The Digiscrap Dabbler

I scrapped, imagine that! :D

2011-02-16T07:44:00.000-05:00

I've been so busy on the design front lately that I have barely done any scrapping. A couple of pages for sweet Ms Emily, but then I was excited to learn that PDP was starting up Speed Scraps again! So I joined up and thought to myself, Why not scrap with one of your own kits? What a strange experience that was! It was like, I knew every single piece in it, and I knew exactly what I wanted to put with what for my cluster work, and I'd never used the kit before (and have designed several since, so it was kind of 'new' to me again)... I liked how it came out, and then proceeded to play along with some of the February challenges! :D

So here are a couple of my pages, using my own stuff. Heehee. Who ever would have thought it?

ATC

One Word

Scraplift

Speed Scrap

So much fun! I think I will try to make a regular thing of this, this scrapping with my own stuff. :)

Farynar's Wings is Now Open!!

2011-02-02T08:38:00.000-05:00

That's right, I am now officially a designer at Polka Dot Plum! You can see my shoppe here. To this end, I have created a designer blog where I will give away freebies, show off my awesomely talented ct's layouts, tell you about sales and giveaways, etc. As a matter of fact, I am going to be heading over there in just a few moments to put up a freebie that one of the new Sugar Plums (SaraSATW) made using my kit Mysterious, so please be sure to check that out! Also, be sure to follow me on twitter (@farynarswings) as I've already started giving away freebies in the form of $5 gift cards to my shoppe! And lastly, I have a Facebook Fan Page set up too, I would absolutely love it if you'd drop by (especially to share anything you've created with my products!)

Well, Hello Again

2011-01-26T08:09:00.000-05:00

I'm so sorry I've been neglecting my little blog lately, but I've been completely shifting gears. While I still serve on the creative teams of a couple of designers, I've decided to try my own hand at designing! My shoppe isn't open yet, but that hasn't stopped me! *heehee* I joined together with my dear friend Beth of Designs by Sweet Mesquite to create for you this beautiful, enormous collection for Valentine's Day. We called it With Every Beat of my Heart.

There is so much in this badboy, we had to make a coordinating add-on, and Beth made a word-art pack and TWO alphas for you!

This kit contains:
19 Patterned Papers
5 Solid Papers
9 Flowers
6 Wordarts (1 wordart is available in 2 colors--7 wordarts total)
4 Buttons
3 Bead Scatters
1 Brad
1 Chocolate Heart
2 Layered Paper Hearts
1 Glitter Acrylic Heart Frame
1 Decorative Heart Wire
1 Glitter Heart
3 Tags
1 Glitter Splat
1 Scatter Frame
2 Ric Rac
3 Strings
3 Leaves/Greenery
1 Staple (front & back)
1 Decorated String Frame
1 Border
1 Stitched Border
1 Bow
2 Ribbons
2 Stitches
1 Frame

The word-art pack and one of the alphas come in the kit, and Beth was kind enough to bundle everything together for those of you who want to get the whole collection and save! (The add-on will be available Saturday for $1 as part of the Saturday Singles!)

Here's a peek at all that you get in the bundle:

And, as a special added bonus, if you pick it up today, you'll get the 20% off ON TOP OF the sale price! So grab this one, it's a beauty!

Has it been a week already??

2010-12-16T11:41:00.000-05:00

Wow, time is flying! I hadn't meant to go a week between posts, but here it is a week later! heehee!

I have another beautiful kit from Polka Dot Pixels to share with you today, it's called Pick Me.

And here's a layout I made using it:

New from Nikki Epperson this week is this breath-taking beauty called Truly, Deeply.

And a layout I created with it:

Make sure you pick these gems up today!

Stuff this week

2010-12-09T08:03:00.000-05:00

Emily of Polka Dot Pixels has a beautiful new kit for you this week called Sugarplum Dreams. It's soft and lovely, and full of sweets! :D Check it out:

You can pick this up at 2Peas! Here's a layout I created using it:

She also has some more of her gorgeous My life...365 set, frames and tags and labels, oh my!

Nikki Epperson is retiring *sixteen* products this weekend, and you can grab them for a song until then! (Okay, for a buck! haha!) She's also releasing 2 new awesome template packs that are on sale for 20% off today at The DigiChick.

Sweet Starts Vol. 12

Sweet Starts Vol. 13

And, she's looking for a couple more Layout Artists to join the team, make sure you check out her call!

Some yummies for your stash!

2010-11-30T13:33:00.000-05:00

Good afternoon, do I have a couple of treats to show you today!

Polka Dot Pixels has several 365-inclined products over at 2Peas, and I had the immense pleasure of working with a couple of them! They went on sale today, and believe me, you'll want these for your scrapping stash, whether you do P365 or not!

The first is a very versatile frame called My life... 365 text block frame, have a peek:

And here's a layout I created with it (and my gorgeous niece Jordan!)

Next up is another very useful tool, My life... 365 monthly borders, customize them any way you wish!

And the page I created using one (and my little buddy G!):

Grab these up and get to scrappin!

Fall and Winter Combine

2010-11-13T09:27:00.000-05:00

November is such an interesting time of the year as far as scrapping goes. You're still seeing lots of fall pages, and Halloween pages being created. We're also looking ahead to Thanksgiving, winter, and even Christmas. I have a sampling for you today that I have created this past week. I do hope you'll enjoy them!

Halloween2010

ok09

There is a garden

I am absolutely in love with each of the above kits (and template used on ok09), I hope that you'll check them out!

What I've Been Doing

2010-11-09T08:09:00.000-05:00

Good morning! I haven't updated in forever, I'm sorry for that! Things have been so hectic, and I feel like I've been writing on everyone else's blogs, and let mine get neglected. Yesterday I had a nice, quiet day and actually got to scrap a bit! And my first thought was, I should blog these! :D

So let me share with you a few of the pages I've been creating. And I will try very hard to update more often than monthly. We have so many fantastic new designers at Polka Dot Plum, I'm really excited by many of them and will hopefully have lots and lots of yummy goodies to share with you!

So, here are some of the pages I've been creating lately, in no particular order, links below:

meant2b

I think that's more than enough for today, don't you? *hehe* If you've made it this far, bless your heart!

Falling for Her, and the cutest Halloween kit re-loaded!

2010-10-14T08:14:00.001-04:00

Good morning, digiscrap lovers! I wanted to share with you Nikki Epperson's new yummies today because I am just so excited about them!

Falling for Her is a beautiful, girly kit that is definitely fall-colored, but not a fall themed kit. I love the warm browns and creams and luscious pinks!

Here's a layout I created with it:

Nikki has also punched up A Lil Spooky and is re-releasing it just in time for Halloween! Just look at this amazingly adorable kit!

You'll want to grab these today while they're 20% off! Happy scrapping!

Designer Call at Polka Dot Plum!

2010-10-13T07:40:00.002-04:00

I sooooo can't wait to see who joins our family! :D

Shades of Autumn, win it before you can buy it!!

2010-10-12T11:20:00.000-04:00

Good morning! Do I have something to show you today! :D

Designs by Sweet Mesquite is releasing The Most Gorgeous autumn kit I have seen in a LONG time, quite possibly EVER! It's called Shades of Autumn, here's a peek:

Beth is holding a giveaway for it on her blog, just go leave a comment HERE!

Want to see what I did with it?

Trust me, you will WANT this kit!! :D

A collab and more!

2010-10-07T08:23:00.000-04:00

Good morning, all! I wanted to share with you Nikki Epperson's new (gorgeous) collab with Amy Stoffel! It's called Modern Baby and it is really, really fab!

Here is a page I created using it:

If you pick it up today, you'll get 20% off!

While you're there in her shop, check out her other new release (and re-releases from her guest spot at FPD)!

Happy Shopping!!

Here Begins The Hunt...!

2010-10-02T05:00:00.009-04:00

Today marks the beginning of the week-long celebration of Kiki Halbert's 4-year designiversary!! Congratulations, Kiki, and I sincerely hope you continue for many, many more!!

The first activity to kick off the week o' fun is a Code Hunt! It's really simple... if you came here from Kiki's blog then you already know which end is up, but in case you didn't, let me outline for you:
We have a 6-letter code that we've scrambled up, and are hiding throughout the Team's personal blogs, one per day, over the course of the week.
Your mission is to stalk these blogs, locating one letter per day. You will know the letter on sight. :)
Once you have all 6, unscramble the word as quickly as you can!
Then, run over to Kiki's shop (Recherché by KH Designs) at Funky Playground Designs. Fill your cart! Upon checkout, enter the unscrambled code as a coupon, and BAM!! A whopping 60% will fall off of your price! This will only work for the first person to successfully collect/unscramble/use the code, so you must be quick!

There will be many other wonderful gifts and activities throughout the week, so please make sure you keep an eye on Kiki's blog, as well as her Facebook and Twitter!

And, here is your letter for today:

Good luck, and have fun!

Is it October already?!

2010-10-01T10:32:00.000-04:00

...wasn't it JUST the end of May? Wow this summer sure flew! Living in the northeast it's truly fall, the wonderful chill in the air (and that smell!!), the leaves are starting to turn so the colors are brilliant and beautiful. We get to wear a sweater when we go out, enjoy some apple cider and cinnamon sugar donuts, and of course, pumpkin everything! Halloween is just around the corner (my FAVORITE!) Do you know what else October brings?

Kiki Halbert is going to be celebrating her 4th anniversary as a digital scrapbooking designer. Wow!! Four years, and still going strong! There will be lots of celebrating going on, and I will keep you all posted but for now let me encourage you to keep your eyes on her blog, and Twitter and FB.

Speaking of Kiki's blog, I'm going to be posting my all-time FAVORITE chicken crock pot recipe on there in the next couple of days, so stay tuned for that, too! :D

Upcoming Excitement and a Sale!

2010-09-28T08:12:00.000-04:00

Good morning, digiland! I wanted to let you in on a little bit of noteworthy news... did you know that Kiki Halbert (also known as Recherche by KH Designs) is going to be celebrating her 4th Designiversary later this week?! Four years as a designer, that is amazing! No wonder she's so good at it! :D

Activities will take place on her blog, in both of her shops (SBE and FPD), and on the blogs of her promo team members (including me!) So stay tuned, and keep an eye on Kiki's blog for more details coming soon! There will be lots of amazing deals, giveaways, games and fun!!

I also wanted to remind you, if you haven't yet, go pick up this absolutely gorgeous collab she did with siamese studio called Burst Into Spring. I think you'll find yourself going back to it again and again, I have already created a second layout with it (and NO, in case you're wondering, it wasn't required! I just really love the kit THAT MUCH!!) It's still 25% off until tomorrow, so don't wait!

Here is the yummy kit again, for your viewing pleasure, and then my second layout using it:

(credits)

New from Recherche by KH Designs

2010-09-23T22:58:00.000-04:00

Good evening, scrappers! I want to share with you this *divine* new collab coming out from Recherche by KH Designs and siamese studio (both at Funky Playground Designs).

There are so many delightful elements (many sparklies!) and the papers... wow!! I am really, really in love with this kit. I've done one layout so far and barely scratched the surface of all the beautiful bits I want to use! I think my next siggie is going to be made from this kit, too!

Here is the layout I've created with it:

You'll want to grab this between now and 9/29, while it's 25% off!

A Small Slice of Heaven from Nikki Epperson

2010-09-23T08:11:00.000-04:00

Good morning! I am SUPER excited about what Nikki has for your scrapping pleasure today.
First, she's unpacking August's grab bag because it was fairly EXPLODING with template goodness!! Check these out!

I know, right?! These beautiful templates will ensure that your mojo stays put for a very long time!

And, if that wasn't enough, she's re-releasing one of my all-time FAVORITE kits, this collab she did with Jennifer Fox called Funkalicious Fall.

This kit just fills me with warm, happy feelings and reminds me of all the things I love about scrapping! Here's a new layout I created with it:

Grab this for 20% off, today!

Much Yumma Yumma from Nikki Epperson

2010-09-15T20:44:00.000-04:00

Are you taking advantage of Nikki's Designiversary Sale?!

(I'll wait here while you run to The DigiChick and stock up. Come on back when you're done. Hehe!)

Tomorrow being new release day, let me share with you the GORGEOUSNESS that is Picture This. And keep in mind that it's on sale!!

And here's a page I created using it:

Wednesday Means Yummy Goodness at PDP!

2010-09-15T12:09:00.000-04:00

And today is no exception! This week I had the awesome chance to work with this AMAZING new kit by Pixel Perfect Designs called It's Your Day.

Here is a layout I created with it:

Supremely versatile, it works for boys, girls, birthdays, and many other celebrations! Grab this one up while it's on sale, you won't regret it! :D

So exciting!

2010-09-09T08:33:00.000-04:00

I am delighted to announce that Polka Dot Pixels' shop at 2 Peas in a Bucket is now open for business!! I know that they are going to love her designs there, and that all of her existing fans will be tickled to still be able to get her products! She already has several in stock, with more to come on Tuesdays! Make sure you check it out!

This month, Nikki Epperson is guesting at Funky Playground. Not only did she release her AWESOME designiversary grab bag there, but brand new today is a YUMMY boy kit, Lil Man. I can't get enough!

And a layout I created with it:

Keep an eye on both her regular shop at The DigiChick and her guest shop at FPD for more gorgeousness to come! :D

Designs by Sweet Mesquite is now open at Digiridoo Scraps!

2010-09-08T09:10:00.000-04:00

I'm SO excited about this, I cannot even tell you! I am a huge fan, and a recent addition to her CT (as you probably know by now, I only CT for people I really, really like!!) so expect to see LOTS of greatness from her here on my blog in the days and weeks to come!

For today, she already has a gorgeous template pack and a really beautiful kit in her shop. Check them out!

All Clustered Up

I've made a couple of layouts using them, here's one:

(Also using Mamma Mia kit)

And the softly beautiful Emily.

And my layouts using it:

(Also using All Clustered Up)

Yum on top of yum, right?! They're on sale, grab them today!!

It's a Blog Party, can I get a whooop whooooop!?

2010-09-04T23:59:00.000-04:00

Polka Dot Plum is having a blog party! If you have celebration/birthday layouts to share, join in on the fun! Simply go to THIS LINK and get the directions. It's pretty simple, just post a layout on your blog, and link that post to PDP's blog party by clicking the link at the end of that post. Simple! :D

So, here's mine!

Happy 1st Birthday, Polka Dot Plum!!!

2010-09-03T07:59:00.000-04:00

I can't believe we have been open for an entire year already!! I've met so many truly wonderful people there, honed my scrapping skills immensely, and stocked my scrap-stash with some of the MOST gorgeous products ever! I started on my first creative teams ever for designers here at PDP, and now I am the Lead Sugar Plum for the site. I absolutely LOVE my work, ADORE our designers and their products, but most of all, it's the community that I can't get enough of! PDP has such a warm, happy atmosphere. You really feel like family there. That is such a hard thing to find online.

It's a Polka Party!! There will be TONS of activities, fun and games, prizes!! Starting today and running the rest of the month!! Make sure you stop in (and stop in often!) and check out the hap's. We also have Scrapzillas going on, and there are already some really amazing layouts being posted in response to the first challenge! I hope we'll see you there!!

Designiversary, retiring products, and a gorgeous grab bag!

2010-09-01T08:27:00.000-04:00

September is a huge month for Nikki Epperson! She is celebrating her Designiversary in style, first up she is retiring 8 products and selling them for just a buck each!!

Do not miss out, this is your last chance to grab these gems from The DigiChick before they are gone for good!

Next, Nikki is guesting at Funky Playground this month, and she has an AMAZING grab bag for you there that is insanely low-priced at just $3!! I am telling you, GET THIS!!! The deal is just too good to miss!

Want to see just a sampling of what's inside? I created a little brag book from the included boy kit, alphas word strips and templates... and I haven't even started on the girl kit yet!! :D

You can pick this up over at The Funky Playground, and I sincerely recommend that you do before you have to buy the pieces separately!

Pretty Pretty!!

2010-08-26T05:00:00.001-04:00

It's Thursday, you loyal blog stalkers know what that means! That's right, New Gorgeousness from Nikki Epperson! Today's kit I loved so much, I redid my blog using it (with permission, of course!) So, with no further ado, let me bid you 'get ready to drool' and...

Behold! Sugar Pie, it really is absolutely delicious! I know I am going to use this kit again and again, it's just... devastatingly beautiful! Here's a layout I created with it:

Aww, my little Beanie is getting so big! It seems like these photos were just taken a couple of months ago. *wistful*

Grab this beautiful gem of a kit today while it's 20% off at The DigiChick!

Wednesday Means Goodies at PDP!

2010-08-25T10:27:00.000-04:00

And, boy, are we gearing up for an AMAZING September (and beyond!) at Polka Dot Plum! Not only do we have Scrapzillas going on (and really, if you haven't checked this out yet.... what the heck is wrong with you?!) There are only 4 challenges, they're designed so that ANYONE can win, and the prizes? HUGE! Why not pop on over and check it out?

September is also PDP's Birthday Month. Can you believe we'll have been open a whole year?! Time flies when you're having fun, and we DEFINITELY have fun at the Plum. :P

This week I have a bunch of yummy goodness to show you! I worked with a couple of new releases, two by brand-spankin-new (and ROCKIN) designers! Check these out:

Studio H2 is opening up with a couple of remarkable hand-drawn kits. These are seriously quite unlike anything else I've ever worked with, and what a refreshing difference!! I'm in love, that's all there is to it! *hehe* I had the pleasure of working with this one, The Doobleys Fall In Love.

Awwww! I thought I was going to have to do a page about one of my brothers (they both have successful love lives!) but I found the kit to be much more versatile than that! So, I did one about my son's kitty:

journaling reads:

So this one Saturday we were heading into WalMart for our weekly shopping trip.

Standing outside the door where you normally see people holding fundraisers, there was a woman

looking for homes for her kittens and puppies. There were all different colors, and I had been

wanting a new kitten for Zack because his Chewie had gotten out and never come back. He was

thinking of one of the black ones, but in Spook, we already had a black cat. So I steered him

towards this silly looking little calico (in memory of Mindy) and it was love at first sight. She knows

he is her boy. She mothers him. I call her 'Nanny cat' because she is so tuned-in with people's

feelings. We sure did get lucky that day, and she was worth the wait for Daddy to come pick her up

and take her home so we could shop, even in the 100-plus degree Oklahoma heat.

Next I had the absolute joy of working with PDP's other brand new designer, Rhonda Sunflower Designs! Her kits are full of rich, deep colors that are sure to please! I worked with Some Like It Hot, and did not one but TWO pages with it!

My pages:

and

And, I had the chance to work with one of my all-time favorites this week, Berry Sweet Designs. Her products are so soft and beautiful, elegant, and of amazing quality. Her templates are my absolute go-to for white-space/minimalistic layouts. LOVE! I worked with her new kit {sweet} girl and (as always) LOVE the results!

My page features my beautiful niece Jordan:

There are many other FABULOUS new releases today, too, check them all out and fill your cart for 20% off, today only! :D

Final Week To Sign Up For Scrapzillas At Polka Dot Plum!

2010-08-23T20:47:00.000-04:00

You can get all the details, as well as a look at the AMAZING prizes, HERE.

I hope to see you there!

Beautiful You and a rockin alpha!

2010-08-19T12:37:00.000-04:00

Good afternoon, I am running late today due to a very rough night last night. But I didn't want you to miss the opportunity to grab Nikki Epperson's GORGEOUS new releases while they are on sale today at The DigiChick!
First up is a soft, beautiful, elegant kit called Beautiful You. I love this kit so much, the quality and colors are simply stunning!

Here is a layout I created with it:

And, perfect for virtually any layout, check out this gorgeous clear alpha aptly named I Can See Clearly!

Here is a page I made utilizing it:

I can see myself (no pun intended!) using this alpha over and over!

2 New Releases from Nikki Epperson!

2010-08-12T09:55:00.000-04:00

Good Morning, Happy Thursday!
Nikki has 2 ab-fab releases for you today over at The DigiChick.

First is the most yummy kit, lots of browns and tans and the most beautiful blue!! Called Loud and Proud, it's perfect for boy layouts, but versatile enough to do girlie pages, too!

And as the perfect complement to this kit, she has a yummylicious alpha for you called Kraftily Doodled, and it's every bit as awesome as it sounds!!

I have done up a couple of pages to share with you using these:

My sons, teaming up against their sister for a friendly game of Uno.

And our pooch Samba, who everyone is convinced is the world's bestest doggie!

Make sure you pick these up today while they're 20% off, what a steal!

Wednesday Means Newness at PDP!

2010-08-11T10:53:00.000-04:00

I hope that you'll pop over to check out this week's new releases, and while you're there, make sure you stock up on all retiring products, they're the {plum crazy} deal this week (buy 2 get 1 free!)! Also, read up (and SIGN UP!) on the Scrapzillas contest that will be starting in just a couple of weeks here, the prize packages are just outstanding!

On to the newness!

I had the immense pleasure to work with Sir Scrapalot's new one: Me, Myself, and Time. Simply gorgeous. Peep:

I loved it so much that I immediately made two layouts!

(hating how my text gets jacked from shrinking, grr)

Go pick this one up for 20% off today, you won't be disappointed!

Scrapzillas at Polka Dot Plum

2010-08-09T20:01:00.000-04:00

You need to check out this challenge over at PDP. Seriously. The prize package? Amazeballs!! HERE is the thread with all of the rules and info.

How can you pass that up? :D

Remember These Days, new from Nikki Epperson

2010-08-05T05:00:00.001-04:00

This is, I sincerely think, my new all-time favorite kit of Nikki's. It's gorgeous. I know, I know, they're ALL gorgeous! But something about this one really moves me. I know I am going to be using it again and again! Have a look-see:

The papers are... omg YUM!! And the elements are exquisite. And that alpha?! *dies* Even the title just strikes me: Remember These Days. *squeee* Here is a layout I created using it:

Keep in mind that you can get this beauty for 20% off if you nab it today, what are you waiting for?! :D

August Grab Bag!

2010-08-01T05:00:00.001-04:00

So, all of my fellow Nikki Epperson lovers, prepare yourselves for Template Heaven!!

This month's grab bag contains 4 sets of unique and gorgeous templates! That's right, SIXTEEN total templates!! For just $3.50!! *swoon* Seriously, they are awesome. Peek:

I made one layout from each pack just to give you an idea:

You can pick these up in Nikki's shoppe at The DigiChick. Don't miss out on this phenomenal deal, you'll kick yourself if you have to pick these up separately later! :D

So, you want to be a Sugar Plum?

2010-07-29T20:19:00.002-04:00

Well now is your chance!

Polka Dot Plum is looking for some new creative team members!

Layout Artists
Total of 3 layouts per month required.
Use New Releases when possible.
Host 1 Challenge per month.

Hybrid Artists
Total of 2 projects per month required.
Use New Releases when possible.
Host 1 Challenge per month.

Simply send an email to: admin@polkadotplum.com
Please include a link to your most complete gallery, a list of your current commitments, and a short bio.

Hurry, the call ends 8/8!!

A Beautiful Charity Collab

2010-07-23T12:16:00.000-04:00

I am delighted to be a small part of this enormous kindness that so many have taken up to help a friend and colleague. A great many fantastic designers got together to create this amazing kit and are donating the proceeds to Sally (many of you no doubt know and love her as KyRainbow throughout digi-land) to help with her medical expenses as she battles cancer.

One look at this absolutely gorgeous kit and you'll know that you need this in your scrapping supplies.

So far I've already made 2 pages using it, and there are so many more beautiful and yummy things I haven't even gotten to play with yet! It's a huge kit, just look at these papers:

It's available at Gotta Pixel, please pick it up and help out this wonderful and truly deserving lady!

Here are my layouts using it:

(using an included template)

Some beautiful new things to share today!

2010-07-22T11:02:00.000-04:00

Good morning, is it Thursday already?! Gads, that means I'm a day behind. Yesterday was 'food run' day, which for us is a little bit more involved than the typical jaunt to the grocery store. A long story short, it took up the better part of my day yesterday, so you're getting this post today instead, and I hope you'll forgive my day-late delivery! :D

On to the goodies!

This week I had the immense pleasure of working with the new kit Audrey from Pixel Perfect Designs. I am such a huge fan, seriously, her work is always fab! But have a look at this elegant beauty!

And I LOVE the way my layout came out using it:

Plus, check out this bonus alpha you get FREE (this week only!) when you buy the kit (hassle-free, no coupon code required, it's in the download!)

Is that not the most gorgeous shiny alpha ever?! I think it's my new favorite!!

This week I also got to work with another gorgeous kit by Polka Dot Pixels, Fern. This is such a softly beautiful kit, the colors are amazing!

I really love all the little bits and bobs, especially those carved metal buttons! Yum!!

Here's my layout using it:

Make sure you pop on over to PDP and see what else is new this week! And don't forget this week's {plum crazy} deal:

New stuff, pretty layouts, and a call!

2010-07-09T11:01:00.000-04:00

As much as I love summer, especially having all of my kids home with me, it sure is a crazy time of year! It feels like we're just going and going and I am even more scattered than usual! I think I'm not doing as badly as I fear, and I am actually getting a lot accomplished, but some of the 'details' are falling by the wayside. So I am trying to tidy things up, and to that end, I wanted to show you some of the fantastic new products I've had the amazing luck to work with recently! Before we do that, though, I am really excited about this call: Nikki Epperson is holding a blog/promo team call. She is one of my all-time FAVORITE designers (and people!) and I want to really encourage you to give it a shot. Here are the spec's:

Need more encouragement? Just look at her releases at The DigiChick this week:

Basically Basic

My layout with it:

And her dazzling collab with the one and only Shawna Clingerman, Independent:

My page using it:

Now, I've also had the pleasure of working with a couple of Polka Dot Plum's fantastic designers!

Have a look at this beautiful collab by Melissa Daniel Designs and Neverland Scraps called Sharkbait:

And the page I created with it:

And, last but not least, I was able to work with this exquisite beauty by A+ Designs, Whispers:

I used it for this week's RAK Challenge and made Lisa this page with her photo:

Thanks for sticking with me this far! I will try my best not to get this far behind again! :D

PDP is having a Chatter Dots call!

2010-07-04T10:08:00.001-04:00

Can’t read the pretty ad?

Requirements:

Twitter-

*Must have a Twitter account with at least 25 followers.

*Must be a follower of PolkaDotPlum on Twitter.

*Tweet about product of your choice, providing a link to the product in the store and to a CT layout. Only required to tweet once per week!

Facebook-

*Must have a Facebook account and be a fan of the PDP group.

*Post about a new product on the FB wall, provide both a link to the product in the store and to a CT layout.

Forums-

*Must have both a DSA and a DST account.

Rewards:

~Chatter Dots will receive any two kits of their choice each month from the PolkaDotPlum store!

Interested?
Send an email with Chatter Dots in the subject line to chris@pixelperfectdesigns.net Include links to your Facebook and Twitter accounts, along with a short bio and list of any other teams you are on!

Newness from Nikki Epperson!

2010-06-30T18:58:00.000-04:00

Good evening! I'm sneaking in here early (shhhh!) to show you what Nikki's releasing at The DigiChick tomorrow! I have a really good excuse this time, tho, honest! hehe! Tomorrow's the first and I have to work on assigning my PDP CTMs to their designers, and I don't want to be late with it OR with showing you Nikki's yummies! So you get an early sneaky look, woot!

So! This week you get two gorgeous new template packs (I'm talking serious awesomeness here!) AND a kit!! The kit is beautiful, I love the colors! It's perfect for boys or girls, everyday or special layouts, especially summery ones! :D

First, the template packs:

Stacked and Layered

and

Scattered About

And the drool-worthy kit:

Coolin' Off

These will be 20% off in her shoppe at The DigiChick tomorrow, but if you're an instant-gratification sorta girl like me, you can always nab them early! ;)

PDP News

2010-06-29T17:52:00.000-04:00

In case you are noticing any 'wonkiness' at Polka Dot Plum (now, or in the near future), I wanted to let you know that we're in the process of moving server hosts. UCWebhosting (or whatever their name is now, it's the same joint), being known for jacking with people when they move, isn't likely to be happy about us leaving as well. So hold onto your shorts and prepare for a wild ride, just in case!

We do have lots to look forward to, though, including... Collabracadabra! coming July 1st!

What is it?

collabracadabra is a celebration of the magic of digital scrapping. the polka dot plum designers, want to give you a big surprise every month, with a plum designer collab! you can grab it for FREE, the first week of the month, from our exclusive blog train. follow the train, collect the freebies, and at the end of your journey, you will have a beautiful full collaboration, magically created, just for you. when the week is over, the collab will only be available in the shop, but will be free with a purchase of $10.00 or more.

this month's collab is child's play. a huge collection of beautiful background papers and elements that celebrate the joy and wonder of being a kid. here is a preview of all that you can collect, if you visit every blog.

as a fun added bonus...we would love for you to submit your layouts made with the new collab by the end of the month, in this thread, and on the last day of the month, we will vote on a winner that will be presented with a gift certificate to the polka dot plum shoppe!!

AND THAT'S NOT ALL.........

there is also a full kit, selected especially for you, by one of the plum designers, for you to enjoy for FREE, if you are able to collect our special plums along the way, during your visits to our blog list. put the plums together to form a code, and use that code at check out to receive your free featured kit. our featured designer for july is victoria feemster!! don't miss out on her beautiful free kit!!!

we hope that you enjoy your freebies and celebrate the magic of scrapping with us!!

to begin the journey this month, visit Emily's blog at http://polkadotpixels.blogspot.com there you will find your next stop, a portion of the free collab, and more exciting news about collabracadabra. ENJOY!!! can't wait to see your beautiful creations with this beautiful new kit!!

Perfect summertime kits

2010-06-26T10:17:00.000-04:00

First, I have to show you this absolutely gorgeous kit by Polka Dot Plum's very own Lauren and Amy, called Sweet Summertime. It is seriously beautiful, and the colors are so perfect for my summertime photos! I foresee MANY layouts with this amazing kit, it's full of beauty!

Here is the first (of many, I am sure!) layout I created with it:

Yes, there will likely be many pool pictures over the course of the summer! (Don't worry, I won't put up any of me in a swimsuit, heeheee!)

I'm also really excited about this gorgeous offering from Victoria Feemster Designs called Unordinary Girl. I LOVE the colors, and they suit my daughter perfectly! Check it out:

Using a template from one of our challenges at Polka Dot Plum (made by Sugar Plum Jadelyn), this is the layout I created:

You're going to want this one in your stash! :D

Season of Change

2010-06-25T17:33:00.001-04:00

I've been contemplating my hair for months now. I changed the color. That helped, but it wasn't really *it*. So yesterday, on half-a-whim, I got it cut. A lot. *hehe*

Not the greatest quality (cell phone pic) but you get the idea. I'll get better photos soon!

Then, last night, I got a new baby fuzzie!

Some of you know the circumstances of my pet situation, most of you probably don't. Suffice it to say that this is a big step for me, putting my heart on the line again, but I saw a photo of this little guy and I just could NOT resist!

I named him 'Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs'. *rofl*

If you don't watch NCIS, that won't make any sense to you. Google it! :D

So, that's my season of change!

How was your Father's Day?

2010-06-21T09:57:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was hard for me, and the kiddos. Even though their dad and I are no longer together, I try so hard to keep things happy and positive for them. I think it's absolutely vital to a child to have a good opinion of their parents, even if they learn later in life that maybe their parents were not the 'best' people, you know? Anyway, despite the 1200+ miles, I arranged for them to spend some time together... bless the internet! I set them up on the laptop with a webcam and mic, and via Skype, they got to have some fun together!

Today, I felt inspired to do a 'Daddy' page. I had a photo that was just begging for a wide crop, and I loved this kit by Kalo Designs for it (called My Daddy and Me). There is just so much going on in the photo that the sort-of muted blues and tans were *perfect*. And this kit, let me tell you, is full of amazing bits. I had to fight myself not to try to put them ALL on the page! hehe!

And here's my layout... what do you think?

I wish things were different. I wish my kids could have their daddy in their home, and in their daily lives. This photo sorta breaks my heart because at the time it was taken, we had no idea that a few short months later things would crumble. I hope that by scrapping pages of them with their father, they will retain and later cherish all of the memories, of the special days (like this one) as well as the everday love they had.

Buggie Summer, 20% off today!

2010-06-17T09:59:00.000-04:00

Good morning, happy Thursday! Do I ever have an adorable kit for you today! Perfect for summer pages, girly pages, and everyday layouts alike! Just look at these gorgeous papers and adorable elements!

I know, adorable, right? Nikki's always got such fantastic stuff. Pick up Buggie Summer today for 20% off at The DigiChick!

Here's the page I made using it (and one of Nikki's AWESOME templates!) and I just love how it came out!

...are you still here? Go shopping already! :D

Normalcy returns, along with awesomeness!

2010-06-16T08:07:00.000-04:00

We are working so hard to rebuild from the latest server crash over at Polka Dot Plum. It's pretty daunting, we lost about 5 weeks' worth of data. We're not giving up, though! This week we started the process of rebuilding and moving ahead. Things are starting to look 'right' again! :D

One of the things I am most excited about is, of course, New Release Wednesday! I have the most *delicious* kit to share with you, from Polka Dot Pixels. Called Sugar and Spice, it is really appealing. Have a peek:

Right?! It's beautiful, the colors are amazing, the elements are fantastic, and look at those papers!!

One of my darling sisters-in-law is a huge cupcake fan (her kitchen is decorated in them!) so immediately I thought of her for this kit. Here is a page I made from that inspiration, called Our Sweetie:

Isn't she a doll? :) If you go pick this one up today, you get it for 20% off!!

Unofficially, here's the scoop on PDP

2010-06-11T07:37:00.001-04:00

As you are probably aware, we have been down due to some beyond-our-control, behind-the-scenes things that the hosting site was working on. They’ve really been trying very hard to put everything back to rights, but at this point it really looks like we might have to rebuild from its current point (which was about 5 weeks ago). Do not despair, though, we will get things back to ‘normal’ in 3 shakes of a lamb’s tail! And sincerest apologies for all of the lost information, but please feel free to start re-uploading to the galleries, etc. We will be putting the ever popular Challenges back up, so make sure you stop in and check them out! Thank you so much for your patience, and for sticking with us through this mess!! We will be working to make it up to you! :D

PDP goes back in time?

2010-06-08T13:08:00.000-04:00

I wanted to mention, in case you are wondering what is going on at Polka Dot Plum... there are behind-the-scenes issues with the server host (again) that will take an unknown amount of time to set to rights. It's been stated that since PDP is such a 'big site' the transferring will take some time. Meanwhile, everything has gone back to late April. Please don't despair, the information is en route (moving, not missing!) and here's hoping this is the LAST outage we have to deal with from this server host for a long time! :D

Brand New to PDP

2010-06-07T07:29:00.000-04:00

Good Monday morning! I have been dying to share with you the delightful new designer joining the PDP family! NBK joins us and her shoppe is open! Go have a peek, her products are just absolutely beautiful! (They're also 40% off for her Grand Opening, starting today!!) A few of us had the chance to work with her kit Cloud Dancing, and this is one of those kits that is so gorgeous, I don't think it's *possible* to create an ugly layout with it!

Really elegant, right? Here is my layout using it (you can see the rest in her detailed product images HERE.)

(credits)

Love Versatility!

2010-06-02T09:28:00.000-04:00

Polka Dot Pixels always has beautiful kits, and this week's release is one of my favorites so far! Dubbed 'brown paper bag', it is far from plain, and super versatile! I LOVE when I can come back to a kit many times, and this one seems perfect for that! Check it out:

Very gender-neutral, it can go plain or it can go fancy! I used it to scrap a layout of my now-1-month-old niece (can you believe it's been a month already?!) She is such a little doll-faced monkey! I almost can't stand the cuteness! Squeee! Lookie!

If you pick up this yummy kit today, you get it for 20% off. While you're there, check out this month's Plum Pickins, so summery and gorgeous!

Last Minute

2010-05-26T11:20:00.000-04:00

Sometimes scrapping under pressure really sparks my creativity. One of the reasons I truly enjoy speed scraps, it doesn't give me time to second-guess myself.

My dear friend contacted me last night sick as a dog (poor thing, feel better soon!) and asked me to whip up a Twisted Lift Challenge at PDP for her. Well, considering there isn't much I wouldn't do for her, of course I agreed! And then spent way too much time trying to think up a good twist! :P

Be that as it may, I came up with something that I sincerely hope everyone will enjoy. Then I made my layout for it this morning, and I gotta tell ya, I'm diggin how it came out! Most of the credit goes to PDP's newest designer Three Hearts Digital Designs for her gorgeous kit Spring Time. I can't tell you how yummy it is, it's just like... totally drool-worthy! Here, have a peek!

I also fancied up my background paper a little using one of her AMAZING overlays (I'm such an overlay junkie, and these are quality!!)

I coupled these with one of Brandy Design's beautiful, understated Fingerprints 4 templates, gave it a twist, and voila! Beauty ensued!

So there you have it! Now let's see what you can do! Come play along with me at this week's Twisted Lift Challenge!

Seriously Witty

2010-05-26T07:50:00.000-04:00

Does it tickle you as much as it does me to find a cleverly named kit/product in digiland? I love it so much. I have absolutely no skill in this area, ironically non-creative, but I can enjoy a well-chosen name along with the best of them! This week, Polka Dot Pixels has one that, I gotta tell ya, is probably my favorite name in a long time.

Behold, So Petty.

I can't even type it without grinning! LOVE it Em! And that's not even touching on how beautiful the papers are, how adorable and unique the ellies are, this kit just rocks.

I really wanted to do a page of my Tubby Cat (the colors are perfect) but, having had to put him down just three months ago, my heart is still raw and I couldn't look at photos without blubbering. So I chose one of our other kitties to showcase, instead, in my layout using this kit:

Make sure you go pick up this kit today for 20% off!

What's in store for you tomorrow?

2010-05-19T19:41:00.001-04:00

I know, again with the early reveal! I admit it, I have no patience! heehee!

If you meander yourself over to The DigiChick tomorrow, you will undoubtedly find a new *gorgeous* kit, and an *amazing* new template pack from Nikki Epperson. Doesn't her stuff rock?!?! Check it out:

Just Add Water, clever right? :D

Seriously, SO yummy. And personally I have trouble with blocking, so these are really awesome for me! Here are a couple of layouts I created using Blocky!

Isn't he the cutest? :D

made with the kit a {little} happy

So! You didn't hear it from me... but go ahead and pick these up tomorrow (or tonight if you're like me and can't wait! LOL!) on sale!!

Happy Wednesday, and a freebie!

2010-05-19T06:00:00.001-04:00

Good Wednesday Morning! I am delighted to show you what's new this week! I also have a couple of challenge layouts to share with you, and at the end is a freebie! Who doesn't love a freebie?! :D

Let's start with the adorable mini-kit Dino Safari by Brandy Designs, which is 20% off today only!

Here is a layout I created with it:

Now, as you may or may not know, PDP hosted an entire week of Template Challenges that got extended due to the outages all over digi-land. I did each of them, and also a couple of this week's 'regular' challenges. Here are some of my favorite layouts of mine that came from these challenges and past releases:

(credits)

And now, if you've made it this far, you've definitely earned your freebie! Created with Brandy's new release, Dino Safari:

Pick up your QP here!

Special Saturday Release Day!

2010-05-15T04:00:00.001-04:00

The outage was rough, but thankfully it's over! Since we missed our Wednesday release day, we're having a Saturday Bash, as well as a 30% off sale thru Sunday, and this includes new releases! (just not CU items)
So, let's take a look at what I have for you this week!

I had the great pleasure to work with this beautiful kit from Victoria Feemster called Lovely Lady, these papers are sooooo gorgeous!

Here is the layout I made:

New this week from Polka Dot Pixels is this soft, gorgeous vintagey kit called Simply Romantic:

I just LOVE how my layout came out using it!

And, from Scrapberry Designs we have this wonderful, bright kit with AMAZING elements called Skirts in the Dirt. Even if you don't have baseball/softball/t-ball photos, it's amazingly versatile!

Here is a layout I created with it (and I am looking forward to having ball photos soon for it! Yeehaw!)

So, make sure you go take advantage of the huge 30% off sale this weekend!!

Love those white-space templates?

2010-05-14T19:17:00.000-04:00

Brandy has some gorgeous ones for you this week at her Scrapable shoppe! These are called Fingerprints 4, and they are minimalistic and beautiful. Look and see!

And here's a layout I created using one, and her delicious Secret Garden.

...are you still here? Go pick them up, already! :D

YAY PDP is back! :D

2010-05-14T08:13:00.000-04:00

So that was a long, difficult stretch! Apparently TONS of sites were affected, and so far they all seem to be back online. Yay! I hope we don't ever have to go through that again, right? :)

Well, Wednesday passed us by without us being able to have our New Release Day! I have it on good authority that a 'special' release day will happen... stay tuned for details because I have some previews and layouts I really can't wait to show you!

For now, BLISS!!! Welcome home :)

Yes, I'm at it Again

2010-05-12T08:06:00.000-04:00

I just can't help but share Nikki's new stuff with you early! It's THAT yummy!!
You are going to be so tickled this week! She has some AMAZING templates (especially if you love cluster-style layouts but struggle with them) and a girly kit that is so pretty I just about can't stand it! :D First lemme get you previews (and links, shhhh!) and then I'll show you my layouts, which I'm really proud of!

Here are those gorgeous templates. I know, right? You can pick them up today by following this link, even though they're not visible in the store yet.

Next up is the insanely beautiful Sassy Chick:

Right?! The papers are just beautiful, and the elements are to die for, too!

Now, check out the layouts I created using the above yummies.

(full credits)

So, even though a lot of sites are still down, you can shop (a day early!) at Nikki's store over at The DigiChick and get through your withdrawls! :D

Pssst...

2010-05-05T14:46:00.000-04:00

*glances around furtively*

Nikki Epperson has a gorgeous boy kit coming out tomorrow. It's rich and deep and beautiful, and I just can't WAIT until tomorrow to show it to you! Let's just keep this between us, though, yeah? :D

YUM, right?! I love it. I used one of her Wave Me templates with it, and this is how my layout came out, I'm very pleased with it:

Don't tell her I showed you this a day early, ok? And even though it's not up for sale to the general public yet, you can grab it early HERE if you're like me and you just CAN'T wait! heehee!

Good morning!

2010-05-05T08:10:00.000-04:00

I am so tickled with this week's new releases at PDP, I'm seriously stoked! I got to work with three of them!! Three! :D You all know I adore our designers, and I honestly think their stuff is THE BEST! So let me show you the sampling of goodies I had the honor to work with this week.

From Brandy Designs is this absolutely breath-taking kit featuring my favorite color (purple) with pops of green and pink. G O R G E O U S!! It's called Secret Garden, and I don't think it's possible to make an ugly layout with it! heehee!

Here's a layout I created with it (featuring my brand new and BEAUTIFUL niece Jordan!)

New this week from Polka Dot Pixels is a rich, vibrant kit called Live Laugh Love. I love the beautiful, deep colors and adorable elements!

Here's a page I made with it:

Sir Scrapalot has a shoppe full of amazing, beautiful kits and products. I am never let down with his new releases, my catch-phrase for him is 'Consistency in Excellence' :D Here is this week's yummy new release called Busting Out All Over that you simply MUST have:

I love how my page came out. LOVE! :D Of course I'm sure it doesn't hurt that all 3 of my monkeys are in it! haha!

The most fantastic part of all is that each of these three fantastic new releases is 20% off today!! With their already-reasonable prices, how can you afford not to get them all?! :D

iNSD aftermath :)

2010-05-02T09:54:00.001-04:00

I hope that you all are surviving, maybe even still taking in some sales and activities around digi-land today! I wasn't able to participate yesterday, lots and lots going on, not the least of which included my youngest's 2nd birthday, and welcoming my brand new baby niece to the world! Yes, I got to swing by and see her, and oh my heavens is she cute! Ok, I may be biased, but I think everyone would agree she's cute, family or not! heehee!

So yesterday I missed the opportunity to tell you about all of the yummy new goodies that were being released yesterday, and show you the layouts I made with them! There are a few, and they are seriously amazing!

Let's start with Nikki Epperson, because she has two grab bags that are overflowing with yummy goodness!! This one is so full of stuff, you WANT to get this before it all gets revealed and sold separately, it's AMAZINGLY cheap!! Just so you don't wonder if you're getting a 'good deal', this grab bag has a FULL kit, templates, alphas, add-ons... trust me, it's worth at least 4x the sale price!!

It's called Hello Sunshine, and it is so bright and cheerful!

Here's a layout I made with it:

Next up is the collab grab bag she did with Jennifer Fox Designs and simply.scraps, and it's huge and full of eye-candy too!! It's called Colorful Me, and it's an absolute must-have!

Here's a layout I created using it:

This grab bag also has EVERYTHING in it that you could possibly want. Go! Get it!! You won't be disappointed!

Next up is the gorgeous Birthday kit that isn't TOO birthday. I love this one so much I used it to make my son's 2nd birthday invitations. It's called On Your Day, and it is beautiful and versatile and perfect for either boys or girls, birthdays, other parties, even everyday layouts!

Beautiful, isn't it?! Here's the invitation I made with it:

Now I have a couple of Plum Pickins' to show you from Brandy Designs. These are soft and beautiful and so very lovely. The paper pack is called Cotton Candy, and it really does bring that softness:

These can be mixed and matched with the other Plum Pickins including these gorgeous little felt rosebuds:

These are absolutely darling! I wanted to see if I could create a page without using anything else, except for these two products. Here it is:

All of the Plum Pickins' coordinate, so you can use as many together as you like, or as few, like I did! :D
Now, if you hurry, I bet you can still catch the tail-end of the iNSD sales!

PDP iNSD Blog Train!

2010-04-30T04:30:00.005-04:00

Good morning, and Happy iNSD!! You've most likely arrived here from Sugar Plum Brandy's blog for the next freebie on the train. We'll get right to that, but first I want to cordially invite each and every one of you to stop in at Polka Dot Plum over the course of this weekend. Not only are there some fantastic sales in the shoppe, but my fellow Sugar Plums and I, and even a couple of our FANTASTIC designers, have a lot of fun and games planned!

Here's the entire train, in case you are lost:
Sugar Plum Heather
Sugar Plum Corinne
Sugar Plum Sharon
Fabulous Designer Emily
Sugar Plum Brandy
YOU ARE HERE
Sugar Plum Jadelyn
Sugar Plum Nikki
Polka Dot Pixels
Sugar Plum Shauna
Polka Dot Plum

The freebie that I created for you is a QP made from Sir Scrapalot Designs' gorgeous kit When I Look At You. This is a supremely beautiful kit chock full of so many goodies! Take a peek, see for yourself!

Link has been removed, I hope you grabbed it while it was up! Enjoy! :D

Next stop: Sugar Plum Jadelyn

Have a wonderful iNSD! I hope to see you around Polka Dot Plum for some fun!

Welcome to the World!

2010-04-29T19:50:00.001-04:00

In honor of my brand new baby niece, born at 3:40pm today, I made a layout out of her first (cell phone) photos to share with everyone.

(credits)

Welcome to the world, beautiful baby girl! Ahhh, inspiration. :D

Beautiful Beauty and a FWP template pack!

2010-04-29T06:16:00.001-04:00

Seriously... if you don't shop Nikki Epperson yet... You REALLY should!!

Just look at this divinely beautiful kit she is releasing today, called Spring Haze:

As if that's not enough FABULOUSNESS for you, you also get this amazing template pack FREE when you buy the kit this week!!

Here's a layout I created with them, I love how it came out!

So make sure you head on over to Nikki's shop at The Digichick and pick up this kit and FREE awesome template pack this week!!

Coming up this weekend

2010-04-28T19:22:00.000-04:00

Be there or be square!! :D

NSD Sales, yippee!!

2010-04-28T19:02:00.000-04:00

I just got word that Polka Dot Pixels and Sweet Tomato Designs are both having HUGE 40% off sales this weekend in honor of National Scrapbooking Day!!

That's Friday through Sunday! You can really get some quality shopping in! :D

Wow!! 40% off all day Saturday and Sunday!

Plus, drop by the forums and chat while you're at PDP taking advantage of these AMAZING sales! We have all kinds of fun and games planned for you, and there will be prizes! Yay for prizes! :D

I really hope to see you there!!

Newness from Polka Dot Pixels x2!

2010-04-28T09:38:00.000-04:00

Good morning and happy Wednesday! I am so excited to be able to share Emily's TWO new, adorable kits with you today!

First up we have Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers, which I'm really tickled about. Not only does the title provide endless amusement to my oldest and myself as we 'race' each other trying to say it, but my brother and his wife are expecting a baby girl (my first niece!) any day now! So here's what the kit looks like, and below you'll find my page, a "Welcome Baby" that I will finish filling in when the time comes, and print and frame for my brother and his wife!

Next up is the beautiful Sweet and Sassy. The papers are so beautiful I could just about eat them! heehee! Oh, and the lace! *swoon*

And here's a page featuring my gorgeous Lily, who is turning FIVE in a couple of weeks! (When did that happen?!?! Didn't I JUST have her?!?!)

So make sure to stop on over to Polka Dot Pixels' shoppe and pick these goodies up! If you nab em today you get them for 20% off!! Who doesn't love a sale?! :D

So I'm Dabbling...

2010-04-26T00:31:00.000-04:00

...in hybrid, just a teensie bit! heehee! Sugar Plum Juli is hosting an 'easing into hybrid' challenge over at PDP this week, so I gave it a go. It was easy, it was fun, and I gotta tell ya, I'm tickled to be trying something new! Plus the project came out beautifully, and it was cheap! Can't beat that, right?

Well, I'm no professional by any means, so I just took a photo of my son holding the project, since it is to be a Teacher Appreciation gift for his teacher.

Here it is:

I used the gorgeous, cheerful Late Afternoon Play by Nikki Epperson.

So, if you have ever even considered dabbling in hybrid... try it! I bet you'll like it! :D

Hybrid Call for Nikki Epperson!

2010-04-24T19:06:00.000-04:00

This is the one you've been waiting for! If you're even *thinking* of applying, go for it!! Nikki is fabulous to work with, her designs are absolutely stunning... get on it, girls! :D

Can't see the image?
Check out the details!

I am looking for a few hybrid artists to join my team!
Do you love my designs? Want to hang out with a fun
group of girls? If your answers are yes,
I can’t wait to hear from you!

Requirements:
* 2 hybrid projects per month
* Post in 3 galleries
* 1 monthly blog post

Email me at nikkiectcall@gmail.com with the following information:
1. Your name/screen name.
2. Why you’d like to join my team.
3. A list of your current teams.
4. A little bit about yourself.
5. A link to your favorite gallery and your blog (if applicable)

Applications will be accepted until 5/4 @ midnight EST.
Invitations and regrets will be sent by 5/7 @ midnight EST.

Coming soon for NSD, a blog train!

2010-04-23T00:22:00.000-04:00

Be sure you stop in on the 1st and pick up your freebie, and follow the train to get them all! :D

Delicious New Yumminess from Nikki Epperson

2010-04-22T10:46:00.000-04:00

First, I have to tell you, I get to stay on past 'guest' status, and I'm seriously SO delirious! Nikki's one of my favorite designers, and one of my favorite people! So look for lots more of her designs here in the weeks and months to come! :D

This week I got to work with some really beautiful products. These templates (oh.my.gee!) and this kit is really, really gorgeous. I loved working with it! It's called {everyday} love. See for yourself:

And here's my page, using this stunning kit and one of her amazing Sweet Simplicity templates:

Calls!!

2010-04-22T09:36:00.000-04:00

Two of my FAVORITE ladies are currently holding calls! You do NOT want to miss these opportunities!
If you are looking for something long-term, check this out:

Interested in a guest spot that has a chance of going long-term? Then you have GOT to see this!

Please, if you're even considering it, try! We'd love to have you! :D

Out of this world!

2010-04-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

That is how I would actually describe this awesome kit from Brandy Designs even if it wasn't the name of it, heehee! It is just chock full of gorgeous papers and unique elements. You can create so many vastly different looks with this kit, you'll find yourself using it over and over! Check it out:

Here's a layout I created with it:

Get it today while it's on sale, you won't be disappointed!

Designer Call at Polka Dot Plum

2010-04-15T16:19:00.000-04:00

So Many Goodies!

2010-04-15T07:00:00.002-04:00

Today would be an AWESOME day to go check out Nikki Epperson's shop at The Digichick! SO many fantastic releases, oh my goodness! :D

Here are a couple of layouts I worked up using her absolutely amazing templates and gorgeous-beyond-gorgeous kits:

Using Late Afternoon Play and a Layered Happiness template:

Using Kissin' Frogs and a Layered Happiness template:

She's also releasing The Plot Thickens (collab with Allison Pennington) and A {Little} Happy (brand spankin new!)

Here is what I did with Layered Happiness template #3 and A {Little} happy:

What are you waiting for?! Go forth and shop! :D

Boy oh boy!

2010-04-14T06:28:00.003-04:00

Good morning, happy Wednesday (aka new release day at PDP! w00t!!)

Brandy Designs has THE. MOST. DELICIOUS. messy-stitched borders ever! I seriously can't get enough of them. They aren't just full-page borders, either, which tickles me endlessly! Lookie!

I know, right?! Grab them HERE.

And here's a layout I made using them:

Don't forget, if you pick them up today, you get them for 20% off!

Scrapberry Designs has an absolutely delectable new kit over at her Gingerscraps shop today, you will be blown away!! It's called Hootie Cutie, just look at this yummy goodness:

And here's my layout with it:

Welcome Back, Scrapberry Designs!

2010-04-12T07:51:00.000-04:00

That's right, she's back! :D You can find her awesome custom blog designs over at Gingerscraps. And she's got a new kit coming out this week! Want a peek? Here you go!

I've gotta tell ya, this kit is awesome! Lots of beautiful papers and yummy elements, you will WANT to have this kit!! Look for the full reveal (as well as pages I have created from it) later this week! In the meantime, check out Tabby's blog and her shop over at Gingerscraps!

A New (Shooting) Challenge

2010-04-09T10:51:00.002-04:00

I haven't been doing as many challenge layouts this week but I have been doing some challenge shooting! New at PDP is a challenge called Weekly Focus. It's getting me to shoot things other than my kids, hehe! And the ladies are posting tips and tricks and frankly TRAINING on how to use your camera (which is something I SO need!!) I spent a large chunk of last year's income tax return on a Canon Rebel (XSi) and have really no idea how to use all of the wonderful features. So they are really doing FANTASTIC things, you ought to check it out!

That being said, here are a couple of photos I took for the challenge this week:

Plus, you know, a bunch of my kids, haha! I have a LOT to learn and a LONG way to go towards taking spectacular photos, but I'm delighted to have a foot on the path at least! :D

New Challenge Layouts

2010-04-03T12:16:00.000-04:00

There are some fantastic challenges over at Polka Dot Plum again this week! I have done up a couple of them already and wanted to share my layouts:

credits

And there are still more I haven't done yet!! :D Seriously, you should stop by and give the challenges a go, they're great fun, and a fantastic way to help you step outside of your 'scrapping box'. Hope to see you there!

No April Fool's Joke here!

2010-04-01T10:45:00.000-04:00

I am SO excited to be guesting for Nikki Epperson this month! Seriously, she is on my list of 'dream teams', haha! I just love her, and her designs, and especially her templates!! So today's re-release is especially thrilling to me! Have a peek!

You see mine in the middle row, left-hand side?! *squeee* I know, settle down Faye, but I can't help it, I'm so excited! :D I did two layouts using Totally Braggin, including the one in the above ad. Here they both are:

made with Nikki's gorgeous kit Forever Yours plus a couple of ellies from A Lot Like Love, which I used on this next layout:

Plan on seeing a lot of Nikki's delicious products spotlighted here this month!

All Kinds of Goodies!

2010-03-31T06:00:00.001-04:00

We have a brand new designer joining us at Polka Dot Plum in the very near future, you'll want to watch for her shoppe to open!! Utski Design is the name, and there will be a Grand Opening celebration sale!

So, did you get Brandy's grab-bag a couple of weeks back? No? Well, never fear! Today she's unpacked the bag of goodies and put everything into the shoppe for you! Go peruse her shoppe and pick up those pieces you missed, TRUST ME, you will want these in your stash!!

Polka Dot Pixels has a darling, cheery kit for you, 20% off today!! Called Spring Fever, it's an amazingly versatile kit, perfect for all of your everyday or special occasion layouts! Check it out:

Here are a couple that I created with it:

And, if you've made it this far, here's a surprise freebie for you!!

Download the freebie here! Enjoy!

Random Freebie!

2010-03-25T17:27:00.001-04:00

I'm settling in to PDP's new challenges for the week. I started with the Twisted Lift (I admit it, they're my favorite!) and I created this layout using Flock Together collab by Brandy Designs and March Designs. This is a lift of Serious by Allison Pennington.

Then I thought, I should give away more free stuff on my blog! And since I'm quite new to the QP-making process, I decided to give it a whirl. Here's how it looks:

You can download the freebie here. Enjoy!

Be There Or Be Square!

2010-03-25T10:00:00.000-04:00

Ok, cheesy, yes... but if it got you in here then I will consider it a success! hehe!

Saturday at noon (eastern) super cool Allison Pennington is going to be hosting a FAB speed-scrap at Polka Dot Plum, in the forums here.

There will be prizes, coupons, etc. on top of the AMAZING time you'll have! Come join in the fun!!

Hello Wednesday!

2010-03-24T10:27:00.000-04:00

I have some rather exciting things to share with you today! Let's start first with Polka Dot Plum's newest designer, Berry Sweet Designs! Opening just today, she's already got a lot of gorgeous things in her shoppe, be sure to check it out! Also, in honor of her Grand Opening, she's having a 30% off sale!! Definitely don't miss it! I had the immense pleasure of working with her kit Sprung. It's seriously delicious!

I made two layouts with it:

and

Don't miss out, go check out her shoppe, I kid you not, it's fantastic!

New (and 20% off today!) from Brandy Designs and Marni Designs is my new all-time favorite kit. No, I'm not just saying that, this kit is so full of GORGEOUS!! It's called Flock Together, lookie!

And here's a layout I created with it:

And from Polka Dot Pixels are these AMAZING Fancy Frames. I'm seriously SO in love with these, they are definitely my style! They're also 20% off today only!

And here's a layout I created using one:

credits

Some Recent Challenge Layouts

2010-03-22T19:55:00.001-04:00

Just because I haven't in forever, I thought I would post a few of my recent PDP challenge layouts. I go in streaks with my scrapping, I think, and I'm kinda diggin this most recent one. Things are coming together better than I fear they will, and that's always good! :D

Without further adieu... please enjoy.

For the Plum Pickins Challenge, using Polka Dot Pixels' Envious, part of the challenge was to use all 35 pieces!! I expected disaster, but was pleasantly surprised!

and

For the Twisted Lift challenge, both use the same template from BTA Designs, and credits are here and here, respectively.

for the scraplift challenge, credits.

for the ad challenge, credits.

for a twisted lift, credits.

for the newsletter challenge, credits.

for the recipe challenge, credits.

for Brandy's template challenge, credits.

for the lyrics challenge, credits.

for another scraplift challenge, credits.

for the wordart challenge, credits.

That's not even ALL of them!! I suppose I should do this every week, or even a couple at a time as I complete them, eh? hehe!

A Chance to Win!!

2010-03-18T12:09:00.000-04:00

Brandy Designs is giving away her new collab with Marni Designs. Check this out:

Need linkage?

Brandy's Blog

Brandy's Facebook

Brandy's Twitter

This is such a fantastic deal! And this new kit is seriously my new favorite EVER!! :D

Wednesday New Releases

2010-03-17T08:36:00.000-04:00

Once again I am overjoyed to show you some of the absolutely gorgeous new things my designers are releasing over at Polka Dot Plum, for 20% off today!!

Polka Dot Pixels has TWO new releases for you today (I know, she is just ROCKIN it!!) and I'm in love with them both!

Dippity Doo evokes such fond, nostalgic feelings in me. I love the gorgeous papers, and the elements are simply fantastic, have a look:

Here are a couple of layouts I made featuring photos from 50ish years ago:

and

If you'd like a freebie made with this kit, check out my post over at Polka Dot Pixels' CT Blog here!

Next up is the soft, beautiful new Hunting Wabbits. Perfect not only for your Easter layouts, but also everyday ones, just look at everything this kit contains!

And here are two layouts I created with it, one Easter-themed, one not!

and

Also on the above layout I have used Brandy Designs' ROCKIN new release called Funky Brushed Alpha. It is easily my favorite new alpha, and she gives it to you in FIVE colors!! Check this out!

Trust me when I tell you, this is a MUST HAVE for your stash!!

So, what are you waiting for?

Get to shoppin' already! :D

Such Deliciousness On This Happy Wednesday Morning!

2010-03-10T09:34:00.000-05:00

I am so excited by the things I get to share with you today!!

First of all, Brandy Designs has an awesome new grab bag for you today that is chock full of must-haves! It's called Message In A Bottle 2, trust me, do not miss out on this!

Here is a layout I made using it, and her gorgeous kit Blossom Within:

And Polka Dot Pixels has not one, but TWO absolutely stunning new kits for you today! First is Chocolate Truffle, and really, I can't say enough good things about this kit, it's amazing!

And here are a couple of layouts I created with it:

and

Yummy, right?!

And just feast your eyes on her second new release this week, Sweet Pea!

And a couple of layouts I made using it:

and

credits

So, go forth and shop!! :D

Super Awesome News

2010-03-06T11:38:00.000-05:00

I think it's safe to share it now...

Not only am I a Sugar Plum at Polka Dot Plum (site CT), but....

...drumroll...

I am the overseer of the site CT!!

I am truly honored and humbled to have been chosen to fill this role. I love PDP with my whole heart, and to get to be such an integral part of it seriously makes me giddy! I am blessed to get to work with such an amazing group of people, on such a fabulous site. Hopefully I live up to, or even surpass, their expectations. I know I am going to try!! :D

I had the immense pleasure of working with Danielle Corbitt Designs' You Rock My Heart. I love this kit so very much! At first glance you might not realize how versatile it is, but I did a layout of my son and it worked brilliantly, check it out.

...right? :P

March Plum Pickins

2010-03-01T10:46:00.000-05:00

This month's Plum Pickins over at Polka Dot Plum are so beautiful! Varying shades of green, I just can't get enough! Take a look at these gorgeous offerings by Brandy Designs:

Feelin' Green alpha

Feelin' Green papers

And here's a layout I created using these (and a Woodland Swirl also by Brandy Designs):

And from Polka Dot Pixels check out this amazing mini called Envious:

And here are my creations using it:

And I am sadly through my guest month with Geek Chic Scraps, but I had an amazing time and had the wonderful opportunity to work not only with her out-of-this-world-fantastic products, but also with her super fantabulous CT. Thank you, Tara and co.! :D

Psssst!

2010-02-28T10:44:00.000-05:00

I heard a rumor that one of Geek Chic's CT members is giving out an advanced copy of her next release! Want a chance to win it?

Check this out!

Are you ready for some beauty?

2010-02-24T09:47:00.001-05:00

Today's new releases are right up your alley, then!

From Polka Dot Pixels, this kit just sings "Spring!" to me. I love it, it makes me wish for warm, sunny days with a cool breeze, listening to birds sing, enjoying all the flowers and green life outdoors!

It's called A Little Bird and it's available exclusively at Polka Dot Plum. And if you pick it up today, you will get it for 20% off! Have a peek:

Here are two layouts I created with it:

credits

From Geek Chic Scraps and Jennifer Fox Designs, just look at this gorgeous collab they have for you called Foxy Chic. Beauty!! And 20% off today!

And here are a couple of layouts I created using it:

and

If you're a CU lover, check out Brandy Designs' release today, these yummy Painted Overlays! Don't forget, they're 20% off today only!

Yummy Wednesday New Releases

2010-02-17T09:45:00.000-05:00

There are so many to tell you about today! These are some serious must-haves, and remember that they are all 20% off today only, at Polka Dot Plum!

First let's start off with this gorgeous, rich collab from Brandy Designs and Edeline Marta Designs called Serenity. It's breath-taking, isn't it?

And here's a layout I did with it:

Next we have a delicious new kit from Polka Dot Pixels called Sincerely. I love the vintage feel and colors, just look:

Also, if you stop by her blog today there is a freebie for you!

New today from Geek Chic Scraps is this amazing kit called Little Man.

You can buy the entire bundle, which includes a full kit, three styles, and a full alpha! Or, if you prefer, you can pick and choose separately. But if you buy the bundle you save! Also, I heard a rumor that if you stop by her blog there is a freebie in it for you! Definitely don't miss this!

Did you get it?

2010-02-11T09:37:00.000-05:00

Every day in January, Brandy Designs had a freebie on her blog, and when downloaded in full you ended up with an AMAZING kit called 'Glittering Snow'. Did you get it? Don't fret if you missed out, you can pick it up in her shoppe! You can't believe the beauty packed into this kit. The papers are gorgeous, and the elements are unique and beautiful. Look:

Gorgeous, right?! Here's one of the layouts I did using it:

You're seriously going to want this kit! :D

...has it really been a week already?!

2010-02-10T17:40:00.001-05:00

UGH on moving! I hate and despise it. But, sometimes it's a necessary evil. The ex arrived with the truck and unloaded it yesterday, so we are literally up to our eyeballs (in our already-tiny space) in boxes and bins needing to be unpacked and somehow magically have homes found for everything. Yikes. So I'll be working away at it until the end of time, I fear, but I wanted to take a break and tell you about two very exciting new releases I had the IMMENSE pleasure of working with!!

First, from the fantabulous new designer over at Polka Dot Plum, Geek Chic Scraps, just feast your eyes on this whimsical, absolutely gorgeous kit called Forest of Love:

I really loved working with this kit, here are my two layouts with it:

and

From Polka Dot Pixels today, talk about your go-to birthday kit! This is a beauty, and I loved it so much!! Just look at the range of colors:

Perfect for EVERY birthday! Here are two layouts from me using it:

and

If you hurry you can get them for 20% off, today only!

Super Wednesday!

2010-02-03T10:23:00.000-05:00

I have two new releases to share with you today from a couple of my FAVORITE designers ever!!

First, from Tara, aka Soopa, aka Geek Chic Designs, comes this beautiful kit:

You can pick it up at Ginger Scraps, or at her brand new shoppe at Polka Dot Plum!

Enjoy these layouts I created with it;

and

Brand new beauty from Polka Dot Pixels today, look at this yummy and versatile kit:

And please enjoy these layouts I created with it:

and

Remember, if you pick them up today they're 20% off, exclusively at her shoppe at Polka Dot Plum!

I have the MOST exciting news, and a freebie!!

2010-02-03T09:31:00.003-05:00

Our very own SOOPA is opening shoppe at Polka Dot Plum today!! That's right! And there is MUCH celebrating to be done, don't miss a thing!!

There will be a Geek Confessionals Contest over at Polka Dot Plum, as well as a template challenge led by Alix. Also visit the Rubber Room at DSA for a chance to win. You'll want to be sure to check everything out, the prizes are AMAZING!!

Check out her shoppe, where everything is on sale for 25% off through next Wednesday, the 10th,

and keep an eye on her blog for more details of the festivities!

And to help you get in the celebratory mood, here is a quick page I created using her kit A Geek For Every Season, enjoy!

You can pick this up here.

I'm Baaaack!

2010-02-02T22:32:00.000-05:00

I kind of left in a rush last week, but I'm about back on track now. Here are the layouts I did last week (and missed the premiere on Wednesday) and then I'll have a couple more for you in the morning.

Using Tickled Pink by Polka Dot Pixels:

and

And you get two sets from Brandy Designs, so much YUM!!!

credits

Peace Out

2010-01-26T11:01:00.000-05:00

...but just for a few days, I hope! :D

Due to a predicted nasty ice storm coming our way Thursday, I've had to up my move date (again, sigh). So bear with me as I 'go dark' for a few, it's going to be hairy!

In the meantime, I have other news. I stepped down from one of my CT's and I'm starting a guest spot with a seriously OUTSTANDING new designer next month. So keep your eyes here for some really wonderful stuff. The quality and design will blow your minds!!

I did one more challenge yesterday, I had thought to do more today, but, alas, the Fates have conspired against me. teehee! Enjoy this scraplift challenge starring my adorable newphew!

kit: Play it Again by Charlize Creations.

Sneaked in a Couple

2010-01-24T10:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was crazy full of packing, but while breaking to nurse/snuggle G I knocked out a couple of challenge layouts for PDP.

credits

Hopefully I'll get a couple more done today!

DigiSlacking?

2010-01-22T15:56:00.002-05:00

Well... maybe a *little*, but I've been busy packing! I have one week to try to get everything ready to move like 1600 miles away, and with 3 little kids (one of whom will go to school right up til the day we load up the trailer!) who need their 'things'... it's tricky! But, I did manage to work up a layout today for you using Scrapberry Designs' ab-fab new kit Cutie Pie Valentine. I seriously love this kit!

There are some absolutely awesome ellies in here for make-your-own Valentines, too, if you like to do that! Hurry over to DSDI and grab this kit, it's 30% off through the weekend!!

Also, I made a free quick-page for you made from the above layout:

Grab it here. Enjoy! :D