Kairyn Lisa Designs Ü Scrapping Art for You!

WIN Chelle's Creations Latest Kit!

2011-08-31T09:31:00.002-04:00

Chelle of Chelle's Creations is SO excited about her new kit that she's decided to give it away to one lucky winner. There are lots of ways to enter and increase your chances…see them below. But first, here’s a sneaky peek:

Isn't it darling? I LOVE it!

Now…about that contest. There are 4 ways you can enter:
Comment on her blog, post on facebook, tweet on twitter and sign up for Chelle's Newsletter. To get all the details, go to her blog... Go! Go now!

The contest will end on Friday 9.2 at 8am EST. It's too good to pass up!

Blessings, *Ü* Kairyn

Sahlin Studios Giveaway!

2011-06-29T16:06:00.000-04:00

A GIVEAWAY?? You heard right!!

I am SO EXCITED about my goodies coming out this Friday...
and YOU could WIN it!

Here's a peek at what's coming:

All you have to do is leave a comment on the Sahlin Studio blog: http://sahlinstudio.blogspot.com/ by tomorrow, Thursday at Midnight(CST) to be put into a random drawing to get it FREE!

Blessings, *Ü* Kairyn

Justify Your Text - How To...

2011-06-01T05:00:00.001-04:00

Hi Friends!
It's Kairyn here with a "How To".

Have you ever seen those cute little journaling blocks where the edges of the text lines up on both sides for every line? Here's an example using Chelle's newest kit Something Fishy (available only at ScrapMatters:

See how it's in a nice neat rectangle, like print in a newspaper? The text is "justified". When I was a Paint Shop Pro and GIMP user, this was a quick option in the text options box. For those who use PhotoShop, it's also a simple thing to do. When I started using PhotoShop Elements, I was so sad to see "Left Justified, Right Justified and Center Justified" and that the plain old "Justified" option wasn't available. Then I read somewhere that is was possible, and easy to do... just "hold Shift and Ctrl and click J". Well, let me tell you - I tried selecting the text and clicking the buttons, I tried just having the text layer selected and clicking... I tried and tried! It was impossible and SO frustrating! I couldn't do it, and yet people were telling me it was possible!

I'm happy to say I've figured it out! Woo-hoo! It does involve "hold Shift and Ctrl and click J", but it's a bit more involved than that! lol

Alright, I didn't make any screen shots, because I'm thinking this is easy enough to explain... but if you don't "get it" just leave a message and I'll help ya out, okay?

Start with your psd file... decide where you want your text to be, click "T" to get to the text tool (or just click the text tool - but I LOVE using keyboard shortcuts whenever possible). Then click and drag with your mouse to create a text box. (This means, click, hold down the left mouse button and drag the mouse to make a box the size you desire and let go of the mouse button.) Click inside the newly made text box and type your details. Then hold the Ctrl button and click A to select all of the text. We're nearly done... are you still with me? Here's the last step... NOW hold down the Shift and Ctrl buttons and click J.

Wah-lah! You should now have text that lines up on both sides, cool huh? I'd love to see what you did... leave me a comment with a link to your LO, and I'll come and leave you some well deserved love!

Blessings!
*Ü*
Kairyn

ScrapMatters Blog Train...

2011-05-07T04:30:00.003-04:00

Hello and Happy iNSD!!!

ScrapMatters is celebrating with a BANG! and to get things rolling, their hosting a blog train! Woot! So many freebies, so many goodies! Be sure to check out all the games going on in the ScrapMatters special iNSD forum to play along and earn even more freebies!

The kit used to create all the goodies that you can pick up along the trail is called "Timeless" - and it certainly is! You will love it... check it out:

Did I tell you it was gorgeous!? It's got all kinds of wonderful vintage, shabby, time worn papers and elements in it! It reminds me of times I used to spend going to the antique stores every summer, rummaging through the boxes and bins for that one special item I'd take home!

I created a frame cluster for you...hope you like it!

You can grab my freebie here... (sorry links disabled)

You should have come from Sharon's "Quietangelsb's Scrap Corner"blog... and now you can head on over to Cathy's "Scrap's of Life" blog.

If you get lost along the way, you can start back and the beginning station... the ScrapMatters Blog.

Blessings, *Ü* Kairyn

A Speed Scrap is coming...

2011-04-12T17:46:00.001-04:00

On Friday, April 15th! Woot!

I'm super excited to be hosting my very first anything at SM! And even happier that it's an SS! I hope you can join me on Friday night... 8:30 p.m. ET, 7:30 CT, 6:30 MT, 5:30 PT. (Jen will host her weekly chat shortly after we finish, so why not stay and have a bit more fun!)

Liz of Band Geek Designs is providing this totally awesome PP:

Isn't it great? I am in

If you've never done an SS, you have to try it... they really are so much fun! You can read up on the basic info here.
But please join us... we'll have alot of fun!

Blessings, *Ü* Kairyn

SMG Call!

2011-04-05T09:20:00.002-04:00

Yay! ScrapMatters is having a ScrapMatters Girl Call! Woot! If you love scrapping, and you love ScrapMatters, this is your chance! Check it out:

Head on over to this thread at SM for ALL the details! Remember, the deadline is April 10... that's this coming Sunday, so there's not much time... hurry!

Blessings, *Ü* Kairyn

Plum Dumping Designs Throwback Thursday!

2011-03-31T06:01:00.000-04:00

Hello! Kairyn here with a throwback! I loved this kit when it first came out, and I love it still! Family Fun is one of those timeless classics that you keep going back to!

Need some inspiration? Here ya go:

and one more:

Don't forget, Family Fun is available exclusively at ScrapMatters!
Have a funtastic day!

Blessings, *Ü* Kairyn

Spring Cleaning

2011-03-28T05:36:00.001-04:00

ScrapMatters is having a Spring Cleaning Clearance sale this week!

The sale runs today (3/28) and goes through Saturday (4/2) - 60% off! Wow! Now that's a sale!
Be sure to visit the "clearance" section in the ScrapMatters Shop!

Blessings, *Ü* Kairyn

Take a Look!

2011-03-25T05:38:00.002-04:00

Chelle has a great new product out today! (And I helped make it! Woo-hoo!) lol

Actually, her entire team helped... siggies are all the rage right now in the digi-scrapping forums, and you're going to love these Spring Siggies just perfect for this time of year!

Don't forget, they're 20% off all weekend, so now is the time to grab them! (Actually ALL new releases are 20% off at ScrapMatters every Friday through Sunday.)

Blessings, *Ü* Kairyn

Time for a Freebie!

2011-03-22T05:59:00.000-04:00

Hello Friends!

It's Tuesday, and that means time for a freebie from Chelle! Woo-hoo!

I thought since Spring seems to have finally arrived (although as I write this, it is snowing quite hard here in my corner of the world, though the temp was a balmy 68 yesterday!) I'd use Chelle's kit called Bug Catcher to make a cute little frame cluster for you...

Bug Catcher is available only at ScrapMatters:

And your freebie is available here, I hope you like it!

Blessings, *Ü* Kairyn

Plum Dumping Designs is having a CT Call!

2011-03-16T11:57:00.002-04:00

So exciting! Mary made a mini kit for those applying to play with - show her your style! How fun is that?! SO whooooo's ready?!

Requirements:

*1 LO per product downloaded
*Enable 3 times per month
*Post on the blog once per month
6 month commitment

Application must include:

1. Short bio
2. Link to your blog
3. Link to your gallery
4. List of your current commitments
5. LO using the Serendipity CT Call freebie found here! (600x600, 72 dpi)

Send your apps in to: plumdumpling.ctcall at gmail dot com by 3.24.11!

Check out this SUPER cute mini kit Mary made just for her CT Call!! (The preview is linked to Mary's blog, you'll find the download link there.)

I can't wait to see who joins the team! Deadline to submit an application is March 24!

Blessings, *Ü* Kairyn

Lots of New Things to be Thankful For!

2011-03-11T09:36:00.002-05:00

While I'm disappointed that I am not moving on to the final round in the ScrapMatters Design Star competition, I've decided it's better to count my blessings...

SO - Today I'm here to talk about all the good things happening!

First, there is a Speed Scrap tonight at 9 pm EST in the ScrapMatters forum and chat room:

Take a look at this awesome participation prize:

I have Day's Spring Kissed kit, and I LOVE it! This is icing on the cake, plus I love, love, love to do Speed Scraps... if you haven't tried one - do it today! lol

Secondly, ScrapMatters has started a new Gallery Standouts Blog and so I meandered over to check it out... guess what? Yup! I had a layout there they were featuring! How cool is that?

This is the one they chose to feature:

I used wm[squared]'s School Days kit available only at ScrapMatters.

And lastly, I'm on three fantastic creative teams, and my team members are as sweet as they come! I'm very blessed to be on those teams!

What are you thankful for today?

Blessings, *Ü* Kairyn

May Flowers Part 2

2011-03-08T08:10:00.004-05:00

Well, round 2 has come and gone in the Design Star Competition at ScrapMatters. Round 3 had us making elements to match those papers from Round 2. The Element Packs were all uploaded yesterday and there is some wonderful goodness in the gallery today! You really should check it out!

You'll find my May Flowers Element Pack there... but I'm here to give you a peek at it! You do have to go to ScrapMatters to download it however, here's the reveal:

And it's free right now, so go here to snag it!

Are you curious what the entire kit looks like? Well, I've got that peek for you too:

Isn't is lovely? Perfect for baby girl, Spring, Easter, etc.! I just love it! I've already scrapped four layouts with it... I can't wait to see what you do - please leave a comment here and link me to your gallery so I can come and ooh and aah over your work!

Don't forget, this loveliness is free for a short time... you can grab the papers here at the ScrapMatters gallery and the elements are there too!

Blessings, *Ü* Kairyn

May Flowers

2011-03-01T21:31:00.004-05:00

I know, I know...it's not May yet...but surely Winter will come to an end and Spring will arrive!

Design Star at ScrapMatters is at the end of Round 2, our paper packs are loaded and ready to go!

Here's a peek at mine... but you'll have to go to ScrapMatters to download them!

And, I've already created a layout using the papers...and really, just the papers. Elements are part of Round 3...see you next week for those!

Blessings, *Ü* Kairyn

Happy Dance Today!

2011-02-24T09:00:00.002-05:00

Yessiree! I'm doing the happy dance!
The Design Star 2011 competition at ScrapMatters is well under way. The first round is over, it was a stressful week - designing, uploading and then waiting. Watching and reading the comments, waiting for the judges to make their decisions and to find out who was moving on to round 2.
I think there were over 90 who signed up, 71 who submitted an entry, and only 17 who made the cut.
My happy dance? Oh, yeah...that's because I made the cut! Yeppers, I did and I am totally thrilled!

Here is the preview of my round one mini:

And a couple layouts I did with my own mini and a couple extras - couldn't use just mine, it would have given me away... round one was a "blind" competition... identities were replaced with numbers.

You can grab the mini here at 4shared or here at box.net - enjoy, and please let me know if you create something with it - I'd love to see it! Also...leave me a comment below and tell me what you think...

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

Journal Jumpstart

2011-02-21T04:25:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends! Today on Chelle's Creations blog, I shared an idea for journaling! I thought it would be nice to share it here too!

When I have everyday photos that are just too cute NOT to scrap, I struggle with what to write in the journaling... "I really love your smile today", "you were happy to be outside", "wearing your favorite sweater" etc., can sound, well, rather boring.

Here's another option... why not interview your kids and put those questions and answers on a page? Or have them create a list of something, such as - that day's favorite food, color, toy, etc.

I had two really sweet photos of my kiddos doing nothing more than smiling at the camera, and decided to ask them (privately) what they loved about each other! I asked for a list of five things and scrapped three of them! There answers were so cute, and I know these are pages I will treasure... glimpses into 6 and 7 year old hearts! To make it a bit more authentic, I journaled using a font that looks as if the respective child wrote it themselves.

I used Chelle's Tell Me More kit and her Doodles: Border It element pack, both available in her ScrapMatters Shop!

I hope you try my idea, and if you do, please feel free to comment here and let us know, we'd love to see it and leave you some love!

Chelle's Have a Guest CT Call!

2011-02-20T14:53:00.002-05:00

It doesn't happen very often, so if you're interested in being on a great team, you'll want to get an application right in!

Just in case for some reason you can't read the ad it says...

March to August spots available!

The Requirements are:
3 Layouts for the month you guest and one "extra" (a quickpage, cluster, etc.)
You'll need to post to four galleries, 3 of which must allow linking.
You must participate in the CT forum and contribute to the blog.

In exchange, you will have full access to Chelle's store during your term! How cool is that?!

To apply, send an email to chelles.creativeteamcall gmail com and include your user name, a link to your most complete gallery, a short bio, which month you'd like to guest and why you think you'd be a good fit for Chelle's team...that's it!

The call starts tomorrow Feb. 21 and runs through Feb. 28. The new guests will be announced on March 5 - Good Luck, everybody!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

New Stuff from Plum Dumpling!

2011-02-18T19:14:00.003-05:00

Hi Friends!
I've been having so much fun playing with Mary's designs, and I've got a couple to show you!

She released Heartbreaker earlier in the month,

and this is what I did with it:

I had alot of fun making this "biker" kit into a thing of beauty! I love how my layout turned out! The template is for a ScrapMatters Tuesday Template challenge... you really should check those out!

Just today, Mary released some fantastic double page templates...right up my alley! The really great thing about these, is that they will showcase 30 (yes thirty!) photos!! Thirty Days Has September Templates are available in her ScrapMatters store - and now through Sunday, Feb. 20, they're 20% off!

I scrapped my family reunion. I'm still working on photos from 2005, so these templates helped me to get a BIG event done! Just look how fun this turned out:

(left side:)

(right side:)

To complete these layouts, I used several of Mary's kits... A Photo A Day; Family Fun; and Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. I'd love to see what you can do with one or all of these!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

Desktop Freebie for February!

2011-02-01T08:29:00.000-05:00

Can you believe January is gone already? Wasn't it just Christmas!? Where did the month go?

This one comes in three sizes: 1280x1024, 1280x800 and 1024x768, and I had such fun making it!
I used one of my very favorite all time kits called Love of a Lifetime (perfect for Valentines Day or any day!)

The kit is available in all of Tracy's stores...there are links at the end of this post to help you grab it!

And finally, what you've been waiting for... well, a preview of it anyway!

And here is the desktop as I have used it with two of my darling granddaughters - gotta love them!

Thanks for reading all my rambling... You can grab the desktop on the Trixie Scraps blog ! Happy February everyone!

All Trixie Scraps Designs products can be found in the following online stores:
Trixie Scraps Shop * Scrap Matters * Gotta Pixel * Scrapbook Bytes * Funky Playground

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

A Sweet Flashback!

2011-01-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hello fans of Chelle! It's merchi aka Karen here...

I don't know about you, but it's always nice to look back and reflect on the old year when facing a new one! I think about what I did or did not accomplish in the old year; ways to change and improve in the new year; and things I did right and would like to do again!

Today I want to take a few minutes and look back on a kit Chelle LAST January... Sweet Thing

It's available in Chelle's ScrapMatters shop here!

It's a darling little kit, and there was actually a portion of it given away to ScrapMatters newsletter subscribers. (If you're not a subscriber, you can sign up here.) You'll want to do that, because there are always lots of great things in there! Speaking of newsletters... be sure you're a subscriber to Chelle's personal newsletter too...you'll find the link at the top of this blog on the right...and a few gift for signing up right above it!

This part of it is available here.

This week, Chelle came out with a fabulous alpha and template set. I used the template set with Sweet Thing to come up with this...

This is my newest granddaughter...isn't she the sweetest thing?

Here is a bit more inspiration for Sweet Thing...

by QuiltyMom/Jan:

and

by CanadianMommy/Fiona

Happy New Year, friends!
Blessings!
*Ü*
merchi

Something New!

2011-01-14T15:21:00.003-05:00

I am in love with this! I think you'll love it too!
Plum Dumpling Designs has released a new kit today called A Photo A Day. It is great for all of you who do Project 365 or Project 52 - I don't, and I love it anyway!

Here's the preview:

Here's the page I did with it...

the left:

the right:

Be sure to watch Mary's blog for freebies, add-ons or templates!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

Celebrate a Flashback

2011-01-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hello friends!

I don't know about you, but it's always nice to look back and reflect on the old year when facing a new one! I think about what I did or did not accomplish in the old year; ways to change and improve in the new year; and things I did right and would like to do again!

How did you ring in the new year? Did you have a party? Movie and ice cream night (my dd did)? Or maybe attend a Speed Scrap (like me)? I think Chelle's Celebrate! kits are perfect for scrapping your new year's celebration, no matter how you celebrated! The fun colors and elements are so versatile and not strictly for birthdays, take a look at Celebrate! Bold...

It's available in Chelle's ScrapMatters shop here!

I used it to create my January calendar topper for my 2011 calendar that I gave away as gifts this past Christmas... see my goofy children! lol:

Here is a bit more inspiration for Celebrate! Bold...

by Kelli:

another one from me:

and a couple using Celebrate! Brite

by Stacey:

and Fran:

Happy New Year, friends!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

Happy New Year! (and another desktop freebie!)

2010-12-31T06:00:00.003-05:00

Hello friends! I hope you had the most wonderful of Christmas's ever!
I can't believe it is the end of 2010 and the beginning of a brand new year! I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store for 2011.

If you're anything like me, you're going to love what I've created especially for you...

I LOVE to change my desktop each and every month, crazy, I know! Usually I find a pretty one online somewhere and just pop in photos, it's really easier than it sounds, honest!

This month, I decided to use the new A Vintage Holiday from Trixie Scraps to create a lovely desktop for January...and to share it with you! Have you seen the new kit? OMGoodness it is amazing! You will love it! Here's a preview:

<-- link to store here-->

Since everyone has a different sized desktop, I created this one in three sizes, hopefully one will fit your needs... All three sizes, 1280x1025, 1280x800 and 1024x768 are included in the download.

Here is what it looks like:

Please download here and enjoy!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

Happy New Year! (and a freebie)

2010-12-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends!
Wishing you a Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, that you spent time with your family and reflected on the reason for the season! I know we did!

Today I have a desktop freebie for you! The new year is coming, why not celebrate by giving your monitor a new look? I used two of Mary's products to create this special gift! One is her fantabulous new Cut It Out Snowflakes - I just love those!

The other is her wonderfully timeless kit Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow - so versatile!

Here's a quick peek at the desktop I created for you (with my newest sugar plum modeling for you!) ...hope you love it! It comes in three sizes...1280x1024, 1280x800 and 1024x768, there should be one there to fit your needs!

Download here!

Enjoy this and the new year!

Blessings!
*Ü*
merchi

Chelle's Having a Christmas Sale!

2010-12-24T09:15:00.000-05:00

Wow!
Look at this! Chelle's Creations is having a Merry Christmas Sale! Woot! What a great
time to grab some of her terrific stuffs from her ScrapMatters shop!

This add was made with her Holly Jolly Holiday kit...isn't it darling? I LOVE it!

Hope you are having a most marvelous Christmas!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

How DO I Do Those Double Pages...

2010-12-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

Hello! How are you this fine December day? It’s Triple T Tuesday on the Trixie Scraps Blog, and I’m wrote out some tips and tricks. I'm offering a little freebie, too! I thought I would share all of that here as well...

I was asked to share how I create my two-page layouts. Well, way back when, shortly after I started digi-scrapping, I read a tutorial that talked of “flow”…that particular tut was referring to putting your pages together in a book, and how the colors, story or elements on each page should flow together. At the time, I was only doing single page layouts, and so I started mixing up my pages as if I was putting them in a book…looking for that flow. Pretty nearly at once I realized if I focused on “flow” I was losing the chronological order of my pages – well, I couldn’t have that! lol That is when I decided to do double-page layouts…so I could have the “flow” and not lose the chronological order of things.

Right, there’s some background for you… This is my typical procedure… I pick my photos and my kit and if I want to, I grab a template. Sometimes I use the same template on both halves, sometimes I use two different templates. If I want to use the same one, I will rotate or flip it for the second page so that they are not identical.
Here’s an example using City Girl and Renaissance Romance by Trixie Scraps:

As you can see, I’ve used pretty much the same papers and elements on both sides of the page, but they look a bit different because the one template has been flipped/rotated. Sometimes the flip is obvious as in the above example…and sometimes not so obvious as in the example below which uses the Trixie Scraps kit Autumn on the Lake:

And then a third option is to switch out the papers of the second page – you can do this whether you’ve used the same template or not. When using the same kit, why not get the most bang for the buck by using a variety of papers! If you like the stacked paper look for a background, simply rearranging the order of the stack can give a very different look to each side…see the two examples below…

I used Take Me Away to create this one:

This one was done with Sunday Afternoon

If you are using two different templates you don’t have to flip or rotate one…unless you want too! (And there will be times you’ll want too, but I’ll save that for another time.)

Once I have the general design of my page down, I move on to elements and their placement. Sometimes a ribbon or a scatter crossing from one page to the next is a nice way to tie the pages together. I generally using the same elements on both sides, with maybe one unique element added in on each side. If you look again at the above example, you can see what I mean.

I’m hoping that was clear and straightforward! If you have any questions, I’d love to hear from you…you can pm me in the ScrapMatters forum, and I’ll be happy to talk with you further!

And now on to the freebie I mention at the beginning… (did you think I forgot?) As you know, Trixie Scraps in hosting a December Daily Album with prompts and freebies everyday, all month long! I’ve been working on my album, and I LOVE it! If you are just learning about this, you’ll want to view this post for more information. To go along with all the freebies, here’s my December 21 Daily Download - a frame cluster created with a kit made especially for all the December Daily participants! Hope you enjoy it!

Download here – please remember, the link will expire in 48 hours.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

It's been way too long!

2010-12-03T13:01:00.006-05:00

So I'm back with a post! lol I'm sorry I haven't been keeping up with this...

I have a new goodie to show you this week, by Mary of Plum Dumpling Designs.

She made these adorable Cut It Out Snowflakes, and I just love them!

Wendy of wm[squared] hosted the Tuesday Template Challenge at ScrapMatters for November 30, and using her template, I created this layout of my kiddos playing in the snow:

The full two page spread looks like this:

Don't the snowflakes make this darling? I love them!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

Good News!

2010-10-15T10:26:00.002-04:00

Just about two years ago, I began digital scrapbooking. After several months, I tried designing...if you've been following my blog that long, you probably remember some of my kits...if not, you can get a peek at them on the right there in the Slide show.
While trying my hand at designing, I got to know a sweet lady named Mary. Her design name is Plum Dumpling. We learned together. She has stuck with it, and now I've been invited to join her team! I'm so excited to get to work with her again! I've added her blinkie to my sidebar, and you can visit her ScrapMatters store by clicking the blinkie.

ScrapMatters had some issues this week with security, but thankfully they've got it all ironed out. Since they're back online, they're celebrating with a 10% off sale - on the entire store! PU and CU included! Woot! What a great time to go shopping...I know I've got a few things on my list to pick up!

Did you know they ScrapMatters is also celebrating their anniversary? Yep - and you know how great their challenge system already is - they've made it better just for this month! Woot! You can double your points and earn a gift certificate twice as fast this month only!!! Wow! Participate in any challenge, and earn two points instead of one - use a new release, and earn two more! That's right, you can earn up to four points on each challenge you participate in - yeehaw! AND they've upped the gift certificate amount, too! Way to celebrate, SM! If you've never been to SM, you should head on over and check out the challenges...follow my lead --->

Have a terrific day!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

It's Fall! (and a freebie, too!)

2010-09-30T09:47:00.000-04:00

Back at the beginning of the week, I realized October was right around the corner! I can't believe how fast this year has gone! Well, I thought, why not make new cards for our pocket chart wall calendar - what a fun idea! I had already done new ones for September (now they look so boring, so I'll have to do new ones again for next year) and new ones for December. I love how my December ones came out - I used one of my digital scrapbooking kits. You'll have to come back at the end of November to see that one! lol

I chose to use Simply Autumn by LawTeeDa Designs. I did have to add in a pumpkin and some leaves from another kit however... but everything else is Simply Autumn...here's a preview of the kit:

I picked mine up at ScrapMatters, my favorite digital scrapping place!

This is a sampling of the cards...you don't want to print this preview as it is not print quality...please download the set of all 31 cards and print those instead...

I saved them to my calendar cards folder in my documents, then I double clicked the image. Up pops the Picture and Fax Viewer window! I then use the button for printing at the bottom and choose full page fax...there you go! I hope you like them - feel free to download them here and tell your friends! Please leave a comment here on my blog if you download...this way I know if someone appreciates them - and I'll share each month. Otherwise, I won't bother! lol

Fall *Ü* Blessings,
Karen

Shabby Shoppe Challenge

2010-09-25T22:12:00.003-04:00

I like to go to The Shabby Shoppe and get my free desktop each month...Why? 'cause, well, they are SO swee-eeeet!

I didn't find the desktop available yet, but I did find a neat challenge to participate in... a template challenge! LOVE them, they've got to be the easiest challenges to do! lol

Here's the LO I ended up with...I'm really pleased with how it came out...what do you think?

I used their new freebie kit for this one, called Plentiful...I'd love to know if you do one, so come back and tell me!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

Freebie Alert!

2010-09-07T10:21:00.002-04:00

Hello friends I created a a fabulous freebie that I'm offering up on Chelle's blog! But before we get to that, I hope you all had a marvelous Labor Day weekend? The weather here in Maine was just awesome! We spent the bright sunshiny days at the lake...where did you spend the weekend?

Did you see Chelle's latest sports kit? Kick It! is perfect for all your fall soccer photos! Here's a preview, and you can grab it at Chelle's ScrapMatters Store:

She has so many color options as an add-on too! I chose orange because that is what my son was wearing the day I took this photo...

I created a LO and decided it would be fun to give it away as a QP... but since you may want different words on yours, I made two different ones to give away...you choose!

Here's your freebie:

You have to head on over to Chelle's blog to grab your freebie...go now and SCORE!

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

New Team and a New Look

2010-08-07T12:07:00.004-04:00

Hello my fellow scrappers!
Did you notice my new look? Isn't is simply adorable? I LOVE it! It is blogwear by Trixie Scraps Designs...she has turned several of her kits into blogwear. I love pink, so this one really appealed to me...plus it kind of suits me this summer while we're spending alot of time at camp.

This is the kit called Nature Girl:

I knew you'd love it! You can click the preview above to go straight to the Trixie Scraps store at ScrapMatters. Below is the blogwear version:

As you can see, there are lots of different choices, and you can mix and match! I love the versatility! And with this new look, I can post larger previews, too! How cool is that?

OH! And in case you did not know, ScrapMatters is celebrating it's 3rd Birthday, and the entire store in ON SALE! Woot! If you want some great deals, you'd better get there right away...the sale won't last forever!

With all the excitement of telling you about my new look, I almost forgot to tell you my good news! I'm now a TrixieScraps Star! Yeppers, I've been asked to be on Tracy's Creative Team. I'm so blessed! I'm really excited to get to play with all her goodies, and also to be able to share them with you! Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

Chelle's Birthday Blog Train!

2010-07-27T07:00:00.003-04:00

Are you ready to really celebrate!

Chelle's Creative Team has "teamed-up" for some very special freebies! We've all posted something wonderful on our blogs, and you can hop from blog to blog and pick up our goodies along the way! (List of stops at the end of this post...in case you get lost! lol)

My freebie is based on a LO I did with Chelle's Celebrate (bold) kit, available at ScrapMatters:
This is the LO I did:
The template is based on the left side of the page:
Here's is what you will get:
Click the image...or click here to download. Then just open, create and enjoy!

After you've done that, be sure to come back and check Chelle's blog EVERYDAY for more super stuff! AND...don't forget... Chelle's ENTIRE store is on sale!
Here is the list of stops along the blogtrain:

Chelle's Blog (Stacey's freebie): http://chelles-creations.blogspot.com/
Janine: http://digitalscrappinrocks.blogspot.com
Carol: http://thepadgettwayoflife.blogspot.com/
Fran: http://franscraps.blogspot.com
Karen: http://merchimakesit.blogspot.com/ <<< You are HERE!
Kate & Megan: http://www.earleyfamily.com
Kayla: http://www.keepscrappin.blogspot.com
Tanya: http://www.tanyatumbles.com
Emma: http://www.scrappy-dappy-doo.blogspot.com
Juli: http://julifreshfish.blogspot.com/
Heather: http://heatherw25.blogspot.com/
Tracy: http://tracykosofsky.blogspot.com

Lastly, Friday is the deadline for Super Fan Saturday...check this out, and get your layout in so you can get that really cool alpha for FREE and be eligible to win a $5 gift certificate to Chelle's store!

Have a wonderful day and don't wear out your mouse clicking on all the goodies!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

Ready for Some FUN?

2010-07-24T22:40:00.011-04:00

Well, Chelle's birthday celebration is just warming up!

Be sure you check her blog EVERYDAY! Her team is giving away presents to celebrate.

This week, I'll be giving away a special gift to one lucky winner...check for that on Tuesday. Also on Tuesday, Chelle's creative team will be hosting a blogtrain! Woot! That means LOTS of free goodies! You surely don't want to miss that! And lastly, also on Tuesday...

A fantastically fun Speed Scrap! Yay! You know I LOVE those! And the prize for that? Oh, you're gonna love this...
See you at SM on Tuesday for that...and hopefully around and about this week for all the fun!

AND...AND...AND, I'm not done yet... Chelle's ENTIRE store is on sale! Yes! Go grab you some scrapping goodies!
Blessings, *Ü* Karen

2010-07-21T13:15:00.002-04:00

FORE! Happy Birthday, Chelle!

Hello Fellow Digi-Scrappers!
It's merchi (aka Karen) here with another edition of Chelle's Birthday Celebration! This is going to be one awesome party, and I hope you'll be here everyday to celebrate with us!

Today I am going to bless someone with Chelle's Hole in One Word Art Pack! Yep, it's a RAK! One lucky (but random) winner with receive this:

which coordinates SO nicely with Chelle's Hole In One kit:

Both are available in Chelle's Digichick Shop. This is a LO I created using both...

And some more inspiration from Chelle's fabulous CT:

Do you feel inspired yet? Do you know just what photos you'd scrap with this kit and word art? Might it be mini-golf photos? Regular golf? Or something else entirely? Leave a comment on Chelle's blog here OR in the DST thread over there and you'll be entered to WIN! That's simple enough, right? So? Did you leave a comment yet? What are you waiting for - a party or something? lol

I'll be back Saturday morning (Saturday, July 24) to announce a winner - I hope it's YOU!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

WOW! Super Fan Saturday

2010-07-12T21:15:00.009-04:00

Are you a fan of Chelle's Creations... then you will love this new feature that will score you a new product of Chelle's EACH month... for FREE! Yep a FREE product of Chelle's each month! Plus have a chance to win a gift certificate to her store!

What do you need to do? Link up your layouts that you do using her products on the Link Up below to any gallery you have it posted at - so we can be sure to leave you some much deserved love! The layouts you link up MUST be created during the Link Up period. For this month that will be July 3rd to the 30th.

When should I do it? Each month we will post a new Link Up - after the previous one has finished - simply link your layouts that you create. Just linking one is enough but we would love to see more so feel free to link them all up!

And here are a few pictures to help you how to do it!

The submission area looks like this below:

Once you enter the above information and click next step it will take you here:

Choose the FIRST image that has the layout you want to feature and click on select. That is it - you are done!

GO HERE to learn more and submit your layout!

Maybe you are wondering WHY? Why should you submit a layout to Chelle's Super Fan Saturday? Well, in case you missed it at the beginning of the post, it's because...

One random winner (from ALL the entries) will win a gift certificate to her store for $5. The more layouts you create with her things the better your chances are to win the gift certificate at the end of the month. AND not only that...but everybody who participates gets this really cool prize (excuse the pun! lol)

What are you waiting for? Get creating with some of Chelle's fabulous kits! I'm off to sumbit my entry right now! (Actually, I can't win...so but you can...why are still here reading my blog? Get scrapping!)

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

Chelle's Creations is having a CT call!

2010-07-06T08:47:00.002-04:00

Below is all the info you need...why not get your application in today!

Just in case you can't read the ad, here are the details in Chelle's own words:

I am looking to expand and growing my team with talented scrappers that love to promote my products. Here is the skinny if you can’t see the ad above:

The Requirements:

* 3 layouts per month using my products

* 1 “Extra” a month (a quickpage, cluster, etc. that is assigned by CT staff)

* Post to 4 galleries, 3 of those galleries must allow linking

* Participate in my CT forum and contribute to the blog.

The Perks: Full access to my store for your CT term.

To Apply: Send an email to chelles.creativeteamcall@gmail.com and include the following:

* your username and real name

* a link to your best gallery

* a short bio

* why you would be a good fit on my team

Guest and full time spots are available on the team and the call closes on July 11th at midnight PST. The team will be announced on July 16th. Can’t wait to see those applications!

I'll be looking to see you on our team soon!
Blessings, *Ü* Karen

A Guessing Game (and a chance to win BIG!)

2010-06-25T11:59:00.000-04:00

Hi-ho!
Do you like guessing games? Do you like winning things?
I know I do!

Well, here's your chance to win BIG with Chelle!

Just guess WHERE Chelle will be a Guest Designer in July. Enter your answer on her blog or in the forum at DigiScrapAddicts or DigiShopTalk. You can enter more than once...but only correct answers will go into the drawing. Entries must be submitted by 9 a.m. PST/10 a.m. MST/11 a.m. CST/noon EST on June 30th.

Now, I bet you're wondering what you might win... The Grand Prize is EVERYTHING Chelle releases during her month as Guest Designer! WOW! Five other lucky winners will be chose to win one week's new release item(s)...five new release days in July = five winners!

So what are you waiting for? Get over to Chelle's Creations blog and enter your guesses! And I hope you win BIG!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

These are a few of my favorite things...

2010-06-24T23:59:00.002-04:00

Doesn't thinking of your favorite things make you feel joyful?
Well, here's a new mini kit from LawTeeDa Designs:

Favorite Things: Joy is a great little mini kit with bright, joyful colors! Brand new and released today at Scrap Matters!

I found it was the perfect kit to scrap these photos of my dd:

and both pages together look like this:

I know you have some very special photos that make you feel joyful too! Why not head over to LawTeeDa Designs at Scrap Matters and pick it up while it's on sale!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

Do It Yourself

2010-06-22T10:29:00.003-04:00

Have you seen the newest fad in scrapping? It's pennants! And they are SO cool! Well, Chelle has come up with a DIY Pennant, that you can use to match ANY kit!

This is it:

I used it with her Make A Splash kit to create these LOs:

Which kit will you use to creat a pennant on your LO? Leave me a comment, and I'll come by your gallery...who knows I might even give you a RAK!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

Woot! for Me!

2010-06-22T09:55:00.002-04:00

Yes! Woot!
I've been asked to be on the Creative Team for LawTeeDa Designs by Christa Law. She has such fun designs!

She has a new release coming out on Friday, so I can't reveal anything until then... You can check out her blog, for her lastest kits...they are so fun!

I'll be back later to reveal her new kit and my LOs with it.

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

Fun! Fun! Fun!

2010-06-17T19:40:00.006-04:00

Earlier, I told you about Chelle's new kit called On The Trail...and I showed you my LOs with that kit...since them, I've found out she has another camping kit called Let's Camp S'more (isn't that a cute name?!)
Here is the kit preview:

Well, I did a LO with that kit too... here's the full spread:

I had to add a flower for modesty's sake... this is the left side:

and the right:

I'm really enjoying creating for Chelle! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

Knights of the Realm

2010-06-13T15:56:00.003-04:00

Maybe you noticed, maybe you didn't, but on my homeschool blog back in March, I blogged about my son's 6th birthday. The day was a tremendous success! The boys had so much fun. Well, since then, the photos have just been sitting on my computer waiting. Waiting for the perfect kit to scrap them with.
Well, I found it! It's been on my wish list at Scrap Matters since iNSD (inter-National Scrapbooking Day). Now that Chelle has asked me to be a guest Creative Team member, I get to play with her goodies! One is the Dragons kit...oh boy!
Here are the layouts I created to tell the story of my son's party:

Here is the full kit:

Chelle also has a printable party supplies if you want to have your own dragon party! And really, totally cool, word art add-on for the kit, too!

If you'd like a sample of the kit, head on over to Chelle's blog, and grab the freebie she has there just waiting for you to snag it...and don't forget to leave some love!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

On The Trail...

2010-06-11T13:57:00.008-04:00

Of a fantastic camping kit! And guess what? I found it! Yes, I did...it's at Scrap Matters, and it's by Chelle's Creations.

I was doing a Speed Scrap yesterday afternoon at Scrap Matters and Chelle was there with me. She had advertised a sneak peek of her new camping kit called On The Trail, and I had fallen in LOVE with it! SO I asked (very spontaneous, like) "Hey, Chelle, you don't happen to need a guest CT member, do you?" Well...you know what she said, or I wouldn't be blogging about it! lol Yeppers, she said Sure! I'm so excited to guest CT for her, I can't even begin to tell you! She has so many wonderfully terrific kits...just watch right here, and I'll show you!

Okay...I know you are dying to see the kit...so here you go:

Isn't it great?! I love it...I can't wait to scrap more with it, since we go camping every year...and this year we have a seasonal! Yipee! However, I had to contain myself as I am working through my ds6's first year, and I don't want to get side tracked! So he was not quite 5 months old the first time we took him camping...here are his camping pages:

left:

right:

Oh! I almost forgot...I also used these really cool Cutting Edge templates to "cut" the kraft paper sorta kinda fancy like...it's hard to see, but you know those scissors that cut fancy lines? These templates do that for you! How cool is that?

And I used (on the right side page) a special date element, also by Chelle. These are so very neat! They look like felt with hand stitching...very primitive/folk artsy...right up my alley! Here's the preview:

Clicking on the image will take you right to Chelle's shop where those are located.

I think you'd love scrapping YOUR camping photos with this kit (and other goodies), too!

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

I'm Back!

2010-06-10T22:14:00.010-04:00

I'm not designing, but I am scrapping...and I've just nailed a guest spot on a great designer's team! I'm SO super excited!

First, though, I have to tell you about this awesome kit by Happy Scrap Girl!
She calls it "Berry-licious", I call it wonderful!

Here is a preview of the kit:

Isn't it fantabulous??? You can get it in her Scrap Matters store! She offers it in a bundle with terrific word bits and alphas to save you money, but you can also purchase it as a stand alone kit (it includes the big alpha I used to write 'Special' in my title. Why not go grab it now!

This is the double page I did with it:

Here is a bigger view of each side of the LO (left):

and right:

Since I love strawberries, I think this is a fabulous kit! For a long time we had a small strawberry patch in the backyard, and I have lots of strawberry picking photos! The patch is no longer there, but I plan on taking the kids this week to pick at a local farm! How about you...do you go pickin'?

Blessings, *Ü* Karen

News & and SS announcement

2009-08-11T10:45:00.002-04:00

Sadly, I have decided not to continue pursuing digital design. As much as I enjoy it, my family need more time from me...so I have put designing on a back burner so to speak. My designs at Faith Sisters and Designs in Digital are priced at 50% off through August. I will continue to scrap (did you doubt that?) AND Karma at Faith Sisters has asked me to stay on and host Speed Scraps weekly. I agreed! Yay!

In honor of Faith Sisters' second birthday, (they are having a birthday bash all month long), I will be hosting a Birthday Bash Speed Scrap TONIGHT at 8:30 p.m. EST and one again next Tuesday, August 18th.

I hope you'll join me tonight!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Join Me Tonight @ DID

2009-07-29T09:01:00.002-04:00

I'm hosting my weekly Wednesday night Speed Scrap at Designs in Digital! I hope you'll join me for a terrific time of chatting, fun and a wonderful finished layout! You'll love it, I know you will! 8:30 p.m. EST at Designs in Digital Speed Scrappin' Forum.

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Speed Scrap TONIGHT @ DID

2009-07-22T14:01:00.002-04:00

I hope to see you there later! We'll start at 8:30 p.m. EST.
I have a great participation prize lined up...

We'll have lot of fun...hope to see you HERE HERE HERE!

Our own Lyndie Collins has offered this cute mini as the reward for finishing tonight's challenge:

Will you fall for it? Hook, line and sinker?

Looking forward to seeing you tonight!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Get Scrapped! Tonight at Faith Sisters

2009-07-20T08:42:00.002-04:00

Yes! We are GETting Scrapped tonight! 9 p.m. EST, I hope you'll meet us in the forum, and maybe even the chatroom for some fun scrapping time!

Karma of eKreations by Kreative Karma has offered this as tonight's participation prize:

It coordinates with her My Twilight Series.

See you tonight!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Guess and Win!

2009-07-15T23:12:00.001-04:00

A friend on facebook just challenged me with this...
Grab the book nearest you. Right now. Turn to page 56. Find the fifth sentence...

So I did grab the nearest book, only one sentence on the page: "He remembered where his bedroom window was, when there was a moon."

Guess the title of this book, leave a comment here, and one lucky winner will win a $5 gift certificate to my Designs in Digital store!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Speed Scrap Tonight @ DID

2009-07-15T14:17:00.002-04:00

Well, actually it is every Wednesday night at 8:30 EST.
I hope you'll join me HERE HERE HERE!

Meg of Tiger Lily Designs has offered this very pretty mini as the participation prize tonight:

Beautiful, huh? I know you'll love playing along, so I hope you'll join me!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Get Scrapped!

2009-07-08T13:00:00.000-04:00

Yay! Another GET Scrapped event at Faith Sisters! This one is in the afternoon...I hope you can join us! It will be Thursday, July 9th at 1:00 p.m. EST

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

GRAND OPENING SALE! 50% OFF

2009-07-06T16:47:00.003-04:00

Wooh-Hoo! I've uploaded my newest kits to Designs in Digital, and have prepared for my Grand Opening! I'm planning to celebrate the entire month! Why not celebrate with me?

I'll be hosting Speed Scrappin' at Designs in Digital EVERY WEDNESDAY at 8:30 p.m. EST I sure hope you'll drop in and check out all the fun! (That's 7:30 CST, 6:30 MST, 5:30 PST.)

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

OMGosh! I am SO excited!

2009-07-02T20:04:00.003-04:00

Thank you all my facebook friends and fans! I am sure it was you and your faithful clicking that made me win this fabulous prize from Scrapping Simply!

I cannot even begin to describe how happy I was to learn I was actually the winner! My two littlest ones were laughing at me in my hysteria! Then dh came home and he was thrilled for me (even though I don't think he really has a clue what I won! lol)

You have to check out their blog above, and this one too...that talks about me as winner...they link back to my blog here...AND to my Faith Sisters store - how cool is that???

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Speed Scrap Friday, July 3!

2009-07-02T06:30:00.003-04:00

Come on over to the GET Scrapped board at Faith Sisters and join us for a speed scrap, Friday, July 3, 9 - 11 p.m. EST - We'd love to have you! (Please be sure to register in the forum and in the gallery before we begin.)

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

July Speed Scrap Schedule at Faith Sisters

2009-06-28T16:48:00.002-04:00

Well, we are just having SO much fun with these! So I've decided to go ahead a post for the entire month...that way you can put it on your calendar and plan for it! I know you'll be wanting to drop everything just to scrap with us! hehehe

Feel free to grab the flyer and post it everywhere you think someone might like to see it!

Please note...all times are EST unless otherwise noted.

Evenings, 9 - 11 p.m. (8-10 cst, 7-9 mst and 6-8 pst)
Friday, July 3rd
Monday, July 6th
Monday, July 20th
Friday, July 31st

AND

Afternoons 1 - 3 p.m. (12-2 cst, 11-1 mst and 10-12 pst)
Thursdays, July 9th and 23rd

I can't wait to see you all there!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Speed Scrap Coming Up! Saturday, June 27th

2009-06-26T06:30:00.001-04:00

You're invited to join us for a night of FUN! Come, GET Scrapped with MERCHi Makes It! Experience a different kind of speed scrapping...

Saturday, June 27th 9 p.m. EST (8 CST, 7 MST, 6 PST) I hope to see you then!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Summer Sale! BIG Savings!

2009-06-24T21:00:00.005-04:00

It's my Summer Sale! Save 25% off my entire Faith Sister's Store! Six days of super savings! Just in time for the speed scrap on Saturday! Don't miss it, 9 - 11 p.m. EST at Faith Sisters!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

I'm on Facebook

2009-06-24T10:29:00.003-04:00

I finally bit the bullet and joined the hoopla! Not only did I create a personal page but I also created a FAN page...want to be my fan? lol
I think that is just too funny! I'll use that page for advertising my products, just like I do here, but in a more condensed way.
You can visit me on facebook right here!

I hope you'll consider stopping by and becoming a fan, or just checking out my speed scrap schedule and product gallery!

You might just find a freebie or a coupon over there!!!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Let's GET Scrapped!

2009-06-22T11:28:00.003-04:00

Are you ready for some scrapping?!

Speed Scrap tonight at Faith Sisters! Woo-hoo! I hope you can make it...if you can, and you complete your layout on time, your will receive a wonderful gift from Lynn of The Mathematician's Assistant! She is offering you a sampler of this wonderful kit PLUS a coupon for 50% OFF the entire kit! How cool is that?

Here is her fabulous kit called Vintage Funk:

The kit is availabe in the Faith Sisters' store, but certainly come to the speed scrap tonight, have some FUN with us, and earn a coupon to get this fabulous kit at half price!

The new speed scrap/get scrapped forum is located here!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Speed Scrap Coming Up! Monday, June 15th

2009-06-14T17:35:00.002-04:00

Hello again, my friends!
It's time for another speed scrap! I know, I know we just had one yesterday...and we had SO much fun!!! This is the layout I created with my instructions:

I used my kit Forever in Bloom which was my week 1 entry for NDIDDS...OH! I think I forgot to share my news with you all! Though I didn't place in the top contenders for NDIDDS, the ladies at Designs in Digital liked me enough to offer me a spot in their store! My grand opening will be July 1st...so watch this space for a special treat for you all!

Monday night's participation prize will come from Album's to Remember Designs! Thank you, Barb! She has graciously agreed to give this wonderful alpha to all who participate, complete and post a layout in the allotted time frame!

Isn't that terrific? What a versatile alpha, I'm sure it can be used with any number of layout themes!

I hope you'll join us tomorrow night!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Get Scrapped!

2009-06-13T09:29:00.004-04:00

Join me tonight at Faith Sisters for a Speed Scrap! Yay! I'm so excited...can't wait to see you! I'll be watching for you 9 - 11 p.m. EST (8-10 CST, 7-9 MST, 6-8 PST)

Here's the participation prize:

This alpha coordinates perfectly with my By Gone Days kit here's a preview of the full kit and and a link to my store:

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Speed Scrap TONIGHT! 9pm EST - Hope you can make it!

2009-06-09T08:16:00.003-04:00

Yay! The time has come for my first speed scrap over at Brownie Scraps! Spread the word, 9 p.m. EST TONIGHT! I can't wait to see who will be there with me, and the beautiful lo you create with my instructions!

Here is the pp you will receive when you complete the scrap:

For those of you who may never have done a speed scrap, here are the instructions, and some pointers...

Instructions:
A speed scrap is a fast way to scrap a layout. At the top of the hour one set of instructions in given, another follows every ten minutes to the end of the hour (7 total). Then another hour is given to complete the layout, and 15 minutes to upload to the gallery and post back in the forum with an image linked to the gallery.

Pointers:
The scrapper follows the instructions, but can interpret them anyway she likes!
This is supposed to be above all FUN so I don't allow stressing!

Warning:
Speed Scraps are so much fun they are highly addictive!!!

Over at Brownie Scraps, the upload rules are a bit looser than mine, and I think I've generally seen only 6 directions...but tonight we'll play my way! I'll stick around and chat with anyone that wants to for that second hour and 15 minutes, and will pm a link to the pp to anyone who has finished by 11:15 p.m. EST.

Please remember, if you don't get your lo uploaded within my time frame, Brownie Scraps always give you time to "make it up!" (That's cuz the gals over at Brownie Scraps are SO sweet!)

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Coupon Codes for NDIDDS!

2009-06-05T14:12:00.005-04:00

WOOT! I've just been given the NEW coupon code! So, if you've already used the NDIDDS_B2G1, you are in luck...the new code is for 30% off any combination of papers and elements for NDIDDS kits. Minimum purchase of $4.00 is required. Valid until Friday, June 12th. Coupon can be used 1 time at each store. That is such an awesome deal!

Click HERE or the ad to go to my Designs in Digital store.

Thank you to Day of Days Digidesigns for the ad graphic.

Today I was playing with my By Gone Days kit, and expanded my QP into a full two page spread. My original collab partner is no longer at the same store with me, but she gave me permission to fill out the kit and sell it as mine! Yay! I do so love this kit. It is now available at Faith Sisters here. The quick page freebie is there as well.

Here is the two page spread I did with this kit:

These are my paternal grandmother's parents circa 1913. I am pretty sure these were wedding or engagement photos. They immigrated to the US in 1914 on the Carpathia and settled in Detroit.

Here are the close ups...

and

Here's a preview of the full kit and one more link to the store:

Happy Friday!
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Land that I Love - Quick Page Freebie!

2009-06-04T20:14:00.006-04:00

As promised, I'm here with a freebie! I finished my element pack for NDIDDS, and it is spectacular! Full of red, white and blue; stars and stripes; hearts and patriotism. I think you are going to love it! I do. The elements are only available at Designs in Digital, and the coordinating paper pack is available this week as well...but after that they are gone! *sniff* Those chosen to be part of Designs in Digital (I'm hopeful! yay!) will have their kits go into the shoppe there...those that aren't chosen (oh, gosh) have to hold their kits until July 1st before releasing them...so the kits will be back, just not sure where yet!

Here's the element pack preview:

***download here***
special limited time only!
Don't forget about the special coupon code: NDIDDS_B2G1, valid on all NDIDDS paper/element packs from June 1 -15 only!

And now for the promised freebie:

***download here***
special limited time only!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

NDIDDS Contest Mega Kit SALE

2009-06-02T11:43:00.004-04:00

Well, we've almost come to the end of the contest. The wonderful ladies at DID will be looking at all the entries this week, and choosing the winners on June 12.
I'm a bit early with my element pack, but it was so much fun to work on and it came together SO easily, that I had to just go ahead and post it!

Designs in Digital has come up with a special sale for these wonderful mega kits:

Isn't that fabulous? I am so excited... In case you missed a previous post, this is the paper pack that I submitted last week:

***You can grab it here***

There are some other wonderful kits there to grab also...here are a few of my favorites:

Grungy Peacock is available here.

You can get In A Lifetime here.

And my friend Cara's paper pack:

Isn't that cute? Lil' Buckaroo can be found here.

My Story is available here.

I'll come back tomorrow and post my element pack preview, and a freebie for you!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Week 4 NDIDDS contest entry

2009-05-29T13:12:00.002-04:00

Week 4 has come to a close...but we're not done yet! We have a HUGE entry this week, and one next week as well. We were given almost complete freedom for our entry this time around. When we are done, it'll be a mega kit. This week it was 20 papers, next week we'll be submitting 40 elements! That equals one huge, mega kit!
I am loving my entry this week. I have been wanted to do this theme for a while now, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity, and the right time of year too!
My mega is called "Land that I Love" and is a primitive, rustic, shabby, vintage, americana kit...if that makes any sense at all! lol
Here is my paper pack preview:

This is not a freebie, sorry...but it is available at a very, special, low price. And it is available only at Designs in Digital, and only for a short time...so grab it now, while you can!
***download here***

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Speed Scrap Coming Up! Saturday, May 30th

2009-05-27T20:27:00.005-04:00

oooooops! I had the date wrong! It's really Saturday night, not Friday night! Silly me!

I'm sending you a shout out here! I'll be hosting (or hostessing) another Speed Scrap at Faith Sisters this Friday night.
We had a pretty good turn out for our first speed scrap during NDS, but I would love love love to see an even bigger turn out this time around!
I hope you can make it...Saturday night, May 30th 9-11 p.m. EST - which translates to 8-10 p.m. CST, 7-9 p.m. MST and 6-8 p.m. PST.

I'll be giving out this wonderful participation prize to all who come a finish a layout:

Just in case you have never ever done a Speed Scrap, here is how it works. At the top of the first hour, I'll give out one direction (for example, I might say choose 3 papers or pick 2 photos or something along those lines.) I give another set of directions every ten minutes until the top of the second hour, for a total of 7 directions. (Hint: the directions get easier as the scrap progresses, so don't freak out and think you can't do it! lol) You have a second hour finish all seven instructions and tweak your layout...see? no need to panic, you'll have plenty of time! Then there is about a 15 minute posting period. All layouts should be uploaded to the gallery; then just post the photo with a link back to the gallery and you "win!"

It's really, really fun! It's also very, very addicting! Once you've done one, and gotten used to the speed thing, you will be hooked!

I only have one rule: NO stressing allowed. LOL They are meant to be fun. You can interpret the directions any way you'd like, but it's important that you have fun doing it.

Can't wait to see you there!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Little Blessings - NDIDDS Freebie!

2009-05-21T16:29:00.002-04:00

Well, it's that time of the week again! If you have stumbled across this post, you are in for a treat! This week's freebie is (imo) ADORABLE!

Inspired by the embroidery on my antique pillow cases, I originally thought to do a heritage/grandmother's trunk sort of kit. However, the more I worked with the colors and elements, the more I began to see vintage baby. The colors are so lovely that boys or girls can be scrapped with them! The shabby, vintage feel means you could even scrap photos of YOU as a baby! Definitely a kit to use when you want to scrap a Little Blessing in your life!

So, go ahead on over to Designs in Digital and grab this freebie while you can! While you are there, grab all the other wonderful FREE kits too! The other ladies in the contest have created some truly wonderful and unique kits...so grab them all, but don't wait long, they are only there a week!

***download here***
(free download available may 22-28th only!)

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

B and her Daddy - Scrapped

2009-05-21T09:42:00.000-04:00

The girls showed off their newly acquired skill (digital scrapbooking - in case you missed yesterday's post) to their daddy/poppie. He was delighted at what they had done and asked specifically for dd to do one of them together. B got right to work this morning. We found this photo of them together, and found a kit (my Forever in Bloom kit)...this is what she created:

Yes, I helped a little bit...she is only 6 after all. For the most part the choices were all her's, and I only made suggestions for her. She actually was the one to suggest something to "attach" the tag...too funny, and yes, I had to do the fine detailing to get the tag to actually hang from the hook...but that's okay! She had alot of fun! My ds5 is now begging to learn! lol

One funny thing that happened during the course of this scrap session...we were getting ready for the title, and B wanted the brackets. She says "I love those bracket things!" We get that all done, and she's thinking we're just typing in her choice of words. (I really don't like the way my pse does typing...whenever I type an N it stops working properly.) All that to say, I was planning to use an alpha. Well, the Forever in Bloom kit does not have an alpha...so I headed over to my brand new kit (downloadable tomorrow.) I opened the folder that holds the alpha, and said "Oh, you can use my brand-new alpha..." to which she interrupted "is THAT glitter?! I LOVE glitter!" ROFL I think I've created a monster!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

My 6 & 7 yo's want to scrap...

2009-05-20T13:39:00.000-04:00

I think this counts as school...I really do!

I had so much fun this morning! I taught the girls how to digi-scrap! lol
It can count as computer instruction (and art and keyboarding and writing, too!)

I was doing a lo, and they wanted to "help" so I was showing them how to clip layers and shadow and such. They loved it so much they wanted to do their own lo. One at a time, I let them choose a template, then their own photos, and then I suggested a kit to go with the colors in the photos. (Well, dgd just picked the kit based on the name! lol)

They ended up with very different pages, but they are SO proud of what they have done, and are begging to do another this afternoon! I think I've got them addicted!

Here is dgd7's layout:

She used my WHATever! kit (available at FaithSisters.com - She loves bright colors!

This one is dd6's:

She chose my Rustic Friends kit because of the reds and greens in the photo.

I thought it so cute that they both chose to do photos of their sisters!

*Ü* Blessings,

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

"Hot, Hot, Hot" Summer Themed BlogTrain

2009-05-15T00:01:00.005-04:00

Ticket, please!

That's right, it's BlogTrain time again! Yep, it really is!
This time, I joined up with a bunch of girls from the Design Star contest at ScrapMatters... we decided upon a summer theme...and boy is this train HOT!

I used the same colors in my Takin' It Easy kit...so everything will match spectacularly!

Quick preview of the kit:

This is my contribution:

***sorry link expired***

Thanks for stopping by, travel to your next stop by following one of these links:

http://www.carolzeitz.blogspot.com
http://www.chocolatekidsmommy.blogspot.com
http://www.mhkscraps.blogspot.com
http://www.notes4theheart.blogspot.com
http://www.greenboxcreations.blogspot.com
http://www.designsbyhillary.blogspot.com
http://www.kparkerdesign.com
http://www.geniabeanascraps.blogspot.com
http://www.tikimamadesigns.blogspot.com
http://www.digitaldesignsbylisa.blogspot.com
http://www.digirobyn.blogspot.com
http://www.wolfffpack6.blogspot.com
http://www.merchimakesit.blogspot.com <--- YOU are HERE
http://www.judet95.blogspot.com

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Tea for Two, Two for Tea - Me for You, You for Me!

2009-05-13T15:40:00.003-04:00

Since I started working on this kit, I've had that song running through my head!
This is week 3 at NDIDDS, and this week we were given a theme (girlfriends) but told to make up our own color palette. Hmmm...I sometimes wonder which is easier, having the theme and making up the colors or having the colors and making up a theme!

Anywhoooo...I've done this little girl teaparty/shabby chic kind of kit, and I really like how it came out! I think I surprised myself! It took me a couple days to wrap my brain around the whole idea, and to get my doodles going...then the kit came together, but it wasn't as cohesive as I wanted it to be. So I had to go back, remove some elements and add some more in...I think it was well worth the extra effort! What do you think?

I have to tell you the story behind my choice of themes:
My daughter was first invited to a girls-only tea at the age of three. A homeschooling Navy family had just transferred to Maine from Hawaii, and they started attending my church, and lived just up the street. Their little girl Delaney was my dd's age, and they became fast friends. They have since moved away, but we now love tea parties.

We have hosted several girls-only teas as well as teddy bear teas which have included *gasp* boys (and teddy bears)!

The kit will be available for free download beginning May 15.

You can grab it here, but first here's a preview:

Don't forget to visit Designs in Digital on May 15th to download!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Forever in Bloom - free mini kit

2009-05-08T08:48:00.004-04:00

OMGosh! I can't believe I didn't have this up and ready yesterday! This week just got away from me! lol I have been busy, busy, busy!

This week at NDIDDS, we were given two color swatches to choose from...I chose the bright colors, and I love this kit I've created for you!

The two word art quotes are about daughters...our daughters are the most beautiful thing in the world to us, more beautiful than the rarest flower! They are indeed, forever in bloom!

Those quotes, and my own three daughters, inspired me to make this kit. Full of little blooms - with the look of felt, clay and chipboard, I'm sure you'll love it!

Here's the preview:

***sorry link expired***

You can view all the kits in the NDIDDS gallery at Designs in Digital each week there are new downloads available.

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

NEW kit ~ New Challenge

2009-05-04T22:54:00.002-04:00

One of the wonderful things they do at Faith Sisters, is a challenge called "Creative Healing". It is meant to be a way to heal our many sorrows through crafting, in this case scrapbooking. Karla heads up this challenge each month, and as a designer, I had the opportunity to create a kit around her challenge.

Her challenge will be posted tomorrow, and so I'll only share a bit about it tonight...
She says..."I feel led to pick this month to remember those we have lost and to find the joy and comfort that God promises us.

Jeremiah 31:13 NIV
Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow."

She also quotes Isaiah 61, Psalm 119:76, Isaiah 49:13, Jeremiah 8:18, Matthew 5:4, and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; which all talk of the Lord's comfort.

The kit I created in called "Treasured Memories" and focuses on the memories we can treasure...here's a preview:

It's available in the Faith Sisters shop.

When I get a chance, I'll upload a freebie here for you...but while you're waiting for that, check out what the fantastic Creative Team at Faith Sisters did for me:

This one is by Melanie...

And this one is by Chris...

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Need a Desktop? Here Ya Go!

2009-05-03T21:24:00.009-04:00

I decided to participate in a different challenge at Designs in Digital...rather than just the NDIDDS, I wanted to join in on the typical challenges, and "Roll your Desktop" caught my eye! CatLady Designs provided the template, which made it easy-peasy!

I redid my desktop, and decided someone out there may like a new desktop as well...and maybe, just maybe, you don't want to create one? I've got one for you, I apologize that it is one size only (1280x1024).

First, thought, I thought maybe you'd want to see the desktop in action...here are my little ones:

I used one of my newest kits for this...one I did with Trudie (Scrapbrat Designs) for the very last Inspiration Lane Desire 2 Inspire challenge. The By-Gone Days kit, is available only at Inspiration Lane...go check it out! Here is the kit preview:

Just in case you want to grab the kit...lol (I'm including a link)

Here is the preview of the desktop:

***you can download it here free***

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Ready to get SCRAPPED? It's Speed Scrap Night!

2009-05-02T15:32:00.005-04:00

A special Speed Scrap in honor of iNSD...please join me in the Faith Sisters forum for a fun couple hours! Seven directions, two hours and one totally fabulous layout!

Can't wait to see you there...I'll be looking for YOU!

Gosh! It might be helpful if I included the times, eh? Okay then...it's 9pm my time (EST) and 8, 7 and 6pm CST, MST, PST respectively.

If you've never done a speed scrap, this is how it works. At the beginning of the scrap, I will give one instruction...then every ten minutes for the first hour I will continue to do so. At the top of the second hour I will give the last instruction, and you will then have another hour to complete the layout. There is a special gallery at Faith Sisters for all of the Saturday challenges, so you'll just upload to that gallery and post your photo and a link to the gallery in the forum. Then we spend a few minutes leaving each other some LOVE! It's all good! It's really a very addicting activity! I LOVE speed scraps! I hope you'll join me.

OH! And if you do join me - I might just be giving away some freebies!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Mother's Day Blog Train FREEBIE

2009-05-01T00:00:00.008-04:00

Before I say anything about the blog train, I have to put a reminder out there for the Speed Scrap I'm hosting tomorrow night at Faith Sisters! (9pm EST) Come spend time with me! I'd love to meet you and hang out for an hour or two! Okay...on to the train...

Those half-baked girls have been at it again! This time we decided to focus on mom. We chose some wonderful browns and pinks for you to scrap those favorite memories of mom with. Be sure to stop at every stop so you can get the full mega kit! But, don't worry, if you miss a stop...it will be for sale at Brownie Scraps in a month or so, and all proceeds will benefit breast cancer research.

Here's my portion:

***sorry, link expired***

And, this is the list of train stations:
Flutterbyefaery Designs
Designs by Ramona
Wyld Web Designs
Remember ME Digitals (also hosting Marni Designs, so be sure to get both samplers!)
MrsJayBob Designs
JayaPrem's Hangout
Tinkay Designs
Scraps by Helen
MERCHi Makes It! < --- YOU ARE HERE
GET Designs
Elise's Pieces
Mad Genius Designs
InspiredbyDominic Designs

While I've got you here...don't forget to grab my "Grandma's Angels" mini FREEBIE at Designs in Digital. The preview for that is in the post below.

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

NDIDDS - Grammy's Angel Mini

2009-04-30T00:01:00.005-04:00

Hello Friends!
Boy it seems like I've been posting like crazy lately! Nearly everyday this week I think! Wowza!

Today I wanted to tell you about another contest I've entered...yep, it's official, I'm a contest groupie - LOL!

This one is over at Designs in Digital and it's called NDIDDS (Next Designs in Digital Design Star).

Okay, so the point of this post is that this week we had a warm up challenge, and I made a mini kit just for grandmothers. Are you a grandmother? Do you have grandma photos to scrap? Then you need this mini... I will be making it into a full kit, and will have all kinds of terms for grandmother...so please leave me a note and tell me what term you want in this kit (ie. Nana, Grammy, Oma, Mimi etc.) Here's a preview of the mini:

***sorry link expired***

You can view all the kits in the NDIDDS gallery at Designs in Digital each week there are new downloads available.

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

$300 in Prizes!

2009-04-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

And, yours truly is hosting a Speed Scrap (my very first!) on Saturday evening! This will be part of the fun hoo-rah at Faith Sisters, and will earn you points towards tht $100 grand prize!

I hope you'll join me...here's the skinny...

Saturday evening, 9-11 pm EST, 8-10 CST, 7-9 MST or 6-8 PST.

For the first hour, I will give directions for you to follow. One instruction every 10 minutes. Then, at the top of the second hour, you are on your own to complete your layout. Finally, you'll have a short bit of time to upload to a gallery specific to this challenge! It will be so much fun!

If you have never done a speed scrap before, you have to join me! We'll have a blast!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

"It's for the Birds" Blog Train freebie

2009-04-27T00:01:00.003-04:00

Remember in that earlier post, when I said I had three blog trains coming up? Well, here is the first one...this is a Faith Sisters blog train. This is actually the May Collab, which will be in the store as a free with purchase option the whole month of May...BUT you can get it free by traveling the train to each blog and picking it up piece by fabulous piece!

Here's my part of the collab:

***sorry link expired***

I really enjoyed working with these colors, and I SO had fun with this great paper...you are gonna love it to! And, the wonderful thing about a blog train is that all the pieces work together and make one mega kit when you get them all! I hope you enjoy this one!

And since you've all been so good, I've got one more goody to show you:

Wow! Isn't that amazing! You certainly won't want to miss it...back to our regularly scheduled programming...lol

Here is a list of the stations on this train (stand back - this is HUGE!):

4 Shades of Blue
Adriana Hollenbeck
AEDesigns
Albums to Remember
AnaFlor
Audra's Little Scraps
Camie Designs
Chelly Scraps
Claudi Designs
Cre8tvlyYrs by Gina
Dielle Designs
Digiscrapalicious
Designs By Angel
Digital Compilations by Cinda
Digital Designs by Lisa
Dragonfly Beach Designs
Eva Lindqvist Designs
Eyelets Scraps Designs
Glayce Cavalcante
Julie Marie Designs
JZDesigns
Kreative Karma
Lifesong Kreations
MERCHi Makes It! <--- YOU ARE HERE
Meredith Cardall
Michelle Batton
Monique Drost
Robin
Sarah Morgan Designs
Scrap Quest
ScrapWarrior
Simply Susan
Sweet Tomato Designs
TMA Designs
Willro & co

LAST STOP! Faith Sisters

Blessings, *Ü* Karen Why not visit my store front?

Wish 4 It - go ahead, make a wish!

2009-04-26T21:43:00.003-04:00

Wish 4 It is usually "Wish 4 It Wednesday" at Inspiration Lane. However, with National Scrapbooking Day right around the corner, IL is celebrating all week long! SO...Wish 4 It is everyday this week!

If you were paying attention to the ad above, you might have noticed that my day for Wish 4 It is Monday...yes! How cool is that? Come on over to my new store and make a wish! Which kit are you hoping to get your hands on FREE?

Post your wish in the IL forum, and maybe, just maybe the tooth fairy (oops! wrong story, I meant to say...) maybe, just maybe your fairy godmother...okay, okay! maybe just maybe I'll grant your wish! lol

First, though, you have to visit my new store! There are lots of goodies in there for you!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen

By Gone Days - It's a new collab! & FREEBIE

2009-04-25T10:05:00.002-04:00

Isn't it gorgeous? Trudie of Scrapbrat Designs and I worked on it together, and we had so much fun! It's for my debut at my NEW store. Yes! You heard it right, my NEW store - Inspiration Lane.

The soft wedgewood blue and antique rose colors are so wonderful for heritage layout as well as everyday scrapping! The unique elements are a great addition, and will really make your layout stand out! And just for reading this post all the way to the end, I have a freebie for you! Yessiree...a QP done with this kit...

***download here***

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

NEW Teen kit

2009-04-23T20:01:00.003-04:00

I released a new kit earlier this week! It's perfect for your teens and tweens!

It's called WHATever!

And is available at FaithSisters!

The name for this kit is based on Philippians 4:8 "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things."

This fun kit, geared towards teens/tweens, includes word art of the above scripture verse, 29 cool "magnetic" word tiles of teen sayings that you can also use to "write" phrases such as "daughter of the King of kings" and "It's a God thing" as well as "you rock" and "princess".
Two photomasks are also included but not shown in the preview.

Frames, ribbons, buttons, brads, staples, glitter shapes and stitched shapes in colors every girl loves!

The Faith Sisters Creative Team has made some wonderful layouts with this kit...take a look at these:

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

BUY 1 - get one free

2009-04-17T18:34:00.004-04:00

Super-duper savings! This weekend only! It's part of Been There Scrapped That's Birthday Bash! Special sales all month long...but this weekend is FWP (free with purchase). Four of my kits have add-on packs...buy any kit and get its add-on FREE!

You can choose from Ella-Boozle, an adorable springy kit with flowers, hearts and colors suitable for boys and girls with a cute wooden alpha...

- OR -

Grow Old with Me, a heritage kit in a somewhat masculine vein, tempered with a lovely floral and fantastic antique frame...

- OR -

Season of Singing, a kit with girl and boy colors, country checks, adorable spring birdies and fun flowers...

- OR -

Rustic Friends, the kit used for this blog...wonderful rustic elements, deep rich colors, plaids, stripes and primitive elements - one of my personal favorites!

Which one will you choose?

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Joy Comes in the Morning! - QP Freebie!

2009-04-17T12:55:00.005-04:00

You know I did this kit for the design challenge at Faith Sisters, and everyone loved it. Now it's for sale at Faith Sisters, and I'm not sure I'll offer it elsewhere...but since it's there, I scrapped my dgd with it, and the pages came out so cute! She had a photo shoot at the studio, where they loved the photos so much they decided to submit her in their photo contest...wowza! I guess the photo is doing very well, and the photographer wants to keep it in her portfolio! She really is adorable...don't you think?

Here's the double page I did:

I turned the right side into a QP for you! I had so much fun making this kit, it's full of unique elements - I try to combine several things to make each element truly unique, not just in this kit, but in all my kits. JOY Comes in the Morning is a great kit to scrap Easter photos, baby photos, baby shower, spring, little girl, etc. Remember, it's only available at Faith Sisters! (And I'll tell you a little secret...I've lowered prices on all my kits AND put them on sale 35% off at Faith Sisters!)

Okay, my faithful reader...you've made it this far, here's the QP I promised you:
***download here***
(available for a short time only!)

Why? Why is it available for only a short time? Well, my friends, that is because I have not one, not two but THREE blog train freebies coming up in the next few weeks! Yep, three! Holy-canoli! I've been busy, and you are going to LOVE these free mini kits - coming soon!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Takin' it Easy QP

2009-04-10T13:58:00.004-04:00

Just like I promised, I'm back with a freebie for you! I'm really hoping you love my Takin' It Easy kit so much that you just can't wait to scrap some camping memories! Well, to keep you happy until you can get to the store...I made a Takin' It Easy quick page for you to downnload!

Here's the preview:

click the image ***or here*** to download the QP! Enjoy!

Don't forget, you can get Takin' It Easy at Been There Scrapped That or Faith Sisters - on sale now, at both shops!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

NEW Kit - Takin' It Easy for RV-ers!

2009-04-09T19:17:00.004-04:00

Yes, it's new. Yes, it's called Takin' It Easy. Yes, it's on sale now!

You are just gonna love this kit! Each summer we take out our RV, and toodle around to the different campgrounds. Last year we even went south to Colonial Williamsburg for a week...that was amazing!

While there are several camping kits out there, I had a hard time finding one that had anything to do with an RV. SO...I decided to make one! I love it, and I think you will too...it's full of the typical camping gear, but has some RV elements in it as well...want to see the preview?

Here it is:

I named it Takin' it Easy, because that is what we do when we are on vacation...and taking the RV is literally camping done the easy way!

It's in my Been There Scrapped That Shoppe - and, hey! It's their birthday, so everything is 25% off in my shoppe...including Takin' It Easy.

I'm looking forward to seeing some of you lo's! Don't forget to leave me a comment...if I feature your lo on my blog, you get a special gift!

Speaking of gifts...stay tuned, I'll have a Takin' It Easy QP for you this weekend!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

NEW Store Grand Opening!

2009-04-03T10:20:00.003-04:00

Remember the Faith Sisters design challenge I mentioned a couple weeks back? Well, I made it! I won a spot in their store! This is really just so amazing...I didn't think it would happen...but God is good! Remember the mini kit I did for the challenge? JOY Comes in the Morning it was called...SO I've expanded it to a full kit, and now it's in my Faith Sisters store...and it's on sale!

Here's a preview:

Did I mention it's on sale? Yep! 35% off ALL month long!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Come see me in my new store!

Blog Train - FREEBIE - by the Half-Baked Girls

2009-03-31T14:19:00.012-04:00

Remember the challenges I was doing over at Brownie Scraps? Well, that's all done, but we all became such good friends, we didn't want to see it end. We decided to have our own blog train instead! How fun is this going to be???

Okay, and remember it's also to help celebrate my Grand Opening over at Been There Scrapped That...right? So don't forget to drop in and snag one of my kits at a special price! I so excited to start seeing your layouts with my designs!

Well, you remember the preview I put up Monday night? Yes, well, I said our theme was a summer one...Ice Cream Shoppe. I certainly think you'll enjoy all the wonderful offerings we have for you!

Only one more thing to remember...the blog train doesn't officially start until tomorrow - Arpil 1st...so not all the links below the preview will have the blog train freebie yet...it starts tomorrow - April 1st...I'm just putting this out there a bit early.

Here's my portion at this stop on the train:

***link expired***
(update 4/9/09 - The kits from the blog train will be combined into one huge MEGA collab kit, and sold to raise money for a charitable cause. The details are still being worked out...but stay tuned, more info will follow soon!)

In case you missed a stop along the way, or you got on somewhere in the middle...here's a list of the stations:

Scrapper Girl Designs
Jaya-Prem's Hangout
MERCHi makes it! <-------- YOU ARE HERE!
Groovy Granny's Place
Sava Scraps
Mad Genius Designs
Flutterbye Faery
Brownie Scraps
Inspired by Dominic Designs
Mommy Time Plus
Girlfriend Designz
Elise's Pieces
Tinkay2
Jewel Scraps
Get Designs
Mrs. JayBob

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Birthday Bash & Blog Train

2009-03-30T22:46:00.003-04:00

Wow! BIG birthday sal-e-bration going on at Been There Scrapped That! Starts Wednesday, don't miss it! And in honor of the big celebration, and my Grand Opening there...I'm doing a blog train...we picked a yummy color palette, and summer theme...can you guess it? Ice Cream Shoppe! The samplers all look fantastic, and if you visit each stop on the train you will have one fantastic mega kit!

Here's a preview of my freebie:

I know...I'm teasing you...but it's not available until the train starts...only one more day!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

Grand Opening SALE!!!

2009-03-28T09:14:00.002-04:00

Happy Saturday morning to you!
I'm all moved into my new store, and I'm having a grand opening sale! Yipee! Been There Scrapped That is celebrating a birthday, and will be having sales, specials, giveaways, etc the entire month of April.

For the very first week, I have put my entire store on sale 29% off or more! And as a bonus, when you buy a kit that also has an add-on...the add-on is FREE! How cool is that?

I'll be celebrating right along with Been There Scrapped That, so be sure to drop in here often for more details!

I just realized I had the wrong date on my giveaway in the previous post...I meant to say Saturday the 28th...so YOU have all day today to leave me a comment and enter for a chance to will the spectacular collab kit by Sweet Tomato Designs and myself!

I'm so happy you stopped by...I'm planning some wonderful giveaways in the near future...stay tuned!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen
Why not visit my store front?

What a week! (Giveaway to celebrate!)

2009-03-22T13:03:00.006-04:00

Oh my! I feel like a challenge groupie! I've been involved in so many lately. This was the last week for the Brownie Scraps CT challenge. I expect to hear something tomorrow. Last week we finished the the Brownie Scraps Guest Designer challenge, and decisions regarding that should be announced anytime...all of us are on pins and needles waiting, I think!
I'm half way through the Inspiration Lane Desire 2 Inspire contest. Each week there are eliminations. The deadline for week 3 was last night, and tomorrow she'll announce who is moving on to week 4. More waiting, more nail biting! lol
Then there is the Faith Sister designer call. Have I mentioned that one? Maybe not...It's for a spot as one of their designers. I was to supply a mini kit, the deadline is tonight. Judging and voting begins tomorrow and goes all week.
Here is my mini kit:

You can view and vote on it here. Remember, though, voting starts tomorrow. I think you probably have to register to be able to vote. And if you've read this far...thank you...and you can have the mini kit free by going to Faith Sisters and downloading it at the link just above. My plan is to package it up with the week 3 Inspiration Lane element pack challenge for a full kit...so if you don't want a mini, you won't have to wait long for a big one.

Lastly, I have WONDERFUL news! I applied to sell at Been There Scrapped That, and was accepted! Yay, me! My new friend Cara of Sweet Tomato Cafe will be there with me, and we are both so thrilled to have been accepted together! Yay, us!

I think, to help us celebrate, we'll have to give something away! YES, that's it! Leave me a comment, and you'll be entered into a random drawing to win the collab kit Cara and I did together called "At the Seaside". I posted a preview of it in an earlier post, but in case you missed it...here it is again.

Remember, all you have to do to win this is leave me a comment! LOL can't wait to hear what you think! (oh...and other news...watch for a blogtrain coming through this station soon!) Ummm...fine print, drawing will be held on Friday, March 28...and announced then...be sure to leave contact information, so I can send you your free kit!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen

I've had a Face Lift!

2009-03-18T10:43:00.003-04:00

Well...not me literally, but as you can see...I did here. I used my Rustic Friends kit to update my blog. Yep, changed my name, too! As much as I liked the term Button Babies, it would have made it hard for folks to find me...so Button Babies will continue to be the name of the little stick people I make...but my design name and hence my blog name have changed.

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen

How Cool is This? - ME in the spotlight!

2009-03-15T14:10:00.002-04:00

I know, I know...quiet for a week and then I have a TON to say! lol

I've been spotlighted! Yes, over at ScrapMatters, they do a Sunday Spotlight each week. Well, Christine/InHisGrip decided to spotlight ME! How very flattering!

If you care to read the interview... here is the ScrapMatters blog...I'm just a bit down the page.

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen

New Collab Kit - At the Seaside

2009-03-15T12:58:00.004-04:00

The Brownie Scraps challenges are wrapping up, and I'm sad to see it end...so, I've join in another set of challenges (yep, I'm contest crazy! lol) This one is over at Inspiration Lane. Some of my Brownie Gals are there...does that make us contest groupies?!

I was late joining in at Inspiration Lane, but I did manage to get a kit together for week 1. Week 2's challenge was a collab. I was paired up with Sweet Tomato Designs. Cara and I worked hard to bring you this lovey kit:

It's full of warm, summer, beachy feeling elements! I loved working on the kit, and I loved working with and getting to know Cara. It's the first collab I have ever done, and it really was so much fun! It was wonderful to have someone to bounce ideas off, and get good honest feedback from! Cara and I are very pleased with how our kit came together. One test of how well a kit is made, is whether or not the designer is excited to scrap with it...well, I was SO excited, I couldn't wait until we were even done putting it all together!!!

Here are some lo's I did with this kit...first the full 2 page spread:

the left side:

the right:

I just love how they came out, I love the kit...I'm sure you will too!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen

Very Victorian

2009-03-15T12:43:00.004-04:00

Oh! If you like victorian, girlie, pink things...you will love, love, love my new kit!
It is just stunning, and I loved creating it and creating lo's with it!

Here is the preview:

Don't you just love it? It's a huge kit...the preview doesn't show it all. It's perfect for baby shower lo's, wedding or wedding shower lo's, little girl lo's, heritage or genealogy lo's! It's really quite versatile!

Not shown in the preview, but included in the kit, is a single oval gold frame, a pink heart shaped doily and wide width wedding lace! Full of special details, such as the tatting edged hanky, the vellum journaling paper, cabbage roses and the linen textured papers - this kit is sure to please!

For purchase here!

I can't wait to see a lo you create with this kit!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen

2009-03-08T18:01:00.003-04:00

Hello Everybody!
I'm SO excited...I have to share my news!!

As you know, about a month or so ago I started playing around designing my own kits...and two weeks ago I had an online store accept my work! *big grin*

So, I want to invite you all to be the first to see my new store front.

I couldn't help but share my news, and I hope you are just as excited as I am! Yipee!

All the kits you might have missed...they are all there! Go grab them! (And if you buy one then come back here leave a comment with a link to a lo you have created with the kit you purchased, I'll send you an email for 50% OFF a second purchase - that's right, not just one kit - but you're entire purchase! (I just have to clarify - this pertains to my product only) Woo-hoo!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen

Tweetie-Pie Layout with my NEW kit!

2009-03-04T08:28:00.002-05:00

I found the perfect photos for this kit! My adorable gd was wearing this pretty green jumper, and I just had to scrap it...here's my "Tweetie-Pie"

I hope that gives you a bit of inspiration! I'd love to see your lo's with this or any of my kits...just drop me a line!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen

It's the Season of Singing - FREE kit

2009-03-03T13:43:00.005-05:00

Yes, I've been at it again...I've got another wonderful kit for you this week...It's full of spring colors, flowers and cute little birds...but it isn't pink or yellow! Nope...this kit is so versatile...it can be used for boys or girls...take a peek:

What do you think? Isn't is so spring like? If you like it...grab it here! There is an add-on kit for purchase there as well!

Looking for one of my other kits? Well, they aren't free anymore, sorry. However, you will be able to get them soon...That's right, I'm opening at a store this week! Watch for more information regarding that very cool opportunity! And thank you all for your encouragement and support!

Blessings,
*Ü*
Karen

Kairyn Lisa Designs *Ü* Scrapping Art for You!

WIN Chelle's Creations Latest Kit!

Sahlin Studios Giveaway!

Justify Your Text - How To...

ScrapMatters Blog Train...

A Speed Scrap is coming...

SMG Call!

Plum Dumping Designs Throwback Thursday!

Spring Cleaning

Take a Look!

Time for a Freebie!

Plum Dumping Designs is having a CT Call!

Lots of New Things to be Thankful For!

May Flowers Part 2

May Flowers

Happy Dance Today!

Journal Jumpstart

Chelle's Have a Guest CT Call!

New Stuff from Plum Dumpling!

Desktop Freebie for February!

A Sweet Flashback!

Something New!

Celebrate a Flashback

Happy New Year! (and another desktop freebie!)

Happy New Year! (and a freebie)

Chelle's Having a Christmas Sale!

How DO I Do Those Double Pages...

It's been way too long!

Good News!

It's Fall! (and a freebie, too!)

Shabby Shoppe Challenge

Freebie Alert!

New Team and a New Look

Chelle's Birthday Blog Train!

Ready for Some FUN?

FORE! Happy Birthday, Chelle!

WOW! Super Fan Saturday

Chelle's Creations is having a CT call!

A Guessing Game (and a chance to win BIG!)

These are a few of my favorite things...

Do It Yourself

Woot! for Me!

Fun! Fun! Fun!

Knights of the Realm

On The Trail...

I'm Back!

News & and SS announcement

Join Me Tonight @ DID

Speed Scrap TONIGHT @ DID

Get Scrapped! Tonight at Faith Sisters

Guess and Win!

Speed Scrap Tonight @ DID

Get Scrapped!

GRAND OPENING SALE! 50% OFF

OMGosh! I am SO excited!

Speed Scrap Friday, July 3!

July Speed Scrap Schedule at Faith Sisters

Speed Scrap Coming Up! Saturday, June 27th

Summer Sale! BIG Savings!

I'm on Facebook

Let's GET Scrapped!

Speed Scrap Coming Up! Monday, June 15th

Get Scrapped!

Speed Scrap TONIGHT! 9pm EST - Hope you can make it!

Coupon Codes for NDIDDS!

Land that I Love - Quick Page Freebie!

NDIDDS Contest Mega Kit SALE

Week 4 NDIDDS contest entry

Speed Scrap Coming Up! Saturday, May 30th

Little Blessings - NDIDDS Freebie!

B and her Daddy - Scrapped

My 6 & 7 yo's want to scrap...

"Hot, Hot, Hot" Summer Themed BlogTrain

Tea for Two, Two for Tea - Me for You, You for Me!

Forever in Bloom - free mini kit

NEW kit ~ New Challenge

Need a Desktop? Here Ya Go!

Ready to get SCRAPPED? It's Speed Scrap Night!

Mother's Day Blog Train FREEBIE

NDIDDS - Grammy's Angel Mini

Kairyn Lisa Designs Ü Scrapping Art for You!

NEW Teen kit

NEW Kit - Takin' It Easy for RV-ers!