Melissa's Digi Point of View Friday

Okay, I have this week's Digi from my point of view. This means that you get to read about all the happenings at the places that I hang out in the land of digi scrapping. Lucky you!!

First off, and I know that I am not the only one, but I am seriously going through an SSD (Sweet Shoppe Designs) withdrawal!! The store has been down all week and the whole site is down for a couple of days while they update the cart and give the site a whole new look. I am really excited to see it, I'm sure it will be fabulous!! They also have told us that they have a bunch of new goodies that will be available when the site is back up. EEEEE!!!! (That is my excited scream.) Be sure to check the store out on Saturday when it opens back up with a whole new look and lots of new goodies!! http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/

Have you ever seen a really great layout with an extraction and wish that you could do that? I know I have! Well, now you can learn. Check out http://tracireed.com/teamblog/?p=657 for a blog post on this very thing.

For all those fontaholics out there, be sure to check out all of the new FREE fonts by Kevin & Amanda at http://kevinandamanda.com/fonts/fontsforpeas/. These were all just added on Nov. 12th!

Are you one that loves challenges to get you to think outside of the box when creating your layouts? Well, there are several of them out there and many of them offer some great prizes. Here are a couple of cool ones that I found:
http://www.shabbypickledesigns.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=50
http://thedigidares.com/
http://sweetgenevievedesigns.com/sweet_talk/
http://scrapmatters.com/forums/showthread.php?t=975
http://www.digitalcandy.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=7

One can never have too many alphas, right? I recently discovered Krystal Hartley's blog. She has a really cool Red Button Alpha for free at http://krystalhartley.blogspot.com/2008/11/feelin-frosty-and-freebie.html and a whole bunch of other stuff, including lots more alphas, available at http://krystalhartley.blogspot.com/2007/01/free-downloads.html. Go check them out and make sure that if you download them, to leave her a big thank you in the comments!!

One last thing, maybe you've heard about this already but just incase - Snapfish is offering a free standard 20-page 8" x 11" custom cover photo book. You'll have to hurry though, Coupon dispersal ends today at 11:59pm PST and must be redeemed by Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 11:59pm PST. Redeem your coupon at http://www.snapfish.com/freebook2008.

Well, I have a very impatient child that is screaming for my attention, so I will wrap this up. Remember to check back daily to see our featured layouts and come back again next Friday for another round of Digi from our point of view.

~Melissa~

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Hey everyone, Valeri here! I'm jumping in on the end of Melissa's post today to bring you the last Quick page download for the week! Don't forget you've got till November 25th to use the coupon to Stacey's store!

This Quick page was scrapped using Stacey's Christmas Classic Kit.

Download it here

I hope you have enjoyed our first week Spotlighting a designer!! I really enjoyed bringing Stacey's Designs to your attention, and hope that you all keep checking her stuff out in the future! We will have more Spotlights coming your way, so stay tuned!!

Have a great Weekend everyone.. Live, Love, Laugh... and scrap often!!

~Valeri~

Melissa's Pick's (11-13-08)

Can you believe it is Thursday already? It seems like this week is just flyin' by - at least to me it does. Maybe it's because I have a fairly busy life with work, kids, and trying to fit in a little me time with scrapping or reading. There just don't seem to be enought hours in the day.

Okay, on with today's featured layouts. First, from Mr. Linky is a layout by side-by-side:

So Happy Together
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=473772&ppuser=3803



I love the colors in this layout, it almost has a patriotic feel to it with the reds, whites, and blues. I love how she has added in just a hint of the worn look with the frame. And the photo is just adorable!!! Be sure to visit her page at DST and leave her some well deserved love!!


Next is a layout from DST by amystoffel:

Winter Softball
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=476045&limit=recent



How ironic, I just noticed that the colors in this layout match the first one with just a softer feel. I must be in a patriotic mood today that these colors are standing out to me.

Anyway, I love the soft look to this page and all the detail that she has added in the layering and that light stitching on the outside adding just the right touch. Great job Amy!! Don't forget to leave her some lovin' on this gorgeous layout!!

And I am going above and beyond today to add a third layout. I just finished reading the book Twilight so I have that on the brain right now. I couldn't put the book down, staying up way too late at night to squeeze in just another chapter. My husband thinks I'm crazy!

Here is an exquisite layout by mrshobbes:

Twilight Moment #1
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=472827



I love everything about this layout - it had to be added to my favs as soon as I saw it. The rustic, warm colors, the use of the same photo 3 times, the fabulous job of clustering and layering and the journaling that contains a quote from the book. It makes me want to read the book all over again! However, I won't since I am moving on to the next in the series, "New Moon."

Well, that's it for me today. I am off to leave some genuine lovin' for those great layouts in Mr. Linky, hope you'll join me!!

Oh - one last thing - someone asked in one of the comments what it meant in Mr. Linky if there is a username and then a username in parenthesis, ie. melmos75 (for mrshobbes). This is just someone posting a link to a layout of a fellow scrapper. The first being their name/username and the one in parenthesis being the name/username of the creator of the layout. Just spreadin' the love, baby!!

~Melissa~

Wednesday's Features with ValeriGail - 11/12/08

Hi everyone! I hope you all are having a great week! We've hit the middle and its only downhill from here to the weekend!! I, for one, am happy about that! LOL

So I was looking back through Mister Linky and came across this layout again, from ErinShannon designs, and just had to Feature it today.

Victoria & DaddyI just absolutely love that he is letting her brush his hair, and that a picture was taken of this special moment!! There is nothing like Daddy time for a little girl! I don't know how many times I've seen this same exact moment played out in my home, but I never get tired of it. The bonding is just beyond precious. I love how this is scrapped. The background is perfect in its simplicity.. letting the pictures really stand out and tell the story. Love the word art as well, with the little bling.. great touch. This is just absolutely a beautifully scrapped memory. Please, everyone.. stop by ErinShannon Designs' Page and leave her some love for this precious layout!

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Next up is a Layout I found last night in the Gallery at DST. When I saw this, it just totally jumped out of the computer screen at me and yelled "Click me!!! Check me out!!!" LOL And boy was I ever happy I did!

tsjones
Thankful


Isn't this just Gorgeous!?!?!?! I love the completeness of this.. the business, the life, the happiness it conveys. It is just totally wonderful. I love that everywhere on the layout you look, there is journaling that makes you stop and think "Ya! I'm thankful for that too... and that... and that.. and that!" Its such a personal layout, yet I think almost all of us can relate to each thing listed on here in some way. And its a good reminder that there are tons of things in our lives to be thankful for, if we chose to think of them. So, today... and hopefully tomorrow and the next day and so on... I'm gonna chose to think of all those things and remember to be thankful. And I'm going to Thank tsjones for reminding me to do that with her layout. Thank you, tsjones!

Please stop by her page and give her some love for this great layout, and think of all the things you have today to be thankful for! I'd list mine here, but I think my post would get way too big! LOL But I will say, I am thankful for this Blog and all the participation we've had. Thank you, everyone!!

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On Sunday, We started a new feature to the blog called "Spotlight Sunday". If you missed that post, go check it out!! When ever we can, we will spotlight a designer for a week and offer up some goodies for all of you. This week, we are spotlighting Stacey Crossley. She was really nice to give us a coupon for all our blog visitors.. so be sure to hop down to the Sunday post and snag that, if you haven't already. There is also a free quick page download there. I've got another one for you today, and I hope you all like it. I used Stacey's Landscapes Fall kit to scrap this quick page for you all.

Download it here

Be sure to check back on Friday for another Free Quickpage from Stacey's Classic Christmas kit... and its totally adorable, if I do say so myself. So don't miss out!!

Here is an overview of what She has to offer... And don't forget the coupon code to her store at K-joi Studios!

Stacey Crossley
Angel Aunt

And with This beautiful Layout of Stacey's Late Sister, I will close this post. Until next time... Live, Love, Laugh.... And Scrap often!

~Valeri~

11/11 Tuesday Afternoons with Christy

Happy Tuesday all my wonderful praisers!! I have to say that I get really excited now to read the comments left on my pages. I also enjoy reading what you guys are leaving on the layouts in Mr. Linky too. You guys are awesome!! No wonder we're all scrapbookers. ;)

Today is Veteran's Day and so my goal today is to feature a LO that honors a veteran. I think this one fits the bill perfectly:

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=469257
Please leave charliesnana some love for this awesome page.

Next up is a page I found buried at DST. I have a new favorite -- she has some amazing pages that just get overlooked. My favorite button is going to get a workout.

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=474255
Please leave Susan some love and be sure to check out her other pages too:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showgallery.php?ppuser=509

Well that is it for me. I hope you have a great week. I'm actually going to be gone for the rest of the week. My grandma passed away suddenly this weekend. I did a page for her called GRATEFUL -- it's linked up in Mr. Linky. I am going to be flying home to attend her funeral. She was an amazing woman and will surely be missed by many who knew and loved her. So please, always remember to tell those you care for how much they truly mean to you.

Featured Layout 11/10/2008

Hi, Lori here. Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who participated last week and congrats to Jackie (ace's wild) as the winner of our giftcard to We Are Storytellers. On to this week. Valeri did an awesome spotlight on Stacey Crossley and her designs. Check out yesterdays blog post for the information, a free quickpage and a coupon code to get yourself a little something at KJOI Studios.

On to today's layout. Mr. Linky kept himself busy this weekend. I still have praise to catch up on so be looking out.

Here is shawtyp's

Baby's First Christmas

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=473002

Isn't this beautiful? Love the poem included on the side and the subtle way it is displayed on the page. Her element choices are very realistic and pop off the page just right. The best part for me is that she took these pics and put together such a wonderful keepsake for herself and her baby. Many people have professional pics taken to have one of these. She did a much better version than any store could offer. Thanks for sharing! Oh just saw this is a RAK. Even better. U rock!

Lets see the random layout is........

Aneta's

-love-

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=473536&cat=all&limit=last7

This layout just screams but me in a frame and look at me. I love the elegant design she paired with this priceless photo. She truly captured the spirit of her daughter's beauty and her design simply enhances the emotion she feels towards her. Fantastic! so lets leave her some love!

Ok, thats it for today. Look out for Valeri's quickpages this week, look at Sunday's Blog Post for you coupon code and snag yourself a little something by Stacey Crossley.

Make it a great day!

Lori

Spotlight Sunday 11-9-08

Hi everyone! Valeri here..

Today, I'm bringing you something new. Spotlight Sunday.
When ever we can, we will spotlight a designer for the week and offer you all some free downloads! Sound good? I hope you think so!!

This week, the Designer we are spotlighting is Stacey Crossley. I am very lucky to have the chance to be on her CT. Its been a very rewarding experience for me! She is an amazing designer and her products are a dream to scrap with. She is such a sweet Lady too, which is an added bonus!! She has been so very nice to offer us up a coupon code to one of her stores, for every visitor of the blog!! Isn't that just totally awesome??? Look for it at the end of the post!

So on to her Designs,

This is Landscapes Fall. Since we are right around the corner from Thanksgiving, I figured it was appropriate to start the spotlight off with her fall kit. This is absolutely a Gorgeous kit with tons of potential. The green vine Element is absolutely one of my favorite elements ever! I think I've used it on at least 4 layouts in the last month! And the birdy, oh my gosh, he's too darn cute!
(For this Spotlight, I am gonna show you mostly my layouts since time got away from me and I wasn't able to get permission to link up a few of the others as of yet. If I do soon, I will come back and edit this with a few other Layouts. So check back! So with that said....)

Here is a Layout I did using this kit. It is of my family's trip to the Pumpkin Farm and how my Daughter totally loved the little hay house they had set up....
Here is a Layout I found on DST using Stacey's Landscapes Fall kit..
Scrapped by Sarahm172
Fall a Wonderful Day

This is such a Lovely layout!! I just adore her blending of the background photo! And her Blocked papers along the side of the framed photo is such a wonderful Touch!! I so want to go hang out under that tree and have a picnic!! Be sure to stop by and leave her some love!


Next is her Christmas Classic Kit.. The trees in this kit are too darn cute, I think!! You have to check out this wonderful holiday kit, its full of great Christmas colors, Beautiful detailed papers, and tons of Holiday charm! It is perfect for Christmas Layouts or even for your Holiday Cards! I will have a quick page made from this kit available of Friday, so don't forget to check back!

Here is my Layout using the Christmas kit. I had a blast building this Layout. My kiddos love our Christmas Train Yard decoration and played around it alot all season last year. I've already been asked if I could set it up since Halloween is over, LOL.
Here is a layout I found Today on DST, using Stacey's Christmas Classic Kit
Scrapped by Marge
Christmas


Isn't this just a Sweet Christmas Layout? Beautiful blending on the elements. I tend to forget that you can blend them! Gorgeous picture too!! This would make such a wonderful Holiday card to send out to family!

She also has a lot of Non Holiday related kits too... so check them out! Today, I will show you one example with her Proirier Girls Kit.. This kit has some pretty great colors!! I love the browns with the pinks, greens and yellows!! And the Frames in this kit are wonderful!!

This Layout, using The Poirier Girls kit, was Scrapped by KarenM. I think this is a really cute Layout, and Love how she tied her Journal frames together with the ribbon! I wonder if her little girl did ever move into her own room? LOL Karen, if your reading... Let us know! :o)

(I don't have a link to this Layout, but will get you one so you can all stop by and leave Karen some love! Check back soon!)


So now that you've seen her stuff... Wanna Know where you can get it? ;) Well, Stacey sells at a few different stores... But Has set up a coupon special for this blog and our readers at KJoi Studios. So, hop on over there and take advantage of this wonderful gift from Stacey!!


Stacey also sells at Pretty Scrappy, Digiscrap Station, Kjoi Studios, and a new store to be announced soon!

Interested in more??? :) Well, your in luck because 3 times this week I am going to have a free Quick page download for you!! All three are exclusive to the Genuine Praise Blog.. you can't get them anywhere else!! Two are from Stacey's Landscapes Fall kit, very appropriate for Thanksgiving or any Fall picture... and One from her Christmas Classic kit that I think is Just Way too adorable! LOL Today, I've got the first one from her Landscapes Fall kit for you......Download it here.

I hope you like it, and be sure to check back on Wednesday and Friday for another Quick page download!! (This is my first time uploading to 4shared, if there are any problems with the download or with the file, please let me know and I'll get right on it!)

I hope you have enjoyed the First Spotlight Sunday as much as I have getting it together for you! I'll be back again later this week, and until then... Live, Love, Laugh... and Scrap often!

~Valeri~