Please Donate For Baby Alphonse

One of my designers, Mye De Leon, gave birth to a sweet baby boy last month. His name is Alphonse. Joy turned to terror as he was whisked away from her for a number of hours, only later to find that he was born with a condition called Tetrology of Fallot. He has a hole in his lower heart chambers which doesn't allow for enough oxygen to get into his blood and lungs. It is NECESSARY to perform open heart surgery for him to survive, and cost of this surgery is $12,500! The De Leon Family does not have health insurance, so they have reached out to the public through friends, family, and the digital community. You can read all about his story here. ANY AMOUNT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!! You can leave monetary contributions through a link on Alphonse's site. Furthermore, over 100 Desginers have created a SUPER DOOPER HUGE KIT, with all the proceeds going to Alphonse. You will find it at Pixel and Company.

This is a GIGANTIC KIT, and it is only $20!. That's what I call a WIN-WIN situation…please get yours and support the De Leon Family at this tenuous time. Thank you!

Creative Team(s) Member--Yep! That's me.

Ok, so if you look at the date, you'll see that I have fallen quite behind again in my blogging efforts. Nevertheless-here I go again. In the past several months, things for me have changed quite a bit in the land of digi!

Many of the designers from Design House Digital have left and opened a new shop, under the direction of Gennifer Bursett. So far, it seems to be a HUGE success, and as a CT member there, I am doing my best to see that it is! I am still Gen's CT, but right now I am pleased to announce that I have a 3 month Guest CT spot for the STORE! That means I get to work with all the designers, as well as the ones I am already a CT for, chat it up in the forums, promote the store through Social Media, and participate in created layouts and blogs/challenges. The assignments are up for February, so I will be doing a photography challenge. I am pretty excited about that. OH, I TOTALLY FORGOT TO MENTION THE NEW STORE….IT'S CALLED PIXELS AND COMPANY, P&Co. for short. You will find the store here! It is sparkly clean, easy to navigate, and will only get better. New designers are coming on all through the month. It's opening day was January 1, 2013.

My current CT responsibilities are for P&Co. (my bio page) and (store), Gennifer Bursett, Mye De Leon,  Erica Coombs (all at P&Co.), and Juliana Kneipp (blog) and (store) at Sweet Shoppe Designs.  I would say it's enough to keep me pretty busy for now. How about I show you a smattering of some of the creations I've made lately…

*Credits: Tiffany Tillman-- Modern Masters Template Pack 29-32; Karen Funk--The Sweet Life Papers and Elements.

*Credits--Erica Coombs: En Route Kit Part 2 and En Route-Masks & Frames.

I used Mye De Leon's In The Meadow papers to create this gift box. The trick to using digital files is the paper. I use Epson 4-5 Star Presentation Paper. It's THICK--like a 65 lb. cardstock. Print at BEST quality, and you're ready for your project! An advantage of printing digital is you only need to print the dimensions you need to save ink--i.e. 4x4 in. instead of a WHOLE page of paper. I chose 4 patterns and printed them on 2 sheets, both front and back, because I knew they would show. Next, I chose a file from the Silhouette store by Lori Whitlock (3.5 Circle Box) and cut the papers using my Silhouette machine. I created a tag with sticker letters from Simple Stories, and topped the box with a flower I sprayed with Mr. Huey's Spray mist to match. I LOVE how it turned out! ! I hope these tips help you feel more confident in using your digital kits for hybrid projects. The options are endless…

This is probably one of my FAVORITES! I really dig SHE art! I got this Flower Girl-1 kit a while ago from Celenia Curtis, and just knew I had to use it with some sale items at P&Co. All the papers and elements are from Mye De Leon's Kit called Making Memories, EXCEPT for the Washi Chevron Kit and the Banners & Wordarts Kit by Guest Designer Juliana Kneipp. Fonts: Dancing Script & KG Call Me Maybe.

My grand-daughter, Emma, has the cutest smile and laugh, but you can't always get her to do it for the camera. This day she was being silly with her mom…LOVED IT!
Journaling reads: "When you smile...it's like a rose opening its bud and showing off its beauty--one layer at a time.  When You laugh…t's as though your petals are drifting and swirling around you…dropping bits of joy wherever they land."

*Credits: Rebecca Wagler/The Ardent Sparrow--Paper Strip Templates, One Fine Day Borders; Charlotte Pattern Papers, The Molly Clusters; Queen of Quirk--Right Round Kit; FONT--SS Play; Jennifer Valencia--Sharpen Up! (web sharpening action).

I used Mye De Leon's HUGE Christmas To Remember Kit to document my son-in-law reading The Grinch to his kids. Christmas stories are always a tradition at my house. You will find so many amazing Papers, Elements, Frames, Quick Pages and Smears to choose from!

I had to take a picture of my "lovely" footwear and socks to show how it really is in the morning for me. When I gotta go outside, I just grab whatever is closest-oh the shame! It got me thinking, and so I made a page about what I do each morning.

*Designer Credits:

Agnes Biro--Autumn Afternoon (foliage sprig, twine)

Erica Coombs--Autumnal Photomasks

Erica Coombs--Autumnal Elements_Bits+Pieces

Karen Funk--Torn Paper

Karla Dudley--Album Cards-embellsihments

Karla Dudley--Me Time-Full Kit

Karla Dudley--Muse-elements

Karla Dudley-Roycroft-Sentiments-bp

Karla Dudley-Cheers-Papers

Robyn Meierotto--In Stitches-Red & Cream

Mye De Leon-Falling Softly Elements (wire heart)

My daughter sent me some self portraits she took the other day. I had fun editing them, and just HAD to use one on a layout! It was perfect timing for the kit I am using--and the tag certainly describes her! 

*Credits: Juliana Kneipp--Sew Mama Sew; Chalk Wordarts

A photo of my oldest daughter and her 3rd baby on his blessing day. I actually

re-did this particular LO, and added more clustering and improved layer shadows.

*Credits: Juliana Kneipp-La Boheme Mini Kit, Frametastic Kit 1

When I came across this photo of my dad as a toddler, I just knew I had to do something with it. I mean, how often do you see a 3 year old in a cart being pulled by a goat?

*Credits: Julianna Kneipp & Vinnie Pearce- All The Time Colab

This summer was the huge celebration to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, CA. Juliana Kneipp's Ready>Set>Go Kit was perfect to capture the nostalgia and beauty of the photo! I did quite a bit of paper layering with the use of blend modes and masking. I love the vintage ephemera in this kit!

WELL, that about catches you up to speed with what I've been doing digitally lately. My goal for this year is to ACTUALLY DO Project Life. I have all the supplies I need--both digital and paper--and I really want to have a pictorial journal in this format! I'm only 3 weeks behind…that's not that bad, right?

I have been welcomed to the Land of Digi

So, I realized that I NEVER posted my April writing...duh. Guess I am still falling short in my blogging attempts. Perhaps if I post when I have new creations or inspirational things to share, or find some incredible people to promote...that may get me going. I HAVE done better in my own personal journal writing. I'm not perfect or even consistent, but I have made progress. I heard about an app on a podcast, I think it was The Paperclipping Roundtable, where they were talking about journaling and making time to make notes and record your own life story. Izzy and Noell happen to be Mac lovers also. I use this app on my MacBook Pro laptop--it's called the Day One Journal. It does cost $9.99, but I was willing to pay that for daily reminders, password protection, dropbox enabled sourcing, etc. (I'm sure there are comparable apps for Android/Windows users.) Even Cathy Zielske uses it in conjunction with her Project Life goals! Anything Cathy uses has got to be awesome, right! Speaking of PL, I have invested in both the physical and digital paper protectors and plan to get some life recording done. If you have not heard of Project Life or want more information, go to Becky Higgins' site.

My biggest news is that I have been embraced by some very talented designers at Design House Digital who have given me the opportunity to be on their Creative Teams. First is Gennifer Bursett, who was one of the first people I communicated with at DHD. She is downright silly, committed, creative, knows how to juggle 50 things at once--you could spell her name as FUN! She recognized my talent and designing ability, encouraged me in contests, and made me feel very welcome. I pretty much just begged her to be on her Creative Team; she indulged my request, and that began my path to CT designing. The next person I met was Erica Coombs while at a DHD Digi Scrap Retreat. She is so sweet, talented, and easy going. After being around her, I recognized that I could learn a lot from her, and once again, asked if she had any CT openings. Graciously, she accepted me. Wahoo! The most recent designer is a newer one to DHD, Julianna Kneipp, who lives in Brazil. When I first saw her designs after she opened her store, my heart skipped a beat! Ju has a nostalgic, vintage style which resonates with me. I created a page, and sent her a submission. Apparently she liked my style, too. I feel very blessed to be associated with these talented ladies and the whole Design House Digital community! Here are some of the pages I've created as a CT member:

Gennifer Bursett-

Erica Coombs-

Julianna Kneipp-

Thanks for looking. Once again, I will try to blog better.

Blend, Blend, Blend

I don't really know what happened....my great intentions somehow got lost by the wayside. Well, I guess I do know how, but I'm not going to go into all that right now. So much has happened since I last blogged...I can truly see the value in nurturing your blog. For me, it's even harder because I am NOT a journal keeper. I was as a teenager..."He is sooooo cute!..."...that kind of stuff, but as I've gotten older and the true and meaningful part of life that might matter to someone, someday, hasn't been properly recorded. I know that I will regret it. I already do. My older girls are great at keeping a journal and I truly admire that in them, and so will their posterity someday. I'll just try to catch up on some of my creative adventures...

Last time I posted I said that I saw using Photoshop Elements (PSE) and that I was too intimidated to give Photoshop CS4 a try. Well....I am pleased to report that I cleared that hurdle, in fact, I don't even use PSE anymore. I just had to force myself to learn the harder program and I have been loving what results I've been able to achieve with it. Most notably, I find that the shadowing of elements, the ability to control/change the colors of things I put on a page, and the more powerful capabilities of photo editing available to me in CS is awesome. Sure, you can do a lot of that on PSE, but I was ready for more!

I have taken several online classes which have helped me to learn new skills in digi-scrapping. The ones I have enjoyed the most so far have been by Jana Morton at Creative Passion Classes --they have been about blending your photos into the background of your pages, as well as blending elements and creating true works of art on your scrapbook page. I totally recommend you check her out! Here are a few that I completed during her two courses:

I know that I have been experimenting with my style and HOW I like to create more, and I have found that fulfilling. I notice that I use blending modes more often in my layouts, change colors, mess around with blending elements, layering papers, etc.-basically I feel more CAPABLE of achieving new and more interesting results than I used to. It's fun and I feel more "artistic". Oolaalaa....I need to pay more attention to this little corner of mine on the web. That's my goal. We'll see how I do....

Missing you...

I haven't posted lately, mostly because I have been preoccupied with a dear friend of our family who has just lost a short but fierce battle with cancer.  She passed away yesterday, after given a short time to survive after her cancer came back and attacked her entire body.  It's hard to believe how quickly and permanently a life can change in just 6 short months.  I am so grateful she was surrounded by those who loved her most--her husband, two young daughters, mother, mother and father-in-law, and other special family members who have been offering constant service in the care of her children.  


Here's a picture of the girls back in 2005, when they went to visit my daughter, Laura, at Utah Sate one weekend (90 min drive each way).  Just another example of how they supported each other.

(My daughter Laura, Denise, Christie, Trisha (in front), my daughter Sarah)

My daughter, Sarah, was very fortunate to make a journey from her home to see Denise (6 hour drive) and spend some time with her over the course of three days, and take care of her daughters to give the family some relief time.  We all made that trip vicariously with Sarah, and were grateful for the updates and expressions of love she passed on for so many of us who felt helpless being so far away.

This is what I posted on FB to express just how much I love this girl and the powerful influence she has had on my family, and everyone who's known her:


One of my basketball "daughters" passed away today leaving behind a husband, and two little girls ages 1 and (almost) 3, as well as many family members and friends. Denise Angus Lahusky has made a difference in the lives of everyone she has ever met. I am privileged to have had her spend so much time in my home, and with my daughters during their years at Kearns High School (graduating class of 2005). Those girls have formed a bond which will last for all time, and I feel blessed to have been a part of it and watch the love and support they continue to give each other, especially Denise. She was without guile, had a teachable, fun-loving and child-like manner about her, always giving without concern of receiving. I love you D, and know the world will be just a little dimmer without your bright spirit in it. May you rest in peace from your cancer-ridden body. You have fulfilled your mission, and I look forward to when I will see you again.

I love the sentiment on this card.  So many people "talk" just because they can, and don't say much of anything, but Denise shared and communicated through her playful personality, sincere love and concern for others. and the way she could light up a room with her smile.  I picture her singing-her life had a purpose and I truly believe that she will continue to use her talents and abilities to love and serve in the next life.  For now, Denise, have a nice rest in the arms of your Savior, and hum your favorite song.  You'll be forever loved and remembered...

I Love the Land of Digi!

I used to be a full-out, all-out paper scrapper way back in the 90's.  You know the drill, you buy all the paper you need until your next visit (because she who dies with the most paper wins!), go into the back room of your local scrapbook store to punch all the die cuts you could possibly ever need in various colors and shapes (remember all those fish, waves, and beach balls you cut out for the beach scenes you could create just in case you ever made it to the coast?), and don't forget the STICKERS!  A page wasn't a page unless it had at least, what, seven on it?  I worked on my kids scrapbooks, from the youngest to oldest.  It made me feel better that at least 4 of my 6 kids got their albums entirely caught up to date (that date long ago, still in the 90's when the scrapbooks supplies got put away and didn't come out for over another decade.  Needless to say, by that time, what was I to do with all that outdated product?

Let it be said up front, I am a Hopeless Hobby-Hopper!  If I fall out of interest in one thing, there's always something else to take its place.  I mean, remember all that paper I had?  Well it could be used in stamping! I became a home distributor and stamping enthusiast.  Never let it be said that I don't go all out when I embrace a new hobby.  I became familiar and proficient with things like embossing, different kinds of stamp pads, brayering, layering, and lots and lots of stamps.  Luckily, I still have a soft place in my heart for stamps.  I can't help but add the latest and greatest to my collection.

To make a long story short, due to some personal medical problems, I took a hiatus from crafting for a while, quite a while.   I slowly worked my way back in though...and baby, I am BACK!  I have made some paper pages, totally gotten into card making and paper crafting, and now I have entered the digital world.  I have to attribute my inspirational sources to the blogging community more than any other place.  I have subscribed to Paper Crafts Magazine and Creating Keepsakes for what seems like forever, but the nurturing of my crafting soul has been had by Two Peas in a Bucket, Noell Hyman at Paperclippling, Kristina Werner, Scraptime, and The Daily Digi.  I enjoy listening to podcasts The Paperclipping Roundtable and The Digi Show, amongst others.

With my interest in digital scrapbooking, I had to learn to use Photoshop Elements.  I currently have version 8.  I also have PhotoShop CS4, but need to force myself to use it more so I become more proficient.  I am learning to love editing photos in Photoshop almost as much as I love taking pictures.  I thought I would try out a technique that was discussed on The Daily Digi this past week; it's about converting your photographs in Photoshop into pencil sketches on your digital page layouts.  You will find a link to the article here.  I was eager to give it a try, so I broke open my MacBook Pro and went to work.  It's hard to choose from oodles of photos, but my g-baby Emma was right there on my screen willing and ready to take the plunge with me.  This is what I came up with...

I included a before and after to show the true effect.  Next,  I just had to make her the center of attention...

....then the universe...

I can't wait to hone my skills and learn to focus my time and attention to accomplish my goals and desires in digi-land.  I don't lack for subject matter, that's for sure.  As far as my digi-collecting goes, my digital files have expanded their way out of my computer and into an external hard drive.  The awesome thing about digi-scrapping is that when you buy a kit from a designer or get freebies (as they are called) they are yours to use forever; not once, like a piece of paper, but over and over again.  If that's not the best argument for giving digital scrapbooking a try, I don't know what is.  There are free tutorials and free digital supplies out there galore.  That's how I learned.  I was a downloading mad-woman.  What can I say?  I'm a collector!

Crepes Sunday!

I decided to pull out the camera and share in one of our family favorites.  I bet you wish you were here!  Our family has the tradition of making crepes on the first weekend of October and April, to correspond with the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  We get into mass production mode between sessions, and oh man, they are sooooo good!  I still haven't got the batter proportion quite right yet--do I double, triple, quadruple?  Whatever amount I make, I always have to make more (and I've been doing this for about 20 years!).

The best ingredient are the berries which we pick up frozen from Sam's Club or Costco and let them thaw, then sweeten slightly.  If you want chocolate chips melted on your crepes, then you'd better let me know while they are still on the pan so they will melt to perfection by the time it hits your plate.  Yogurt is usually an option, but if there's ice cream in the freezer, it's been known to be an ingredient as well.  Hey, European Connection did it!  Last, but certainly not least, don't forget the berry syrup- either boysenberry or blueberry.  It is the crowning glory and decorative touch, especially when it blends with all the delicious juice from the berries.

I stand at the griddle cooking for so long that once people have had their breakfast crepes, round 2 starts.  I see ham and cheese start to replace the previous ingredients and now we're into lunch crepes.  Oh well, I'll keep cooking as long as people keep eating.  All I ask is for a hot crepe when I sit down to eat.  That isn't too much to ask.

I should let you know that I also make crepes for Christmas.  They really aren't hard to make, they're just time consuming.  (There's a reason I buy cold cereal!)  Three times a year for a delicious brunch and gathering of family and friends equals a wonderful meal and great company.

"Crepes, thanks for the memories, see ya in December."