kimsmith designs

2010-02-25T17:26:00.001-05:00

Newsflash:

My new blog can be found here: http://ostenwilkinsdesigns.com/aMusingdeSigns/. This blog will be deleted in 1 month. Please update your bookmarks.

Changes...

2009-09-05T11:21:00.002-05:00

...have come once again and with it some very exciting things (at least I think they're exciting :) ).

after much thought, I have changed my design name to aMusing deSigns which is in keeping with my amused state of mind...
with the name change comes an all-new site that you can check out here.
this blog will be closed very soon and all future updates will be accessed at aMusing deSigns.
my store at Osten Wilkins Designs will be open within the next week.
my store at ScrappingFx will be open within the next month.
my store at both aMusing deSigns and Petite Digi Scraps are currently being configured with the openings planned as soon as completion allows.
the ActionFx Ezine is moving to its own blog very shortly, and we are publishing a new issue later this month and a very special double issue is planned for October.

What does this mean for you? If you've followed my designs and would like to continue, please update your bookmarks with the new name and location: aMusing deSigns.

I hope you will join me at my new site and thank you for your continued patronage!

June 09 AFX Files Released!

2009-07-08T19:22:00.001-05:00

Pick up your free copy at the AFX Blog! Enjoy!

Revision - AFX Files

2009-06-01T21:42:00.001-05:00

If you have already downloaded the May09 Ezine, please note that the freebie link inside has been corrected and now points to the May freebies. Please go back to the AFX Blog and re-download the ezine. Thanks!

May 09 AFX Files

2009-06-01T16:07:00.003-05:00

The May issue of the AFX Files is available now.

You can pick up your free copy at the ActionFX Blog!

New Branding...

2009-05-05T13:11:00.009-05:00

... of kimsmith designs! At least until the fall........don't you just love the clean look of this template?

Check out my branding on my Live Space page:

Check out my branding on my Twitter page:

Facebook doesn't permit this type of personalization :(.

New blinkies are coming soon!

You can click the Find Me links on the sidebar to reach my other pages.

I've updated each of my pages here on the main site, most notably My Layout Artistry page......check out the gallery I installed by clicking the link in the bar above. CT Artistry galleries to be installed very soon!

Thanks for stopping by...

2009-04-23T13:41:00.001-05:00

You can pick up your free copy of The AFX Files at the AFX Blog!

Blog changes...

2009-04-03T22:50:00.002-05:00

...yet again. I like this format much better, but will be changing the colors and header in the very near future. Current header by Shabby Miss Jenn.

Stay tuned :)....

March AFX Files Released!

2009-03-20T13:23:00.003-05:00

You can pick up your free issue of the AFX Files at the AFX Blog!

Inside, you'll find tons of tutorials, articles, inspirational layouts and goodies. Here's a peak at my goodie for this issue:
I hope you'll enjoy this issue and check back next month for our April edition!

Article Reprints...

2009-03-03T15:40:00.002-05:00

...from the SDK Newsletter have been posted on my Tips & Tutorials page. Enjoy!

February AFX Files has Arrived

2009-02-27T19:32:00.003-05:00

You can pick up your free copy at the AFX Blog!

January AFX Files

2009-02-17T22:12:00.002-05:00

You can pick up your free copy at the AFX Blog!

Changes at kimsmith designs

2009-02-10T21:54:00.006-05:00

With the new year comes new changes for me.........as most of you may know, I resigned from SDK effective January 31st, from both positions of forum Admin and store designer. My decision to resign was a very difficult one to make, but it was necessary in order to put into focus plans I have for the new year. I wish Sammy and all of my friends at SDK the best of everything and I will be popping in from time to time.

In case you're wondering what I am up to, I will share just a few things that are currently happening:

- I am helping Osten over at his site Club Dude and am Guest Designer for February.

- I am helping Al get ScrappingFX off the ground and running.....look for the launch very, very soon!

- I am still editing the AFX Files and have finally released the December 08 issue tonight. Look for the January 09 issue later this week and the February issue at its regular time near the 20th of the month. You can pick up the December issue at the AFX Blog.

- I am currently working diligently, creating new products, both personal and commercial use, in preparation for the SFX launch.

- I am also trying to get things ready for my and Heidi's blog store, Ma Petite Scraps; we hope to open on March 1st or thereabouts.

- Alert: I am on the prowl for new Creative Team members for several outlets. There will not be a call, per say, as I prefer to hand pick my teams so you just may receive an email from me asking if you are interested. On the other hand, if you think you'd like to be on my team, do not hesitate to email me as I'd love to hear from you. Keep posting those layouts!

I do have a few other things in the oven, but they're not yet baked, so stay tuned.

Thats about it for now. As new opportunities and events arise, I will post here on my blog to keep you up to date. Some time over the next few days, I'll update each of my pages with February headers.........long overdue, don't you think? :)

Happy New Year and SDK January Treasure Hunt

2009-01-01T21:59:00.004-05:00

Start off the New Year off with something Wintery....

You can pick up the pieces of this kit daily at ScrappinDigiKreations in the Treasure Hunt Thread!

Wishing all of you a very Happy New Year!

Tis the season...

2008-12-18T21:45:00.005-05:00

...for sharing

This kit is part of the ScrappinDigiKreations Holiday Blog hop that can be found in our forums here, along with a list of the participating blogs.

If you like my kit, please enjoy it and please let me know when you've posted layouts created with it. You can find this kit here.

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Around the World

2008-12-11T21:03:00.003-05:00

In just a few hours, the Christmas Around the World Blogtrain/Hop will begin and we're all very excited. You can start here on my blog or go to straight to the CAW Blog and start at the beginning. Enjoy the fun!

Here's the preview to my gift:
I hope you enjoy your stop at my blog, and the little present I have for you, shown above. You can pick this up here. Happy Holidays!

Holiday Challenge and Treasure Hunts at SDK

2008-12-02T21:20:00.009-05:00

As most of you know, I run the SDK Treasure Hunt each month. Since this is the Holiday Season, the kit I'm providing this month is:

You can participate in the monthly Treasure Hunt by clicking the link to take you directly to the SDK Forums.

Next up is a very special Elves' 25 Days of Christmas Hunt and Challenge. Heidi and I have teamed up to create a MEGA kit full of fun papers and elements and we also are challenging you to create a holiday album with the sketches provided in this thread.

You can get an idea of what our Megakit consists of from the above ad, as well as the teaser preview in the Challenge Forum.

I hope you'll stop by SDK for a visit and come back each day for both the hunts and the challenge and to check out our other Holiday Activities and Regular Challenges!

Don't forget the check out the ActionFX Blog for your copy of the November issue of the AFX Files - our monthly e-mag filled with tutorials!

Thanks for reading and happy scrapping!

AFX Files Alert

2008-12-01T19:25:00.003-05:00

The ActionFX Insider - The AFX Files November issue is now available at the ActionFX Blog.

Be sure to pick up your copy of this free ezine - this month's issue is stuff full of over 100 pages of tutorial content, Creative Team layouts, and of course gifts for our readers!

Birthday Month Reminder

2008-11-10T18:06:00.003-05:00

Just a short post to remind you that while our big weekend celebrations are over, the fun games, challenges and chats will continue all month long! Check the Site Announcement and 3rd Birthday forums at SDK for more information!

Chat, Freebies & Sales

2008-11-07T00:30:00.005-05:00

Put on your party hats and grab your noisemakers!!!

We're 3! We're 3! SDK turns 3 this month and its definitely a milestone in our industry. To celebrate we're having activities in the forums and chatroom all month long and we're also having a sale this weekend. Drop by for our chats, games challenges and of course our sales in the store.

For a look at the schedule for this weekend, drop by the 3rd Birthday Celebrations Forum, but don't miss out on the chat I'm co-hosting with Heidi tomorrow night at 6pm est! We both have attendance freebies, I'll have a brand new sketch for you to try out, and there is a posting bonus if you complete the challenge and post in our galleries*. Hope to see you there!

One more thing: If you purchase $10 or more in the store you'll receive a special Collab Kit:

Isn't it gorgeous??? This collab coordinates with our theme this month: Indulgences and is waiting for you to take home with your purchase. All links to the collab will be emailed to you after your purchase. Get a closer look at the SDK Store!

*Registration in our forums and galleries required for posting bonus.*

Freebie Alert for a friend...

2008-11-01T22:23:00.003-05:00

Come join in the fun at Osten aka The Dude Wilkins' site where you can collect the pieces to this gorgeous kit each day during November. See you there!

More Halloween Freebies...

2008-10-30T20:06:00.002-05:00

...coming to the SDK Forums tomorrow!

Come check out my Halloween Hunt for goodies that coordinate with my Hallowhimsy kit, October's Treasure Hunt Kit. Want a peek at what the goodies look like? Check out my header and the October Treasure Hunt.

Here's the blinkie that you'll be looking for during the Halloween Hunt, made by Heidi aka Scrappin Brat. Didn't she do a great job?

Check out the forums for all of the details about the hunt and don't worry - the links to both the Halloween Hunt and the October Treasure Hunt will remain valid for 1 week.

Happy Haunting, Happy Hunting and Happy Scrapping!

2008-10-30T09:36:00.002-05:00

It's here!! Happy Halloween everyone ... I hope you enjoy the little treat I've conjured up for you. Don't forget to visit the sites listed below for even more awesome treats and thanks to Dereck for making this Scrap-n-Treat happen.

http://bitsoscrap.blogspot.com

http://lovinlifegurl.blogspot.com/

http://kimsmithdesigns.blogspot.com - you are HERE

http://scrappinbratsplace.blogspot.com

http://aleahsmommy.blogspot.com

http://trifaith.blogspot.com

http://barbsdigitalart.blogspot.com/

http://www.scrapsofcandy.blogspot.com

Have fun stopping at all of our blogs and don't forget to leave a little love as you download. You can pick up my treat here.

Halloween Blog Hop Coming Tomorrow

2008-10-29T22:03:00.001-05:00

Stay tuned for the links to be posted to everyone participating in this blog hop, hosted by Derek.

The AFX Files...

2008-10-19T21:55:00.003-05:00

...has arrived! Check out the AFX Blog for info and download link and enjoy your free copy!

This...

2008-10-18T15:38:00.002-05:00

...is just a teaser. Stay tuned to my blog and the ActionFX blog for our soon to be released ezine:

A new look, news and coming soon...

2008-10-14T19:07:00.010-05:00

New Look

How do you like the new look at the old homestead? I'm finding it much more pleasing and relaxing (from the setting up standpoint, lol) and am looking forward to changing my header on each page with the coming holidays and seasons.

What I am most excited about are the buttons across the top, under the header. Quick clicks on each title will take you to the corresponding pages, which all have the linkbar in the same place. Nifty, eh? :)

I still have a few tweaks to make......adding back my Photoshop Links list for one, but I am also going to be adding plenty of eye candy on my Gallery page, created by my awesome Creative Team, so you can see my designs in action as well as my CT's artistry.

I hope you'll enjoy my blog for quite some time in the future; grab a drink and a snack and have a look around. Don't forget the freebies!

Coming Soon

As seen in the post below, SDK is celebrating our 3rd birthday next month. We have a ton of activities planned, with wonderful prizes, along with a sale in the store. If you like, feel free to snag a blinkie over on the left and make plans to join us in the forums for all the excitement!

Also coming soon will be my Trick or Treat hunt in the SDK Forums. Check the forums and my announcement here on my blog next week for details! If you are a participant in the monthly SDK Treasure Hunt, you'll be happy to know that the Trick or Treat Hunt will contain treats that coordinate with this month's Treasure Hunt :).

More News
Today I am presenting my latest kit to you with the hopes that you will enjoy scrapping all of the strong, talented, beautiful survivors in your lives.

If you like this kit, spread the word about it to your friends and while you're at it, spread the word to your friends about knowing their bodies and seeking help if they suspect anything is abnormal. Demand mammograms and ultrasounds of the breasts and/or lymph nodes from your doctor, regardless of "at your age you don't need one", or "you've had your yearly mammogram, let's wait until next year". Waiting delays treatment and could prove fatal in some women. Undetected, un-treated, and delayed treatment for breast cancer still has one of the highest mortality rates.

For more information on breast cancer, self-examinations, and cancer research, check out the Susan G. Komen website.

I have additional parts to this kit (all free):

If you'd like the additional parts to my Survivor Kit, check out my Freebie page later tonight, this thread in the SDK forums, and the ActionFx Ezine October 08 issue soon to be available. The Kit itself will be available in my store at SDK later tonight as well.

Thanks for reading. Spread the word. Know your body. Be a Survivor!

Announcing...

2008-10-04T10:05:00.002-05:00

August Happenings at SDK

2008-08-09T16:01:00.002-05:00

This month's Supa Digi Kit theme is The Teen Years - the in between years, no longer a child but not an adult either but definately years to remember. Give your teen or the teen you were centre stage with a page about the things they do, their hopes, dreams, style and attitudes.

A big HOWDY and Welcome to our new Challenge Hosts as well as the returning Challenge Hosts - check out what we all have in store for you this month:

Scrappindiva has a gorgeous colour pallet for you in this months Kreative Kolor Challenge.

Bengigirl challenges you to get Inspirational this month using a favorite saying, quote or phase that has special meaning for you.

Join Pixelfairy for another fabulous Element Challenge where the element to scrap with this month is a beautiful metal heart .

Don't forget to join Stella for her FreeStyle Challenge and show us how you relax.

Plus Sammy has the Avatar Challenge on again.

Lorie has begun hosting the Gallery Hunt!

Lastly, I've got a new kit for you in my Treasure Hunt, along with 3 Treasure Hunt Challenges where you have the opportunity to earn 3 different addons. Scroll down to the first post on this blog for today for a preview of the Hunt kit!

What another fun month we have lined up for August, can't wait to see you all in the forums.

Another award...

2008-08-09T15:53:00.004-05:00

...from my friend Veronica! Thanks so much sweetie! I'm passing this on to all of YOU who visit my blog! Thanks for visiting my space on the web!

New Releases and SDK News

2008-08-09T14:34:00.004-05:00

I have been on a roll with my Summer Flower Collection - each minikit contains 3 somewhat solid background papers, 6 patterned papers (all fully textured) and an assortment of complimentary elements including full monogram floral alphas (uppercase only).

I have also created a Summer Linens Kit that contains 8 fully textured background papers and 32 elements, all in muted pastels with silver accents.

You can check out my new releases, on sale at 40%off until August 16th, in my boutique at SDK!

Speaking of SDK - have you signed up for the newsletter? Participate in the forums? Check out the Team Blog?? Our designers are always providing cool freebies in the store, forums, Team blog and their own personal blogs so make sure you sign up!

Also, you may want to check out my August Treasure Hunt where you can collect the pieces to this kit:

31 background papers and 63 elements are yours free if you hunt down the clues/links each day this month. Check out the Treasure Hunt Challenges for this month, too, where you can collect 3 different addons for this kit!

I'll be posting a few new freebies on my blog over this weekend - check back for them. Also, if you haven't been here before, head on over to my freebie page and check out the older freebies there - they don't expire!

Thanks for visiting and have a great weekend!

Another special freebie..

2008-07-31T20:54:00.004-05:00

...can be had if you join the Newsletter at Funky Playground Designs. I'm participating in their design contest and this is my first assignment. Check out my and the other numerous participants kits - there are a ton posted in the Teacher's Pet Gallery!

Don't forget to join the newsletter so you can receive the password to unzip all of the kits you're going to download!

A Very Special Freebie...

2008-07-29T20:32:00.002-05:00

...made by a very special friend...you can meet Janeal and download this cool keyplate album (fits the Basic Grey Keyplate albums) directly from Janeal's blog. Leave her tons of love if you download. Don't you just love it? Janeal made this with items from my Melon kit available in my store.

Blog Awards for me???

2008-07-14T20:07:00.007-05:00

Linda presented both of these awards to me and

The rules of the award are:
1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls you've nominated
and I am forwarding these awards to:

Rona - don't forget to scroll and check out Rona's layouts made in honor of her parents' anniversary that's coming up soon!

Stella

I am surprised that this sporadic blogger received these awards, but I'm also very, very honored. :) Thanks so much Linda!

Now in the store.........

2008-07-14T19:56:00.003-05:00

The complete Modern Vintage Collection, and all its individual parts are now in my boutique at SDK, where you can grab them for 50%off during the last 6 days of our special sale! Check them out now!

Coming tomorrow to my store........

2008-07-13T19:46:00.006-05:00

Modern Vintage is my shabby yet stylish take on the usual vintage themed kits and includes a ton of papers and elements, a full alpha with punctuation and the little tag blanks shown in the preview, and a set of words to further embellish your layouts. Look for all parts of the collection in my boutique at SDK tomorrow (July 14th) sold as separates and the full collection for a substantial savings.

Just plugging along in this hot weather...

2008-06-21T21:46:00.008-05:00

Its about time for an update to the old blog, huh? LOL I was wondering when I'd get around to doing it, and since I've had a bit of spare time with the SDK site hosts/server problems, I've created a few new items as well as purchased a great new blog kit by Shabby Miss Jen. I'm using the header and the labels from her kit; the blue background was created by me.

I will more than likely use this as my standard blog dress, only changing it out for seasonal holidays. The next one I'll switch to will be a result of my upcoming beach kit, yet to be named. After that will be Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.

How do you like my new design name logo? You can see the "official" silver version in the previews below.

New Creations:
First up is my new Melon Kit, full of shades of yellow, green, and orange. While these are truely citrusy colors, I wanted to do a different sort of kit, something unusual. I hope you like it!

The Mellon Kit components are also being sold as a Paperpak and an Elementpak.

Fresh Paperpak is brand new and has a few really great patterns, 2 of which are border patterns. Crisp blue and a touch of burn goldenrod yellow is what you'll find with this pak!

Summer Porch Redux Kit is a re-vamping of an old SDK prize kit from 2007 - in this case, extra papers not used, and brand new elements created.

Look for these new products in my boutique on June 22nd! Oh yes, there will be a few freebies this week.......check back often!

One last thing: don't forget that the SDK Forums, Galleries and Store are back online - come check us out! See the links in my sidebar.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

I've been tagged!

2008-05-17T10:58:00.002-05:00

*Insert shocked look here*
Don't they know I don't tag??? LOL It's my second time being tagged since starting this blog.........I knew I should have foregone it all, lol. Oh well. Here goes:

I was tagged by Latte Dah@http://lattedahdesigns.blogspot.com/

1. Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird. 3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog .

7 Facts about Me
1 - I'm an armchair archaeologist - ancient Egypt is my specialty
2 - I'm the only one in my family who scraps
3 - I drive a truck/suv
4 - I've made more friends online in the past 5 years than in real life
5 - I've travelled to 15 states
6 - I love to learn new things
7 - I've been reading since the age of 3

Here are the 7 people I'm tagging:
Tracy@http://scrappindigistyle.blogspot.com/
Paula@http://www.studioreflections.com/ausrmusings/
Rona@http://scrapsofmama.blogspot.com/
Khristy@http://khristy.blogspot.com/
Sandy@http://skgrahamdesigns.blogspot.com/
June@http://censloft.blogspot.com/
Barbara@http://heraldsplace.blogspot.com/

Rules: post 7 facts about yourself - fun, obscure, or just plain ordinary :). The post in the comments on 7 others' blogs tagging them. Have fun!

A Brief Update

2008-05-14T17:50:00.002-05:00

Just a few things to let you know about:

First, the store at SDK has reopened and all of us thank you for your continued support and patience during our recent host/server issues. Rest assured our fearless leader, site owner SammyD, has moved us on to a new, better, and feature ladened host/server that is running nice and smoothly - go, Sammy!

What does this mean for all of you? Well, all of the designers have moved their stock into their parts of the store (I like to call them boutiques, lol) and we're all set to have our Un-NSD sales. Some of the sales have started; my 50%off sale begins Friday, May 16th and runs until May 31st. That's 50% off EVERYTHING in my boutique!

Also, you need to update your bookmarks as follows:

Store: scrappindigikreations.net/shop2/

Forums: scrappindigikreations.net/forum/

Gallery: scrappindigikreations.net/gallery/ (currently being configured)

The May Challenges have been posted in the forums so take a look and dive in on all the fun!

Secondly, due to popular request, Al Ward of ActionFX has been working on converting some of his actions for PSE6 users. First up is:
More PSE6 actions are coming soon, so stay tuned on my blog, or check out Al's Blog!

Thanks for reading and don't forget to update your bookmarks!

SDK Store Update

2008-05-06T09:15:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone! Have you survived NSD? I had fun co-hosting the 2 chats at SDK with June and Stella and seeing all of the fun kits and activities to be had on the net all weekend.

I just wanted to post notice here that the SDK Store has moved to a new host and server, but as the old host has not cooperated we designers need to re-upload all of our creations. It will take a few days, but then you'll be able to check out our store once again. Tons of new designs are being added as well, so check back here or in the SDK Forums for the reopening of the store.

Also note that since we were not able to have our NSD sale, once the store is turned on for public view the sales will go on! My sale is 50% off all of my creations and there is a brand spanking new Commercial Use Grab Bag that will be available only during the sale!

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Happy 'inter'National Scrapbook Day

2008-05-02T20:05:00.006-05:00

Hi everyone and happy 'i'NSD to you all! Are you planning to join in some challenges, chats and activities? How about some shopping?

Well I'll be busy tomorrow with the fun and games over at ScrappinDigiKreations but I'm also having a sale and a special 'i'NSD Commercial Use Grab Bag sale:

That's right........all kimsmith designs items are on sale for 50%off the regular prices........including this new CU Grab Bag!

Yes, I know the store at SDK is currently offline.......server hosts are trying to correct this situation. Therefore my sale and grab bag sale will be extended a few days after the store is back online.

Note: those of you who participate in the challenges at SDK also have an extension for participation in my April Challenges since we're also having problems with the gallery.

Don't forget to check out our 'i'NSD thread in the forums for the latest on our celebratory activities. Have a great weekend, happy scrapping and happy shopping, too!

Are You Ready?

2008-04-24T16:47:00.003-05:00

NSD (National Scrapbooking Day) is Saturday, May 3, 2008 and there will be tons of activities - chats, crops, sales - all over the web. Have you planned out your day?

Come check us out at SDK on May 3rd where we will be having tons of activities for you to participate in, along with tons of freebies and some special 50% off sales. Yes, my designs will all be 50% off and I'll have a brand new Commercial Use Grab Bag that will launch on May 3rd. This bag is HUGE, so don't miss it!!

Since you've been so nice to read this post, why not head over to Page 3 of my blog and pick up a new sampler???

Until next time,

Kim

Site Update for ActionFX

2008-04-22T21:36:00.007-05:00

Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you all know about this week's updates over at my buddy Al Ward's ActionFX site...

You say you don't know Al? Are you kidding me? See that graphic over there on the right? Click on it to get to ActionFX, or on the link that's down further on my blog or here.

If you use Photoshop, any version, and you are either an enthusiast, graphics designer, digiscrapper or digidesigner, you know there are a ton of presets that you can use within Photoshop - without having to use a plugin. While there are plenty of sites on the web catering to Photoshop Presets, you can't go wrong with Al's ActionFX Membership and don't forget to check out his very liberal TOU!

Ok so what updates am I talking about? Well Al has been very, very busy this week:

Just to let you know, Al has also started posting to the AFX/SFX Blog - check it out and snag his fan blinkie there too! Check out these updates and remember there are over 106,500 presets at last count at ActionFX!

New Kits, New Collections

2008-04-05T11:13:00.008-05:00

I hope this weekend finds you, my dear readers, having an enjoyable time, celebrating Spring and making those memories that you'll soon be scrapping!

I have several new products to show you today, and if you stick around through this post, there's a surprise in store for you. Do you like surprises? I sure hope you'll like what I have for you :).

Special memories of treasured moments should be commemorated with a special kit and Memoire is just the right kit for the job. Created in a lush pallette of eggshell, cafe au lait, ruby, deep navy, taupe and champagne, Memoire lends itself easily to heritage and other special moments layouts.

In the Memoire Paperpack you will receive 6 patterned and 6 solid background papers, created in 12x12 300dpi, all fully textured.

In the Memoire Elementpack you will find the following 27 elements:
6 shaped mats in 6x6
6 torn fold edges

1 fold shadow

2 page necklaces

2 rose accents

2 glitter-accented frames

2 glitter-accented journal cards

3 glitter and copper brads

1 regular staple

1 reverse staple

1 circular clip

Let Memoire Elementpack and its matching Paperpack help you to scrap those special moments!

Introducing my Taste of Asia Collection is the Asian Seas Kit. Vibrant shades of blue with white accents are reminscent of Asian prints and woodcarvings. You will receive 8 fully textured backgrounds, 2 somewhat solid, 1 quilted, 1 stripe, and 4 full page Asian scenic depictions of sealife.

Also included are the following elements:
2 crumpled paper Polaroid frames

3 brads

2 lined journalcards

1 bookplate

1 glittered fish accent

2 rickrack borders

Introducing my French Collection is the Elise Kit. Sage green, French Blue, French Pink and Old Gold comprise the theme for a truly feminine kit. Each of the 8 background papers is fully textured and you will receive 4 somewhat solid and 4 shabby floral prints. Also included are the following elements:

1 shabby torn-edge journalcard

1 reverse staple

1 page necklace

1 flower

1 bow

1 brad

1 corner set

Introducing my Italian Collection with the Rustic Vineyard Kit. Shades of orange, brown, green and blue lend themselves to the rustic appeal of this kit. Each of the 8 backgrounds is fully textured and you will receive 4 somewhat solid and 4 patterned prints. Also included are the following elements:
1 scalloped edge, copper wrapped warped frame

1 flower

1 copper trimmed journalcard

1 copper photo prong

4 copper and glass brads

2 copper and enamel corners

4 leather borders

You can find each of these kits in my boutique at SDK where all new products are 40% off the first week of release! Be on the lookout for future additions to the Asian, French and Italian Collections!

Now for your surprises:

Your first surprise requires you to go to the SDK Forums to check out this month's Treasure Hunt Kit and Treasure Hunt Challenge where you can not only earn an addon to this month's freebie kit, but you'll also receive copies of all of the qp submissions made by our participating members. Not a member yet? Run, don't stop, and signup here!

Your second surprise requires you to mosey on over to Page 3 of my blog and check out the new freebie samplers I've posted.

As always, I hope you like my designs and that you'll email me links to your layouts using my products! Enjoy!

New Collection - Split Personality

2008-03-14T11:04:00.008-05:00

Introducing the Split Personality Collection! Sometimes you feel soft and feminine, sometimes you feel grungy and tomboyish. Both of these personalities existwithin girls of all ages, so the Split Personality Collection was born.

Using the same colors in each part of the collection I was able to create 3 standalone kits, that could also be combined for more options when scrapping any girl's layout.

Additonally, a *Bonus Addon and a **Mini Album are available, coordinating with the entire Collection.

All kits are created in 300dpi png and jpg (12x12) in the following colors: white, grey, black, blue, and green; metals used in the kit are silver, and you'll also find touches of glitter.

Here are closeup views of the Bonus and MiniAlbum, both only available as part of the Bundles indicated above:

I hope you like Split Personality as much as I've enjoyed making it. Don't forget that all new products are 40% off the first week of release, so you'll have even more savings if you snag this collection in my store now!

Also, if you mosey over to Page 3, you'll find a little sampler! Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Spring is Coming...

2008-02-23T17:42:00.002-05:00

...and to celebrate I've uploaded a new minikit to my store at SDK!

Don't forget all new creations are 40% off the first week they're in the store!

You can check out the matching freebie on Page 3 of my blog and sometime after the first of March there will be another matching freebie posted to the SDK Team Blog. Tfl and have a great day!

Freebie Alert

2008-02-10T18:45:00.000-05:00

I have my last Valentine's kit of the year uploading as I type this...you can find it on Page 3 of this blog! Enjoy!

Coming Soon.........

2008-01-28T20:01:00.001-05:00

In case you don't know, check out the Creative Team Appreciation Blog!

Blogger Problems and New Arrivals

2008-01-20T14:11:00.000-05:00

I have tried to post here all week, but Blogger was acting funky for me. *shrugs* Hopefully, this post will stick.......

What's new in my store:

All new products are 40%off the first week of release! Don't forget that my first Commercial Use Grab Bag is only available through the end of this month and then it disappears for good!

I've also posted 2 new tutorials on Page 2.

Happy New Year and What's Going On...

2008-01-06T19:35:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! I hope your holidays were merry and bright and that you spent time with the ones you love :).

New in my store:

My very first grab bag, and its a limited edition commercial use one! That's right - grab it before midnight, January 31st or you'll miss out. The 6 products inside will NOT be released separately in my store. You can snag this up here at SDK!

The challenges at SDK have all been posted and I'd love for you to check out my revamped for 2008 Scrap With a Twist Challenge!

I have also posted my first tutorial over on Page 2 of this blog.

That's it for now - have a great day and thanks for reading!

Happy New Year's Eve!

2007-12-31T01:07:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a very safe and happy New Year's Eve, and for those already celebrating in other parts of the world, Happy New Year's!

If you mosey on over to Page 3 of my blog, you'll find a new goodie posted!

Season's Greetings

2007-12-24T23:54:00.001-05:00

Wishing you a joyous Holiday Season and I hope that you'll enjoy the goodies I've pulled out of my little elf's bag for you on Page 3 of my blog!

Merry Christmas!

Freebie Alert

2007-12-19T21:36:00.000-05:00

Gilded Christmas freebie can be found on Page 3 of my blog. Don't forget to stop back throughout the holidays for more freebies! Enjoy!

Freebie Alert

2007-12-13T22:43:00.000-05:00

Since this is the season of love and giving, I will be periodically posting freebies over the remaining weeks of the month. Check back - you never know when you'll find something new!

Tonight, I'd like to point you to the current Treasure Hunt Challenge over at the SDK Forums where you will find daily postings of pieces to this kit, Candy Lane.

The forums are the only place you'll find this kit - it will not be added to the store at the end of its run in the hunt. So if you want the full kit, run on over to the SDK Forums. All links will remain active thru the first week of January!

How about a freebie or 2? Well if you click over to Page 3 of my blog, you'll find 2 new ones waiting for you - 1 that matches my Joy kit seen in the post below and 1 that matches Candy Lane above. I hope you like them and please have a safe, healthy and happy Holiday Season!

Tis the Season

2007-12-13T22:31:00.000-05:00

Tis the season for blog header changes and Holiday Kits! Introducing Joy......

You can find each part of my Joy kit in my store at SDK!

*Blog header made with my WinterKlaus kit coming to the store this weekend! I have a challenge running at the SDK forums where you can win a copy of WinterKlaus for your participation - check it out!

Review: Preset Viewer by TumaSoft, LLC

2007-11-23T13:26:00.000-05:00

I am happy to review a great new program called Preset Viewer created by designer Betsy Tuma's husband John Tuma.

What is the Preset Viewer all about and why is this one of the hottest products on the market?

Preset Viewer allows you to view all of your Photoshop shape, brush, swatch, and pattern files within the program, create png or abr brush files (if you choose), and to automatically with the click of a button open the selected file inside of Photoshop.

Why do you need Preset Viewer? If you are like me and have collected tons of brushes, shapes and patterns, sorting through your collection can be quite a chore and cuts down on your productivity when you are trying to create a kit,or even scrapping a layout. Preset Viewer cuts that hunting and sorting down dramatically - all you need to do is open the program and select which preset category you want to view. The program automatically scans your hard drive for all instances of that category, or you can point the program to specific folders, drives, etc., and the first file opens in the viewer on the right hand side of the screen. Instead of spending hours looking through your presets for just the right file, you will spend a short time thus regaining precious time for scrapping and/or designing.

Here's a further breakdown of the features:

- the presets can be viewed in thumbnail format, filmstrip mode, and tiled mode. This is helpful for getting a larger view or determining whether a pattern is seamless or not, without opening Photoshop.

- you can use the swatch files on your system to change the foreground and background colors of the shapes andbrushes. This is helpful if you have specific colors in mind for your kit and want to see how the shapes/brushes will work with those presets, without opening Photoshop.

- you have the ability to exporting any brush, shape or pattern file as either a png file or compile them into a new abr brush file. This is a handy feature that allows you to translate patterns and shapes to brushes and/or create a new brush set of the brushes you use most often.

- you have the ability to assign keywords your files, which are held independently of the files, enabling you to maintain your groups regardless of where your files are stored on your pc (hd, ehd, etc.).

Anyone who has collected tons of presets for Photoshop will appreciate this program, which pays for itself upon the first use! I have been using
Preset Viewer since it was released and LOVE LOVE LOVE it! You will
too! :)

A final word: customer service at PDW is awesome - Betsy will get back to you very quickly and John expeditiously addresses any problems you may have with the program, including registration and updates. If you are like me, this is an area that can make or break a product for you and a determining factor on whether or not you'd recommend the product to your friends.

You can find TumaSoft's Preset Viewer at Plain Digital Wapper. An online quick start guide is also available here. Also, John has created a forum for update news and requests for furture releases.

Many kudos to Betsy and John for this great program!

New Releases and Other News

2007-11-03T13:45:00.001-05:00

Just the other day, I added 4 new overlay sets to my boutique at SDK:
You can find these, along with my previously released overlays at SDK, along with my other designs. Don't forget, all new releases are 40% off the first week!

In other news:

1 - SDK is celebrating our 2nd Birthday Anniversary all month - stop by our forums and check out our challenges, activities, the free monthly Supa Digi Kit available in the store, and there will also be some random raks available to registered members! Not a member yet? Join our forums and don't forget to check out the Member's Only Forums for some extra goodies!

Also, we will be having a sale in the store 30% off during 9th, 10th and 11th of November. Also if you have subscribed to the Digi Shop Talk newsletter you will find a coupon to take a further 10% off during the sale.

2 - The Treasure Hunt at SDK for November is about to begin....we ran a little late this month while preparing for our month long celebrations. But don't worry, you'll love the Hunt Kit and you'll be provided with catch-up links in the first post.

3 - At SDK I've posted both the new Card Challenge and the first part of my Sketch With a Twist Challenge for November. Kay and I are running the Card Challenge together, and the bonus for it is a collab kit between the 2 of us. You have the entire month to complete any or all our regular challenges in order to qualify for posting bonuses. Check the individual challenges for specifics!

4 - Product Alert - Betsy Tuma of PDW has a new product on offer that will change your life dramatically! I kid you not!! Betsy's husband answered the need we all have to view our Photoshop Presets (shapes, brushes, etc.). The product is called Preset Viewer by TumaSoft and you can check out their online pdf for previews of how the program works. I purchased my copy today and will be installing it later, but I know its cool.

Will post back later what my experience with the product is, but trust me, you'll love it and wonder what you ever did without it. But don't take my word on it - if you are a member of ActionFx Yahoo Group, read the rave reviews other customers have given the program. And when Al Ward returns from his trip, he'll post his review as well.

5 - This weekend marks the beginning of the Christmas Holiday season for me, as far as designing goes, and making my shopping lists as well. I have sketched out 7 kits for the season, along with a calendar kit and hopefully I will have most of them completed by Thanksgiving. Once they are in the store, I'll be able to install my blog store (finally, lol) and will also begin selling designs at SFX (see link on sidebar).

Question: what kind of holiday kits would you like? Leave a comment being specific, i.e. colors, special accents, etc., and perhaps I'll grant your wish *wink*!

6 - Last but not least: Happy Digital Scrapping Day!

Until next time,

kim

Freebie Alert

2007-10-28T16:02:00.000-05:00

Just wanted you to know that 2 Halloween freebies have been posted on Page 3.

Article Reprint

2007-10-27T20:40:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! I have just posted one of my articles that previously appeared in the SDK Newsletter on Page 2 of this blog. Enjoy!

WOW, I'm honored!

2007-10-05T13:49:00.000-05:00

Aaron aka SirScrapALot nominated me for this really coolWhodathunkit? ROFL Thanks so much, Aaron, this means a lot to me! In case you haven't heard of Aaron (are you hiding under a rock?) follow the link above to his blog and leave him lots of love. Also, check out my review of his blog on Page 2 of my blog.

Ok, so I have to nominate 5 peeps I think deserve this award. Here goes:

1 - SammyD, owner of ScrappinDigiKreations, for keeping our Team Blog running smoothly, for keeping our forums, galleries and store running smoothly, and for being the all around great person she is!

2 - Rona, my very first Creative Team member and one of the first friends I made at Raks; a great layout designer and friend extraordinaire! Rona keeps us entertained on her blog with quizzes, just because entries, her fabulous layouts, shopping fixes (rofl, go Rona!), and snippets of the life she leads with her family. Though she is a world away from me, Rona makes me feel like family :).

3 - Ms. Gini, my newest Creative Team member and a great friend/kindred spirit! Gini and Rona really could be sisters - they both entertain us with frequent posts! Gini is starting to design elements and is doing such a great job - be on the lookout for more templates at her blog, too!

4 - Misty Cato - for sharing her love of design with us, as well as snippets from her life! Have you checked out Misty's Tutorials? Click the link on the left side of her blog for the complete listing and don't forget to check out the review I did of her blog on Page 2 of this blog.

5 - This gets shared between TracyB and Khristy Schmidt, neither of whom have time to blog now that their offline lives have become totally busy; and with the countless other designers out there, both commercial and non, who keep expressing their creativity through designing!

I am just too tickled that I received this award. Thanks so much, Aaron!

New Product Announcement

2007-09-27T00:33:00.000-05:00

Announcing my newest items in the store at SDK. You can click the name of the product to go directly to it in my store.

First up is Falling, my companion kit to the September Supa Digi Kit and is great for your fall photos. This kit was created in shades of brown, tan, gold, and a dashes of green and rust thrown in for good measure.

The Falling Elementpack and Falling Paperpack that make up this kit are chocked full of elements: 12 textured patterned papers, some bold some soft, 17 elements consisting of bows, ribbons, a bead strand, a hinge, a slider/buckle, a flower, a leaf rubon, 2 tags and 3 frames.

Next is the Falling Sampler Freebie, my extras I had leftover when making the above kit. You'll receive 4 patterned textured backgrounds and 2 ribbons and bows, all in the same colorscheme as the original kit.

The final addition to my store is School Time, perfect for your back to school photos. I chose to make a monochromatic kit that is somewhat vintage looking in shades of brown. Included in the all-in-one kit are 2 solid textured papers, 5 patterned textured papers, 3 tags, 2 brads, 1 envelope tie, 1 staple, 2 binder clips, 1 bookplate labelholder, 3 ribbons, 3 flowers, 4 frames, 1 corner and 2 journalcards.

Please be assured that all of my designs are created full sized, 12x12 papers, and all elements and papers are designed at 300dpi resolution.

Want some goodies? Then mouse on over to page 3 of my blog for 2 new ones!

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Update

2007-09-25T00:51:00.000-05:00

From ActionFX:

UPDATE 09/24/07: The new ActionFx Pay-Per-View store is open for business!

It has been requested for a long time, and now the PPV section is Live. Now you can purchase individual packages of items both in the members area and some that are exclusive to the store for:

- Digital Scrapbooking Embellishments, Ribbons, Buttons, Bows, Papers, Overlays, Photo Frames and more

- Photography Related items: Actions and other presets

- Photoshop Presets of all kinds

- Adobe Photoshop Elements Presets

- Training Videos to instruct you on the way

- Much much more!

The first section activated today is the Digital Scrapbooking>Photo Frames bundles. Over 100 Photo-Realistic Photo Frames designed specifically for Digital Scrapbooking Pages. You may find out more about these cool frames by following the link provided below. More to come, so please stay tuned! " - Al Ward

I also want to draw your attention to the following:

Blog Update - Time to Party!!!

2007-09-10T12:01:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that Al Ward of ActionFx now has over 100,000 presets for Photoshop at his site, with more on the way! That is just too cool - all of those goodies just waiting for you to play with.

Don't know who Al is? Check out my little article about Al on page 2 of this blog.

Congrats, Al and keep up the great work! We LOVE you!! :)

Blog Update

2007-09-04T21:09:00.000-05:00

Check out my Recent Reads and have a great day!

Update

2007-09-01T19:31:00.000-05:00

Something new I was directed to by a post Alma Townsend made over in the designer's forum at mega-bytemall.com is Digital Scrap Wiki . For those of you who, like me, had no idea this existed, go check it out. If you are interested in signing up for your own page (free), go here. My page has just been updated with my bio but look forward to future posts!

Did you hear?

2007-09-01T17:05:00.000-05:00

Yup, a new concept in shopping for digital designs. But I'm not posting this here to talk about shopping. Nope, today thru Monday Alma Townsend and the site owners and designers participating in the mall have a ton of easy challenges for all, with great bonuses! Go check them out at mega-bytemall (dot) com, register as a member and run to the forums!

Freebie Alert - Limited Time Offer

2007-08-23T12:39:00.001-05:00

Just a quick post to let you know there is a special freebie on Page 3 of my blog - hurry as it expires on August 31st!

New Header and Colors......

2007-08-15T23:17:00.000-05:00

..........how do you like the new me? :) I've been meaning to tackle changing the header, and after a few hours of pulling my hair out, I finally figured it out.

My new look is courtesy of a kit made by my friend Paula, credits are in my profile over on the right. Thanks, Paula for a gorgeous kit to work with!

Hmm...now that I've finally grasped how to do this, I'll probably change headers every other month or so. At least every season :).

Have a great day!

Freebie Alert and Some News

2007-08-09T19:43:00.000-05:00

Just mentioning that I've just posted a new freebie on page 3.......

A little news: You know my buddy Al Ward of ActionFx, right? Well if you don't please read here and then RUN to his site, lol! Anyway, I can't tell you much, but there is going to be a new scrapping resource site from Al in the very near future................Woohoo! You're gonna love it, too! Hahaha How is that for a teaser? Stay tuned to my blog and Al's site for the big announcement!

Freebie Alert

2007-07-13T18:01:00.000-05:00

Check out page 3 of my blog for a very special freebie! I'm off for vacation, so I'll see you next week with more freebies, more new uploads to my store, and a new look! Have a great weekend/week and Happy Scrapping!

SDK QP Club

2007-07-05T20:29:00.000-05:00

Hi all! Today starts the new round of the SDK QP Club for July-August. Below is what I've donated to the club for this round:
All participants receive 3 paperpacks and 3 templates, refer to the guidelines and post their creations in our Impromptu Gallery by the deadline (midnight, July 31st). As a special bonus this month, all who use the above papers and templates will receive the coordinating elementpacks! Sound like fun to you? Well come on and join us - sign up in this thread and send me a pm to say you are in the swim! LOL

Facts......opinion......and sadness below........

2007-06-28T21:02:00.000-05:00

For the past 24 hours, I have mulled over exactly what I was going to post about an issue that has arisen with a friend and designer. Not if I was going to post about it, but what I was going to post about it. You see, this is my blog, I choose what I post and when, regardless of whether it may or may not be popular.

For the duration of my involvement in the digiscrapping community, I have seen and heard quite a bit. Have experienced quite a bit of controversy personally. So it is not uncommon to hear when another designer has been "dissed" for clearly personally prejudicial reasons.

Fact:
My friend Paula is a member of a particular Yahoo group whose owner has chosen to label Paula's creations as "low quality".

Fact:
For reasons that are not pertinent in this venue nor germaine to this discussion/post, Paula creates graphics (tags, email headers, web graphics and e-kits and elements) in smaller sizes than what is the "standard" in the digiscrapping community: 12x12. All of Paula's creations are created at 300dpi or greater, regardless of the physical dimensions of the finished product.

Fact:
My own personal experiences with Paula's graphics, as well as several other designers in the field, reflect that when resized to 12x12 at 300dpi, Paula's designs are fully usable in print. In other words, they print well at the "standard" for the digiscrapping world. It does not require a brain surgeon or a missile scientist to figure out how to resize graphics for print.

Fact:
Other web graphic designers, some of whom also design kits for digiscrapping, create their designs at 300dpi and convert them to 72dpi for the web. Paula is not the first to do so, nor will she be the last.

Question:
If you were creating for display on the web, which requires all graphics to be at 72dpi for optimum display, why would you begin your creation at 72dpi, knowing it will never look good on the screen? Wouldn't you begin your creation at a higher dpi to get the crispest, clearest design?

Fact:
Paula's designs were labelled as "low quality" by this group owner, who also has a tutorial site and a blog, without her bothering to join Paula's group/blog in order to download (free) one of her designs to check the "quality" of the designs. The group owner admitted this in email to her group.

Fact:
Paula, while having not been banned by the group owner, cannot make any posts to the group as she requested an apology from the owner. The owner, well within her right to do so, chose to moderate all future posts from Paula and not issue an apology, instead choosing to further espouse her beliefs that anything made by Paula is of "low quality". The owner also insists that her group is for digiscrappers who print their work.

Fact:
Several other group members contacted Paula, both on and offlist advising her to leave the group, stop making drama, and basically that she should "create in acceptable digiscrapping standards or stop creating altogether" and "xxx does not owe you an apology".

Fact:
Here is the description from the home page of that particular group:

"Welcome to the digital scrapbooking world where we love to inspire and motivate each other to create digital scrapbook pages on the computer, give support and help, along with constructive comments. We enjoy seeing before and after photos. We have games and challenges sponsored by designers. We try to share tips and techniques to inspire you. There is no stupid question, so do not hesitate to ask if you are having trouble. Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, and Paint Shop Pro are the most common programs used."

Question:
Does anything in that description state that the group is for those who actually print their work? Nothing in that description states what acceptable "standards" are, nor does anything state this is a group for digital scrappers only and excludes web graphic designers.

Fact:
Paula's original posting about e-kits and elements no longer exists - she chose to delete and post a new notice yesterday, in response to the statements made about her work. Having been a member of Paula's group for the past 3+ years, I know what her original posting contained and here is the current post in its entirety:

"eKits and the elements shared with you are not intended for the purpose of printing and assembling a hands-on scrapbook or any other item that is not digital. If your interest is to use eKits for eMail design, blog or website design, or even digital scrapbooking, then eKits and coordinating elements will work just fine for you. However, if you still wish to print any of the images on this site, you will find most of them are at 300dpi resolution and can be sized up to a 12 x 12 image, which is suitable for printing."

The only thing different between the original post and this new one is Paula spells out in more words the same message she did initially: these kits are not intended for printing. There was nothing wrong with her initial post and its a shame that Paula felt the need to further explain what was already discernable by anyone who read her blog.

I believe Paula's reason for the revision has to do with further posts to the group by the owner concerning what Paula chooses to do or not do. On her blog (Paula's). With her designs (Paula's). Since when does Paula need the approval of this group owner to post or not post or design?

Opinion and Sadness:
Unfortunately, I am hurt on Paula's behalf. I am hurt on behalf of anyone who has been unjustly "dissed" because the initator of that treatement chooses to turn a deaf ear and blind eye to what he or she believes is untrue. It is like a horse and water: you can lead him to the water, but you cannot force him to drink it.

HUGE OPINIONS:
- The group owner in question should publicly apologize to Paula, by publicly I mean via her group, as she "dissed" her publicly. Slander, and libel are serious offences and should one choose to do so, all it requires is proof of the offence and any prosecutor will be happy to proceed to trial. Just because this is a web group one should not assume that slander and libel cannot be proven or prosecuted, should one choose to take that route.

Definition of Slander:

1. saying of something false and damaging: the act or offense of saying something false or malicious that damages somebody's reputation
2. false and damaging statement: a false and malicious statement that damages somebody's reputation

Definition of Libel

1. defamation: a false and malicious published statement that damages somebody's reputation. Libel can include pictures and any other representations that have public or permanent form.
2. attacking of somebody's reputation: the making of false and damaging statements about somebody
3. written statement: the plaintiff's written statement in a case under admiralty law or in an ecclesiastical court

*These definitions were obtained from Encarta Online*

Oh and by the way........proof of both slander and libel do exist in this case. :)

- The group owner should change her homepage message to reflect what she states in email are the groups purposes, aka "designs for printable purposes". Clearly, this is not stated on the group's homepage.

- The group owner should realize that Paula is not the only web graphics designer in her group........several have contacted Paula offlist about this whole debacle. Wouldn't it be interesting if there was a mass exodus of her group if all of the web graphics designers, as well as other members who may have been offended at this publicly prejudicial debacle suddenly left?

Summation:
Yup, these are my opinions and I know they will not change the course of events. And yes, opinions are like assholes - everyone has them.

Unfortunately, there are some in this industry who take pleasure in hurting others. I have been personally affected by it and have seen quite a few others affected by it as well. Its really a shame that these hurtful people will never get a clue that what they do comes back to them, regardless of your religious spiritual beliefs or non-beliefs as the case may be. It has been historically and scientifically that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

So when I started this post, I thought about what exactly I was going to say, as I need to express my feelings on this matter. I could name the group owner and the group; I could name her blog and tutorial site. but what would that bring back to me? I don't need her bad karma, I do fine all by myself minding my own business. But, by stating the facts, by expressing my opinion and by making the readers of my blog cognizant that such people do exist out there, I feel that I have done a good job of educating you all to the crap that does indeed exist and happen to designers every day. Oh and by the way, it happens to everyday scrappers all the time too, unfortunately. Not to mention in everday lives of everyday people online and off, from every walk of life.

Isn't that sad?

Paula is a strong woman who will not let the opinion and narrow-mindedness of anyone break her creativity or force her to stop altogether. Yes, she was hurt by this - but wouldn't we all be? Fortunately, I know that Paula will continue doing what she does best: creating graphics for anyone who wants them to collect and use in any way they desire.

Paula's site is posted on the right side of my blog, under A.U.S.R, should you choose to take a look at her designs.

If you have made it this far in my post, thank you for reading. Leave a comment if you wish, but know that I am not one who will ever stop dreaming of a world where everyone is treated the right way. Nor am I one to bite my tongue about any issue. Have a great day and treat people the way you want to be treated!

Kim

A lot of new schtuff :)

2007-06-25T21:41:00.000-05:00

Warning: Long Post Ahead LOL!

I have uploaded quite a bit to my store at SDK the past few days, a freebie to share from my blog and several freebies to share from the SDK Team Blog. Check out what's new from kimsmith designs:

Lime Daisy is my current Supa Digi Kit freebie for the month of June:

You can find Lime Daisy in my store here where it will remain free until July 1st (a new Supa Digi Kit will be available then). I also have an addon for Lime Daisy:Lime Daisy addon will be available in my store later this week!

If you check out the SDK Team Blog also later this week, there will be 2 Lime Daisy freebies created by me available :). You can check out the previews below:

Summer Brights was my Supa Digi Kit freebie for the month of May:

Although it is no longer a freebie, Summer Brights can be found in my store here. Here are several kits that coordinate with Summer Brights, just uploaded to the store:

Shockwave Paperpack and Elementpack

You can find Shockwave Paperpack here and the Elementpack here.

You want a softer side of the same colors? Introducing Ciara:

You can find Ciara in my store here.

Do you remember Midnight?

Midnight Paperpack is available here and the Elementpack is available here.

I am pleased to introduce to you the Midnight Addon Kit:
You can find the Midnight Addon Kit here later this week!

Well now that you have read this far, I have a gift for you:

You can pick up my Midnight Blog Freebie 2 on Page 3 of my blog! Thanks for stopping by and for taking the time to read and comment!

Until next time,

Kim

2007-06-04T14:44:00.000-05:00

Since I know not what I'm doing with this, here is the first half of my 2 page layout, for another of my Kalendar Challenges at SDK .
I tried to put the 2 halves together, but unless I shrink their size, I don't think it will work. *Shrugs Guess its a good thing I don't do too many 2-pager's, huh? LOL Tfl!

Credits: Inspired by - Creating Keepsakes Creating With 2007 Calendar Aug 18th page; sketch by me; all elements by me; font used is Gills Sans Ultra; special thanks to Khristy Schmidt for the photos!

Just a layout.....

2007-06-03T16:38:00.001-05:00

I was creating my sketches for the June Kalendar Challenges at SDK and decided to scrap a few.........here's the first one:

Journaling:

Both little stars, my friend Tracy's boys have been in my life for quite some time now. I have watched them grow over the past several years, listened to their stories, and basked in their love for each other and their extended family. Though we live miles and miles apart, I think of them daily and truly wish that we could meet so they could tell me their stories, giggling with their Mother who so generously shares them with me. I am forever changed and will be forever indebted to my friend Tracy for bringing into my life, these beautifully sparkly little stars!

Credits:

sketch inspired by Creating Keepsakes Designing With 2007 Calendar, May 14th; elements made by me (Thanks to Atomic Cupcake for the gemstone action); photos courtesy of TracyB , font is Freestyle Script. Tfl!

New Samplers

2007-05-27T10:27:00.001-05:00

Announcing new samplers/freebies:

First up is a qp made with my new kit, Midnight, available in my boutique at SDK this week. You'll receive this qp in one of the SDK Newsletters during June:

Next is my sampler that will be posted on the SDK Team Blog this week:

And last we have my sampler that is available here on my freebie page:
Check them all out, leave me some love and be on the look out for more freebies thoughout the month!

Alert! Alert! - don't forget to check out Tracy's blog (leave her some love, too) and soon you'll have another of our team to check out as well - Sandy!! Woohoo! Freebies all around!

Menswear Freebie Link Changed...

2007-05-21T14:27:00.000-05:00

...please find it here and don't forget to check the first post there as well!

I'm amused.......

2007-05-20T17:45:00.000-05:00

........I was able to customize my blog further by adding a clock and by creating my own header from one of my recent kits. A big hoot and hooray and whoopee goes out to my girl TracyB for helping me understand what to do with blogger to get this done!!!

So yes, I am amused with myself today!

Other news: I have decided to post several additional pages in the near future (which is why the header includes main page). What am I going to have there?

1 - There will be a page for freebies - where all freebies that I post on my blog will be housed until retired. I have decided to keep my blog freebies up for a month from posting, that way anyone who wants them will be able to get them during a longer period. Bear with me while I move the current freebie tonight to a new link. Don't fret, you'll always see a preview here on the main blog for the freebie, but the link will be posted on the freebie page only.

2 - There will be a page for tutorials that I recommend and/or write myself, or other Photoshop tidbits that I want to recommend.

3 - Eventually there will be a retired kits page where you can purchase them directly from my blog - this is in the planning stage so don't look for it in the next month or so.

On the right hand side of the blog will be the links to the other pages for my blog so you'll be able to find them easily.

Thanks again to Tracy for the invaluable help she gave me with gussying up my blog!

Update to new releases

2007-05-19T16:22:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to let my readers know that my 4 minikits are now in the store. You can find them here:

Raspberry Patch

Moody Blues

Desert Rose

Menswear

Scroll down for the previews.

Don't forget to scroll down for my first blog freebie and go to the SDK Team Blog (scroll down to May 17th) for my other freebie there - both will be disabled tomorrow night! Tfl!

A Public Service Announcement

2007-05-18T11:35:00.000-05:00

Just released at ActionFx by Al Ward:

"I'm activating a new free area for digital scrapbooking, and to startoff I've 50 custom digital papers to give away. -50 Digital Papers in all -Free to download, free to use even in commercial kits(See Terms ofUse Document- Link found at the top of the main page) -Rotating Examples of each provided on the download page -Each is 12' x 12', 300 ppi, PNG Format-Each created with presets found in the Members area of ActionFx.com."

Trust me, you want to check out Al's site and join in the fun!

A blogging fool...........

2007-05-18T09:36:00.000-05:00

3 posts in 24 hours qualifies, no? LOL I thought you'd like to see what the quickpages for my Snappy Scrap Calla Lily kit look like:

First up showcases a photo of me from years gone by:
This is a photo of my Mom from 1960, I just love how glam she looks here:

Keep in mind the photo's don't come with the qps, lol. But you get the pages complete with the hole for your own photo, just slide it on the layer beneath the qp.

Snappy Scraps are designed to jumpstart your creativity with the included qps/templates, and include enough elements for you to create your own layouts.

As I said in the prior post, each Snappy Scrap will be similar in composition, with 2 versions of the patterned floral paper and a selection of coordinating solids, and either 2 qps or page templates. The elements will consist of the basics: staple, brad/eyelet, tag or journalcard, along with frames and/or photocorner or prong. But there will be some items unique to each Snappy Scrap from decorated polaroids to fancy flowers to jewels and other embellishments.

My Mom saw her layout this morning and fell totally in love with the Calla Lily Snappy Scrap. Of course, she's very partial to flowers so she told me to make more of these type of kits. Sure Mom, I'll knock them right out! Not! I plan for the next few months to release 1 Snappy Scrap a month, or more depending on other kit committments (I have 9 kits in progress from baby to wedding to my foray into heritage). But be assured, this is the first of many Snappy Scraps to come!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Coming Soon......And my first blog freebie.....

2007-05-17T22:46:00.000-05:00

........to my boutique at SDK:

Desert Rose Minikit
Moody Blues Minikit

Raspberry Patch Minikit

Menswear Minikit

Already available on the SDK Team Blog is a sampler that matches the Menswear Mini above.........get it now as it will come down the end of the weekend to make room for another sampler next week!

Also, here's a sneak peak of part a kit I just finished tonight that will be uploaded in the next few days:

Calla Lily marks the beginning of a new collection called Snappy Scraps and this kit comes with the papers shown above and a host of coordinating elements as well as 2 quickpages. Each of the solid papers is textured with a combination of a crosshatch/paint daub finish, and you receive 2 versions of the painterly Calla Lily patterned paper.

A bit more than a minikit, but not quite as large as my regular kits, each Snappy Scrap will be different from the patterns/finishes to the elements that will be unique to each kit. Look for Calla Lily early next week and other Snappy Scraps on a monthly basis!

Other news:

Don't forget to get your layouts posted for the challenges at SDK Forums! You have almost 2 weeks left to post in order to be eligible for one of the fabulous posting bonuses that the SDK Forum Designers create each month.

Don't forget Tracy's Mixed Bag Challenge happening on the SDK Team Blog! Scroll down to her May 8th post for all the fun details!

Don't forget to pick up my very first blog freebie here (link changed 052007)- it's another sampler of Menswear :). Here's the preview:

Enjoy!

A Surprise

2007-05-17T22:43:00.000-05:00

I received an email from Gini who wanted to let me know she had used one of my kits - Raks March 2007 Megakit - and pointed me to her blog. Too cool! I am always pleasantly surprised when folks contact me to show me what they've done with my designs....have you posted in a gallery or blog somewhere? Let me know!!!

Thanks, Gini, you made my night! :)

Chat at SDK

2007-04-26T13:34:00.000-05:00

Come to our opening chat at SDK!

Look What's New in My Store!

2007-04-23T23:16:00.000-05:00

First up is Bohemian Dreams, which was based on the color palette used for our Quarterly Team Kit*, the first of which was given out as the chat prize at our April Opening Chat.

Next we have Mysterioso, which is the first kit in which I made my own brushwork background base, thanks to Jen's (aka Hosanhelwa and G. Dupus) encouragement. I really love the way this kit turned out so look forward to more brushwork from me in the future!

Last week (yes, I'm a bad blogger, lol) I uploaded these 2 kits to my store:

Spring Romance

Spring Has Sprung

*Note: Our Quarterly Team Kits are an added bonus that you receive when you come to our monthly opening chats. Look for the May chat to be held on May 1st at 2pm EST and 8pm EST!

I guess I should also point out that while I am a bad blogger, my CT team gets my kits just before or the day I uploade them to the store so they can get to work on them. Once I verify that the kits are indeed in the store and ready to download, I upload my previews to the SDK forums Here , the DST forums Here , and the DigiDepot Here . I also occasionally send ads thru the various Yahoo ad groups for digiscrapping. Lately, I've been uploading a kit a week, though I can't promise it will always be that way - depends on whether my creative muse is cooperating or not, lol!

Starting next month (May) I will be posting some of the layouts my CT members have done for me and will provide you with links to go leave them some love in their galleries.

One last bit of news: as we begin the new month, we also begin new challenges at the SDK Forums . Be on the lookout for new versions of our ongoing monthly challenges as well as some impromptu challenges next month. We have tons of fun planned for you!

Until next time, happy scrapping!

Some of the Challenges at SDK

2007-04-12T13:47:00.000-05:00

All these and more can be found in our forums at SDK !

A Tag??? Are you kidding me??

2007-04-12T13:01:00.000-05:00

Ok, so maybe you guys don't know this, but I really HATE being tagged, lol! Anyways, because my Rona is so sweet, I'll do this for her, just this one time..............

FOUR JOBS I HAVE HAD
1 - Claim Analyst
2 - Benefit Analyst
3 - Director of Claims
4 - Project Manager

FOUR MOVIES I HAVE WATCHED OVER AND OVER
1 - The Jungle Book (from the 60's, Disney)
2 - The Maltese Falcon (b&w only - hate colorized classics)
3 - Anything with Katherine Hepburn and/or Cary Grant (yes, I know that's more than 4, but it counts for me :) )
4 - Happy Feet - just got it on dvd and have watched it 6 times already!

FOUR PLACES I HAVE LIVED
1 - Philadelphia
2 - Connecticut
3 - Florida
4 - New York, New York

FOUR TV SHOWS I LIKE(D) TO WATCH
1 - House
2 - CSI (the original only - hate the rest)
3 - MASH
4 - The Dresden Files

FOUR PLACES I HAVE BEEN ON VACATION
1 - Jamaica
2 - Barbados, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, St. Thomas (on a cruise)
3 - Tahiti
4 - Bermuda

FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS
1 - Bread
2 - Steak (porterhouse)
3 - McDonald's French Fries (the only fast-food item I will eat)
4 - Pasta

FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW
1 - On a beach in the Caribbean
2 - "
3 - "
4 - "

FOUR PEOPLE I WILL TAG
1 - Tracy
2 - Khristy
3 - Oriana
4 - Jane

Ok folks, there it is! Remember, this is probably the only time I'll play........Thanks, Rona!

Closeout Sale

2007-03-30T14:33:00.000-05:00

Don't forget my closeout sale is still going on - you have until midnight tomorrow to purchase! Go here and shop to your heart's content! Check out the other SDK Designers' boutiques as well - they all have something on sale for you!

SDK Easter Egg Hunt

2007-03-30T14:31:00.000-05:00

The hunt is on!! Go to scrappindigikreations.com and collect all 16 links to my Eggstra Special Kit!

SDK Easter Treasure Hunt

2007-03-26T00:23:00.000-05:00

Wanna see the kit you'll be collecting? Check out the previews below:

I hope you'll join us at SDK for the hunt! See you there!

2007-03-19T20:14:00.000-05:00

I'm having a sale..........

Check out my boutique at SDK - these products will be gone come April 1st! Don't forget to look around while you're at SDK - some of the other designers are also having a closeout sale!

Congrats to Rona!

2007-03-18T22:23:00.000-05:00

Congrats goes out to my Creative Team Member, Rona Gavino on her new position as a Snaplet (quickpage) Designer over at Divine Digital's new store!

Wishing you tons of sales, Rona!

Woohoo!

2007-02-24T13:16:00.000-05:00

Well, I've finally gone and done it! I have a public blog, lol. We'll see how long it lasts........

What will you find here?
Updates about new kits for my store at ScrappinDigiKreations.com (SDK), updates on challenges and activities at the forums at SDK, updates on challenges and activities at Rakscraps.com (RAKS), updates on some of my favorite blogs to visit and my favorite designers. I will also be hosting layouts made by my Creative Team here.

Occasionally, I will link you to Photoshop tutorials I find useful, both general and scrap-specific.

What you will not find is a bunch of chatter for no particular reason, lol. I am a quiet, solitary person, and when I have something to say I will speak up. Most of the time you won't find that here - that's what my private blog is for :).

While I won't promise daily updates, there will be weekly updates on the goings on in my online life.

I hope my readers will enjoy their visits to my blog!