Archive

Archive for the ‘Digi World Wednesday’ Category

Paper & Scissors & Glue, Oh My!

March 8th, 2010 SuzyQ 1 comment

(Just a minor note … I’m posting the Digi World Wednesday post today, even though it’s Monday … we’ll have a QT spotlight and free template for you on Wednesday. :D )



ouchies ickies hybrid mailbox
Get Well Soon Mailbox created by fabulous hybrid artist Andrea, a member of my CT.
Visit her blog, Playing with Paper — you won’t be disappointed.

Ok, back to the somewhat irregular program! ;) I’m in the process of dabbling into some hybrid projects. This is a somewhat scary venture for me, as the whole reason I do digital is because my paper scrapbooks lack any sort of beauty. So I’m a bit afraid that my hybrid projects may follow the path of my paper scrapbooks. Despite my fear, I am going to push forward and give paper, scissors, & glue an honest try. I have 2 personal projects I’m working on — one is a simple card, and the other is my 10 Things album I didn’t finish (ok, barely even started) for February’s portfolio at SSD. I know I can’t complete it to earn points, but I am determined to complete it for myself. I promise I’ll post both on my blog at some point in the (hopefully near) future — even if they turn out ugly.

I decided that I’m probably not alone in my hybrid fears … and maybe some of you would find some hybrid resources helpful. Or maybe you are AWESOME at hybrid like some of my CT members and have some suggestions for resources. So, here’s a quick list that I’ve compiled. If you know of any more, link me up in the comments and I’ll check them out, and maybe even add them to my Resources page. :) (All of the links below will be added to my Resources page by the end of the week.)

All About Hybrid

What Is Hybrid? (Jessica Sprague)
Hybrid Scrapbooking 101 (Scrapbook Ideas)
Hybrid Help (The Daily Digi)
Hybrid How-Tos Master List (Sweet Shoppe Designs forum)
Adhesives (Andrea on the Sweet Shoppe Designs blog)

Other Sources of Hybrid Inspiration and Help

Hybrid Chatter (Sweet Shoppe Designs forum)
Hybrid Help blog category (The Daily Digi)

Some Galleries with Hybrid Inspiration:

DigiScrapAddicts
My Scrapbook Art
Scrap Orchard
Sweet Shoppe Designs
The Digi Chick

And with those lists, I will now leave you to (hopefully) finish up a hybrid printable for release this Friday. Please leave me comments with suggestions for future hybrid posts, and of course links to hybrid resources if you have them. :)

suzyq scraps

Categories: Digi World Wednesday Tags:

Log Your Memory

March 3rd, 2010 SuzyQ 1 comment

As promised, I am here to share with you a really cool site: Log Your Memory. I love their tag line … “Log Your Memory … to later jog your memory.” Isn’t that clever? A great description of their community in a nutshell. Here’s what Kristin shared with me to give you a basic overall of what they do: “We are a community that supports real life, everyday scrapping and storytelling through our Memory Logbook, friendly forum, gallery, etc.”

Let’s take a closer look at what this site has to offer you.

Memory Logbooks — Log Your Memory offers a very unique series of products in their store to help you record and “jog” your memories about your life, to help make your scrapbooking not only easier but also more meaningful. The All-in-One Memory Logbook is a scrapbook planner, idea book, journal, and sketchbook — all wrapped up in one book. This book is PACKED with great stuff — monthly & daily calendars; space to document daily memories, jot down ideas, or create lists; a “story list” so you can track the important/pages and stores you haven’t shared yet; weekly pages for sketching layout ideas; weekly challenge questions; inspirational real-life layouts; annual & monthly questionnaires; & monthly worksheets for documenting holidays, birthdays, and other celebrations. If you’re just interested in one particular month, you can buy the monthly version of the logbook. Or, if you just want the challenges (like me), you can buy the Real Life Challenges Logbook. Not sure which one to buy? Try comparing your options.

If you’re interested in purchasing a logbook, please don’t miss the coupon from Log Your Memory at the bottom of my Saturday blog post. (Please note that the coupon is only valid in their on-site store for the download-able versions of their logbooks. If you’d like to purchase a bound, physical copy you can do so through their sister site, but the coupon won’t work.)

Book Club — Once you’ve bought any version of the logbook, you can become a member of the Book Club, which includes special access to exclusive activities and programs. One new program they’ve started, just for Book Club members, is a weekly chat each Monday to help you with the weekly challenges. I definitely need this motivation, and I’m so excited to be the guest designer this month so I can provide you with a FREE template each week. If you can’t make that chat, that’s okay — you’ll be able to access the template for a limited time in the private Book Club forum. Each week, if you complete your layout by Thursday, you’ll receive a free download with pieces to a kit I created for Log Your Memory — so if you participate all 5 weeks, you’ll have the ENTIRE kit, for free!

Blog – Log Your Memory’s main page is their blog. They post new content nearly every day, with a huge focus on real-life scrapbooking. They provide information, challenges, and inspiration, among other things. I’m a big fan of scrapbooking everything about my journey, not just the fun vacations, birthdays, and other major events, but also the nitty-gritty everyday life … and the hard things. And this is what Log Your Memory is all about. :)

Community Forum & Layout Gallery — This is the place to make friends, share your layouts, and receive encouragement and motivation on your scrapbooking journey. They have a very friendly community, so make yourself at home!

Challenge Chats — I already mentioned the chats for Book Club members, but Log Your Memory also offers chats for all registered members on Thursday nights (registration is free). Here is March’s complete challenge schedule. You may want to make particular note of tomorrow, March 4th, at 9 pm Eastern. :) I’ll be hosting a template challenge, which of course means a free template. But I’ll have other prizes as well, including a free alpha, so you won’t want to miss it. :) Hope to see you there!

You may remember that I mentioned the 14 journaling challenges at Log Your Memory a few weeks ago in a blog post. Well, they’ve extended the deadline, so you have until the end of March — which is so great, ’cause I ran out of time to play along last month. I have this obsession with office supplies and I want those pens. :) You can read more about the deadline extension on their blog, as well as information about the challenge series.

So, if you’re interested in a community to help you scrap your everyday, real-life journey, you should definitely check out Log Your Memory. There’s still time to register for the Book Club and play along in the challenge to receive the first download to a super fun kit from me. :) And be sure to stop by tomorrow night and chat with me. :)

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

suzyq scraps signature

Categories: Digi World Wednesday Tags:

Scrapper’s Guide

February 24th, 2010 SuzyQ 5 comments

If you’re looking for a great place to learn how to digitally scrapbook, or if you’re looking to improve your skills, I think you should check out Scrapper’s Guide.

My mom decided she wanted to try digital scrapbooking, but she’ll be the first to admit that computers are not her forte. When she purchased Photoshop Elements from Costco, it came bundled with Linda Sattgast’s CD on how to digitally scrapbook. My mom was thrilled and found the video tutorials easy to follow. She also loved that she could print out tutorials, which she has in a binder and adds to as she learns new things. Scrapper’s Guide definitely empowered my mom, and it’s so fun to see how much she’s learned, not only about digital scrapbooking but also about computers. :) If you’ve been frustrated trying to learn digital scrapbooking, you might want to try their Beginner Training CDs. She teaches for both Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, and you can buy the CD that matches the software version you have.

If you’re looking to improve your skills, their Premier Membership might be just the thing for you. Every month you get an exclusive kit, a set of quick pages, 4 training videos, a PDF manual for each video, and more! It’s $8.99 per month, so the kit and quick pages alone make it worth the deal … so it’s definitely a steal with all its other features. (If you sign up for 1 year, you get a discount … I think it’s 12 months for the price of 10.)

I love their Tip of the Week, a free little newsletter with a nifty tip for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. I’ve learned some great tricks from these little tidbits. I’d definitely recommend this newsletter.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

suzyq scraps signature

Categories: Digi World Wednesday Tags:

Free Templates Anyone?

February 17th, 2010 SuzyQ 4 comments

If you haven’t fanned or followed the designers at Scrap Orchard you are missing out! We started another round of Twitter/Facebook Tag the other day and this time we’re giving away free templates. Yep, that’s over FIFTEEN free templates from some of your favorite designers. Like this one I created just for our fans and followers:

digi scrap template freebie

We gave away each other’s templates, so you’ll have to go play along to find the one from me. :) Go to SuzyQ Scraps fan page for the free template.

And if you’re already a fan/follower, I hope you enjoyed this treat from us!

If you do a layout with the template, link me up! I’d love to see your creation!

suzyq scraps siggy

Categories: Digi World Wednesday Tags:

Feeling the Love

February 10th, 2010 SuzyQ 9 comments

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and it’s had me thinking about love, chocolate (of course!), traditions, and something sweet I can do for my hubby. I have a little gift for you at the bottom of the post, just to say “I love my fans!” but first I thought I’d show off some yummy love kits — a couple I own and a few on my ever-growing wish list. :)

I ABSOLUTELY love this super yummy collab from Amanda Heimann and Ziggle Designs.

smooches kit

And isn’t the vampire in this kit totally cute (and definitely a unique take on a love kit)? Gotta love this one from Ziggle Designs and Amy Sumrall.

count swak-ula preview

I also picked up the February Mystery Mega from Scrap Orchard — I don’t have a preview of this one, but here’s a layout I did with it last night for the Mega Challenge at SO. A definite must-have if you’re looking for something more grungy with great elements for teenagers and adults.

february mystery mega layout

Ok, so now to the ones on my wish list. :) I am a big fan of Shawna Clingerman (I think most of my wish list at SSD is comprised of her fun stuff) and this is definitely on my next-to-buy list. I definitely don’t have enough kits for scrapping about me and dh.

u and i preview

Then there’s this adorable one from Jady Day Studio called Sweet Love o’ Mine. Love that owl and tree!

sweet love o mine preview

I’m seriously in love with the colors and patterns in All You Need Is Love by Dani Mogstad.

all you need is love preview

And isn’t the bear in Love You to Bits by AnnaBV Designs absolutely adorable?

love you to bits preview

Finally, I’ve been eying Sweet Tart by Digital Design Essentials — love me some ricrac and that alpha looks YUMMY!

sweet tart preview

Thanks for letting me show off some of my fave love kits! And now, on to the freebie — because I love you this much. ;) (Click on image to download.)love you this much alpha preview

I designed it to be generic enough to work with lots of different kits, but the colors definitely coordinate with Love Monsters.

love monsters kit

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for a sneak peek of this week’s release and a chance to win it. And, come back Friday for the full reveal and another freebie from me. :)

suzyq scraps siggy

Categories: Digi World Wednesday, Freebies Tags:

Where to Buy 2-Page Templates

February 3rd, 2010 SuzyQ 6 comments
and more Project 365 templates!



All right, as promised, I have some winners to announce.

First, the winner from last month’s blog challenge is … stacy (pewtertm)! Congrats! You’ve won a $10 coupon to my store — send me an email at suzyqscraps AT gmail DOT com to claim your prize!

And the Lucky Post for January was … JANUARY 30TH! Congrats to quietangelsb, Joy, britanee, and abcrew! You’ve each won a $7 coupon to my store — send me an email to claim your prize!

Thanks to everyone who has been posting comments — I love to read them! :) Join us in this month’s color challenge for your chance to win a $10 coupon to my store. I’m replacing the Lucky Post with a new little game of sorts, so check back tomorrow for details!

Now back to our regularly scheduled program — Digi World Wedneday. Yesterday I promised to link you up to sources for 2-page templates (and I’ve got some new Project 365 templates for you that caught my eye!). Now, if you already have a stash of 12×12 templates, you can follow Janet’s 3rd tip in her 2-Page Layouts {Using Templates} article I posted for you yesterday to see a trick to using them to create a 2-page layout. (I tend to do this method, as I don’t scrap 2-page layouts very often.) However, you can find some pretty awesome 2-page (or 24×12) templates on the web.

First, check out Yin Design’s blog, Simply Yin. She frequently posts free templates, including 24×12. Check the sidebar on the right for links to the templates in your category. Try a few out, and if you like them, maybe think about dropping a few dollars at her store. Here’s an example of one her free templates:

yin designs template

Mandagirl is another source of free templates — I love her style! Leave her a sweet comment if you download. ;)

mandagirl template

Then, of course, I couldn’t link you up to Janet’s awesome tutorials without linking you up to her store at SSD. Search “2 page template” to quickly find several options. Here are just a couple in her store that I’ve had my eye on:

janet phillips template

janet phillips template

Penny Springmann at SSD also has several 2-page templates (search “2 pagers”), including some awesome ones inspired by Project 365.

penny springmann template

penny springmann template

(Psst! In case you didn’t know, SSD is celebrating their 4th birthday, so all of these templates — and more! — are 34% off thru Feb. 4th!)

Finally, have you seen these super fun Project 365 Templates from Scrapping with Liz? She’s a new Orchard Girl at SO and I think you’re going to love her stuff!

scrapping with liz template

scrapping with liz template

Have yourself a terrific Wednesday! If you do any 2-page layouts, link me up to them! And stay tuned for tomorrow’s sneak peeks AND a new announcement. :)

suzyq scraps siggy

Categories: Digi World Wednesday Tags:

In the Classroom

January 27th, 2010 SuzyQ 7 comments

I LOVE learning! I don’t know about you, but I just seem to THIRST for knowledge. Books are one of my favorite ways to learn — I can mark them up, jot down notes in the margin, and refer to the book over and over again. I also enjoy classroom learning. Campus Education Week has been a fun one to attend the past several years — sometimes I’ve made it to lots of classes, other times only a handful (like when I was pregnant, lol). We live further away now, but last year we were able to arrange with my mom to watch our little boy during the day so dh and I could attend classes from 8 until 4 from Tuesday thru Friday. (Thanks Mom!) My favorite classes are the ones on relationships. :) And I just LOVE Connie Sokol’s class.

So, back to digital scrapbooking (and related stuff) — I thought I’d share with you some of the classes I’d really like to take … the ones I’d sign up for TODAY if time and money were not an issue. ;)

DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING CLASSES

Yes, I still scrapbook (on occasion … but I’m really wanting to make more time for it, ’cause I miss my therapy!) and I still have so much to learn. So here’s a list of classes I’m interested in taking.
A Library of Memories by Stacy Julian (www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com) — this will have to wait until next year, ’cause I missed this year’s registration
The Photoshop Brushshop by Tiffany Tillman (reneepearson.com)
Kid Perspective by Deanna Lambson (www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com) — FREE and self-paced
No Excuses Journaling by Lain Ehmann (www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com)
Pen Tablet Basics for Scrapbookers by Jessica Sprague (www.jessicasprague.com)
Type + Writer by Liv Esteban and Jessica Sprague (www.jessicasprague.com)
Type + Writer 2 by Liv Esteban and Jessica Sprague (www.jessicasprague.com)
Now We’re Rockin’ With Photoshop – Class 2 by Jessica Sprague (www.jessicasprague.com)
Digi: In Deep – Class 3 by Jessica Sprague (www.jessicasprague.com)

PHOTOGRAPHY & PHOTO EDITING

Seeing as digital photos are a big part of scrapbooking (lol!), I have some interest in taking better pictures. I don’t want to be a photographer … I don’t want to take prize-winning photos. But I’d love to be able to take better pictures, so instead of finding 2 gems amid 100 shots, maybe I’ll find them in a dozen or so. :)
Oh Shoot! Beginning Digital SLR Photography by Candice Stringham (www.jessicasprague.com)
Photo Editing: Good-to-Great Workflow by Jessica Sprague (www.jessicasprague.com)

DESIGNING

I’d love to learn more to improve my designing — not just my skills, but also my efficiency. I’m self-taught in the programs I use, and I just KNOW I’m missing out on a lot of fun stuff. I’ve had my eye on a couple of classesfor Illustrator.
Illustrator 10-Week Course by Steve Laskevitch (creativetechs.com)
Illustrator 101: Designing for Yourself by Carina Gardner (www.jessicasprague.com)

BLOGGING

I’m working on improving my blogging skills (which reminds me, I need to post on the family blog sometime …) and just found out about a conference on blogging (from How To Blog at The Daily Digi). It’s not too far away (meaning, less than 6 hours) and near family so I wouldn’t have to pay for lodging. Very tempting … and I could meet Steph and Katie from The Daily Digi. Hmm…
Casual Blogger Conference

So, what would you like to learn more about? Have you taken any digital classes? Do you have any on your wish list?

suzyq scraps siggy

Categories: Digi World Wednesday Tags:

Ready to Be Challenged?

January 20th, 2010 SuzyQ 4 comments

In the digi scrap world there are SO many challenges to help inspired you and encourage you to scrap meaningful pages for your cherished (and not so cherished) memories. Challenges really helped me develop my digital scrapbooking skills when I was first starting out — challenging me to try new things and stretching me and growing me. But since designing, my scrap time has taken a drastic hit. So, this year I set a goal to scrap 120 pages from me — 2 years ago, that would have been easy. This year, that’s going to take quite a bit of work and focus. I’m getting really behind in my scrapping, so I really need to get back on track. To help me accomplish my goal, I’ve decided to get back into challenges. And today I’m going to share with you 3 of my favorites sites for challenges, and the 3 pages I’ve scrapped so far. :)

SWEET SHOPPE DESIGNS

I’ve been playing along with the challenges at SSD since April 2008, when I first discovered their site. Over time, their challenge format has changed, and I am so excited about this year’s format — Sweet Shoppe Portfolios. And since they’re one of my favorite places to shop, I love to play along so I can earn discount coupons. Sadly, I didn’t play in as many challenges as I would have liked to last year, but this year I plan to be more active! I love the Treat of the Month challenge, and I’m so glad it made it to their new portfolio format, so I decided to start my portfolio with that one. Each month, SSD spotlights one of the scrappers on their site and then challenges you to lift a layout from the scrapper’s gallery — this month they’re featuring Jaclyn Bernardo (mrs_jb). I lifted her layout Together. And this is what I came up with (kit is Slink Slither and Plod, my collab with Misty Cato):

suzyq scraps layout just like your daddy

Some of the January portfolio challenges I want to try next:
#7 Before I Die …
#9 January Looks Like …
#10 Colorific
#18 Iconic
#20 Eyeball Benders
#25 Two Sides of Sweet
#30 Digi Scrap Rewind
#31 Book of Me 2010 — definitely this one!
#33 Mini Album — because I have a color printer now and I want to try it out!

Just remember, Sweet Shoppe Designs requests that you use mostly products by their designers on your layouts — so be sure to follow the rules if you’re going to play along! :)

THE DIGI DARES

I must admit, I don’t play along with the dares as often as I would like, but I’m challenging myself to play along once a month if I can manage it. :) I was especially moved by this week’s dare to scrap about change. Here’s what I came up with (using a background from Krafty Stash #2, paint splats by Sara Amarie (retired), Alpha Files No. 4 by Krystal Hartley at SSD, Foamy Stamp Alpha by Traci Reed at SSD, and burst shape clipping mask by Britt-ish Designs at ScrapMatters):

suzyqscraps layout positive change

Why play along with The Digi Dares? Well, they pick 2 winners each week — one is random, and one is picked by the darer … and the winners receive gift certificates to one of the sponsors of the month. Sweet deal, huh? Who knows, maybe one of these months I’ll be a sponsor …

SCRAP ORCHARD

And I couldn’t leave out Scrap Orchard! I’ve been a member of their site since they first opened their doors nearly 2 years ago, and I’ve been a sporadic participant in their challenges in the past. But, now that I design there, I’ve been wanting to be more active in the challenges. If you play along, you can earn discount coupons to the store. You earn 1 point for each challenge you complete — 2 points if you use more than 90% SO products on your layout. (I believe SO’s current gallery policy is at least 1 item on your LO must be from an SO designer.) They post a new challenge every day, and you have the rest of the month to work on them. I decided to play along in the color challenge first (using And Many More … {Bright}, Stitch Hiccups #1, and Tag! You’re It! Alpha):

suzyq scraps layout feeding myself

So there you have it, 3 of my favorite places to be challenged — and where I intend to be challenged this year! Of course, my creative team always hosts a challenge here on the blog, and you can win a $10 coupon to my store. There’s still time to play along in Melissa’s scraplift challenge this month — it’s on my list!

So, where what challenges do you participate in?

Categories: Digi World Wednesday Tags:

4 Digi Scrap Magazines I Read (and 4 on my Wish List)

January 13th, 2010 SuzyQ 4 comments

Since it’s Wednesday, and time for another Digi World post, I thought I’d share with you some of the digital scrapbook magazines that I enjoy reading, and a few of the ones that have caught my eye that I hope to try out this year.

4 DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK MAGAZINES I READ

1. Simply Sweet Magazine — Wow. I think this is absolutely one of my favorite magazines right now. Not only is the magazine simply yet beautifully designed, it’s packed with inspiration to help me scrap right now. And it’s filled with yummy eye candy from some of my favorite designers. ;) It’s published quarterly, and I eagerly anticipate each new issue and buy it as soon as I open my newsletter from Sweet Shoppe. I totally recommend this magazine — it is definitely worth the price (especially when you snag it for 20% off on new release day) and it comes with an exclusive kit. Love it!
2. Flourish — Published by My Scrapbook Art, this little beauty is definitely worth downloading — and it’s free! I love the tips & tutorials, and the inspiring layouts. Plus, the featured designer always provides a free product, so it’s a fun way to “meet” new-to-you designers, or receive a little treat from a favorite designer. (Psst! You might want to sign up for it before February’s issue is released. I’m just saying.) Be sure to look for the various coupons available inside. It recently received a face lift and looks so gorgeous — I *think* it’s usually available near the beginning of the month, but don’t quote me on that. January’s issue isn’t out just yet.
3. The Fix — A super fun & funny little free magazine put out by DigiScrapAddicts. Browse through some of their back issues if you want a sample of what’s inside. I love that they feature some of my favorite designers — but I also love that they introduce you to newer designers in the Fresh Faces article (which includes a freebie). If you’re looking for a laugh, be sure to read the interviews with the featured designers. And be sure to check out the coupon section at the end for super savings. The magazine is released around the 15th of every month.
4. DST Insider — This is DigiShopTalk’s free magazine. It’s packed with useful info and great layout inspiration. And it’s another good source for coupons. It’s generally available the first of the month.

4 DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK MAGAZINES I’LL BE TRYING SOMETIME THIS YEAR

1. The Artisan Notebook — You can buy this direct from their site, or at one of your favorite stores, like Scrap Orchard. I’m excited about this month’s topic — Age Progression. I actually just purchased it, so I hope to find time to peruse it soon.
2. Scrap ‘n Art — This is technically a scrapbook & paper crafting magazine, as well as a digital scrapbook magazine. I’ve been meaning to give it a try for several months — I actually just paid for a 1-year subscription, but I haven’t had a chance to check it out yet.
3. Scrapbook News and Review — This magazine looks like a really neat combo of scrapbooking, photography, altered art, and other media.
4. Digital Artist Magazine — I must admit that I’m hesitant to give this one a try. Last year they had a lot of trouble publishing on time and just recently switched to a bimonthly format. So I figured I’d give them a couple of months to work out any more bugs, and then give them a go.

So what are some of your favorite digi magazines, and why? Which ones are on your wishlist?

suzyq scraps siggy

Categories: Digi World Wednesday Tags:

12 Digital Scrapbook Gals That Inspire Me

January 6th, 2010 SuzyQ 10 comments

So many people and sites have inspired me in so many ways, and I thought it’d be fun to share with you some of the digital scrapbook ladies that have inspired and continue to inspire me, as a scrapbooker, as a designer, as a mom, and as a person. So, in a somewhat random order, I give you …

12 DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK GALS THAT INSPIRE ME

1. Amanda Heimann — Okay, these are mostly in no particular order, but I have to list Amanda first. She has made one of the biggest impacts on my life, from the first day I stumbled across her blog to right now, when I have the supreme pleasure of working with her at Scrap Orchard and calling her one of my friends. Her blog challenge in ‘08, celebrating her design-iversary, and the fabulous freebie that accompanied it, introduced me to a whole new level of digital scrapbooking. I fell in love with her products and started following her (um, maybe stalking her, lol). Her scrapbook designs are totally my style and I love scrapping with her fabulous papers and yummy elements. (Seriously, check out her designs! You won’t be disappointed.) I was absolutely over the moon when I finally made her CT, and so sad later when designing left me little time to scrap and I had to resign. But it was a dream come true to collab with her on Snow Peeps, and I feel so blessed to be her friend. Wub you sweetie!
2. Jessica Sprague — I first discovered Jessica through her Photoshop Friday posts — especially her awesome tutorial on shadowing acrylic and editing photos. I love that she offers some classes for free — I’ve signed up for 2 of them in the past. The other thing I love about her classes — you still have access to them, even after the class is over. Which is perfect for over-booked peeps like me who sign up for the class with enthusiasm, and then discover they don’t have time while the class is in session. Right now I have my eye on an Illustrator class the site is offering … but I’ll probably have to wait until the summer. :)
3. Ali Edwards — Wow. She absolutely amazes me. And she seems so down-to-earth. I love that she does traditional and digital scrapbook stuff and shares all sorts of tips and projects on her blog. Her posts inspire me — as a scrapbooker and as a person. I’m excited to see what the new year brings.
4. Misty Cato — Love her designs! And her tutorials were just what a newbie digital scrapbooker like me needed. It’s so fun to look back at how much I admired her, never dreaming that I would get to collab with her on a kit we called Slink Slither and Plod. She is an absolute sweetie. Be sure to subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive freebies, and so you don’t miss when she posts a new tutorial.
5. Janet Phillips — I discovered Janet because of Misty — it was thru Misty’s blog post that I found The Daily Digi, and it is a source of daily inspiration. I can’t even begin to describe how her various posts have inspired my life and my designs. I tried to find my one favorite post by Janet, and I just can’t do it. Really, I love so many of them — especially the ones that teach me new techniques, or show me how to do something faster. :) So inspiring. I’m so glad she’ll still be involved at The Daily Digi, and I’m excited to see her selling her templates at Sweet Shoppe Designs.
6. Linda Sattgast — Love her weekly tips! Linda (the driving force behind Scrapper’s Guide) is a great resource for beginner and advanced scrappers alike. She has a DVD that helps teach you how to use PSE, and it comes bundled with PSE if you buy it from Costco. My mom bought it this way, and it has helped her so much — my mom especially loves that she can print out some of the information. She keeps it in a binder and adds notes to it as she learns more. Thanks, Linda, for making digital scrapbooking possible for my mom and others!
7. Amanda Rockwell — K, seriously, Amanda rocks! Her tutorials and awesome CU products helped me bridge the gaps in what I had learned through online searches. They were the jumping off point that I needed. I highly recommend her Inside the ScrapArtist Studios if you’re interested in growing your design skills. She’s given me the confidence to try new things, and the know-how to create my own stash of digi supplies. :)
8. Renee Pearson — My sister gifted me a publication of Digital Scrapbook Magazine for my birthday a couple of years back. I kept every issue from that year (which turned out to be their last year of publication). I still love to go back through my magazines. I think my favorite article is one on fonts by Renee Pearson. I stumbled across her web site the other day, and I’m definitely going to have to take a class. :)
9. Steph — Another favorite at The Daily Digi with yet more inspiring and helpful posts. :) And her fonts are fabulous too. So excited to see how she grows The Daily Digi this year.
10. Katie the Scrapbook Lady — I first “met” Katie on The Daily Digi — she contributes regularly to their blog. I love, love, love her tips on photography — especially her tips on straightening crooked photos. I just started following her blog too.
11. Amanda Taylor – Yes, another Amanda! I first discovered Amanda through her tutorials. My scrapbook skills totally JUMPED after a challenge she hosted while she was in the spotlight at Oscraps. Wow. She showed me various ways to “save” some of my photos — they’re still some of my favorite layouts. Her style is awesome, and I just love all the useful tutorials she shares with her readers.
12. Shawna Clingerman — Shawna has been a definite inspiration in my life. I love how open she is on her blog about the depression she has been struggling with. I especially loved her 254 Days of Gray post. Her layout is absolutely inspiring. She’s given me hope during my own struggles with postpartum depression, and her designs at Sweet Shoppe are just absolutely FUN. Love her Doodle-bets. :)

And there you have it. 12 gals that have inspired me in the past, and continue to inspire me today. Who inspires you?

suzyq scraps siggy

Categories: Digi World Wednesday Tags: