Pillowgirl's Scraps

I'm MOVING

2009-01-19T17:44:00.003-07:00

Everyone, it's time.

Time for something bigger, bolder, faster, stronger, cuter, and just plain better.

Time for http://www.pillowgirlscraps.com

I've moved to my own domain and am developing a bigger, more scrapalicious site.

Please come visit me there and tell me what you think!

I have moved my entire blogger blog over, so all the old posts are available there too. You won't miss a thing.

And if you want more freebies...

2009-01-16T06:09:00.002-07:00

Not only do we have the blog hop going on, but my Happy Helper, Anne of Alamo, has a gift for you too. It's a quickpage from my Be kit and it's dang cute. Hop over and grab it here: http://anneofalamo.blogspot.com/2009/01/happy-happy-happy-freebie.html

And please, leave some love for the designers in the blog hop and for my Happy Helper, Anne of Alamo. They all put some really great stuff out on the tables for you to grab. Happy Not a Holiday from MSS folks!

MSS CU Blog Train-Hop-Skip-Jump

2009-01-15T20:29:00.002-07:00

I gotta say, I am thrilled to death when the team at MSS throws a shindig! And this time is no different. Someone got a great idea to have a mid-month blog hop just for fun, and they made it even more fun becasue we are doing all commercial use items. Now who doesn't love it when you get a whole set of design tools for free from some great designers???

This is my part of the Blog Train. You get 2 denim textures, one is wrinkled, and two patterned overlays. This is a great chance for you to sample some of my products. I love commercial use products because they are really versatile. I am a designer, but I am a scrapbooker too, and I love that I can make my own papers and elements to personalize a kit.

Download my overlays here.

No here are some more links to the designers in the blog hop. If one is not posted yet, go to the next and check back later in the day. We are all on different time zones. We have people all over the world, I love it :)

MSS Blog

C.W. Picket and Company

Darhena Designs

EAL Designs

GF Designz

Jacque

Ladybug Pages

Lucie B Designs

Pillowgirl's Scraps

Sir Scrapalot

SKrapper Digitals

Vickie Dunn

I wanna tell you also, we have got some incredible new products in the store at MSS right now. You have heard about my grab bag, but have you heard about Sir Scrapalot's Doodle Bag? Or Ladybug's new kits with a bit of fantasy to them? Or heck I will come back with some cute previews to show you. I am super impressed with the stuff they've put up this week. It looks like the New Year really brought out some great stuff!

I am running late for a date, but I will be back with more good stuff to show ya and share.

8 Box Overload: CU Freebies

2009-01-11T23:05:00.003-07:00

Hey everyone!

I have been busier than can be, suddenly feeling a rush of creative energy with the new year upon us. I've got some kits coming out this week that I just love, and I just released my 8 Box Special. That's a big pile of boxes that's sittin in my office. It's made up of all the items I have been saving up to put in a grab bag, I started by putting a set in a box, then moving on to another box. I ended up with 8 boxes, and by gum, I can't seeeeee.

I will sell individually in my store for over $20. While they are in these big boxes in my office, you get the whole lot for $4.00, so you can save a bundle on this bundle eh.

And... wouldn't you know, under the boxes in a little stash in the corner, I had these three cuties tucked away. I want them outta my office too, so I am offering them for free in my store at MSS for a very limited time. Click here to get the CU freebie. It's totally free, and totally unique by me. No credit required, etc.

Now go on folks, get out and design and scrap. It's a new year, time for new goals and new fun.
(Don't forget to come play with us at MSS, we have the Design a Kit challenge underway!)

Happy Helper Announcement

2009-01-08T06:46:00.003-07:00

Please take a moment to welcome Anne of Alamo to my team. She will be heading up some RAK efforts and helping me to spread Happiness to the world, one scrap kit at a time. I truly believe that the only way to make a difference in the world is one step at a time, and if I can brighten a day somewhere by giving, then I should be doing much more of it. Her job will be specifically to help me do that.

Anne has been using my kits as long as I have been making them, and I really got a trip down memory lane when I looked at her blog and some of her layouts. You can see and read her entertaining blog at http://www.anneofalamo.blogspot.com/, but be careful, there's a lot to read and once you start you might become a stalker.

Welcome aboard, Anne. I am excited to work with you and also thrilled at the vision we share to make Happiness Happen hehe.

Lots of Buzz, and TWO freebies!

2009-01-05T20:23:00.002-07:00

Hey everyone!

I hope you are off to a great start with the new year. I know I have been busier than a one legged man in a butt kickin contest.

I have been enjoying some family time, hubby has had a major chunk of time off work with the holidays and he finally goes back tomorrow. I can't wait for the excitement to finally die down lol. I do love to have him home, but I love to have him go to work too. It sure changes up the routine when he is home. It's really hard to find time to scrap lol.

But, I have been designing still. In fact, I have been working on a few really different projects in addition to the Live in Color collection I am still focusing on.

One>>> A very good friend of mine, Trish, has been wanting to start up her own web site offering a really cool thing to digital scrapbookers. She created a site, http://www.digiscrapdiscounts.com/ is the url. The site is a place for designers like me, or maybe you, to post ads in a gallery. The idea is that if we all post our sales ads, discounts, specials, coupons, etc. there, a digital scrapbooker could go look at the ads all at once, kinda like browsing a newspaper for coupons. I think it is a great idea. I subscribe to a lot of yahoo lists, but I really like the idea of going and seeing all the actual ads in one place. I am a visual person, so seeing the ads makes a difference for me.

So as part of her starting that site, I have been working with her to also offer a gift on her site that gives scrapbookers a taste of my designs for free. This is the result:

You wanna go get it for free? Just go to Digiscrap Discounts and click on Gifts.

Now a shout out to my fellow designer friends: She's giving away 100 memberships for free to designers. You can share your ads for free. All you have to do is go to the site, Click on View the Ads, and sign up for the gallery and send her an email on her site to let her know you are a designer wanting to share ads. It's free. It's advertising. And we all need some more of that.

Two>>> Acrylics. Oh I love Acrylics. I love taking a acrylic element and adding it at the last minute to a layout lol. I love using them for neutral elements on just about any layout. I love that I can combine them with any kit under the sun. I love that I can put them on top of a picture and still see the picture through them. OK you get the point.

I set out to make a set of amazing acrylic elements. I wanted it to be big and I wanted it to be one that had enough elements that I could use them on several layouts and not duplicate. I wanted frames, I wanted pretty much a dream element pack lol. So, I set out to make a bunch. And I ended up with over 50. And more to come.

Here's Acrylic Madness, a set of new acrylic elements that I created. What do ya think? Want a sample? You got it! Download the sample shown below here.

And on a final note: I purchased a new domain name today. My blog will be moving soon. I will let you know where, but please be advised, I am planning some big things. You can still find me at My Scrap Shop, of course.

Live in Color: Freebie, It's a big one.

2009-01-03T21:42:00.002-07:00

I have been just UBER inspired lately while working with the Live in Color collection. I absolutely love bright, vivid colors. I love primary colors, especially red and blue. I shy away from green and yellow, but lately have even been finding a love for some greens.

I am trying new things, looking at different color combos than ever before.

I have a lot of ideas and a lot of mojo.

I love it.

So to give thanks to the mojo gods, and to say thank you to my dedicated blog friends, I am going to share something pretty big with ya. It's a full set of Live in Color papers with a fancy and delicate bit of trimwork to it. It kinda combines my love of color with another love I have, acrylic and plastic embellishments.

This paper pack has 17 papers. The paper is textured, and then the acrylic top layer with fancy little foliage doodlies was plopped on top. I would LOVE to see what you do with this paper. Also, you will want this paper because any time I make a Live in Color product, it will of course mix and match.

So I know, 4 downloads is a lot for you, but please grab these papers, use the heck out of them, print them and roll around in them, just enjoy them. And if you are looking for some things to mix and match with them, check out my Live in Color collection here.

Download the freebie here:

Happy weekend to you!

The Color Green, freebie, and new products

2009-01-02T07:45:00.002-07:00

While working on the Live in Color series, I am gathering lots of color todbits to share. I have been focusing on Green the past few days.

The color green is associated with nature, peace, and money.

Green is often used in decorating for its calming effect. For example, guests waiting to appear on television programs often wait in a “green room” to relax.

Green is thought to relieve stress and help heal. Those who have a green work environment experience fewer stomachaches.

Dark green is associated with ambition, greed, and jealousy.
Yellow-green can indicate sickness, cowardice, discord, and jealousy.
Aqua is associated with emotional healing and protection.
Olive green is the traditional color of peace.

The color green for me is also associated with olives, as in the olives in my favorite drink, the classic martini.

As part of my Live in Color series, I am creating several booster packs in the various colors and combinations of them. Today I want to show you the new Green package I made in honor of the almighty Martini. And you can get this free Martini paper here at MSS. It's absolutely free, I promise. Just go grab it and use it if you are a martini fan like me!

New Products in my store at MSS:

New Challenges and Prizes at MSS:

A new round of challenges started at MSS yesterday. You can get some gorgeous kits just for particpating in some of our fun challenges, like the template challenge. Click here to get a good look at our prizes.

New Designers at MSS

Did you know we have new designers at MSS? Come see what they brought to our scrap tables and welcome them aboard!

Sales at MSS:

A little bird tells me that you can save 75% off of Sir Scrapalot's designs. That's HUGE. He has some awesome kits, great doodles, fantastic CU. You can't go wrong at that price.
EAL is having a grand opening sale, come check out a new designer at MSS and save 30%
Pillowgirl, that's me, has her whole store at 40% for the holidays. Happy New Year, it's almost all over!

Sources:

About.com

Color Wheel Pro

Live in Color

2009-01-01T10:09:00.002-07:00

I recently started reading a lot about color theory, our emotions and how they are affected by color, and so on. It's really always been an interest to me, the psychology of colors. I think as an artist, there is often a reason I choose the colors I do. I also think as scrapbookers, we choose certain colors on some of our layouts because they convey an emotion too.

Anyhow, all this Color Theory thinking inspired me to create a series called Live in Color. This collection is made up of 16 colors (plus the occasional white or black) and I will be creating several smaller kits and sets of elements or papers in this series.

Just this week, I released 6 packs of Live in Color products. Over the next while, you will see many more as I have several projects started in this color scheme. I also plan to share some Color Theory with you here on my blog, so you might see how colors impact you from day to day too :)

I hope you enjoy the project. If you don't, you will still find my normal stuff on the blog too.

Here's a link to the whole line of Live in Color products that I am offering at MSS exclusively. And watch the blog, there's a freebie coming out shortly that ties into this whole series.

ENABLE ME: CU Templates for Albums

2008-12-27T20:14:00.004-07:00

I have recently realized... I have a little miniature obsession for small albums.

I have made several hybrid or paper albums, with and without photos. I have one right here on my desk that is a paper bag album and is literally a blank album with just background papers, waiting to be filled with whatever project I decide to use it for. But I like looking at the empty paper bag album and just enjoying the papers I chose. They have little doodles and details on them so they are pretty just as they are to me :)

I have one small problem. I have a little trouble with creating layouts without some sort of visual inspiration. I am your typical Template lover. I really love to work with a template and then make it my own. I love to take a nice balanced starting point and move forward, confident that my layout will look good no matter what I do because it started out with balance lol.

As a scrapbook designer, I am always looking for good templates for commercial use as well. Especially the kind I could use to make miniature albums with my scrapkits for my customers with.

So, friends, I need your help. Enable me. Leave me a note in my comment box with your favorite commercial use template linked up. It has to be something I can use to make a album with, whether it be a quickpage album, a bracet album, a bragbook, etc.

Everyone who suggests a CU item and leaves me an email to contact them at will get a little thank you from me, up to 40 people. Please I really want a lot of options to look at! I have a lot of albums to work on, and like a variety.

New Releases, on sale 50% off still!

2008-12-26T22:25:00.003-07:00

Today we went to meet with a new attorney. I am not going to dwell too much on these thoughts, but the reason I bring this up is becasue it leads up to this... We got so much snow in the past 2 days that we got stuck on the side of the road like 3 times trying to get to the attorney's office and back home, and literally had to have my mom's hubby tow our car out of the driveway with a chain on his Rodeo. Maia was in the backseat and man, what a hectic thing to do with a frantic kid thinking we are going to be stuck in the show forever!

The snow was beautiful but I am sure glad that at the end of the day we have a nice comfortable place to warm up, get dry clothes on, and enjoy time together as "shut in's" due to the nasty cold and wet outside.

I just added a few new products to the store at myscrapshop.com. MSS is still having a Christmas sale so they are 50% off for that sale, so you get new products at a heckuva price.

With January approaching, one of my projects on the "table" is a calendar. I set out to make a bracket book calendar too as I know someone I want to gift one to. I personally have a penchant for the Basic Grey bracket chipbaord album. I really love the "sensual curve" of it, and the size is great. So I made some calendar templates and brushes and thought I would share the idea and products with other scrappers and designers. You can get it here at MSS.

I also just wrapped up a big pack of journal templates. I love the look of a scallop, I love prelined journals, and I love being able to really customize them... so this set has a little of those "ingredients" mixed right in. I threw in a little grunge here and there to add a spot of "me" to them. They are available at MSS here.

I have a freebie almost done but will post it tomorrow as I have a really big announcement to make tomorrow too.

Christmas Eve-ning

2008-12-25T21:10:00.004-07:00

Ah, everyone do it with me, let out the big sigh of relief and contentment that always comes when the little ones go to bed Christmas night. The magic of Christmas has faded to a quiet hum around the house. We had a big snow today, so it is just wonderful and peaceful outside.

We woke up this morning to the sound of Maia, our 4 year old only child, running through the house saying, "OH Santa got me a barbie!" and not noticing that the barbie was lying on a new barbie bed in her new Barbie castle. And then the realization hit her and she just started jumping in her pajamas and getting the biggest grin on her face. She got a Diamond Castle, oh, coveted Diamond Castle lol.

After opening all of her gifts, we went to grandma's house to meet up with my family and to have a nice lunch. Mom had cooked a ham, some "weenies", and a whole bunch of homemade rolls. Throw in tiger shrimp, a jar of olives, and a turkey breast. Then add a house full of teenagers from my sister's brood. And we ate. Oh god did we eat.

Grandma and Grandpa had a really special gift for Maia. Grandpa had been playing in the woodshop in his garage, and has had a homemade rocking horse in progress for the past few months. It is stunning. I really need to take some pictures of it and share them, as this horse was probably the nicest I have seen in a long time. And, my heart had little tears of happiness in it because Maia is in love with it. She has already named it Eunice. Don't ask me where she got the name.

We came home at about 2 PM as I had a nap in mind and was determined to get it. When I woke up at 7 PM, Maia was in the living room with Daddy, riding her pony and watching cartoons.

What a day.

Merry Christmas.

I do have a little something for you to put in your stocking to close out the day :) It's just a little something I made for a Christmas card and thought would look nice on your layouts too if you like it.

Download it here.

Also, I know a few folks are looking for After Christmas sales. I want to let you know, My Scrap Shop is on sale 50% off for the weekend. You can stop by and pick up a little something for you now, you know you deserve it lol.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T19:44:00.005-07:00

I usually post my freebies towards the bottom of my post, but today I just wanna give it up front. There's some stuff worth reading under the freebie though, I promise :)
-------

Here is a fun new date stamp for you to use to start out your 2009 scrapbooking. You can use it as a PNG, or even make a brush or stamp out of it for your digital scrapping :)

I love date stamps because later in life when I look at a photo it is often hard to remember what year it was, how old I was, etc. Date stamps help to develop a timeline for me to work from lol.

EXPIRED It is a limited time only freebie, when the link stops working, it's gone :)

(Sorry, but this was a regular product I was giving away free before you could buy it :) It's now available here at MSS
-------

The Christmas Letter

Wow, Santa. What a year this has been. Sometimes I wonder if we
will ever make it through. So many new challenges, so many old ones still unresolved. We are lucky to have a tree.

As the years go on, the family seems to get smaller. We used to have the
big family parties, the laughing, the Christmas carols playing in the
background. Sounds of children playing with newly unwrapped toys and adults touching glasses with holiday cheer. Now, we will be celebrating in our own home, near our little tree, filled with borrowed ornaments and found baubles.

We had a pact this year. No presents for the adults. Only for the kids.
This was a practical choice, although necessary. With only one of us working, the money is pretty tight. We managed to get just enough money to get some toys, but it will take a Christmas miracle for the rent to get paid next week...

This letter is fictional. Or is it?

I sit here preparing for the oncoming festivities of Christmas. I look over my shoulder and can see my little darling watching Christmas specials on TV and all wrapped up in the ideals of Christmas, the excitement of tomorrow's certain bounty. Daddy is in the back room still wrapping, and getting ready to put together a new toy to put under the tree when she goes to bed tonight. I am truly blessed this Christmas.

At this especially beautiful time of year, it is most important to me to say: May you have a beautiful Christmas and may you enjoy the closeness of family, the joy of giving and receiving, and may you make some spectacular memories.

Holiday Hooplah

2008-12-16T06:48:00.003-07:00

Good morning friends!

So I have just spent a long 3 day weekend with my husband home, and as much as I love him, I am glad to see him go back to work today. When he is home, we do too many projects. This weekend, we moved a lot of our furniture around. Our living room looks fantastic, but my back is quite tired :)

I also have been having a little too much un-fun as I found out last week that I had a trojan on my computer and was losing files. How frustrating! So now I am going to have to be very careful about opening anything that comes in the ol' email box. On a good note, I am back up and running now.

And with the holidays coming, I have been playing with some holiday templates, extractions, and such. I thought I would share a few here today as a gift. I hope to have more for you as Christmas gets even closer.

Here are the goodies:

And you can download them here

Commercial Use Freebie!

2008-12-11T09:48:00.004-07:00

I always love to set something aside from my grab bags to give away as a freebie. This time, I chose a template for a journal card, and it comes in layered PSD as well as PNG files for you.

If you love this, you might really want the Designer's Art Box that Peppermint Patty and I have put together.

Here's the freebie:
And you can download it here: EXPIRED

Also a note: These items are drastically reduced on sale at MSS. Click the preview to go see them in the store.

Christmas Cookies Clip Art: $1.00. That's right, a buck.

Christmas is Coming 1 Clip art: $1.00. Yup, another buck.

CU Grab Bag

2008-12-11T06:48:00.002-07:00

I still love a good grab bag. In fact, I have a little grab bag fund that I keep just so I can shop for them. Every time I buy one, it is like a little gift to myself. One of those little splurges. Call me nuts.

This one has 9 products in it. 2 of them are overlay packs. The rest are a mix of good tools for a designer. One is a layer style, one I have been mentioning for quite a while...

This bag is special because I worked with my friend Peppermint Patty again on it. I love what we can create when we work together on an idea.

Now a question for you... do you love grab bags? I mean, what aspect of buying a grab bag is such a good part? Is it the bargain of 9 products for $4.50, or is it the surprise aspect? Do you enjoy having them revealed and sneaking a peek before you buy them? Or do you totally want to be surprised?

Hey, You, Bargain Hunter...

2008-12-03T10:48:00.002-07:00

I'm doing some wild things.

One, my entire store is on sale for two days. Items are marked down to 1 or $2, even the CU.

I am also pulling out all the stops.

I am offering to sell my entire store for $50 to a limited number of people. If you are interested, I would like you to email me directly to arrange this as I don't want to make it available in the store, rather through direct contact with me. My email is pillowgirlmk@comcast.net if you are interested.

You can view my store here: http://myscrapshop.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=1

Those of you who know me are probably aware that I don't do this kind of thing often. I will tell you that if you purchase my store or make purchases at my store this week, you will be helping my family in more ways than I care to share in public.

Thank you for your reading today :)

Home for Christmas

2008-11-26T21:58:00.002-07:00

Hey everyone! I am prepping for tomorrow's big feast, are you? My whole house is clean, but we aren't hosting the event hehe. We will be going to my mom's house to fill our bellies with my family. What I love the best: Free food with no clean-up. I am just as bad as any poor student visiting their mom's house for food lol.

The Thanksgiving holiday means a few things for us scrapbookers.

1) Big sales for Black Friday

2) Lots of new holiday scrapbooking kits, resources, and gift ideas. I LOVE IT.

Well, at MSS we have gone all out to make sure you get what you want and what you need this holiday.

1) MSS is on sale. 60% off our store! Come get it folks! This means you can get some great products at a huge savings. Might I suggest my Holiday CU Grab Bag that is normally $3? This sale takes that price way down to only... (drum roll) $1.20. That is INSANE.

2)Maybe you are looking for some huge Christmas kits to work with your cards, tags, even wrapping small items. Well, I have recently been involved in some pretty big collaborations! I recently showed you my collaboration with Peppermint Patty, Tis the Season. Well... Sir Scrapalot and I have just finished a big new collaboration kit called Home for Christmas too. It was added to our store tonight here. And since MSS is on sale for 60% off starting at midnight, these kits are on sale too!
And of course I have a freebie for you to celebrate the holidays and to kick off our new collaboration kit hitting the store. Download it here on 4shared. It's got a few papers and elements straight out of the Home for Christmas Kit by Sir Scrapalot and me. He has a little freebie too, so you will wanna stop by his blog tomorrow and grab it (I beat him to the punch and got mine up early hehe)

And if you like premade Christmas cards, Sir Scrapalot has put a few in the store using our kit as well. You can snag those here.

I also updated the Inspiration series on MSS's blog today. If you want to add a little inspiration in your life and your scraps, there are exercises there that can help you recognize some of the blessings in your life and help you get your scrap mojo heading in that direction.

Santa's Got a Brand New Bag, Freebie too, and it's CU!

2008-11-24T11:18:00.002-07:00

Happy holidays. I think I have had a little too much egg nog already and our Christmas Tree isn't even up.

Thanksgiving week, who knew it would sneak up so fast! This is the week I prep my house for Christmas. On Friday, the tree goes up. Wow, it's here!

I also am on the hunt for a Diamond Castle for Maia, but am waiting til this Friday to go buy it, in hopes of some killer black Friday deal. I doubt it will happen but I can't help but LOVE the idea of shopping like all the maniacs that day.

Anyhow, I have been in a Christmas mood this weekend. So much that I got a few new products in the store at MSS and I also got a freebie for you!

Guess what, a lot of folks have told me that I better make a Holiday Grab Bag or I would get a lump of coal this Christmas. I want scrap supplies lol. And new pajamas. So I got my grab bag done lol. I don't want coal.

If you want Christmas goodies galore, for commercial use, go here!

And of course, I had a little left over so I thought I better give away a freebie to get on the Extra Specially Good Girl list.

Download it here

Tis the Season

2008-11-21T05:12:00.003-07:00

Happpppy Friday! I sincerely hope you are having a wonderful week and that your weekend is also going to be a great one. I know that today is a good day because it starts with the letter F. I love every day of the week that starts with the letter F.

Wow, the holidays are fast approaching. I finally went and did a layaway for Christmas this week. I tend to put my shopping off and then in a mad dash, buy whatever looks easiest to wrap. I won't lie. Except when it comes to my kid. Man, she is spoiled lol. Don't tell her, but she's got a whole bunch of Barbie and My Little Pony coming for Christmas. I am still trying to find the Diamond Castle though, it's sold out everywhere and I hate to have it shipped with where we live.

In the design world, I have been working on a collab kit with my dear friend Pappermint Patty. She's not a regular designer, although she can design, so it was a lot of fun working with her. It really put a fresh spin on things, and was a ton of fun. And we came up with a GLORIOUS, MAGNIFICENT, HUMONGOUS Christmas kit called Tis the Season.

Tis the Season has 25 papers, 70+ elements, and is one of those where you want to just reach up and touch it... lots of rich texture in it.

And we even saved a freebie for you :)

Grab this little add-on freebie here. And if you make a layout using this kit, you might just find one heckuva gift coming your way, of course you have gotta share it with me. (Your layout that is)

Wow, I'm Impressed.

2008-11-19T11:53:00.003-07:00

OK I have to admit, I am turning into a printables fan. Big time. I think homemade printables can really add a touch of class and a little bit of "thoughtful" to things nowadays... I guess I should show you what made me think on this...

Valerian, a member of MSS's CT, posted on her blog about a project she just did using my new Christmas kit, Be Merry. Now I am not only thinking of course that it's an awesome kit, but wow,w hat a cute project she just did that will add a touch of class to simple giftgiving this year.

Go check it out for yourself at http://artisticleanings.blogspot.com/2008/11/be-merry.html

Good MORNING.

2008-11-19T04:39:00.003-07:00

Oh what a beautiful morrrrning. Oh what a beautiful dayyyy.

I just want you all to know I got up at 4 AM and here I am blogging away. I'm addicted. Not to blogging, but to just plain the whole shebang lately. I have been designing like mad. I have been playing like mad.

What's going on for you???

With the holidays fast approaching, new projects and exciting activities are going on everywhere. I am currently involved in 2 collaborations, plus developing a few side projects. I can't wait to show them to you, but I have to wait to show them to you, get my drift?

The hubby and I went to KMart and did a layaway for Christmas last night. Everything was for Maia, and she will have a decent Christmas even though mommy isn't working as long as we get that sucker out in time lol. I love to layaway Christmas, especially with us living in a small apartment. There's nowhere in this place to hide gifts, that's for sure! This is the first year Maia has really grasped the concept of Santa, gifts, and that Christmas is coming. She knew about Christmas last year but didn't sit and anticipate it all month in November. Maia tells me every day what she has on her Christmas list lol. I won't lie, my kid is extremely toy motivated. She's 5. I am letting her have this year be her year to just enjoy the heck out of presents, and "Me me me". Next year, we will start doing something a little more meaningful lol. Every kid should get the whole big BAM on Christmas morning at least once. Now, I say this with discretion and should clarify... no animals were harmed in the creation of this Christmas.

I posted part 2 of an inspirational series on the MSS Blog today. If you are into inspirational scrapping and "digging deep" this series might be a good one for you. It's kinda... scrap therapy lol.

OK back to the designing board. I got lots to do to prep for the great Christmas of 2008 here on my blog and at MSS hehe.

One last important note: I am rotating the 50 cent items this week in my store at MSS. If you want any of the 50 cent items that are there right now, you might wanna snag them today. You can see them in the Fab 50s section at the store here.

Wow what a WEEKEND!

2008-11-17T00:21:00.004-07:00

It's 12:20 in the morning, and when I wake up it will be Monday, but right now in my mind it is still Sunday.

It's been one heckuva weekend. We are celebrating MSS's first birthday and man, what a whirlwind of love and support and hugs and cupcakes we are getting!

To be honest, there are moments in every designer, website owner, store owner, and even scrapbookers' lives when they sit down and really wonder, "Should I keep going?" I would be foolish to pretend that those moments never come to mind for me. Luckily, I am doing something I love, working with people I am honored to work with, and I am meeting wonderful people who I never would have met before without MSS. I am designing, losing sleep over it, and still enjoying the thrill that an artist gets every time they get done with their next "masterpiece"- these are some huge blessings for me.

I am enabling other folks like me to create, whether it be a layout or to even create kits and be designers too. I like to think that each day someone in this world finds something to like about me or my creations. That's pretty dang neat.

My focus in the next short while is on taking my dream to another level. I always loved to inspire greatness even in small bits. I love sharing inspiration, I love teaching when I can, and I love watching someone else's accomplishment. It's like watching the sun rise... it starts out small, and then with time, patience, and confidence, it explodes into the sky. (Yes, it's late, and I am feelin a little poetic)

I've still got new designs and products going into the store, don't worry... but I also have some new projects that you might enjoy.

1. I just started a new series on the MSS blog. It's an inspirational series that you might follow along with to take your scrapbooking to a new dimension. I'll add a little to it every day or two until it's time to inspire some other way. So if you miss me here, you might pop by there.

2. I'm developing a plan to work with a few budding designers. You might see some more collabs, some more chats, some more tutorials and advice on the blog and forums at MSS too. I'm really wanting to create something where I make a dent in the world. I do believe in one person's ability to do more than change the world that they live in, but to also change the world that others live in. And cheeseball me, I think it can be done through scrapbooking lol. If you have a talent, it's a blessing, and a blessing should be shared, right?

3. I am still designing. Personal Use is even more fun than normal at Christmas time, but when I design Commercial Use I enable more designers to do personal use... so you'll see some of both.

4. MSS is always growing. We will be doing some more growing soon, with new features and a new gallery with more functionality. We are expanding the types of products we offer and trying to give you more for your money, and more fun with your scraps. You'll see more printables, more project kits, and some great tools too.

Anyhow, to fiish off this long post, I do want to take one second and show off the product I added to the store today. We're on our way to Christmas, and it'll be here before we know it. I love Christmas CU tools because I can really save time in the hustle of this time of year.

Here's some really great clip art. There are 20 doodles and you get each in PNG and JPG format. I love the country crafty appeal of these graphics. It's titled "Christmas Cookies #1" and you can click here to see them in the store.

I've Gotta Share

2008-11-13T06:27:00.004-07:00

Happy Thursday to you!

It's a big big big week for me this week, and hopefully a good one for you! MSS turns ONE YEAR OLD this weekend on Saturday. I can't believe time has gone by so quickly. Plus, with the holidays coming up, I am feeling all new inspiration and lovin' the late nights hehe.

I've got a lot to show you, and then I will tell you a little more details as I go.

I love the holidays. If you know my track record, you know that during the holidays I really kick my designing into high gear. I think Christmas time is one of the most scrappable times of the year and I try to make it fun and easy for anyone I know by offering some great kits and freebies all through the season. To start off, I have just added a few new things to my store at My Scrap Shop.

The Be Merry kit is my first Christmas kit of the year. It matches my Be kit, which I released in the store in October. You could literally put the two kits together and have one humongous kit. In Be Merry, I use a lot of worn and shabbier papers, some gorgeous felt, a little glitter and glitz, and I feel it really captures the spirit of Christmas in my home. We do everything simple but with a touch of "excess" when it comes to Christmas. So yes, it's a great time for glitter hehe.

I couldn't resist saving some of my favorite pieces of the kit as layered element templates for you. This Piece on Earth set includes a Angel, Tree, and Stocking for you to make your own. You can add paper, color, style, etc. to really personalize these.
A 50 cent special! the Tea Party set is part of the Be series, and includes a little Tea pot and cup, plus a shade tree to sip it under. It also includes a few papers for you to scrap with that have the grungy, worn, torn, and folded look to them. This item is 50 cents at MSS for one week only.

OK I have more to share but am thinking I ought to split it into another post to keep things straight. Plus, my coffee cup is empty! I will be back with more to show and probably a freebie to boot!

In case you are reading this before my next post though, I want to remind you to come chat with us tonight at 9 PM Eastern, 8 PM Central, 7 PM Mountain, 6 PM Pacific... at http://www.myscrapshop.com/chat. It's a big night tonight!

Friday, Freebie, 50 cent items, etc.

2008-11-07T19:47:00.003-07:00

Friday, Friday, Friday... I'm so glad Friday is here.

And now it is almost over.

I love Fridays because they are a good day for me to take an afternoon nap. That sounds bad, but I am a BIG FAN of the afternoon nap. And on Fridays, I don't have to clean house while Maia takes hers (because that's what weekends are for, catching up on the cleaning I skipped on Friday) so I get a good snooze in the afternoon.

What silly thing do you do on your favorite day of the week that makes it Your Favorite Day??? And do you scrap it? I don't think I will scrap my naps lol.

It's new release time at My Scrap Shop. Every Friday, all the new releases are 20% off. This week at MSS it is like Christmas came in, swooped over low, and shot little magic Christmas dust everywhere in our New Release bin lol. That and the CU Fairy always comes to MSS with a few packages for sale.

I just introduced a new series at MSS this week... it is called CU Small Bytes. Each week I will choose a few CU items to put up in the store in smaller packages, sometimes even as singles. These Small Bytes will be priced at way low prices. This week they are 50 cents a piece. See the previews below, and click on them if you would like to add them to your cart at MSS for 50 cents. They won't be 50 cents for long, so grab them before I rotate a new set in.

This time of year, it's time for the short sleeves to go in the back of the closet and the long sleeves and flannel shirts to come out. Well, for the menfolk anyway. This set of papers is inspired by the shirts that were in my dad's closet. He had a set of colors that were pretty much his "norm" and these papers are reminiscent of his winter wardrobe. I hope you enjoy them, they are free. Click here to download them!

Be... a Freebie hehe

2008-11-02T21:40:00.004-07:00

Hi everyone. I am blogging at the end of a wonderful weekend.

It was Digital Scrapbooking Day yesterday, and I got to shop at my favorite stores at some serious knockout prices. You know I love sales. I love to have them, and I love to find them. I love to shop them. I will shop them in a box, I will shop them with a box. Even when we change our CLOCKS! (A reminder to you, the clock is ticking... the sale at MSS will still go on until Monday night at midnight, so those of you who missed most of the DSD festivities, well, we're still having them at MSS. We really know how to throw a LONG party hehe. That's right, still 60% off our store!)

I also got to see some fantastic new beginnings at MSS. The new challenges are ON! I love challenges. Seriously they are another great excuse to scrap and I usually do my best work when I am inspired by a challenge. If you love a good challenge too, you really ought to come to MSS and play with us. It's a low pressure, high fun, easygoing atmosphere. We don't care if this is your first layout, your millionth, etc. It doesnt' have to be all professional looking. It just has to be the result of you being inspired by a challenge. I love that kind of atmosphere.

Now I also have had a lot of fun with the Be kit we gave away as challenge prizes last week. It's available also in my store, and during the DSD sale is it CHEEEEEAP. I decided to add on to the kit, and will keep adding on because I so love this color scheme and the theme of the kit. So here is a freebie for you, it coordinates with the Be kit at MSS.

Download it here

And while you are here, I want to tell you this... MSS is almost a year old. Can you believe it? In 2 weeks from today, we will have been online for a whole year. What a lot of memories we have all shared!

Freebie, Sale, DSD, Halloween, Yeah...

2008-10-31T06:11:00.002-06:00

Did you ever feel like your days are getting ahead of you? There's so much going on that I can't keep up!!!

I love DSD, don't get me wrong, but man it's too close to Halloween lol. All the hustle and bustle of getting Maia all geared up for trick or treating, plus having treats for my online friends and family, plus keeping up with the fact that it's the end of one month and the start of a new one.. some days I wonder how many cups of coffee my big ol' belly can handle lol.

But rest assured, I had a BIG cup today.

To start off, I want to tell you... I have a brand new CU Collection up at MSS. This sucker has 8 different products, and is normally $7... but with the 60% off sale going on NOW at Myscrapshop.com, it is only $2.80. Now come on, $2.80? You might think this is insane. It is. But it's true lol. So if you like a dang good deal, you ought to at least grab this baby up today while you can get it for that price. And while you are in there, you can see some other extreme deals going on... because MSS is 60% off! Yup 60% off! CU included. Most grab bags included. Most everything, included.

And finally, DSD is all about customer and friend appreciation. I think so anyway. So not only do we appreciate the customers at our stores and give them discounts that are to die for, but we also appreciate those of you who come to give us support here on our blogs. You know, these blogs, they are a labor of love. Some days you wonder, do I have time or even anything important to say? And then someone comes along and says, "Thanks for taking the time, what you said was inspiring to me" and it is all worthwhile.

So here's a freebie. I have more for the weekend, so check back. But today's is a favorite quote I have hanging in my living room for all to read. Now you can add it to a layout and really, you should be proud to share it with those who live in YOUR home.

Download this free gift here

Come play with us, plus $2 for you

2008-10-27T12:03:00.002-06:00

If you haven't visited this week, you are missing out on some really great challenges. Our Challenge Coordinators have a great kit for your for playing along, and are working their tails off to inspire you to get off your duff and scrap!

Come see the new challenges at http://www.myscrapshop.com/forum. You can get a great kit for just joining up and playing along. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Also, I have a coupon for you to my store. I have a serious case of the Mondays and could really use a little bit of a pick me up, so I thought, why not share a pick me up with you? Spend $2 at my store today ON ME. No strings attached, and I have my retirement sale on for it's last day today only. I decided to extend it for your coupon shopping :)

Just enter the coupon code Pillow24U on checkout for $2 off any of my products! Enjoy.

Pillowgirl

http://www.myscrapshop.com

Free CU layout template, life, updates, and more.

2008-10-24T06:31:00.004-06:00

OK I realize it has been such a long week and then some, and I have been remiss on my blogging. What can I say? Life is hectic as a new SAHM! I got more done when I worked full time, it seems. Now I am home with Maia and it is all too tempting to spend the day on the couch lounging with her, or playing light brite. Or using the playdoh. I am a sucker for my 4 year old, she can distract me better than anyone I know.

To make it up to you, I have a really fun layout template, AND I decided to make it free, and commercial use. You can use this to do your CT layouts for another designer, you can use it to do previews of your products, you can use this to make layouts for your S4H clients, you can use this as inspiration for your blog layout, you can have it laminated and throw it like a frisbee. Just USE it and use it well :) The only thing you can't do with it is give it to a friend in its original form, or resell the actual template. So, what you ought to do is tell your friend to come here and get it, it's gonna be here for a while.

Download this template here on 4shared.

I would love to see what you use this template for. I know I love to use templates when I am looking for a little guidance on a layout. It's also important to note, tis is a layered PSD file so you can move things around, rotate them, reshape them, cut part of it out, change the phtos around, add journals, add a title, throw a few flowers in there, add a ribbon, screw the scallops if you like straight lines, etc. This should be a tool, not a RULE.

Now, what else have I been up to? I have been working on one helluva kit for our challenges that are going to start tomorrow at MSS. I would show it to you but I am sworn to secrecy. It's huge, it's versatile, it's got a little boy, a little girl, a little grown up, a little young, a little mod, a little traditional, and it's got a whole lotta soul. So to see what I have been creating, check out the forums at MSS tomorrow when we post the new challenges. You can win it before you can buy it, and I do love that with challenges, everyone who plays gets to win.

I also have the last few days of my retirement sale going on, this weekend is your very last chance to get 65% over 60 of my products. I am doing a major inventory overhaul. Over half of these products are Commercial Use. Products like 88 overlays for less than $6, my Designer Tools 101 (101 different designer tools) for less than $6. It's a pretty big deal, but I am trying to keep my good name as the queen of good deals, so if you like that about me, go grab your cart and come visit my store lol.

Now with all this going on, I bet you didn't know that I have been working on some new stuff for DSD as well. And that we have weekly chats at myscrapshop.com/chat. Last night we had a chat and it was a lot of fun. I love seeing Sir Scrapalot try to keep a straight face when I pick on him in the chatroom. He hosted a game of MSS Trivia last night, just for fun, and it was a good time. I love that with our goodie bags, everyone walks away with a smile on their face.

Thank you to all of you who visit me and read these longwinded posts. I am playing catch up for a long spell of playing with Maia instead of blogging, but you know I would never stop blogging, designing, scrapping, and playing...

Until next time...

Pillow

A Freebie, and how to get another freebie, and then some.

2008-10-15T22:02:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone. I bet you don't ever get tired of me saying COME CHAT WITH US AT MSS.

We're having a chat every Thursday night at 9 PM Eastern, 8 PM Central, 7 PM Mountain, and 6 PM Pacific. That's right, every week on Thursday.

And every week, we have gifts and games for you. Mine's not the only one, but it's the only one I am gonna show you tonight lol. I will try to post some more previews tomorrow.

This week, I am giving the second part to the Simply Farm kit. Now if you didn't get the first week's portion, come to this week's chat and tell me, I will get it to you if you come this week.

I am also putting a freebie up tonight of a couploe cute animals that coordinate with the kit. I got them done after I packed up the chat prize, so I want to give them to you here.

Click for the free animals.

And I have over 60 items on the Retirement shelf at My Scrap Shop. About half of them are commercial use. If you haven't come over, you need to come see what's there for a STEAL. I already price my products at the lower end of the scale... no prada on this girl... I'm all about big bargains for less bucks lol. But now you get 65% off to boot. Not a bad deal if ya ask around. Check out my retirement products in the the Retiring section of the store at http://www.myscrapshop.com/shop.

Retirement Sale... 65% off. No kidding.

2008-10-14T10:51:00.002-06:00

I am cleaning out the closets. Knocking down the cobwebs. And moving some of my products out of the store at MSS. I want to make sure that I am always rotating in new products, but need to make room!

So, I have 60 products up for retirement. It's about half personal use kits and half commercial use kits. You won't believe how low the prices are, even on the Commercial Use. All my items on retirement are 65% off.

So... there are personal use products as low as 35 cents, and commercial use as low as 70 cents. These are good products, just not my newest or not my personal favorites, or just I think they need to come down for a while.

By the way, all of my Overlay Specials sets are on retirement. As well as Designer Tools 101 (the one with 101 CU items in it). These are huge products, and now they are at ridiculously low prices. We're not talking wal-mart, we're talking DOLLAR STORE hehe.

So to take advantage of this sale, go to the retiring section at MSS here.

WOW WOW WOW

2008-10-10T00:28:00.003-06:00

I am still winding down from the excitement today at MSS. We had an AWESOME turnout for our chat. Trish says there were over 40 of us in there all talking at once lol.

We gave out some great prizes, but even more exciting... we turned on our New Releases in the store, AND they are on sale for 20% off until 11:59 PM Friday (today, but it's still Thursday since I haven't gone to bed yet)

I released a new CU collection that is the biggest ever. And it's got... shimmer, crumples, fun kid stuff, fancy autumn stuff, pretty floral and swishy overlays, and a bonus... and I know I am forgetting something lol. Here's a link to it in my store.

October's Designer Mix is full of great tools! You get 7 full size products, plus a surprise gift. So all told, you get them for less than a dollar a piece. And these aren't tiny full sized products.
Included:

Designer Shapes: 20 unique shape templates, some complex, some tools you will use over and over.
Vive La Glitter: 18 glittered shapes, different from the ones in the shape set. simply recolor them and use them as tools for a kit. Even though there is a lot of glitter on the market, there is always demand for more in kits. These will help you speed up your design process.
Lively Overlays: These 5 overlays are full of fun pattern, and they aren't just your plain "pattern tiled" overlays. These were hand designed to add an artistic touch to your kits.
Grunge Brush and PNG set: 10 grungy brushes, ideal for making grunged edges and overlays.
Cumpled Paper Overlays: 4 new curmpled paper overlays with realistic paper texture. The wrinkles and folds in these overlays really add a worn look, which is great for fall and winter kits.
Autumn Leaves: Recolor these 5 leaves (plus 1 acorn) with a simple color overlay, or add a more complex Clipping Mask overlay and brush on several colors. These leaves are very detailed and have a lot to offer for your autumn designs.
Recolorable Gems: 2 round PNG gems plus one layered PSD file with a gem and several stones around it. You can make this one 2 colors that way.

All told, you get 66 tools in this pack plus the surprise bonus. That's something to write home about. This product will not stay bundled, so please get it early. You won't save this much money on these products for long.

Here's a preview.

AND... there are more grab bags released tonight for commercial use! Sir Scrapalot, SKrapper Digitals, and Ladybug were all at the chat showing off their bags too ;) All of them, on sale, 20% off. Come stock up quick!

10 reasons to come chat on thursday night...

2008-10-08T23:23:00.001-06:00

So by now you have heard about our chat tomorrow night, right? It's here at MSS in our chatroom, at 9 PM eastern. We're having a real New Release Party. A party I tell you. And we give gifts to people at parties.

http://www.myscrapshop.com/chat

Now here's some really good reasons to come.

1. A free gift from Lucie B that is like no other.
2. A free gift from Ladybug Designs that you will have tons of uses for.
3. A series of free gifts from Pillowgirl, get a minikit each week at our chat and they all tie together. You will love this mega whopper when it's done.
4. A goodie bag from Sir Scrapalot.
5. You get to see our new products first.
6. You just might win a really cool prize.
7. Scrapbooking is a family activity, so no need to lock your kids in the closet.
8. It's not like there's anything on TV that you can't record.
9. There will be designers, CT Members, and ET Members PLUS Trish, all here trying to entertain you without talking over each other too much.
10. More free gifts.

http://www.myscrapshop.com/chat

Did I mention that we are always noted as the most generous team whenever we throw a shindig? It's no joke. We make it worth your while.

Now, go, tell your friends. If you bring a friend, you both get gifts lol. And you can both record your favorite TV shows and trade after.

http://www.myscrapshop.com/chat

By the way, this is a weekly chat, but Thursday the 9th is our first so it's a real kick off party. You don't have to bring a side dish or RSVP, just come on in.

CU Freebie! Sneak a Peek. Chat with Meeee.

2008-10-08T05:48:00.004-06:00

I am pulling an all-nighter. I couldn't sleep last night, I have so many designs running through my head! It's weird how inspiration just hits like that sometimes.

The hubby is staying home today so we have a few plans to take Maia to the park and have a little family time. We have some weekend days off together but those are always filled with errands and shopping and running around, so today will be a nice treat. Maia doesn't know he is staying home yet, so she will be pleasantly surprised when he is still here when she wakes up.

So what has had me up all night?

Well, I have been finishing up a new release that is coming out this Friday. If you are at our chat on Thursday night, you will get a little something in your goodie bag from me that ties in with it too. Want to know what it is that I finished? Here's a sneak peek, hehe.

Also, I did a little cu freebie for you in my "spare time". I know a lot of folks out there are designers, or want to design, and this little freebie is to help inspire you. I hope you enjoy it! I love making CU tools, it's so much fun to see them pop in in kits I run across. If you use my tools, send me a toot, and I just might post a preview and a link to it here on my blog to show it off!

Download this freebie here

Am I crazy?

2008-10-03T15:24:00.003-06:00

I don't think I'm crazy, I just appreciate a good deal. So I decided it's time for me to give one of those big big deals.

And well, here's another really good deal at My Scrap Shop too! (I tell you, there's something in the water at MSS, we all like to save money)

I am excited for a date I have with my mom tomorrow. We are going to the "Girl's Night Out" at Heartland Paper. My mom doesn't scrap but she just doesn't know how. I imagine if she tried scrapbooking, she would need to build an add-on to the house though to fit it once she got started. Know anyone else who is like that?

I have been having a hard time "believing" that I am not working and not planning to return to the job I had for 3 years. It's still a lot to take on "mentally". It's like I wake up in the morning and think I need to get ready and hurry to work... only to remember during my first cup of coffee that I don't do that anymore. The hubby suggestss that I take a night time part time job, and spend the time during the day with Maia. I am still trying to convince him that if I do that, it will be like having two jobs. I have a whole different respect for women who manage to keep their carpets vacuumed and their dishes clean, let alone the ones who seem to have spotless homes with kids in the house.

But, right at this very moment... if I look over my right shoulder, I am seeing the view of Miss Maia all snuggled up in a blanket on the couch, wrapped up like a little burrito, with nothing out of the blanket but her cute little head. She is taking her long anticipated nap, and I am finally here to send out a note hehe. This is my dream job. The pay sucks, the overtime is horrible, I have a college degree and am totally under-appreciated... but DANG I love the benefits and the perks. I am paid in hugs and kisses to be Maia's Personal Assistant in life lol.

Magical Moment Sampler

2008-10-01T10:02:00.002-06:00

I released a new kit this week at My Scrap Shop. It's called Magical Moment. I have mentioned it here but have been waiting to show it to you until Ihad a sampler for you to go with it ;) I know you love freebies, who doesn't!!!

Here's a preview of the kit:

The Magical Moment Kit has 19 beautiful papers with watercolor softness and a shabby texture. And the elements are all created to coordinate and allow several layouts. This would go great for all kinds of slightly elegant moments. There's a little bit of casual in there too, because I wear jeans to weddings you know.

Now here's you a sample of the kit. I saved 3 papers for you and 4 elements, just so you can get a good taste of the kit if you are curious. If you love the freebie, I ask only that you consider using them in a layout and send it to me so I can see your creations! They inspire me so much!

Download this sample for free here.

I have a coupon for $2 to spend at my store. That's right, a free $2. You can buy whatever you want that I designed. Sweeeeet!

Just go to http://myscrapshop.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=1 and find a product you like add it to your cart, then proceed to checkout. During Checkout, you need to enter this coupon code...

Code is: PILLOW42
remember to enter it all in capitals. Also, it only works on my products and is only valid until the 3rd, so shop fast!

Life Happening Around Me AND a gift at the end :)

2008-10-01T09:14:00.004-06:00

So it has been ab out a week since I quit the job as a bill collector. I am loving being home with Maia, but it is sure a lot of work to keep up with her.

As I type, she is hosting a tea party with her 2 pnies, the white alligator, and a oversized cow. They are sipping tea (which she substitutes curled ribbon in the tea cups) and having a Totino's snack pizza. She just isn't into crumpets lol.

I have been a much better wife this week. Dinner has been served hot off the oven instead of out of carryout bags. The laundry isn't just John's job anymore. I even went so far as to print out some homeschooling things for kindergarten and start playing school with Maia. I'm bound and determined to teach her to read and write before the schools have to lol. We live in a predominantly spanish neighborhood and I really like the idea of her mastering English first. I don't speak Spanish so when she runs around speaking in Spanish I get frazzled. Yes, it's good to be bilingual, but dang it, she's winning all the arguments by default.

I have been designing an add-on to my new kit Magical Moment. I will post the add-on later today, but I really felt like just blogging a little personal stuff to get my day going.

Now on to MSS News...
Gosh it's a whirlwind!
I just got the new header design from SKrapper Digitals for the MSS site. It will be going up on the site soon. I want to say t his though. WOW, sherah, you are amazing. I know why you are one of my favorite designers, and this header is incredible. I can't wait to do the overhaul that is coming so soon.

Weekly Chats on Thursday Nights: PUT ME ON YOUR CALENDAR OR MISS OUT ON INCREDIBLE FREE GIFTS. Thursday nights at 9 PM Eastern at http://www.myscrapshop.com/chat

Now, In case you don't get the MSS Newsletter, you need to know about this...
I have a coupon for $2 to spend at my store. That's right, a free $2. You can buy whatever you want that I designed. Sweeeeet!

Just go to http://myscrapshop.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=1 and find a product you likem add it to your cart, then proceed to checkout. During Checkout, you need to enter this coupon code...

Code is: PILLOW42
remember to enter it all in capitals. Also, it only works on my products and is only valid until the 3rd, so shop fast!

What's up @ MSS

2008-09-30T11:08:00.003-06:00

Holy crap those designers at MSS are staying busy! I am giong to show you some of the new products in our store that totally lok cool to me. You can go pick some other stuff if you want, but these are my cup o' tea.

First, you know I love commercial use grab bags. This one by Ladybug is cool. There are some really cool templates in there too PLUS a tutorial to learn from. Not gonna tell you any more because after all, it is still a grab bag, can't give away all her secrets.

The next two things are by CW Picket and Co. The first item, this Hearts and Stars mini kit, is FREE today at MSS. It's the daily download! So you ought to go snag it for free while you still can hehe.

Now that you have the daily download, you really should check out this Dotty Sticker Alpha. I think it would go great with the daily download, or even a ton of other kits. I love polka dots and her download plus this alpha caught my eye.

Roxanna is turning 40! Help her celebrate her 40th birthday starting Oct 1st (her actual birthday) and get 40% off your order of her products at MSS.

$2 Sale! Home updates... etc...

2008-09-27T07:57:00.006-06:00

As we transition from Summer to Fall, I find it is a good time to start cleaning out the cobwebs in my shop, and preparing for a whole new line of winter products to come! You know how I love to design for Christmas and the wintertime if you have known me for long.

This might be your last chance to buy some of my spring/summer goodies. So I put most of my products, including my CU, on sale for $2 or less. Please stop by and make sure you don't miss out on any of my current products you have been eyeballin' because they might be out of stock very soon!

Out with the old, In with the New, they say!

Now on the homefront...

No news is good news I suppose! I have been hanging out with Maia this week and really enjoying getting to know her again. How quickly the kid changes! She's really into art and painting now, and loves to write her name. She feels so big. Her favorite song is Pocket Full of Sunshine, and she will sing it just about anytime and anywhere. I think she reminds me a lot of my childhood. I loved music and art too.

I am still not used to my husband asking me to "make sure to do some laundry" and cook him dinner, etc. I am giong to become more domesticated soon, I promise!

I have been mostly trying to teach Maia about picking up after herself and to not need me to be right up next to her all the time. I think being in daycare is good for socialization, but she doesn't learn how to play independently there. It has been a challenge to get my chores done and keep her entertained.

Oh, I forgot to mention something. We have a new collab kit at MSS. It's a tribute to our dear Site Manager, Trish. She had a knee surgery last week and found out right beforehand that it was going to cost her over $5000 out of pocket after her insurance. That's INSANE to me. But I know it still happens to people, and even with all the advancements in healthcare and medicine, they can really cause people to be bankrupt. So to help Trish cover some of her costs, we made the collab. The Design Team at MSS as well as severl members of our Elements Team all pulled together and made this HUMONGOUS kit. (There are 19 downloads so please be prepared for a big kit!)

And I have a FREEBIE for you! Just a little gift, 4 papers and 2 embellished frames. Hope you enjoy them.

Get the freebie here on 4shared.

Don't Miss This

2008-09-26T07:27:00.005-06:00

So the end of the month is drawing near, and I wanted to give you a heads up on a sale you might not want to miss. CW Picket and Co. is offering a coupon to her store for $25 value. You pay $10. That's a $15 free gift basically. I think that is prety generous and a good deal if you are looking to try out her designs.

Here's a preview of her ad. You can go buy it at MSS here.

I love sales like these when I am trying someone new. It lets me buy whatever I like for less cost, and heck, nowadays you know we could all afford to save a little!

Here's a few previews of her work. I love her style. And I'm not just saying that because she sells at MSS. (Although that might be WHY she sells at MSS hehe)

Today I get the joy of going to stand in line at the Office of Vital Records to get a copy of Maia's birth certificate. It seems we lost it in our move. I hope they don't make me wait all day, but in case they do... I am taking my cell phone so I can play in my email while I wait. I love what you can do with a cell phone these days.

I went to the paper scrap store yesterday and I thought I would try a grab bag. So I ventured to the box where they keep them and checked them all for weight, size, etc. And no, you can't tell through a paper bag what's in there no matter how hard you try. It was $3. When I got it home, I ripped it open. Only to find a bunch of mix and match stuff that doesn't match. And Christmas stuff. And volleyball stuff. And boy stuff. I have to say I like digital grab bags much better. But it made me think. Here we are, digital designers, always being pressured to put more more more in our bags. And coordinate them but add a few extras that don't necessarily go with the rest but are our best work. And then REVEAL THEM. And sell them for pennies on the dollar.

WOW, those paper scrap stores have it easy on their grab bags. They put their old "Hard to Sell" items in their bags! If I did that, I'd get scathing emails and likely be publicly flogged on all those blogs.

I ain't complainin though. I love making my grab bags. But, I just thought I would compare the paper world to the digi world for a minute. All done now lol.

I love a little Monkey

2008-09-25T09:09:00.003-06:00

So I quit my job, and NOW I finally have time to scrap! I got so excited to scrap that I stayed up til midnight last night working with some of the kits available at My Scrap Shop.

This kit immediately caught my eye. My little girl is such a little "monkey" so this was such the perfect kit to work with.

It's "Funky Monkey" by Sir Scrapalot. I love how he does those graphic fun patterned papers. I don't see it around much, except on sites that show trends in patterns these days. He really is right on the spot with these.

Here's a layout of Maia with her best friend. I left a spot to hand journal. They were at Jungle Jims and man, they had a great time! Don't they look like happy little monkey girls?
And here is a layout using a photo of Maia monkeying around in the fountain at Lagoon (our local amusement park.)
Both layouts use exclusively the products from Funky Monkey by Sir Scrapalot. He has two little girls of his own, so a lot of times I find his kits to really work for my little girl photos.

He's a great friend, and a fantastic designer. I have known him for what feels like forever. Before he did much designing, right when he started blogging even. I am blessed!

Anyhow, thanks for letting me use your kit, Aaron. Everyone else, if you love it, you can get it here in his store.

A Note to My Boss

2008-09-24T13:04:00.002-06:00

I did it. I quit my job for reals, as in, no "Leave of Absence", no more vacation, no more PTO, no more timeclock, no more write-ups, no more customers yelling at me to grow some morals, no more nuffin. No more listening to how enough is never enough, and you can't get blood from a turnip. (Remember, I was a bill collector.)

No more running out to lunch and eating in the car on the way back hoping to beat 30 minutes when the closest fast food restaurant is 20 minutes away.

No more listening to Maia cry that she doesn't want to go to day care today, she just wants to stay home and play.

No more, "What's for dinner?" as I walk in the door to my husband who can't cook to save his life. Only so I can snap back, "I dunno, I didn't run over any animals on the way home, what's in the freezer, oh heck, order pizza!" No more of that!

Now how do I tell my mom that her daughter has no job, but has a smile on her face? Maybe she will read this blog.

Let's Go Retro - CU Freebie

2008-09-23T07:33:00.003-06:00

Every now and then, I make elements and then use them in my papers. But then the elements sit on my hard drive and "Don't Get No Love"

When I made the Let's Go Retro series, I had a small collection of elements I was planning to do more with, but just didn't. So as a gift to you, I have made them CU and am sharing them for free!

But first you have to look at how I used them hehe.

Let's Go Retro Overlays

Let's Go Retro Paper Pack

Now here's the freebie. 4 commercial use PNG elements you can recolor and make your own elements with. Heck if you had the overlays, you could make a whole kit with just a little imagination.

Download the freebie here

Be on the lookout, I am cleaning out my "stash" on my computer so you will likely see more like this!

Label Love Sample, corrected

2008-09-19T06:59:00.001-06:00

OOPS! The download link for the Label Love sample is HERE

Free Labels

2008-09-18T06:11:00.002-06:00

I am adding a new product to my store called "Label Love".

It includes 44 dymo style labels for all sorts of occasions.

I love that they look so realistic, and hope you will too!

Here's a free sample of them that includes 3 labels, so you can put them any which way ;)

Download them here

For those of you who love a sale, you should step over to my store at MSS as it is on sale still for 45% off! I have over 70 products priced at less than $2, including my commercial use, bundles, grab bags.... everything.

Encore!!

2008-09-16T21:15:00.002-06:00

Get 45% off at this special Encore event. I'm out to save you some money, seriously ;)Click on the ad above to go to my store.

Now an update on life...

I bought a new couch, a new desk, a new chair, and a set of nesting "trunks" today. So it meant overhauling the entire living room of our apartment.

You should understand, this was a big first for me. Every couch I have ever owned was a hand me down or a gift, and the futon we were sitting on was 10 years old. I have always been too chicken to go spend any money on a living room that I actually would want to "live" in. Don't ask me why. But now that I have 93 inches of beautiful microfiber to relax on, I might never get off it again. I am trying to figure out how to get my desk in front of it hehe.

The desk was a downsize in a big way. I bought a tiny workstation and got rid of a clunky beat up particle board desk I have been using for years. It was originally my husband's. Then we gave it to my mom. Then I eventually somehow ended up using it. Again, a hand me down. Again, about 10 years old. And it was falling apart on me. So now I have a little modern looking workstation with no room for clutter, and I am minimizing. But, the nice microfiber "ergonomic" chair makes up for it. I don't care what kind of desk I have, as long as I get this ubercomfy chair.

So anyway, my day was a busy one. I will take pictures and post them. Maybe tomorrow. For now, I am going to go spread myself across that 93 inches of microfiber and enjoy a movie before bedtime. Nothing like a hard day of moving furniture to make the furniture feel even more appealing.

Blog Graphics anyone?

2008-09-15T20:47:00.003-06:00

Are you looking for some cute blog graphics for use on your blog? I am making blog graphics sets of some of my kits. The first set is with the Sherbet kit. These fies are not intended for use on scrapbook layouts as they are only 72dpi, which is the right size for web graphics.

This pack includes 2 headers, a background, a button, and a footer graphic. You can add your own writing, elements, etc. and dress up your blog.

Get the pack here, it's free!

Black and White Beauty

2008-09-11T22:28:00.002-06:00

MY STORE IS HERE

I am a huge fan of black and white photography. I love to take a black and white photo and put it in a bright layout.

Conversely, I love to take a bright photo and put it in a plain black and white layout. It really makes the photo POP.

Early in my designing and freebiemaking "career", I created a kit called Black and White Beauty. You might recognize it, it was a pretty cool kit. But I wasn't ever totally happy with how it turned out. It was still pretty early on in my time as a designer, so I couldn't do a lot of the things I wished I coulod with it. This was before I knew how to even blend in photoshop! Here's a preview of the old kit:

I was inspired to start revamping some of my old stuff, and you may have noticed I redid the Sherbet kit. Well, now I have recreated a better Black and White Beauty too!

The new B&W Beauty has 13 papers, 40+ elements, plus a sample pack with a few items. It also has an alpha coming and a few add ons.

Here's what's in the kit:

Would you like a free sample, Sir or Ma'am? Here's a preview!

You can download the free sampler here: http://www.4shared.com/file/62683303/6fd9720a/pillowgirl-bwbeautysampler.html

My September CU Grab Bag has arrived!

2008-09-04T09:58:00.002-06:00

I am releasing my September CU Grab bag for only $3! Don't let the price fool you, it has 7 full sized products in it. This bag is priced at $3 for a limited time, so I thought I better tell ya so you don't miss out.

This bag has several types of CU products, including overlays, elements, a style, some designer packs, and more. There's a good variety for you to sample my commercial use, or if you are a regular customer, you will love to add these to your collection.

If you are a designer who likes to have tools that are easy to customize, and allow you to make unique elements even though they came from CU, these are some great tools.

More Boy Oh Boy in the DAK

2008-09-04T06:48:00.003-06:00

I did it again, I couldn't stop myself. It's ok, it's a healthy hobby, scrapbooking.

I wanted to try a new paper with nothing but a lot of words in it for the boy DAK at MSS.

What do you think?

You can get it in our forum here.

I would love to see some more entries to this challenge. It's my favorite challenge to host because it really lets you do ANYTHING big or small and you get a lot back. What other challenge gives you a whole mega kit by several different designers and scrapbookers just for playing along?

Speaking of playing, these are recent photos of Maia (left) and her friend who comes over every night for a playdate. They are "best friends" in every way. They both have little tears whenever they can't see each other for a night lol. (Just thought I would show my girl off!)

Coffee And Cream Freebie

2008-09-03T06:09:00.002-06:00

It's my turn at MSS for the daily download again. Yes, I got two turns in one week! I love it!

This paper was truly inspired by my morning coffee. I hope it is a pick-me-up for you too.

Go grab it in the MSS Store for free as today's daily download.

Hate to post and run, but I gotta go get the sweetest little girl in the shower.

Too much Going On!

2008-09-02T08:51:00.003-06:00

Do you need to stock up on some great CU or personal use kits? Now's your chance, I'll pay you to shop lol.

September Design a Kit Challenge Have you ever taken a chance to do a collab kit with other designers or scrapbookers who dabble in design? This challenge inspires you to create, small or big, and share with the rest of the participants to get one big collab kit. The theme this month is Boy Oh Boy. You can see the colors above.

Come to the forum to get my contribution for free.

Also, we have a lot to announce from MSS. Here is the first of many announcements, our new CT Members, aka MSS Muses. These gals are here to inspire you, come give them a welcome at MSS!

Photography Challenge at MSS

Do you want to learn more about how to take stellar photographs? Come learn with us at MSS. I posted a new tutorial/challenge today!

Sale, Freebie, More...

2008-08-29T06:23:00.003-06:00

If you like bargains, picture this. The Labor Day sale makes my most recent grab bag only $3. It makes Designer Tools 101 (normally $15) only cost $9, that's $6 off!

And don't miss out on my Daily Download piece at MSS. It's these fun round masks. You can do so much with them, I even tell you one way to use them in the store description.

Now I gotta go to work. I lucked out and didn't have to be a juror this week. WHEW.

It's a CU Freebie at MSS

2008-08-25T21:43:00.000-06:00

It's my turn again for the daily download at MSS. You won't want to miss this fun Commercial Use template for trees! Trees, ahhh, trees. I love them. You love them. You can make your own now!

They will be available at MSS for the daily download on 8-26 only so please grab them quick :)

Just a Me Update

2008-08-25T19:35:00.002-06:00

So I was a lucky winner this month. I won a Jury Summons for the Federal Court. That means that every day this week, I get to call in and pray they don't actually need me to appear.

Call me crazy, but I am not fond of the idea of jury duty. I mean, don't get me wrong, I know it is my civic duty, and I should be honored to get the chance... but it's the middle of summer, it's hot, I am on a diet, and I am in no mood to be in a courtroom trying to fight off hunger and sweating to death.

So every day I have to call in to the recorded message and listen to the instructions to find out if I am a lucky BIG winner. They do it by "Reporting Number", and my reporting number is getting dreadfully close in the running. I might get the extreme pleasure of being on a jury. Maybe they will sequester me for the entire Labor Day weekend. Maybe I will be buying a laptop really fast so I have something to play with during the down time.

I wonder if they would be offended if I asked to take photos for my scrapbook.

Chat Tonight

2008-08-24T13:45:00.002-06:00

I'll be in the MSS Chatroom tonight at 9 PM MTN, or 11 PM Eastern.... with lots of freebies for you. Time for a little late night chatting, about anything that comes up.

Come visit me there: http://www.myscrapshop.com/chat/

You Found a Freebie

2008-08-24T10:25:00.002-06:00

This is part 5 of 6 of the Not Just Solids Paper pack. The pack has 33 papers, split into 6 zip files. You can find the files by exploring the site at http://www.myscrapshop.com/

Download this part here

SURPRISE

2008-08-23T15:29:00.001-06:00

Here's a coupon for $3 to spend on any of my products at My Scrap Shop!
No strings attached.
Just shop.

You know they tell me I am crazy, but I just don't hear them over all the talking going on in my head.

Coupon code: PILLOWSURPRISE3
Link to my store at MSS: http://myscrapshop.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=1

No go SHOP FOR FREE!!!
Coupon only valid for this weekend so do it now!

Opportunities Abound at MSS, Freebie too.

2008-08-21T05:53:00.004-06:00

We have openings at MSS for the following positions. Please apply at the email address in the ads below, and yes, you will hear back either way.

Please also note: The Element Team is a whole new venture for us, so plan on being a part of something exciting!

And here's a little word art freebie for you. Moms of boys, celebrate!

Download it here on 4shared

Freebie and CT Call

2008-08-19T21:41:00.003-06:00

I love the look and feel of corkboard in layouts. In real paper layouts as well as digital. But in real paper, you can't put a whole corkboard on your page. Now in digital, you can, with this freebie! Grab it here on 4shared. It should be fun for some back to school layouts. Also, try pinning some good quotes on sticky notes up on there. And of course a photo or ten.

MSS is looking for a few good CT Members. If you are a scrapaholic who also enjoys designing elements and add ons, this might just be the job for you. You will get to work with our growing list of designers, plus you might get to make some elements and add ons for kits in our store. That part is optional but a plus! If you are interested, send the email! All levels of experience are welcomed and we are a very supportive group.

Get your Red Hot DAK!

2008-08-19T05:50:00.001-06:00

I just posted this in the DAK forum at MSS. Click on the preview to go get it! It's not too late to join, we love to see what you can create with the color scheme and theme provided. See you there! (Come grab the freebie and say hi!)

Happy Saturday!

2008-08-16T18:05:00.002-06:00

It's my first day off work since I started back to work, if you can believe it. I have been so busy trying to catch up at work and keep up at home that I took a little more time to design things, but I am still here, plugging away. Today I have a freebie for you here on my blog, a link to a freebie I forgot to tell you about on MSS's Blog, and a little preview of my new CU Grab Bag at MSS.

So without further adieu... here's the free felties I made for you! You should know, the preview doesn't do them complete justice. They have awesome texture.Grab them on 4shared here

Another free gift is available on MSS's Blog. It was posted a couple nights ago, but not many people know about it, so click here to go check that out and get the freebie. It's COMMERCIAL USE too. You might want to add that blog to your faves because I have quite a few freebies planned for it over the next short while.

And speaking of commercial use, it's been a while since I have published a CU Grab Bag. I wanted to take a little time with it so I worked on each piece a little at a time until they were just right. Here's a preview:

Yes, you are seeing it right, there are some styles in there. My favorite is the corkboard, but the others are equally cool. You can get it at MSS here.

Sherbet Elements Part 1: FREEEEE

2008-08-08T06:21:00.004-06:00

I am loving this Sherbet kit as I redesign it, add new elements, and add new life to it. I have added the first set of elements to the store at myscrapshop.com for you to pick up for FREE. Please enjoy them and scroll down if you need the matching papers.

I also want to give away a few other treats. This coupon is worth $3 to spend in my store on ANYTHING YOU WANT. No catch. No Minimum purchase. Just free stuff. It's only good this weekend, so please take advantage of it. And feel free to tell your friends! The coupon code is pillowsavesyougreen and you just enter it during the checkout.

The elements and papers in this coupon ad are straight from the Sherbet kit. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Sherbet Freebie Part 2

2008-08-04T17:46:00.002-06:00

If you liked the first set of papers, you will want this second set. It's my turn for the daily download tomorrow, but I thought I ought to get this posted earlier since I work tomorrow... so the daily download is active early at My Scrap Shop and guess what, it's the second paper set for Sherbet.

Here's a preview (thanks to Megadoodle Inspired for the preview maker action)

And you can grab it here at My Scrap Shop for FREE, as in NO CHARGE as in Complimentary Gift... like the peanuts on an airplane. Now what elements do you envision? They're coming soon to a Pillow Blog near you.

And don't forget, everything is still on sale for 25-40% off at My Scrap Shop. So hey, pick a few things up while they are cheeeeeap.

Freebie Series: Sherbet Part 1

2008-08-03T22:10:00.003-06:00

It's time folks. Time for me to get back to my roots. Time for me to share like I did in the old days :) Time to bring back the bright. Time to bring back the pink. Time to re-vamp SHERBET! My favorite kit ever that I created, only now even better because I am even better MUAHAHA.

Seriously, I got challenged to bring back some of my old kits and make them new again. SO I dug up my favorite oldie but goodie, the Sherbet kit, and am re-designing it from scratch. If you have the old Sherbet kit, this should be fun because you can compare, coordinate, mix, etc. and will love the new stuff.

So, here's part 1.... 9 papers in a pack. There are more papers to come. I also will pack this full of elements. If you keep checking back, you won't miss any of this sweet free kit.

Downlaod the papers here on 4shared. And tell your friends to stop by too. I love getting comments, downloads, etc. The more comments and feedback, the more elements and papers I will make because you will inspire me so much :)

And stop by MSS, everything in the store is on sale. EVERYTHING. http://www.myscrapshop.com/shop

CU Overlay Freebie :) Hurry fast!

2008-08-01T22:47:00.003-06:00

It's my turn for the daily download at MSS again! That means FREEEE from MEEE!

I added a CU Overlay that coordinates with my Rounders overlay set especially well. It also goes with my Date Go Rounds set, my CU Stash #8, and a ton of my stuff because I just love using circles and dots in my designs lol.

This freebie is supposed to be available for only one day, but I will leave it up a little bit longer since it is a weekend. Please grab it soon though as once it is gone, it is gone :) Get it here.

And while you are there, take a look at my CU tools, I really do offer a big bang for your buck.

Freebie, sales, new products, etc

2008-07-28T06:06:00.002-06:00

It's a Daily Download Freebie. The Sassy Mini Kit elow is available for one day only at My Scrap Shop, here. Yup, it's a Pillowgirl Creation hehe.

For those of you who look here for updates on my new products... I released the BIGGEST thing I have ever made this week. Designer Tools 101 is full of 40 overlays and 61 element templates or png's for you to recolor. It's everything I have for Designing that was not in a CU Stash. These have never been released before, so you don't have to worry you are getting duplicates. And so far, it is getting rave reviews! If you like a really good deal on BIG things, go here to get this.

I also had a request to bundle my products so you can save a few more pennies. OK Dollars. So here is a preview of my first bundled CU product, available in the store at MSS.

Now, my ENTIRE store is on sale right now to boot. So, if you are looking to save a ton of pennies, it's time to stop by :)

HELP!!!

2008-07-24T20:43:00.002-06:00

My CS3 is frustrating me today. I am trying to do text on a circular path, and I have done it dozens of times before, but suddenly, no matter what I do, it is all kerwumpus. This happens no matter what font I use. The path is a circle.

Do you see how the letters are all scattery? What did I do?

Please help!

Natural Fiber Papers Free today

2008-07-19T22:26:00.003-06:00

It's my turn for the daily download again at MSS! And you are gonna love these versatile natural papers. Get them while they are free, here at Myscrapshop.com

Also, Sunday is GRAND OPENING day at MSS for several designers. You will get 40% off any of the new designers' products. WOW that's a savings!

New Designers at MSS Announced

2008-07-16T05:42:00.002-06:00

We are thrilled to announce the following new designers at Myscrapshop.com

We have a few others in the works, but are still finishing up some details on our call. We wanted to let you know though about the changes and growing that are happening for us!

What else is coming? A few more designers, a few different challenges, and we will be upgrading to vbulletin to get a new forum and galleries, as well as adding a chat. Wow, a lot of things coming in the horizon!

I created MSS as a place for me and a few friends to sell our designs. I didn't realize I would have so many friends joining me lol. I am glad for all the blessings I receive from the digital scrapbooking world. It makes getting up in the morning a lot of fun, and it makes me hate having to go to bed at night lol.

Anyhow, we have created a post at MSS to welcome these ladies to the team. I would love it if you joined us in welcoming them by clicking here.

I've been revealed!

2008-07-14T05:30:00.003-06:00

OK I will admit it. Every time I make a grab bag, I wonder, "Is it going to get slammed by people on the infamous smack blogs?" and my days are filled with a slight edge of dread looming in the background. Seriously, lots of designers have simply quit making grab bags thanks to those blogs, they are just plain ruthless. I know, there is a place for honesty and some people can handle that kind of pressure, but for others, it is just plain ugly and not at all a pleasant experience.

Well, I found a new blog that reveals grab bags, for those of you who like to see what is in the bag before you spend your hard earned money on it. It's called Strictly Reveal. It's a newer blog, and is run by a designer who just wants to reveal them, no drama, no ugly. Well, unless you don't like what's in the bag, then it might seem ugly. But no unmoderated comments. No critiquing. Just revealing. I am not saying I am chicken, but I am saying I like this approach. You can go look at what is in a bag, including the TOU, and then YOU decide if it is worth your money, no gang of anonymous strangers gets to tell you how to think of it.

So why do I mention this?

I gave her permission to reveal my stashes. Included #9, which just hit the store yesterday.

So if you want to see what's in the bag before you buy it, click here for her reveal. If you like the element of surprise, then hop over to MSS for my best CU Stash yet.

CU Stash 9: The Finale

2008-07-13T14:45:00.003-06:00

The last of the CU Stash boxes is here! I am stopping at 9 because I am preparing to do something else and want to end with a bang. This stash has 6 products and I have been told that it is my best yet, and frankly I have to agree lol. It's got some very trendy stuff, some classic stuff, and all the parts to make a few kits that really stand out in a crowd. This stash can be used by anyone, not just photoshop or PSP.

Wanna snag it? Click here to go to my shop. Also don't forget, the daily download is all mine today and it is CU too!

CU Freebie: 13 items!!!

2008-07-12T21:51:00.002-06:00

It's my turn for the daily download at My Scrap Shop and wouldn't you know it, I did a whole set of 13 different Commercial Use items for you! Tomorrow is my day, but I had to post them before bed tonight because I am working at 6 AM.

So the 13th is A LUCKY DAY this month!

Get my CU Lucky 13 Pack here at MSS.

You do have to register with the site, but it is free, and you don't have to spend a penny. Of course you might want to when you see my new CU Stash #9 that I am uploading tonight. It will be there shortly, just waiting for all the files to transfer. It's big. Also, tonight is the last night of my 30% off sale.

Explorer Quickpage Freebie

2008-07-09T07:41:00.002-06:00

I made a quickpage today! I was working on my entry for the July Members Design a Kit challenge at MSS and I decided I was going to try doing it entirely all from the the CU Summer Mega Collab Kit doodah that we designers at MSS put together. Man, it was tough to choose what to use, only because there was so much! The theme of the DAK is nature walk, so I decided to use the butterflies as my inspiration.

Here's the finished quickpage. I left you a spot to journal and a little blank space in the center of the frames if you want to add a title or quote. I loved Mega Doodle's keychain maker. And those lifted frames by CWooddell were neat, especially when I added MCA's denim texture to them.

Click here to go get this QP free at the MSS forums.

Oh it's big

2008-07-08T13:16:00.002-06:00

OK lots of folks have wondered why I have been so quiet. Truth be told, I was scared I couldn't keep this under my hat.

This collab kit at MSS is so huge, and so useful, I am so excited that we are offering it!

If you love our designers, or actions, styles, overlays, elements, commercial use, designer tools, etc... this is going to be a resource you won't ever put down.

The designers at MSS are truly the best I have ever had the opportunity to work with. They have all contributed a little something, or a lotta somethings, to this kit so we could offer you the best bunch of tools around. I owe them BIG for this.

Be sure to check it out while it is on sale for 40% off. The price isn't always going to be this insanely affordable. There are some better previews of it in the store too.

Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-04T08:35:00.000-06:00

Commercial Use Freebie AND Designer Call

2008-07-02T05:55:00.003-06:00

OK I am in a goodly hurry this morning, but I didn't want to go another day without sharing something on my blog, and I am working all the time!!! I love this bow and decided you will too, just try it and see if I am wrong hehe.

It's commercial use. I use it by adding a "Layer Style" on the bow, selecting Color Overlay, and then setting the color overlay setting to Overlay... and choosing the color I want. Play around in there, you will see how easy it is to custom color a desaturated PNG into your own element. Try a pattern overlay with the overlay setting too, it's fun.

EXPIRED.

Also, I am looking for a few good designers :) See this ad? It's for YOU!!!

Indigo and Henna: The Making of a Kit (Freebie)

2008-06-28T07:24:00.006-06:00

I wanted to share some things with you, and thought, what a good way to make a great kit and show it off, plus teach a few of my readers about the value of some of MSS's great commercial use products. So here is a great kit, Indigo and Henna, that I created using several products available at My Scrap Shop.

Items Used to create this kit:

3 Ways to Use Overlays by MCA Designs, available here
Abbey Album Shape by Sir Scrapalot, available here
Commercial Use Stitches by Pillowgirl (me), available here (in a grab bag)
Bows Action by Monica Larsen

I have to say, the overlays in Mel's bag are superb. I make my own overlays a lot, but I thought the paisleys she has in this set were especially gorgeous, so I couldn't resist. She also included a tutorial in the download to teach you 3 ways to use overlays. now we all know there are literally dozens of ways to use an overlay, but these 3 are really good and I even learned a trick or two. And you know, I have been around the design block a few times.

And the album templates that Sir Scrapalot has been making (to fit the Cosmo Cricket Albums) are sure cute, popular, and so fun to make hybrid projects with. I think every kit should have something for hybrid folks too. I love the traditional Basic Grey templates I created, but now and then it is fun to step outside of that shape and do something with a little more feminine look to it, since I do have a lot of little girl stuff, and the Abbey template is just fantastic. It also fits great in a purse pocket.

Now I know you all want this gorgeous kit. So here is a link to get it for free in my store. You will have to add it to your cart, but it is totally free. Also, it is only free for a limited time. on Monday, it goes up in price. So snag it while you get it free today!

Link to this mini kit in the store: http://myscrapshop.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=785

Holy Crap! Or NOT Crap!

2008-06-24T20:19:00.002-06:00

So Mel of MCA Designs has been telling me how she was going to release a "really big product" that would "really come in handy" and that even I, the amazing Pillow, might "learn something" from it.

I had no idea what she was talking about... until I saw it. And then I had to have it. And now I am using it already to make an amazing kit. And I want you to know about it too. It's HUMONGOUS. And worth EVERY PENNY plus about a thousand more pennies even. I seriously would not be telling you this if I didn't whole-heartedly believe it. This is the most amazing value I have ever found in digital scrapbooking, and I used to think Freebies were amazing... but this takes the cake. No, it's not free. If it were free I would fall over dead. But it is so insanely cheap. How cheap? Think... a professional photographer and digiscrap designer, Mel is. And she has released 100, yes 100, of her coolest overlays in one big pack. Now if you were paying standard rates, most designers charge anywhere from 50 cents to $2 per overlay! That would be dang expensive.

Mel is selling her 100 overlay set for.... $10! That's freaking a dime each! And these aren't crap. These are high resolution, textured, realistic, and gorgeous overlays.... lots of fabric, which I love. Lots of great texture that we all love. Lots of detail. Well, I can rave all night.

Am I going overboard? You will maybe think so, until you see what is in this overlay set. Then you will want to have a blog to shout about it on too.

And you know what else? She went a step further and included a tutorial on 3 different ways to use these overlays. And she was right, even I, the great amazing Pillowmeister, learned something new.

Here's a preview and a link to it, exclusively at MSS.

CU Stash 8 and Free CU Samples

2008-06-21T17:25:00.003-06:00

Just released: CU Stash #8. This collection is stuffed with stuff!

I get requests from time to time where someone wants to sample the elements or products that I offer so they can evaluate the quality. While Costco and Sam's Club can afford to give away a ton of free stuff straight off the shelf, I try to make something special for my freebies instead. So now and then, I add them to the store for free at myscrapshop.com. The following commercial use freebies are available for you to sample my quality. I do not offer these samples for long, so please get them while they are available because I turn off the links in the store for them after a few days each run. They are available right now for you though!!! Click on each preview below to find it in the store. (Yes, they have been offered before, but I have had requests again recently so I am reposting)

These are samples only, yes you can use them for commercial use. It is important that you note, most of my grab bags and commercial products are much bigger packs! For example, CU Stash 8 has enough overlays, elements, and other items to create multiple kits that would be cohesive all on their own. So if you are a new designer, or a seasoned one looking to save time, my stash boxes are meant to give you a whole set of tools all in one box.

And by the way, regular digital scrapbooking friends, I have some personal use items coming your way too. I am just polishing up some personal use products and freebies in fact. I will get them out asap. I started working full time again this week so my world is sorta in a whirlwind!!!

Commercial Use Overlays... Sample included

2008-06-13T13:12:00.003-06:00

I have been really saving up overlays for a long time, so when I set out to start sharing my stash, I had no idea what a big task that would be! I have a few more new overlay packs that I put in the store over the past few days. And I have had a few people ask me a bit about how to achieve different looks, so I decided to do a freebie and show you in the preview some of the different blend modes at work.

First let me show you what I have going on in my store because if you act today, you can save a bundle.

My new Overlay Packs are included in this special coupon, so if you like any of the new products below, use this coupon today to save :) Just click the image to go to it in the store, and remember to use the coupon during checkout.

An Overlay Special: All Natural

17 overlays created by Mother Nature herself, and presented by Pillowgirl. These overlays are created from photos of different textures and patterns found in nature. You can easily use these for papers, or set them as apttern files for your elements. Use blending modes to really create depth.6 Fibrous Paper Overlays

These paper overlays will create the look of handmade artsy paper with fibers and inclusions in it. Fantastic texture and detail.

Pillowgirl's Patterns
This pack of ecclectic patterns is completely original and created by me. You can use them to create several different style kits, and combine them with texture and color to make a ton of different style papers. Try painting the doodles to create multicolor overlays of them, or just use them as they are for a doodled overlay effect. Several are hand doodled, so you won't find them anywhere else. For 35 cents a piece, you can't go wrong!

And a FREE SAMPLE!!!

This Chalky overlay has just enough texture to lean to the grungy side, but can be toned down to be quite elegant (try a screen mode). below you see in the preview, you can use different lend modes to really change the look of an overlay. So 1 overlay can make gosh, like 20 papers with just a little blend mode shifting. And then if you layer it, duplicate it, etc. it adds even more options. Overlays can be a designer's best friend. And they are not just for papers! Use an overlay and a clipping path and make your elements have the same textures and styles.

Now go download this beautiful overlay here, and try it out for yourself. You can do oodles of things with it. Tell your friends to come get it, it's commercial use and no credit required. Just promise you will try those different blend modes and if you love this overlay, think about getting some of my overlays that are in the store. I have the best prices for CU around, or so I am told a lot.

Updates

2008-06-13T00:59:00.000-06:00

I have the MRSA Staph Infection superbug. Oh god I itch. I am on valium so I can't see straight right now but I wanted to tell you a few quick things before I go crash. Sorry, no long chit chat tonight but will follow up tomorrow with the chattering :)

I just released 2 new commercial use overlay packs, and they are BIGGIES. Here are the previews. You can snag them in the store at http://www.myscrapshop.com/shop

Mega Doodle Inspired is having an amazing sale. Amazing as in more than half off lots of stuff.

Sir Scrapalot is looking for a fantastic CT, and he is going to make them into DIVAS! Get your own Diva and work with an amazing designer.

Words to Live By

2008-06-09T07:37:00.002-06:00

I was reading this morning about the woes of being an unknown designer. A fellow designer has been designing for a few years now and still feels the frustration of being the "unknown". I hope she finds her way here so she can see that she is appreciated whether she knows it or not...

I think in our day to day lives, not just as designers, but as wives, mothers, husbands, coworkers, businesspeople, etc. we all go through times when no one knows our name, our ambitions, our talents, or our dreams... And on those moments, we need to hold on to those things even tighter, and believe that dreams can come true. As hard as it is, without those dreams, why get out of bed each day?

Anyhow enough of my soapbox.

I have a freebie for you. YEEEEEHAW lol.

Download it here

Where to get the Good Stuff

2008-06-09T06:15:00.003-06:00

Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday, it was indeed a good day to turn 31.
Now, on to the good stuff!

I added a few free things to the world wide web this weekend and want to make sure you all know where to grab them at.

This itty bitty wedding kit is posted in the Design a Kit forum at My Scrap Shop. It is in the April section, but I just posted it this weekend. Thanks to Dinphy for reminding me I had it lol. Here's a link to the forum where it is posted.

This beautiful and bright summer kit is my part of the May Design a Kit challenge at My Scrap Shop. I also added it this weekend. It is one of my favorites so far, so bright and spunky like that kid I love to scrap. Here's a link to the forum where it is posted.

And this is the color swatch for the June Design a Kit challenge. I would really LOVE to see you all come give it a try, designing is so much fun to me, and I love watching everyone dabble if nothing else. You inspire me to try new things!

Words of Wisdom

2008-06-06T21:56:00.002-06:00

They played this on the radio a lot back when it was made, but I don't hear it that often now. I ran across the lyrics/words to it tonight and thought it appropo to share it on the blog. It's a long one, but a good one.

Wear Sunscreen
Ladies and gentlemen of the class of '97:
Wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.
The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.
I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth.
Oh, never mind.
You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded.
But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.
You are not as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future.
Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum.
The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts.
Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy.
Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind.
The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.
Remember compliments you receive.
Forget the insults.
If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters.
Throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life.
The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives.
Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.
Get plenty of calcium.
Be kind to your knees.
You'll miss them when they're gone.
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't.
Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't .
Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary.
Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either.
Your choices are half chance.
So are everybody else's.
Enjoy your body.
Use it every way you can.
Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it.
It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your livingroom.
Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.
Do not read beauty magazines.
They will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents.
You never know when they'll be gone for good.
Be nice to your siblings.
They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on.
Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard.
Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.
Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise.
Politicians will philander.
You, too, will get old.
And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble, and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don't expect anyone else to support you.
Maybe you have a trust fund.
Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse.
But you never know when either one might run out.
Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it.
Advice is a form of nostalgia.
Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen.

My birthday is in 2 hours. This was a nice thing to reflect on.

My New CU

2008-06-05T14:52:00.002-06:00

OK So I have steadily been adding products to MSS that are specifically designed to help you fellow designers. Why, oh why, might I want to do that when it "creates competition" I have been asked. And why, oh why, do I price my stuff so insanely low, only to enable this "competition" is the other question.

Do I have to answer that, or do you just all know me well enough to know that I am here to help you be a success, and that I think "competition" is healthy and only means better products for me to scrap with too lol.

So this week I have the following bundles available at myscrapshop.com and commercial-use.com. i will tell you this, my sale price is only at MSS so you might just wanna head straight there until this sale is over. Don't say I didn't tell you so.

Tag, Now You're It

2008-06-05T06:45:00.002-06:00

OK Here's the deal. I can't pick just 7 people to tag. I just can't. Someone will get left out and be hurt. Another person will be pissed that I included them. It's just not possible.

So instead, I tag you all. List 7 things about you IN THE COMMENTS or ON YOUR BLOG. I don't care where. But comment so I can go read it, and I promise to read them all lol.

Now, in exchange, I have made you this way vintage retro superfly tag. Neat huh? You get it for free. I get to read about you. I hope it's worth the trade! No other strings attached, just that ribbon holding the tag up hehe.

Download it here

The Tags Keep coming

2008-06-05T05:49:00.002-06:00

OK I have been inspired. I am making some tags just to commemorate this moment... You should be able to get them free here shortly.

What is the occasion? I am finally deciding to post my responses to all the people who have tagged me. What is tagging? It is when they choose you to be the next person on a chain of blog posts to answer the same questions of sorts and then you get to pick the next 7 people. Well, I don't have 7 people I can thnk of this early in the morning to bestow this *honor* *snicker* on, but I will start by answering the questions, then when I post the finished freebie I will come back and choose the next victims lol.

The taggers say to list 7 things about myself.

Well, here goes.

1) I am turning 31 this Saturday. Yes, I have a birthday coming. I accept gifts in the form of free commercial use products, especially in the form of spendable coupons and gift certificates hahaha.

2) I currently spend all 24 hours of my day and night designing or thinking up new designs. I wake up in the middle of the night thinking of new kits. It's maddening.

3) I own the scrap site www.myscrapshop.com and love it. It's the best dang site on the net. I am biased.

4) I have a disease called Neurosarcoidosis. I officially have holes in my brain. I can claim brain damage any time I forget to pick up my dirty clothes or do dishes, and it makes a great excuse to take naps. I am spoiled.

5) I have a degree in business management.

6) I have an adorable daughter, who you will all know as Maia, who is the center of my universe. No joke. And she knows it. I hope she will always know it. She's 4 right now, but when she is 16 I want her to feel that I am still as devoted.

7) I hate being tagged. I hate to write so it just makes me have to do that and argh! I think all tags should have very specific questions with easy yes or no answers. But, hey, I know you wouldn't be getting this thrilling experience of reading the same thing I have said before if it weren't for the open ended tagging that has been running rampant through the digiscrap world. Just kidding, I love you for choosing me. I feel it is an honor that you would want to know more about me. And for that reason, I finally respond to this whole shenanigan. HAPPY SCRAPPIN!

What's Happening...

2008-06-02T05:22:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone. I wanted to make sure you knew about a few things we kicked off for the month of June. It's gonna be ONE HOT SUMMER at MSS.

First off, you need to know, and go... When the boss has a birthday, everyone saves money!

Now, I am a big fan of Sir Scrapalot. He does a lot of really great and unique designing, and this one TAKES THE CAKE. I know these previews don't do his Diva's much justice, but I wanted to show them all and tell you how freaking adorable they are. Do you have a favorite yet? Mine is Beth, which is of course also my name. She has that spunky not so girly girl fashion sense that I love. And the piggy tails! Also, those Playing Princess divas are just... sweeeeet. If you want to see better previews, or need one for your page, click the image to go to the store and see the little ladies. You can get just one, or get the pack of all of them, it's up to you!

MSS is proud to share with you: Our first GUEST DESIGNER. We welcome Mique Walcutt of MLWCustom Designs to visit our store for a month. She has created a special kit JUST FOR MSS and it is exclusively available right now. I saw this kit and was just psyched, it is perfect for my little Maia's pages... and even a few more grown up ones! Spring oozes out of this kit.

She also does some great commercial use grab bags. I have them all, no joke, and I paid for them sight unseen and have always found good uses for them :) She has one listed at MSS for you. And remember, with 31% off, you are getting the lowest price you can get by purchasing it at MSS.

It's an Overload of Overlays!

2008-05-30T09:17:00.002-06:00

I often get asked how to really make a paper look schnazzy, or what is the best tool for a new designer, and so on. One of the things I wish I would have had really early on was a good solid set of overlays. I mean, some real versatile mixes that "played well together in the sandbox"

So part way through my designing time, I learned about overlays, and how to save my own, etc. And today I have decided to share them with you! You can get them at my store for a reallllly nice price. Each overlay is only 25 cents since these are on grab bag pricing. Insane, I have been told. But I want you to have them, and I want you to create like crazy with them. There are 54 overlays total, split into two sets of 27. It's almost 100 MB for each set.

These are limited edition. You will only get this chance for a short time as I don't want the whole world to use the heck out of these, just the lucky folks who purchase them early on. Go see them in my store at MSS here and here.

If you want to know how to use overlays, you should do a little reading online. Go to google and search for Blend Mode tutorials for Photoshop (or your program) and seee all the crazy amounts of options an overlay really gives you. You can make probably thousands of different papers with 54 overlays. And they will each look different. How's that for sharing resources? Enjoy the heck out of these.

Stuff and More Stuff and a CU Freebie

2008-05-29T11:02:00.002-06:00

It's that time again! My CU Stashes are such fun to make, I love to see what you create with them too! This time I focused on some really useful elements, and that's all. You will love this pack if you are looking for versatile stuff you will use in more than one kit, which is what I look for when I shop too. There are also some elements no one could EVER recreate since I used family heirlooms that have been passed down through 3 generations in my family. Great grandma will be ok with it I am sure :) Here's a link. You can also click on any preview in this post to go to a product in the store or a download link for the freebie...

Another great CU product came out at MSS. Mel of MCA Designs is always impressing the crap outta me, and this bag is no exception. It's packed full of so cute stuff. Here's a link or click the preview...
And one more mention that I need to make. I have been watching Sir Scrapalot design these beauties for what feels like months. He has put so much care into making them so cute and perfect. And I think my god, they turned out so adorable and unique. For those of you with daughters to scrap, why not add a little doll that might look something like her. And the accessories are fantastic. Here's a link. He has a big mega pack of them or you can surf the store and buy them as separates if you only want one. He also did one that is a little more fairytale...

OK so you want free stuff right? If you are a designer, you will have a lot of fun dressing this simple twig frame up. If you are a scrapper, add a little touch of nature in your layout by simply overlaying this PNG file with a color and maybe clustering it with some other elements you love. Happy Spring! The freebie is commercial use, so I put it in the store at MSS so I can keep the list of CU Licenses valid. Enjoy. Here's a link.
Thanks for reading this far. If you made it all the way to the bottom, why not take that extra step and leave a comment. I love to read them. I do it when I have my morning coffee and it sure boosts my inspiration for the day.

A Paper Scrap Inspired Freebie

2008-05-27T00:08:00.003-06:00

I was shopping today at Heartland Paper. I love this store for paper scraps, but even more, I go to get inspiration on other paper crafting stuff for the home and elsewhere. I love some of their projects.

They have a class to make these cute frames, for example. And I am sooo going to start attending these crafting classes. But in the meantime it inspired me to make something similar for us digital folks. In the preview, on the left is the project from Heartland Paper, that I am going to go do... on the right, is a digital take on the project... a lot different but a lot the same.

Your freebie today is my digital frame, inspired by their paper craft :) I used the Hootie kit to make it. Love the bright color combos. Hope you enjoy! You can get the whole Hootie kit at my store at Myscrapshop.com if you like the way it looks. Download the freebie here, and please leave me a comment in the blog or even in my chatbox on the left. I love to read them, you know. Every last one of them.

Memorial Day Freebie for You

2008-05-26T10:36:00.005-06:00

Hope you are having a good long weekend, and that you are spending the time today with your loved ones. Remember, Memorial Day is all about remembering those who have gone before, your loved ones, and those who made this a better place for all of us. But it doesn't mean we can't MAKE SOME MEMORIES too.

I have made a small freebie for you that coordinates with my It's All Me kit. This one is for scrapping your heros, or those you will always remember.

It's on 4shared, so click here to snag it.

I also added this product to MSS and Commercial-Use.com last night, so if you need some bows this is a handmade set. They don't call me the queen of extraction for nothing. More to come.

Commercial use Freebie: My Oops is Your Gain

2008-05-23T05:57:00.005-06:00

So I was packing up the CU Stash Box yesterday and somehow, I seriously just missed something! And this morning I was looking through my leftover stash to see what I should start working on next, and this lonely little guy just peeked up at me with sad little eyes and said, "I'm homeless, you big dummy."

So my oops is your gain. Now you get a commercial use freebie AND you get a little idea of one of the products in my CU Stash Box this week. And you know I don't give sneak previews of that box that often. Let alone freebies from it!

Click here for the freebie on 4Shared

Now updates...

Maia is having her first ever sleepover tonight, and we are hosting it. She has a little friend who lives upstairs in the apartment nexxt to us, and they play together every evening. The asked for a sleepover and to go to McDonald's together. How could I resist two 4 year olds with the cutest little begging faces? So, I have the word SUCKER painted on my forehead, I am sure. Those girls always get what they want lol.

I found a paper scrapbook store that is less than a mile from my house, and it is full of a TON of stuff. I am going to be a hybrid fool, well, I already am, but now I am going to go even nuttier since I found one within walking distance. This spells trouble. They are hiring too, oh god, I wonder if they have an employee discount lol. And they are right next door to Joann's! OH GOD, STOP ME.

Oh, and you know how I said I am selling at Commercial-Use.com? I am also on board at candytree.co.uk now too. Yup, my commercial use is going global. Sweet eh? I noticed there's a little incentive to go shopping today at commercial-use.com, they are having a sale! That's not an everyday thing, so why not pop over and pick up CU Stash 5 while it is new and also cheaper! Here's a link to it. I also have it 25% off at My Scrap Shop here, so you can get it straight from the source if ya like!

All of my Personal and S4H stuff is still at My Scrap Shop, mind you. And I am going to keep it all exclusively there. I love MSS, it's my baby :) Here's my latest creation in the Personal Use/S4H world, click it to view the details in the shop:

OK I know this is a long post... but there's one last thing I need to mention. Triplett (a MSS Designer) has had a real bad run of luck lately. Her other business had to be shut down thanks to a huge theft, and now she is designing like mad to make ends meet. She has her whole store available for sale for a total price of $121 right now. It's real value is $285, so it's a steal if you are into commercial use products. So, if you are a designer looking for great stuff, and you like to buy at a huge discount, this is a great chance for you.

Wow what a whirlwind...

2008-05-21T08:38:00.003-06:00

I have been kinda quiet the past few days, but I have had a lot of work going on behind the scenes.

I want to tell you what I am up to, because I have been so excited.

I have always been a fan and avid shopper at commercial-use.com. Yes, I use commercial use products as time savers and as bases for different elements I make, etc. I think that most designers do, but good designers do it so well that you can't tell a lot of the time. And of course, you all know I offer my own commercial use products, so that tells you my opinion on them :) Well, this week, I have opened up shop at commercial-use.com for some of my commercial use products. How exciting if you ask me. A store I have always shopped at is now another place you can find me!

Of course I will still be offering my products at MSS, but for convenience, if you are shopping at Commercial-use.com already, you can add some of my products to your cart easier lol. So far I have 15 commercial use products up at Commercial-use.com and will be adding more as I get them packed up and ready. I will also be offering my stash boxes there each week.

I plan to be at one more store hopefully by the end of the week, just to give you a heads up. I like the idea of being in a few places for convenience. I kinda feel like Martha Stewart but not the jailbird part. And not the rolling in the money part either. Or the huge mansion part... but hey, in some way or another, I still like having my products for sale at a few places lol.

Freebie, Updates, News, Life

2008-05-17T13:11:00.005-06:00

Hi everyone!

I am BURSTING to tell you about the birthday gift we got for Maia hehe. She ended up getting the Disney Princess scooter, because her best friend has a scooter and they constantly are fighting over it so now they can just be friends and scoot around the block together. It's cute. Can't wait to get a camera so I can show you all lol. Thank you Maia, for breaking my camera! We also got her a cute Breaking the Ice game and are planning a trip to the zoo for her and a friend so they can have a little field trip together. I love to give her things, but I also love to give her experiences to enjoy. A trip to the zoo should be loads of fun for the two girls.

And as a thank you for all you do, I have created a mini kit called Bursting to give to you for free! It has some really nice color to it, and I love the little shapes in the pattern.

Get this kit at My Scrap Shop for free. All you do is act like you are buying it, but it's free. So you won't have to pay a dime for this puppy. I promise. Click here.

I also want to remind you about some things going on at My Scrap Shop.

1. Daily Downloads! Today, and every day, you can collect a piece of the Daily Download Kit, Bring May Flowers. This collab effort is by the designers at My Scrap Shop. And the kit is gorgeous. You still have time to pick up quite a few pieces!

2. I just added CU Stash Box 4, and it's bigger, better, and on sale for one more day. And it's commercial use, but even a non-designer could use this puppy.

3. MCA Designs just debuted their first Commercial Use grab bag, and I had to have it! You should too lol, it's a great debut pack. Trust me, the first grab bag for any designer is always the best, and this is no exception.

4. SKrapper Digitals has been bloggin freebies galore again. Go check her out!

5. Sir Scrapalot graduated, walked the walk, got his papers, and is a free Master of something. Wow. Go congratulate him on his blog!

6. It's Saturday, scrap your heart out, enjoy your weekend, and come visit the forums at My Scrap Shop dagnabbit.

CU Stash 4: Bigger and Better

2008-05-16T10:02:00.004-06:00

This bix will be $4 but is on sale for one day at $3.50. It's the biggest yet. Come get it here at My Scrap Shop. And watch the blog, freebies are coming later today!

P.S. There's another great grab bag in the store by MCA Designs. I have it, you should too. It's a good one.

Maia wants a Barbie Bike

2008-05-13T20:58:00.002-06:00

Click here to use the coupon in the store!

Lots of stuff, and a CU freebie!

2008-05-13T06:17:00.007-06:00

It's a big week for me, so I thought I would help make it a big week for you too :)

My little girl is turning 4 on Friday. So in her honor, I have put her kit "Maia's Garden Mega" on sale in my store. This kit has over 130 pieces, and right now you can get it for only 2 dollars. You are sure to love the bright colors, and the combination of over 30 papers in this kit. Plus, it has some really cute stickers.

I also have been hard at work making some new products for you, and a freebie!

Anything in this preview is discount priced at My Scrap Shop right now. So you can save a little bundle to celebrate my little bundle of joy getting so big. And the discounts are big too lol.

See those new Date Go Rounds? I am so excited to finally get them done, as they are a fantastic little resource. So versatile! You can color them, put a pattern overlay on parts of them, make each word a different color, etc. You can apply styles to them, just leave them black and make them simple, or put them on top of an element. You will also be able to use them as journal spots since I added a set of lines for them. And they are Personal OR Commercial Use! How cool is that :) They come with the PNGs or a handy dandy brush set. You will see add-ons to this set later, I promise. I loved making them, but they take a little time because each layer is saved individually and such.

Now, a freebie.

I have really enjoyed the responses I am getting and seeing the work of designers who are using my commercial use products and freebies. So I decided to do another Commercial Use freebie today. This time, a set of overlays. They are in the store for free at myscrapshop.com here (EXPIRED).

If you love my commercial use products, you should check out the CU Stash Boxes, they are packed to the top with my unique commercial use products and always at a humongous discount until I unpack them. I have CU Stash Box 2 and CU Stash Box 3 both still in the store right now, but they will be unpacked very soon... so you might wanna get them while they are ridiculously low priced.

It's All Me Freebie: Collage Frames

2008-05-11T07:19:00.003-06:00

With this coupon, you can get the new It's All Me Mega Kit for only $4.55. That's a deal with this kit having so much to it! Or maybe you want the Commercial Use Grab Bag I have, The CU Stash Box #3. It's included on this coupon too!

Here's a freebie to go with it. A set of collage frames that will help you to show off those fun photos of you in your mom's high heels and lipstick as a kid. Or maybe you will use it to show those fantastic pictures of you in the bathtub as a kid. HAHA I love those. It seems all of my childhood, I never walked around the house in anything but a diaper and pigtails ALWAYS had something in my mouth. And it wasn't usually food.

Click here to download the freebie.

Wanna blink with me?