Desktop Freebie

Can you believe another month is over already? Where is the time going? Soon be Christmas as they say! Anyway tomorrow marks the month of October and as always here is a free desktop for your computer, available at Di Hickman Designs, my acot store, and my store at scrapwow

Naturally October meant it had to be Halloween themed so I used my Fiendish Fun kit. This was part of a collaboration kit I did with Robin (mad scrapper) last year. I decided to release it as a mini kit. Normally I'd put a coupon in the desktop for a % off but I forgot, so I am making this a reduced price for everyone - just $1.00 for a limited time! (regular price $1.95). Available at Di Hickman Designs, my acot store, and my store at scrapwow

You can see some treat bag toppers I made using this kit in an older blog post, and I hope to have more projects up soon!

Di

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Manufacturer Monday - All My Memories

I mentioned last week that the only product I had of AMM was 4 sheets of patterned paper. I created a journal and card with last weeks 2 sheets and had 2 sheets of the same paper in a different color. Anyone else do that? Buy the same paper just in different colors. Guess that proves I loved this paper huh? Anyway as much as I loved this paper it was monochromatic purples and I really didn't have photo's to go with it, which is why it was still in my stash I guess! I was chatting to my friend Nancy and asked her for a color combo to go with lilac, and she mentioned grey! Well that sparked something as the next thing I had the computer printing out and 15 minutes later this book cover was done!

I printed the sketches from my computer, just reduced the size, then decoupaged them onto the AMM paper. The title is done using the computer also and transfer paper (tutorial to come soon). This folder now houses almost all my sketch doodles!

New manufacturer next month!

Di

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Share: ATC

A while back (think around November!) Chriss asked me to be a part of an ATC swap, at the time I had to decline due to commitments. I did however accept for May. Then forgot all about it till I saw it on the calendar. Yikes! The theme was "numbers" and I chose to go with sayings regarding numbers.

The above pic shows the fronts of the cards and 1 back, and features many different supplies. Too many to list. I had to muddle these together whilst in the middle of organizing my scraproom and all my supplies, so they aren't as elaborate as I'd like, but I like them all the same...

more soon

Di

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Stash Saturday

Sharing a layout this weekend! This one uses templates! Remember templates? I have to say I don't use mine nearly often enough. Anyway this layout was one that was published in the July issue of Scrapstreet.

Supplies: Templates: The Crafter's Workshop, Cardstock: Bazzill, Paper: My Mind's Eye, Brads: Bazzill, Making Memories, Ribbon: Maya Road, Pens: Sakura, Photo editing: Photoshop.

As you can see there is a rare hand journaling on this one! I used the template to trace and cut out the circle, and I also used it for the flourish element in the bottom left corner. I also used the dots on the template for the penwork and flower brad spacing. Having a template for brad spacing really saves time and headaches, and you're guaranteed perfect spacing!

So this week plough through the dustbunnies and dig out those templates!!!

More soon

Di

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Photo Friday

So last month I set the challenge to read your camera manual. How many of you did it? I know a few of you were interested in joining in the photo challenge each month so it'd be interesting to see who did the 'required reading' lol. I had already read mine part way so I read it the whole way through, though didn't understand some of it! lol! I am hoping that part is more 'hands on' stuff.

I don't know about you but when I grab the camera I tend to have it on auto, something I really hope to be changing in the coming months as I learn to use the dang thing! So this months challenge is to use the scene settings. You probably have them. Portrait, sports, macro, landscape, snow and probably lots more! Refer to your manual see what each one should be used for and USE them! You could try to use two or three different scenes if you can for the same shot (remembering which was which) then compare them afterwards. Oh and if you have kids or pets, SPORT scene mode! Trust me on this one!!!

I chose to use the macro scene setting for this shot, along with some zoom. This little bugger was about 4" long but trying to get a close up shot with auto wasn't happening. One thing about macro is you need a steady hand, the detail blurs easily!

"Hornworm"

I am hoping to get more 'mode shots' done in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more photography challenges!!! And don't forget to show us what you snapped!!!

Di

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Theme Thursday - Black & White

Whenever I create with black and white time and time again I turn to one heart... one mind formality line. One of my favorite lines EVER. Seriously just classic!

Supplies: Cardstock: DCWV; Papers & Rub-ons: one heart... one mind; brads: Boxer Scrapbooks; acrylic: Unknown;

Of course I am also drawn to Boxers black and white papers, and especially this dotted paper, I've used this so many times it's not funny!

Supplies: Cardstock: DCWV; Papers, button, brad & ribbon: Boxer Scrapbooks; Die cut: Sizzix; Flower: Prima

As much as I like to think I'm not a fan of themey papers they really do make for quick and easy cards sometimes. This paper is from Boxer Scrapbooks ballerina line but works really well for notecards! Get it?

Supplies: Cardstock: DCWV; Papers & stickers: Boxer Scrapbooks; Pen: Sakura; Punches: EK Success;

New theme next week!

Di

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Card Sketch September #4

Last card sketch for September and this one turned out to be a favorite for many of us on the card sketch team. Nice for those larger scraps and lots of potential for making it your own. As always the digital template is available in my store for a limited time, snag it while you can!

I chose to go with a gatefold type card, and you can't really see well in the photo but the yellow cardstock is adhered pocket style so that a gift card could be popped in the top! Love double duty cards! Everything here is from my stash too!

"Well Done" card by Di Hickman
Supplies: Paper: Colorbok; Cardstock: DCWV; Acrylic: JoAnns; Flower: Prima

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"Enjoy Your Day" card by Shannon Blinn
Supplies: Cardstock: DCWV; PP: SEI; Flower: Doodlebug; Stamp: Stampin Up

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"Greetings" card by Beverley Todd
Supplies: Papers & Die Cut Sentiment: Fancy Pants; Flower & Button: Making Memories; Chipboard Butterfly: Maya Road; Flock: Doodlebug Designs; Card Blank: HOTP

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"Brights" card by Celeste Brodnik
Supplies: Pattern Paper: Scenic Route; Jewels: Junkitz; Button: Creative Cafe; Ribbon: Craft Supply; Punch: Marvy Uchida

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"Bride & Groom" card by Jan Tatomir
Supplies: Paper: DCWV; Cardstock: Bazzill; Ribbon: Making Memories; Transparency: Hambly; Rubs: Basic Grey, Making Memories; Other: machine stitching;

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"Congratulations" card by Jackie Price
Supplies: All from scraps

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"Blue Happy Birthday" card by Annette Taylor
Supplies: Cardstock – Bazzill, Patterned Paper – Sassafras Lass Life is Beautiful (Starry Night), Chipboard – Maya Road (painted with Ranger Daubers), Stamps – Kim Hughes and Impression Obsession, Felt Ribbon – Creative Café, Pearls – PaperMania

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"hb" card by Pearl Liu
Supplies : Pink Paislee Pop Fashion pps & CS alphas, Bazzill CS , Doodlebug Design Glittered CS , SEI Poppy mini coaster & tab , Bazzill Blossom

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"sweetness" card by Linda Flinders

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"For You" card by Jo Willis
Supplies: DCWV cardstock, Papermania paper, KI Memories paper, My Mind’s Eye paper, fabric flower, Stickles, K& Co Amy Butler fabric brad, Scrapworks Rubz and Autumn Leaves ribbon.

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"Blessings" card by Raechelle Bellus
supplies: everything is Scenic Route

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"America the beautiful" card by Chrys Rose
Supplies: Scenic Route pattern paper, sticker and chipboard; Boxer Scrapbook pattern paper; Tim Holtz grungeboard; Delta paint

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"My Hero" card by Kristin Shulz
Supplies: Kaiser Patterned Paper; Chipboard cut with Cuttlebug nested star die; AMM metallic sticker

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"Snow" card by Louise Connell
Supplies: Papers - English Paper Company; Felt Fusion - Queen & Co; Stickers - Doodlebug

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Review: Smilebooks

This month it was our 10 year anniversary and as a gift for Bob I'd decided to create a scrapbook of our lives together so far. I used a photobook printing site called Smilebooks, and never one to turn down a blogging opportunity I thought it was a great time to add a review of a scrapbook printing service. I will be honest and say I hadn't heard of Smilebooks, they must be flying under my printing radar, but no longer!

As with all scrapbook printing sites you start by downloading their software to create the book. This is a quick and easy process, and I have to say of all the printing sites I've used their software was the easiest to use! If you are a beginner and looking for easy to learn software for creating your photo books then Smilebooks is GREAT! They had lots of size and binding options but I'd already decided on an 8x8 book

After the initial play with the software to get my bearings, I simply imported all the pages I'd created for my book. All 26 pages! (Yeah that took some time creating those!) In Smilebooks you have the option for the photo to cover the whole page or both pages, so once I discovered that I created 2 page spreads and just imported to cover both pages, such a time saver!!!

I had hoped to finish the book sooner but actually didn't end up ordering the book until 30th August. Again ordering was a simple process. One click from their software and the book is uploading to the Smilebooks site, and once completed takes you right to the ordering/payment pages. No fuss! My order confirmation came through almost immediately and I received a shipping notice that weekend!

Now bearing in mind I uploaded and confirmed the order on the 30th which was Labor day holiday weekend, the book was delivered on Saturday 6th September! That's just 5 working days later! I thought that was pretty impressive personally! There was time when I was doubting I'd get it for our anniversary but their speedy shipping pulled me through!

I personally am VERY happy with the quality of the books printing, binding and thankfully Bob loved the book too, as does everyone who has viewed it so far!

I'm not going to share ALL the pages but here are a few:











As you can see I chose the hardback version (this is for our coffee table so needed to be sturdy) and believe me it's awesome! The whole of the album is browns, kraft colored and very scrapbook/notebook style. The focus is all on the story and the photo's. Not gonna do a whole lot of supply lists for these pages but the digi kits used were: My Feeling Krafty kit, Kit by Holly McCaig, Kim Hill, and Rina Kroes.

All in all I am REALLY impressed and actually said that I'd consider doing these for family at the holidays. So if you're looking to get some digital photo's printed, or scrapbook layouts book bound look into Smilebooks, I was really happy with my book!

Di

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Freebie Winner

Hi again,
just popping in to announce the winner of the book "coming unglued".
and the winner is...

Nate and Stacia: I am such a book junkie so I'm gonna have to get this and her others whether I win or not!

Email me and I'll get the book mailed out to you

Also justasiam/Bernice: no I didn't get the email last week can you email me again or leave me a message with your email in the comments (I'll delete it after I see it)

Enjoy

Di

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Manufacturer Monday - All My Memories

Oh yes I have dug to the depths of my stash for this weeks Manufacturer challenge! How many of you remember All My Memories back when they did paper? I have to say I was pretty ticked off when they decided to focus on totes. I loved their color blocked papers, they made scrapping super easy! Anyway I was trying to decide which manufacturer to use for this Monday and there lying on the corner of my scrap table were 4 papers from AMM. I figured hey rather than shove them back into my stash, I could USE these!

First up is a quick and easy journal! This is for me to write down my daily to-do lists. I buy the composition books on sale this time of year. Bought a bunch from Target for 35c each. Every day I have a list of things to do, from chores and gardening to creative stuff. Writing these down keeps me on track.

Supplies: Paper: All My Memories; Alpha: MM; Flowers: Prima; Ribbon: Daisy D's; Brads: Bazzill;

The journal used up 2 sheets of 12x12 paper with some scraps left over, I decided to make a quick card with the scraps. Layered the papers, added some embellishments, stamped a greeting and called it done.

Supplies: Paper: All My Memories; Stamp: K & Co; Ink: Clearsnap; Photo Corners: Heidi Swapp;

More creations soon

Di

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Enjoy the little things

Good morning! Just wanted to pop in to share a card with ya! This one is from Septembers Scrapstreet mag. This months theme was cards with quotes! I designed this one with Boxer papers, prima flowers and a vellum quote. Remember vellum? I've never really been into vellum but lately I've been using it quite a bit on projects.

This months Scrapstreet mag was bittersweet for me, a mix of emotions as this is my last one as a crew member. I resigned back in July but agreed to stay on and write the September article. It's been a great 18 months on the pit crew at Scrapstreet, but I find lately my time is less and less there, and I contribute less each month to the forum and other responsibilities. So it was time to step down.

Supplies: Cardstock: Die Cuts with a View, Paper: Boxer Scrapbooks, Vellum: JoAnns, Eyelets: Boxer Scrapbooks, Brads: Boxer Scrapbooks, Button: Boxer Scrapbooks, Flowers: Prima

The November submission calls are up on the website so check them out!

Also wanted to tell everyone that I repackaged a template pack, this is now template bundle pack #3 available at all my stores!

Also new in my stores are Diagrams 12-18 from this bundle, repackaged as individual templates. Each single DiGRAM has 3 versions of the template, PSD and PNG files included.

Enjoy!

Di

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Teacher Card

Recently I've been busy trying to get my office in order and finally getting around to finding places for everything. Part of that process is getting published projects scanned and on the blog. So with that I thought I'd share a project from the 3rd quarter issue of Hobby Lobby magazine: Stamping, Stationery and Scrapbooking.

Papers & Rub-ons: one heart... one mind; Chipboard: American Crafts; cardstock: DCWV;

Don't forget to look out for the 4th quarter magazine available now at all Hobby Lobby stores! I have 2 projects in this issue which I hope to share soon!

Happy Creating!

Di

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Friday Freebie - book!

Another Friday Freebie! This week up for grabs is the scrapbooking/fiction book I reviewed Tuesday called "Coming Unglued" by Rebeca Seitz.

To enter the fabulous freebie giveaway just sign into the comments and I will draw a winner on Monday 22nd September so make sure to check back!

Have a great weekend!

Di

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Theme Thursday - Black & White

Theme Thursday again and this month it's all about black and white, and only black and white. I love this color combo and as staple colors they are good to have around ALL the time. One thing I especially love about this color combo is that almost all rub-ons are in black and using the black and white color scheme means that they blend in naturally.

Supplies: Cardstock & Paper: DCWV; Die Cut: Sizzix circle frames; Flower: Prima; Rub-on: Target; Brad: office supply store;

As always I chose some paper and just ran with it. Made some envelopes to match to save putting it back in my stash (is that ever going to go down?). A great thing about 'busy' paper is it really doesn't need much in the way of embellishments.

Supplies: Cardstock & Paper: DCWV; Rub-on: Royal & Langnickel; Ric Rac: Unknown

All these designs are based on old sketches of mine, the one below being a particular favorite, good for those times when you're using up scraps of paper (which you KNOW I am all about using scraps!).

Supplies: Cardstock & Paper: DCWV; Tape: Heidi Swap; Rub-on: ScrapEase; Flower: Prima; Button: American Crafts;

So how about it? You up for the black and white challenge this month? No other colors, JUST black and white!!!

More projects soon

Di

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Card Sketch September #3

A couple of the sketch girls emailed me with their sketches this week and said "best sketch ever!", well I don't know about that but it's definitely going into my favorites file! Remember the digital template is available free in my store for a limited time! Snag it while you can!

I have to say this one came together VERY easily this week, but then it's nice and geometric, just my style. I picked out the flower color first then chose the paper, and the card just fell together all by itself.

"Happy Birthday" card by Di Hickman
Supplies: Cardstock: DCWV; Paper: DCWV; Flowers: Prima; Stamp: Boxer; Ink: Clearsnap; Brads: JoAnns; Die cut: Sizzix;

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"Get Well Soon" card by Beverley Todd
Supplies: Patterned Papers: Cloud 9 Design; Rub Ons: Upsy Daisy
Designs; Scallop Punch: Marvy Uchida; Brads: Dovecraft; Gems: Petaloo

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"winter" card by Jan Tatomir
Supplies: Paper: Sonburn; Cardstock: Bazzill; Scalloped Edge: Bazzill; Ghost snowflakes: Heidi Swapp; Bling Snowflakes: MAMBI; Twill: JoAnns Craft Essentials; Rub: Basic Grey

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"Party" card by Linda Flinders

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"Happy Wedding" card by Pearl Liu
Supplies : Bazzill CS , Cuttlebug Embossing , Dimensional Stickers

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"Happy Birthday" card by Jo Willis
Supplies: DCWV cardstock, K & Co Amy Butler papers, Maya Road velvet ribbon, Heidi Grace sentiment stamp, Versamagic chalk ink, Craft Work brads, rhinestones and a Marvy pen.

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"Happy Birthday" card by Liz Davidson
Supplies: Brown and Orange Card from Papermill; 3 prima flowers; 3 dovecraft brads; studio G stamps; spotty paper Junkitz; Brown roan chalk ink.

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"imagine" card by Shannon Blinn

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"Thank You" card by Annette Taylor
Supplies: Cardstock – Bazzill, American Crafts Thickers stamped with Impression Obsession stamp, Fiskars Threading Water Punch, Lace – John Lewis Haberdashery dept, Ribbon & Pearls - Angel Crafts Ribbon Kit, Bazzill In Stitches Thread

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"Thank You" card by Ruth Trice
Supplies: PP by TLC and Anna Griffin, Stamps by Lavinia stamps, Anna Griffin and Rubber Stamp Tapestry.

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"Happy Holidays" card by Kristin Shulz
Supplies: Jolee's By You cardstock/envelope; Making Memories rubs and flowers; Luxe Rubon Border; Misc sequins and buttons

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"Poinsettia's" card by Louise Connell
Supplies: Papers and brads - HOTP; Poinsettias - Papermania; Rub on - Bo Bunny

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"A Big Thank You" card by Raechelle Bellus
supplies- pp: Ki; rubons: DeJa Views; DMC floss; ric rac: Fancy Pants Designs

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"Remember When..." card by Chrys Rose
supplies: Bazzill cardstock; Dream Street pattern paper; Autumn Leaves stamp; Copic markers; Melissa Frances rub on; Boxer Scrapbook brads

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"thank you" card by Celeste Brodnik
Supplies: Pattern Paper, Buttons: Foofala; Ribbon: Basic Grey; Rubon: Creative Cafe; Chipboard: Maya Road

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"Celebrate" card by Jackie Price

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