One more...

Hi everyone,

I finished Tyras 2006 fair layout!!! Yeah!

I used todays Simple Stacks Freebie

Download it Here

The girls left about 2 hours ago to get ready for this years fair. Funny how quiet the house gets, lol. Well I have somewhere near 123 layouts to do just to catch up the girls yearbooks and I have to complete DXD Mega Kit QP's before I head off to the fair.

ttyl

MaryAnne

Brag books have never been simplier...

Hi everyone,

I have this layout that I've been "thinking about" for a long time now, but I couldn't start. I'm not sure, maybe I didn't want to start, lol. After all if I didn't create a layout for it, did it really happen? I know one reason it was harder than it should have been, is because it was in 2007 and I didn't take as many photo's as I liked because I was in pain from my back then. My dd#2 figured out how to cope, she started taking her own photo's, lol. And man does she take them, here's one she took this week.I wish they had signed her up for photography class at the fair. This is priceless! She tries some amazine things with the camera.
So here I sat, limited photo's and no plan. But I never underestimate the "fly by the seat of your pants" technique. With a couple of odd elements from a variety of sources, it really is easy to make a Simple Stacks layout! Brag books have never been simplier.

Hey I was wondering do you all copy and save layouts you like in a special folder? So that way when you create a layout for yourself, you have some idea's to draw from. I've had a few friends say that's one thing they liked about my blogging about Simple Stacks. I have lots of layouts posted that are based on a Simple Stacks. If you pick up a Simple Stacks template and the layout I've posted using that template, you have a starting point and a concrete idea of ways to use the template. That said, here is the layout I finished last night

full credits and journaling are posted in my gallery

But I've done it again. This layout I didn't use any Simple Stacks, it just came out of my head while I was creating it.

I do have a Simple Stacks template freebie for you though,
Download it here

Going to pick up some photo's,
Happy Scrapping,
MaryAnne

You can't make a square peg fit into a round hole...

Hi everyone,

Yesterday I told you that you can use kits, Quick Pages, Word Art, etc., even if they are designed for 12x12's, along with Simple Stacks Templates. I should have realized this is probably new to most who are trying their hand at a 4x6 scrapbook. So in case you were one of 2 who asked more questions about this or you're wondering too, here's a quick little "tutorial".

Using something designed for a 12x12 layout with Simple Stacks:

When you're searching the net or your stash, for products you'd like to use in a scrapbook layout, you'll probably find a LOT designed for 12x12 layouts. Each kit, QP and Word Art will present it's own complications.

For Example with this 12x12 QP:

I notice:

the "window" where the photo will be is slightly to the left (so it won't have a page break directly in the center of the page split)

It's clear around the edges (so I won't be cutting off sections I like)

So to prepare this for my Simple Stacks layout, first I resize it to 8x8 or as close to it without going under (occassionally it will be 8.04 x 8.04, it all depends on the item, but when resizing it must be 8" or just above. If it's below 8" you will have a gap)

Then crop your new 8x8 to 8x6. You can crop between the 1 and 7 inch marks or anywhere on the vertical 8" side so the resulting 8x6 looks good.

Check where the 4" break will occur on the horizontal 8" side
You want to be careful the middle of your photo, journaling or title doesn't fall directly on the 4" crop line.

The result:

You can see the photo and it's not cut down the center. You can read the journaling and it's not broken akwardly in the text. You can read your title and it will not be cropped off.

Tricks to remember: You can always crop something smaller than 8x6 and put it on another background, even slightly askewed to make it look appealing in the smaller setting.

Clear as mud? If you have a specific item you are wondering about, please feel free to email me. Include either a screen shot of the item you are trying to use or link to where I can find a copy to check for you.

Well yesterday I got busy again!

Finished the "last" layout in Jessica's 2007-2008 book, just a few in the middle to do to go to catch up now, lol.

I used an incredible new kit "Not Boys, Just Girls", created by Sarah Kozul found here along with todays freebie. Full credits are included in the description found here.

Download it Here

Ok, here's the square peg part, lol. I used this template out of sequence. This is Simple Stacks Template 119, so there are a few between yesterday's template and today. Sorry if this causes any confusion, it just worked for my birthday layout.

Happy Scrapping,

MaryAnne

Simple Stacks make the best Brag Books...

Hi everyone,

Ok, so now I am officially 2 years behind in scrapping dd#1 and dd#3's yearbooks! But I've said that already. How am I going to fix it? I will be 2 years behind in dd#2's book by the 1st of October and dd#1 will graduate next spring, so I have to catch up soon. My plan is to catch up by October 1st!

Did you know Simple Stacks can be used with all kinds of kits, quick pages, word art, etc? That's one of the things I really enjoy about using them. All you have to crop or resize items to make them fit, if they are designed as 12x12's. Now not every design does work, but it's fun to try to see what you can make fit.

Today I found this beautiful 12x12 Quick Page Freebiecreated by Cinnamon Designs, found here.

After finding this QP, I went to look for a Simple Stacks that would work with it's design.

I found Simple Stacks Template 068, all I had to do was flip it horizontally.which was template freebie 9 found here, in case you haven't gotten it yet.

I put them together with a little word art found at Elegant word art by Bethany and another layout for my dd's yearbook is finished. Simple Stacks really do make the best Brag Books!

That said, I have a new Simple Stacks Template Freebie for you today

Download it Here

This weeks Blog Challenge:

Use a Simple Stacks Template from the last week until thursday of this week

along with a kit, quick page, word art, etc, either purchased or freebie

create a layout

post in any gallery of your choice

email me a link along with your name & email by Friday August 1st.

allow me to post on my blog with credits

and I'll send you a special prize.

Happy Scrapping,

MaryAnne

Sunday, sunday.... la la la la ....

Hi everyone,

Yesterday we had a great day. Jessica wanted to go see the new Disney movie Wall-e,so we drove to the city, visited with Grandma Peggy and went to the movies. Can't really say if the movie was good (I doozed off, lol). But she had fun anyway. We stopped at the market to pick up potatoes for dinner and she asked for a rose. She loves getting a flower when we go to that market. When she got into the car both her sisters complained, "Why does she get a rose? We've never gotten a rose!" "Because 1)it's her birthday and 2) she asked for it", lol. After the shopping it was time for dinner, cake, then the rest of her presents. For dinner it was steak, mashed potaotes and cucumbers. Then time for Sabrina to come over to help sing Happy Birthday and watch Jessica try to blow out the trick candles, just like Grandpa had. Finally dad got his present out, it was a pirate playmobile ship. That was a hit! Although she loved all the rest of her presents, dad playing with her was the best!

I took plenty of photos and set out bright and early to scrap some, since now I am officially 2 years behind on 2 of my dd's yearbooks, omg!

Here's one layout I finished, using a photo that jaime snapped of Jessica this morning:

I created about 10 new simple stacks today too! Oh yeah, Simple Stacks set 11 is now available at Digi by Design. But today I was working on blog freebies and blog challenge prizes.

Today's Simple Stacks Template Freebie

Download it Here

Thanks for visiting,

Gotta make dinner,

Happy Scrapping,

MaryAnne

Jessica's Birthday :)

Hi everyone,

Today is Jessica's Birthday, so even though I woke up at 7am, I'm running out of time quickly.

No time to scrap today, lol.

Now to answer Jody's Question/explain me, lol. Sorry if I've confused you Jody or anyone else. Have you ever started doing something one way and in the middle of doing it you change how you're doing it, want to seem to make it easier to keep track of? Well that's me. When I start something I think I've figured out the easiest way to keep track of it, but find I'm wrong, lol.

So I start doing something a little different. When I started giving away Simple Stacks Templates, I thought keeping track of them with freebie #'s would work. But then I started needing/wanting to keep track of how many photo's were on each Simple Stacks Template, both in my kits for sale and freebies. That way I have a variety. I know how many photo's on a template I may prefer is different from others. So in an attempt to be able to track that, I created a list of templates I've made. Well when I was trying to identify the templates the names kept mixing me up. So now I'm just creating templates, naming them sequentually, then deciding if they will become a kit for sale, a freebie, a blog prize, etc. So the numbering will skip around a bit, but they should continue to go up. For example the other day I found a way to make templates faster, so I made up 11 or 12. I looked at all I made and tried to put a balanced # of photo's in the set for sale. I had 2 templates with 1 photo, 2 templates with 2-3 photos and 2 templates with 4+ photos. Then the rest I marked for blog freebies and I'm posting them lowest # first until I run out again. Make sense to anyone else?

Like I said sorry if I've confused anyone.

Gotta run soon, I have a new Simple Stacks Template Freebie for you

Download it here

Happy Scrapping,

MaryAnne

oh, ps. the folders still have the freebie # on them in sequetial order, lol.

I'm so organzied, lol

Hi everyone,

well I'm still all the way across the state, visiting :)

We had a good day yesterday, Jessica selected a Scooby Doo and an Ice cream cone cake, lol.

She just wanted the ice cream cone filled with frosting!

I have a computer to visit, but this one is never going to create layouts it's too s l o w !!

And I did say I was organized, I may not be able to make any layouts or templates but I made some freebies and uploaded them and the previews before I left home so all I had to do was post them!

Here's Simple Stacks Template 099

Download it Here

Happy Scrapping,

MaryAnne

Freebie for the road...

Hi Everyone,

Well I'm on the road today to visit with my sister and celebrate Jessica's birthday with my family. I know this weekend will be swamped with her celebration so I got busy last night.

I created Simple Stacks Set 11 (available soon)

A layout

This one was tough for me, especially looking at this photo. I didn't see it then and it's all I can see now when I browse the photo's taken that day. The journaling was... just no words can describe it.

Journaling reads:

There's something about that vacant stare,

Things we didn't know when we were sitting there.

Now all we have are memories.

Instead of photo's of you and me.

I am thankful for you, then and now.

But would someone please tell me how?

How does the sun shine without you here?

How do the birds sing when you're not near?

How will I keep you in my heart?

That would be the place to start.

I will remember until I die.

I will remember and I will cry.

I loved you so very much.

I loved your smile, I loved your touch.

I will go on with just memories.

Because there's no more photo's of you and me.

~written by me

Moving on

I have Simple Stacks Template 097 for you today

Download it here

And there's more on their way :)

Happy Scrapping

Off to take pictures...

MaryAnne

I'm quick today, lol

Hi everyone,

I have to laugh at myself. When I get to the post page of my blog, I'm always at a loss on what to put as the title. I could just keep typing the same thing, type the date, type "FREEBIES, FREEBIES,FREEBIES!" or a million other things, but not me I have to type something relevant to my day, lol. I think that makes it harder than it should be.

OK, anyway.

For those who know what the last 2 weeks have been like, my day is now out of the toilet!! I'll be seeing you soon, lol. And for those who don't, I finished another layout!! YEAH!! . I was amazed how quickly this one came together for me, after all it's taken 18 months to start! Here's my Simple Stacks layout.

I created this page from a kit that I made way back in 2007 just before these photo's were taken. I was so proud of that kit! When I added it to the first mall I was in, I was really disappointed when, according to the owner of the mall, it only sold like 1 copy. Well I tend to hang on to things, lol. So it's over at Digi By Design, just in case anyone really does like it and wants their own copy. You can find it Here
Ok anyway, I'm really not here to sell today, lol.

So since I created everything on this page, I actually have 2 freebies for you.

First, here is your Simple Stacks Template Freebie for today

Download it Here

and finally, I also made this into a Quick Page for you

Download it Here

Hope you enjoy them.

Time to really get to work, lol.

Happy Scrapping,

MaryAnne

Hi again,

I was browsing the web contemplating another Simple Stacks Template when I stumbled across a page call for Digital Scrapbooking Magazine. Here are the details:

Calls for Digital Scrapbooking December 08/January 09 issue.T3: Tips, Techniques and Tutorials

Our hands-on how-to column, "T3," features both cutting-edge techniques from our Creative Team and tips and tutorials from our talented readers. For this issue, we'll give special consideration to submissions featuring winter holiday themes and time- or money-saving ideas

Here's what we're looking for:

Tips. Have you found a great way to use layer blending modes? A quick fix for less-than-perfect photos? Send us your tips of 50 words or fewer on any digital scrapbooking subject, along with a layout or project that illustrates the tip in action. Select T3 as your layout category to submit tips for consideration.

Techniques. Busy scrapbookers are always looking for ways to make scrapbooking quicker and easier. Send us your time- and stress-saving tricks, along with a layout or project that shows how you've used them to create.

I was thinking this might be a good place to submit a Simple Stacks layout. huh?!!

They are great time/stress savers and they make perfect affordable gifts :)

Go Here to find the submission form.

Back to browsing,

maryanne

Sending some love and another freebie

Hi Everyone,

I am just about to burst today!! I had 2 emails and a comment about Simple Stacks and they just made me so happy!

Ok, first thing, did you know everytime you tell me you've uploaded to a gallery I have to find it, just to see your layouts, lol. It's like an obsession I have! I just MUST see it! Then I have to register, so I can comment!! I am a "member" at so many online galleries, lol.

You have got to go see "goog's" layouts! Outstanding work!!

She asked a question in her comment about "submitting a layout for publication". Here are my "requirements" for the challenge (a basic do x, y, z list) and here is information on where to find "print magazines" to sumit a Simple Stacks layout for publication.

And I'm really not too picky or strick, lol.

If you find a digital newsletter or ezine that you've submitted your layout for publication with, I'll count that too. Just copy and paste a section of the email or web page (you can do a Print Screen and send a copy with your email to me) where you've submitted a Simple Stacks layout for publication. You're layout does NOT have to be published for me to appreciate and reward your efforts! Just send me an email include your name, your email, a copy of a print screen selection that shows you've submitted a Simple Stacks layout for publication. The print screen selection should show me the publications name or you can just put that in your email to me, so I know what publications to watch for a Simple Stacks layout.

oh, oh, oh, I just thought of another Blog Challenge <<>> But I better wait to tell you tomorrow, so I can have my details all set.

Watch the right side of my blog for information on Blog Challenges, etc. I have to find a way to make it easy for everyone to find the info quickly.

I better get the freebie posted, dh is almost home, lol.

Today I have a 2 photo Simple Stacks Template for you.

This one was one I started with part of my DXD Mega Kit Contribution for August, the title is on a decorated tag (that's why it looks funny), so be on the lookout for that soon, lol.

Download it here

Thanks again for visiting!

Happy Scrapping,

MaryAnne

ps, just made it he's home

running now, lol

Lemonade anyone? Or another freebie?!

Hi everyone,

I've heard it a million times "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." It's such a simple premise, but a great outlook on life don't you think?!

Recently I was attempting to create some digital kits for a very large non profit 2 of my 3 daughters are currently part of and all (12) of their cousins on my sisters side of the family have been apart of or are currently part of. I've had leaders and other member beg me to make them kits too! Unfortunately today I received the answer NO.

So although I can make them for myself, do layouts for my children, nieces and nephews as gifts, I can't do them for everyone who's begging me, because the organization will not grant a license for any other scrapbook designer other than the 2 paper only companies that currently have been granted a license. Oh and I was going to give them % of my sales of the product indefinately for the national, state and local groups as well. Too Sad.

So, I must be destined to make Simple Stacks and the ability to create personalize 4x6 scrapbooks from just a plain old standard 4x6 photo album a huge success! After all it's what I LOVE to do!

That said, I have to tell everyone thank you for all your nice comments!!

I just have to answer a couple today, so if you'll just indulge me...

Here's the 1st comment:

Thank You for your comment Jessica! I am so happy you have found Simple Stacks! And more than anything I am so excited for you to begin.

I've been scrapping for my daughters for a very long time now. I've found that creating these "Yearbooks" some of the most rewarding times I've spent scrapping and they are a whole lot easier than completing those pre printed baby books!

I'd LOVE to see your layouts.

There are a few ways you can share them.

After completing your layout save a copy to print and/or to re-edit (if you save these, I do since I always find spelling errors after printing). Duplicate your layout in your graphics program, so you don't work on your original. In PSP just press Shift + D, in Photoshop Elements 3 you right click then click duplicate. All the graphic's programs have that ability somewhere. Resize your duplicate layout to 72 dpi and 600x600 pixels. This size will fit in most emails, galleries etc.

You can email me your layout,

place them in your own gallery at DXD or any other gallery then email me the link so I can go look for myself,

you can put them on Photobucket, Flicker etc then email me the link,

or you can leave the link in with your comments.

Whatever is easiest for you.

This information is good for anyone wanting to share your layout! And you never know, if I have your email address' you just might find a special goody in your inbox from me. BTW - I never share emails. Just thought I'd let you know, incase anyone doesn't want to send stuff because they don't like junk email.

Here's another comment:

You're right ~hj we live in Michigan! and my dd's loved those stones!

My mom recently wanted me to read a book. I'm a slow reader and it was almost impossible to read the thing with the kids, the house, scrapping, etc. My dh found me trying to read it several times and asked "Do you really want to read that?" He really doesn't believe in "self help" or inspirational stuff, lol. At the time I said "Well no, not really. It's not my favorite type of book. But mom told me to read it. So I am." I've always done what my mom told me to do, no joke, even as a teenager, lol.

I have to say I'm really glad I did. One of the messages I got from the book is to do what I love. Problems, ie money, stress, etc. will take care of itself. I thought that was a good idea. Last year problems were everywhere and I was stressed all the time. So here I am taking more steps to do what I'm here to do, lol.

A while ago, maybe a week or so, I had a Blog Challenge 4 posted ~ I think it was 4 lol. Anyway I asked for everyone to submit a Simple Stacks Layout for publication. I had one person email with questions about where to submit a layout to for publication. Here's the post again, in case you missed it:

Anyway, my blog challenge 4 for today is to create a Simple Stacks Layout and submit it for publication! Lets show everyone that you can do a beautiful and functional scrapbook that you don't have to spend a fortune to purchase a special sized album, or so big it costs a fortune to print!!
Here are the details:
Use any Simple Stacks Template (purchased or a freebie)
Use any scrapbook kit (purchase, own designs, or a freebie. Digi Free has some great designs if you haven't found them yet.)
Submit the layout to any magazine, printed or online, with credits
Email me from July 15th to July 20th, 2008, a link or copied documentation that you submitted the layout using a Simple Stacks Template, include your full name and the Simple Stacks - Mini set you'd like.
This challenge is open to all scrappers, designers, ct's, etc.
Everyone who submits a Simple Stacks layout for publication, providing me with a link or copied documentation (so I can find out if any ever get published, lol. My own obsession, lol.) will recieve their choice of a Simple Stacks - Mini set. My Simple Stacks - Mini sets contain 4 Simple Stacks templates that will be on sale for just 98cents a set in the Digi By Design Mall during our Mid Month Madness Sale July 15th-20th, 2008. Since I will have to wait until the Simple Stacks - Mini sets are on sale this challenge will run from today until July 20th, 2008. I'd love to see everyones layouts!!

Well I put the line email me from july 15th to july 20th, 2008.... But I didn't intend for that Blog Challenge to be completed by those dates.

I just needed a way for everyone to select a prize, lol.

I know that submissions for magazines can take a while, therefore this Blog Challenge will run until.... 2009!

I really really want to show everyone Simple Stacks is one of the easiest, most enjoyable and cost effective way to scrap, lol.

Everyone who completes my Blog Challenge 4 by January 1st, 2009 will receive their choice of a)Simple Stacks - Mini sets 1-5 b) their choice of Simple Stacks - Mini sets in development or c) an even more fantastic prize that I haven't thought of yet, lol.

Help me show everyone a 4x6 standard photo album is a priceless, unique, personalized scrapbook just waiting to be created!

So sorry this post is so long. I'm just long winded today, lol.

Thank you for visiting and sharing some lemonade with me on this hot July day. It rained again so when am I ever going to be able to mow my lawn again?!

I have a special little Simple Stacks Template just for you!

Download it here

Thanks again,

Happy Scrapping,

MaryAnne

some yearbook layouts done!! :)

Hi everyone,

Well I was busy for more of yesterday, but I didn't work on my mk contribution :( (I have to find the time and inspiration to finish it!!) However I did create 4 more yearbook layouts for Tyra!! Now I only have 16 left to finish her 2006-2007 book, lol.

I used Simple Stacks Templates to do these, but I only kept track of the last one.

Here are the layouts

I used lots of papers and elements from shabby princess, the You are so beautiful freebie created by Doreen Stolz and other designers.

Now the one I did this morning. It has space for 5 photos! I created the Simple Stacks Template and got right to work. I created the paper and spiders. I altered shabby princess' ribbon and book plate to finish it.

Hope you like the Simple Stacks Template for this one, because that's the freebie I have for you!

Download it here if you like it

Well I do need to do some work now,

Happy Scrapping,

MaryAnne

Another try

Ever do a layout that when you did it you thought "ok, I like that one." Not your best work, but sometime life gets in your way of scrapping. So for the next few days you keep thinking about the layout. Well that's me, lol. Before I completed my layout I was looking for a specific style of paper and elements. I was sure I saw some similar to what I wanted in june. But for now I couldn't find them. So I chose something else. Well I asked my 13yo's opinion of it last night when she wanted to steal my computer to talk on yahoo with her friends and try to create a cute pig. She saw this cow created by Tracey at Aussie Srappers (sorry I can't find the original freebie to post),and she hoped there was a pig. But no luck, so she was on to create one inspired by Tracey's style. This is where she stopped.So back to my layout, her only comment was it looked like I was brand new at scrapping, lol. Ok I'm not raising a scrap critic! lol. Well I guess I am. This one's an artsy kinda girl. She always has an opinion on colors, shapes, etc. So I gave her my computer and went to bed. This morning, I got back to my layout and put this one together.

or this one (kinda looked unfinished on the right side)

I used DMK DesignsSummer Party kit bracket quick pages and a paper. Better? I'll have to wait to ask her, lol, she's still asleep.
Onward, Thanks for your opinion Jody! You're right I'm sure many scrappers are too busy right now to do many challenges, so I'm going to give this template to everyone as a freebie!
You can download it here
Ok then, gotta finish doing something I'm sure. Oh yeah I have to finish my DXD mega kit contribution for Aug, lol. Off to get to work.
Happy Scrapping,
MaryAnne

Another Simple Stacks Template Freebie and a slide show

Hi Everyone,

I was playing around this morning with my previews and Simple Stacks Templates and I decided I needed some sort of way to take a look at all the Simple Stacks Templates I have created thus far. All of them, the 10 sets available thru the Digi By Design Store, all my freebies and the blog challenge prizes. So I am in the process of creating a Simple Stacks Template Preview Catalog. Just for fun I created a slide show above using them. I already see some changes I want to make. If anyone has any suggestions, please email me. I'd love to hear your ideas.

Today I have a new Simple Stacks Template Freebie for you! Here's a preview.

Download it here

All for now,

Happy Scrapping,

MaryAnne

Qp's, Yearbook layouts and freebies

Hi everyone,
Shelli gave me an blog award :)
Thank you Shelli, gotta go find out what to do now, lol. I'm so slow sometimes.

And, Shelli from Me and my s"crap" created this layout using my Simple Stacks Template 031 found in Simple Stacks - Mini set 1 and Watermelon Patch created by Rachael H at DigitalArts-Cafe. What a cutie! She has posted a Quick Page version on her blog to share with everyone. I have to say this is awesome!! Now not only do I get to create layouts using my own stuff, I can collect other peoples creation to use in my yearbooks too!! Thanks Shelli and Rachael H!

Speaking of yearbooks, I created a new layout for Jessica's 2006 yearbook this morning. Take a look.
I called it Santa Hugs, because this was the first year I remembered she wasn't afraid of Santa, lol. The story's in the journaling. I used papers and elements from my Merry & Brite Kit and Simple Stacks Template 087 (keep an eye out for the template on my blog soon).
You can download the Quick Page Here
Time to create another layout and maybe find some papers and elements....
ttyl
Happy Scrapping,
MaryAnne


After I created a new Simple Stacks Template, I played some more today with the girls yearbooks. Here's the template I made. When I was creating the layout I was lucky to find a little bracket quick page freebie here created by Karla M, that I resized to fit my layout, Summer Citrus Paper Pack freebie here created by Simply Sweet and Beach Blast element freebie here created by Marshmallow Scraps. Thanks for the freebies they are awesome!I just love how it looks with my dd's beach photo! Hmm.. Seems I like the bright colors today. As you can see you can use freebie, kits etc that are created for 12x12 kits, you just have to alter them to fit into the Simple Stacks Templates. I almost never use anything exactly as I've found it, lol.
Now I'm not sure what to do with the Simple Stacks Template. Should I put it on my blog as a freebie, do another Blog Challenge or put it with 5 more for a new mall kit. Hmmm...... Any Suggestions?

bye for now,
maryanne

Did someone say freebies?!

Hi everyone,

For the last 2 days I spent most of my day on my feet! Well not today, lol.

Today I'm taking it easy and playing for a while before my Digital Scrapping Class tonight.

So the first thing I did is check my email. I found out there are now 121 items available at Digi By Designs Mid Month Madness Sale! And, that some of the designers have some freebies or special things planned this week to celebrate. Manu, from Manu Scraps, has a lottery and this cu freebie:

Visit her blog for all the details

Marcee, from Rose Made Designs, is posting a matching freebie to give away. I can't wait to see what she has come up with!!

Acorn Designs has tons of stuff on sale, including CU stuff all for just $.98 and some freebies!

Then I created a freebie and a new layout for dd's 2006 yearbook.

Here's the layout, it was for Christmas. It's kinda hard to do a christmas layout when it's 85 degrees out and humid, lol. But I did it, so one more layout is done.

You'll notice my finished layout isn't a perfect copy of the Simple Stacks Template I used. That's the best part of these templates. I can start with a plan and adjust it to fit the needs of my layout. I can add or leave out anything that is on the template that I want to.

Here's the Simple Stacks Template I used:

Download it here

Time for lunch and more fun.

Thanks for visiting

Happy Scrapping,

MaryAnne

ps. I just sent out the prizes for my Blog Challenge 5 and Blog Challenge 6 to all of the people who emailed me, left their email in their comments or I could find their email from their comments (lol, didn't think there would be so many ways to find an address). There is still time to participate in my Blog Challenge 4, Blog Challenge 5 and Blog Challenge 6 just click on the challenge to find more information. And P L E A S E leave your email or email me!! I want to make sure everyone gets their prizes! If you have participated and you haven't received your prizes, please email me with info about the challege you participated in and I'll get your prizes to you asap :)

Here's a preview of my Blog Challenge 6 prize and a new layout.

maryanne

Mid Month Madness... and a freebie :)

Not much time to do anything yesterday or today.

But I did want to tell you about the Mid Month Madness Sale at Digi By Design.

I created 5 sets of 4 Simple Stacks templates on sale for just 98 cents each

Simple Stacks - Mini set 1

Simple Stacks - Mini set 2

Simple Stacks - Mini set 3

Simple Stacks - Mini set 4

Simple Stacks - Mini set 5

These will be on sale for just 5 days - July 15th to July 20th, 2008!

Off to take the girls to Livestock Judging, lol.

Happy Scrapping

MaryAnne

oh when will I have time for a freebie!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just got home from taking more senior photo's and picking the girls up from the Livestock Pavillion and I made a freebie before my dh got home from work, lol.

Here's today's freebie

Download it here

maryanne

A new week...

Hi everyone,

Wow I can't believe it's mid July already! the 4th was 10 days ago now. This summer is moving at the speed of light. Every summer we try to make it last as long as possible, so we plan our vacation early (that's how we know summer has arrived). Then we take small trips around the area (girls particularly like beaches). We end the summer in a frenzy of fairs and turnover, blah on the turnover, lol. Well true to our summer traditions we drove to Lake Michigan at 1pm in the afternoon, lol. Now some say why so late? I hate sunscreen, so if I don't go to the beach until late afternoon early evening, I don't have to wear it as long, lol. The weather was great. A comfortable 70ish with some clouds and wind. And boy were the waves intense. The girls had a great time standing and being pushed over by the waves, while I filled up a 1GB memory card in just 15 minutes, lol. Good thing I brought more than 1. The evening came way to early, we missed the "sunset by the lighthouse", but it was a nice day anyway. Tyra and Jaime face the waves.

While Jessica runs away from them, lol.

Now I have more photo's to scrap, yeah!!!

Now back to scrapping... I've had someone ask where they might submit layouts and here are a few places I've found: Just Digital Calls has a few listed. Here are some not listed that I found Digital Scrapbooking (a ck magazine), Simple Scrapbooking (a ck magazine), Scrapbooks ETC.

I'll let you know if I find more.

Thanks for all the responses to my Blog Challenges! If you leave your choices in the comments section, please make sure I can get to your email to send you your prizes. There are a few that there are no emails listed with the comments.

I hope to create today, so you might want to check back this evening, but first I must do my chores. It's time for groceries, dishes, laundry......

Happy Scrapping,

MaryAnne

Question for you and some new stuff...

Hi everyone,
I was creating the prize for my Blog Challenge 5 this morning. (here's a sneak preview)

Anyway, I began wondering how many photo's you all like in your Simple Stacks Templates?

My 4x6 scrapbook are specifically "Yearbooks" for my daughters. I create one (or two for jessica's first 3 years, lol) 4x6 scrapbook that holds 60 photo's or a cover, 29 8x6 layouts and a closing page. I've always varied the number of photo's per layout, depending on the event or type of page I was scrapping. Birthdays always need multiple photo's, lol. Special pages that show personalities sometimes can only have 1 photo with some journaling. So I have a Blog Challenge 6 for you, this is another real easy one, lol. Tell me how many photo's you like in your Simple Stacks. Your choices are: a. 1 photo b. 2-3 photo's c. 4-5 photo's d. 6+ photo's

You can leave your choice, along with your email in the comments section of the blog or email me your choice, with your full name and which challenge you are participating in.

I created another Simple Stacks Template Freebie for you, just for visiting my blog today. I didn't have time to create a layout, I need to go through my list and figure out what layouts my daughters yearbooks need, otherwise I'll fill this years books with vacation photo's, lol. Anyway, here's a preview:

You can download it here.

Time to mow the lawn. (it's about 3 feet high now, lol)

Happy Scrapping,

MaryAnne

I love creating!

Hi everyone,

Thanks for sharing your layouts using Simple Stacks with me! They are awesome!! I just love seeing them. This morning my dh was using my computer so I picked up one of the many scrapbook magazines I subscribe to. It was nice to take a moment to read a bit while looking at all the great layouts. But you know what I noticed?! This shouldn't be a surprise to me by now.

1. most of the layouts were 12x12
2. most of the layouts had almost no journaling

That really makes me sad. The journaling is some of the best part of a layout!! IMHO. I've looked for Brag Book ideas that fit my 4x6 scrapbook format. But they just aren't in the magazines! They publish all sort of sized books 3x3, 6x6, tags, 81/2x11, 12x12, etc. But no 4x6's! Well I've been looking for a new blog challenge and although not many actually do the challenges, I think everyone is so busy collecting they forget to use stuff, lol.

Anyway, my blog challenge 4 for today is to create a Simple Stacks Layout and submit it for publication! Lets show everyone that you can do a beautiful and functional scrapbook that you don't have to spend a fortune to purchase a special sized album, or so big it costs a fortune to print!!

Here are the details:

1. Use any Simple Stacks Template (purchased or a freebie)
2. Use any scrapbook kit (purchase, own designs, or a freebie. Digi Free has some great designs if you haven't found them yet.)
3. Submit the layout to any magazine, printed or online, with credits
4. Email me from July 15th to July 20th, 2008, a link or copied documentation that you submitted the layout using a Simple Stacks Template, include your full name and the Simple Stacks - Mini set you'd like.
5. This challenge is open to all scrappers, designers, ct's, etc.

Everyone who submits a Simple Stacks layout for publication, providing me with a link or copied documentation (so I can find out if any ever get published, lol. My own obsession, lol.) will recieve their choice of a Simple Stacks - Mini set. My Simple Stacks - Mini sets contain 4 Simple Stacks templates that will be on sale for just 98cents a set in the Digi By Design Mall during our Mid Month Madness Sale July 15th-20th, 2008. Since I will have to wait until the Simple Stacks - Mini sets are on sale this challenge will run from today until July 20th, 2008. I'd love to see everyones layouts!!

I've been very busy lately, taking Senior photo's for my dd and a very dear family friend. I've love to share some with you. The girls have added their pictures to their myspace accounts, asking for their friends to pick their favorites. So I thought I could too, lol. Blog Challenge 5 for today: leave a comment with your email and your favorite photo of each girl or email me the number of your favorite for each girl and I'll send you a special Simple Stack Template. This Blog Challenge will run from today until July 20th, 2008. So here are your choices

1

2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Finally, I've created a few layouts and a freebie for you!!

Here is a layout for my dd#3 created using Simple Stacks Template 080 (included in Simple Stacks - Mini set 5, on sale july 15th - july 20th, 2008)

and here is todays layout created using Simple Stacks Template Freebie 13

Download it Here

FYI - I'm just like most of you. I have little to no extra $ for scrapping supplies. That's why I do so many freebies :)

Enjoy,

Happy Scrapping,

MaryAnne

Bundled Simple Stacks, news and freebie

Hi Everyone,

First thing I need to say is Happy Birthday Dad!! I can't go see him today, because we are cutting up the big maple, but I'm thinking of him!

I've bundled up my Simple Stacks, beginning today you can purchase all 10 sets in Simple Stacks Bundle 1 Here

This bundle includes 54 8x6 Simple Stacks Templates and 10 4x6 Simple Stacks - Covers to Closures. It's a total of 64 Templates, more than enough to completely fill a standard 4x6 Photo Album. It's priced to sell at just $20.00, that's like getting over 3 sets for free! I do allow the purchased versions of Simple Stacks for professional and personal use.

Over the holiday, my sister and my brother in law invited my family, my parents, her children and grandson to go camping and see fireworks in Algonac at the Pickeral tournament. It was really a trip down memory lane, to take the ferry to Harsens Island and show all the "new" family members the little cabin that my Grandparents rented every summer for as long as I can remember. We really got lucky to find the son of the original owners, "Frankie" was there doing some work. He let us take a look at the cabin and reminise about times we shared with Grandma and Grandpa while they stayed there. To my amazement it was just about as I remembered it! Even the painting of the pair of parrots, done by Frankie's mom Amy, was still hung in the old spot! I created 1 layout so far of our visit. Here's my layout.

Now I need to look through Grandma's photo's to find some old ones too.

I created this layout from my newest Simple Stacks Template Freebie, here:

Download it here

Well I better go help

Happy Scrapping,

MaryAnne

A Simple Stacks layout

I finished my layout!! Yeah me!

I was working on this layout when the power went out last week.

I love the texture on the papers! I created the layout using Gina Millers free kit "Windchimes" (dated June 29th) and a template from my Simple Stacks set 10

I can't wait to see it printed :)

bye for now,

maryanne

Congratulations Blog Challenge Winners!!

Hi everyone,

I am so glad life is returning to normal.

Today we went grocery shopping, as we had to pitch 99% of everything from the fridge and freezer because of the power being out for so long. As we were getting ready to shop, another storm hit the area. When the power went out in the store there was an audible disappointing "awww" from the entire store, lol. Glad to say it was only momentary. But just to be safe, I did the shopping and had my dd call home to make sure the power was on before we paid for the food. Now I have one of the cleanest fridges in the county and the emptiest.

So now for my fun stuff.

I was very happy to receive one entry for my Blog Challenge 1

Missy submitted this layout and will receive a free set of my Simple Stacks Templates.

What a cutie!!

Thank you Missy

I received three enteries for my Blog challenge 2

tjmuse submitted this layout

Missy submitted this layout

and LoriJ submitted this layout

It was so much fun to come back from such a trial to find these in my email!

Thank you all for participating.

Each person who submitted a layout for this challenge will recieve this set of Simple Stacks Template Freebies.

I created another freebie for my Blog Challenge 3, but unfortunately no one submitted any layouts for this contest. :( oh well, on to other things.

Now I am off to finish creating a layout for my dd's yearbook.

Happy Scrapping,

MaryAnne

There's no place like home....

Hi everyone! We have power again!!

All my childhood "trauma" has been replaced by a single most terrifying event.

Mind you I have lived in Michigan all my life, so these events are mild to some that have occured around the world during those years.

When I was growing up it seems nature was always involved in the most traumatising events.

In 4th grade, lighting struck the lumber yard across the street from my school. The sound was deafening and there was no stopping that fire. The yard and building went up in flames right before my eyes.

A few years later, I was visiting my Grandparents on Harsens Island and lighting struck somewhere near the cabin. I awoke screaming! Sound echo's over the water and it was worse than the lumber yard lighting. (at least to a sound asleep child)

With these 2 events, I admit, I hate thunder. For a while when it thundered I was filled with fear so terrifying I was unable to function.

In College I had to learn to let it go, when we had to evacuate a Child Care Center during a thunderstorm and tornado event to keep the kids safe.

Also in college, I was teaching in a preschool when lightening struck the church across the street.

When I had my own children I learned to remain calm so they didn't get upset.

And now today I'm usually ok but on guard during a thunderstorm.

Well on Wednesday July 2nd, I was being lazy, not mowing my lawn as I should but sitting here playing on the computer, finishing up my stuff for my blog challenge when the news began reporting bad thunderstorms were on their way. The news seems to have elevated everything to a urgent status over the last few years, so while I am cautious I don't get alarmed anymore.

So as the storms were moving into Michigan, I kept the tv on and finished my work here.

I began working on a layout, remembering to save it frequently because if I loose power there goes my layout, kwim? Finally the winds kicked up enough to make my power flicker and close my computer. So I didn't restart. I don't want to loose my computer. Power came back, then blinked for about 5 minutes before it was gone for the day. Around 5ish the rain, hail and winds started to come. I called dh and told him not to drive home, the storm is bad enough I couldn't see the apple tree in the middle of my yard. I ran around closing windows, as the wind was changing directions and the windows we can normally leave open, were now allowing rain into the house. The intensity of the storm seemed to lessen, so I though we'd be out of power for a while that night. When I was standing next to my computer and I heard the most spine tingling crackling sound. Immediately I thought of our tree's. I don't know exactly what made me think of it, but I knew something was going to come down. Now at our house we have 3 full grown maples in the front yard, 1 on the north side, 2 smaller ones on the south, 2 in the back yard and an old dying apple in the middle of the back yard. So with so many tree's you never know about a storm. And the last few years tornado's have seemed to be focusing on our area. Our school even made the national news about 3 years ago when a tornado took off a portion of the roof during 9th grade orientation. Anyway, I knew something was coming down and standing near the middle of the house, I wasn't sure which way to move. I made up my mind quickly as I began seeing the 150 year old maple landing at the back of the house just 5 feet from my previous postion. I kinda bounced into the next room. And this was it, this is now the "worst" story for me. Being home alone, kids were at my sisters, I could react naturally without traumatising the children. Called dh told him to just talk. I can never talk when I get upset, I cry.

So now a few days later I can make light of the whole thing. Tree's broke. Wiped out the stroller, lawn mower, fence, yard swing, hammock, spring horse, hose real, electric wires to the garage, trellis, tomato plant, back step, oh yeah and the corner of the house. Lots of work to do. But the humming bird feeders and bbq are a ok. And the cucumber still has a flower, but I don't know it won't be gone soon.

My 17yo's comment at 1am last night was "the pictures don't really do this justice. That tree is just so big back there"

So here are some pictures for you.

No way to let the dog out to the bathroom now, lol.

My Blog Challenge

Thank You to everyone who has participated. I have looked at your layouts they are wonderful!

And I have emailed you your prizes. I will be posting the list of winners tonight (gotta do some work now)

Thanks again,

Sorry so long,

maryanne

offline,in the dark, in michigan

Hi,
Last night we had a storm in Michigan, that knocked out the power to our whole town and blew down one of our 150 year old maple trees hitting the back of the house. Everyone is okay, but now the dog has to walk out the front door through the wooden fence, climb over the tree just to go to the bathroom. So my mom can not finish her blog challange as of today like she wanted. She will complete the challange, send the prizes, and announce the winners asap, as soon as the power's back on.

So if you haven't had a chance to do the challenge yet, you can still do it, email mom the link, and she won't know anyway.

Tyra (far away from home)

A Simple Stacks layout, news and freebie

Hi everyone,

I have my first Blog Challenge 1 Prize winner!

Missy posted this layout and submitted her links

This is just adorable!! Thanks for participating Missy.

I just finished creating and packaging the Blog Challenge Prizes!! I'd love to send one to you.

Please submit your links to enter asap.

I should have mowed today, but I was productive instead, lol. I finished Simple Stacks Set 10 today!! Here's a preview.

I played with one of these and can't wait to get to play with the others.

I have no Digital Scrapbook Class tonight, good thing it's going to thunder, lol. So I get to go to Digi By Designs chat at 9pm that will feature our July Mega Kit "Summer Brights".

Today I have a Simple Stacks Quick Page Freebie for you.

Download it Here

It's thundering now, ack! Gotta go. Happy Scrapping, MaryAnne

Blog Challenge, layout and Freebie

Hi everyone,
I was talking to my dh tonight and I told him about my blog challenges. Now he's supportive, but thinks I spend way too much time on scrapping stuff, lol. His comment about my challenges was that when he saw people say "the first 5 people to respond...." he figures it's a scam.
Well that got me thinking. In everyday life yeah I take that stuff as scams, but in scrapping nope, lol. Am I gullible or what? Anyway, as I assured him this isn't a scam, I really want to see what people do with stuff I make. And I'm willing to give more freebies to reward scrappers who show me what they've made. It's just my way of saying thanks for taking the time.
Therefore, I'm so excited to say I've had 1 person submit links for my blog challenge #2!!
tjmuse created this layout from my Simple Stacks Template Freebie 9 and a "kit in progress" Poppies created by Acorn Designs. Here's a link to her layout in the gallery. I gave it some luv :)
Thanks TJ
I still have 5 spots for Blog Challenge 1, 4 spots for Blog Challenge 2 and Blog Challenge 3 available to all! I worked on about 4 templates this afternoon, now I have to start deciding which will be prizes, which might go into a Simple Stacks Template set 10 or if they will become new Simple Stacks Template Freebies, hmmm......

Wednesday July 2nd the 9pm chat at Digi By Design is featuring our Monthly Mega Kit created by the designers. This months kit is "Summer Brights". It's just beautiful and huge! This kit contains: 80+ papers, 190+ elements and 3 alphas! It's 547 mbs!! It's on sale right now for just $3.99!
Here's a preview.
All the designers also make Quick Pages for the crop, here are some of mine.
I'm not sure which they will be giving away. Stop by the chatroom and say HI!
And now, as for my Simple Stacks Templates. Well I guess this first one will be a new Simple Stacks Template Freebie
Download it here
But these others, I don't know...
Any suggestions?
Well it's only midnight here, I'm going to see if my children are online.
Happy Scrapping,
MaryAnne

Busy, busy day...

I just have to share.
I went to Eva Kipler's blog and found a desktop calendar freebie called happydance_julydesktop
I finished it with photo's of my dd's on vacation and I just love it!!

I know some say "you can't teach an old dog new tricks", but is there a way to get the old dog to remember her old tricks? Arg! Long story, dd will know what I'm talking about, lol.
dd's are off visiting again. I swear they are nomads in the summer. They only stay in 1 location for a very short time.
Today was not a good day for scrapping, it was spent at an appointment, then shopping (how does a 4 year old keep losing her clothes?) then meeting up with my sister so she could have my girls visit. Then trying to see a movie, no kids go play right? Nope, there wasn't any good movies on. So we went junk shopping - thrift stores. We don't need more junk, just have to look, lol. Finally we rented a movie "The Great Debaters" Very Good Movie.
Finally around 12:30 I decided I wanted to make another template.
Oh and I checked Digi By Design and someone put my newest Simple Stacks - set 9 in the mall (thank you :) ) What perfect timing.
Here's Simple Stacks - set 9

And here is a Simple Stacks Template Freebie for today

Download it here.
I did it a little different, hope you like it.
It is amazing to see 277 people downloaded yesterdays Simple Stacks Template Freebie!!

I would love to see some layouts that someone has created using my Simple Stacks Templates.
So I have 3 blog challenges for those who may be interested.
Blog Challenge 1: The first 5 people who send me links from 2 different galleries to a layout they created using a purchased version of Simple Stack Templates and they allow me to feature their layout on my blog, I will give their choice of one full set of Simple Stacks Templates.
To claim your prize - just email me the links at curthsdigitaldesigns@yahoo.com, include your full name, email address and the name of the Simple Stacks Templates you'd like.

Blog Challenge 2: The first 5 people who send me links from 2 different galleries to a layout they created using a Simple Stacks Template Freebie and they allow me to feature their layout on my blog, I will send them a special surprise bonus of 2 Simple Stacks Template Freebies specially created for this blog challenge.
To claim your prize - just email me the links at curthsdigitaldesigns@yahoo.com, include your full name and email address please.

Blog Challenge #3: Anyone who creates a layout using either my Simple Stacks Templates (purchased version) or Simple Stacks Template Freebies and posts them in Digi By Designs Gallery and 1 other gallery, allow me to feature their layout on my blog. I will send them a special surprise bonus of a Simple Stacks Template Freebie, created especially for this blog challenge.
To claim your prize - just email me the links at curthsdigitaldesigns@yahoo.com, include your full name and email address please.

You can participate in all three Blog Challenges if you'd like. Please have an original layout for each of the blog challenges you'd like to complete.
I have to have an end date for this challenge.
Simple Stacks make creating layouts a breeze and I've been creating freebies and template sets for about a month now, so you have a lot to choose from. So, lets say you must post your layouts and email me your links by Thursday July 3rd 12:00 noon Eastern Standard Time.
I will send out prize links by Thursday July 3rd 10pm Eastern Standard Time.
Anyone interested?
Well time for bed.
Happy Scrapping,
MaryAnne





PS. If my girls visit, find me on yahoo messenger while your gone ok? I still would like to talk to you. Love ya, mom.


Night Everyone.