Joyfully Yours, Susannah

Art Deco Freebie

2012-01-29T17:35:00.000-06:00

I'm really into the 20s and 30s lately, and so I've made you a freebie from the art style (also art nouveau). I've been having fun making headbands, hats, and other finery to make me look like I'm from that era. Of course, blue jeans kind of give me away! Here's what I came up with:

Next comes fingerwaves!

But for you, I have a cute little kit with eight papers and four embellishments. Just click on the image to download, and remember my simple Terms of Use: Don't use it illegally or immorally, don't claim it as your own. Other than that, you may use it in any way you want.

By the way, if you like the Great Gatsby look for your man, go to http://tinyurl.com/7ozt9l8 and follow the tutorial to make a hat like Richard Gere wore in Chicago!

Guest Post from Michelle Brown

2012-01-29T17:21:00.001-06:00

Creating your own scrapbooking backgrounds

By Michelle Brown

www.MixedMediaArt.net

Creating your own scrapbooking backgrounds is fun and easy to do. It is easy way to have a few paints and chipboard cutouts on hand and you can create our own unique backgrounds with matching embellishments.

While there are many ways of painting backgrounds, using the credit card painting technique is my favourite because it is quick and easy. I have developed this technique based on inspiration from Michelle Ward's GPP Street Team Crusades No. 55 Disappearing Act [http://michelleward.typepad.com/how_cool_is_that/2011/09/crusade-no-55-disappearing-act.html] Let's get started.

Tools & materials

To create our own scrapbooking background we need to gather our supplies together:

- a few pieces of 12" x 12" cardboard (or your preferred size),

- two matching coloured paints and a white paint,

- one or two old credit cards or other plastic card,

- paint pallet or plastic plate

- paintbrush and jar of water

- foam stamps

Process

1. Cover your table with plastic sheet or scrap paper. Have your cardboard ready and organise a space to dry each sheet once painted. Once we get started we can get through a few sheets pretty quickly.

2. Onto your paint pallet, place a dime sized dob of each paint. Mix one colour with a little white.

3. Use the paint brush to add a little paint onto the credit card. Hold the card firmly with one hand and scrap the paint with the credit card down the page. Once you get t the bottom, lift the credit card up and scrap another strip of paint. Repeat until the page is covered or you need more paint. It is okay to leave spaces and have different thickness; that adds to the charm of the background.

4. Leave page to dry while you clean the credit card (or use the second one). Take your second colour and repeat the paint scraping process. You can fill in the gaps or colour over the first colour. Just have fun with it and create with abandon.

5. Add a little of the third, lighter colour. When you are happy with it, set page aside to dry and create another page.

6. When all of the page backgrounds are painted, we can now add some features to the pages. Using the same paint colours, add paint to a foam stamp You can use one colour or add all three. Stamp pattern onto your background. Add until the paint fades and turn the stamp around and stamp again. You can get two or three good stamps before you need to apply more paint.

Don't worry that you can't see all of the detail; again that adds to the charm of the backgrounds.

7. Repeat with your other pages. Leave to dry. Now you can paint any chipboard embellishments that you may want to use to match your painted background.

This technique can be used to add lots of paint very quickly to many different projects; altered books, art journals or handmade books are just a few ideas.

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Bio:

Michelle Brown is passionate about mixed media art and enjoys sharing her knowledge and techniques with you to allow you to express your own creativity. Michelle understands that many of us have an inner need to create. By learning a few basic techniques the amazing world of mixed media art is accessible to everyone! Located in Melbourne, Australia she can be contacted through www.mixedmediaart.net

New to Scrapbooking? Win this Free Scrapbooking Software!

2012-01-15T12:46:00.001-06:00

Recently I was contacted by My Memories Scrapbooking Software and asked if I'd like to host a giveaway. But before I recommended it to you, I had to make sure it really did all it said it would do. And guess what? It does! Here's what it says:

"My Memories Suite version 2 software is a complete digital scrapbooking solution that provides a powerful set of creative tools and multiple sharing options that no other software can offer. Its intuitive workspace and enhanced time-saving features are perfect for a beginner to build an entire album in minutes, or to empower the design pro to build a scrapbook album masterpiece.

"Share Your Creativity

Once you have made your scrapbook album, you want to share your creation with others, right? My Memories Suite can help you show off your scrapbook in so many different ways-and as many times as you want. Print your pages and share them as a traditional scrapbook-or use the one-click share option to turn your album into professionally-printed and hardbound book. And not just one book either; you can make 3 or 4, or even a hundred published books from your one album. Turn your scrapbooks into treasured keepsakes by giving copies to family and friends.

"You're not out of options yet...Take advantage of a full suite of sharing options and turn your scrapbook into a movie to watch on a DVD-or view on an iPod. My Memories Suite allows you to share an interactive album on a disc (DVD or CD) that will automatically play on a computer (PC or Mac). Viewers can interact with your scrapbook by clicking on video, playing narration or navigating through your scrapbook like a website. You can even place in web links for them to visit or embed hidden files like Grandma's secret cookie recipe.

"With My Memories Suite you can even create and share professionally printed and bound calendars, make posters or trading cards for your son's soccer team, post a movie of your scrapbook on your Facebook page-all with the click of a button. If you are serious about creating the ultimate scrapbook that preserves and shares your memories with a serious amount of "wow" factor, then My Memories Suite is the one-stop solution for you."

So I decided to make 2 scrapbooks with it; one, using their layouts, and the second using mine. Here are the results, in that order:

Would you like to win this software? All you need do is leave a comment telling why you think it would be better than what you are currently using.

Want to see more? Just click on the image below!

Sweet Paper Freebie for Papercrafts

2012-01-11T11:02:00.001-06:00

Download these three sweet papers and print them out to use in your scrapbooking, cardmaking, or any other papercraft. Full rights to use as you please, except that I retain the copyright. Also, please do not use them in illegal or immoral ways, and don't claim them as yours. Just click on the image to download, and have fun!

Scrapbooking Freebie!

2012-01-05T14:05:00.003-06:00

I have really decided that I like 8 x 8 sized scrapbooks, so today I have an 8x8 template for you. Of course, you can always increase the size to 12x12. Just replace the blocks with your pictures at -45°, and the type with whatever you want to say in your choice of font. Just click on the image to download, and remember to keep it clean and legal. Otherwise, go for it! No attribution is necessary, although of course it's always appreciated.

Join me in a year-long challenge!

2012-01-02T10:37:00.000-06:00

Last layout of 2011: 10 Grandest Things of 2011

Come scrap along with me... the best is yet to be! I have a new year's challenge for you: let's create a scrapbook album as we go through the year. I'm going to make mine weekly, but you can do monthly, or by theme, or whatever you want to do as long as the posts are regular. Mine will be done on Saturday, because that's the end of the week (at least in the US)and I need a week's worth of adventure and exploring, and photographs to scrap. So here's the deal:

1 - Pick a day—any day. It can be (like mine) a certain day of the week or perhaps a particular day of the month like the 15th or the third Sunday... just so long as it's regular.

2 - Leave a comment telling me what you have chosen.

3 - Do your layout and then email me your layout (suzi@suziwollman.com) and I'll post your layout here.

4 - Each layout will receive a number, and at the end of the month (on the last day), I'll randomly choose a number and that person will win a prize. (Hint: if you plan on doing one per week, that gives you four chances per month— and sometimes five!— to win that prize!

Are you all set? Are you pumped? If not, put your thinking cap on and get busy dreaming up your layouts! (You can find some inspiration and templates on my "freebies" page.

Happy hunting!

Visit our fan page for exclusive freebies and downloads!

My Memories Suite Challenge

2011-12-29T11:51:00.000-06:00

One last post for 2011...

2011-12-25T08:47:00.000-06:00

I just flipped over to my other blog, Kids in Kahoots, and lo! and behold! I discovered that I had started the advent series there and then switched it to here! Duh! If you want the first seven gifts, just click here to be taken to Kids in Kahoots. Have a happy new year!

My Grown-Up Christmas Wish for You

2011-12-24T10:29:00.001-06:00

Correction on Day 21 freebie

2011-12-23T11:36:00.001-06:00

Some people were saying that they couldn't use the quickpage in the format I saved it in, so I've reposted it as a tif file. I was told everyone could use that. I hope so! Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Joyeux Noël! С Рождеством!

Advent Days 19 and 20 --A Christmas Freebie!

2011-12-20T15:37:00.000-06:00

This one is a little different. Instead of music, I'm going to give you a tutorial to make a cute little partridge chick ornament to hang in your tree, and you also get the original artwork to use as you please. Cute chick. I think you'll like her.

First thing you'll need to do is download the template. It's here.

Next, cut all pieces apart.

Lay the pieces on contrasting felt and draw around each piece (you'll need 2 of the blank chick outline).

Cut the pieces out carefully, using small, sharp scissors.

Lay the template pieces in this order:

Both blank pieces, the main face piece.
Set the wing piece aside for now.
Using a blanket stitch, Sew all pieces together at all edges.
Using a French knot, make eyes.
Embroider the markings in the wings as you please.
Glue the wing to the body.
Cut a small square of orange felt and position for beak.
Glue legs on blank piece in appropriate place.
Cut a tall feather or two to put on top of the chick's head.
Attach a string or ribbon to the back of the chick's head for a hanger.

Feel free to use the artwork in any legitimate, moral way, but please do not claim my work as your own. Enjoy!

Advent Day 20-- A Christmas Quick Page!

This is a layered TIFF file. I've been told that saving it this way will allow everyone to use it. Have fun!

Advent Day 18 - A Christmas Freebie

2011-12-18T18:56:00.000-06:00

It also happens to be my anniversary. We've been married 35 years today, and I'm going to celebrate with a very special song, sung by... yeah, you guessed it, Rhema. It's called "All I Want for Christmas is You" and is dedicated to my honey.

Click here

Advent Day 17- A Christmas Freebie

2011-12-17T18:50:00.000-06:00

I'm stuck on Rhema Marvanne, folks, because I know her and because I think she is very, very gifted. I know not everyone will agree with me, and if you want to skip her song, go right ahead. You can still have the freebie. But I hope you'll listen to her sing "I'll have a blue Christmas"!

Rhema singing Click Here

Your gift for Day 17 -

Advent Days 14, 15, and 16 - and Christmas Freebies!

2011-12-16T18:42:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure how it happened, but several days got away from me. So now I have THREE days all at once for you! I'd like to offer just one song, "The Prayer," sung by RhemaMarvanne. Please leave me a comment and let me know what you thought of it!

"The Prayer" by Rhema. Click Here.

Gift for Advent day 14:

Gift for Advent day 15:

Gift for Advent day 16:

Advent Day 13... and a Christmas Freebie!

2011-12-14T11:47:00.001-06:00

At Christmas time, people sometimes go all out. I thought you might enjoy some pictures of some houses where people have done just that. Click on the image to see the pictures, and then click on the words "Click Me" to download the cupcake wrapper.

"Click Me"

Adding Texture to Backgrounds and a Freebie

2011-12-14T11:21:00.002-06:00

Although you might have any number of pretty backgrounds to do your layouts, you can always add a little texture to give them depth and interest. Adding texture to your background is very easy to do. Here's a step-by-step tutorial on one way to do it, and a free texture for you to download.

First, the layout with no texture added:

Because the background is just black, I'm going to change it first. Black is not a good background to try to texturize (except in rare instances). Here's the changed layout.

Now let's add some interest to it by adding texture. Here's the texture we'll be using:

Place the texture directly above the background layer, and then experiment with the blending modes until you get something you like.

This was using blend mode "soft light" with the default settings applied.

This one uses blend mode "luminosity" with opacity set at 52%.

And here the texture's blend mode is "linear burn" with opacity set at 68%.

And finally, I've moved the texture to the top and set the blend mode to "linear dodge" and opacity to 68%.

As you can see, using blending modes with textures gives you a wide range of effects quite easily. And now, as I promised you a texture, just go back up and click on the texture image to download it from Media Fire. Enjoy!

Advent Day 12 - A Christmas Freebie!

2011-12-12T23:16:00.000-06:00

On the twelfth day of our advent, I thought it apropos to show you the real song. No kids this time. Here's how it works: Just click on the image to gather your gift, and then scroll down to click again on the words "Click Me" to download the image.

"Click Me"

Advent Day 11 - A Christmas Freebie!

2011-12-11T22:54:00.000-06:00

Here's how it works: Just click on the image to gather your gift, and then scroll down to click again on the words "Click Me" to download the image.

This is Sophia. She is three. Using a christmas bulb as a microphone, she sings her own rendition of the 12 days. What a future this one has!

"Click Me"

Advent Day 10 - A Christmas Freebie!

2011-12-10T22:48:00.000-06:00

I seem to be drifting away from O Holy Night now, and I guess some of you are kind of glad, no? Let's listen to the kids sing the 12 days of Christmas... and we'll start in Malawi! Here's how it works: Just click on the image to gather your gift, and then scroll down to click again on the words "Click Me" to download the image.

Advent Day 9 - A Christmas Freebie!

2011-12-09T12:39:00.000-06:00

Children's choirs are really the only choirs I want to listen to. This one is sung by the Bulgarian National Radio Choir. I believe they are singing in their own language, but that makes it even more beautiful. Close your eyes and breathe deeply... can you feel the notes swell your spirit? I can! Here's how it works: Just click on the image to gather your gift, and then scroll down to click again on the words "Click Me" to download the image.

"Click Me"

Advent Day 8 -- and a Christmas Freebie!

2011-12-08T12:29:00.000-06:00

Celine Dion's version of O Holy Night seems quite popular with the young singers. This young girl, Dominique Dy, has an incredible voice for 8 years old. Enjoy!

Here's how it works: Just click on the image to gather your gift, and then scroll down to click again on the words "Click Me" to download the image.

Advent Day 8 - A Christmas Freebie!

2011-12-08T07:11:00.000-06:00

Seven year old Breanna Romer has power in her voice, I'll tell you. Among the kids you've heard, she can really belt it out. Enjoy! Here's how it works: Just click on the image to gather your gift, and then scroll down to click again on the words "Click Me" to download the image.

"Click Me"

Advent Day 7 -- A Christmas Freebie

2011-12-07T06:29:00.000-06:00

Peeps, here we take a break from kids singing and in honor of our "seven swans a-swimming" we present to you the most amazing rendition of Swan Lake that you have ever seen. Don't worry if you don't like ballet... you'll LOVE this! Here's how it works: Just click on the image to gather your gift, and then scroll down to click again on the words "Click Me" to download the image.

"Click Me"

Advent Day 6 - A Christmas Freebie!

2011-12-06T07:05:00.000-06:00

Listen now to this young man (nine in 2008) as he sings a cappella! The videographer missed the first few words, but you'll appreciate his performance. Jameson Willis has a powerful voice! Here's how it works: Just click on the image to gather your gift, and then scroll down to click again on the words "Click Me" to download the image.

"Click Me"

Advent Day 5 - A Christmas Freebie

2011-12-05T06:53:00.000-06:00

Softly singing Madeline Powell has been signing for nine years, and she's only nine in this recording... and that was in 08! I think you'll be blessed when you watch this gifted child and hear her sing. Enjoy! Here's how it works: Just click on the image to gather your gift, and then scroll down to click again on the words "Click Me" to download the image.

"Click Me"

Advent Day 4 - A Christmas Freebie

2011-12-04T06:38:00.000-06:00

Christmas is about children. The Christ Child was born to bring salvation to man. It was, indeed, a Holy Night! Here's how it works: Just click on the image to gather your gift, and then scroll down to click again on the words "Click Me" to download the image.

"Click Me"

Advent Day 3 - A Christmas Freebie

2011-12-03T06:34:00.001-06:00

Are you enjoying the children? This one is a little girl who attends my church. She's really amazing, and her story is special. Her name is Rhema, which (she told me at age 3) means "Word of God." She lost her mother to cancer just two years later, but she has flourished anyway. I hope she blesses you! Here's how it works: Just click on the image to gather your gift, and then scroll down to click again on the words "Click Me" to download the image.

"Click Me"

Advent Day 2 - A Christmas Freebie

2011-12-03T06:23:00.001-06:00

Friends, I'm sorry this one is late. For some reason all my scheduled posts didn't post. Anyway, here's December 2nd advent gift! Click on the image to receive your gift, and then come back here and click on the words "Click Me" to download the image! Enjoy!

"Click Me"

Advent Day 1 - A Christmas Freebie

2011-12-01T09:11:00.001-06:00

Can you believe it's almost Christmas? Just 24 days now. Have you finished your Christmas shopping (or like in my case, crafting)? So many advent calendars around there that I decided to do a virtual one! Here's how it works: Just click on the image to gather your gift, and then scroll down to click again on the words "Click Me" to download the image. I hope that's not too confusing. If you come back every day from now until Christmas, you'll gather all the pieces of my new kit, "O Holy Night." So, you're invited! Come have some fun and be inspired!

"Click Me" to download image.

And don't forget to leave a comment to enter the Share the Memories Software Giveaway!

Handy Tips To Make A Nice Scrapbook + Free Software!

2011-11-27T07:29:00.001-06:00

Handy Tips To Make A Nice Scrapbook

by Renee Cross

Scrapbooking is a hobby enjoyed by kids and adults alike. It is a way of preserving memories and family history with use of photographs, printed media, and artwork. Scrapbooks tell stories and transform a simple photo album into a creative and exciting storybook. Putting a scrapbook together however takes time and patience and careful choosing and organizing of the appropriate craft supplies that will be used.
Scrapbooking is a hobby which started 150 years ago. However, scrapbooks have been around since the 15th century which was back then known as commonplace books. These books compiled different information such as recipes, quotations, letters, poems and more with each of them unique to its creator's particular interests. This led to the creation of friendship albums in the 16th century which contain local memorabilia including coats of arms or works of art commissioned by local artisans. By the 1800s, photography became very popular which started the incorporation of photographs and other craft supplies to scrapbooks which continues to this day.As was aforementioned, scrapbooking is a craft enjoyed by both kids and adults. However, despite the popularity of said hobby, it is a not very easy task. One should exercise patience and allot time to complete a book. The size and binding of the scrapbook are the first two important things that should be decided before starting said craft. Identifying these properties of the book would allow one to identify the appropriate craft supplies that will be necessary to complete the scrapbook. There are four types of binding scrapbooking hobbyists may choose from. First among these is the post bound. This type of binding features a 12-page book with finished pages loaded into the page protectors from the opening located at the top. Also, this type of binding, which is also considered the most common, is 12-by-12 inches in size.The second type is the strap hinge which is held together by staples in order to hold the plastic straps in place. Thirdly, we have the three ring album which is quite similar to the post bound but has three ring notebooks which gives one more room to add and remove pages. Book bound is the last type of scrapbook binding which is put together like a standard hardcover book. Binding is glued together in order to secure the page protectors together.






The craft supplies and materials that will be used to design the scrapbook are the next things that should be considered and collected before starting the book. These materials include the scrapbook paper, the embellishments, and the photos. The most common types of scrapbook papers often used for scrapbooking are card stocks and vellum. These supplies may be purchased in a variety of sizes, colors, prints, textures, and patterns. Scrapbook embellishments, on the other hand, include colored fabrics, paints, pompoms, glitters, and bells. All these embellishments can be used to add an artistic value to the scrapbook. Lastly, and most importantly, the photographs that would be used and will tell the story of the scrapbook should be identified and collected before starting the book.


Scrapbooking is a rewarding hobby that will help you keep memories that will last a lifetime. it is also a way to showcase ones own artistic and unique style.
























To make it even easier...




I'm giving away scrapbooking software that can't be beat. All you have to do is leave a comment. When we reach 25 comments, I'll draw a winner out of my proverbial hat (I'll actually use a computer number generator) to win! My Memories Suite Version 2 digital 


scrapbooking software is a fun and creative way to keep and share memories, whether you have a Mac or PC. The software's design tools will help you to build entire albums effortlessly using one of the many installed templates, or designing your very own pages from scratch.

Available worldwide. Intended for English-language computers. Technical support is English-only.


$39.97 USD but if you don't win the giveaway, you can use my $10 off coupon that will be posted after the giveaway!

Note on Post from Nov 22

2011-11-26T03:18:00.001-06:00

My precious peeps, please scroll down past the article to download the freebie, Tradewinds. The images at the top are matching fabric available at spoonflower.com.

Wild Wednesday Freebie

2011-11-23T14:05:00.000-06:00

Hi, there, peeps! I've decided to promote Share the Memories Software ideas, tips, and freebies with you on Wednesdays, and today is the first one! (The freebies work with any image editing software, not just STM.) Here's the first one, and if you leave a comment, I'll give you links to two more! Just click on the image to download.

Selecting the Right Cloth or Paper for Your Craft Project

2011-11-22T09:31:00.001-06:00

These fabrics are available at www.spoonflower.com. Designer: Susannah Wollman

Scroll down to download your matching scrapbooking freebie!

by Owen Jones

Up until fifty years ago, the vast majority of women knew how to sew. All the women that I knew as a child sewed and knitted and manufactured some of the clothes for me and my four brothers. When I was eight or nine, I and each other child in my class was taught the fundamentals of knitting and before I went off to college, my mother taught me how to take up my jeans, sew on patches and repair my clothes.

Unfortunately, sewing, knitting and repairing clothes has largely died out in the United Kingdom. I now live in Thailand and I do not see much evidence of sewing or knitting here, so I assume that these arts are dying out all over the world among the masses, although I am certain that there are individuals everywhere who still knit and sew.

It is a real shame. If you are going to make your own clothes or furnishings like cushions, pillows or soft toys, it is pretty essential that you select the right fabric for the job. Using the wrong cloth will make your task more difficult and might even render your work worthless. So here are a few suggestions on choosing the correct cloth for the task in hand.

The first and most obvious thing to do is read the recommendations on the pattern you are using and if you are a novice take that advice until you know what you are doing. Unfortunately, a lot of people do not read the instructions anymore. I can not remember the number of times I have seen someone struggling to assemble something and found the instructions in the bin with the packaging.

Get to know textiles by examining the fabrics in the shop. Ask questions about textiles and look at the fabric on the bolt or roll. If the fabric does not look right on the bolt it probably will not look correct anywhere else either. When you unroll a couple of feet of the bolt, does it lie flat or does it roll up or crumple? Grab a handful and squeeze it. Does it crease easily? Does it feel right?

Is the fabric fraying on the bolt? If so it will fray while you use it too. Look on the bolt for special cleaning or handling directions. Do they suit your needs?

It is quite a problem to work with satin because it slips easily. T-shirt knit is also a problem because it rolls up on itself. It is almost certainly best to avoid these materials until you gain some experience

Cotton is the best fabric for beginners because it is easy to work with and everyone is very familiar with cotton goods. We know how they should feel and we can tell good, thick heavy cotton from cheap, thin cotton. We also all know that cotton shrinks. Therefore before you cut your cloth, wash it and cut the shrunken cotton fabric. In effect, you have pre-shrunk it.

Here's your FREE Scrapbooking Kit!

Free digital scrapbooking papers

2011-11-16T20:55:00.001-06:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I don't know what it's like where you live, but here in north Texas, we've had some mighty windy days. The kind of days that make you think about kites. Did you ever make a kite from scratch? I did, and was so disappointed that it would not fly, but loop-de-looped straight into the ground. My mom (bless her heart) told me to tie pieces of cloth together and attach a "tail" and it would fly. And guess what? It did. It is to that memory that I present you with my latest designs, "Kite Weather." Just the papers right now, but who knows? Maybe some embellies by the end of the week! Enjoy. Just click on the image to download from MediaFire. Use anyway you want to, except for illegal or immoral uses.

Free greeting card top

2011-11-13T11:07:00.001-06:00

I was thinking about what I'm grateful for as Thanksgiving in the United States approaches, and decided that one thing I am most humbly thankful is friends. There are so many quotes about friends, songs about friends, stories about friends, well, you get the idea. So I decided to make a friends card and share it with you! Just click on the image to download the file from Media Fire. And leave me a comment, won't you? After all, isn't that what friends do?

Last Call for Entries! Giveaway Freebie!

2011-11-08T18:47:00.002-06:00

This is the final call for you to enter the drawing for the free giveaway of the really nice software "MyMemories"! Don't miss out! Even if you are an old hand at scrapbooking, this software will give you some easy answers to your problems and some quick inspiration as well. Just leave me a comment on this post, or go to http://kidsinkahoots.blogspot.com and leave one there. You can enter on both blogs, so the more times you enter, the more likely it is that you will win. And something to sweeten the pot: a freebie from my own stash—a faceted ornament—just a hint of fall in the air and I start thinking about Christmas. (Just click on the image to download from Media Fire).

Speaking of Christmas, what do you do for gifts? Do you make any?

Ideas for Baby Showers and Invitation Freebie

2011-11-03T18:34:00.000-05:00

To download template, click on the image.

Ideas For Baby Showers

by Owen Jones

Baby showers are well-liked events, especially in America. A baby shower is usually given or hosted by a friend of the expectant mother, mostly before the birth but sometimes after it too. The point of the baby shower is to collect presents for the child and its parents, which is why family of the mother find it awkward to organize the baby shower themselves - it looks too much like begging.

If you can get a friend to arrange a baby shower for you or if someone offers to do it, the invitations should be sent out a month or two before the birth day, so that the mother is not in too much uneasiness and is not likely to drop the baby during the party.

It is nice to have handmade baby shower invitations. There are two ways that you can do this: either design the invitation card yourself and have it printed out or choose a template at the printers. Both approaches give acceptable results.

If you have the invitations printed to a standard size, you can purchase cheap envelopes at a budget stationery office, but if you go for some weird size, ask the printer to provide the envelopes too.

Usual details like the date, the time, the venue, your name and the baby's name can all be printed but you will have to write or type the recipient's name in personally. Add your phone number as well so that recipients can ask questions if they have any. If you would like the party (and the presents) to have a theme, you should say that on the invitation. Perhaps the card could be in the same theme as well.

In fact, if you want to go down that route, you could download a suitable image off the Internet, say, a scene from Peter Rabbit, and give that to the printer so that they can print that onto your card.

People are very busy these days, so make sure you give your friends at least a month to book you in and get a fitting present for the shower. If you would like to be fairly sure how many people are coming, enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard in with the invitation, so that they can let you know easily.

If you are looking for items to do during the party, you could get the guests to suggest names for your baby and guess the sex or weight of it too. You could use a cross on a chain as a pendant to see if it the movement predicts a boy or girl and how many individuals get the same movement. You could also discuss themes for the child's bedroom after it is born, one for if it is a boy and one for if it is a boy.

About the Author:

Owen Jones

Email: owen@amiabledragon.com

Keywords: baby shower,bedding,knitting,beds,birthday,party,gifts,handicrafts,recreation,hobbies,family,tradition,parenting,other,uncategorized

Word Count: 470

Category: Crafts

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Guest Blogger: Things You Should Know About Christmas Gifts

2011-11-02T08:20:00.001-05:00

to access this freebie, please just click on the image.

by Sarah Mean

Distinctive Christmas gift ideas are often pretty difficult to dream up. With Christmas just around the corner, things develop into stress rather rapidly, if you lack some general ideas about the types of distinctive Christmas gifts you ought to buy for your friends and family.

With all of the work that goes into deciding on the Christmas decorations upwards, using both "Merry Christmas" as well as "Happy Holidays" credit cards, calling up associates to arrange Christmas parties and the like, obtaining unique Christmas gifts is often a rushed and frantic affair. And although you need to find the best gift idea for the people you love, when you sense you are rushed and stressed, sometimes finding people unusual Christmas treats just doesn't quite happen quite the way we plan.

But begin using some creativity and you'll find that it's not too late yet to get great Christmas ideas. If you don't buy all your gifts ahead but you maintain your cool, you may possibly be able to create some unique Christmas gifts for many of your friends and relatives even at the last minute.

Perhaps you've got someone you need to buy a gift for who's a humanitarian - someone who volunteers at a few charities or likes to supply donations to help out the homeless or other disadvantaged people. If you do, you can actually consider a variety of of charitable contributions based around one of their favorite charities, - World Vision, Save Our Times, or perhaps some sort of local charity. Countless generous spirits sooo want to receive a traditional gift that will really make a difference in the lives of people less fortunate than you are.

Personalized items may also be given as unique Christmas gifts. And there is the wide variety of gifts that can be personalized, from necklaces, pens, plastic mugs, glassware, even golf ball sets. most of these unique holiday gifts can be adapted for just about any one; however they are particularly ideal for the men in your life.

And then for the woman, unique Christmas item ideas for women will certainly include jewelry of some description, and designer—or original—jewelry will likely be appreciated very much.

Looking to find the best deal on Christmas cards? Then just click on the image (above) and print out some of your very own cards. You can always add a personalized message inside just by printing it on the reverse side of the card. Then when it's folded, voila! Your own unique cards! (And these fit in standard greeting card envelopes, so no extra postage is needed.)

You most likely have some acquaintances who you're feeling you should get of a holiday gift for, but need ideas of what to buy that will be uncommon Christmas gifts they'll particularly appreciate. And perhaps differences that have clearly had plenty of thought put into it might make your acquaintance feel a little uncomfortable, particularly if he or she has not purchased you anything really special, or even worse - anything in any way. So having several novelty gift items for acquaintances can definitely come in handy.

It often is fun to give a novelty gift item containing something to do with the holidays, while still a unique Christmas gift idea. Every year or so I spend some sort of morning with our family, making hand made Christmas ornaments, and another afternoon making Christmas cookies along with goodies which might be whipped up into Christmas gift baskets - large or small, to suit the specific recipient.

About the Author:

Learn more about christmas gifts. Stop by Sarah Mean's site where you can find out all about christmas gift basket and what it can do for you.

New to Digital Scrapbooking? Free Giveaway!

2011-10-30T04:04:00.001-05:00

So I decided to make 2 scrapbooks with it; one, using their layouts, and the second using mine. Here are the results, in that order:

Would you like to win this software? All you need do is leave a comment telling why you think it would be good for you as opposed to what you are currently using.

Want to see more? Just click on the image below!

What's in a kahoot? Plus digital freebie!

2011-10-26T10:07:00.004-05:00

Well, first of all, a kahoot is actually spelled cahoot and it means a partnership or collusion. Usually used in the plural: My kids and I are in cahoots (kahoots).

When I was looking for a name for my new enterprise, all I knew was that I wanted "kids" in the name. So my daughters and I looked everywhere. ("Have you looked in the inkwell?" And Mother said, "Where?" "In the inkwell," said Father. But [it] was not there.")

Once my 18 month old baby put my keys under the carpet in the corner of his room! How I found them, I don't know. My mom put the scissors in the refrigerator. I often wander around looking for my glasses when they are on my face!

Where are some of the crazy places you have looked for or put things? Click on the image to see where Simon's cat puts things.

And have you ever bought a Christmas present early and then hidden it until Christmas, only to forget where you put it? That's me. Every Christmas. In fact, we have names for those kinds of places: Secret Place and Safe Place. I think they're in the vicinity of black holes.

So you don't forget to hand out those beautiful Christmas cards, here's a freebie template for you. Click on the image to download from Media Fire. You know, I'd love to see what you do with it!

Introducing my first Art Doll - One of a Kind

2011-10-25T06:16:00.000-05:00

"Mystery, A Sheep in Wolves' Clothing" is for sale on Etsy,
my tabjuice Store: http://tinyurl.com/3vj772a and
my website @ www.kids-in-kahoots.com

Naturally, my first art doll would be an animal, but—surprise! It isn't an owl! In fact, she is a sheep... in wolves' clothing! (Bet you weren't expecting that, were you?) So, without further ado, here's "Mystery, A Sheep in Wolves' Clothing."
Ta da!

Just moved my first kit into all my stores

2011-10-16T22:49:00.000-05:00

I've moved my fall-themed kit, Pumpkin Pie Spice, into all my stores, and removed it from Divine Digital. It's priced at $1.50... super buy. Come see me!

Closer to my grand opening and another Freebie!

2011-10-16T17:58:00.002-05:00

Hello, peeps! Well, the time is creaking right along, isn't it? (Oops, I meant creeping; but if you are as old as I am, creaking might actually be a better word!) Hallowe'en is nearly here and then in November I go as a vendor to my first ever craft show! I've been so busy sewing and gluing and stuffing... but I haven't forgotten you! Today's freebie is a paper piecing pattern: Beaker Cat. (Can you figure out why he's called that?) Just click on the image to download from Media Fire.

I went to an old part of town with my hubby today to show some shop owners my creations and see if they would carry them on commission for me, and guess what? They said yes!! Wheeeeeee! I guess I'm going to be busy!

My scrapbooking stuff will slowly move from Divine Digital (where I have happily been a designer) to my own store(s). Kids in Kahoots (www.kids-in-kahoots.com) will have them in the papercraft shop, my Etsy store (www.etsy.com/kidsinkahoots) will carry them, and they will also be available in my Facebook store (http://tinyurl.com/3vj772a). I hope you'll visit and see what it's all about!

I love owls and a FREEBIE!

2011-10-10T08:31:00.000-05:00

I bet you couldn't guess that I love owls, could you? When I was a teenager, my younger brother brought home lots of wildlife, most in need of nurturing. One of these orphans was the cutest little barn owl ever. My mom loves to tell about the time that she was standing in the living room, sure someone was watching her, when no one else was at home. Then her eyes were drawn to the drapes (did they move?) and there on the floor, peeking out from in back of them, was this wide-eyed baby owl. Thus began my love of them.

And I also love my Mom. So when I combine them, guess what I get:

Just click on the image and it's yours, but please don't sell it!

New Facebook Store, e-Book (soon) Fabrics, Freebie!

2011-09-30T12:25:00.003-05:00

Lions, and tigers, and bears, OH! MY! I am B-U-S-Y! Now that my precious daughter-in-law, Bri, is going back to work on Monday, she and I have been busy ironing out the wrinkles in new grandbaby Remy's schedule. I have the unbelievable joy of watching my exquisite granddaughter full time! (Although, really and truly, I am so sorry that Bri may miss some "firsts.")

In addition to this new, full-time job, I've been working on some new scrapbooking kits (get your free sample, below), a tutu for Remy, my upcoming e-Book, Crafting for Charities, designing fabric to enter in competitions at Spoonflower, and actually crafting. I've opened my Facebook Store, and almost have my new website open, too. (I know, I know; I've been saying that for awhile. But since I work completely alone, how much can one person do?)

I went to my very first Yom Teruah celebration last night, and no, I'm not Jewish. More like Messianic Jewish (a Christian who observes the Torah and Moedim). It was downright, upright, outright, outstanding! The blast of the shofar brought chills to my body and thrills to my heart. Oh, what will it be like when Yeshua returns?? (For my recipe for Challah—egg bread— see below, after the freebie.)

My youngest grandson, Tommy, was doing what little boys do last night and did what little boys do. First, you need to realize that he is five years old, and flying under your own power is still a distinct possibility. He was "flying" from one chair to another when he got too close to the sun, I guess. His "wings melted," and down came our little hero, hitting the hearth and breaking his arm. When my daughter called to update me on her own health problems, she gave me the news. Poor little guy!

I have been designing fabric at Spoonflower—and entering contests. I've made it into the top 10 for "stuffies" (my entry is a jack-o-lantern banner), and out of 400 participants, I've made it into the semi-finals with my "Wild World" ditzy print. I've ordered some of my own fabric and am going to make a pillow for my husband on his birthday. When it is done, I'll post pictures for you.

So here's the freebie, from my kit-in-the-works, Baby's Got the Blues. Click on the image to download. Use of this one is restricted to paper crafts, but you can use the design in any legal or morally-upright way as long as it is for paper crafts. I encourage its use for charities!

Best Challah (Egg Bread)
Adapted from Joan Nathan
The secrets to good challah are simple: Use two coats of egg wash to get that laquer-like crust and don’t overbake it. Joan Nathan, who this recipe is adapted from, adds that three risings always makes for the tastiest loaves, even better if one of them is slowed down in the fridge.
Time: about 1 hour, plus 2 1/2 hours’ rising
Yield: 2 loaves
1 1/2 packages active dry yeast (1 1/2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup olive or vegetable oil, plus more for greasing the bowl
5 large eggs
1 tablespoon salt
8 to 8 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup raisins per challah, if using, plumped in hot water and drained
Poppy or sesame seeds for sprinkling.
1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in 1 3/4 cups lukewarm water.
2. Whisk oil into yeast, then beat in 4 eggs, one at a time, with remaining sugar and salt. Gradually add flour. When dough holds together, it is ready for kneading. (You can also use a mixer with a dough hook for both mixing and kneading, but be careful if using a standard size KitchenAid–it’s a bit much for it, though it can be done.)
3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth. Clean out bowl and grease it, then return dough to bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until almost doubled in size. Dough may also rise in an oven that has been warmed to 150 degrees then turned off. Punch down dough, cover and let rise again in a warm place for another half-hour.
4. At this point, you can knead the raisins into the challah, if you’re using them, before forming the loaves. To make a 6-braid challah, either straight or circular, take half the dough and form it into 6 balls. With your hands, roll each ball into a strand about 12 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide. Place the 6 in a row, parallel to one another. Pinch the tops of the strands together. Move the outside right strand over 2 strands. Then take the second strand from the left and move it to the far right. Take the outside left strand and move it over 2. Move second strand from the right over to the far left. Start over with the outside right strand. Continue this until all strands are braided. For a straight loaf, tuck ends underneath. For a circular loaf, twist into a circle, pinching ends together. Make a second loaf the same way. Place braided loaves on a greased cookie sheet with at least 2 inches in between.
5. Beat remaining egg and brush it on loaves. Either freeze breads or let rise another hour.
6. If baking immediately, preheat oven to 375 degrees and brush loaves again. Sprinkle bread with seeds, if using. If freezing, remove from freezer 5 hours before baking.
7. Bake in middle of oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden. (If you have an instant read thermometer, you can take it out when it hits an internal temperature of 190 degrees.) Cool loaves on a rack.
Note: Any of the three risings can be done in the fridge for a few hours, for more deeply-developed flavor. When you’re ready to work with it again, bring it back to room temperature before moving onto the next step.
Round or straight braid? Raisins or skip them? Straight loaves of braided challah are eaten throughout the year–typically on the Sabbath–round challahs, often studded with raisins, are served for the New Year and the other High Holidays that follow.

Left-over challah makes AWESOME French toast!

Little Mave Guest Giveaway

2011-09-23T17:36:00.000-05:00

Little Mave Guest Giveaway

Cool Place to Hang Out... and a freebie, too!

2011-09-23T17:30:00.001-05:00

Lately I've been up to my eyeballs in making things for four different charities, getting my meds level (we'll just ignore that one), and playing with my new granddaughter! I'm finding that I really love sewing as long as I don't have to follow a pattern (well, unless it's my own). I have happened upon a really cool blog to share with you, and right now, she's got a Little Mave giveaway and two tutorials on how to make a teepee to set up in your kids' bedroom. If you're not familiar with Little Mave, it's vintage children's clothing you would not believe! I think I'm going to make a scrapkit with some paper dolls wearing Little Mave-like fashions. Okay, so first, go visit Grosgrain. Then come back here and download my little giveaway. In the two papers with the prints, I used a textured overlay from Kim Klaussen, and in the other three papers, I used overlays from The Scrappin' Cop. As usual, you may use this freebie in any legal and moral way you want to, no attribution necessary, but please don't claim it as your own ('cause that would be immoral). Have fun!

Close up of printed paper

Gooey Turtle Bars Cooking Club of America

2011-09-14T12:24:00.000-05:00

Gooey Turtle Bars Cooking Club of America Whatever you do, DON'T look at this recipe! You'll gain five pounds just by looking!

What I'm into today

2011-09-07T17:56:00.000-05:00

You know, creatives don't limit themselves to just one kind of creativity. I'm sure you don't, and neither do I. So, I wanted to share with you what I'm into besides digital scrapbooking. Sewing!

I've been sewing for many years, but this summer, I've discovered how to design and make my own patterns! Here's one. It's a blue print tote with bright yellow pleats on six outside pockets. There aren't any inside pockets, but who cares? Look at all the accessories I've made to go along! There's a square zippered pouch, a long, cylindrical zippered pouch, a zippered pencil case, a drawstring bag, a card case (I use it instead of a wallet) and a little owl key fob. There's one more piece that I'll post later, but it isn't my pattern, so I wanted it separate. When I post it, I'll include the link to the tutorial.

So here it is. What do you think?

Video on Chronic Pain

2011-09-07T13:47:00.001-05:00

It's not unusual for creative people to also experience chronic pain. My theory is that they are related, because creatives experience life more intensely. I'm a chronic pain sufferer. I have fibromyalgia. I'm also ADHD and BiPolar. I'm wondering how many of you are also more sensitive to pain than others? If so, watch this video. It's an amazingly clear picture of why pain is pain. And then, go create something and let a little of that intensity out in a positive way.

Woooo Hoooo! Another incredible gievaway!

2011-09-06T15:08:00.001-05:00

Ever hear of Roberts Crafts? If you haven't, you need to. Take a look at what they're giving away... but today's the last day to enter! Click on the image to get to the giveaway!

Accomplished! Leggings and socks (Link Party!)

2011-09-06T13:57:00.000-05:00

See that button over there on the right that looks like a blackboard? Click on it to go to the Link Party for all us procrastinators!

My newest grandbaby, Remy, was born in July, and last week we went shopping to find some big people's socks to make tiny little leggings. My daughter in law chose two pair, one in blue and one in green, kind of tie-dyed looking. I'd been putting off making the leggings because I'm working on another project that's more fun. But today I decided to make the leggings and finish the burp cloths I had all ready (since a week after the baby was born!) Leggings are so easy to make for tiny little girls! Just measure the length of her legs, and an inch or so for growing (babies do that WAY too fast!), and cut that length off the leg portion of the knee socks. Then cut them in half so you have two pieces the right length. Turn them inside out and first overcast or zig-zag the cut edge. Then fold in half lengthwise and sew the seam. That's it! You're done!

But the socks I was using were about four inches longer than I needed, so I decided to make socks out of the rest. Simply cut lengthwise, like you did for the leggings, finish one cut edge, and round the other edge before you seam it up. Easy peasy! (If you can't visualize what I'm talking about, let me know and I'll do a photo tutorial.)

Here they are!

Oh, and here's the stack of burp cloths I (finally) finished! YAY! 2 more projects finished!

Giveaway

2011-09-06T08:52:00.001-05:00

If you are anything like me (and I guess you are or you wouldn't be reading this) you'll want to get in on Brassy Apple's Blog giveaway from Vinyl Crafts! Here's just a sample of what they do. Visit Brassy Apple's Blog to enter! (Click the image to go to Vinyl Crafts on Etsy)

Freebie and a Plea

2011-09-04T16:02:00.001-05:00

When was the last time you went to bed hungry? As you are reading this blog, I bet it was so long ago you can no longer remember, if you ever did. I know I've never felt the pain of hunger in my body. We all know that there are children dying in so many places the world over, exotic places like Kenya and Somali. Places most of us have never been and few of us will ever go. But did you know that in the United States, one in four kids doesn't get enough to eat, doesn't know from where or even when his next meal will come? I don't like that statistic; it really hits close to home. So this freebie is to raise awareness of childhood hunger in America, and I'm asking you, if you can, to donate just $1.00. Just one dollar! Most of us spend more on a cup of coffee than that, every day if not several times a day! A single dollar can feed 10 kids. Imagine how many we could feed if we gave up buying our gourmet coffee and made it at home instead, donating the money we saved.

If you don't live in America, find out about your own country's culture of homeless or hungry kids. What will you do to help... today?

To donate, click the button on the right. It will take you to The Great American Bake Sale site where you can learn more and find other ways to help.

Meanwhile, enjoy this sampler. The full kit (shown in the other preview) is available at my store at Divine Digital.com.

And to all Americanos, enjoy Labor Day!

Fun and freebies

2011-08-19T21:35:00.002-05:00

Just a little sidetrack here to show you a layout I did with an old kit called Atlantis. If you like it, I'll post the kit as a freebie. Just leave me a comment and tell me okay. Today, because even now at 8:45pm it is still 105° here in Texas, I'm giving you a cute pair of flip flops. No attribution required, use them in any legitimate way. Just click on the pic! And have fun!

The Journey Continues... with a new Freebie!

2011-08-14T20:38:00.008-05:00

Hello to all my friends! It's Sunday evening, and I'm about to go to Netflix and watch my favorite TV show, McLeod's Daughters. But first, I want to show you my latest layout. Scroll on down past the the layout and click on the preview image to download the freebie. And once again, have fun!

2011-08-12T21:21:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder how people can make a part of a photo "pop out" of the frame, like little Remy's tiny fist is doing in the layout below? Well, I'm sure that there are many ways, but I'm going to show you the way that I do it and what works for me. I've made a little video that will walk you all the way through doing the layout of Remy, and please be kind. It's my very first video. And, by the way, if you like the texture I used to "age" the background, you can find it and many other wonderful things at Kim's site: http://www.kimklassencafe.com/. Join her email list and get free textures every week!

A Grand Friendship Journey Freebie!

2011-08-12T16:08:00.002-05:00

Scrap along with me... the best is yet to be! Let's make a whole scrapbook together, shall we? Every few days I'll give you some freebie goodies to use in a layout, and if you'd like to share, send me your layouts and I'll post them here.

I think I will first come up with a theme. I love scrapbooking about my grandchildren, so this book will chronicle 2011. But what theme? Hmm.... what really characterizes who my grands are? They are friends. Extremely good friends with each other. I think I will call my scrapbook A Grand Friendship Journey. Yeah. That sounds good.

And I'm going to start with the youngest of my grands, Remy Astin Alexandria Wollman. Such a big name for such a little girl! She was born July 16th, and so shares a birthday with my oldest daughter, Annie. There will be more newborn layouts to come, but for today, please keep your voices down... the baby is sleeping!

So here is my layout for today, and your freebie goodies. (Just click on the image) Enjoy!

LPHS Awareness Day Freebie Kit

2011-08-02T17:42:00.000-05:00

My daughter suffers from Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome, an extremely rare kidney disorder that causes excruciating pain and blood in the urine. It is often complicated by other disorders and diseases. Because it is so rare (fewer than 100 people in the world are known to have it), people (even doctors) don't spend much time on learning more about it. So this today I'm offering you a free kit, to raise awareness about LPHS.

If you don't want to read the article, just scroll down and pick up your free kit.

What is Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome?

Loin pain-hematuria syndrome (also known as LPHS) is a combination of loin (ie kidney) pain and hematuria, which is a medical term for blood in the urine.

The loin pain can be described by many different terms like dull or sharp, constant or in waves.

The blood in the urine may be visible to the naked eye, coming in occasional attacks. There may even occasionally be blood clots.

We know the pain is there and that the blood is in the urine but we do not know why. As LPHS is a rare disorder, not much is known about the underlying causes

What are the symptoms for loin pain hematuria?

Severe loin pain
Blood in the urine
Low-grade fever
Loin tenderness
Excess protein in urine

Who can get it?

It is more common in women (70% of all cases), and has been seen mostly in the United States, Great Britain, Australia, and Canada, suggesting a white predominance. While it can start at almost any age, most patients will first develop symptoms in their 20’s.

Where is the pain felt?

Pain is usually felt in the loin or flank, it can occur on one side or both sides and may radiate to the abdomen, groin, inner thigh and around the sides of the body to the back, it can vary from person to person.

What tests are needed?

It is a diagnosis of elimination. Blood tests are done to ensure that the kidneys function normally. Urine is examined to exclude infection. X-rays or scans are usually done to look for stones or other abnormalities. Some people may require a kidney biopsy or renal angiogram if there are pointers to suggest possible inflammation in the kidneys or problems with the blood vessels to the kidney.

How bad can the pain be?

Some people can be incapacitated by the pain, requiring time off work, strong painkillers and even hospital admissions. Most seem to experience the uncontrollable episodes which result in a hospital admission these episodes can happen daily, weekly, monthly or yearly. If given the correct pain relief and correct dose a normal life can be lead and functioned, however if your dose is not high enough to treat your pain level you are most likely to become incapacitated.

What treatment is there?

There is no cure for loin pain hematuria syndrome has there hasn’t been enough research to find the cause of the condition.

What can be done for LPHS?

What is known is that patients with LPHS tend to have normal kidney function, which does not deteriorate over time. Thus, treatment is aimed at pain control and improvement in quality of life. Multiple therapies have been tried, all with mixed results. These include:

Medications such at angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (a family of blood pressure medicines which reduce the pressure in the kidney and have been shown to be of benefit to some patients), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketorolac), and narcotic pain medications and
Nerve block procedures to decrease the pain signal from the effected kidney

Treatment is mostly a “multidisciplinary” approach involving primary care doctors, nephrologists, psychiatrists, and chronic pain specialists.

Surgery like denervation, sometimes gives rise to a short period without pain, but it always returns. If the pain is one sided, operations to remove the kidney from that side usually result in pain starting on the other side. Removal of one or both kidneys for a condition that does the kidney no harm in the long run is not recommended.

A very small percentage of patients can eventually grow out of it; most patients have only seen it gradually get worse with time.

For more information on loin pain hematuria syndrome visithttp://livingwithlphscouk.fatcow.com/?page_id=12 a site created by a patient to bring together all basic information and stories of patients.

DOWNLOAD PART 1 DOWNLOAD PART 2

An Owl Prowl Scrapbooking Freebie

2011-07-25T23:53:00.005-05:00

An Owl Prowl FREEBIE!!!

I've been swamped with creative projects and family emergencies lately, and for some reason, owls just seem to be popping up all over. I think it's kind of like being pregnant or buying a new car. You never notice all the pending babies or exact copies of your car until YOU are expecting (whether baby or car, lol!).

And here's a freebie owl for you. Commercial use okay, no attribution necessary! Just click on the image.

Owl I am I owe to yooooooo!

I have gathered a whole bunch of places on the internet where you can find owls in one form or another. Add this free one to your next layout or kit (yes, it's commercial friendly!) and get inspiration from a whole congress of others! (Did you know a group of owls is called a "congress"? I don't know, owls are normally a symbol of learning and wisdom. I don't see how that relates to Congress, do you?)

http://blog.thecelebrationshoppe.com/tag/horned-owl-craft/ This little blog has some adorable little owls that could quite easily be made into pillows or as gifts or favors at a party.

http://thelongthread.com/?p=1122 Make it Monday has a great tutorial on making some very cute owl treat bags (hers were made for trick or treating).

http://ninimakes.typepad.com/nini_makes/2010/06/themed-birthday-giveaway-and-free-download-twit-twooooo.html There are some really cute little owl "egg cozies" that will get you really inspired, and a download for an owl box, too!

http://increations.blogspot.com/2009/06/owls-everywhere.html At Inna's Creations, she has a bunch of owl ideas. You'll have fun wandering around her blog!

http://www.craftsbyamanda.com/2010/06/paper-plate-owl-craft.html If you have kids and don't subscribe to Crafts by Amanda, shame on you! If you're an adult, sign up for her newsletter anyway. You'll love all the different things she does, including this flying paper-plate owl!

http://www.animaljr.com/owl-animal-crafts/ Here's a really fun place to find all kinds of owl crafts, as well as a lot of other stuff. The third picture of "Felted Owl Crafts" shows some adorable owls that were originally created on the next blog.

http://kangaroopals.blogspot.com/ is where the adorable little critters originated. They were featured on Martha!

http://www.artsandcraftskids.net/owl-crafts/ Get your kids, some crepe paper, plastic eggs, construction paper, blue, and googly-eyes and make one of these little cuties! Easy-peasy!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/just_tory/2561032652/ Here you can get inspired by a couple of pages of cute owl crafts. I especially like the print. One owl has a military buzz!

http://www.squidoo.com/owl-crafts Here's a great place to find owls in cards, crafts and activities. All of the downloads are absolutely free. Go, girl!

http://www.purejoyeventsblog.com/2010/10/girly-owl-costume-tutorial.html Are you into making your kids' costumes? Take a look at how to make a pink owl costume!

Look around a little here. There's also a matching pink owl treat pail!

http://www.squidoo.com/owl-crafts#module109498001 Here you'll find links to bead patterns, embroidery and needlework patterns and printable, too.

http://daniellesplace.com/html/Owl-Crafts.html#owl Danielle's Place has a number of cute owl crafts.

http://thecraftyclassroom.com/blog/2010/01/18/owl-mosaic/ This homeschooling site has an entire unit on owls, including crafts. Take a look around.

http://www.craftjuice.com/story.php?title=Folksy__owl_brooch Have you ever visited craftjuice? It's high time you did. This site is just wonderful for all of us crafty folks.

http://creativepartybuzz.com/2011/02/owl-crafts-printables-and-owl-cupcake-ideas/ Creative Party Buzz has great owl ideas!

http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/features/crafts/sewing/owleggcozy If you or your kids are fans of Harry Potter, you're sure to like this little owl egg cozy at the Leaky Cauldron.

http://www.frugalfamilyfunblog.com/2010/10/owl-family-play-set.html A family of owls made from painted toilet paper tubes are so cute, and not your run-of-the-mill t.p. craft!

http://superheroesandprincesses.blogspot.com/2010/09/owl-snack-take-2.html All this crafting making you hungry? Take a flying leap (superhero style) over to this blog and make yourself a healthy, yummy owl treat!

http://almostunschoolers.blogspot.com/2010/08/owl-cupcakes.html This homeschooling blog includes recipes for owl cupcakes and owl cookies. Yum!

http://moonstitches.typepad.com/moonstitches/2007/11/zakka-style-owl.html Moonstitches has the cutest owl banner you can very easily make with their tutorial.

http://learncreatelove.com/?p=1610 Take a look at the photo tutorial with this unbelievably cute little girl doing the crafting. You'll want one too! (Both the craft and the kid!)

http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=1802 HandMadeNews touts itself as the Largest Handmade Craft Blog on Earth and includes a cute knitted owl with all instructions for teaching how to knit in rhyme for your kids (or you. I still sing the Alphabet Song to remember where a letter falls!)

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/owl-a-glow-930946/ Turn a simple paper glove lantern into a sweet owl. (It's called "Owl A Glow." Clever!)

http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Home/Crafts/Owl-Sewing-Craft-Project.html Join Women's Day magazine in sewing this owl. Like a small pillow!

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/owlcrafts/ss/Sock-Owl-Craft.htm Give those old socks new life with this little sweetie from Family Crafts at About.com

http://cutehoots.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html These ladies have it all wrapped up with a huge list of places to buy all kinds of cute owlies.

http://www.alleewillis.com/awmok/crafts/rock-owls After you see these rock owls, you might want to run out and find your own rocks to paint!

http://jojoebi.blogspot.com/2009/08/little-japanese-owl-brooch-tutorial.html This is one I just have to do. Winsome little Japanese owl brooch perched on a tiny branch.

http://dsharp.typepad.com/dsharp/2009/04/bes.html Here's a kind of different paper lunch-bag owl that also doubles as a gift wrap.

Free Photoshop Action!

2011-07-11T13:05:00.001-05:00

I've always wanted to create realistic drops of water on my designs, and I bet you do, too. So here's a little freebie for you: an action that does just that! Here's what it will look like:

DOWNLOAD ACTION HERE

Happy Independence Day Freebie!

2011-07-02T12:18:00.002-05:00

I like Independence Day. The day that our nation celebrates her birthday, and we remember all those who paid so dearly for our freedom. But now it seems like our country has lost her way and those who should be stepping up to take personal responsibility for themselves and their families are asking the government to tell them what to do. That's the exact opposite of the values on which our great nation was founded. The government is supposed to be subservient to the people, not vice versa. Wake up, Americans! Before we reach the point of no return!

Celebrate freedom. Feel free to use these embellishments commercially if you like; no attribution necessary!

Another Freebie... just 'cause

2011-06-27T21:34:00.000-05:00

You know, I'm really into something new, and don't have as much time to design as I did before. But that's really good because I'm more intentional about what I design. Anyway, this is the second one I've designed for someone else. Now, if I can only remember who...

Seems like a mighty long time.... FREEBIE!!

2011-06-26T11:15:00.003-05:00

Oh, dear ones! I am so busy I can hardly come up for air! But I wanted to give you a little something to celebrate the beautiful weather we're having here in North Texas (well, okay, it's a little hot-100° F.)!

Commercial use just fine! Please don't do anything with this kit that you wouldn't want to let your kids see! :)

Click here to download

Sketch of the Week Freebie!

2011-06-06T23:35:00.000-05:00

Hi, my lovely peeps! Here again is a challenge and a freebie kit to make it happen! This minikit is commercial use friendly, and oh-so-appropriate as our spring days turn into summer. Download the kit and then head over to DivineDigital to join in the fun and complete this challenge! Click on the image to download it. (Direct download—no waiting!)

And here's what the sketch is all about (click on the image to go to the challenge!)

I know, I know, it's been a long time... so here's a FREEBIE!

2011-05-24T23:03:00.002-05:00

Since I posted. But that's because I've been busy... really busy... and that means more good things in store! I know many of you are not merely paper crafters, but, like me, you want something in your hands that you're crafting all the time. (I worked on a new pair of baby shoes while at the doctor's office today.)

I'll tell you a little about what's going on... but then you'll have to wait...

More crafts and more kinds of craft projects... more freebies...tutorials...giveaways...and that's all just on the blog! I'll be opening a new site with a really cool twist... and YOU'RE GONNA LOVE IT!

Stay tuned...

And meanwhile, here's a quick little freebie for you!

iNSD Springsational Blog Hop Freebie!

2011-05-06T10:10:00.001-05:00

Are you as excited about International Scrapbooking Day as I am? In fact, I'm so excited I decided to start celebrating early! (Shhhhh.... this bloghop doesn't start until tomorrow!) I wanted you to have enough time to hop on over to DivineDigital for all the festivities, and to go blog hopping, too! ALL my designs are $1 today, tomorrow, and Sunday! Just click here to go to my boutique. Download this freebie, and be sure to read the READMe file ('cause there's a surprise in it). Now, GO!

Okay, now hop on down to the next blog!

Studio RA

Snips and Snails Designs

Jennifer Z Digital Designs

YOU ARE HERE!

Girl in Pink

Ann Ominous

Willow Grace Designs

Kimberly Schlehahn Designs

Creative Intentionz

Princess LaLa Designs

Aimee Harrison Design Studios

Christine Smith Designs

Scrappin' Wright

ABCreations

Sketch of the Week Freebie!

2011-05-02T12:43:00.002-05:00

C'mon over to Divine Digital.com and join in some of our challenges! I host several, including the Sketch of the Week. I'd love for you to participate! And to give you something to start with, here's a freebie sampler (sorry, this freebie has expired) from my Curly Dimpled Lunatics Paper Pack!

New Month, New Challenges, New Freebies!

2011-05-02T10:01:00.004-05:00

I've been wanting to make a kit featuring cupcakes, so I decided to just jump right in and do it! And of course, I want to give you a freebie sampler. Just click HERE (sorry, this link has expired) to download the sampler.

Take a look at this beautiful layout! (And snag a freebie and a chance to WIN!)

2011-04-25T16:30:00.002-05:00

This layout goes into my all-time favorites file. I just love it. Not only did scrappy-mom use my kit, but the photo of the little girl is beyond gorgeous. What a beautiful child! Thanks, scrappy-mom! You rock, girl!

Okay, so now for a challenge. Do a scraplift layout, and send me the link to it. I'll add you to my drawing for a new kit, done in your colors and theme, for free! Can't beat that, now, can you?

To get you started, here's a free swatch that's all brand new. Reminds me of spring showers... but win the drawing and you can choose any color you like! Okay. Okay. You can have the whole kit as far as I've taken it today. And as always, just click on the image to download it! (And it's CU, too!)

(sorry, this link has expired)

The Greatest Freebie Of Them All!

2011-04-24T11:39:00.001-05:00

Today is the day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Lord of Life, and the King of Kings. This is NOT "just religion" or myth or even superstition. Ask yourself: what will happen to me when I die? If you are one of His, you will rise again to life beyond all imagination. If you are not one of His, you will be alone, completely alone, yet fully conscious through all of eternity. Don't wait. Today is the day of salvation! Believe and be saved!

This simple little cross is yours for the taking. A free gift always costs somebody something. I made this for you in matter of minutes. One day, it will be gone, and no one will think of it. It is digital ephemera.

The gift of eternal life cost God much, much more than we can ever understand or appreciate. And He did paid the debt He did not owe, for you and for me.

Иисус воскрес! Да, войстину воскрес!

To download the cross, just click on the image. It isn't yours until you take it—so go for it!

Easter: Celebrate the Lord of Life

2011-04-24T11:00:00.002-05:00

Last of the bunny hop freebies!

2011-04-22T00:01:00.003-05:00

Today is Good Friday. This is the day they crucified the Lord of Glory. Why it is called Good Friday, I surely don't know. I understand why, three days later, He rose again and the world felt the first, fresh wind of freedom. Speaking of rising again, have you heard Dallas Holmes' song "Rise Again"? It's an old one, but always moves me to tears. Or hearing someone sing the Via Delarosa. Even as I sit here typing this, an excitement wells up in my chest when I think about Him returning — soon! — for His church. If you don't know Jesus, leave me a comment. I'd love to introduce you!

Enjoy this last part of our bunny blog hop. Did you find the golden eggs? I hope so. Blessings upon you all!

1. Myriad Graphics - http://lulugraphics.blogspot.com/
2. Christine Smith Digital Designs - http://christinesmithdigital.blogspot.com/
3. Snips and Snails Designs - http://www.snipsandsnailsscraps.blogspot.com
4. Joyfully Yours, Susannah - http://www.joyfullyyourssusannah.blogspot.com/
5. Kimberly Schlehahn Designs - http://kimberlyschlehahndesigns.blogspot.com/
6. Jennifer Z Digital Designs- http://www.digi-scrapping.blogspot.com/
7. Susan Godfrey Designs - http://susangodfrey.com/blog/
8. Studio RA Designs - http://royanna.blogspot.com
9. Girl in Pink Designs - http://lindsayheim.blogspot.com/
10. Princess Lala Designs - http://princesslaladesigns.blogspot.com/
11. Scrappin Wright - http://scrappinwright.blogspot.com/
12. Rose Made Designs - http://rosemadedesigns.blogspot.com
13. Aimee Harrison Design Studios - http://girlboheme.com/gbstudios/
14. ABCreations - http://anmariebowdencreations.blogspot.com/
15. Just Another Scrap - http://justanotherscrap.wordpress.com
__________________

Thursday Bunny Hop Freebie!

2011-04-21T00:01:00.003-05:00

Ah, my dear friends! Here you are again! And I'm so happy to have you drop by. When my (grown) kids were teens, we always had a house-full of kids, and I loved it. We enjoyed making HUGE pots of chili or bean soup or spaghetti and downing gallons of ice cream! I guess these freebies are kind of the same. Except no one has to do the dishes!! (Click on the preview for immediate download!)

1. Aimee Harrison Design Studios - http://girlboheme.com/gbstudios/
2. Rose Made Designs - http://rosemadedesigns.blogspot.com
3. Girl in Pink Designs - http://lindsayheim.blogspot.com/
4. Scrappin Wright - http://scrappinwright.blogspot.com/
5. Just Another Scrap - http://www.justanotherscrap.wordpress.com
6. Princess Lala Designs - http://princesslaladesigns.blogspot.com/
7. Christine Smith Digital Designs - http://christinesmithdigital.blogspot.com/
8. Susan Godfrey Designs - http://susangodfrey.com/blog/
9. ABCreations - http://anmariebowdencreations.blogspot.com/
10. Myriad Graphics - http://lulugraphics.blogspot.com/
11. Joyfully Yours, Susannah - http://www.joyfullyyourssusannah.blogspot.com/
12. Snips and Snails Designs - http://www.snipsandsnailsscraps.blogspot.com
13. Kimberly Schlehahn Designs - http://kimberlyschlehahndesigns.blogspot.com/
14. Jennifer Z Digital Designs - http://www.digi-scrapping.blogspot.com/
15. Studio RA Designs - http://royanna.blogspot.com

OH MY GOSH I CAN'T BELIEVE I FORGOT TO POST THIS!!!!!

2011-04-20T22:38:00.000-05:00

Oh, dearlings! Forgive my oh-so-faulty memory! Here's the bunny hop freebie!

1. Susan Godfrey Designs - http://susangodfrey.com/blog/
2. Jennifer Z Digital Designs - http://www.digi-scrapping.blogspot.com/
3. Joyfully Yours, Susannah - http://www.joyfullyyourssusannah.blogspot.com/
4. Myriad Graphics - http://lulugraphics.blogspot.com/
5. Snips and Snails Designs - http://www.snipsandsnailsscraps.blogspot.com
6. ABCreations - http://anmariebowdencreations.blogspot.com/
7. Rose Made Designs - http://rosemadedesigns.blogspot.com
8. Studio RA Designs - http://royanna.blogspot.com
9. Scrappin Wright - http://scrappinwright.blogspot.com/
10. Christine Smith Digital Designs - http://christinesmithdigital.blogspot.com/
11. Just Another Scrap - http://www.justanotherscrap.wordpress.com
12. Girl in Pink Designs - http://lindsayheim.blogspot.com/
13. Kimberly Schlehahn Designshttp://kimberlyschlehahndesigns.blogspot.com/
14. Aimee Harrison Design Studios - http://girlboheme.com/gbstudios/
15. Princess Lala Designs - http://princesslaladesigns.blogspot.com/

HEY, SHIRLEY! Here it is!

2011-04-19T15:18:00.001-05:00

Hello, sweet friends! I am so happy to present this kit, especially created for Shirley, who won the draw last week. She got to give me the colors and theme for an entire kit, and she chose to use as a theme the Clan Stewart, her heritage. Shirley, you'll be receiving a link to download the kit.

This kit is huge! (A little secret: I told myself when I finished the kit and got it uploaded, I would clean up my studio. Maybe that's why I kept thinking of things to add!)

Anyway, congratulations, Shirley. Enjoy the kit. And for everyone else, it is available at my store. Click here to go to my boutique!

Day Two Bunny Hop Freebie!

2011-04-19T00:01:00.002-05:00

Okay, all you little bunnies, here's today's download! Remember that someone has the golden egg... go get it!

1. Christine Smith Digital Designs - http://christinesmithdigital.blogspot.com/
2. Aimee Harrison Design Studios - http://girlboheme.com/gbstudios/
3. Studio RA Designs - http://royanna.blogspot.com
4. Susan Godfrey Designs - http://susangodfrey.com/blog/
5. Rose Made Designs - http://rosemadedesigns.blogspot.com
6. Girl in Pink Designs - http://lindsayheim.blogspot.com/
7. Kimberly Schlehahn Designs - http://kimberlyschlehahndesigns.blogspot.com/
8. Jennifer Z Digital Designs - http://www.digi-scrapping.blogspot.com/
9. Joyfully Yours, Susannah - http://www.joyfullyyourssusannah.blogspot.com/
10. Snips and Snails Designs - http://www.snipsandsnailsscraps.blogspot.com
11. Scrappin Wright - http://scrappinwright.blogspot.com/
12. ABCreations - http://anmariebowdencreations.blogspot.com/
13. Just Another Scrap - http://www.justanotherscrap.wordpress.com
14. Myriad Graphics - http://lulugraphics.blogspot.com/
15. Princess Lala Designs - http://princesslaladesigns.blogspot.com/

Am I out of my mind? ANOTHER freebie????

2011-04-18T21:35:00.002-05:00

Well, yeah. This one is a sample of my upcoming kit, Sonnet. If you download it, why not scoot over to Divine Digital and join us in the Weekly Sketch Challenge!

Click on the image to download the mini-kit freebie. And click here to go to the challenge.

Please note: I had one comment that said 46MB was too large for "a little template," so I thought I'd better clarify. The template zip file contains a layered psd, a layered tif, individual pngs, and a flattened jpg. I'm trying to make sure that everyone can use the template. And if you cannot download my files, please drop me a line at JoyfullyYoursSusannah@gmail.com, and I'll be sure you get only what you want or need. Thanks!

Mother's Day is coming...are you ready?

2011-04-18T16:14:00.001-05:00

Now is a terrific time to make a really special card that your mom will treasure, even if you're making it for your grandchildren's great grandmother! (My mom.) Here's one I made, and I thought I'd tell you how.

I used cream-colored card stock to form the base for this easel card. It is 6" x 6" square, although you could make your card any size you want to. Then I used a piece of pink Coredinations™ Color Core™ cardstock and cut it to 6"x6". This was the base for my topper.

I'm assuming that you all know how to make an easel card, but if you don't, here is a good tutorial on how to do it.

Next I cut a piece of red card stock 8" wide and 4" high, and I laid it on my scoring board. Measuring in from one side 2.5", I scored and pleated the next two inches to form the center of the card topper. Next I attached a bit of lace to the back of the red card stock, and border-punched two scalloped borders to go at the bottom of the easel part. One of the two (the white one), I made a tiny pleat every inch and a half. Then I adhered both pieces in place on the easel. Taking another piece of 8"long cardstock (this one was about 2-1/2" high), I punched the border and then scored it between each set of scallops, which I then folded accordian-style to make the fan. The fan was then adhered to the easel base to act as the stop for the topper.

Next I adhered the red, pleated cardstock to the middle of the pink card.
After I tied a knot in the middle of a piece of ribbon, I adhered the cut ends to the back of the pink cardstock.

I cut a piece of lace about 6" long and ran a gathering stitch at along one long edge, pulling the threads to gather the lace into a carnation-shape. Using a bit of florist's wire, I fastened the flower to the "stem," covering the stem and gathering with green ribbon. I tied a tiny green bow, using the fork method (which gives you beautiful, even bows that will not come undone). Then I slipped the "stem" into the knot in the ribbon.

Only two more things to do now! I used my Silhouette cutter to cut a letter M (for Mom, of course), adhering it to the right side. Then I added two tiny, flat-backed pearls.

Because of the fan, this card will not fold down flat. This is just one of those "carry it over to her house and give her a kiss with it" kind of card.

AND, OH MY GOSH! Another Freebie!

2011-04-18T12:20:00.000-05:00

This is the freebie offered to those who want to do the mid-April lyrics challenge at Divine Digital! And there is a special coupon waiting for you too, if you visit the Special Lyrics Challenge with Susannah thread in our forums. Click on the image to download the freebie, and HERE to go to the thread in the forum.

And Yet ANOTHER Blog Train Freebie!

2011-04-18T08:58:00.003-05:00

This is a bunny hop! Get your jumping shoes on because this is the greatest thing since sliced bread! Here's how it works: Each day for the next five days, all the participating designers from Divine Digital will post a part of a huge Easter-themed kit! Just hop from one blog to the other and collect them. BUT THERE'S MORE!

Each day, one of the designers will be hiding a "GOLDEN EGG"! You don't want to miss that one, because it will contain a special prize; only to get that prize you will have to follow the "BUNNY HOP TRAIL." It will be 5 things of trivia that you will have to collect and answer correctly so you can try and claim the golden egg prize. The first member to complete the bunny trail correctly for that day will win the prize!

Here's day one from me... and then hop along! Now, click on the preview to be taken to the download!

Snips and Snails Designs
Myriad Graphics
Just Another Scrap

Aimee Harrison Design Studios
Jennifer Z Digital Designs
Scrappin Wright
Susan Godfrey Designs
ABCreations

Kimberly Schlehahn Designs
Rose Made Designs -
YOU ARE HERE
Christine Smith Digital Designs
Princess Lala Designs
Girl in Pink Designs -
Studio RA Designs

Wooooot! Woooot! Another Blog Blessed Train Freebie!

2011-04-15T14:06:00.002-05:00

We're on the move again with the Wilma4Ever BlogTrain! Here's my part, and make sure you visit all the designers on the train. We all like to get those little pats on the back, too! By the way, my part is almost 200MB, so I broke it down into 4 downloads for you. Have fun! (And, hey, do you like the music? Take a look at the girl playing; she only has fingers on one hand! What an inspiration!)

Wilma4Ever Store Blog (start
here)

MamaLLamaLisaDesign

Joyfully Yours Susannah

Tina Shaw

AW Design

Lysira's Graphic World

Nette's NightOwl Works

Disyas Digitals Designs

Pink's Poetic Scraps

Congratulations, Shirley! And, of course, another freebie!

2011-04-10T10:46:00.003-05:00

Shirley, if you will send me your favorite colors and a theme, I'll be making a complete kit just for you! If you have a name you like, I'll use that, too. Otherwise the name will be "Shirley." You can email me at joyfullyyourssusannah@gmail.com.

And for the rest of you, thank you for your kind comments! I hope you got a chance to drop by Divine Digital yesterday to enjoy the birthday fun. BUT DON'T STOP NOW! There's still a lot of birthday bash going on over there, and you can still score some awesome freebies! I've decided to leave all my kits at $1 through this week. So pop on over and grab you some.

Okay, my friends, here's a little something for you as school will be out in a couple of months, and I know you are beginning to think of making little presents for your kids' teachers. This file has been saved in the following formats:

.ai, .jpg .png .svg .eps

There are also versions with the apple, the stem, the leaf and the words separated so you can do whatever you want with it. This is cu-friendly with no attribution required. Enjoy! (As always, click on the image to go directly to the download from Media Fire—no waiting!)

Wheeeee! YAY! Hooray! Divine Digital is 5!!! AND a special freebie for one lucky person!

2011-04-08T23:01:00.000-05:00

Come join in the fun! We'll have so much going on it just might make your head spin! ALL MY DESIGNS ARE ON SALE: $1.00 EACH! GET 'EM WHILE IT LASTS! (Saturday, April 9th only.)

And leave me a comment today and I'll put your name in a hat (figuratively speaking, of course) for a CUSTOM KIT MADE JUST FOR YOU! YOUR colors, YOUR theme! I'll announce the winner on my blog on Sunday morning, April 10th!

Another Challenge, Another Freebie!

2011-04-02T22:59:00.000-05:00

Well, friends, as long as you're going to join me in a challenge, how about joining me in two?? Hop on over to my store at Divine Digital (actually, in the forum) and get in on the Ad Challenge. Now, you can have this little kit for free, whether or not you participate; but it's so much fun! So, click here to go to the forum, and click on the preview to download the kit from Media Fire (no waiting!). Oh. The poster is the ad for inspiration!

Here's a layout based on the poster (however, I didn't use my kit!)

and here's the poster that serves as the ad.

Have fun!

Song Lyric Challenge and a Freebie

2011-04-02T17:16:00.001-05:00

Hey, all my friends! Every month at my store, Divine Digital, I host several challenges, including the Song Lyric Challenge. I am inviting you to join us, too, and put a little music in your layouts. This month, the song is "Puff, the Magic Dragon," a song from the 60s. If you haven't ever heard it, click on this link to hear it. Here are the lyrics:

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,
Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff,
And brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff.
Oh, Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee.
Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail
Jackie kept a lookout perched on Puff’s gigantic tail.
Noble kings and princes would bow whene’er they came,
Pirate ships would lower their flag when Puff roared out his name. Oh!Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee.
A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
Paper wings and giant rings make way for other toys.
One grey night it happened, Jackie paper came no more
And Puff that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar.
His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain,
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane.
Without his life-long friend, Puff could not be brave,
So Puff that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave.
Oh!Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee.

And to help you with your layout, here's a free mini-kit for you. As always, click on the preview to be taken to Media Fire to download (no waiting!)

And here's a layout for inspiration.

I've won an award, and that means Freebie time!

2011-03-29T20:30:00.000-05:00

Wow! Will you look at that! My little blog has won an award! It was given to me by my sweet friend Kiana (Land of the Lost), who is one of my wonderful creative team members! If you scroll down you'll see the beautiful things she does for me! So here's how this award works:

To accept this award the recipients are asked to do a few things:

Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award.
Share 7 things about yourself
Award 10-15 blogs you feel deserve the award
Contact these bloggers and let them know about the award.

Seven things about me. Hmmmm..... I have a deep relationship with someone who is of the opposite sex but not my husband: Jesus! I teach English online. I teach English as a volunteer at the Salvation Army. I once fell three stories and broke my leg. I was in a plane crash when I was ten. My very best friend in the whole world is the love of my life, my husband Jeff.

So let's see, here. Who do I know with a stylish blog? That's easy! I know LOTS of people who do! So in no particular order, here they are:

hummie's world
a pocket full of cheerios
mariaS

Now, folks, I simply must go do some things, and while I'm at it, I'll think about who else I want to give the award to. But one thing before I go... I want to give YOU a FREEBIE!

Yep! Just click on the image. No attribution required, no restrictions on its use! Have fun!

FREE tutorial for a favorite notebook and CU Freebie

2011-03-24T21:28:00.001-05:00

If you're anything like me, you probably have a zillion projects going, all at the same time. The problem for me is that I forget what I did last, or where I paused or stopped in a process. When you get to be my age (ha!) you find that you can't remember everything you want to remember. (I have a theory about that. It isn't a function of the brain slowing down, but rather the amount of information it now has to process. So, like your computer, it gets slower and slower. Unfortunately, at least at this juncture in life, you can't just download it to a hard drive to archive your earlier thoughts and start afresh!) So what I do instead is create a little notebook for each project.

I used to use spiral-bound notebooks, and even used the ones that had multiple tabs so I could put notes on a good many subjects into one. But I didn't usually fill one up, and—here I'm going to tell you one of my secrets— I want a fresh start with each new project. So a good many of my notebooks were only partially filled. Then I came up with an idea that meets my needs and lets me be creative about it, too. Here's what I do:

Say you want to make a notebook for keeping card layouts. But only for a certain kind of card. Go to your plain photocopy paper and pull a few sheets out. I usually use fewer than 10 sheets. Fold the paper in half.

Now comes the fun part. Go to your scrapbooking or whatever stash and
pull out a strip of patterned or textured (or maybe patterned and textured) paper or cardstock that is at least the height of your folded paper by about 4" wide. Use your paper cutter or a straightedge (like a ruler) and a craft knife to make it square. The measurement is less important than how straight the paper is. [More about that later.] Fold that in half lengthwise and place around the folded side of your paper.

Don't trim it yet. Go get your Crop-a-dile and punch holes through the patterned paper and the stack of copy paper at somewhat regular intervals. Then, while you've still got your Crop-a-dile handy, set some pretty eyelets through the holes, and then go back and trim your patterned paper.

Don't stop now! Use some more of those scraps and pretty up your cover (I often use cardstock instead of paper for the cover).

Now you need a special place to keep these mini-notebooks. I altered a gift bag and cut away one side to keep mine in. My camera is on the blink right now, so I'm going to show you what mine looks like using my computer's built-in camera. Prepare for a bad photo; it will at least give you the idea. But first, I want to address the issue of eyelets. I've used a variety of different ways to bind these little notebooks: eyelets, brads, rings, ribbon, string, staples. I like each of my notebooks to have its own personality. You can see the different ways I've bound them in the photo below.

Now can someone please tell me why the computer's camera always makes a mirror image?

Okay, I know you like getting freebies while you're here, and I certainly don't want to let you down, so here's a little something for reading all the way down to here! (As always, click on the image to download from Media Fire; no waiting!)

I've found a site I love!

2011-03-21T13:49:00.000-05:00

If you like sewing crafts as I do, you'll love visiting this one. This site is inspirations out the wazoo, and patterns to boot! Actually, it was boot patterns that lead me there. Well, booties, actually. I have a new granddaughter coming this summer, and I want to make some baby shoes. If all goes well, I'll be making lots of little baby things, and I'll put some of them in my Etsy store. What? You didn't even know I had an Etsy store? Well, shame on me! (More about that later, this post is about someone else!)

Anyway, I'd like to introduce you to Misty Marquardt, designer and owner of MakeThemYourself. Misty is one of those moms who decided to have "another family" after her first set of kiddos was grown. Now she has a six year old son to go along with her older, all-grown-up girls (and a brand new baby granddaughter!). And this young son was the reason MakeThemYourself was born. But you know what? She can tell you much better than I can, so click on the little shoe and head on over and see what I'm so excited about. And as soon as I can, I'll post pictures of my new passion: crafting baby shoes!

Where does inspiration come from? And a new CU Freebie!

2011-03-20T13:12:00.001-05:00

If you're here just for the freebie, it's at the bottom of this post.

I think more than any other question, where I get my inspiration for kits and other paper crafts must be the winner. I'm not one of the lucky few that inspiration "just comes" for. I have to dig for mine, and over the many years that I have been a graphic designer, I've learned some of the best places to go to catch that elusive butterfly. One really good place is to go to the websites of any of the major women's magazines, since women are by far the largest segment of my audience. Better Homes and Gardens, Traditional Home, Country Living, and of course, Martha Stewart are my favorites to find colors and patterns that work well. I also tend to stick to grunge and shabby, so any pattern I want will usually undergo a lot of transformation before it is released.

(Did you know you can do a screen capture and then bring the photo up in your software of choice to get the colors shown. I'm sure, if I only knew how, there is a way to get the patterns as well, but plagiarism is not my thing. I only want inspiration!)

Another place to find great patterns and color combinations is the online catalog of stores—like Macy's, for instance—where bedding is sold. It's a wonderful place to find not only trendy, but classic as well. I subscribe to a good many creative magazines, too. My favorites are Papercraft, Crafts 'n Things, Card Maker, and anything published by Stampington.

A source of inspiration that keeps you abreast of what's popular is fashion. Yeah, like O Magazine, or Vogue, or even Cosmo. (I don't read this one because of the articles! That's almost funny. Men always say "I read Playboy for its articles," and I would say, "I read Cosmo for its pictures!" Except that I don't. And I also don't read Playboy!)

A walk down my street gives me ideas for textures, and when my camera is working, which it is not now, I can snap textures from nature or from stuff man has made. Chicken wire and window screens are my favorite, although they often are such subtle textures in my designs that you might not even be aware that they are there.

And one last place of inspiration is you! Yes, you. I lurk around a number of galleries and then I download the ones I like. I keep them in a folder on my desktop named "Inspiration Only!"

I hope you've enjoyed this article! I love writing and designing for you, my friends. And here's your freebie! (As always, just click on the image for immediate download.)

Happy St. Paddy's Day Blog Train Freebie!

2011-03-17T09:20:00.002-05:00

Oh, my dear friends, I do so like blog trains! Ever since I got my Silhouette SD cutter, I can't quit playing with it! So this month's freebie for you is a hybrid project that I've done, and thought you would find fun, too. Of course, if you want to stay strictly digital, that's okay, too.

If you've been following the blogtrain, I should be the last stop. If you've somehow gotten here another way, just check out the blog roll and visit our other stops, too!
Oh, friends, enjoy today! As always, click on the preview to download from Media Fire. No waiting!

Please remember that we're all on different time zones so just come back if the other designers do not have their parts up yet. And remember to leave some love for the designers! Continue following the Blog Train from the list below:

Wilma4Ever (start here)
ABCreations
AW Design
Ariasparkle
Broken Sky Dezine
HF Projekte
MamaLLamaLisaDesign
Pink's Poetic Scraps
Tina Shaw
Rieka_Rafita

Cute Caramel Cluster by my CT! FREE!

2011-03-11T16:13:00.001-06:00

I love my CTs! Each one is special and brings something unique to the table. This time, Bobbie has made a really pretty cluster from my kit "Under a Caramel Sky" and she wants to share it with you. So without further ado, here it is. Just click on it, and it's yours! (Sorry folks, the shadows are part of it.) Scroll down to check out her layout using her cluster.

New mini kit, CU Okay

2011-03-06T20:04:00.001-06:00

Hello, all my friends! I want to introduce you to someone you should know. Everyone should know Briana! She's my daughter-in-law, and I'm VERY fond of saying that if I had searched the whole world over, I would have chosen this very girl for my beloved youngest son. Well, she's pregnant with their first child, my 10th grandchild. This is a much-anticipated baby, and throughout the next months, I'll try to let you in a little on why. But today, I decided to give you the first four papers and two elements of a kit I'm doing for her called "My Eggo is Preggo!" Click on the image to download from Media Fire. And it's okay to use this in your commercial projects. Oh! There is a quick page, too. Enjoy!

Oh, yeah. Something else. If you like my swatch panel, where I've chosen colors from Briana's picture, you can snag it over at Coffeeshop Blog! (Check out her other freebies while you're there, too.)

And here's a layout I did from the little bit of the kit I have already finished.

A Cute Little Furbaby Freebie 4 You

2011-03-04T20:12:00.001-06:00

I had so much fun designing a bunch of word art with an animal theme, and this one was my favorite. Therefore, I'm sharing it with you! Just click on the preview to download from Media Fire!

Free Cutter File! CU Okay!

2011-03-03T17:57:00.000-06:00

Okay, so here's the thing. I got a Silhouette SD cutter for Christmas, and I've spent all this time learning about it. It has a lot of problems, but I'm learning how to work around them. One of the things I like about it is that I can use my own designs! And so today I was messing around in Illustrator, and liked what I came up with. It reminded me of some bonsai trees, so I've called it Asian Screen. It fits quite nicely in a tri-fold card. If my camera would cooperate, I'd post a photo of what I did with it; unfortunately, my camera is refusing to see the memory card. So it won't shoot. I'm not sure what to do about it, though, 'cause I sure can't afford to fix it! Any photographers out there know anything about the Sony CMOS? (Yes, I know it's old, but it is what I have!)

Anyway, here's the file. As always, click on it and download from Media Fire.

Free Tutorial: Adding Interest to a Background with Texture and Depth

2011-03-03T00:00:00.000-06:00

I'm going to show you one way to add interest to your background papers. If you want the resources, you can download them here. This is what we're going to be making:

First, open a new 12"x12", 300ppi Photoshop document and fill the background layer with a medium-dark color. I like teal, so I chose #5595c.

Next, open an image you will want to use as a pattern. I've chosen this little Mayan-looking bird-thing. Damasks work very well, too. Command+A (Control+A on a PC) to choose the entire layer and then go to Edit>Define Pattern. Now you can close the image; you won't need it for the rest of this tutorial.

Create a new layer above your background layer and fill it with white (actually, any color will do). Double click on the layer to open up the Styles dialog box and Select Pattern. Click on the little flyout menu and scroll down to your new pattern (it should be the last one). Adjust the scale to your liking and click okay.

Now we will add our first of two textures. Open a grunge texture of your choice. You are welcome to use the ones I've provided. Choose a fairly dark grunge (Grunge texture #5 works nicely). Command+A to choose the entire layer and paste it into your document above the pattern layer. Change the Blending Mode to Overlay and choose an Opacity factor of about 45%.

It's starting to look good now, isn't it? Let's add another grunge texture now, only this time a light one. (Grunge texture #3 is what I've used.) Command+A to choose the entire layer and paste it into your document above the previous texture. Change the Blending Mode to Linear Burn and choose an Opacity factor of about 20%. Looking better!

Here's where the real magic comes in! Go to Layer>New>Layer and select Overlay for the Blending Mode and check the box that asks you if you want to fill it with neutral-gray. Then click okay. Note that in your layer panel, you can see the overlay, but it isn't visible on your layer. That's what we want.

Go to Filter>Render>Lighting Effects and make the opening panel look something like mine.

Finally, save your new Background paper to your stash! Congratulations, you're done!

New Challenges in my store mean new freebies on my blog!

2011-02-28T17:03:00.000-06:00

Well, the weather has changed its mind once again, and my poor brain doesn't know whether it's coming or going. First cold and then hot. Ah, Texas! Does my southern heart good to live here, even with the crazy weather. Where else can you say "ya'll" and be understood?

Over at Divine Digital, I host four challenges: Shape, Sketch, Lyrics, and Ad. And since I've already got them posted, I'm getting my freebies up on my blog for you. So without further ado, here's the first one. Others will be along shortly. As always, click on the preview to download the freebie. Please read the TOU. Because I'm including another designer's beautiful swash, this one is Personal Use Only.

Another Blog Blessing Commercial Use Freebie!

2011-02-28T01:21:00.000-06:00

Well, it's well past midnight here in Texas where I live, in the heart of the Bible Belt, where many northerners have moved to live among us southerners. It's a warm night, still 71°after a warmer day. I'm still up because I have a stomach ache and I want to finish a new kit I'm working on. But for now, I'm going to give you a mini-kit from Everwood, a kit I put together a few weeks ago. If you are interested, I'm hosting four challenges at Divine Digital, and I'd love to have you participate! I have the Sketch of the Week Challenge, the Song Lyrics Challenge, the Shape Challenge and the Ad Challenge. I actually have this one out for a freebie to go along with the Ad Challenge, but you can use it anyway you want, really. It's CU friendly, as I try to make all my designs. Have fun! Just click on the image to download!

Hello and a new CU freebie!

2011-02-22T17:05:00.000-06:00

These eggs were part of a last-year's offering, but I liked them enough to offer them again. You can use them for commercial projects as well as personal ones. Try recoloring them! As is only fair, please don't claim them as your own. The Easter grass is part of a new kit that will be up in my store at Divine Digital by week's end, called Whimsical Easter. But for now, snag the eggs and have fun! (Click on the image to download from Media Fire.)

New Kit, New CU4CU Freebie!

2011-02-18T15:48:00.000-06:00

Hi, everyone! I've just finished a simple little kit called "Violets Are Blue," up in my store at Divine Digital. But to whet your appetite, here's a little freebie. Now run get the rest! (As always, click on the preview to download from Media Fire.)