if you're seeing this post

if you're seeing this post well this means that I am too busy cleaning up after this one to post :(

River took sick yesterday and despite having projects to post I just haven't gotten around to the whole photographing, resizing, uploading etc. I had planned on doing it Friday but ended up permanently attached to the wet vac, carpet cleaner and paper towels. Plus just when I thought it couldn't get any worse she got diarrhea too!

We've been through this the past two years with River. It's obviously seasonal as it's always Jan/Feb time (and I remember cos I almost canceled my CHA trip last year). The first time it happened we took her to the vet and it was 8 days till she was better. Did I mention she didn't eat during that time? And barely drank water! Yeah I worry!

Yesterday was day 1 of the puking, pooping and refusing food. All my family will be like "OMG River refused food!!!!", yes she does when she's sick. You can see she wants it, but knows she'll throw it up so doesn't bother taking it. Smart girl! Wish me luck for the weekend that she gets better quick. Otherwise I may have to take out shares in Bounty kitchen towels!

Di


ps. The photo's were taken last year, she looks even more depressed than usual right now :)

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March Desktop Freebie!

Popping in with a freebie today! It's nearly March which means DESKTOP SWITCHEROO! Gotta snag it, fill it with your little leprechauns and put it on your computer desktops! The desktop is available it all my stores: Di Hickman Designs, a cherry on top and scrapwow.

The March Desktop is made with my new mini kit, imaginatively entitled: St Patrick's Day! I love making mini kits! This kit has 4 pp, 3 solids and 10 embellishments. Priced right at just $1.95 throughout March! Again available at all my digital stores: Di Hickman Designs, a cherry on top and scrapwow.

Enjoy!

Di

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Prima Hybrid

Wednesday is Hybrid day on the Prima blog, so us hybrid girls get to shine and show our stuff. New in the Prima Hybrid store this month is this "beautiful day" kit by Vera Lim. I love the colors and had to use it for a project (and probably more in the coming weeks!). This is a layout of my BFF's daughter Bella.

Digital supplies: Beautiful Day by Vera Lim ; IOD Silhouettes gem frame fleurishy small; IOD Silhouette gem strips hearts; IOD Silhouette gem alpha royal; IOD Rue 88 coordinates; All from Prima Hybrid Notepaper scanned and extracted myself
Physical Supplies: Elysee Ribbon; Center Kisses 9mm - 520717; Kisses hearts - 520694 all by Prima Marketing Inc

Quick how-to

• Open a new document 11x8.5" @ 300dpi, drag and drop the blue floral paper, large flower and green solid from the Beautiful day kit, and the beige solid from Rue 88 kit. Add the heart strip, "C" alpha silhouette, photo and frame onto the layout.
• Change Alpha color to green, add dark brown stroke, repeat step with rest of title.
• Resize photo to fit the frame
• Duplicate frame, change top layer to dark brown overlay.
  
• With the green solid paper from Beautiful Day kit under the first frame duplicate, using the marquee tool 'cut out' the inner and outter sections of the frame
• Repeat the above step with the inner section and the large floral paper
• Using the erase tool on the beige solid from Rue 88 kit, erase all but the floral area under the frame stamp.
• Add notepaper and journaling
• Print layout and allow to dry.
• Carefully cut along notepaper edge and floral edge with a craft knife, then slide ribbon through and secure.
• Embellish with center kisses and hearts
  

Di

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Card Sketch February #4

Wow last week of February already! Time flies huh? This weeks sketch is a little graphic, a little simple, with some room for making it a little fussier. I seem to go through phases with embellishments and photo corners and stamp type flowers on the sketches have been the 'thing' recently, though next month will be scallops so be forewarned! lol! As usual the digital template is available in my store for a limited time! Grab it while you can!

I admit to leaving mine a little late this time, I hurriedly made this yesterday! My creative mojo has been up and down for a while and after I made a layout recently it's been MIA altogether. I like this card though, so maybe it's coming back to me! lol! And yes GO ME, I got out the sewing machine for actual REAL STITCHING rather than faking it ;)

"Hello!" card by Di Hickman
Supplies: Paper: Imagination Project; Cardstock: Colorbok, DCWV; Stamp: CHF; Alpha: AC thickers; Photo Corners: 3L; Ink: CTMH; Machine stitching;

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"Best Wishes" card by Pearl Liu
Supplies: DCWV ALL Dressed Up glittered cardstock, chipboard and brad, Core'dinations cardstock , Kelly Panacci Rub On Sentiment

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"At the beach" card by Celeste Brodnik
Supplies: Pattern Paper, Stickers: Scenic Route

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"Wedding Acceptance" hybrid card by Andrea Gourley
Supplies: Papers - Lola's Lollypop Dream, Manda Bean and Eva Kipler (Sweet Shoppe Designs); Paper frills - Doodlebug; Paper and silk flowers - Prima; Ribbon - May Arts; Stamps - PSX pixie alphabet stamps; Ink - Stazon; Brad - Basic Grey; Cardstock - Stampin' Up!

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"Because of you" card by Jo Willis
Supplies: Papermill card, My Mind’s Eye paper, Colorbox chalk inks, K&Co Madeline die-cut, Magic Mesh, ribbon from stash, Prima flowers, vintage buttons, Making Memories clip, photo anchor and brad and a pin.

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"Remember" card by Jan Tatomir
Supplies: Paper & Paper Shapes: K & Company; Dry Cleaning Slip: Papier Valice (vintage); Buttons & Rubs: Making Memories

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"Aloha" card by Claire Mackeness
Supplies: Paper – Basic Grey, Ribbon – Stash, Image – Dottie from charmed cards and crafts, corner – Cuttlebug vintage die

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"Happy Birthday" card by Louise Connell
Supplies: Papers, Alpha stickers & buttons – Basic Grey

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"Surprise!" card by Lizzy Davidson
Supplies: Top patterned paper from DCWV Floral mat stack. bottom paper papermill stamped with brown chalk ink letters Making Memories. Surprise stamp came free with a magazine, the flower stamp: Hobby Craft, painted with H2O's

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"Happy Buz-day" card by Linda Flinders

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Enjoy the sketch, and remember I'd love to see your creations to link me up in the comments!

Di

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Using office supplies on cards

I keep meaning to post more 'green' articles but time is just getting away from me lately! Recently though I made some cards from plain color blocked paper that I thought needed a "pop" and I decided to use office supplies to do it! These hole reinforcements have been in my stash for a while waiting for a purpose. I rarely throw anything away, just in case, lol! Anyway I used them on this first card and thought they made great patterned paper alternatives!

Supplies: Paper: Colorbok; Hole Reinforcements from office supply store; Stamp: Kim Hughes, CHF; Ink: CTMH; Button: EK Success;

Obviously being circles opens them up to being cut in half and used as half circles which leads to... scallops! I swear I am scallop obsessed lately! I think 3 of 4 card sketches in March feature scallops! I guess we all go through phases :) Anyway I simply cut the hole reinforcements whilst still on their backing sheet then adhered them to the card.

Supplies: Paper: Colorbok; Hole Reinforcements from office supply store; Stamp: Kim Hughes, CHF; Ink: CTMH; Twill: 7 Gypsies;

Remember being 'green' isn't just about buying green products it's about using what you have! I think the cards look great and I hope next time you need a boost to your scrap project think outside the scrapbook arena and see what else you have on hand! :) Di

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Happy Mondays

I am here and well, not buried under a pile of scrapbook supplies! I'm having issues with blogger uploading pics, or not uploading pics as the case may be. Giving up and will hopefully post tomorrow. This serves me right for not prepping the post sooner!

Grumble!

Di

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Strength & Discipline

This week I thought I'd share some projects with the Boxer Martial Arts stamps. These limited edition sets are just great for cards or mini albums, along with layouts and other projects! Plus their price doesn't break the bank either!!! I love how each set is themed yet can be used in so many ways. This first card I used the plaid paper from the Holiday line! I like how in this instance it almost looks like oriental shutters/screens. Matches the stamps great!

BoxerSupplies: Martial Arts limited Edition Stamps; Blue & Purple Plaid Paper, Midnight blue mini Brads

For this card I went with the dots! I know I know, I always use dots, but I love them so much! lol! They just go great with anything! Stamped a section along the red cardstock and added stamped greeting and focal image. The dragon really is a cool design!

Boxer Supplies: Martial Arts limited Edition Stamps; Small red dot Paper

Check out all the stamps Boxer has to offer, you are sure to find lots of great products!

Di

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25% off templates!

My templates were highlighted at "The Daily Scrapper" this month! As a token of appreciation and celebration I am offering 25% off all templates in my digital store.

Coupon Code: TDStemplates
Expires: April 30, 2009
Store: Di Hickman Designs

Perfect chance to grab a template or two that you've been coveting ;)

Enjoy!

Di

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Madly in love

Thought I'd share a card I made for Boxer Scrapbooks last week for the Design Team blog. Each day we post something new so make sure to check out the blog :)

Supplies: Papers by Boxer scrapbooks; Cardstock: DCWV; Acrylic: JoAnns

Happy to say we have a little sunshine stretch till Saturday so I'll be out in the garden enjoying the sun and working my green fingers to the bone :) I have posts lined up and scheduled to post though so no worries on the blog front!

I got two boxes of supplies in the mail recently and I am really realizing that my clean ups and organizing just aren't cutting it! I need a MAJOR MAJOR severe overhaul in here. So trying to plan some time for that. You know around other projects, deadlines, and general everyday life stuff. Where did all this stuff come from? I already got rid of a TON of stuff on freecycle, and to friends/family. I swear it breeds like rabbits when my back is turned!

Also working on another project that I will reveal next month. Just something I have been planning for a while, mixing other projects and once I've finalized details I'll be creating an album and sharing the info here on the blog. Kinda excited about this one honestly! :) But more on that in March...

Di

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Card Sketch February #3

I love simple and clean card designs so this card sketch was a no-brainer design for me. I'll be using this one a lot in the future! Check out my digital store to grab the free digital template, available for a limited time!

When I was making this card I had a clear plan in mind: nice and simple! The paper is pre-printed colorblocked paper by Colorbok, simply add the ribbon and stamping :) The flower design well didn't turn out as I planned. I knew I had some Heidi Swapp acetate flower stickers in white, but I turned my room upside down trying to find them!!! I know they are in here somewhere, but dang if I can find them! Anyway I improvised with a white pen!

"happy birthday" card by Di Hickman
Supplies: Paper: Colorbok; Ribbon: Boxer Scrapbooks; Pen: Ranger; Stamp: Studio G

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This week I'd like to introduce Andrea Gourley as a new member to the sketch team! I've worked with Andrea on the Prima Hybrid team and LOVE her cards, her hybrid work and her eye for design. She really rocks the cards! Welcome to the team Andrea!

"Hugs" hybrid card by Andrea Gourley
Supplies: Papers and elements - Organically Yours, Manda Bean, Eva Kipler and Scrapkitchen Designs (Sweet SHoppe Designs); Flower stamp - Big Blooms brushes, Melissa Bennet (Sweet Shoppe Designs); Paper flowers - Prima; Button - Prima; Cardstock - Stampin' Up!

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"thank you" card by Claire Mackaness
Supplies: Paper – K&Co; Pearls and brads – Papermania; Crochet Flower & Ribbon – Stash; Primas – Aunt Sarahs Bloomers

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"Best Wishes" card by Raechelle Bellus

supplies- pp: Fancy Pants Designs, October Afternoon; ribbon and buttons: Fancy Pants Designs; cs: Bazzill and DCWV rub ons

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"With Love" card by Louise Connell
Supplies: Papers – Kaisercraft; Cardstock – Bazzill; Flower stamp – Magazine freebie; sentiment stamp - Cuddly Buddly; Ribbons & flowers – from stash

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"Kettle On?" card by Annette Taylor
Supplies: Cardstock – Bazzill Swiss Dots, Edge – Bazzill Just the Edge, Kettle Image – Kate Hadfield at the Lilypad, Alphas – Doodlebug

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"Thinking of You" card by Ruth Trice
Supplies: Paper and paper trim by Basic Grey, Stamp by Anna Griffin, flower from stash and by Prima, ribbon, string and button from stash.

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"Thank You" card by Lizzy Davidson
Supplies: Blue spotted paper is a left over scrap of wrapping paper. striped is from papermania pad, (sweet nothings) The blue ribbon is offray and the ric rac is from ikea. Sentiment printed on pc.

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"thinking of you" card by Linda Flinders

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"Friends Forever" card by Pearl Liu
Supplies: DCWV ALL Dressed Up glittered cardstock, chipboard and self adhesive ribbon

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"Love You" card by Celeste Brodnik
Supplies: Pattern Paper: October Afternoon; Ribbon: Basic Grey; Pin: Fancy Pants; Die Cut: Elle's Studio; Chipboard: Making Memories; Jewels: Target; Glitter: Craft Supply

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"Everyday" by Jan Tatomir
Supplies: cardstock: Bazzill; Paper, Ribbon, Flower & Button: Making Memories; Punch: Fiskars; Rubs: Doodlebug, Scenic Route

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Happy Cardmaking!

Di

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Scrapbooking.com February

If you've been reading my blog a while you'll know that I advocate goal setting. New Year is a prime time for setting goals, or resolutions but I prefer to do monthly or quarterly goals. Sure I'll have an "end game" major goal but my monthly goals are baby steps to achieving that main goal. Afterall it takes 28 days to form a habit, and each month has at least 28 days! This month at Scrapbooking.com my article is all about scrapping the goals, or more importantly the journey to those goals.

You can read the article here, but I thought I'd share a few bonus photo's not included in the article. This album is all about my goal for January which was to add running into my daily/weekly life. Ideally I'd love to run a marathon, but baby steps!

I've always loved exercise (yeah go ahead, say you hate me!), and running is one of those activities that really requires NO equipment. Unless like me you have bad knees and need good sneakers, need you your iPod for kickin' tunes, and towels cos you sweat buckets!

The training sheets are printed 2-up on a letter size sheet of paper. I actually saved a master copy of the training and races sheets so I could just photocopy them on my Epson Artisan 800. Having an all-in-one printer/copier/scanner makes things super easy!

Naturally too early to even try for races yet, but ONE DAY! I've done plenty of other exercise events so I know I AM capable of high levels of fitness. I've just let things slide over the last few years... time to reclaim the fit'n'firm body I used to have. At one point I had a 4-pack abs you know? Alas, never quite managed the full 6-pack.

For full step by step instructions you can go to Scrapbooking.com and click on any of the images for full tutorial instructions. Meanwhile I'm off to dig out some photo's of my heyday of fitness to stick on the fridge and remind me of why I'm not eating that tub of ice-cream!

Di

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Freebie Winner - digital

And the winner of the $5 GC to my digital store is

belle - Love your templates. Thanks! Belle

You left me your email so I'll be emailing you soon with your coupon code :)

Enjoy Belle!

Remember I have chances to win freebies all the time! Just keep checking back!




In other news could someone turn the taps on here in So Cal! Another round of rain ALL DAY today! It seemed like every time I tried to go out and garden over the weekend the heavens opened, and today it just hasn't stopped yet... At least after all this we shouldn't be in headed for a drought anymore right?

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Digital Store Update

February is my month for the subscriber kit at Scrapwow :) If you haven't checked out Scrapwows subscription service you definitely should! Each month you get a free kit from one of the designers, and we have some GREAT designers: Amy Teets, Clara Wallace, Designs by Shelle, Di Hickman, Dianne Rigdon, Jan Hosford, Julie Mead & Michelle Underwood! Membership is just $19.95 with full details on everything here at scrapwow, remember that's 12 kits for $19.95!!! Bargain!!!

Like I said though February is my highlight month so I thought I'd share some of the add-ons to the kit that are available in my scrapwow store. I just love making quickpages and brag books now!

Quick Page 1

Quick Page 2


Quick Page 3


Quick Page 4


Brag Book 1


Brag Book 2

Remember to check out my digital stores for more quick pages and brag books!

Di

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Layout Sketch - February

Happy Valentines Day! Hope everyone got something from their loved ones, or has plans for the evening :) Today is sketch day! Hurrah! As with the cards sketches I've been totally inspired by some of my previous layouts, and this one is based on a layout I did in 2007 and had published last year. The digital template is available in my store for a limited time, grab it while you can!

I originally did this layout as a DT assignment using Doris Castle's kits. I just love the kits Doris creates, so elegant and this one was probably one of my favorites. Funny to think that years later here we are working together, lol! Anyway this is the layout that inspired the sketch :)

"You complete me" layout by Di Hickman
Supplies: You complete me digital kit by Doris Castle; Font: Wonderful Wendy

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"I Like your smile" layout by Renee' Morris-Dezember
Supplies: Digital Kits: The 365 Challenge: January by Crystal Wilkerson and Capture+Record by Karla Dudley

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"Growing Up" layout by Christina Dean
Supplies: scrap within reach papers; brads; chipboard brackets; inked with brown ink; random bird stickers (from my stash); various bazzill cardstock.

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"Jan 2009" layout by Lisa Peppers
Supplies: Spring fling 2 mega kit from Elemental scraps.

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"Snowflake Polar Bear" layout by Celeste Brodnik
Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Pattern Paper: Doodlebug Designs; Lace Cardstock: KI Memories; Stickers: Jolee's Boutique, Creative Imaginations; Buttons: American Crafts; Trim/Ribbon: Hobby Lobby, Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.; Silver Leafing Pen: Krylon

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"Complete" layout by Jolene Johnston
Supplies: K & Co. papers, WorldWin cardstock, Colorbox fluid chalk ink, The Paper Studio fabric brads, Sizzix puzzle die, QuizKutz Fiesta font, EK Success photo corner, Creating Keepsakes Fraternity font, raw chipboard

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Enjoy the sketch! Happy scrapping!

Di

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