Belle Papier {pretty paper}

I’m still hard at work on my Jessica Sprague Digi In Deep class. I’m totally thrilled with how much I’m learning and I have to say…my brain didn’t hurt so much this week. I think I’m getting back into the digi swing of things. If you do digi, the best tip I can give is to keep at it! That way you keep learning and aren’t so likely to forget what you’ve learned. One of the best things about JS classes, is you can go back and watch the videos again and again if you need to. Perfect for those…”hmmmm, how DID I do that?!” moments.

Now and Then (click for a closer look)

This was a great class. I learned how to create patterned paper from brushes, add stitching, blend photos together, add textures, recolor things and the list goes on. I had hoped to get assignment b done to share with you as well today but I need a few more hours in my day! Michele Boyer has graciously offered to host today’s Ways to Use it challenge for me. I’m not quite sure what she has up her sleeves but with such a sweet and talented gal…I’m sure it will be a good one!

Have a fabulous day!

Well…I’m having a blast!I’ve been busy stamping and learning and have two things to share with you today. A digital layout as well as a card. First the card. I went for a fun retro look for this design combining, red, brown, Kraft, dots and of course, the toadstools. They are so super trendy right now! Wonderful Toadstools is the toadstool and sentiment combo that is the Cornish Heritage Farms Stamp of the Month for March.

Retro Toadstools

This is a super economical design. Very few layers and just a knot of ribbon for an embellishment makes it fun to create and won’t break the bank. I also just love this quote sentiment. I can think of so many ways to use it!

Supply List:

Stamps: Wonderful Toadstools, Pin Dot Scrapblock by Cornish Heritage Farms

INk: White pigment ink by Clearsnap, Rich Cocoa Memento ink by Tsukineko

Paper: Kraft cardstock by Prism

Other: ribbon by Creative Impressions, sewing machine, white gel pen by Signo, colored pencils by Prismacolor

Quick Tip: I just love the look of this Pin Dot Scrapblock stamped in white pigment ink on kraft cardstock. Pigment ink is a bit of a pain to clean up and I know I’ll be using this look again. My quick tip is to stamp a few 6×6 Kraft sheets while the ink is out and the stamp is dirty. Saves time to stamp them all at once! If you love it, stamp it a few times to have on hand.

 What a Splash

Wow, wow, wow! The Digi in Deep Jessica Sprague course is not just a notch above the others, it is a few! I’m still trying to unravel my brain but I DID complete the layout. I’m boggled with all the new things I’ve learned already.  I’m thrilled though with my new layout and just had to share with you. You can click on it to get a closer look at the detail. I ended up with about 40 layers in the layers palette and that’s AFTER merging a lot of them. All the elements come as part of the course so I’m not going to try and list them here.

Have a great day!

So I’m done! Wow!Where did four weeks go? I am incredibly glad I took this digital course! So if you want a resounding recommendation…I want to sign up for each and every Jessica Sprague class that comes up! If you’re new to my ramblings…I’m just finishing up my second Jessica Sprague on-line digital class called Now You’re Rockin with Photoshop. Very aptly named…this class rocks! I’ve also completed Up and Running with Photoshop which is now a self-paced class you can take anytime. So….why do I think these classes are so fabulous?

• Very reasonable and affordable
• Each class has four lessons and layouts that teach you a myriad of things
• each class builds on your knowledge
• each class is taught in video and audio format…you can listen to Jessica teach while watching EXACTLY every step she makes on the computer to get the results
• Weekly extra assignments reinforce your knowledge and challenge you to design your own layouts
•  Each class builds knowledge at a great pace…enough to challenge you but not enough to overwhelm
• Daily e-mails from Jessica Sprague
• Great mini book tutorial links each week
• Forums and Gallery to share and ask questions…I’ve always gotten the support I need
• Free digital downloads come with each lesson that you can use again and again
• Jessica teaches lots of great hints and shortcuts
• Lots of photo editing tips
• You can see the class taught in either Photoshop Elements or in CS, CS2, C3s versions
• You always have access to the class tutorials so that if you forget, you can always come back and relearn your skills
• links to great digital scrapbooking sites and many times great coupons

Summer Evening

Lesson Four Layout - this is a double spread layout…to see the detail, click on the image

{love} week four Wed. assignment

WALL-E just a quick fun layout

Quick Tip: Digital elements can be used over and over again. Did you notice that layouts 1 & 3 and 2 & 4 use the same flourishes?

Just in case you think I sound a little TOO effusive…I am not affiliated with Jessica Sprague in any way…just a huge fan! I’d been dabbling in digital (self-taught) off and on for about a year. It took FOREVER for me to learn each little thing by trial and error. When I think of the time I’ve wasted…sigh. I’ve learned so much in a few short weeks that I know this is one hobby I’ll be enjoying for a long time to come. If you’re interested in “growing you skills”…this is a fabulous place to start!

While I’ll always be an ink and paper girl… maybe, just maybe, I’ll be a bit of a digi girl too.

Have a fabulous day!

A little peek into my world…..

Some digital designs for you today that I’ve created over the past couple weeks…the first two, I was just playing around trying to put my newly learned skills to practice. If you’re having trouble reading the journaling, you can click on the photos to enlarge.

Quick Tip:  Don’t be afraid to try something new! Take a class, ask a friend, search the web. Never stop growing.

the little things

a layout about my friends’ daughters on the beach…

I found some digital photos from three years ago and just had to create a layout. Isn’t he precious?!

Sweet Cherish

Saturday 30 min Start to Finish assignment: October 5th

Class 3 layout: Sweet Days

Just a little peek into my world. Enjoy each moment of yours!

Well…this is NOT a football post. Actually this is a milestone for me. Today is our 19th anniversary and we’ve been married half of my life. I guess that gives my age away but I’m really not one of the people who hide it. While we’ve had hard times, we’ve had lessons, we’ve also had many, many joys that far outweigh them. I know I am incredibly blessed.

the better half

OK I will admit this “recent” photo is a couple years old. I really wanted to create this layout today to remember my thoughts and I just couldn’t find anything more recent of us together.

Take care!