little more info

I forgot to add a very important piece of information about digiscrap in my last post. You must check out Digital Artist Magazine for the latest in trends and designers. They put out a monthly, downloadable magazine ($6/issue) and you get a free exclusive download with your purchase. I just bought my first one last month and I put it in my budget to buy one each month from here on out. There are tutorials and tons of inspiration in each issue. Make sure you check it out! (Oh, and, yes this is a shameless plug for DAM...if I blogged about it, then I'm entered to win a $5 gift card from one of five designers. Who doesn't love free stuff?) Did I mention that I already won a GC to oscraps from DAM for their blog party?

digiscrap info

I've had a few people ask me for info on digiscrap and so I thought I'd knock it all out by blogging it. (What a fantastic idea, Leslie!) Hey, cut me some slack...it's late and I'm trying. :) Please, please, please, don't think I'm an ol' pro at this by any means. I'm constantly learning and having fun, but I'll do my best to pass on what I've learned so far.

I was a pseudo-paper scrapper for years. By pseudo I mean, I had all the stuff, but only pulled it out when I had some waaayyyy extended free time or if LaNae and I were getting together for some planned scrapping. With the digital camera era I found that I printed my photos less and less and would either post them on my old website, email them or blog them. When Diesel was born, I designed his birth announcement and it wasn't long before I fell head long into digital scrapbooking. The question I get asked most is what program I use. I use Photoshop Elements 5 but Adobe has just released PSE7. I've used the full versions of Photoshop but I really like how user-friendly (not to mention cheaper) PSE5 is. As with any software, there will be a learning curve. The best method is trial and error. Ctrl-Z is the shortcut for undo and it becomes your best friend.

The next question I get is where do you get kits, background papers, elements, etc. When I started I basically googled free digital scrapbooking kits. The best site around for freebies is Ikea Goddess. Seriously, this woman puts in a massive amount of time sorting through the gobs of stuff out there and posts her picks daily. If you stop by, make sure you leave her some love in her comments.

What is going to follow next is a list of online galleries and forums where you can get a wealth of inspiration and a bevy of information about how to get sucked into this addiction. LOL!

my scrapbook art
digishoptalk
scrapartist
the digichick

I'm currently on creative teams (CTs) for two fantastic designers. I'd be remiss if I didn't steer you in their direction for supplies. Just click the blinkies to the right and you'll get to their stores. As far as my other favorite designers and shoppes, here's a list of those, too!

shabby miss jenn
the lilypad
sweet shoppe designs
shabby pickle
catscrap

Oh, Jessica Sprague has some great tutorials for Photoshop. She's absolutely fabulous at making it easy to understand.

Okay, I think that just about covers it for now. Please feel free to email me if you've got questions. I promise I'll do my best to help you out!

prayer warriors

We have another showing of the house today at 11:30 CST. Please pray that this couple falls head over heels with the house and makes an offer on the spot! LOL!

look out now!

I am simply amazed, but this page was selected by pickleberrypop as their August LO of the month! I am so lucky to be a creative team member for Kaye Winiecki and she makes it easy to scrap adorable pages. (Did I just pay myself a compliment?)

drool....

I just discovered something that I would LOVE to have. It's a custom made camera strap and it is just gorgeous. Strange to say, I know...but look!



I am seriously drooling over it. You can click on the photo to see the etsy store of Cotton Candy by Natalie.

'08 summer olympics

Does anyone else love the Olypmics like I do? From the Opening Ceremonies to the last day, I'm like a junkie. I keep track of the mdeal counts and I'm glued to my TV to watch even random events like trampoline. Did you know that was an actual event? Don't even get me started. I can only imagine what it would be like to participate in just the Opening Ceremonies. To walk into that stadium full of people representing the country you love would just be the coolest thing. Tonight's ceremonies were quite the spectacle and done quite well. I'm amazed at the technology behind it all. However, now that they are over...let the games begin! Bring on Michael Phelps, Jeremy Wariner, Dara Torres, the USA softball team, women's gymnastics, beach volleyball...do I really need to go on? I love the Olympics! The athlete in me just can't help it.

something else to look at...

Okay, so I make no secret that this is one of my all time fave shots of the kiddos. Crazy, since you can't see either one of their faces. However, to me it was the perfect shot that day (as evidenced by the fact I use it in my blog header). I know it's overkill, but I can't help it. Anyway, Kaye Winiecki and Tara Dunstan have this fabulous kit called All That Twitters that I swear was taylor-made for this photo so I had to show you what I came up with.

a perfect day

A little eye candy for you

I finally (and it's about time) got back to scrapping again. Here are 2 with recent pics of the kids. I've also been working with some older photos and they can be seen here. Enjoy!

such a sweet face

u delight me