still me

photo cards?

are you making holiday cards this year!? YOU BETTER BE!!  everyone loves getting christmas cards in the mail! and let's be honest, people LOVE getting a photo! you might be making 150 handmade cards with glimmer mist, and ruffles sewn on...with inks, stamping, and all kinds of steps and layers; or maybe you are simply uploading your photo to an online photo  lab, and having a christmas postcard printed...wham bam!! whatever you choose to do- DO SOMETHING! people want to see/hear from yoU! facebook or no facebook, NOTHING can replace finding a cute card in your mail box that is neither a bill or junkmail! break down and get your card making on!  for me, making cards really gets me in the christmas spirit! cute photo... clever card. i love it.  for the sake of a little inspiration, i designed a few cards using the new collections that Jessica Sprague and i collaborated on: 

these elements come from the 12 Days of Christmas Full Collection.  (the striped paper is in the bonus papers folder). for this card, i made a 9-square collage and masked each of the photo in so they are the same size.

this 'format' for the card is a great way to feature each member of your family, and a good solution for if you don't have a 'family' group shot that you might like... these papers are from the Winter Wonderland Full Collection. That Snowflake Garland is awesome! love it. love it so much, i used it again here:

(see... capri is doing the 'peace sign' thing- perfect!)

this dotty paper has to be one of my favs of the whole thing- love the colors! 

There you go! just thought i'd spread some holiday cheer in the form of inspiration!!aren't they lovely! so easy to make! if you don't know how to make these... and you are thinking that you would LOVE to know HOW to make these-- (it's really pretty easy!) make it a goal to take the first INTRO class over at www.jessicasprague.com!  in fact, head over there, and sign up for her FREE CLASS-- and get a feel for how the classes work.  i am here to tell you that the classes Jessica teaches are AMAZING, and ANYONE  (yes, you too) can learn how to be a masterful photoshop phenom!  you will LOVE knowing how to make stuff like this, and contiuing to learn, and grow some photoshop wings!  oh, and BTW... this is the time of year to buy classes at JS.com!! the classes are on SALE right now! you can gift them, you can buy them for yourself! they are an amazing deal. 20-35% off! spectacular.  THIS is your chance to learn a few basics to get you going! if you haven't ventured over to her site,  you might want to check it out- great deals on all the digi goods, as well as the classes... and get this- if you don't know what a 'photoshop friday' is, well- find out! there is a way to register for the SUBSCRIPTION! this is all new and WOW!! there is also an all new 'rewards program'.  i'm just sayin...learning how to do this stuff changes your life! it's worth it. and jessica makes it so do-able.   put it on your resolution list, and make the purchases while they are on sale!  classes make great gifts (for yourself and others!)

let me tell you this-- i have a little surprise planned at the end of Jessica's FREE CLASS... it's scheduled for Sat. Dec. 10. EVENING-ish.  SO-- get registered. and just kinda keep your evening open! you won't want to miss! wink! :)

 

 

using 'mobile' wallpapers...

 

after posting the wallpaper freebie yesterday, i have recieved several emails asking how to use them! so i thought that i'd give some quick instructions for the iphone.  i don't know how to add wallpapers for other devices, so if anyone would like to email me, or post instructions on my facebook wall, that would be great! i'll post it here.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. download the custom wallpaper- it's a .jpg file

2. email it to yourself, and open it on your phone

3. when you see the image inside your email, tap the image, and select 'save image'

4. open your photos, and you will find the image saved there.

5. tap on the image for the wallpaper, and tap on the icon in the bottom left corner that is a little box with an arrow coming out of it (it means share)

6. select 'use as wallpaper'

7. it will allow you to 'move and scale'; here you can be sure you like how it looks (zoom or center)

8. when you are happy, tap 'set'

9. it will ask you if you want to:

        1. set lock screen (this is the screen you see first, when you unlock your phone)

        2. set home screen (this is all the screens behind all your apps. you might have several pages)

        3. set both

10. select the lock screen

now.... touch the button on the top of your phone, to make it sleep (no need to slide it to off...just put to sleep) and wake it up by pressing the bottom circle button ... and walah! there it is!!!

these are a little addicting! it's SO fun to have them change... note: also works on ipad. same instructions!

and here are 2 NEW wallpapers that you can find on Jessica Sprague's wall on Facebook.

12 Days Wallpaper

 

thanksgiving and BEYOND (exciting announcement!)

It’s over… thanksgiving… all that anticipation and planning, and looking forward… it comes and goes SO fast! We really had such a great holiday weekend!

My kids were out of school wed, thurs and Friday—so we really did have a legit long weekend that was full of family and friends! It’s awesome to live so close to family – we have so much fun together!  We all got our assignments for our feast, and planned out our day- the men in our family all went to shoot guns in the morning, and the littles and the ladies did some fun crafts.  (thank you Pinterest!... I mean, how awesome is that!?) We made more of the Oreo Turkeys, the paper cup Pilgrim hats and some SUPER cute turkey napkin rings...  ... i quickly whipped up THIS Caramel Corn really quick and filled the cute hats. cute stuff! and the kids had a great time crafting!

We did squeeze in a movie, a couple workouts, and slept in!! it was definitely enjoyable!

And guess what…? I totally boycotted Black Friday! I am sorta regretting it—I mean, I could be all “done” with Christmas shopping by now. But- it was totally stressing me out! I was felling all this pressure to make decisions! I was getting a million emails about every store offering all these sales- it freaked me out!? SO… I have to face it. I think I am all about ‘cyber Monday!’

I do have something super fun and exciting to share… a couple of weeks ago, Jessica Sprague came to town on business, and we got to spend some time together—we got talking and imagining… like we do when we are together, and decided to whip up a ‘christmas’ collection of digi papers.  Well, one collection morphed into TWO collections (ok, we couldn’t help ourselves, the green and red combo came first, but we both love turquoise and grey so much for the holidays!)  that we ended up with 2 amazing—MIND BOGGLING collections for your crafty pleasure to celebrate the season!  Jessica is prolific in her creative and photoshop genius; and every time we work on something, she teaches me something new. It’s amazing! (I am ‘growing my skills’)

SO… let me show you…each collection has 20 backgrounds.

“12 Days of Christmas”  by Jessica Sprague & Heidi Swapp

(and that is not even ALL that is included!)

 “Winter Wonderland” by  Jessica Sprague & Heidi Swapp

You will have to head over to the shop at JessicaSprague.com to see ALL the kits… because you can buy elements that match, and different kits that can be mixed and matched with BOTH collections- you can buy smaller kits, and you can also buy the BIG sets that contain ALL the papers, and ALL the matching Elements PLUS a set of BONUS papers in each collection (that are only available in the mega pack)...take a look (for example) at all that is included in the MONSTER pack:

 

Ok, so all this week… I will be posting things that I have done as I have been playing with these DIGITALLY, and I also have a  couple hybrid projects I can share…  To kick things off this week… you can   grab this image...... you can set as your phone wall paper to get you in the holiday spirit! This is just a small image that is perfect for iphones an other mobile devices! ENJOY!! And … “you better not pout
”

 

So, be sure to head over to the JS.com website shop and take a look at these fabulous kits! They are SO awesome. I am in LOVE!  And be sure to check back for more inspiration and ideas for putting them all to good use! i've got cards, mini-books, candle art...etc!

black friday

we had SUCH a lovely, wonderful, happy, delightful Thanksgiving day! complete with all the family favorites cooked to absolute perfection, as well as our fair share of thanksgiving craftiness to adorn our table! i snapped a few photos, but am just feeling too lazy to download them, so hopefully you can count on some more sharing from me later in the weekend. 

the festitivies went from food--to the movie theatre--to dessert--to newpaper ads for black friday specials! (insert holiday anxiety!) phew...are you ready for this? we drove home and the Wal-Mart parking lot was ridiculous! not hitting the 'doorbusters' tonight- i have this twinge of a sinus infection that i am using as an excuse!

alas, i am having NO PROBLEM sitting by the fire with my trusty (yet somewhat archaic) MacBook Pro on my lap doing some surfing, shopping and cyber door busting of my own!  With the holidays, brings holiday get-t0gethers... and the need for festive flower pins! be it for the hair or the overcoat... they just make everything feel more festive and fabulous!  this year, we are offering 40% of everything on the Blossom Couture Site...so head over and grab one or 2 in your favorite colors, and pick some up for gifts as well! these make wonderful hostess and teacher gifts, as well as looking beautiful on the tops of holiday packages... the code is simply: BLACKFRIDAY2011 and the offer is good through Next Thursday Dec. 1.

another really amazing gift for scrapbookers, photographers... friends, sisters and women alike is a comfy camera strap... City Straps is also having a 40% off their shop through Dec. 1st with the SAME code: BLACKFRIDAY2011

here is a peek at a few of their styles to choose from... 40% off is an AMAZING deal... i like to change my strap out a couple times a year, as it just seems to bore me after awhile! they are washable, and they get SO dirty. Wash them, and good as new! you would be amazed at how much nicer it is to carry a camera around your neck with one of these straps on! they are fully padded, and slide right onto your existing camera strap. These are just a few... go directly to their site to check them out!  they are regularly around $30, so this is an awesome price, and a great time to pick one up as a gift (but you might want to add one on for you, and slip it under the tree.....or put an "open christmas eve" tag on it! you can put it to good use on Christmas morning...)

as i mentioned, i am taking Maggie Holmes' new December Daily Photography class, and i decided to treat myself to a NEW camera strap for the holidays!  after much deliberation, i settled on the Grey Dot with Red Ruffle, to keep me motivated for taking great photos! 

again, both codes are: BLACKFRIDAY2011 

sale ends Dec. 1st 2011

thanksgiving eve... and a WINNER!

Happy thanksgiving EVE!!  Today was absolutely a beautiful fall day—my kids were out of school so we had a full house, and much craziness all around! Just a pre-cursor into the rest of the weekend! I have a few things to make tonight.. and not just ‘pretty stuff’ ---also "yummy stuff"

Couple of things…in all the commotion around here, I forgot that it was Wednesday, and that I had a new Episode on My Craft Channel air today!  It’s a fun one… those of you who have a Yudu will defiantly want to check it out, and those of you with a Yudu on your Christmas list should take a look as well!  I show off some GLITTER sreen printing techniques!  And even show how I make a ZEBRA print in glitter—and it’s SO easy, you have to see it to believe it! 

IMPORTANT NOTE: after that episode aired, I learned that I need to heat set the glitter for at least 3 minutes- if you want to be able to wash it.

 

Second order of business… I picked a winner from my Official Heidi Swapp Facebook page for Maggie Holmes' class!   The WINNER is “Sarah Sullivan”… you are the big winner of Maggie’s December Daily photography class!! CONGRATS!! email me!!i also gave you a note on facebook! message me so that i can get your info to Maggie!

hope that everyone has an AWESOME thanksgiving day! i have much-o to do... ENJOY!!

 

 

 

 

December Daily Photography Workshop...

In my effort to ENJOY the  holiday season…I just decided to join in a ‘daily’ photography class taught by Maggie Holmes that goes throughout the month of December!

I am super excited, because I feel like historically, I do a lousy job of documenting Christmas.  The class is designed to accompany “December Daily” the workshop on Ali Edward’s blog…

I LOVE Maggie… she took our family photo’s last year—

and I LOVE her point of view and her approach to taking photos. She was an instructor at Creative Escape 2 years ago, and is a mother of 5, so I really feel like she ‘gets’ the juggling part of getting good photos. I NEED a photography class! It’s been awhile, and I need an infusion of new, fresh ideas! Sounds like this class will be just the answer!

 

The class is $40. And it starts on Dec 1 and goes throughout the month of December!

Maggie even gave me a spot in her class to give away!

! SO… if you would like to WIN this fabulous class and get a little early CHRISTMAS gift !... head over to my facebook page and “like” my page… I’ll be choosing a winner from those who chime in!! so, leave me a message on my wall about the photography class, and I’ll randomly choose a winner!  WINNER will be chosen on WEDNESDAY night!  Read all about the class on Maggie’s blog or go HERE on her new website to check it out.

 

 

'MOvember'...

have you heard of it?

November is a special month of awareness for men's cancer, specifically Prostate Cancer... and to support and increase conversation, men all over are growing the MUSTACHE!! not a goatee, no attaching beards... just the 'stash'... in all it's glory... (as creepy, as it may seem!!) and a bit, may i submit...un-kissable! there you have it. 

my husband is a man capable of hearty facial hairgrowth, although i am NOT a fan of facial hair, and thus- he is pretty willing to stick w/ the clean shaven look pretty much everyday (in addition to the clean shaven head, which is quite a commitment!) I really think he has been secretly looking forward to the excuse that Movember brings! although, i will tell you that as his Mustache has come in, it's drawn a lot of laughs, some criticism and above all, has accomplished the goal of creating a conversation about Men's Heath...with those we know and don't know alike!  admitedly, it's tough to take the guy seriously!

don' t you just love it...? Eric has a page over at the Movember site, and there you can pledge/or donate a few bucks to the cause... this is the email that he sent out to friends, and i wanted to extend the invitation to you guys! i figure you guys know Eric pretty well! he's donated lots of time helping me with webshows, filming videos and other noble endeavors! this is a great way to show some appreciation! even just $10 would be fantastic!

FROM ERIC:

Hi family and friends,

For the last 20 days I have been working on something pretty cool (some say its a caterpillar, a skank stasche, a bro stache, hairy lip, slc motorcycle cop, mo) call it what you want but it is finally good enough to actually take a photo and have it look good (depending on who you ask).  In any event, I have not wanted to send this email out until there was sufficient growth and commitment on my part... now that it is at that point, please read the following 'canned' email and follow the link to donate to a really good cause.

Thanks,
eric


It’s Movember, the month formerly known as November, which is dedicated to growing moustaches and raising awareness and funds for men’s health. I have joined the movement and will be donating my upper lip to the cause for 30 days. My moustache (Mo) will spark conversations, and no doubt generate some laughs; all in the name of raising vital awareness and funds for cancers affecting men.

Why am I so passionate about men’s health?
*1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime
*A man is diagnosed with prostate cancer every 2.2 minutes
*1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime
*24% of men are less likely to go the doctor compared to women

Please support my efforts by making a donation at http://www.movember.com/m/2426852.
You can even write a check payable to “Movember Foundation”, reference my name and Registration Number 2426852 and send it to: Movember Foundation, PO Box 2726, Venice, CA 90294-2726

We only have a month to grow Mo's and raise awareness and funds, so please come along for the ride.

Funds raised will help make a tangible difference to the lives of others. Through the Movember Foundation and their men’s health partners, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG, Movember is funding world class awareness, research, educational and support programs which would otherwise not be possible.

For more details on how the funds raised from previous campaigns have been used and the impact Movember is having please click on the links below:

About Movember
Prostate Cancer Foundation research
LIVESTRONG
Global Action Plan

Thank you for donating at http://www.movember.com/m/2426852 and for helping me change the face of men's health. Go the Mo!

Eric Swapp

Movember is a registered 501 (c)(3) charity, donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

of course... we love the men in our lives! dads, fathers, sons, brothers... this is an amazing cause, and one that deserves attention and support. i am asking for your support, and donations on his behalf, but really on behalf of the effort to fight these cancers... please take a minute, and give a little!  every little bit helps! thank you so much!... i know that there are many worthy causes which to donate. i truly believe this is one of them.

here's to all the mustaches out there this month!

time out...

i am sure you are with me when you have thought... someone, put me in "time out"... well, this weekend my mom and sister and i are going to Time OUT! (for women)... motivational/inspirational conference. excited.

calendar scrapbooks...

 

here are a few more shots of the caledar that i made in this weeks My Craft Channel episode! i really do love how it turned out! i used a super cheap calendar + an 11x14 double photo mat that i picked up from Michaels in the framing department...  when you watch the show, you can see how i took the calendar apart, adhered beautiful papers to the pages of the pre-printed calendar, and then bound the whole thing together with my Cinch by We R. 

i went a little crazy on the embellishment of the outside... have you seen or used these adorable hex tiles from Pink Paislee? SOO cute...  and these stamps come from the Nantucket stamp set that i sold last week on the featured buy at MCC if you were lucky enough to snag one of those kits!

once i start stamping, it's hard to stop... i got out my "soiree" and my "daily junque" stamp sets and just played! i have several colors of the Adirondak inks from Ranger (love the mountain rose colors a lot) and had fun mixing and layering as you can see here... i also added some misted ribbon, Nantucket ribbon and a fun Pink Paislee tassle.

i only added a couple scrapbook pages so far- this first one (JAN 2012) i used some mistable paper (unmisted, so cute..who knew?) and  then --if you spy that paper that is behind the photo on this page, it's the Coordinations cardstock that goes with the Pink Paislee Nantucket collection- just look at that yumminess! (sanded of course)-- here i also used some of the epherma from Nantucket and the little printed tin embellishment from the 'vintage vouge' collection.

here i have used more of the Coordinations Cardstock, as well as the Nantucket papers...and this time i embellished with more elements from the Vintage Vouge line: wood thread tops & the glossy, shiney chipboard clocks are Vintage Vouge as well (from Pink Paislee).

The rest of the pages from my calendar are black papers... just waiting for more scrapbooking!

here's a tiP: when you are looking for a calendar to use... make sure the bottom portion (where the days and calendar grid are)... is as plain as possible. you will see the funny calendar that i used (white tail bucks). Eric picked it out for me... but to his credit, he knew enough to make sure that the bottom was plain and didn't have 'bieber fever' or something like that! 

cute BOW aprons

a few weeks back, i spent a few hours playing YUDU fun!  i was needing a new apron, and a couple of gifts...so, i went to town dying, and then printing with both glitter and an outline in black.  i quite love them! so... i made a bunch, and thought maybe i'd sell a few!  if you have a special request, you could send a message... i have some white as well (not dyed).  and i have pretty much every color of glitter you can imagine! i'll be taking some special requests if they come before thanksgiving!

the aprons are available here for purchase ($20 +shipping) HERE