Holidays at Home Blog Train

Well, I'm back again. This time I've got something really special for you. I chose to participate in the Aspiring Digital Designer collab for this month.

The kit that you'll be getting from me is an updated version of one of the very first kits that I made about this time last year. I've reworked many of the elements and added new stuff to it to. I can't believe how I've grown as a designer in the last year. Everything I make now seems better than the last thing that I made.

That said, here is what you'll be getting:

You can get my kit here: http://www.4shared.com/file/73917217/6994a1bc/holidaysathome_doodle_christmaspast.html?dirPwdVerified=58977bba

Please, please be sure to share with me if you've put it to use. And don't forget to leave love when you download.

And of course, don't miss any of the wonderful pieces of this train ride. Here are the links to all of the other designer's pieces:

Adele of Blind Sight Designs

Adventures in Scrapland

Amanda of Amandas Scrappy Creations

Amie of Amiebear

Beaconscrap

Beckmoores Scrapalittle

Becky's Scraps

Bits'N'Bobs

Bouquet of Pixels

Brooke at Ahhh Scrap

Busyscrappin

CMB Designs

Creative Digital Scraps by Chiara

Deanna at Flower Scraps

DesignsByAmilyn

Digital Keepsakes

Doodle Designs <--- you are here

Elemental Pixie

EmCee Scraps

Erika {aka PinkuPixie}

HeatherStokes at HSDesigns

Jayden's Mama

Jessie

JIC Creations

Just Another Scrap

Kathy Goldstein

KittenScraps

Lei at Fairydustprincess-Magicmaker

Linda at Linda's Dream Designs

Lynn of Heavenly Crafts

Lynn at TMA

MagsGraphics

Manda at Disaster in Designs

Mariscrap

Merrilee Wheaton Designs

MsBhvin Scraps

My Little Corner of the World

Oase Panda Bear Designs

Pamela Yates at Pammy's Playground

Rachness

Scrapping with Jen

Shabby Tagger

Shel at Shel Belle Scraps

Stacy at Kalo Designs

Teri at Teris Thing-O-My-Jigs

Wendi at Willow Grace Designs

WillowRaven at Purple Dragonfly Creations

That's 48 sure to be delightful kits there free for the taking for all of December. Enjoy!!!

So Much Going On

So, November has been full of craziness for our family. We've been busy with all of the holiday preparations. The house is awaiting the arrival of the rest of our stuff (we have way too much, we've discovered) and the kids have been sick with almost everything. Ear infections, Strep throat, bronchitis and pink eye. I've also had sinus problems.

That all has led to a lack of scrapping for me this month.

Despite all of that, I've discovered a great, new to me scrapping site this month too. Brownie Scraps is my new dive. Of course, going there always makes me hungry for some of the sinful treat.

Ramona, the owner of the site is hostessing a great design opportunity, which I'm participating in. It's an 8 week journey of design challenges. The first challenge was to chose one of three contrasting color palettes and create a kit with it. That was so much fun for me.

The challenge for last week, which is available as a freebie in the store this week only, was to create a kit for children with a palette of your own choice. This is the kit that I created with a palette that Kathryn chose for me:

This is available free through Friday here: http://www.browniescraps.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65_76&products_id=404

Yes, you do have to register in the Brownie Scraps store, but this isn't the only kit you can get for free this week. There are 10 other free kits available as well.

As far as my poor, neglected blog goes. I have a couple very fun things coming up in December and then starting in January, I plan to follow the example set by DeDe of DesignzbyDede.blogspot.com and try to do a weekly high/low and Friday freebie. I guess we'll see how that goes once the first of January comes around. I'd go ahead and start now, but it is so difficult with the holidays that I'll just wait another month.

Enjoy Dress Up if you are so inclined to snag it for free this week because after it is gone from Brownie Scraps, it will soon make an appearance as a PTU kit at my store in DigitalScrapGarden.

Apology

I am so sorry. Last night when I wrote the blog post, extremely late at night, I for some unknown reason linked to a bad file name in my 4-Shared folder.

The link in the previous post is correct now, but if you don't feel like scrolling down, here is the proper link to my portion of Sugar Shoppe: http://www.4shared.com/file/65188306/10100fb2/_2__doodle_sugarshoppe_octadsd.html?dirPwdVerified=58977bba


And a big thank you to the two ladies who let me know that my link was incorrect.

Sweet Shoppe

I participated again this month in the ADSD Collaboration kit. It is called Sweet Shoppe, and though my contribution is small, the entire kit is huge.

So after you pick up mine, be sure to visit all of the other girls and pick up their lovely pieces as well.

The link to my portion is: http://www.4shared.com/file/65188306/10100fb2/_2__doodle_sugarshoppe_octadsd.html?dirPwdVerified=58977bba

Blog roll starts here:

A Zone for Digiscraps
Adventures in Scrapland
Andrea Whitt
Angel
Ann (mumsy)
Arvita Elam
BeaconScraps
Blind Sight Designs
Brooke & Joni of Ahhh Scrap!
Burkhart Scrapzone (Michaele)
Buzybee (Penny)
by God's design
Carolyn Ritter
Charlie
City Scribe Scraps
Creative Digital Scraps by Chiara
Deanna at Flower Scraps
Deb aka The Scrappin Cop
Debbie
Doodle's Designs
Erika {aka PinkuPixie}
jeanniebs designs
Jody of Munchkyn Scraps
Judith of Just Another Scrap
Kalo Designs
Kathy Goldstein Designs The Scrap Loft
Krystal of Scraps Sealed with a Kiss
Late Night Scraps
Lei
Linda's Dream Designs
Lynn of Heavenly Crafts
Mags at MagsGraphics
Manda at Disaster In Designs
Mandy at Scraps With Spunkitude
Mardesia at Crafter's Boutique
Marie
Melanie aka Sweetasmel
http://designsbymel.blogspot.com/
Merrilee
MJ at My Sweet Tater
Monica at Random Inspirations
Nadine at Scrappinmamma's Digitals
Nora
pandabeardesigns
Rachness
Scrappy Cats at Moving ON
Shabby Tagger
Shannon of ScrappyShannon
Shel at Shel Belle Scraps
Silver Fae (aka Karen J)
Stacey Crossley
Stephanie
Teri at TerisThingOMyJigs
Three Bright Lights Design
Xandra

We're Having a Birthday Party

Yes, you read that right. We are having a huge first birthday party to celebrate one year of Digital Scrap Garden.

Nearly everything in the store is on sale for 40 percent off and some of the designers, myself included, have chosen a featured kit that will be a whopping 75% off. (More about that in a moment)

First off, tonight, Thursday the 25th we will have a birthday bash kickoff chat in the DST chatroom at 9pm est. Friday the 26th and Satureday the 27th at 10pm est there will be Speedy Scraps chats in our very own chatroom. We have forum challenges planned and even a huge scavenger hunt all planned for our birthday week. Don't miss out.

My featured kit for the sale is my Flowers and Fairies:

Which is normally $5.50. At 75% off, it is on sale for $1.38 for one week only.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, I also have a freebie for everyone today. This is a quickpage created with Flowers and Fairies. Hopefully this will give you a taste of my work.

Which you can get here: http://www.4shared.com/file/64423271/abfc6346/doodle_flowersandfairies_quickpagefreebie.html?dirPwdVerified=58977bba

Enjoy and be sure to join the fun with our Goofy Dorks at our little garden in cyberspace.

Scrapbook Pages with Hybrid Albums

Okay, you know all of those cool bracket and shape albums that you see in all of the stores? I love 'em it is so cool to be able to make shaped albums for gifts and the like. However, I've also discovered an awesome way of incorporating them into my layouts for the kids scrapbooks as well.

I've been having an absolute blast playing with Glenda Ketcham's Aunt Ella's Pool kit, bracket album and flip flop album that you can find at digitals.

Papers and ribbons: http://digitalscrapbookpages.com/digitals/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=&products_id=11665

Elements: http://digitalscrapbookpages.com/digitals/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=&products_id=11666

Bracket album: http://digitalscrapbookpages.com/digitals/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=&products_id=11836

Flip Flop album: http://digitalscrapbookpages.com/digitals/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=&products_id=11612

In both of these layouts of the kids; first Kathryn's first swim and then Paul's first swim I incorporated the albums into my page. Not only did using the albums make the layouts easier, they also made for unique pages for each of the kids.

I have so much more that I'd like to share right now, but the kids are begging me for dinner.

Back Again

How is it that I always make a resolution to myself to be a better blogger and then I horribly fail?

I don't know. I mean I do know that life is extremely crazy around here right now between the impending move, Kathryn starting school, and my having to babysit my niece quite frequently as my brother and SIL wait for the arrival of their new baby. Sometimes I don't even have time to take a breath, let alone share my life with everyone and make gifts and for sale kits.

At any rate, I am the daily petals designer this month at Digital Scrap Garden. The kit that I'm giving away is called Bright and Vivid, and I really think it is my favorite kit to date.

Here are a couple previews:

and:

The first three links are gone already, but since I'm feeling generous, if you leave me a comment here in my blog, with your email address, I'll send you a link to all three pieces via email.

Also, I've been wanting to talk about quickpage albums. Do you like them, do you hate them? If you like them what kind do you find yourself using the most? 12 x 12s, bragbooks, or one of the nifty hybrid albums? I want to make some albums with my kits but I really don't know which type is the best.

It's Finally Time, Welcome to Zoo Spirit

So here it is, the something big that I promised with tons and tons of freebies to be grabbed.

I welcome one and all to Zoo Spirit, and ADSD collaboration kit. Make sure you have your clicking fingers ready and you are ready to ride on the train, cause it's a long ride. At my last count there were 49 designers participating. Some of these wonderful ladies you may know, others may be new to you, but I can promise you one thing, this is one awesome kit.

Without further ado, here is my portion of Zoo Spirit:

From my portion of the kit you get:

5 papers

7 bottlecaps inlayed with animal photos

2 flowers

1 polaroid cluster

Download HERE

And of course don't forget to snag the rest of this wonderful collab.

abyscraps
Amanda Truitt
Angel
A Zone for Digiscraps
Brooke & Joni
Burkhart Scrapzone (Michaele)
Buzybee Designs (Penny Lewis)
By God's Design
City Scribe Scraps
Crafter's Boutique (Mardesia)
Creations By Rachael
Creative Digital Scraps by Chiara
Creative Dreams
Deb
Debbie
Designs by Crazy Diamond
Designs by Lisa Minor
Erika (PinkuPixie)
Gone Scrappin' Designs
Heartprints Digital Designs
Kalo Designs
Kelly's Sanity Saver
Kim's Scrappin'
Lady V dZine
LBCreations: Designs by Babette
Lighthouse Designs by Beth
Lighthouse Scrapping and Harbor Designs
Lori Imel
MagsGraphics
Michelle Blagg Designs
Monica at Random Inspirations
Munchkin Scraps by Jody
Nadine: Scrappinmamma
Nancy Schmidt
Panda Bear Designs
Serina,s Designz
Scrappin with Doodle <------ YOU ARE HERE
Scrappin' with Ladye
Scrappin' with Jersey Girl
Scrappy Cats
ScrappyShannon
Scraps by Shilo
ScripityScrap Designs
Share Joy
Stacey Crossley
Stellarific Creations
Stephanie
The Scrap Loft: Kathy Goldstein Designs
utski can scrap

Something Big, Coming Soon.

So, I've been working on some things for everyone. Lots of things hopefully will be coming from me soon.

These past few weeks have been very hectic in our house. First, I was in a yardsale last weekend, and we are doing it again next weekend here at my mom's house. I really just need to get rid of all these clothes that the kids have outgrown. Not to mention, Mom also has things from my Grandma's house that she needs to get rid of too.

And, we've gotten the carpet in and started moving our furniture over to the new house. I've got Kathryn enrolled in school and she started Jump Start into the School Year today. That is this little program that her school is doing for three days this week to get the kids used to the school building. Then, on Friday they have kindergarten placement. Next week they have an open house so the parents can meet the teachers and that kind of thing. I just really can't believe that my girl is starting school.

Oh, and the something big. On Friday the first, I am going to be participating in my first blog train. The ADS designers (aspiring digi scrap designers) hostess and awesome blog train each month, and since this was my first entire month to be a part of the group, I decided to participate. This thing is going to be huge. There are at least 40 different designers participating. Some you might know and others that will be new to you. What a great way to get to sample the work of tons of designers. I can't wait to share my part with everyone, but it is going to have to wait a few more days.

Carpet Woes

I'm so anxious to move into our new house. Some days it seems like everything is coming along very well. Other days, not so much.

Of course, I guess that is the way that it always is. We ordered our carpet at the end of April. It came into the warehouse at the end of May. They were finally able to schedule us for installation at the end of June. Well, then it had to be rescheduled because another customer's carpet had been mismeasured. So I happily allowed Home Depot to give us a 10% refund for having to reschedule.

Then Monday, they came to put the carpet down, only to figure out that we'd have to use liquid nails because our house sits on a slab. So the guy puts down the tack strip with the liquid nails. Says he will be back on Tuesday to finish the installation. On Tuesday the liquid nails are fully set (it was extremely humid). We reschedule for Thursday. No big deal, it will still be done before the long weekend so we can start moving our furniture in, right? Wrong!!

On Thursday he comes. Lays out all of the padding. Cuts the piece that is going into the master bedroom. Then goes to roll out the carpet in the living room. And it is six inches short!! So, I'm given the choice, either let him lay the carpet with a seam in it or wait for another piece of carpet to be reordered for the right size. Well, I'm a perfectionist and we did pay extra so that our carpet would be seamless. So now, we have to wait until who knows when for a new piece of carpet to come in.

I'll be calling Home Depot on Monday and they will be giving me an additional refund for the hassle that we've been through. At this point it is keeping us from moving into our house. And, we will also be keeping the miscut piece of carpet. It will fit very nicely into Paul's bedroom.

It's July Already

Wow, I really can't believe it is already July. This year has been flying by so fast. I just don't know where the time has gone.

Well, really, I do. It's gone into the new house. Of which I should have some pictures to share here in a few days. We've got the living room and our bedroom almost done (at least for the time being). The only thing we are holding on is our carpet. It is going to finally be laid on Thursday. But, both of the rooms are already painted. Once the carpet is down we can start moving furniture in.

Oh, and we are getting a brand new heating and air-conditioning system. I entered a contest from one of our local news studios, and they chose us as the winners. That means that when it comes to tax season next year, we should be able to completely redo the kitchen and take a vacation. HVAC had been on our list of things to get done next year, but since we are getting it in the next couple of weeks at no expense to us, that means that no cost will be spared in the kitchen and it should not use all of our tax money.

On to scrapping subjects. I still haven't gotten the freebie that coordinates with my forthcoming Flowers and Fairies kit done. I've been spending so much time getting things done at the new house that I haven't had the design time that I require.

However, I do have a couple of layouts that I'd love to share.

This layout was created with Kristmess' kit Somethin Fishy from TSG. Here is the direct link to the kit: http://www.scrappinggarden.com/shop/product.php?productid=16787&cat=0&page=1

I had an absolute blast making that page. It is so far outside of my norm that it isn't funny, but then. It was a blast.

And it is only fair to also share a layout with Sissy in it too.

This layout was created with Katie Mann's Technicolor Dreams kit from Digitals. Direct link to the kit is: http://digitalscrapbookpages.com/digitals/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=&products_id=10715

Kathryn had such a good time holding the Lorikeets at the Columbus Zoo, and of course I had a great time taking pictures of her.

Well, I guess I'll talk to you all again in a day or two. We're going to make homemade ice cream today with playgroup!

Seriously This Time

I am such a bad blogger. I know that I don't really have any readers yet and I also know that I would forget my head if it wasn't attached. Now, hopefully I'll be able to pick up some readers somewhere in the near future because I've already got several freebies planned to share with anyone who stumbles across my little piece of space on the web.

Did I mention that part of the reason I've been so slow is because I nearly lost everything this time a week ago? I turned on my external and it would not communicate with my computer. I was sick to my stomach about it. Thankfully, Tom and my good friend Doug were able to get it to connect to Doug's computer and then promptly bought a new hard drive to back up everything.

I didn't end up losing anything except for a week of valuable design time. Speaking of which, I have a new kit almost ready to go into the store. It is my favorite yet. I'll load some previews and a coordinating freebie later this evening.

I'm BAAACK!!!!

And I hope to never be away for this long again. Since last you all saw me, I've been a very busy woman. First of all, we finally closed on our new house in February. And since that day, we've been working on it diligently. We also had to finalize the preparations for my mother to sell her childhood home. That was a sad day for all of us.

Also, I've been busy chasing Kathryn and Paul around constantly. And I do mean constantly.

Finally, I got my newest creation into the store today. It is called Click-It volume 1.

Here is a preview:

And here is the layout that I created that I based template #4 off of. I used Amanda Thorderson's kit Walking on Sunshine for the creation of the layout. I guess I'm all backwards. I tend to create a layout first, decide I like it and then make a template from my layout:

If you like what you see in the preview, you can check out the template set here: http://www.digitalscrapgarden.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_dnld_info&products_id=286

Or, always feel free to browse my entire store:

http://www.digitalscrapgarden.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=7

Check back in soon.

The Freebie I promised

Okay, so it is not Monday. And for that I sincerly apologize. Paul had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday and on Monday I was dealing with things I have going on here so, alas, not much time for the computer. But I'm back and with a quickpage that coordinates with Warm Fuzzy Pajamas

Also, I would like to let you all know about the great challenges that we have going on at our little garden on the net. Lots of fun challenges for inspiration to get you scrapping: Digital Scrap Garden Challenges

Remember, at the Garden, you aren't just a member, you are family.

So, without further ado, here is the quickpage (example layout by myself)

And here is the link to download the quickpage: http://www.4shared.com/file/35055038/57850e82/Warm_Fuzzy_Pajamas_freebie.html?

Sorry everyone, the picture of Paul is not included. Please be sure to let me know if you use or appreciate the quickpage.

Warm Fuzzy Pajamas

You might be wondering what exactly Warm Fuzzy Pajamas is. Well, it is my first kit that I have created with the intention of selling it.

You want to see?? I know you do. Here it is:

Why Warm Fuzzy Pajamas? Well, it was inspired by Paul's newest set of pajamas.

With this kit you get: 11 papers (4 textured solids and 7 patterned), 12 buttons (2 different styles), 8 zippers (2 different styles), 4 ribbons, 1 film strip frame, 1 rectangle frame, 1 snowman sticker, and 1 penguin sticker.

And if you are interested, you can find it here: http://www.digitalscrapgarden.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_dnld_info&products_id=112

Oh, and check back soon. Say Monday, or maybe even earlier for a quickpage made using this kit.

Bad Blogger

I am so sorry I'm a terrible blogger. It is actually quite difficult to get used to this. And, of course I am going crazy as well.

I've had Kathryn home with me for the last two weeks, Paul is climbing everything, and we are still waiting for word as to when we will be closing on our house.

Other than that, I have good news too. I am a designer at Digital Scrap Garden. I haven't gotten anything ready for the store just yet, but I'm working on it. The ladies over there were so impressed with everyone's work on the contest that the offered a contract for anyone involved in it that was interested. I figured, what better way to get my feet wet.