noting that resigning from a team just because you found a better team IMO is very unprofessional. See out one contract first, then resign. Hopping from one team to another for a month or two at a time shows lack of commitment so try to stay out your contract term if possible.


Ok I think that's enough for today, next week I'll discuess the types of Design Teams in depth =)

Remember Questions are welcome!

Di

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Manufacturer Challenge - Crate Paper

This month in the Manufacturer Monday I thought I'd challenge myself to use Crate Paper. Now I LOVE LOVE LOVE this line from Crate, however, it's a double edged love. Meaning that I struggled to actually USE it. Not because it's hard to use or anything but because it's so pretty I hate to cut it! But I did it! Sheesh...

This is a mini book, that started life as a card. When I was creating over the holidays I planned on posting this on New Years day, only the glitter took ages to dry (and I am STILL finding glitter a week later!), and I had to print off the text strip, and well by that time it was New Years Eve and I knew it wasn't going to get done in time. So I thought what else could I make this into? And so a mini album was born.

Supplies: Paper: Crate; Text strip: Photoshop; Sizzix Die; Glitter; Silver cardstock

This year I'm trying to break habits, create new habits, and change things. Rhonna Farrer did a challenge before where you had a month to work on changing ONE thing in your life. The theory being that it takes 28 days to create/break a habit. I loved that challenge and thought I'd do the same, and make a little mini book to document it. This is Januarys page. Quick intro on the habit, photo, and most importantly the "ACHIEVED:-" part of the journaling.

Supplies: Paper & Alpha: Crate; Template: Photoshop; Pen: Sakura; Brads & Rub-ons: MM

My goal for January is to run 2 miles. I'm in the process of getting fit & healthy and so it was apt that running was my January goal. For those who want to follow the process I'm updating every Saturday on my other blog. I actually started on 22nd December, and today I ran 1 1/4 miles! Right on track for 2 miles by the months end.

I have a basic idea of the other months, but need to put them in order before I do anything. Some are fitness related, some creative, some just plain habits I want to create/break. So how about you? What goals do you have for 2009? Did you document them yet?

More pages from this album soon, and more projects with Crate Paper every Monday this month!

Di

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