Firefighter

This is my layout using the free template that you will get as a posting bonus if you participate in the scraplift challenge

DSD template by Jen Caputo at Scrapbook-Graphics, henceforth known as DSD posting bonus.
Green brads by Michelle Reaves from SBG's DSD posting bonus.
Cream/Pale ppr. by Jessica Bolton-SBG's DSD Blooming Eclectic posting bonus
Firelight (red) bg. ppr. from Michelle Godin's November Rain SBG's DSD posting bonus
Hot off the press – Flames by Trish Jones
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19352&cat=251&page=2
Impressions Hunch Alpha (round alpha) by Trish Jones
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19346&cat=251&page=2
Impressions – Effect Alpha (Stamped) by Trish Jones
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19352&cat=251&page=2
Font: Times New Roman

Posting Galleries:
DST http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=206259&cat=500
SBB http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=260657&cat=500&ppuser=19252
SBG http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=22290&cat=587

Digital Scrapbook Day Chat - I Can Scraplift/Follow That Sketch!

Reminder:

The chat that Michelle and I will be hosting tomorrow is from 12:00 to 1:00 EST at Scrapbook-Graphics.

To be eligible for posting bonuses all challenge layouts will have to be posted in the scraplift gallery by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, November 4th.

Above you will see the bonus prize. Additionally, a $5.00 gift certificate will be awarded to one lucky scrapper during the chat.

Hope to see you there!

ARE YOU READY FOR DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK DAY?

Here is a rundown of the chats that are going to be held all day at Scrapbook-Graphics.

There will be lots of free templates and samplers. Here is a link to the blog where you can see all the fabulous kits and templates that will be given out.
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/wordpress/?p=1300

Chats and Challenges: All times Eastern
MORNING
8:00-9:00 a.m. Eastern Reality Scraps with Jenn VogelPosting bonus from Dana Frantz
Template Giveaway #1 from Becky

9:00-10:00 a.m. Eastern Chat with Studio Girl, Sylvie Wagner (Sausan Designs)

10:00-11:00 a.m. Eastern We Can Build It with Tammy and Becky
Posting bonus from Berna Datema
Template Giveaway #2 from Becky

11:00-12:00 Chat with Studio Girl, Michelle Godin

AFTERNOON -
DO NOT MISS THIS ONE! WON'T YOU JOIN ME? I have this horrible recurring nightmare that I will show up to the chat and noone will be there.

12:00-1:00 p.m. Eastern I Can Scraplift That with Kait and Michelle Posting bonus from Jen Caputo. Also a $5.00 Scrapbookgraphics gift certificate awarded during chat

1:00-2:00 Chat with Studio Girl, Bren Boone2:00-3:00 p.m. Eastern

Memory Lane with Jenna (aka Sweeet)Posting Bonus from Michelle Reaves
Give away Template #3 from Becky

3:00-5:00 p.m. Eastern Scrapbook Tennis with Amy, LauraKaye and Becky — come watch this fun way to play with digital supplies!
Random drawing for a $15 gift certificate to Studio Kristin CB

5:00-6:00 p.m. EasternStudio Starts with Becky TroxelPosting bonus from Jessica Bolton
$5.00 coupon from O.N. Designs to be awarded during chat

EVENING6:00-7:00 p.m. Eastern Frameworthy (art inspiration challenge) with Donna and Kim Posting bonus from Krista Mettler

7:00-8:00 Chat with Studio Girl Doris Castle: Scrapbooking to Cope, to Rejoice and to Cherish.

8:00-9:00 p.m. Eastern Build Your Own Groupie with Karen and Ramona Free element to begin your own groupie$5.00 coupon to Studio O.N. Designs to be awarded during chat

9:00-10:00 Chat with Studio Girl Meredith Fenwick

10:00-11:00 p.m. Eastern Ad Challenge with Amy and Becky Posting Bonus from Michelle Godin

All three templates from Becky will be available for download again.

To be eligible for posting bonuses all challenge layouts will have to be posted in the appropriate gallery by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, November 4th. We hope you’ll consider spending your day with us here at Scrapbookgraphics. All chats and challenges will take place in our Chat Room. We look forward to celebrating this amazing hobby (I mean PASSION…I mean…OBSESSION…I mean…ADDICTION!!!) with you!

Waterbender

Credits:Font: Pea Elizabeth
Scalloped frame and ribbons from ScrapFrames 2 at CottageArts.Net
http://cottagearts-net.stores.yahoo.net/sc212cl.html
Background pprs. and stitched alpha from Fleece Blanket Page Pak w/Alpha set at CottageArts.net
http://cottagearts-net.stores.yahoo.net/flblpapakw.html
Borders on the page were made with Power Borders 2 by Julie Mead at CottageArts.Net
http://cottagearts-net.stores.yahoo.net/pobo2te.html
Staple from Growth Spurts Element Pak at CottageArts.net
http://cottagearts-net.stores.yahoo.net/grspelpak.html

If you want to see the page upclose, click on a gallery link on the upper right side of the blog.

Breathless

God breathes and the beauty of nature is revealed. You are HIS most beautiful creation and I am left BREATHLESS. S. Brown.

Credits:
Impressions Effect Alpha by Trish Jones
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19352&cat=251&page=1
Ribbon from Kit No. 6 by ON Designs
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19065&cat=0&page=3
Flower from Fall Palette kit by Bren Boone
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19178&cat=0&page=2
Orange bg. from Peacock Lady by Bren Boone
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19175&cat=0&page=1
Star overlay from Blissful page set by Bren Boone
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19221&cat=0&page=1
Template from One and Only Collection by Rachael Giallongo .
Flower page border from Un-Bored-ers by Dana Frantz
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19394&cat=0&page=1
Fonts: Times New Roman, Ville de Geneve Es and Michele.
Folded corner template by Karah Fredricks
Scallop edges by TBSK.

Inspiring Nature

The lake in its full glory. The colors appear to be oversaturated, but these photos are straight out of the camera.


I just love, love, love these leaves... unretouched.


The ducks emerging from the mist...


The ghostly dancing mist.


Didn't I tell you it was glorious?

As you all know, Autumn is my MOST FAVORITE season of all. I thoroughly enjoy all that nature has to offer during this time. The cool morning breeze, the warn sun, the colorful trees, the fallen leaves, the wildlife, the crops, the fields....it is all just fabulous.

Anyway, a few days ago we woke up and there was fog everywhere. It was kind of creepy for the kids as they waited for the school bus to come. But I didn't think that at all. I could picture my beloved lake in its full glory. I couldn't wait to rush the kids to school so I could go to the lake and take photos. Just like in my mind's eye, it was gorgeous.

I parked and went to the bridge to admire its view, while being careful to keep close to the rail so that the oncoming traffic couldn't run me over.

The sun was peeking through the trees, which were dressed in glourious greens, reds, yellows, browns and orange, as the light refracted on the water. The rising mist crept up ever so lightly enchanting me with its dance. Then I noticed movement in the water...something emerging from the mist, slowly...closer and closer it came...a duck! Make that, lots of ducks. All synchronized and swimming along splendidly in line formation. Made me think of Swan Lake.

This is as close as I can get you to being there...I am not a writer, not have the gift of gab, but I try. :) Enjoy these pictures from my part of the world.

Hugs, Kait

Enabler Alert, Part 3 (Coupon Codes for You!)

Have you been waiting for a sale to get your favorite products at Scrapbook-Graphics? If so, wait no more. Here is a rundown of specials going on this weekend:

Taran Conyers: 32% off Studio Taran when you use coupon code RediscoverySale (Friday-Monday)

Bren Boone: 50% off Studio Bren (except $1.00 items and grab bags) (Friday-Monday)

ON Designs: 25% off Studio ON Designs

Kristin Cronin-Barrow: 50% off Studio KristinCB with lots of new stuff being added to her store.
coupon code happydsd2u

Carrie Stephens: 55% off Studio Carrie for Digital Scrapbooking Day.

Doris Castle: 55% off Studio Doris orders over $5.00 on Digital Scrapbooking Day when you use coupon code happydsd

Meredith Fenwick: 40% off Studio Meredith on Digital Scrapbooking Day.

Jen Caputo: 30% off Studio Jen on Digital Scrapbooking Day.

Berna Datema: 25% off Studio Berna on Digital Scrapbooking Day.

Dana Frantz: 50% off Studio Dana on Digital Scrapbooking Day.

Trish Jones: 40% off Studio Trish (except collections and Delish AllSorts) on Digital Scrapbooking Day.

Kathy Moore: 50% off Studio Kathy Saturday through Sunday when you use coupon code KMO_NSD50

Michelle Godin: 40% off Studio Michelle Friday through Sunday.

Halloween Joke - Do Not Read if Easily Offended

Naughty MissKait here...

A bald man with a wooden leg is invited to a Halloween party. He doesn't know what costume to wear to hide his head and his leg so he writes to a costume company to explain his problem.

A few days later, he received a parcel with the following note:

Dear Sir, Please find enclosed a pirate's outfit. The spotted handkerchief will cover your bald head and, with your wooden leg, you will be just right as a pirate. Very truly yours, Acme Costume Co.

The man thinks this is terrible because they have emphasized his wooden leg and so he writes a letter of complaint.

A week goes by and he receives another parcel and a note, which says:

Dear Sir, Please find enclosed a monk's habit. The long robe will cover your wooden leg and, with your bald head, you will really look the part. Very truly yours, Acme Costume Co.

Now the man is really upset since they have gone from emphasizing his wooden leg to emphasizing his bald head so again he writes the company another nasty letter of complaint.

The next day he gets a small parcel and a note, which reads:

Dear Sir, Please find enclosed a bottle of molasses and a bag of crushed nuts. Pour the molasses over your bald head, pat on crushed nuts, stick your wooden leg up your a$$ and go as a caramel apple. Very truly yours, Acme Costume Co.

This is my last post for now. I am off to charge my camera's batteries as I have a Halloween parade to go to in an hour. Kaylie and Liam are on a school parade. I hope I get some decent shots!

Digital Scrapbook Day (DSD) is Coming Up!

Are you tired of my postings yet? I hope not. I am making up for the week that I couldn't come online! LOL

Come on over to Scrapbook-Graphics to celebrate with us Digital Scrapbooking Day! See below for a schedule. Hope to see you there!



http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/wordpress/?p=1286

Enabler Alert, Part Deux (continuation)

Ok, now that I have hooked up with with the templates and Christmas kit, I have to tell you about the 2 other items that grabbed my attention.

Eye Love You Grunge Overlays by Berna Datema/SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19445&cat=0&page=1

These overlays are wonderful! They add just the right amount of grunge and interest to your pictures. Do, do, do look at the previews at the store...they will show you how versatile they are. She did a fabulous job on her presentation.

Teen Doll Doodles by Berna Datema/SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19444&cat=0&page=1

These are the cutest teen doodles I have seen in quite a while. I can see myself using them over and over. They are multi-ethnic and come in different colors. I never worry too much about color because I can always alter the color to suit my taste. These will be great for girl pages, whether 6 year old or 12 year old.

Enabler Alert, Part Deux

Now that you have the templates and are in a Christmas mood, you will need a kit. Well, I found that for you, too. Bren Boone's Chilly Willy is just perfect. Just look at those pprs., and the snowflakes, the glitter, the wordart on a path...it doesn't get better than this, folks.

Chilly Willy by Bren Boone/SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19433&cat=0&page=2


Perfectly Imperfect/Janet Phillips/SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19449&cat=0&page=1


Winter Wonderland/Janet Phillips/SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19451&cat=0&page=1

Oh Christmas Tree/Janet Phillips/SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19452&cat=0&page=1

It should not be a surprise to you that I am a template lover; I can't get enough of them. These layered sketches make my life easier, if not faster. You would think that because I have a layered sketch, the process would go faster, but you would be wrong in that assessment, at least when it comes to me.

I am amazed when people say that their layouts can be done in 15 minutes. It takes me 15 minutes to pick what photos I want to use and determine if they are good enough. It takes me just as long to determine if my shadow looks good. Determining what papers look good together will take twice as long. Anyway, you can see where I am headed with this...I obsess over everything that I put on my pages. I may not be a good scrapper, but I do try. And I won't put out a page out there that I am not happy with. Many a times I finish a page and I don't like the results. If I am not happy with it, I delete it and start over.

Now to the reason I brough up the topic of templates...have you seen the fabulous Christmas templates that Janet Phillips just put in her store...I tell you I am drooling over them. COME CLOSER, let me SHOW THEM TO YOU.

I wouldn’t be a good friend if I tempted you with
these goodies, and fail to tell you that these templates are ALL ON
SPECIAL!

1267

Situation Wanted: Is It You We Are Looking For?

Do you think you have what it takes to be a Studio Girl designer? If so, show us your best work. Send an email to Maya@scrapbookgraphics.com

Happy Girl

Layout done for the I Can Scraplift That! challenge at Scrapbook-Graphics.

All Tied Up-Vol II ribbon by Traci Sims/SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19272&cat=0&page=3
Alpha #2 by ON Designs/SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19042&cat=0&page=4
Bitty Buds-Painted Vellum Flowers by Bren Boone/SBG
Hearts/stars/and round sequins done with an action in the November Grabbag (revealded) by Bren Boone/SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19438&cat=0&page=1
Frames, stitches, stars overlay and bg. pprs. from Blissful page set by Bren Boone/SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19221&cat=0&page=1
"Is For" label by Meredith Fenwick/SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18469&cat=0&page=4
Ripped border made with Breakthrough2 template by Helena Jole
Font: Arial Narrow

Explore - Impressions of Gratitude at Scrapbook-Graphics

Font: Pea Neffer
Torn and Curled Paper Edges 2 by Jen Caputo
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18467&cat=0&page=1
Sketch Collection 21 by Jen Caputo
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19380&cat=0&page=1
Designer Title - Glitz by Trish Jones
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19106&cat=0&page=2
Kit used: Impressions of Gratitude by the Studio Girls at Scrapbook-Graphics (coming soon)
Note: I merged 3 papers to achieve the look you see in the background ppr.


Posting Galleries:
DST http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=203993&ppuser=976
SBB http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=260057&cat=500&ppuser=19252
SBG http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=22115&cat=587

Seeing Autumn

Here is my layout using the Bountiful Blessings kit from CottageArts. Isn't that a beautiful background paper? Aren't those colors luscious? It was perfect for my photos, too.

Bountiful Blessings Collaborative Pak
Sketch Collection 21 by Jen Caputo/SBG
Fonts: Times New Roman, FG Matilda, Embossing Tape

Enabler Alert Part 1, CottageArts

Fab Frames 1 Photoshop Action
http://cottagearts-net.stores.yahoo.net/fabfr1phacse.html
2 curled frames with shadow actions....adjustable!



Creative Shadows 1 Photoshop Action
http://cottagearts-net.stores.yahoo.net/crsh1phacset.html
And guess what...the action is only $1.00




My top picks for this week are: Bountiful Blessings Collaborative Kit

The kit features gorgeous folk art by Doris Castle, Julie Mead, and Michelle Shefveland. The floral motifs and exquisitely detailed elements are gorgeous...and everything blends together beautifully with its soothing color palette...but don't take my word for it, check it out for youself!

This kit has 18 gorgeous pprs., brushes, wordart, 2 alphas, ribbons, tags, frames, flowers...all fully coordinated.

Back to Reality

yeah...right.

As you know, we were on vacation last week. Nothing planned...just hanging out at the house. Well, that is better said than done for my dh. The man can not sit still for more than 10 minutes at a time. It drove me bonkers. Now I know where Liam gets it from!

I never realized how having dh hanging around the house, following HIS NORMAL routine, could be challenging. As I mentioned before, I like my peace and quiet, but dh has to have some kind of noise going on ALL OF THE TIME, whether radio or tv...and there went my peaceful week. Watching tv with him is the pits. He has the attention span of a 5 year old....exactly like Liam. Now I know where Liam gets his short attention span and busy nature. I don't know how the man can follow a story because every 5 minutes he kept flipping the freaking channel. Besides, I don't want tv until the kids get home and watch their cartoons! LOL
Yes, I love watching cartoons. I have been watching them for over 30 years.

Anyway, the kids have been sick on and off for the last 2 weeks. Kaylie had a horrible cough that wouldn't go away and even had a fever one day, which kept her from school. You should have seen her crying. She wanted to go to school badly. That Robitussin DM does wonders and is highly recommended by her pediatrician.

Liam, on the other hand, is having a horrible sinus problem and allergies. The poor guy is so congested that it was affecting the way he spoke...very nasal. He was congested, but nothing was coming out and had the most horrible coughing bouts ever. He had been coughing for more than a week and would have coughing bouts, especially at night. He would snore louder than his father. Anyway, he, too, was running a fever so I had to keep him home for a few days until all his ailments calmed down a bit. He was using one Singulair, but had to get on Zyrtec to control his allergies better. The coughing was brought on by a never ending post nasal drip. When the medications started working, the congestion in his head started to clear and it was mucus city! There sure were a ton of excretions coming out of that little boy! Yuck! Aren't you glad I gave you that visual? LOL Anyway, I am happy to report that he is back in full swing.

All is well that ends well, I made it through vacation without getting sick and dh is safe and sound and back at work; the Wacom didn't surface like I thought it would. :)

Congratulations to Rachael Giallongo

A big congratulations to Rachael Giallongo on the opening of her new store at Polka Dot Potato. She makes some of the best templates around.

She has a grabbag for sale...go snatch it...it is well worth your money.