heidig digiscraps

Still in hiatus...

2010-01-22T13:57:00.001-08:00

I am sure it is clear from my lack of posting that I have been on hiatus for a while. I have pretty much lost my mojo for a bunch of reasons. I am trying to get back my creative juices but really I don't think I am there yet.

One of the things that I noticed today, was that I am not allowing myself to move beyond a project that I stalled on. I told myself that I couldn't do anything else until I finished a certain project, and when I ran into a road block I just stopped. Sometimes that can be a positive thing, like keeping me focused, but this time it just stopped me and for months. Well I think I might allow myself to do some pages not related to get back in.

Nuthouse Chat

2009-09-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

Wilma4Ever and ManuScraps are up for a chat tomorrow (Saturday, September 5th at 2pm EDT) !! Join us in the chat here:
http://www.nuthouse-scraps.com/Forum/chat/

There will be much fun and we're giving out a freebie or 2 ;)
Both have another freebie for you (not the chat freebies):

Manu's Fashion Bags:
And a great cluster frame on Wilmaâ€™s blog:

A Nuthouse Challenge

2009-09-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

So are you up for another challenge???
Do i hear a yes!!
Well here we go there is another template for you to make a stunning layout with.

You can download it for free here and make a stunning layout!!
For participating you will get a posting bonus!
This months posting bonus is a Herb Garden Add-on.

Feelin' Pretty

2009-08-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

Well I think I have finally settled down with this new look. I will be adding in more of my inspirations and friends as I get the chance. In the meantime, I better get back to my to do list.

Blog Update

2009-08-16T06:01:00.000-07:00

Please forgive the ugliness around here, I am working my blog design. I am still getting used to the fixed width format. I am also working on adding in more of my inspiration links around here to make this place feel more comfortable to me.

Summer break

2009-08-03T07:22:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? Earlier this summer it was just the kids keeping me busy, but this last month I have taken a break from designing to do some technical work. So for the past month, I have been re-skinning Nuthouse-scraps.com to look more like a scrapbooking site. I took some of the kits the team made in honor of the grand-opening and I reworked the headers, background, etc. I have still have some pieces of the site to finish up and of course I have some software upgrades too.

Now that I been stretching my technical muscle, I look at my blog and feel like it needs an upgrade too. So I guess that will come after I am done with the site.

In the meantime, I am also missing scrapping, so I will prob take a break to make a few pages soon. I have to finish up last year's school LOs so I won't be stressed when the school year starts.

Nuthouse-scraps has a new freebie upand some other new products so check them out.

2009-05-07T09:47:00.001-07:00

Have you been to the nuthouse-scraps blog lately? Today Aquarius has a gift for you if you go.

What is up for NSD?

2009-04-29T18:15:00.000-07:00

I am posting this a bit early, but I wanted you to know about the fabulous sale at Nuthouse-scraps this weekend.

There will be lots of brand new grab bags too, and Topical paradise Mixed Nuts will be available.

Egg Hunt

2009-04-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

This weekend I'd like to invite you to browse the store. I have been slow to get things in, but I know the others are adding in like crazy. We have been generous with our sales lately, but that is just cause we are excited to have the store open. You might not see deals like this again soon.

So you want to find the egg hunt? Check the forums.

All Aboard! DST Blog Train

2009-03-31T22:26:00.001-07:00

It's a blog train!

The blog train is here! This blog train is 91 participants long. We are from all over the world in many different time zones. Please allow a full 24 hours for all blog train links to be completely active. You can find a complete list of blogs here at the Blog Train Blog!

After you have grabbed my freebie, check out Tracy's Scraps for the next stop!

I forgot to mention before.... nuthouse is having 50% off sale to celebrate the grand-opening! That is crazy pricing and you probably won't be seeing that again anytime soon. Plus check the post below for some more freebie goodness.

This is no Joke!

2009-03-31T22:01:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the grand-opening of the store, Nuthouse-scraps is giving away a bunch of freebies. Follow the clues in this thread to find all the goodies hidden in the store.

I finally got my blinkie updated to match my blog header (too bad it doesn't blink anymore, lol) and there is now a link to my store in the sidebar. If you click on it, I have a few things in already with more to come.

Check back later for another goodie I am giving on the blog. Choo choo!

Mindful Work

2009-03-27T19:04:00.000-07:00

I have some big changes coming up soon, but I am trying not to loose sight of why I am scrapping. I am scrapping to express myself and to save the stories that I treasure about my family. At the beginning of this year I did the ADSR, and it felt amazing to get so much done in such a short amount of time. I think once I get myself a bit more organized, I am going to set some serious goals for creative growth and getting some of my stories told. Yes I have my whole life to tell the important stories, but the thing is more stories show up everyday.

I never wrote down the word I chose to represent this year. My intent is POSITIVE. Anything that is a challenge to me, I am going to look at it as an opportunity. Instead of complaining, I am going to look to be grateful.

A Nutty new Adventure

2009-03-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

I am no longer at DxD and I am going to be joining a new store - once I get my paperwork in order. I am working on some new designs and I am excited with my new direction. Please stay tuned.

In the meantime check out the new digs at http://www.nuthouse-scraps.com/. I have been getting my geek on helping set up there.

2008-12-22T13:20:00.000-08:00

Have you been enjoying the freebies at digibydesign.com?

Digibydesign will have a few new designers on board soon. We have really been growing fast over the past month, and its been very exciting.

This time of year it always seems like there is so much to do and so very little time to get it done. I am just working on a few new items for the store, I have a bunch of things just sitting on my computer and I need to package them up.

My scraplift challenge is on til Dec. 31.

12 Days of Christmas Starts Saturday

2008-12-10T14:58:00.000-08:00

Are you having a wonderful holiday season? The economy this year has made things a little harder, but it also is a blessing, because it highlights what is so much more important than just stuff. Anyway I am feeling grateful for the time I can spend with my family at this time of year.

In the spirit of giving, and having fun - digibydesign is bringing back the 12 days of Christmas Dec 13-24th. Each day there will be a new gift for you to download and of course sales. The freebies this year are at the store, so you can look there for them.

Mine is Day 2 so make sure you check out my store on Sunday for my freebie. Of course all the freebies will coordinate so come everyday.

Not so Perfect Picture

2008-12-03T06:38:00.000-08:00

I have posted a new scraplift challenge at DXD. Come and play this month. This month I am focused on the less than perfect picture.

So how do you use pictures that aren't as perfect as you would hope? Either they are old and discolored or even newer blurry picts? First, I also enlarge the photo if I am going to. Then, I try to correct the problem as much as possible, either running Sharpening filters or adjusting the colors/contrast.

After I have corrected the pictures, then I create a duplicate on a different layer and run a filter on the corrected version that changes it into digital art. I like to use Virtual Photographer, posterize, watercolor, and colored pencil filters. But I always play with different layers and blending modes too, until I am happy. Sometimes it takes me a long time to figure out what I like from all this playing, but I feel like the end result is usually something special.

Sale and Freebie

2008-11-25T06:43:00.000-08:00

I missed last week, but I hope today's post makes up for it because I have a little something for you today. First things first....

Digibydesign is having a huge sale this weekend 50% off, with 75% off between 9-11 PM on selected items! Be sure to visit and pick up some great holiday supplies. There are a few new designers and there will be more to come in the next few weeks.

I have a few new products in the store - check out my new Word Strings. Here is a freebie for you to check out. My kids keep wishing for a snowday, but so far we just have rain.

Brief update

2008-11-11T11:43:00.001-08:00

I've finally posted a new scraplift challenge for this month at DBD.

I'd like to mention that DBD is having a sale on all their megakits - 50% Nov 14-16!

Stories in Hand

2008-10-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

I'm posting again this week, I know it is shocking - I am hoping to make this a regular habit. :) I have recently signed up for Jessica Sprague's new online class, and I am excited for it to start. It is a system to help collect stories that you have wanted to tell, and it is not strictly for scrapbookers. Anyway here is the link: http://www.jessicasprague.com/

Semi-new stuff

2008-10-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am going to try to be more serious about posting here. I have lots of good ideas and lots to scrap, but only so many hours in the day.

Have you seen my cross word art? They were in my grab bag and now I am selling them along with my crossword overlay. They are available at DBD now for only $1.50, but the sale will end soon.

Quick check in...

2008-07-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

I've been slacking recently. Check this blog out though, people who loose their cameras may be reunited. http://ifoundyourcamera.blogspot.com/

I've been working on a new kit, but I have a few more pieces to do before it is complete. In the meantime, enjoy the Super Saturday Sale at digibydesign.com.

Moving On

2008-06-28T06:20:00.000-07:00

Sandra has recently decided to stop her Wednesday chats, so I plan to use the time to work on my own designs. It was sad to resign from her team, her designs are so very usable and print so well, but I need to focus on getting my name out, and getting people to look at my designs with more LOs, ads, and freebies. I just want to reclaim some time back for me.

Its fun to do CT work, and I will keep doing Athena's and maybe take on guest ones, here and there, but I need to balance that out with my designing obligations. I have also been testing some actions for a designer recently and I think I will keep doing that too.

Seven things...

2008-05-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

This is for Kari, but I don't tag others so you will just have to enjoy the list.

OK, I am going to keep all facts scrapping/craft related, because that is what this blog is for. :) I think I have a couple of weird crafting ones anyway.

Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog
Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I can spend 4-5 hours designing one element, but usually can finish a pack of papers in an hour. LOL, I think I should be making more paper packs, don't you?

2. I am trying to figure out how to design, and build a font using only freeware or open source software.

3. I recently took a Charlie and Lola book out the library to inspire my designs, but my kids won't let it out of their rooms, so I can't look at it.

4. Here's a real random one - once I sculpted roses from Wonder Bread and Elmer's glue.

5. I still haven't finished my kids' baby books, because I started designing when I started scrapping. :)

6. I used to do watercolor portraits from photos (by hand, not on computer) and paint them in sepia/rose tones. I think that is where I get my obsession with sepia photos.

7. The hardest part of designing for me is coming up with the descriptions, and previews. I guess I need a course in marketing communication or something.

Entry for Contest

2008-05-06T06:19:00.000-07:00

Do you want to see my entry for "So You Think You Can Design?" at ScrapOrchard?

You can get to the link by going through the gallery. You can support me, by making a LO for my kit and posting it to their site. Thanks.

All Items 50% off

2008-05-02T19:47:00.000-07:00

Head over to digibydesign.com for NSD (May 3) and see the entire store on sale for 50% off!

All of my items are 50%, except my new grab bag. That will be $2 for the month of May.

Chat tonight!

2008-04-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

A couple of things.... Tonight I am featured designer for the Wacky Wednesday Chat at digibydesign.com! Come join us in the chat room at 9PM, there will be a freebie for you.

I am actually featuring two kits tonight! Rugged Pine and Fly Boy! So you can mix and match - they will both be on sale tonight.

In addition, don't forget to check out the other stuff on sale for the mid-month madness. At $.98 you can't pass that up - I have some glittery frames in the store for that, but don't wait too long cause they will be gone in a few days (April 20).

Charity Kit

2008-03-31T11:44:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

I've been busy finishing up the end of the month chores, but I wanted to mention... I helped design a few items for this charity kit. The kit is a gift for anyone who donates $20 or more to Autism Speaks. I work with Tammy on Sandra's team and the story of her granddaughter has touched me. If you are interested in getting the kit, check out the website.

2008-03-21T18:20:00.001-07:00

This week FlyBoy is in the store. Check out this kit for airshows, paper airplanes, air museums, or plane visits.

Check out my super saver saturday kit too. Boy Basics this week and the alpha. 50% off. Just one day.

An Idea Journal

2008-03-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

Do you have an idea journal?

When I started this blog, I wanted to discuss my learning process for digiscrapping and photography, as well as my designs. Since then I have bee lucky enough to get a store and start selling some of my designs, but I haven't taken the time to write about what I have been learning as I started scrapping and taking pictures.

The first thing to discuss, in my opinion is an idea journal. I can't remember all things I want to scrap and take pictures of while I am living my life. I need a place to collect all my ideas and put them on paper. I have an idea journal for layouts and I also collect my design ideas in there too. That is where I go when I want to see what stories I want to make. Its where I sketch out idea for layouts and QPs that I am making for me or for sale.

If you have small kids and want to remember certain moments or quotes, its great to have a notebook handy where you hang out with them. I can't remember things if I have to wait to get to my computer and type them in.

Do you have an idea journal? How do you use it?

Grab Bag at Digibydesign

2008-03-04T14:35:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would mention... this month I have a grab bag up for sale. Its all new stuff, $10 for $2. Templates, papers and elements for your scrapping pleasure. You need a hint? Here's a big one.

Buy it now at DxD.

Blinkie

2008-03-04T14:20:00.000-08:00

I've just made myself a new blinkie to help promote my designs on websites and in forums. You can see it just to the right here. I love that I learned to make animated gifs, and maybe there will be more blinkies in the future.

When I started designing I knew there was a lot more to being a successful designer then just designing, there are hours and hours spent reading and updating posts, looking at galleries and commenting, challenges to manage and ads to create and then send off to promote the designs. I am still ramping up on the ads, but I know that if I want to be a successful designer, then its not just designing. Many of the designers that I have admired have recently cut back on their stores, or their designing in general in order to better balance their lives. I love designing, but I know I need to keep the balance. I figure if I stay happy designing then I will keep designing.

To that end I have spent a lot of time designing recently so I am planning to a bunch of layouts next week instead of design. If I don't actually scrap anything this will become more like a job then art.

Designer Call at digibydesign.com

2008-02-29T05:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Leap Day everyone! I wanted to make sure that you all know that you could have the chance to work with me at a very fun place.

Digi by Design is looking for digital designers to join their growing digital community. If you are interested in becoming a designer with DXD, please contact us at michelle@digibydesign.com and include the following:

A brief resume’ of your scrapbooking experience
a download link to a full kit you have recently created
and additional previews of your other products and galleries.

These will be used to review your work.

Valentine's Day Sale

2008-02-12T12:28:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to announce that there is a big sale at digibydesign.com in honor of Valentine's Day! Check it out... my stuff included 30% off.

New Featured Kit and a Freebie

2008-01-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

I am so excited! I am going to be featuring my new kit Boys Basics at the Wacky Wednesday chat at digibydesign this week - Wednesday at 9PM - 50% off on Wednesday only that's $2 - what a steal. I love the colors, they come directly from my boys' closet, so I think I will be using this kit ALOT in the next few months. Come to the chat for some more goodies and fun.

To entice you a little more, I am sharing a coordinating alpha I made for the kit. It will only be available here for free for a limited time.

*linked deleted* - watch for this item in my store.

Better late than never

2008-01-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

I have been a pretty terrible blogger lately. I just wanted to let you all know that digibydesign.com is have a Midmonth Madness sale until tomorrow 98 items for $.98. I had time to make a few items for it, I just love how the toujours mini came out:

I am busy working on a few new things here and there, so I hope to have some new blog updates soon.

A Sale and a Freebie

2007-12-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

I have been busy at work, putting in some new kits to my store. And I have neglected to share that DxD is having a storewide celebration, 12 Days of Christmas! Guess who is having a first sale as Day 6? That is right! 25% off all my kits and if you look carefully in the store you can find this freebie, too!

It coordinates with one of my new kits, SnowyDay.

In other news, we have been getting a lot of snow lately, so I have been taking a lot of photos of the boys playing outside. I can't wait to get them scrapped, but I have some more designing to take care of first.

Merry Blog and I did it!

2007-12-01T18:42:00.000-08:00

Eeek! Its been a huge day for me....

First things first. Today my first design has gone into a store! I am now an official designer! You can find my design (and soon to be more) at DigiByDesign.com. I will have to celebrate this in a big way once I catch my breath!

I hope the awesome designers there will have patience with me as I learn the ropes.

Getting everything squared with that, delayed me from posting this . I hope you can all forgive me.

BLOG PARTY TIME!

And here's my part. Word Art with background included. I hope you enjoy it!

Don't forget to visit the rest of the Blogs and enjoy!

Acorn Designs- http://acorn-designs.blogspot.com/
Angels Digi Scraps- http://angelsdigiscrap.blogspot.com/
Anita Designs- http://nanas-attic.blogspot.com/
Amy W. Designs- http://scrap-a-lot.blogspot.com/
BooLand Designs- http://boolanddesigns.blogspot.com/
Derek M. Designs- http://derekmdesign.blogspot.com/
FreeStyleMama- http://freestylemama.blogspot.com/
Gina Maria- http://www.blog.scrapbookingresourcecenter.com/
JanniScrap Design- http://janniscrapdesigns.blogspot.com/
Burkhart Scrapzone- http://burkhartscrapzone.blogspot.com/
Kim B. Designs- http://kimbsdesigns.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Miles- http://lalalime.blogspot.com/
Rose Made Designs- http://rosemadedesigns.blogspot.com/
Sir Scrap-A-Lot- http://sirscrapalot.blogspot.com/
SKrapper Digitals- http://www.skrapperdigitals.blogspot.com/
SeASCrApS- http://seascrapsdesigns.blogspot.com/

Just checking in....

2007-11-29T20:32:00.000-08:00

Yikes! I haven't posted in a month!

I will do better next month for certain. Keep watching and I will have big news soon. In the meantime, I am still cohosting Chats with SeAScrApS on Wednesdays at DigiShopTalk.com 10PM Eastern.

I am also still hosting the Scraplift Challenge at DigibyDesign.com, I should have a new bonus for next month coming out in a couple of days.

I guess the birthdays and the holidays, have gotten me a bit wrapped up this month, but I should be more on track now.

Twinkle Layouts

2007-10-31T13:50:00.000-07:00

Just in the nick of time, I have my two CT layouts for AmyW! I wished I could have gotten them done sooner, but since she just took Twinkle out her grab bag last week, maybe it was fortunate that I waited. The gray matches my kitty perfectly!

Twins!

Full Credits

Pulling Up

Full Credits

I have had a blast doing CT Layouts, maybe once things slow down around here I will try out again.

The best part about these pictures is that they used to be too small to use effectively in my LOs, but I found a plugin for PSE that will expand the photos without causing jaggies. Unfortunately I just have it on trial for the next month, so I suppose I better get all my older photos expanded while I can.

I'm a Guest CT this month!

2007-10-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who enjoyed the blog party, its a blast seeing all those downloads. Makes me want to give some more away. :)

So I have been keeping a small secret from you all. I am a guest CT for the month of October for AmyW Designs. I can't tell you how much I love her Jumpstarts Collections found at DxD of course. So here is my first LO for her this month:

Full Credits here.

Anyway, I am so excited and I have a couple more layouts coming soon.

Blog Party!

2007-10-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

Whee! I get to join the blog party this time at DxD!

Grab FlowerPower

and then visit the rest of the blogs to get the matching pieces, and visit the sale at DigibyDesign.

http://rosemadedesigns.blogspot.com/
http://scrap-a-lot.blogspot.com/
http://mermaidshaven.blogspot.com/
http://manu-scraps.blogspot.com/
http://sasboksdigidesigns.blogspot.com/
http://florescentjellybeans.blogspot.com/
http://acorn-designs.blogspot.com/
http://lilbitsd-zynz.blogspot.com/

Its October Already?

2007-10-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

So I am starting a new Scraplift Challenge at DxD this month. You have til the end of the month to post and you can earn this posting bonus:

I am also still running my weekly chats at DxD for Seascraps, on Wednesdays at 10 PM. This week we did the My Kind of Toncka kit. The ad is a little late, but the chat is every week. I'll have the ad up for next week sooner, I promise. I also gave out some wordart with my pages. I can't wait to see the gallery this week!

Also don't miss the download a day at DxD, for the Spooktacular kit - if you go everyday you will have a huge album when you are done. I went to go look and today is day 3 , its my quick page! And holy cow, that sale this week is great! Spooktacular is a huge kit, I could have made a ton more quick pages if they let me.

To update you all, my friend made the guest DET at DSP. She will be scrapping like crazy for the next 2 months.

I also have other news that I want to share, but I am going to hold off til I have LOs to share. :)

Hey What's New?

2007-09-25T11:05:00.001-07:00

So I am going to be promoting the Quick Pick Me Up chat I am running at DxD on Wednesday nights at 10 PM ET. The bonus is that Michelle and Athena have Wacky Wednesday chat at 9 PM so you get 2 chats to hang out and have fun! This week we are promoting Sandra's kit Kickin It, so come on soccer lovers.

Also I have another Scraplift Challenge running at DxD. Here is the posting bonus for those who want to join in:

I am also still working on my newest Photobook. I hope to have it finished soon because winkflash;) is having such a deal I can't pass it up - ends Sept 28. While I am there, I should print out a few photos for some empty frames I have waiting. So much to do so little time.

This is a shout out for gundimom who is really a very talented LO artist.

She has been published in Creating Keepsakes! She has been published before but this is CK, so its different. I feel so happy for her. She did a layout about it:

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=215368&cat=500&ppuser=62565

If you get CK, she is in the October copy.

She is also a finalist in the DET competition at DSP. I am pulling for her, half my favorites on that site are hers. I feel so lucky to get her opinions on my work, as I respect hers so highly.

My scraplift challenge

2007-08-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

As you can tell I am still sorting out the design of this blog. Once I get that squared away, I plan to start offering some of my design freebies.

In the meantime I will plug the scraplift challenge that I am running at DigiByDesign. Come scraplift with us and check it out. You get a posting bonus made by me if you post there:

My first Digital SLR

2007-08-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

So about two months ago, I aquired my first digital SLR, a Nikon 40. My first SLR ever, actually. Since then I have been trying to learn about photography and how to go about taking great pictures to use in my big hobby, digital scrapbooking.

I don't have extra lighting, I don't have any special flash, I don't even have any other lenses yet, but already my photography is improving. The reason is that I don't have as much lag time as I did with my point and shoot. Now I can capture the photos of my kids just a bit better. I hope once I learn more about the process that I can capture great photos.