Musings of an Independent Designer

Just trying something for school....

2011-11-06T11:06:00.001-05:00

Carson Dellosa Pop-Its

2011-03-07T07:46:00.001-05:00

I was sent a free set to Pop-Its from Carson Dellosa. I didn't use them quite for their intended purpose as I needed to change them for what I was going to use them for. They are suppose to be stapled to a bulletin board with the card loose to be able to pull it out. I wanted to use them to hold the popsicle sticks to tell what kids got to use the computer that day. I had started to use some scrapbooking supplies to put them together, but with the lamination they didn't stick very well. I ended up taping the tabs to the cards with packing tape. Worked wonders!! I then stuck a strip of magnet on the back so they would stick to the whiteboard.

Donors Choose

2010-09-16T20:12:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of this wonderful resource for teachers. Donors Choose is a website where teachers can request materials that are needed for their classroom and people can donate money to the project to get it funded.

I'm trying to get a classroom set of netbooks for my classroom. If you like to contribute to my project, which would get some much needed technology into the hands of some needy children, see the link below.

http://www.donorschoose.org/Mrs.Alvis

My Little Shoebox Sketch Challenge

2010-09-12T16:25:00.000-04:00

There was a sketch challenge posted on the My Little Shoebox blog. Unfortunately do to the fact that I haven't really scrapped in the past two years and all of the LSS around me have pretty much closed, I didn't have much product. Three pieces of pattern paper to be exact and none of it was from the same line. Nervetheless, I did complete the sketch challenge using the pp that I did have. Maybe I'll win the challenge and be able to add more product to my stash!

Here is the sketch:

If you follow my other blog, you know that I sketch primarily 4 X 6 photos. To fit my needs I had to alter the sketch a bit. I also don't see the facination with the banners so I didn't include it.

supplies:

pattern paper: My Little Shoebox

letter stickers: Doodlebug

chipboard letters: Scenic Route

flower: Imaginisce

button: Doodlebug

cardstock: Bazzill

You can tell that school has started....

2010-09-04T11:41:00.000-04:00

It's been almost a month since my last post. With school starting, I've had almost no time to breathe let alone post to the blog or scrapbook. Yesterday I spent almost 13 hours at school trying to get everything done and not have to bring anything home over the long weekend. It didn't happen. I'm going to try to enjoy at least 2 of my days off and do work on the 3rd.

Here is a new sketch though....created before school started.

Mod Podge and Recycling

2010-08-07T12:20:00.000-04:00

Last school year I started recycling in my classroom. We tried to get a recycling container outside our school. but the local company said that our schools didn't collect enough so they were actually taking them away from the few that had them (if they collected anything, wouldn't it be worth their while??) Anyways, I still wanted to recyle the paper because I saw too much of it being thrown away in the regular trash.. I had some supplies delivered to the room and just decided to use the box they can in for the recycling. Each week I'd take the box home with me and took it to a school near where I live (at least they are earning some $$$ with my recycling).

While at Walmart this summer I found some fairly large tubs for $4. I took some of my older letter stickers (Doodlebug and Gin-X by Imagination Project) to label the tub. I then covered the letters with Mod Podge to seal the letter stickers to the tub. Here are the results:

Echo Park is in the house......

2010-07-31T13:18:00.001-04:00

I went over to Ally Scraps on Tues to look for some Echo Park. I was able to pick up all 3 lines that are currently out including the new Life is Good line.

pattern paper: Echo Park

stickers: Echo Park

punches: EK Success, The Paper Studio

ribbon: American Crafts

pen: American Crafts

cardstock: Bazzill (orange and yellow), American Crafts (green)

pattern paper: Echo Park

stickers: Echo Park

punch: McGill

buttons: Making Memories

flowers: Imaginisce

thread: DMC

pen: Zig

cardstock: Bazzill

pattern paper: Echo Park

stickers: Echo Park

felt letters: American Crafts

pen: American Crafts

cardstock: Bazzill

New Sassafras Embellies....

2010-07-27T16:27:00.000-04:00

You have to check these out, they are so cute!!

Here are the rest: Sassafras

Sketch #2

2010-07-25T12:46:00.000-04:00

As seen on pg. 39, in "Embellish" by Scrapbook Trends (2008)

supplies

pattern paper: Fontwerks

chipboard stars: Basic Grey

chipboard letters: Li'l Davis

font: 2Peas teen and Gimme Coffee

cardstock: Bazzill

Last week I asked a question......

2010-07-22T01:59:00.000-04:00

What do Survivor, Disney, baseball, America's Got Talent, white water rafting, a wedding, and 5 different airports have in common?

Answer: My vacation to California.

We flew out of Indy heading to Chicago, Tulsa and then LA. While at the Tulsa airport we happen to see some contestants from Survivor:

James, Me, Carolina and Russell

The next day we went to Disneyland where they just happen to be having the MLB parade before the All-Star game.

The World Series Trophy

These statues were all over the LA area.

Please excuse the ugly hat. I was trying to find something cheap to keep the sun off my face and this was all I could find.

The next day we went to the taping of the results show for America's Got talent. We were sitting in the balcony closest to the stage right above Nick when he announced the winners. He opened his card and we could see the results before he made the announcement. Kinda cool. But standing in line waiting was NOT! It was in the upper 90s while we waited in line for about 2 hrs to go inside. NOT fun.

On Thursday we spent 6 hours on the road driving from LA to Auburn. Friday we enjoyed a day of Whitewater rafting on the south fork of the American River. We had a blast! We went with guides from Whitewater Excitement. Colin was awesome!!

(not us, unfortunately we didn't get any pics)

On Saturday, my beautiful cousin got married.

Sally and Noel

Spent Sunday trying to stay cool. On Monday, my father and I went and explored Old Town Auburn.

A statue of Claude Chana whom was an adventurer and first fruit rancher in Placer County. In 1848, he found gold in the Auburn Ravine which led to the settlement of a mining camp that later became Auburn.

I then spent all day Tues trying to get home. Got up at 4:15 am California time (7:15 here in Indy) rode to the Sacramento Airport for a 7:30 flight. Went to Denver, St. Louis, Chicago and finally Indy. Got home about 11:30 pm. A very long day!

Some more projects...

2010-07-21T12:57:00.002-04:00

supplies

pattern paper: Pebbles, Inc

chipboard flowers: Pebbles, Inc

foam letters: American Crafts

letter stickers: Doodlebug

pen: American Crafts

cardstock: American Crafts (green), Bazzill (blue)

supplies

pattern paper: Pebbles, Inc

chipboard flower: Pebbles, Inc

glitter: Ranger Ink

foam letters: American Crafts

pen: Zig

cardstock: Bazzill

supplies

pattern paper: Pebbles, Inc

chipboard flower: Pebbles, Inc

journaling card: Pebbles, Inc

puffy letters: American Crafts

pen: Zig

cardstock: Bazzill

supplies

pattern paper: Pebbles, Inc

chipboard flower: Pebbles, Inc

ribbon: KI Memories

cardstock: Bazzill

still more

2010-07-21T00:20:00.002-04:00

KI Memories

     Over the Rainbow - A more in-depth look

Fancy Pants

      Lilac House
      Flocked Flower Accents
      Happy Together

Nikki Sivils

      My Friend Birdie

Pebbles, Inc

      New Arrival

Bella Blvd

      One Fall Day - full reveal
      Hello Beautiful - full reveal

Jillibean Soup

      Atomic Soup

Some more......

2010-07-20T01:21:00.001-04:00

Pebbles, Inc.

Cats and Dogs

Imaginisce sneak peek....

2010-07-19T13:23:00.002-04:00

Imaginisce

Cottage Christmas (they are also having a giveaway here today!)
Apple Cider

Another sneak peek....

2010-07-18T19:26:00.001-04:00

TaDa Creative Studios

CHA Sneak Peek

More sneak peeks....

2010-07-17T17:13:00.002-04:00

Jillibean Soup

      Pasta Fagioli

American Crafts

      Boo!
      Dear Lizzy Christmas
      Love

We R Memory Keepers

      Funfetti
      Out and About
      Heebie Jeebies
      Maple Grove
      White Christmas
      Merry January

KI Memories

      Over the Rainbow collection (very small peek)

Bella Blvd

      Socialite
      Lovey Dovey

Crate Paper

      Snow Day
      School Spirit
      Restoration

Kaisercraft

      CHA summer 2010 sneak peeks

My Little Shoebox

      Summer Breeze
      Simple Life
      Harmony
      Green
      Cute as a Button
      Sunday Market

I'm going to be so broke!!

Some CHA sneak peeks....

2010-07-14T13:01:00.001-04:00

Look at all this yummy goodness!

American Crafts

      City Park
      Dear Lizzy Enchanted

JilliBean Soup

      Monster Stew

Bella Blvd

      Sunny Happy Skies
      MidTerm
      One Fall Day

What do........

2010-07-13T23:20:00.000-04:00

Survivor, Disney, baseball, America's Got Talent, white water rafting, a wedding, and 5 different airports have in common? I'll let you know in a few days!

Finally time to scrap.....

2010-07-11T10:37:00.001-04:00

I was quite busy in June with doing workshops and training for school as well as trying to keep up with my games on Facebook. July comes around and I made a decision to give up my facebook games for now (although I have the Farmville app on my iPhone should I get a craving to play a game) and to focus on working out to lose some weight and my scrapbooking. The last week was very productive. I got lots of scrappin' done and I did 90 min workouts everyday.

The following are my creations during this time.

pattern paper: Bo Bunny
stickers: Bo Bunny
chipboard shapes: BoBunny
cardstock: American Crafts

pen: Zig Writer

pattern paper: Bo Bunny

chipboard letters: BoBunny

journaling card: Bo Bunny

cardstock: American Crafts

brads: Doodlebug

pen: Zig Writer

pattern paper: Bo Bunny

buttons: Bo Bunny

pen: Zig Writer

stamp: Autumn Leaves

ink: ColorBox

punch: Marvy

embroidery floss: DMC

cardstock: Bazzill

pattern paper: American Crafts

vinyl shapes and letters: American Crafts

cardstock: American Crafts (pink), Bazzill (green and white)

stamp: Autumn Leaves

pen: American Crafts

ink: ColorBox

pattern paper: American Crafts

chipboard shapes: American Crafts

vinyl letters: American Crafts

cardstock: Bazzill

pattern paper: American Crafts

foam shape: American Crafts

fabric letters: American Crafts

felt flowers: American Crafts

button: Doodlebug

cardstock: Bazzill

pen: American Crafts

pattern paper: Bo Bunny

stickers: Bo Bunny

cardstock: Bazzill (red), American Crafts (blue)

pen: Zig Writer

pattern paper: Bo Bunny

crystals: Bo Bunny

letter stickers: Bo Bunny

cardstock: Bazzill

pen: American Crafts

I saved these to use in my classroom as tubs to use when we did probability. The students could "draw" pieces from them. But then decided to use them as my borrowing pens and pencils tub. They are much better looking now!

pattern paper: American Crafts

rub-ons: American Crafts

ribbon: American Crafts

flowers: American Crafts

brads: Happy Hammer (purple), Doodlebug (green)

cardstock: Bazzill

Stations card: American Crafts

pattern paper: American Crafts

felt shape: American Crafts

rub-on: American Crafts

cardstock: Bazzill

punch: Fiskars

pattern paper: Bo Bunny

letter stickers: Doodlebug

corner rounder: EK Success

pattern paper: Bo Bunny

punch: EK Success

glitter: Ranger

pattern paper: Bo Bunny

buttons: Bo Bunny

stickers: Bo Bunny

embroidery floss: DMC

cardstock: Bazzill

pattern paper: Bo Bunny

chipboard shapes: Bo Bunny

punch: EK Success

pattern paper: American Crafts

run-ons: American Crafts

felt piece: American Crafts

cardstock: Bazzill

Sketch #1

2010-07-10T02:10:00.000-04:00

Materials:

pattern paper: Heidi Grace

ribbon: Heidi Grace

letter stickers: Making Memories

circle punch: EK Success

ink: ColorBox

pen: American Crafts

cardstock: Bazzill

I'm resurrecting this blog........

2010-07-10T02:05:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been almost three years since I've posted on this blog. I was still scrapbooking until about a year ago. Last school year, I switched grade levels. Well sort of.... I'm now teaching 6th grade math, science, and social studies as well as 5th grade math and science. With new curriculum comes more hours at school. During the last year I did continue to make cards and I did do a mini album for my student teacher. Some of you might be saying, a student teacher = plenty of time off. No. My student teacher stayed with the 6th graders all day, so I was still planning and teaching the 5th graders. I was trying to get myself organized while he was there, which I did a little......but I still have 3 baskets full of stuff I never got around to organizing during the school year. My principal also had me doing other things while my student teacher was there, so the time was not my own. Since what I'm teaching won't be new to me this next school year, I should not have to do as much planning. I should also have much more time on my hands to scrapbook....at least on the weekends, LOL!

One of the reasons I am resurrecting this blog is that I wanted to post some sketches. I started another blog, 4x6 Photo Sketch Blog, awhile back because I was constantly seeing people post that they wanted to see sketches using only 4 X 6 prints. I had started scrapping with primarily 4 X 6 photos once my photography skills got better and I started to crop my photos through the lense. I had been using sketches for several years but found that I had to change them slightly to fit my needs or just create some of my own. I began to think that if I needed to do this that others might need it done too. I contacted my favorite sketch artist, Becky Fleck of Page Maps, and asked her if I could post my adapted sketches at 2Peas. She said that I could. I posted them and had some good feedback, so the idea for the blog came to me. The rest is history.

Occasionally, I do scrap photos that are not 4 X 6. They might be pictures that are given to me of my nieces and nephews, pictures that I took before I knew anything about photography, pictures from my childhood or enlargements. I wanted to share those also, so they will be posted here.

They other reason for coming back to this blog is to showcase my work. I'd like to get back into the publishing/designing game. My nieces and nephews love to see themselves in magazines (Mom and DH did too, LOL!). It's also thrilling for me. I can still remember getting that first phone call back in 2003. It was from Memory Makers. My last published page was with Creating Keepsakes, I don't want it to be my last. I've also really enjoyed my design team work and would love to get back on a team for a manufacturer or store. I loved the challenge that came with those jobs.

If you've gotten this far, thanks for joining me here! Happy scrapping!

Halloween is here...

2007-10-28T14:19:00.001-04:00

Getting into the mood of Halloween and wanted to scrap this photo of Angelina's first Halloween. I also needed to use my KI Mini Soup that I have been hoarding (like I do all my KI stuff!)

More pics of Scrapbook Dimensions calendar...

2007-07-28T13:09:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to post some more pics of the calendar. Once you pick it up, there will be challenges in the Scrapbook Dimensions Forums in which you can win prizes. You can see one of my layouts in the 2nd photo. It's in the botton left corner.

I got lots done last couple of weeks...

2007-07-24T00:02:00.000-04:00

Scrapper's Bliss had challenges all week for those of us that didn't get to go to CHA. I actually got a lot of pages done. These are the pages I've gotten done over the last couple of weeks:

Scrapbook Dimensions Calendar...

2007-07-16T21:39:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to let everyone know about this wonderful project I was a part of.

KI BLog Challenge: Stamps and Scraps

2007-06-15T11:47:00.000-04:00

From the KI blog:

Stamps & Scraps: CHALLENGE
I love getting cards in my mailbox. It's so much better than bills! I also love sending them for the same reason...but often things get in the way and I just don't take the time to make and send one. So I decided to create a bunch of cards to have on hand for those times when I want to send a quick card to someone to let them know I'm thinking of them. These cards went super fast - I used my scraps of KI papers (cards are a GREAT way to use them up!) and my KI Clear Stamps to add a little something special to each card. Give it a try! Keep it simple so you can create a bunch of cards in a short amount of time. Check out the samples below to see how quick and easy they can be. Be sure to post your cards so we can see what you come up with! :)

This is what I came up with (I'm having trouble with the new MM rub-ons, they don't want to rub-off all the way :( )

KI Blog Challenge: Scrap your Sweetie

2007-06-10T20:25:00.000-04:00

From the KI Blog:

Scrap Your Sweetie: CHALLENGE
This week I challenge you to find a favorite
picture of you and your sweetheart and scrap it! I think as moms we tend to get
stuck in a rut only scrapping photos of our children, I know I do! Be sure to
post a link to your pages, we can't wait to see!

Here is my layout using the new Just Married line:

KI Memories blog challenge- Mini Soup

2007-06-08T23:04:00.000-04:00

From the KI blog:

"Use Your Mini Soup!: CHALLENGE
I absolutely adore the mini alphabet soup..
i love the cute colors, i love the cute font, i love the little flowers that
come with the alphas! This week's challenge is to use it! Let's see how you can
incorporate it into your pages.. maybe a title, a little journaling, mix them
with letter stickers, photo captions.. the possibilities are endless. Here I
paired them up with some KI stamps.. I love the look of them on the lines like
that. Link your layouts here, we'd love to see what you do! :) "

Here is my layout, it was originally made for the Blueprints 2 call:

Prayers needed....

2007-06-06T19:10:00.000-04:00

I didn't post when it happened, but about 8 weeks ago my grandmother (mom's mom) had 2 strokes. The first was very mild and didn't effect much. Two days later she had another that paralized her left side. After being released from the hospital, she was sent to rehab. The place wasn't so great and about 2 weeks ago we switches her to another place. Well, mom went on her yearly trip to FL this past weekend, but only on the condition that her time with g-ma was covered. Dad and I were with her on Sun. and we just couldn't get her awake. They checked her blood pressure and it was really low.

They called the ambulance to take her to the hospital. Grandpa met us at the hospital and after a while he told us to leave. At 6 am on Mon. morning g-pa calls and tells us to come over, she had another stroke that night and the nurses think this is the end. Kevin and I get there about 6:30. They are not giving her anything, not even fluids. She keeps moving though. Not twitching, but actually moving her arm to scratch her nose and to move the blankets. This makes us believe that there is more going on. At about 10:30, she wakes up and is totally coherent. She knows who all of us are and is talking away. We tell the nurse about this and she takes her blood pressure and it is back up. They call the doctor and he puts her back on fluids, meds and orders food.

We have no idea what happened. She is talking clearer then she was previously. Before she was having more days in the past than the present. She was even joking around with us. Grandma was having a lot of outbursts before all of this happened and they have really decreased. I was with her for about 3 hours today (Wed.) and she didn't have one at all.

If you could just keep her in your prayers. I'm just hoping she makes it to see my brother's girls when they come in July.

This was my grandparents at Christmas time:

Trying to use up some supplies.....

2007-05-20T11:27:00.000-04:00

I have collected so may supplies over the years that I could stop shopping and still scrapbook for the rest of my life (but what fun would that be?). I've been trying to use up some of my stash before ordering any new stuff (KI will be here soon!). Here are my latest two:

(A2Z, Fancy Pants, Heidi Swapp and Bazzill)

(Junkitz, Creative Imaginations, Scenic Route and Bazzill)

National Scrapbook Day (NSD)

2007-05-09T18:22:00.000-04:00

Saturday was National Scrapbook Day. I participated in activites at 2Peas and Scrapper's Bliss.

At 2Peas I entered 3 contests and got prizes for 2 of them: $25 gc, an Autumn Leaves idea book and 5 2Peas fonts (which was hard to pick as I own almost all of them!)

At Scrapper's Bliss I played Bingo. I was the first to get a bingo during the first game and then tied with Nancy Nally for the blackout in the second game. Yippee! I won a Bliss Prize pack (can't wait to see what that is!)

Thanks to Kristina and Jeff at 2Peas and Andrea at Scrapper's Bliss for having such fun things for us to do on NSD!!

CK Baby!!!

2007-05-04T20:45:00.000-04:00

I got home from school on Tues. and in my in-box was an e-mail from Creating Keepsakes requesting a layout. I let out a little screech as I read the e-mail. Kevin came down and asked if I had won the free cruise (I had submitted my Whale's Tail pic to NCL for their photo contest). I could tell he was a little disappointed that we didn't have a free cruise, but was excited that the layout that was picked up contained a picture that he had taken.

The layout will be in Sept. 2007 Reader's gallery. Can't wait to see it!

New Sketch site....

2007-04-28T21:18:00.000-04:00

I LOVE sketches!!! Valerie Salmon has created a new sketch blog: Got Sketch? . This is my take on her latest sketch.

Long time no post...

2007-04-14T15:48:00.000-04:00

Well it's been awhile since I posted a blog entry. I upgraded to the new blogger and then couldn't remember my password. We just got back from spending a week in Orlando. We had a blast! Here are some of my favorite photos from Animal Kingdom:

The Tree of Life:

My photographer husband:

I've done a little scrapbooking, here are the latestest results:

Kristen's Wedding

2007-02-05T14:37:00.000-05:00

We went to my cousin's wedding at the end of Dec. We spent a few days before the ceremony enjoying the city of Chicago. I got this photo during the reception. My external flash didn't go off, but some wonderful Peas helped me to got it to look great. Thanks!!!

New American Crafts...

2007-02-05T14:27:00.000-05:00

I got ahold of some of the new American Crafts products: pattern papers, letter stickers and thickers.

Why I love Doodlebug......

2007-01-27T10:33:00.000-05:00

I always LOVE what they come out with. While browsing www.rockymountainhobbies.com, I found these pics:

Scraplifting....

2007-01-03T20:16:00.000-05:00

Well I decided that I just wanted to get some layouts done without all the pressure of trying to get it published. I've got several scrappers in which I love their work, so I decided to just scraplift some of my favorite layouts. My first scraplifted layout is one done by Anne Langpap. I've been a fan of hers since she was doing all digi layouts. I'm so glad to see her venture into paper scrappin'. I'm also trying to do a layout a day for the challenge at www.rockymountainhobbies.com This is my layout for today:

Which is a scraplift of Anne Langpap's layout here:

Which was inspired by Amy Grendell's layout here:

Just wanting to give credit where credit is due!! BTW, I LOVE both of these ladies work. I often use their work for inspiration! Hope you don't mind!

NYC Scraps

2007-01-01T00:31:00.000-05:00

I was looking at linnecards blog and saw the link to NYC Scraps. I signed up for the 1 in 48 class. I hope to get some scrappin done and get some of my mojo back!!

KI Memories Blog Challenge

2006-10-20T23:18:00.000-04:00

Shannon Tidwell posted a challenge on the KI Memories blog to show your creative ways of storing KI products. Unfortunately by showing this, I actually have to admit how much KI product I have (and this doesn't even show the Alpine and Joyful collections that are one their way to me). In my defense, KI is my favorite manuf. and the only company in which I buy everything they put out (with Doodlebug, SEI and American Crafts following close behind :) )

I use a Cropper Hopper to store all my letter stickers, rub-ons and some of the chipboard.

I have three craft organizers full of acrylics.

A chest of drawers stores misc. embellies. Looks like I need to get some of those tins for the new chipboard~ Let me add that I LOVE the fact that they are now pre-cut!!

A paper holder from JoAnn's with KI Bazzil.

3 Generations paper olders holding my pattern paper dating back to the very FIRST collection.

Sept. 15th newsletter....

2006-09-16T09:19:00.000-04:00

My layout from the Sept. 15th newsletter at www.ascrappinfriendsy.com

inspired by:

Awesome new site.....

2006-09-16T09:07:00.000-04:00

I found http://www.2scrappychixdesigns.com/index.htm while on Scrapjazz. They were having a sale so I decided to try them out. I ordered on Sun and got my package on Wed. I've never had that quick of a turn oround before. Go check them out!!

Aug. 31 newsletter layout

2006-09-10T10:04:00.000-04:00

This is my layout from the Aug. 31st newsletter at www.ascrappinfriendsy.com

DesignerZine offers on-line Designer Showcase

2006-09-09T22:48:00.000-04:00

DESIGNERZINE OFFERS ONLINE DESIGNER SHOWCASE

If you’ve ever wanted to display your work to manufacturers, publishers, and others in the industry, here’s your chance! DesignerZine (www.designerzine.com), an online magazine for professional designers, is offering its first Online Designer Showcase from Sept. 25-Oct. 2. The event offers craft designers the opportunity to display their work for viewing by industry manufacturers, publishers, television producers, editors and other companies. This provides you the opportunity to make industry contacts, as well as promote and sell your work.The online showcase is conducted much like similar events that take place at trade shows, where designers set up their own displays and manufacturers browse the designers’ work -- from fabric to paper, beads to clay and everything in between. (For a more detailed account of one designer’s live showcase experience, see the March issue of DesignerZine.)

With the DesignerZine Online Designer Showcase, however, no travel is required! Designers may display up to 12 projects. They should have a resume and head shot, and will be asked to build a backdrop to display their work, just as in a “live” showcase.Participation is open only to paid subscribers of DesignerZine. If you’re not already a subscriber, you can become one for $50 annually. This makes you eligible to participate in the showcase in a way that is much more affordable than traveling to participate in a “live” showcase. The subscription fee includes a full year of DesignerZine’s monthly articles and the designer showcase, plus free online classes, a formal mentor program, classified ads, and a directory of manufacturers who pay endorsement fees to designers. Coming in the near future are a designer gallery and hosting of online résumés. The forums on DesignerZine are open to subscribers and non-subscribers alike.

See the manufacturers who’ve expressed interest, and get your questions answered, on the DesignerZine forums.To protect all participants, the online showcase will be by registration / invitation only. Subscribers who would like to participate in the showcase should email Jan Hicks at Jan_Hicks@designerzine.com or R. Lynn Baker at rlynnbakerdz@gmail.com to activate their showcase account. Manufacturers, publishers, editors or company owners who would like to view the showcase should contact Margert Ann Kruljac at margert_ann_kruljac@designerzine.com or Melony Bradley at melbradley@midsouth.rr.com.

ABOUT DESIGNERZINE

DesignerZine (www.designerzine.com) is an online magazine for professional craft designers. DesignerZine strives to be a “one-stop” venue to connect designers to current trends, resources and opportunities in an interactive setting. Services include the delivery of an online magazine, as well as a website that features video reports, audio interviews, message boards, and online chats with industry professionals. DesignerZine’s staff comprises designers and experts from various areas of the industry.

A blog challenge brought me back....

2006-08-12T00:09:00.000-04:00

Amy Wilson posted this blog challenge:

If you had a chance to be on a single manufacture design team who would you want to design for? Why would you want to design for them?

Hands down it would be KI Memories. I've been a huge fan since they debuted. I LOVE everything that they produce. I could scrap hundreds of new layouts just using the KI products that I have on hand.

Now a few companies that are close behind:

American Crafts
SEI
Doodlebug
MOD line of Autumn Leaves
Imagination Project

Scrapworks sneak peek....

2006-07-18T13:23:00.000-04:00

Check this: http://scraptalk.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=766

KI Sneak Peek.....

2006-07-18T13:10:00.000-04:00

I found these at http://linnefaulk.typepad.com/linnecards/

Haunted and Grateful

Haunted

Grateful

Joyful and Alpine

Joyful

Alpine

A Scrappin Friendsy July 15th newsletter....

2006-07-16T18:05:00.000-04:00

Here is the newest ASF newsletter: http://ascrappinfriendsy.com/newsletter.html

My stuff:

My scanner really hates yellow and orange. The scans are always wonky!!

I got this idea from a co-worker who had flag postcards with her at all times. The postcards had a thank you message on the back and she would place them on the windshield of a car that had a service sticker on it. I decided to do something similiar. I created these cards and put a thank you message inside. I plan on putting these on the windshield of a soldier to let them know how much I appreciate everything that they do.

CHA Sneek Peaks

2006-07-16T18:03:00.000-04:00

I've compiled a list of all the CHA sneek peeks at ASF. Take a look:

http://ascrappinfriendsy.com/v-web/bulletin/bb/viewtopic.php?t=2952

Funny comic...

2006-07-06T16:13:00.000-04:00

Some VERY cool purses, messanger bags, wallets...

2006-07-06T15:13:00.000-04:00

You have got to check out these awesome purses and accessories. Thanks to a couple of enablers ( ColleenStearns and Andrea Hill ) I was directed to Etsy and the work of BabyBug Boutique . I fell in love with her work!!! I got a purse, check book cover and Messenger bag. Here is the purse I got:

Memories in Uniform

2006-06-29T23:34:00.000-04:00

I can finally let everyone know that I am the featured designer at Memories in Uniform for the month of July! I was so excited when I got the e-mail from Vanessa asking me to do this. The timing could not have been better as my grandfather had just moved back to Indiana and I now had easy access to his WWII photos and memorbilia. I couldn't leave out my Dad or brother, so there are a few layouts about them too.

Check it out here: http://www.memoriesinuniform.com/designer/index.php?id=11

Exciting news from DesignerZine.....

2006-06-20T12:26:00.000-04:00

In August of 2005, a group of creative industry designers began the path toward what would become known as DesignerZine. With a common vision of developing a resource for creative industry designers aspiring to work professionally in the industry, this group made the collective decision to temporarily donate their time and talent to seeing this vision off the ground. In February of 2006, DesignerZine launched its online magazine and discussion forum, and since that time has had the honor of registering more than 1,100 subscribers! We at DesignerZine have been blown away by the amazing responses we have received from so many others within the international creative industry community—those who have also seen the need for a “one-stop” industry resource like the one we envisioned so many months ago. It’s been an amazing journey so far, and we’ve only just begun!

As we move forward, we would like to thank each of you – our focus group members, subscribers, visitors, forum users, link exchange partners and supporters. Through your professionalism, collaborative efforts and enthusiasm for the creative arts, you have made it possible for DesignerZine to grow and begin meeting the goals you have helped us create! Personally, I would also like to thank the prodigiously talented team behind DesignerZine’s development. This team has worked tirelessly for months in order to make this dream a reality, and I have been honored to work with each and every team member who has been involved along the way. Without them, the site, ezine, forum (and all of the other fantastic new components I will be telling you about shortly) would have never come to be.

As we began working on the development of DesignerZine last year, the staff members agreed to volunteer their time “free of pay” through May of 2006. At the close of May, we reached the end of the original “volunteer work” timeline, and have made the decision to continue publication as an LLC, or Limited Liability Corporation. Forming an LLC means that DesignerZine will be a self-sustaining entity with employees, which will enable DesignerZine to begin several innovative programs for subscribers and compensate its staff for their efforts—something we at DesignerZine have advocated strongly for among all creative industry designers. In order to make the changes necessary to sustain an LLC, we will be shifting to a paid subscription program in July.

We are excited to announce that DesignerZine’s subscription services are set to begin on July 1st, with new services that include:

•Classified listings for companies AND designers (to launch July 1)
•Online professional and manufacturer-connected classes with a certificate of completion (to launch July 1)
•Detailed listing of manufacturers who pay endorsement fees to designers—information straight from the manufacturers (to launch July 1)
•A guided mentorship matching program (to launch July 1)
•A résumé service (to launch in August)
•Professional online gallery (to launch in August)
•An interactive designer showcase program (first showcase launches in September)

To read more about each of these new additions, be sure to check out our free public access articles on the zine site at www.designerzine.com .

On July 1st, registration for these new features and continued delivery of the ezine will open with a yearly subscription fee of just $50... That is less than $5 a month for access to all of DesignerZine’s informative articles, unique programs and information on ways you can connect with companies from throughout all areas of the creative industry. This small five dollars per month will enable us to expand and grow our programs in the future, and will also enable us to pay our staff and contributors—members of the designer community just like you. DesignerZine is also pleased to announce that the DZine Forum will continue to be provided as a free resource for all visitors who register—for subscribers and non-subscription users alike.

At the heart of DesignerZine has been the goal of building a one-stop resource for those seeking to become creative industry professionals. Through the development of DesignerZine’s online magazine and DZine Forum, the addition of our new components, and with your help, we are realizing this goal. We look forward to continuing to serve designers, publishers and companies from all corners of the industry, including scrapbooking, paper arts, altered arts and mixed media, general crafts, writing and publishing. Our hope is that DesignerZine provides a connection point for all sides of the industry to gather, meet, educate one another and find ways of working together—across industry “categories” and lines.

Thank you for being a part of this exciting time at DesignerZine!

R. Lynn Baker
Founding Editor

A Scrappin Friendsy newsletter ~~ 6/15

2006-06-15T09:02:00.000-04:00

There is a new newsletter today at A Scrappin Friendsy:

http://ascrappinfriendsy.com/newsletter.html

Here are my layouts for the newsletter:

A Scrappin Friendsy newsletter ~~ 5/15

2006-06-11T21:42:00.000-04:00

Here is the newsletter from 5/15 for A Scrappin' Friendsy: http://ascrappinfriendsy.com/archive/newsletter51506.html

My layout contributions:

Free Kit by Paula Duncan

2006-06-11T21:39:00.000-04:00

Paula is offering a free kit on her blog until 6/12 at midnight. Get it here: http://paulasessentials.blogspot.com/2006/06/gift-for-all.html

Here is a layout that I did using the kit:

Blog Challenge...

2006-05-22T18:24:00.000-04:00

Well, I haven't been keeping up with my blog, so I thought that if I followed the blog challenges I might actually make a couple of entries a week?!?!

Blog Challenge from SophiaC.:

What's on your summer agenda?! Sleeping, scrapping and hopefully losing some weight.

What do you look forward to most this summer? see above, it would have been seeing my nieces as my brother and his family were suppose to come visit. They are unable to make it, so my summer will be pretty self-centered. No summer job for the first time since I started teaching. YIPPEEEEE!!!

And if you aren't in the mood yet to talk summer, what's on your mind today??

Only 5 days left of school!!!!!!!

cherryArte design team contest

2006-05-01T19:03:00.000-04:00

Well, I kept going back and forth about whether or not I wanted to enter the cherryArte ( http://www.cherryarte.com/ ) design team contest or not. When I originally saw the product back in January, I was so excited. The paper was so cool an different. I e-mailed them letting them know that I was interested in being considered for their DT if they put one together. They let me know that they would be putting a team together sometime in the near future and that they would make sure I got the details.

In March, I received an e-mail (probably along with several other hundred scrappers) stating that they were starting their DT search. I hadn't been able to find the papers yet so my search began. I finally found the papers and placed my order. About that same time, I was asked to join the DT at A Scrappin' Friendsy and I had my first assignment so the application to cherryArte was put off for a little while.

As the hype continued on 2Peas I kept changing my mind about entering. So many very talented women were entering the contest that I kept thinking that I didn't stand a chance. I decided that I wasn't going to enter the contest. Fast forward a week, I change my mind. I try to get a layout put together and it just won't come together. Again decide to not send in an entry.

Here it is, April 29. Two days left to put something together. I have to make a card for Conner's party. That cherryArte paper is calling out to me. I really like the way the card turned out.

Sunday morning comes around. OK, I've got all day to pull this thing off. I am entering the DT contest. This is my favorite of the layouts that I turned in.

If nothing else, I have a layout that I LOVE and another layout I can submit to the mags! Cross your finger for me!!

KI Memories contest....

2006-04-30T15:32:00.000-04:00

I was so excited to hear about this contest, since KI is my absolute favorite line of scrapbooking products. Here are the details:

http://www.kimemories.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=funstuff.main

Two new products by Paula Ducan at Sweet Shoppe Designs

2006-04-23T10:58:00.000-04:00

Paula has two new kits out, which can be found at www.sweetshoppedesigns.com

This first layout is using her Wallpaper kit.

This layout was made using her Jordan's Belt kit.

White Orchid by Paula Duncan

2006-03-30T21:37:00.000-05:00

New kit by Paula Duncan called White Orchid. Can be purchased at www.sweetshoppedesigns.com on April 1.

DigiScrappin' now sells paper products!!

2006-03-21T19:30:00.000-05:00

www.digiscrappin.biz has now decided to sell paper products. Right now almost all of the paper products are 10% off.

Come see the new:

Chatterbox
KI Memories
MOD
Basic Grey

I finally got asked to be on a design team!!!!!

2006-03-20T19:21:00.000-05:00

After several years of trying, I was finally asked to join a design team. I had tried out for the DT at A Scrappin' Friendsy earlier and didn't make the team. But I was asked to be a guest designer for March. Well, last night I got a phone call asking if I would like to join their team!!! It seems that one of the DT members had to leave for personal reasons and a spot opened up. I am so excited!!! I can't wait to start working!!

A Book of Color - A Treat for Designers

2006-03-20T19:20:00.000-05:00

New article at www.designerzine.com

A Book of Color - A Treat for Designers

Written by Stephanie Vetne

Principal Appreciation Week

2006-03-19T20:16:00.000-05:00

This week is Principal Appreciation Week and I along with two others are in charge of getting gifts for the week. I also made some cards. Here they are:

KI Memories- Hopeful

2006-03-19T20:13:00.000-05:00

I finally got to scrap with the new KI Memories. LOVE IT!!!

New content up at DesignerZine!

2006-03-19T10:31:00.000-05:00

There is new content up at www.DesignerZine.com

Big Bang: The Evolution of Craft Categories
Written by Daniel R. Boone

Stepping Out: Creating Step-by-Step Photos from Technique Projects
Written by Margert Ann Kruljac and Jill Jones-Lazuka

Company Spotlight: Brainiac Scrapbooking
Written by Mike Hicks

Software Review: Quicken Premier Home & Business 2006
Written by SuperAdmin

Why a Good Book is Worth A Thousand Websites
Written by Leslie Frederick

Slaying Dragons
Written by Kitty Foster

Editor's Corner Interview: Thena Smith
Written by R. Lynn Baker

Come check it out!!

New SEI - Winnie's Walls

2006-03-18T13:59:00.000-05:00

I created this last weekend, but didn't have time to upload it until now. These pictures were originally printed for last year's Memory Makers Master's contest. They were going to be used on my Comfort and Joy layout. Well, I decided not to try the contest, so the pics have been sitting on my desk since then. As soon as I got the new SEI, I new it would be perfect for these pics. The colors match my scraproom perfectly!

Couture Sampler by Paula Duncan

2006-03-18T13:50:00.000-05:00

Completed another layout using a kit by Paula Duncan called Couture Sampler. Her kit can be found here: http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/shoppe/index.php?main_page=product_info&manufacturers_id=7&products_id=129

KI Memories is in the house!!!

2006-03-08T17:53:00.000-05:00

Ohhhh, I got my new KI today. I am so excited to finally have it in my hands!!! I can't wait until this weekend when I actually have some time to sit down and play with it!!

Contest winner!!!

2006-03-07T18:22:00.000-05:00

Well, I logged onto ScrapLovers today to find out that I had won their Feb. layout contest. Yippea! I've never won a layout contest before (maybe because I've never entered one before). Another thing to add to my resume. I was sooooooo excited! Well, until I found out that I only won because my name had been drawn out of a hat :( Oh, well.

Tania Cordova's Berthoud & Blues

2006-03-04T19:30:00.000-05:00

This is a layout using Tania Cordova's Berthoud & Blues which can be found at www.Scrapdish.com

Carole Neale's Bloom Kit

2006-03-04T18:59:00.000-05:00

Here is a layout using Carole Neal's Bloom kit available free when you recieve the March newsletter from www.digiscrappin.biz

DesignerZine

2006-03-04T18:52:00.000-05:00

As some of you know I am one of the Contributing Editors at www.DesingnerZine.com. My first article has been published. YEAH!!!!

It is titled: My First Tradeshow Experience: An Inside Look at CHA from a First-timer's Perspective

I hope you will all sign-up and read my first article.

New KI Memories

2006-03-04T18:18:00.000-05:00

After seeing the new stuff at CHA, I was on a hunt to find it for myself. Not only did I find a place that had it, she has it for 25% off!!!

Happy shopping!!!

Paper: http://www.linnecards.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=13&sort=2a&filter_id=535

Gel Candy: http://www.linnecards.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=13&sort=2a&filter_id=535

Cardstock stickers: http://www.linnecards.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=13&sort=2a&filter_id=536

Chipboard: http://www.linnecards.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=13&sort=2a&filter_id=539

New Alphabet Soup: http://www.linnecards.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=13&sort=2a&filter_id=171

My first post......

2006-03-04T18:02:00.000-05:00

Well, I put off getting a blog for awhile now. Kevin is going to Columbus with his sister tonight, so I've got some free time on my hands. I came across someone's link to their blog and here I am with one of my own.