Shandy Vogt Designs

Retiring Sale and a Freebie!

2009-03-27T13:36:00.005-06:00

well... I've debated on this post for quite some time now.... and I guess I came to the realization that it's time for me to close this chapter of my life. I'm not a sappy gal so I'll make this short and sweet -- T.H.A.N.K. Y.O.U. to ALLLLL of my friends, fans (<-- ok, that's sounds funny to actually write - LOL) and all of you dedicated blog readers (that checked in by the hundreds each week even though I haven't made a post in over 6 months! - Yes, I still checked my site meter and was amazed that I still had that much traffic - and then at the same time felt soooo guilty for not having anything new up week after week! my apologies...) Anyway, (going to be totally honest here - LOL) that my domain name at http://www.shandyvogtdesigns.com is up for renewal in just a couple of weeks and I've decided not to renew it... soooo... I've got my entire store on sale at 70% off! I realize I haven't designed anything new in forever (literally - LOL) but maybe if there's ever been something you thought would be fun to play with -- now's your chance to snag it up for cheap! And you guys KNOW I couldn't go out without giving a freebie! So... Enjoy one of my template sets as a farewell gift from me... enjoy!! Here's the Link to grab it....

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and then (just in case any of you are curious) how the twins are doing... they are doing great! We had a 2 week bout with the Rotavirus (which was sooo not fun!) but we are all healthy and happy now :) They love interacting with each other and giggle all the time (cutest thing ever!) They both are crawling and cruising around furniture (and can both climb the stairs - yikes!) they've both got 5 teeth and are the best little sleepers :) I have enjoyed them more than I could ever imagine! Here are a few photos from the other month (photos got put on the back burner once we all got sick... ) oh, and they're going to be 1 next month! I can't hardly even believe it!!!

this photo just cracks me up! LOVE their little faces in it! HEEEE!!!

and then 1 photo from yesterday... Aubrie was asleep so it's just of Lexi (but since they're identical... just pretend there's a second beauty in the photo - LOL)

aren't they the cutest little things!?

DNA results and a FREEBIE!

2008-09-20T05:55:00.011-06:00

now.. please don't fall of your seats and cause some unwanted damage to your selves but I actually have a freebie! 1st one since like MARCH - LOL... but before I get to it... just wanted to share some sweet pics of my little girlies and give a quick update.
Aubrie: Has been sleeping through the night (6:00pm - 6:30am) for almost 2 months now! I love it! It's kinda sad when I put her down for the night and kiss her and say "ok.. I'll see you in the morning".. that's so long to not see her! LOL... but I love the downtime (of course after all the rest of the crew are in bed...) She has the most beautiful big brown eyes ever!! She startles easily and if Lexi is crying.. sometimes she'll do a sympathy cry with her. She loves her baths and splashing in the water and playing in her jumperoo and she's a big time smiler :)
Lexi: Goes to bed with her sister but let's me see her half way through (she gets up around 1:30ish for a bottle and then right back to sleep till 6:30am). She has been rolling over from back to tummy and tummy to back for about a month now (and no - Aubrie's showing no signs of wanting to move - LOL). She giggles and laughs all the time and babbles frequently :) She also loves playing in the exersaucer and jumperoo. She's still about a pound lighter than Aubrie (and still a bit taller - so it really emphasizes her being lighter...)
I absolutley LOVE being a twin mom! nothing is greater!! It has been the most fun ever and I love waking up to them each morning. They go on my daily walk w/ me at 6:50am and that gets them out of the house. They both take a LONG morning nap from 8:30am till noon or 12:30pm and then back down for an afternoon nap from 2-4pm and then to bed by 6pm - so I really am diggin' their current schedule.
ok.. so now onto the title of this post... their DNA test results (to determine if they're Identical or not). From the beginning (even being pregnant) we had assumed they were fraternal (they were in their own sacs, had seperate placentas, heredity (my grandma is a twin), my age, subsequent pregnancies, etc..) and when they were born they looked NOTHING alike! But as they grew and got older (around the 3 month mark) we started noticing that they looked VERY similar and people started asking if they were ID (of course I said "No"... just similiar looking fraternal twins)... I posted some pics of the girls at Twinstuff (I HIGHLY recommend this site for any other twin moms reading this!) and the consensus over there was thay they were Identical... so I decided to get them tested (test involved swabbing the inside of their cheeks and sending it into a lab in California - cost: $99) and we just got the results back this week. I don't know if I'm surprised or not - LOL... but the results came back that they are IDENTICAL GIRLS! Only 30% of all twins are ID and of that 30% less than 1/3 of them have seperate sacs and placentas (like mine did -- so overall only like 9% of all twins are like Aubrie and Lexi - being ID with seperate everything). Obviously regardless of how the test results came back - it wouldn't have changed anything - but it's sooooo wonderful to know what to tell people now when we get that #1 question ("Are they Identical?") and plus for their medical records, etc... So anyway, let me share some pics of my sweet little twincesses! Oh, BTW they are getting close to 5 months old! That's just pure crazy! Alright... now on to the FREEBIE! I needed a template that would hold lots of pictures (since I literally take like 100+ everyday! no joke.) and came across a fabulous design in the Aug/Sept. issue of scrapbooks ETC (page 98 by BARB WONG) and loved it! so I used it and afterwards thought some of you might like it as well... so here it is all packaged up for you :) It's a 2 pager and you'll find 3 PSD files in the download (one of each page seperately and one of them together). You can Download it here

birth to 3 month twins video

2008-07-28T02:57:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone! wow... time sure does fly by these days - but in such a good way! The girls will be 3 months old tomorrow - GASP! It has been such a joyous experience to have them and it seems so natural for babies to come in pairs - LOL.
I know I haven't been very good at blogging... but I've been working on some different "projects" - one of which is the girls' 1st year video (I know - kind of early - but I decided to do it in 3 months increments so it wasn't such a big job at the end of the year...) Here's Part 1 (birth to 3 months) if you're interested in viewing.

Thanks for stopping by today :)
ps: I'll need to post some LO's I've done recentlyl - I've been bit by the scrapping bug again! and I forgot how much fun it is to actually scrap - LOL

Life with the Twins

2008-06-13T00:21:00.006-06:00

So the girls are now 6 weeks old and I have loved EVERY minute of it! They are really the best little girls ever! They have never kept us up at night (thankfully!). they do get up about once a night to eat and then go right back to bed (they have both been known to go 7 hours at night - but a more "average" routine would be us feeding them when we go to bed (sometime around 11pm) and then they get up around 4am and then back to bed untill 8ish). they hardly ever cry and are such content little babies. I had my mom here for a few weeks and we had a lot of fun together and even attempted a road trip down to Utah to my cousins wedding in the LDS SLC Temple. They were great little travelers and were on their best behavior for meeting all my extended family. I'm posting several picctures (just 'cause I think they are soooo adorable!!) so I'll end now with a few tidbits....
Aubrie weighs 10lb 7oz
Lexi weighs 9lb 3 oz
We have gone through 25 cans of formula (YIKES!!)
and done roughly 500 dipaer changes (not counting the diapers I'm still changing for my 20 months old).
It really has been soooo much fun! I just love being a mom to 6 and these little girls bring such a wonderful spirit into our home. I haven't designed any - but wanted to close with a thank you to those of you who are still supporting me and purchasing my designs :)

the Birth Announcements we sent out (they are 3.5 weeks old in the pics)

the girls on their Blessing Day at church - 1 month old

6 weeks old - having the same expression - LOL
at their first Tea Party!
Snuggling in the stroller on our daily walk

sleeping soundly on the couch
3.5 weeks old

Introducing the TWINS!!

2008-05-02T12:39:00.011-06:00

OK - so I wasn't so good at keeping everyone updated -- but here's the official welcoming post of the Vogt girls! Following is the condensed birth story....

So I was set to come in for an induction on Tuesday (April 29th) morning. At 5:45am I got a call from L&D saying that they were slammed throughout the night and didn't have a bed for me and to not come in - but to just wait for a call from them later on to see if they could get me in. I have to admit that I was quite bummed! I was like "NO! this can't be happening!".... but tried to still keep positive and think that hopefully later in the morning I'd get a call from them. Well..... things looked up at shortly after 7am they called and said that I could come in (hooray!). I had gone back to bed and we had sent grandma back home (she was going to be staying with our other boys) so I called her and then we started getting ready so by the time we actually got to the hospital and admitted it was almost 9am.

They got the IV all set up and the Dr.'s instructions were to start me on Pitocin and he would be in shortly to break my water. Before they hooked up the pit - the nurse was like "let's just check to see if you're doing anything" and I was actually at 6cm - so the Dr said not to do the Pit and we'd just see what happened. He got there about 10am and broke my water and wanted me to walk for 30-45 min to see if that brought on stronger contractions. Contractions started immediately and were just 2 minutes apart (and they were killing me!) I only made it walking for about 8 min. and then I went back to the room and asked for the epidural immediately... Got the epidural just before 11am and afterwards (around 11:30am) the nurse checked again and I was at 9cm. She called the Dr. and we started getting ready to head over to the OR. Baby A (Aubri) was Vertex and Baby B (Lexi) was Breech. I pushed one time and Aubri's head was out and with the second push the rest of her was out. The Dr. then went up to try and turn her - couldn't get her turned so grabbed her little legs and pulled her out (I pushed one time to help assist getting her out). Both cried immediately and everything went super fast!

Here are the stats:

Baby A:
Aubri Annabelle
12:20pm
8lb 2oz
20.5 inches

Baby B:
Alexa (Lexi) Fae
12:24pm
7lb 2oz
21.5 inches

As you can tell... they are both GOOD size (hooray!) and I have recovered soooooo well.
Here are a few more pics to enjoy :)

Here's a pic of me right before leaving for the hospital....

John in the OR right after they were born....

the girls and I (Aubrie on left, Lexi on the right) leaving the hospital...

the two little sweeties!

still pregnant!

2008-04-18T01:56:00.003-06:00

I know it's so good for the girls to still be developing but I am READY to have them exit the womb! I am 37 weeks now and if they haven't debuted by next weekend - I think I'm going to give the go ahead to the Dr. to induce me (I am usually anti-inducing... but truthfully don't think I can physically handle being pregnant any longer than 1 more week!)
2 weeks ago - we got a little glimpse of the labor... I was really feeling back pain and regular contractions so we went to the hospital and went to the Triage unit to get checked -- turned out I was dilated to 4cm and contractions were every 5 min. So they admit me and get me all hooked up to the IV's and get the epidural on standby. I was kind of worried and kept telling dh "it's too early for them to come! they need another week or so!" He reassured me that if they were born, it was Heavenly Father's timeline and that everything would work out to be fine, etc... so I accepted the fact that the girls would be born at 35 weeks and then.... after progressing to 4.5cm dilated - labor stopped! After being monitored for an additional 8 hours (those L&D beds are sooooooooo uncomfy!!) I was sent home on bedrest until I hit 36 weeks. Knowing bedrest was only going to be for 5-6 days and I had an end in sight - I actually enjoyed it :) So, now I have been up and off of bedrest since last weekend and am just waiting for the labor signs to start back up (at my last appointment - I was still 4.5cm). I'm not too surprised though - the same thing happened with my last pregnancy - I went into labor and was dilated to a 5cm and then labor just stopped.... he was born 4 days later. My dh and I went for a walk last night and it was soooo painful! I kept telling him "this had better be doing something because this hurts so bad!" I have another appointment on Tuesday morning - so I'll know more then to report. Thanks for all of the well wishes and comments :)

Update

2008-03-25T20:19:00.004-06:00

Just wanted to come on and give everyone an update (and also for those of you who religiously check in and haven't seen anything new for a VERY LONG time!).

First of all - I'm sure many of you are wondering if I've had the twins yet - and I'm happy to report that they're still with me developing and growing each day :) I'm just about 34 weeks and I'm expecting them to make their grand debut within the next 3-4 weeks. I promise I'll hop on and give the details of their arrival. Physically, things are going rather well.... I'm not HUGE by any means and most people wouldn't suspect that I'm carrying twins - although I really feel the ailments in the evening and will be glad once I can breathe again and get up off of the couch without assistance - LOL

Mentally and emotionally - I think I'm pretty much ready for the upcoming adventure (ok - without really knowing how it's going to be - I'm just ready to keep a positive attitude and take things day by day). We got the nursery all done up this week - we went with a monochromatic pink scheme with green accents for the decor. Here is the crib bedding I won on eBay - and I LOVE it! Isn't it just too cute?! It was for the full 9 piece coordinating set (brand new and I won it for $40.36!) Mama was happy - LOLI'll need to take a picture of the actual nursery all put together and post. I also need to pack my hospital bag (and since it's been over 10 years since I delivered in a hospital I had to do some research to find out what I should take - LOL). and on a final note - the names that we've been kicking around for the girls are.....

Lexi and Aubri :)

so that's about it for now - I'll try and do better and keeping you all updated :)

Freebie... Reveal...& a Winner!

2008-02-15T19:34:00.005-07:00

Hi everyone! ok... last Thursday (Feb. 7) was my 1 year anniversary from my first designer freebie and I had planned on doing something fun to commemorate the date... BUT... my computer went bazerk and I had to take it in (turned out I had some bad RAM that was messing up everything!)... so I just got my computer back today and was excited to hop back on and blog :)
First of all... it's time (finally!) to reveal my February Grab Bag! Here's what was inside (and it's still available as a bundle pack for just $5): I also wanted to do something a little FUN -- so I went to all of the comments left on the last post and closed my eyes and scrolled down to "randomly" select a winner for a $20 Gift Certificate to my store - and the winner was JENN MURPHY! (I've emailed you the coupon code so go check your email :) I'm thinking I'll keep doing this periodically so don't forget to leave a comment if you want to be entered into my SURPRISE drawings - LOL

Last - here's a cute template for the taking -- enjoy!
Download here

Twirly Template Freebie

2008-02-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

So DH and I went out on a shopping adventure for a twin stroller (that accomodates the infant carseats)... decided to come back home and do some research online - so no major purchase made yet... (and if any of you have personal experience.. it's welcomed!)
I just wanted to pop on and say THANKS to those of you have jumped on my Grab Bag this month :) Also - the 40% Storewide sale will only be in effect for a few more days.
For those of you who are going to be scrapping during the Super Bowl tomorrow - here's a template to help out :) Enjoy and thanks for all of the comments you guys have been leaving lately:)

Download here

Freebie and New Releases!

2008-01-31T15:11:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello peeps! This is going to be short and sweet (just like me -LOL - actually I'm not that short so I guess that doesn't really apply...) anyway, I have some New Releases to share with you guys.... Pictures are better than words so have a peek below (pay special attention to the "Packages 4U" a.k.a. my February Grab Bag - I've put some hints on the preview of what you'll find inside - and all for just $2).... AND these (along with the rest of the designs in my Store are currently set at 40% OFF!) ok.. now for the freebie - it's a mighty grungy Valentine themed paper pack - this will only be a freebie for a limited time (it'll be going into my store next week - so pick it up while you can!) Download it here -- guess that's it for now. Thanks for stopping by today!

CT member spotlight

2008-01-29T22:33:00.000-07:00

First of all - I TOTALLY loved reading all of your comments! It was fun to identify with others who shared in our excitement (and to hear from you other mothers of twins!) We had another ultrasound the other week and I asked the technician "Would you mind just confirming the gender again for me...." -- It was still showing 2 girls so I'm feeling more confident - LOL

ok.. but the real reason for this blog post was to give some props to one of my Swass Posse CT members (they REALLY work hard for me and I don't praise them enough!! so I thought I'd occassionally do a CT spotlight to highlight their awesome work and just so you can get to know them better as well) :) Since I didn't quite know which one to chose (since they are all so fabulous! I decided to just go alphabetically - LOL)... so this first CT spotlight is for BRITTNEY!

I feel so blessed to have her on my team! She really is a talented scrapper :) Not only is she a great scrapper - she is also a designer as well. You can check out her stuff (with links to her stores) at her blog.... http://brittishdesigns.blogspot.com/ - she's got some freebies available too - so check her out!

Here are some of my favorite LO's that she's created up with my designs (get ready for some inspiration!)....

Swass Template... Background paper from "Graphables" paper pack.....Solid Blue paper from "6th Street" paper pack........ Swirly Twirly Ribbons (some recoloring)...... Froggy sticker from "Fanciful" kit-.........Cardboard Cut-Outs with Glitter Outlines........ Star paper (recolored) from "Spangled Glory" Kit

Background paper (darkened) from "Intuition - Solids".......Orange paper from "Ledger-ables" paper pack......Cardbaord H (glitter added) from "Cardboard Characters"........Stars from "Add A Border"

Yellow paper from "LedgerAbles" paper pack ........Red paper (slightly recolored) clipped to frame from "Spangled Glory" kit ........ Brown paper from "6th Street" paper pack ....... Other clipped papers (some recoloring) from "5th Avenue" paper pack ........."Swass Leaves" brushes ....... Cardboard Photo Corners

now for a quick PSA: I've been hard at work the past few weeks and have some new designs that will be hitting the shelf on Friday! Be sure to check back then for all of the info (as well as a big ol' freebie paper pack!)

Double WHAT??! a Freebie & Reveal!

2008-01-12T22:47:00.000-07:00

Alright all you faithful blog readers of mine (all 3 of you! LOL) I have been a bit MIA the last few weeks... But I have some juicy gossip to make up for it - ok, it's not really gossip since (1) it's about me and I'm the one telling you (2) it's true and (3) I'm excited to tell you all!.... So... My dh and I decided to take the plunge and find out the sex of the baby I'm carrying (mind you, we haven't done ultrasounds with the last 2 babies but since this is our last baby... my dh was dying to find out if he'd finally get a little girl!)... Alright, so on with the juice... the Saturday before Christmas we went in to get the ultrasound (hold on a minute.. my dh actually wrote up the blog entry at our family blog about it... and am thinking you might like a different "voice" to read for a change - LOL) so I've cut and pasted the blog entry that he wrote....

For some news of monumental proportions, hang on to your knickers and read on.
So Shandy and I went to the doctor on Saturday to get our first ultrasound of our new arrival. We wanted to see what the sex of the baby would be. We had decided that this would be our last child and so I was really anxious to see if we were finally going to add a little girl to the family.
Now these ultrasounds are never 100% positive however all indications point to the fact that they are girls.
That's right, girls. Plural. As in more than one. As in twins.
The nurse starts ultrasounding (is that a verb?) and after less than a minute he says, "Well, the first thing that I see is that there are two." I keep waiting for him to say that he's joking. Shandy and I look at each other. My left eyebrow raises like The Rock. I look at the Nurse in disbelief.
"Dude, serious?"
"Yup"
I believe that my first words after that were, "Holy Crap..." followed shortly by, "I guess we'll need to trade your van in on a bigger one."
So the dude starts going through all of the areas of the exam on the ultrasound. There's quite the laundry list of things he's got to look at. We determine that each baby is in it's own amniotic sack which is indicative of fraternal twins. It's 40 minutes before we find out the gender on Baby A. I'm thinking, So what's it going to be in our family? Six boys? Five boys, one girl? Four boys, two girls?
We end up discovering that both babies are girls. Both are about identical in size and are completely healthy and at the right stage of development.
Needless to say, Shandy and I are completely ecstatic. What a wonderful blessing. We look forward to the girls joining us with both great anticipation and a small measure of fear. Twins on top of four boys will be a tough job but we are up to it. I think we are still in a little bit of shock as we try to digest everything that will have to happen in the next few months. One thing is for sure: I need to get neutered here pretty soon.

So there you have it! I'm still in shock and I've known for almost 3 weeks! so with that fresh in our minds.. I came up with a Double Page LO in honor of the little babies that will be soon joining us! (Mid to end April for all of you inquiring minds!) You can Download it here

oh, I almost forgot!... I was going to reveal my grab bag from last month (yes, I know.. I'm a tad bit late... LOL) but for all of you who snatched this up for the bargain of $2.00 I sure hope you were pleased when yo unzipped everything! For the rest of you... all of the below products can be found at My Store with a 25% savings for the next few days :) ENJOY!

Happy (Freebie) Template Saturday :)

2007-12-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday everyone! Just wanted to hop on real quick and say THANKS to all of you who have snagged up my Grab Bag and new Rustic Winter (see next post down for previews...) You guys are the best! I also thought I'd post another "teaser" of a LO that my CT member (Katie) scrapped up only using iemts in the grab bag -- (she just found out that she'll be having a little baby girl!!! Congrats Katie!) and here are a few more CT Lo's using Rustic Winter (top one by Brittney & bottom by HeatherB) -- ENJOY!!! and now for the freebie (hooray!)... just a quickie one made to look super swass using the designfruit brushes :) You can Download it here ... oh, I also wanted to post our Christmas cards but I'll do that soon :) Have a great weekend and hopefully you're not fighting the crowds too much on your Christmas shopping!

New Releases and a Freebie Template

2007-12-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

Guess what?! no, we didn't find out that we're having a girl - LOL... but... I did get 4 brand new products created and packaged nicely up for a December Grab Bag!Just as a little teaser - I added the product type of each item on the little tags in front of each bag (so look closely at the preview!) and then I went a step beyond that and actually scrapped this LO using ONLY items found in the grab bag. It's only available for the next week so be sure to snag it for the $2 if you want it (and come on.. who wouldn't want it, right - heheheheh - oh, and you can think of it as an early holiday gift to yourself that won't break the bank! LOL))ok.. next in the area of New Releases - I also have a brand new kit out - Rustic Winter - I guess nothing is better than a pic so here it is... AND here are some LO's that my awesome CT has scrapped up using it (I'll be adding new LO's each day so be sure to check back daily :) and just to add the cherry on top of this - it's on $ale for 40% off right now :)One final note (and then it's on to the freebie....) All of my Templates are also on Sale for 40% off for the next week... ok... NOW it's time for the freebie! (I know.. I can hear all of the cheers roaring away right now :)... you can Download it here.

Back to Reality (& a Template Freebie)

2007-12-01T23:45:00.000-07:00

well, it's back to reality for me... my dh went back to work on Thursday after his 60 days of leave from the military. I'm telling ya - those 2 months FLEW by! I really enjoyed having him here and being able to do all of the daily errands/grocery shopping without any kids! I will say that the house somewhat suffered. I suppose I felt like we were both on vacation - as I've had lots of catch up to do on the housework - YIKES! Speaking of which - I spent Friday afternoon on a date with 17 boys shirts that desperately needed ironing - so I brought them all down and watched some good shows on the Food network (and some BBC show about how clean is your home -- made me realize mine wasn't all that bad - LOL).... Just because I was so proud of my efforts I took this picture - impressed, aren't ya - heeheheheh

On another note... I just REALLY, REALLY REALLY want to thank all of you guys - my supporters! When I decided to put my store on sale for $29.95 for those 48 hours, I had a goal in mind of how many I *wanted* to sell (and would have felt like it was a success...) and I have to say that my goal was MORE THAN DOUBLED!!! I know that there were hundreds of awesome sales you guys could have taken advantage of and so to have you spend your hard earned $$ at mine - really meant a lot and was sooooo appreciated! (in fact, at the Thanksgiving dinner as we went around the table to say what we were thankful for - my dh mentioned my business doing so well - made me feel good!) so thank you guys! Just FYI ('cause you know I like to tell my peeps where I spend the $$ I make...) We got a trampoline for the boys for Christmas (the one we've had for the past 6 years finally died this past summer - so this will be a great surprise for them :) and we bought Sod for the whole backyard (yah! say goodbye to the MUD!) and of course used the rest to help out with some more Christmas gifts :) Again, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! You guys are the best! and on on that note.. here's another template for you! I really hope you like it - You can Download it here Also - here's the preview of this months Mega Kit at Elemental Scraps - isn't it gorgeous!!! Also the designers have put together a mega Grab Bag and it's FREE with any $10 order - PLUS there's a storewide sale up to 50% off the entire store :) Check it out if you've got some time/money to burn - :) Have a great Sunday guys!

Thanksgiving Freebie & Doorbuster Deal!

2007-11-21T23:16:00.000-07:00

woohooo! I'm really excited for the Thanksgiving meal -- I've been watching the Food Networkk lately and I've got a couple of new recipes I'm going to try -- along with a new Weight Watchers Spiced Pumpkin Cheescake Bars recipe (3 pts)... how about you? Any new recipes you're going to venture out and attempt? Pass along any links to some yummy recipes -- I always appreciate a new taste!
ok... every year I fight the crowds on Black Friday to get that super duper cheap gift that someone on my list *needs* - LOL... will definitely be checking out the ads to see if there's anything we need this year! It's much more fun when I go with my mom and sister but since they are way off in Nebraska - It won't be as much fun going solo :( Anywhooooo... I always get excited with stores start their Black Friday deals early so then I feel like I'm getting away witih something - kwim? So this year, I thought I'd start my Doorbuster Deal early and let it go through Friday ... what is it you ask? Well.. only for the next 48 hours you can Buy My Store for just $29.95! There are 70+ products currently in the store (and I know that there are several of you who can claim that they already own my whole store - I love you guys!!!). I initailly started it out for $50 but then thought... nah! my peeps and supporters are the best and they deserve the best! so as my personal gift to you - I have decided on the ridiculous price of $29.95.... I also wanted to reveal my grab bag to you guys - I hope those of you that hopped on this deal were pleased when you unzipped it :) For those of you that missed out... these are now in my New Release section of my personal store and they are currently 40% off...

(just FYI these flowers are all hand drawn AND hand painted :)

and here's another template for you guys to enjoy this holiday season! I made this a while back after being inspired by an incredible LO at DST - but for the life of me I can't remember whose LO it was - and I would have liked to have given credit to them... so if you recognize this template - give me a shout out so I can give some proper credit :) In the meantime.. you can Download here

SURPRISE! and a freebie :)

2007-11-13T13:48:00.000-07:00

Heidy Ho there neighbor -- ok.. I've been watching a little too muck Nick at nite while I fall asleep lately! but nonetheless... I do want to welcome you to today's post :)
ok... all of the fun happenings are still going on through the rest of this week over at Elemental Scraps - which includes Instant Win & Collect and Win coupons with pretty much every single product purchased ... you can read here for the full rules (or read my previous entry that explains things a tad more...)

Anyway - I had to giggle at a comment amyu left a few weeks ago... she wrote: "Thanks for the template Shandy! I thought maybe you were posting to tell us how with DH being home non-stop for the past month that the next little Vogt boy was on the way ;)" ... well people... WE HAVE A WINNER!!!! Yes.. we will be adding one final Vogt "addition" to the family in early May (I'm just about 15 weeks along) and thought I'd take this time to tell all of my digi friends!! That's also been a big reason why not too much has been happening for me on the business side of things - I have been so incredibly tired! But I seem to have been getting my energy back so hopefully you'll see a steady stream of new goodies over the next little bit....

ok.. with that happy news out in the open... I've got another little freebie -- and *gasp* it's NOT a template! LOL.... just a little paper pack with a fun sticker... enjoy! You can Download it here.
ummm.. let's see... just one final note -- I wanted to thank ALL of you guys who have been supporting me with your purchases and leaving me fun comments :) I'm glad so many of you have taken advantage of my latest Grab Bag and I hope that you were happy when you unzipped it! It'll only be available for the rest of the week during the birthday promotion so be sure to snag it now if you're tempted - LOL

ok... gotta go clean the house - i was only *supposed* to be on the computer for 30 min but it's been well over an hour and half so I've got LOTS to do before the boys get home from school -- toodles for now peeps!

Birthday Bash and a freebie!

2007-11-10T00:44:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I had to hop on and tell you all about the happenings over at Elemental Scraps that will be going on for the next few days.... so here's the lowdown... the skinny... the 411 if you will:
Today (Saturday) Elemental Scraps officially turns 2 years old! We wanted to mix things up and make things interesting over there so....
EVERY SINGLE item in the store has an additional download attached to it - either an INSTANT WIN COUPON or a COLLECT & WIN CARD (think of the monopoly game pieces you collect -- if you collect the letters to spell "ES IS 2" then you win THE WHOLE ES STORE! The Instant win coupons can be literally anything from any of the designers - % off, $ off, free products, etc...
Really, everyone wins - I think it's pretty cool!
oh, and just so you guys don't think I've been on the slacking end of designing... I have a brand new Grab Bag available with 3 new products! (yes.. if you look closely at the preview here I used the actual product previews in the ad! and yes - that IS a new template pack you see there peeking out towards the bottom! - hey, I like to give little hints to my blog readers :)and just one final note... how would you like to snatch up another free template from me.. well then, it's your lucky day.. this one will available for a limited time only so hurry and Download now

update and template for my peeps!

2007-11-03T00:53:00.000-06:00

Prologue: (thought that would be fun to write in my blog) but thought I'd give a brief synopsis of where I've been ALL MONTH! I seriously cannot believe it has literally been a whole month since my last post! I hope my peeps haven't forgotten about me - cough, cough....
As you know, my dh has been home on leave from the military and we have literally just spent each day together :) also, one of my boys had reconstructive ear surgery (and the recovery for that was a couple of weeks) and my little baby got quite sick for about 2 weeks - so having dh home was actually REALLY nice! We had a great halloween (with everyone well and healthy!) and of course have been feasting on too much candy since - LOL....

*KEEP READING FOR AWESOME SALE DETAILS*

Anywho.... I hope you are all celebrating DSD in a BIG, FUN WAY!!! and just in case you're needing a little incentive of where to *do* some of that celebrating... Elemental Scraps is having an incredible sale! We decided as a team over there to do something a big more fun - so we're having a $1, $2, $3 sale - and it's just what it says -- EVERYTHING in the entire shoppe is priced at 1, 2 or 3 bucks! Some of my products are over 70% off! So if you've been eyeing some of my goodies and have been waiting for a steal of deal - it's on baby!

Also.. here's a little template for all of you guys - especially for those of you who faithfully check in frequently (and haven't had much new to read this month.....) I might be sporadic over the next little bit (dh is home for another month - hooray!!!!) but I've got the itch to start creating... so I'm hoping to get some of that energy out! Until then... you can DOWNLOAD this template to play with :) again.. happy DSD and happy shopping!

New products and Freebie Template

2007-10-02T00:05:00.000-06:00

ok.. where in the world did September go???? I'm so shocked that it's OCT already! yikes! My dh was gone the entire month and got back on Wednesday. Now it's playtime!! He has 60 days of paid vacation that we've had saved up (and it's not trasferring to his new job at the first of the year) so he's home with us unitl December! I can hardly beleive it! He's gone so much that this is going to be so wonderful. So I can see the designing going one of 2 ways -- (1) me designing LOTS of new goods while he has quality time with the boys or (2) me just wanting to spend the days with him and not much designing getting done.... we'll see what the month brings! But for now... I DO have some new products to share with you guys. But before I get to it - I wanted to send a big ol' shout out to IkeaGoddess! I stopped by her blog earlier today and was floored to see that she used a TON of my templates to do a scrapping project! I was so honored that she chose mine (as I know she MUST have a large stash of awesome templates to choose from!)

ok... I'm pretty tired to I'm just going to post the previews of my new goods so I can get to bed! Also both stores Elemental Scraps and my personal store are on sale - so head over there to pick up these new products at 50% off.

This Ledger-a-bles paper pack is actually part of the Mega Grab Bag at ES (if you spend $10 in the store then you get it for free - and it has like $40 of goods in it from several of the designers!) but dont' worry - it'll be available on it's own next week after the grab bag promotion is over...

and here are 2 other packs that celebrate our love of office supplies in the paper department!

and from the suggestion of a couple of my CT members -- here's a new template pack focusing on LO's with LOTS of journaling!

and here's an additional template that didn't make it into the pack that I thought I'd share with all of you gals! The fun flourishes on these templates are from the talented Cindy Irvine :) Enjoy it! Download here

Props to the Swass Posse

2007-09-20T01:30:00.000-06:00

I know I've been a bit MIA -- thanks for the notes/emails checking up on me :) Sadly, a nasty flu bug has been running through each of my boys this week... thankfully it's only a 24 hour bug but each one has been sick each day this week! so it has made for a LONG week :( -- especially since my dh is out of town... oh, also - my little guy turned 1 on Saturday!! Here's the LO I did of the big day!

Before I sign off I was thinking how my CT - aka: the Swass Posse - is soooooo awesome but I never give them credit here on my blog! So... enjoy the little eye candy from the girls! If you'd like to see the full credits or see their other fabulous work -- just click on their names to be taken to their gallery at DST -- :)

From Lisa

From Brittney

From Claire

From Corinna

From Brynn

From Heather

From :)M

From Vicky

From Kara

From Dale Ann (DA)

From Katie

From Christy

From Lynn

From Sue

That's it for now! Enjoy your Thursday and stay healthy!

Grab Bag Revealed and Freebie Overlay

2007-09-11T23:20:00.000-06:00

Thanks for all of your sweet comments about my house pics! They really made me smile :)
So today I decided to reveal my grab bag! It should have been called the TEXTURE Grab Bag! LOL -- It's available (for a tad bit more) at both my shops for the next few days or so. It includes 7th Lane Textured Paper pack... Give 'em Feelings Texture Overlays and a new set of my photoFX in a variety of sizes (12x12, 8x8, 8x10 and 4x6). Also if you were lucky enough to receive the ES Mega Grab Bag -- you would have received these new Photo Tabs from me -- If not.. and you think they're just too cute to pass up on - they are also up for sale ($1.99) at both stores. Alright... so I actually scrapped for the first time in like a month this past week! SHOCKER I know!! Scrapgal (my "normal" hangout) was having a Page-a-Day challenge and I figured that's just what I needed to get a jump start! here are 4 that I really liked the end result of. For full credits on all of them ---> Click here and thought I'd throw out something other than a template today - gasp! It's this 12x12 overlay in png format (preview is just shown on a white piece of paper - not included ;)

Download Here

House pics! & Freebie

2007-09-08T22:40:00.000-06:00

alright I know many of you will faint from surprise.. but... I'm making good on my promise of getting the pics of the new house (and painting) up for you guys! Now.. I DO have a disclaimer to make... I am in NO WAY an interior decorator (oooooh how I wish I was though!!) so don't be thinking that these are going to be model home quality decor (BUT.. if any of you ARE blessed with an interior design eye and see something that you think i could do to enhance the look - I'm all about suggestions :)... ok... so here we go on my little picture tour!

This photo shows the view from the front door/entry way area. The double doors on the right lead into the "man room" - which we'll get to in a moment and the little partition to the left is the stairs leading up. to the left of the family room is my kitchen... now, I actually painted it a really rich deep red but I just didn't like it! I *wanted* to love it - but I didn't.. and after 3 weeks I just had to get rid of it. My boys really loved it and so I'll be putting that color in their room - where I think it'll really work well :) OK.. so here's the kitchen with a really soft silvery-sage color which I like MUCH better! Still not head over heels about it - but we'll see what the future brings... Here are some pictures from the Man-Den! Take special notice of the blue couch in the second photo... that is the blue couch we purchased from proceeds of Shandy Vogt Designs! so THANK YOU GUYS!!!! the matching Loveseat is upstairs in the loft (which I guess I'll throw in a pic of that below too -- nothing special going on there but we totally enjoy the seating of the loveseat - so THANKS AGAIN! one can never give out too many thanks! :) LOL ok.. this last photo is of Ben's room. He really wanted to have a "Bronco Room" so he helped me and we painted an accent wall and then he helped me paint his dresser blue to match. He really likes his little "reading cove" that we blocked off with some fabric. None of the other bedrooms are done yet... Our master bathroom has all the elements purchased to decorate it but they haven't been installed/hung.. but once they do that'll be like my favorite room in the house! (and I'll have to post more pics)..

ok.. now I'm being serious here when I solicit this next thing... Our master bedroom is like 20x30 - and I REALLY want it to be like a retreat for us but have NO CLUE on how to arrange our furniture or how to make a really inviting sitting area in it. If any of you have experience or an eye for decorating I would trade full access to my store for 1 month in exchange for looking at the floor plan and showing me what you would do with it (truthfully I just need some ideas on what piece(s) of furniture I need to get to fill the space and how to actually utilize the space to the fullest - kwim) - anyway, if anyone's interested just email - shandyvogt AT hotmail.com

ok... last but not least -- I've got another template (BIG surprise, huh? LOL)... snatch it up if you likey :)
Download Here

TEMPLATE and opinions needed :)

2007-09-05T22:10:00.000-06:00

hooray! I'm feeling like my life is taking on somewhat of a normalcy - and it feels GOOD!! In our new ward at church I was asked to be the new Wolf Den leader! eeeks! I guess they figured with 4 boys of my own.. I'd have the whole scouting thing down.... ummmm.. think again! Today was my first den meeting and I'm pleased to report that it went rather well and the boys were VERY well behaved!!! I was happy :)
So are you guys getting bored with my templates?? Out of everything - I actually prefer making templates so hopefully you guys are cool with it (until I get onto my next "kick" - LOL)

Before the template - just wanted to tell any of you new gals just checking me out today that I've got a ROCKIN 50% off sale at both of my shoppes right now! It'll go through the weekend and then.... your buck won't go as far :( so if you're wanting to browse and do a little shopping - you can just click here or here (nothing like enabling, huh?? heheheh) hey also wanted to ask you guys a question... do you *like* challenges? or are you overloaded on challenges at all the different sites? ES has a blog that is offering challenges if you're interested in checking it out... but I know that several designers do challenges or contests from their personal blogs... is this something you guys would be intersted in me incorporating???? Just leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.

Ok.. so on to the template.... ENJOY IT! Download here

Teaser and Template Freebie

2007-09-03T01:05:00.000-06:00

Hey guys!!
I hope everyone's been having a wonderful Labor Day weekend! I actually had my dh home for the weekend (HOORAY!!) and we put together (what I like to call...) the "Man Den".... he's a huge Boise State Fan and has so much paraphenalia that we decided he needed his onw Man Room.... it actually turned out cool with a large wall collage of all his signed jerseys and posters (and I'm sure you guys won't beleive it till you see it... but I WILL post pics... SOON!!) but in the meantime I've got 2 things for ya today....
First - a Teaser!! This is a super sweet LO that Heather (one of the newest members of the Swass Posse) created predominantly using a product that can only be found in my Grab Bag! and for the next few days both of my stores are at a whopping 50% off!! Also if you're in the mood to find lots of fun goodies - all of the designers over at Elemetal Scraps also have their shops at 50% off! That's like going to the mall and all of your favorite store were half off!! Plus if you spend as little as $10 - you get the Mega Grab Bag for FREE!! ok... so here's another fun little template for all of you blog peeps!! I'm thinking I really like this one! I hope you do too :) You can Download it Here

New Products... NEWS... & a Freebie :)

2007-08-31T22:25:00.000-06:00

Let's start off with the NEWS...
I've invited 2 gals to join the other members of my Swass Posse! Heather Bowen and Brittney Leavitt are the newest additions to my CT! I'm just so beyond thrilled to have them!
In other news.... my boys started school this week (3 of the 4 get to go) and I have been taking advantage of the peace and quiet (during Nathan's nap times) and have gotten much more accomplished this week! I'm feeling a bit more settled and the upstairs (minus our bedroom) is pretty much moved in... so that feels good! OK.. I'm sure you guys are bored with me keeping you updated on our move-in stats each week so I'll move on to the scrappy news...

Yep... it's time for my new releases! I must admit that I had such high hopes for MANY more products to get done (but there just weren't enough hours in the days! anyone want to lend me some of theirs??? LOL)... but I did get enough to package up a swass Grab Bag with 3 new products as well as a couple of others (another one is VERY close to being finished and I *hope* to have that uploaded by Saturday night :) -- wish me luck!)
now... not only are there these new goods to snatch up... but you can snatch them up at a BIG OL' 50% OFF SAVINGS for the next week! Both my stores at Elemental Scraps and my personal Shandy Vogt Designs shoppe reflect this awesome deal! Check 'em out :) and Finally... a Freebie!
this is actually the number set that coordinates with the Outlined Alphas (and thought I'd offer them to you guys for FREE first before uploading them into my stores...) These were actually created by using my own handwriting as the foundation (which I don't normally like my handwriting but I DO think these turned out pretty cool...)

You can Download them here

ps: I can't remember if I announced this earlier but regarding my SHINES... Just for the time being (insert... untill I get more settled and life calms down a bit...) I'm just going to be showcasing the SHINES every other week -- but please keep sending in your submissions! I trully LOVE seeing them!!

have a happy Sept. 1 and weekend!

I'm ALIVE!!! (and a Template)

2007-08-23T22:19:00.000-06:00

{{Coming up for air}}
alright... this whole moving thing has REALLY taken a toll on me! I can't seem to get organzied and settled! I know where absolutley NOTHING is and it's driving me crazy! Several of you have emailed and checked up on me (thanks!! :) meant a lot to me :) and it has been pointed out on MANY occassions that I haven't updated my poor blog since August 9th! Now THAT'S a crime! Got the next batch of SHINES up -- thanks to all who participated and good news.... I HAVE NEW PRODUCTS!! they are on hold for a Sept 1st release but I will be emailing you gals a link to get one of them early (I have LOTS getting ready to be released... why you might ask do I have lots of new products in the works when I feel soooo frazzled??? well.. the asnwer is simple.... becuase I REALLY like to spend $$!! (and I don't feel *as* guilty when I spend my design money - LOL..)
Before I forget.. I need to send a couple of shout outs...
(1) To Brooke in Oregon (her LO using one of my Swass Templates got left out of the SHINES slideshow so here it is all big and fancy!
(2) OK.. my girl Heather B -- wow... she left me speechless today so just have to send out props to her! She participated in a challenge where you use all items from your favorite designer and guess who she chose!... yep.. yours truly. What is a designer to do/say when a scrapper deems you as their all time favorite??? I'll tell you what... (well.. actually I can't say quite yet... but stay tuned for an update (hint hint...) OK..Here's her Swass LO that she created for the challenge (using a Got Ads? Template, 5th Ave. Textured papers and Alpha Masks with Class)
(3) I don't have my laptop connected to the internet (which is where my pics of the house are downloaded to...) so I can't post any pics right now but I promise they'll be coming soon!!
(4) Here's a quick template for you guys -- for being faithful readers of my blog (even when there hasn't been an update in 2 weeks!!) Called Tempalte #32 (since I'll be turning 32 on Sunday :).... Enjoy it! You can Download Here

Shines!

2007-08-09T22:13:00.000-06:00

hey peeps! what a fabulous Thursday evening :) My boys spent the day with grandma and I got lots of shopping (for home decor items) and unpacking done. I really feel productive! I'm even feeling MORE productive since I finally got the SHINES out for the past few weeks. I'm soooo sorry that it took me this long! I know you guys all understand and will forgive me - but just wanted you to know that I did feel bad...
So I saw another blog where the designer used a slidshow to showcase LO's that had been sent in to her and that's when the big light bulb went off - WHY HADN'T I THOUGHT OF THAT BEFORE???! I'm thinking I like this way to show off the weekly SHINES submissions... what do you guys think? Plus this way is MUCH faster for me!
For those that participated - you will be receiving a GC to my store -- I was hoping to have something new made up to give you but haven't gotten that far- eeeks! So check your emails and if you somehow didn't get one - please let me know :)
With that -- I am off to do some more painting :) I'll def. have to take some pics of my progress -- the accent walls are turning out quite Swass!!
Until later....

PSA and (another) Free Template :)

2007-08-03T23:24:00.000-06:00

ok ladies... this is my public service announcement to everyone reading.... BACK UP RIGHT NOW!!!! you just never know when something might happen! Sadly I've been feeling like it was time to back up again (I *try* to do it once a month -- although I should really be doing it weekly!)... case in point... my hard drive crashed as well as 2 memory sticks (whatever those are - hee hee). The good news is that it was still under the extended warranty we purchased... the sad news -- the warranty didn't cover any data recovery.... HELLO! I need my goods! So... I had to pay to get all of the data retrieved ($69 well spent!). So.. don't put it off any longer and GO BACK UP! ok... I've done my good deed to the digital community.
So it's been almost a week that we *moved* into our new house... I'm feeling quite good about my productivity this week :) oh, and just have to say -- even though we are still somewhat living out of boxes... I have 2 rooms painted!! Yep.. I have my priorities straight - LOL. I want to take some pics and show you guys but my dh has hidden (ok.. he put them in a *safe* place and can't find the batteries)... so guess the pics will have to wait for another day. (plus, I'll need to post a pic of the couch set you guys helped fund with last months sales :) -- everytime I see them I think - awww.. my peeps bought these for me! seriously.
Alright... real quick before I get to the Freebie for today - just wanted to let you know (if this is your first time visiting...) that I've got 2 terrific sales going on right now! and what I mean by terrific is a whopping 50% off my entire inventory at both Elemental Scraps and Shandy Vogt Designs. Also - every designer over at ES is marked down half price PLUS if you spent a total of $10 you get the mega grab bag for FREE! and yes - it really is valued at over $40! (plus we're so nice over there that we're even givin you a sneak peek at what's inside!)... so yeah.. can't beat that deal going on!
and just cause I think you guys are the bees knees... here's another template (sorry - no fun name for this one -- just blog freebie template #30) You can
Downlaod it here

Sale and Freebie Template!

2007-07-31T16:06:00.001-06:00

What a whirlwind the past week has been! Just a quick update (since I know you are all just dying to hear - hee hee)... we closed on our new house the end of last week and spent the weekend moving (joyous) and then the past 2 days cleaning the old house (even more joyous!)
But to celebrate the move - both of my stores have been slashed to 50% off!! Yep... both Elemental Scraps and Shandy Vogt Designs are at blowout prices for the next few days :) Hooray! Oh, I should mention that if you're looking for my Textured Overlays or my PhotoFX Elegant Frames they are only at my personal store (long story short -- my computer crashed tonight before I was able to get those uploaded to ES -- and yes! I am VERY SAD :( so please buy something from me to make me happy - LOL - just kidding...

Click Here here to see the previews of all my new releases - or scroll down a couple of posts to see them here on my blog...
With moving - I've had to leave an awesome neighbor - Shaina! So... as a little tribute to her, I made this template with some of the specifics that she gave me (although she did want one of the photos to be in a circular shape -- sorry Shaina -- wasn't working for me on this one - hee hee) but if you think you can use it... Download the Shaina Template

PS: just wanted to say to all the participants of the SHINES -- I haven't forgotten you! With all the hustle of the move it's just been crazy around here! I'm going to combine and do a big debut this week of all the submissions!

PSS: also -- I've been tagged again (by Sweet Sondra!) but am too tired to do that right now... but stay tuned for that as well....

Tagged, LO's and schtuff

2007-07-23T01:33:00.000-06:00

isn't that word (schtuff) just so fun to say??? come on.. try it... just like it sounds... kind of just rolls off the tongue nicely, doesn't it?...

alright... let's see... first off - Brooke tagged me so I guess I've gotta tell all you friendly peeps 7 random things about me... feel free to skim this part... I'm really not all that intereting.

1. I have lived in Korea twice. My father was stationed there for 2 years when I was growing up and then DH was stationed there. His was to be an unaccompanied tour but I was like "you're not leaving me! I'm comming with you!"... so the two older boys (they were just 6 months and 2) and I flew over and lived in a little Korean Villa for a year (with DH of course ;)

2. I had my last two babies at home (planned) and LOVED it!

3. I'm the B.I.G.G.E.S.T. scaredy cat! I'm still afraid of the dark - so when DH was deployed to Iraq.. I slept with lights on for like the first year! LOL

4. I have fallen out of a moving vehicle before - growing up, seatbelts weren't really enforced and one time (actually coming home from the hospital from getting my arm in a cast) my dad took a corner... and out I went! had to go back to the hospital :(

5. Before my "digital days" -- I had done some freelance work for Memory Makers

6. I can sing the whole song "Part of your world" from The Little Mermaid with no prompts :)

7. I absolutely LOVE cereal!! any and all kinds of cereal! I could eat it for every meal of the day. seriously. In fact, I have... many times :)

alright... Got 2 LO's to share.... and they are both by me! (I know.. shocker, isn't it??) I've got a Week In Review ongoing album and I'm getting BEHIND - so I did a LO for it tonight.. it was when I was gone to girls camp last month (so I'm not that far behind - hee hee) I haven't posted these yet so I can't link you to the credits - so guess I'll do that here.The template is from the Ready to Scrap Vol 13 pack by Chantal Taake. Papers are from my new 5th Avenue and the little sticker embellies are by Holly McCraig.

This one is using a template by Tracy B, stamped flower by Kaye and the papers are by Kim Christensen. Isn't my little baby boy just absolutely ADORABLE!!! when my 3rd son was this age - our whole family was part of a wedding so I got this little tux (you can't tell from the pics but it's a full tuxedo with cumberbun and TAILS on the coat! -- I'm going to have to do another photo shoot soon where Nathan cooperates and stands up to show off the suit - LOL)

let's see what else... oh with my dh having drill this past weekend- he missed the whole HP frenzy but is out right now (yes it's like 1:30am here) driving to all sorts of walmarts in search of a copy! He actually just found one at the neighboring city's WM -- he's flying back out of town in a few hours and wanted it for the flight...
anyway.. guess I'd best get to bed myself... if you're still reading - I'm impressed! Chat again later....

template freebie :)

2007-07-21T23:49:00.000-06:00

hi everyone! I sure hope you guys have had a good weekend so far :) We had a BBQ at the church which was delicious! and then a little dance afterwards... Came home and did some more packing -- it's comming along rather nicely for me :) took a little break and wanted to make something for you guys - so here's another template from me. My texture overlay sample is still available (next post down) so be sure to grab it if you haven't done so already.
and one more thing -- Just wanted to say THANK YOU to all of you who have taken advantage of my Bag O' Money promotion -- You guys helped me purchase a (new to me) couch for the upstairs loft! Once it's all moved in (next weekend)... I'll take a pic and post -- me AND MY BOYS thank you tons!!!! so yeah.. enjoy the template! Download here

Bag O' Money (oh & a FREEBIE)

2007-07-19T18:43:00.000-06:00

So... you all know that I'll be moving into our new house next weekend and I just keep finding new furniture and decor items that I WANT to put in it! LOL.. so I thought to myself... alright, I need to design up some new goodies and come up with a fun little promotion for my dedicated supporters (insert: "blog readers" here :) so I don't go broke on my SHOPPING SPREES! Anyway, this is what I came up with -- my BAG O' MONEY products to tempt ya (hee hee)... basically what it is - I've got 3 Bag O' Money products in My Store that are each $5. Each of them has a mystery amount of "Shandy Ca$h" (aka: money good only in my shoppe).... One has $8, one has $10 and one has $12. You can purchase all 3 for $15 and then you'd be doubling your money (with a total of $30 to spend in my store) - PLUS.. I've got everything on sale at 35% off -- so you'd REALLY be getting the most for you buck!
ok.. so enough about the fun Bag O' Money promotion... I've also got several NEW PRODUCTS that just hit the shelves tonight! WOOHOO! Here's a preview of them...
I really thought that the texture overlays were so cool - so thought I'd give you guys a sample one to try out :) Be sure to play with the opacity and blending modes to get the perfect look! You can Download it here

put your shades on!! SHINES...

2007-07-19T16:55:00.000-06:00

yep.. it's SHINE time! browse through all the LO's submitted this week and dare to be inspired! Each participant will recieve my new 6th Street paper pack :) So check your emails ladies.... For any of you others - this paper pack is available at Shandy Vogt Designs and it (along with the rest of my store) is 35% off.

give it up for the SHINES!!

2007-07-12T23:47:00.000-06:00

sorry no chit chat tonight -- my eyes are droopy and need to get to bed at a decent time tonight - LOL... but not without giving it up for the SHINES submissions this week! There have really been some wonderful LO's sent in -- THANK YOU!! so enjoy the eye candy :)

Each of this weeks participants will receive a BRAND SPANKIN' new template pack that I just finished up this morning... I'm not going to post the preview because I'm thinking of possibly using it for my next grab bag (yep.. I'm already thinking about the next one - hee hee). So for those of you who submitted, check your email (and if by chance you didn't get something from me - PLEASE let me know -- I'm a bit scatter brained lately...)

Freebie Frames & Grab Bag Revealed!

2007-07-11T09:24:00.000-06:00

Hi guys! Happy Wedesday morning :) Just wanted to pop on real quick to reveal the contents of my Grab Bag! I'm sooo thrilled that so many of you liked it! So many wonderful comments about how it restored your "faith in grab bags" and how you were so excited after you unzipped it! So... here's what was inside...
Call me crazy... but for a limited time (probably thru the weekend....) I will keep my grab bag available for $5. So yeah, basically I'm letting you have it for FREE considering the $5 GC that's included! It's available both at Elemental Scraps and at my personal store Shandy Vogt Designs

And here is a fun little pack of HIS n' HERS photo frames. Feel free to snatch these puppies up for free.
Download here

Scallop Template Freebie!

2007-07-07T00:03:00.000-06:00

Taking a quick break from packing -- got another room about 80% packed up -- HOORAY for me! LOL... Anyway, designing really is a stress reliever for me so I have this template to share with all of you tonight. It'd be great for all those pics you took over the 4th - hee hee.

Also you guys have been treating me so well this week with all of your lovely comments and emails and such... I've especially gotten several POSITIVE feedbacks about my grab bag -- now I REALLY tried to make this one Xtra good so all of you bargain peeps would think you got a steal of a deal (and if truth be told -- I'm practically paying YOU to get it -- LOL) It's only going to be available for the weekend and then it'll be opened up and all products will go into the store at full price. It's literally a $20 value for just $2! That's right - 90% off retail! and YES both my Elemental Scraps store and Shandy Vogt Designs are in their final days of the 50% off sale (ends Sunday - so be sure to take advantage of the awesome deals going on :)

ok.. back to the freebie - ;) Here's the preview and here's the download link... ENJOY! and happy weekend peeps! ETA: the link is no longer active... if you're still interested in this particular template it will be part of a new Template pack - Got Pix? Vol. II (due to be released by August 1st).

SHINES & Spangled Glory....

2007-07-06T00:05:00.000-06:00

Wow! entice a scrapper with a free kit and you'd better make sure your inbox has ample room! ok.... it is now after midnight MST and so the cut off is officially over for the free kit. I am amazed by how many of you took on this challenge - I was quite thrilled! I did spend a good portion of today responding to your emails and getting the link out - but of course that was MUCH more fun than packing - LOL... before I get to the SHINES - I just wanted to share my favorite Add on LO that was submitted... it was hard - REAL HARD! and I wanted to showcase all of them but I also want to get to bed so here's my favorite one... It's by HEATHER B. and in addition to the Add on kit, she used some If you Dare (to use patterns) paper, Mix n' Match chipboard tags and a barcode rubon. Excellent Job Heather!! Also - I thought I'd showcase DH's favorite as well - and his pick was COLLEENS!! Another excellent LO from a talented scrapper!

Also I wanted to show off these two LO's -- these are from some gals that are just getting started into digi and I think they are REALLY OFF TO AN INCREDIBLE start!!! holy cow ladies! Remember how I mentioned that I did an "intro to digi" class last Friday at church?... well.. Melissa was one of the "students" who attended. I'm so impressed with her work! and Marci's SIL - designerbrittney - has talked her into the joining us in the digi realm and I think she's found her forte!!

Alright.. I apologize for skipping out on last weeks SHINES... with us house hunting and everything - the week just got away from me... so without further delay here is some fun eye candy for you - all featuring Shandy Vogt designs :) Can I just tell you guys how much I enjoy receiving your SHINES! They really do make my days :) Those who participated will have their choice of any new release product! I'll be sending out an email to all of you with some directions - so if you don't have an email by Friday morning -- please contact me :)

Giving away FREE KIT!! & house update....

2007-07-05T09:06:00.000-06:00

alright all you faithful blog readers... I've got a little blog reader appreciation gift (EEKS! ha ha.. just after I typed that - I realized that's totally what Monique calls her ongoing challenges and such - where she gives a mystery B.R.A.G. bag -- go check her out!

So... back to me being appreciative of all of you and your continued support of my designs... (**SIDE NOTE: due to our technical difficulties the beginning of the week over at ES - we have decided as a store to extend our 50% off sale until SUNDAY!! just click here for some fun shopping - or you can visit my personal store for some 50% off shopping as well**) Alright.. let's try this a third time - hee hee -- I JUST NOW decided on something.... ANYONE who sends me a LO using my free Spangled Glory Add on (link still active -- next post down) will recieve the FULL SPANGLED GLORY kit for free!! But... I'm limiting this to TODAY ONLY! So any LO sent to me at shandyvogt @ hotmail . com before midnight MST today (Thursday) with the subject line SPANGLED GLORY will receive the full kit. alright.. so what are you doing surfing blogs??? get scrapping!

Also wanted to send a little shout out to my girl Chantal who I create for! I did a little demo on INTRO TO DIGI SCRAPPING at church last week and I scrapped this LO as part of the class. I really like how it turned out. Papers are by Kim Christensen. Doodle by Princess lala and the template is by Chantal. ok.. a quick update on the house. I've started packing and realize it will be a LONG process! The Army has moved us every time in the past and we've been in our current house for 6 years so I'd forgotten how much time it takes to move - even if it is just across town! I've got 3 weeks from today till we close -- so I might be sparse over the next little bit. I also keep forgetting to take my camera whenever we go there (which of course I have to go all the time - just to see it again - LOL) so I pulled some pics off of the MLS just to show you... here's the outside of it and then a pic of my favorite room - the KITCHEN!!

FREE Spangled Glory Add On

2007-07-03T08:12:00.000-06:00

First things -- sorry that Elemental Scraps was down yesterday -- we've been having some technical difficulties over at ES :( Anyway... all products are back in motion and are ready to make their way into your hands... remember not just my stuff over there is 50% off BUT the entire store! Also - Shandy Vogt Designs is 50% off and has some additional items not found at ES.

ok.. with the 4th of July tomorrow... I thought I'd go ahead and release this Add on to my new Spangled Glory kit. Snatch it up here first for FREE before it makes its way into the store.And here is the full kit of Spangled Glory available at both stores -- Download Add On here
Also - as far as the weekly SHINES go -- since we are already so far into this week.. I'm just going to post last weeks submissions on Friday with this weeks... so... if you'd like yours included - be sure to email me: shandyvogtAThotmailDOTcom...

Ribbon Corner Freebie

2007-07-02T01:36:00.000-06:00

You ladies are too sweet with your comments! Just real quick I wanted to point your attention here to a sa-weet game I'm hosting over at ES... it's fast, fun and best part -- a daily winner will be chosen! So you have multiple chances to win some great prizes (products, gift certificates, etc... )

ok.. here's some ribbon corners I made that I thought I'd share with all of you guys before I added them to my shoppe -- you know - to THANK YOU for being such GREAT supporters of my designs!

download here .... be sure to scroll down to snatch up a free template I just put up as well :) ENJOY!! and remember that BOTH of my shoppes are on a whopping 50% off SALE the next couple of days :)...ETA: currently the ES store is down but if you just feel like you HAVE to have some of my new goodies... just visit here --oh and I'll be sure to post some pics of the new house soon.... but right now I need to get to bed! Chat later ladies :)

New Products... 50% off Sale... FREE template

2007-06-30T23:41:00.000-06:00

what a week ladies!! I'll write more about it all tomorrow but this week has been filled with house hunting! I LOVE looking at houses - especially when you find "the one" and you just KNOW IT! kwim? Well that happened and we bought a house yesterday -- we close in 3.5 weeks! It's going fast - but I couldn't be happier! ok.. I know I'm behind on my SHINES -- but wanted everyone (especially those who submitted) that I haven't forgotten but it will probably be Monday before I get to them....

REAL QUICK... Both my shops at Elemental Scraps and Shandy Vogt Designs are on sale. A B.I.G. sale! 50% off! I've also got a grab bag that literally has a retail value of $20 for just $2 - it's definitely a VERY SIGNATURE "Shandy Style".... (and a little hint just for my blog readers... think Swass... Templates... $$... grunge... you get the idea, right?) Everything in it is BRAND NEW! I'm quite excited about it....
Also over at ES - there are lots of fun games and challenges going on - so be sure to check out the forums while you're over there :)

ok.. so do you want to see my other new products that just hit the shelves tonight???? alright... here they are!

and for stopping by today... I've got this cute little template for ya - if you think you can use it - feel free to take it :) Download http://www.4shared.com/file/18968344/a203ff4f/shandyvogt-Scallops2.html

SHINES & Brush sale :)

2007-06-23T01:45:00.000-06:00

Hey guys! Ok.. I feel like I've totally been neglecting my little blog.. in fact it was like midnight when I realized that it was time for the weekly SHINES! Being gone to girls camp all last week and then this week I was able to sneak away for a couple of days with my dh on a business trip (yes, I DO have the best MIL to take all 4 boys at the last minute so I could go :).... so now I'm playing catch up on all of the household chores and such. Although relaxing in a hotel with no interuptions by sweet angel boys (cough cough - LOL) I was able to get LOTS of new products designed! I've got such goodies in store to be released on July 1st! Elemental Scraps will be having a BLOCK PARTY!! and it should prove to be such fun!!! I'll tell you all more about that soon... but let's get on with the SHINES (so I can get to bed - hee hee)....

This week the participants will each recieve my new Assorted Swass brushes (check your emails ladies and if someone was overlooked, PLEASE let me know). Here's the preview.... now not onlyl have I neglected my bloggy-poo but I have also neglected to do anything FUN over at Shandy Vogt Designs so on a whim (and most likely since it is close to 2am) I decided to put all of my brushes (including these new Assorted Swass ones) on sale! 50% OFF for TODAY ONLY! No coupon needed.. prices are already adjusted for the sale - but will return to full price at midnight MST Saturday night. ok... so now on to the beautiful SHINES!!!
Also -- did you guys see that Scrappy Pony has a new store?? It's still her Grand Opening Sale and all products are 50% off! woohoo - go Heather!!!

SHINES :)

2007-06-16T20:03:00.001-06:00

wow! when I got back from camping... I had lots of SHINES submissions! I really enjoyed myself looking at all of the LO's you guys have created with my designs!

This weeks participants will recieve a BRAND NEW PRODUCT that I won't be releasing until July 1st! sorry... no preview either for everyone else -- I want to keep this a secret until then... (well.. unless the girls who get it today create a LO with them... they can share and tease you all - hee hee)... it's another set of photoFX -- it's the grunge effect series and they are quite swass! Check your emails ladies! There were lots of you this week so if you don't have an email from me by Sunday morning... please let me know....

So.. I proudly present for your viewing pleasure --- this weeks SHINES!

I've been TAGGED!

2007-06-16T14:00:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Chantal I've been tagged! But before I begin I left out of town the very day that Chantal made her big announcement of who made her new CT -- and guess who's name was on it????? YEP!! Yours truly!!! I am soooo excited! She makes such awesome tempaltes and frame clusters! In fact I just finished up this one using one of her Photo Clusters -- In addition to the frame, I used papers from my Nature set, a cardboard with an Island Woods paper attached to it and one of my Deetle Doodles.... So yeah -- check out her stuff! She sells at Scrap Digi Style and Digital Scrap Spirit!

ok.. so on to the tagging...

Your Partner? is on his way home

Your hair? dark reddish brown
Your Mama? lives WAY too far away from me :(

Your Dad?huggable and a great supporter!
Your dream last night? I don't remember
Your favorite drink? Strawberry Crstal light with a splash of sugar Free Raspberry syrup! YUM!
In which room are you now? dining room

Your fear? I'm the biggest scaredy cat in the world! I'm VERY much afraid of the dark!
What do you wanna be in 10 years? to be able to say that I've been the best mom/wife I could be!
With whom did you spend the last evening? John - my awesome DH!
What are you not? a complainer
Your favorite book? hmmmm....
Last thing you ate? Orville Reddenbachers 94% FF kettle corn
Your mood? I am feeling rushed -- got lots that I need to be doing.. yet here I sit typing these out - LOL
Your friends? I have lots of friends... lots of good friends -- and few SUPER special ones!

Your summer? fun family time

When did you cry the last time? Friday up at Girls Camp when we sang the closing song
Favorite weekend hobby? truthfully?... probably when dh has all the boys off doing somethign fun and I'm left alone to enjoy the peace and quiet!

Job you dream of? I've got it!

Your Computer? HP laptop

Winter? it's alright... love that it brings CHRISTMAS!
Religion? LDS (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints)

Holidays? love me some Christmas (see answer above - LOL)
On your bed? like 9 pillows and a big ol' comforter! love me some plush bedding!!
Love? yep! I've got definite love in my life! My sweet manly man and my 4 cute boys!

And now I'll tag some of my CT members as well :) -- Claire and Corinna and Heather (Scrappy Pony -- she's not on my CT but I wanna hear from her too!)

Scalloped edge Template Freebie & news....

2007-06-11T08:45:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday everyone! First of all -- here's something fun -- Kayla has done a VERY Awesome tutorial on using my Swass Masks. I HIGHLY suggest you all check it out (she's giving a little blog reader gift out from me - hint.. hint...)

We spent the weeked up in the beautiful mountains of idaho visiting family this weekend! Got home last night and today will be quite the crazy day getting all packed up and loaded for Girls Camp. I'm one of the leaders for the youth girls in our church and we're heading up for a week of camping! It should be pretty fun and I'm quite excited! :) :) Mom mom and MIL will be taking care of the boys this week while I'm gone. Anyway so this weeks SHINES will be posted on Saturday night.... keep submitting them - just know that I am away from the computer all week so I won't be able to quickly respond letting you know that I've recieved it.... Also.. any customer service needs will be addressed this weekend as well once I get home. So just be patient if you're trying to get a hold of me.

ok... just to keep you guys tied over till I get back.... here's a little template for ya! Enjoy it! Download it Here

Grab Bag Revealed & Doodlie-O Freebie!

2007-06-07T20:34:00.000-06:00

alright ladies...it's time for the big reveal of my first ever grab bag!!! If you were one of the lucky gals who snatched this up during the big grand opening sale at ES, you saved over $11 off of the current prices for these! Here's what was inside.... (all are now available at both of my stores :)

These were all new releases (with the exception of Confidence - which was previously just a paper pack but I added some goodies to it for it to be a mini kit -- it actually comes with a total of 6 frames - only 3 are pictured. The additional three don't have words on them - so you can customize them to say what fits your LO :) ).... The only thing this Grab Bag was missing.... was some SWASS! Don't fret though ladies... I've been working on a super swass-alicious item that will be exclusive to my next grab bag! I can hardly wait for July to get here!!!

Here are 2 LO's that my CT has done up using CHANSEY! I thought they both did a wonderful job and wanted to show you all this little mini kit in action! The first one is by Lisa (she also used the Swass Swirls) and the second one is by Christy S. (she also used a Got Swass? Template and the Alpha Masks with class for her title).

alright.... my grand opening at ES was a bigger success than I ever imagined!! and I have all of YOU to thank -- so I wanted to give you guys a fun, new set of brushes that I created as a BIG OL' THANK YOU!!!! It comes with both the .abr file as well as the .png's of all the images. I really hope you all enjoy them!

you can download them HERE.

SHINES of the week!

2007-06-07T16:03:00.000-06:00

woot! time again to showcase the LO's that you (my fans!) have sent in to me... This week, each participant will receive my new Got Swass? Templates that were just released this past weekend! I do periodic searches in various online galleries for my name and I *try* to comment on all the LO's you guys do with my goodies! Be sure to send them to me if you'd like them showcased here with the weekly SHINES!
ETA: it's been brought to my attention that the address I gave for Andilynn's designs is wrong -- the correct url is http://andilynn.wordpress.com so be sure to check andrea and her designs out! she ROCKS!

photoFX

2007-06-05T15:25:00.000-06:00

So I was playing around with the new photoFX brushes and figured most of you would realize this... but thought I'd share a visual anyway - LOL... you can play around with the darkness of your photo by copying the photoFX layer.... see the difference below :) Have fun and don't forget to snatch up the template in the next post down :) have a great Tuesday!

photoFX & Template Freebie

2007-06-05T04:54:00.000-06:00

Hey guys! well... I never did get back to you yesterday to clarify if the 50% sale was ending Monday or Tuesday. The big boss lady says to keep it going through today - to make up for the little blunders that we had on Friday! So... if you haven't checked out the new look, the new designers, the FUN challenges going on over at Elemental Scraps you've got one more day to do so! HOORAY!
Also -- to tempt ya a teeny tiny bit... I just uploaded these super cool new photoFX gradient masks in the store (and with them still being 50% off they're only $1.75 - for today ONLY!). They work very much like my swass masks EXCEPT these can ONLY be used in the brush or eraser mode. The png files are included just for a preview only. I have also included detailed instructions on their use... so if you likey... go snatchy up :) and for your amazing support of me and my designs I've got another little blog gift for you... (just FYI: I created this LO using my Utopia papers and elements)

Download here

More Swass Templates & a Freebie!

2007-06-04T01:42:00.000-06:00

Just a quick post (gotta get to bed!) but so many of you like my Swass Template that I decided to do up a whole set of them :) I was going to wait until next weekend to release them, but then I thought - nah... my peeps will surely be appreciative if I hurry and upload them while the 50% off sale is still going on - LOL.... so that's what I did! I need to double check if we have extended the sale through tomorrow (Tuesday) due to all the paypal/server problems we had on Friday or if it's just good through today (Monday). Just to be safe, I'd hurry right now over here and snatch this baby up - hee hee (aren't I subtle - LOL) also.. was playing around and thought these were kind of unique... they're chalk writing (yes.. that is my free form handwriting - sorry it isn't prettier - eeeks!) on a blackboard textured background - how fun is that!!? -- the preview didn't really show the textures all that well so I added in an upclose view... They are 4x5 in size. Ok.. Restaurant is such a tricky word... thanks for pointing it out... LOL - Now I shant look uneducated - hee hee
Download them here

DOH!

2007-06-02T12:05:00.000-06:00

ok ladies! I just realized something! You know my new Swass Swirls (look for the preview 2 posts down....) Well.. I somehow deleted it from my inventory yesterday (shortly after the store opened!) I'm so sorry if you came over to Elemental Scraps looking for them and couldn't! Eeeeks! The good news is: they're still on sale for 50% off through June 4th! (and glad I realized this now instead of on Monday - LOL)... so yeah.. they're up now :)

SHINES & Paint Swoosh Freebie

2007-06-02T08:25:00.000-06:00

I literally crashed on the couch by 9pm last night! LOL.. guess I had a lot of catching up on my sleep to do! OK.. as promised, here are this weeks SHINES! I'm glad you guys all liked the template and I must say -- that's the most comments I've ever gotten on any one LO - hee hee :) Thanks for taking the time to write such nice things!

This first set are some of the template usage I got sent in :) now.. I saw SEVERAL other Lo's in galleries using this.. so next time be sure to send them to me (well... only if you want them included in the SHINES -LOL .... plus.. there's always a fun goodie for the participants!)

Each of this weeks Participants will receive my GRAB BAG!!! So check your emails ladies! (and if by chance you've already purchased it.... let me know and we'll get something different :)

I also was messing around and came up with these paint strokes... anyway, I'm not doing anything with these particular ones so here they are for your taking... I'm not including a TOU on these -- do whatever you want with them... and no credit is needed. I was too lazy to put them on individual files so there's just one png contact sheet with all the swooshes...

Download them HERE

HAPPY SATURDAY LADIES!!!

oh, and totally don't forget to check out Elemental Scraps!!! for all the grand re-opening celebrations. Lots of festivities going on still throughout the weekend and the whole store is still 50%!!! woohoo!! See ya later :)

The B.I.G. reveal!!!

2007-06-01T02:35:00.000-06:00

HELLO! yes I'm screaming! It's almost 3am and I am so tired so gotta be LOUD to keep me awake - LOL.... (you might ask why I just don't go to bed and post when I wake up.... well... here's my answer. In the morning I will have 4 wonderfully, sweet boys who will inevitably keep me away from the computer - hee hee... so while they slumber, I shall post :)

So here's my BIG NEWS!!! You can now find me a 2 shops! My Personal Store will definitely stay up and running and I have added a second shoppe at Elemental Scraps. I'm thrilled about this new opportunity! The entire site has gotten a whole new MAKEOVER and I must admit that it is absolutely gorgeous! it's so fresh and springy!! Grace Bennett has been working incredibly hard to get the new look off the ground! Her talent so amazes me!!!

Ok... just like my little ad said (hee hee.. this was my first ever ad and I totally had a blast making it!!!) everything in my shoppe is 50% off! and not just that -- but every shoppe at ES is having a 50% off sale! and a Free MEGA GRAB Bag with any $10 purchase (I have seen the contents of this bag and HOLY TOLEDO! it should be called the MEGA MEGA GRAB BAG - the thing is sooooo huge!).

Like I mentioned in a previous post, I've been burning the midnight oil and here's the result of my sleepless nights - LOL.... I realize that there are only 3 product previews, BUT... the grab bag has 4 never released products in it! --and the Alpha Masks took FOREVER! I wanted them to be just perfect for you guys!).... and Yes - I was on a SWASS kick this week and made a couple of new brush sets - each pack does include the png's of each image as well :) Heather B (one of my regular readers) voiced her frustration to me about all the flourishes being "too girly" to put on her boy LO's -- seeing how I am a mom to all boys, I thought I'd come up with a product FOR ALL OUR BOYS -- and that's how Swass For Him was born! I hope you guys like them! Scroll down to see 2 LO's using them!

and here are 2 LO's made using the new Swass For Him brushes. I made the first one of my 3rd DS and how he is obsessed if he looks cool or not - hee hee. The papers are from my No So Simple Bold set and the stitching is from Meredith Fenwick, Jessica Gorney and Shabby Princess. The bottom LO is by my CT member, Chrissy! Now her boy DOES look cool!!

one final note: this weeks SHINES will be post-poned... just for a tiny bit (I'll have them up by Saturday evening!).... so please check back soon :) and I just wanted to say that I have had like 4 LO's sent in with the freebie template I gave out yesterday -- talk about some FAST scrappers! Thanks for making it this far! Keep reading the next post for a little freebie! :)

Big ol' THANKS and Funky Flourishes

2007-06-01T00:52:00.000-06:00

ok... I'm a tad bit emabarrassed now from all the attention to the layout! LOL
But, I must say that all of your comments have been so wonderful!
I usually average only about 4-5 comments for EVERY 100 downloads (so THANK YOU if you are that small 4% who take the time to leave me a comment!).... but with this LO and template 13% of the people who have DL'd have taken the time to comment!) :) That really makes me a happy gal! You really have no idea how much it means to get a thank you when I give out my designs. Since I'm a comment hound (hee hee) I'm gonna leave this template up a little longer (so those of you reading this now and are here for the template -- thank all the people who left me a little love -LOL)

Alright, you guys can all thank Chrissy (one of my CT members) for this next freebie.... the other day she asked me about the Funky Flourishes she had seen on my blog in the archives and I remembered that I had these just sitting on 4shared. They were my first attempt at flourishes and I think it's safe to say that I have grown in my designing ability in regards to creating Swass flourishes! Anyway... if you think you can use them, HERE'S the link.

My BEST Template Freebie - LOL

2007-05-30T22:31:00.000-06:00

ok... I was on a roll with posting and such... I'm making it my goal to post everyday for the rest of this ENTIRE WEEK! Seeing how it's almost Thursday -- I think I can manage that! PLUS I will have some really -- ok.. better than *really*... I will have some extremely F.U.N. news come Friday morning! I can hardly wait and I have been burning the midnight oil getting prepared!

Alright, I have to be honest with all you peeps... I had an alterior (is that the right word I'm looking for???) motive with today's Freebie. You see... I did this LO last week of my youngest

turning 8 months old. Truthfully, I think it's a very well layed out design and I think all of the products I used on it work together PERFECTLY! (Just FYI: I used my Swass Mask (the swirl), my Not So SIMPLE SOLIDS (neutral pack), my cardboard and Tracy B's stitching...). So I get this LO all done and resized for the web and upload it to like a bazillion galleries (ok... like 3, but still -- and I only got a handfull of comments on it :( and that's a collective number from all galleries! So... I wanted to put it here on my blog so I can show it off again - LOL ... oh, and if you feel so inclined to tell me how much you love it, I'll be your best friend! hee hee

OK.. with that being said... since I really do think the overall design was great, I turned it into a Template. I'm excited to say that it features one of my new Swass Masks that were recently released. Hurry and snatch up this beauty because I'm only offering it for 24 hours!

EDITED: I left the link up for over 3 days... but it is expired now! sorry guys!

Weekly SHINES!

2007-05-24T23:59:00.000-06:00

so I think I did pretty good in the blogging department this week -- considering this is my 4th post since last weeks SHINES were posted! A lot of you sure had fun with the Swass-ness of my new releases - LOL. I am sooo grateful that you all have given me such great support over this last month :) and I'm super glad that so many of you like the Swass Masks and Frames (I hope you all feel like you know how to use the masks now ;)...

ok... on to the SHINES! The participants this week will each receive a $5 Gift certificate to my store -- have fun ladies!!

Public Service Announcement!

2007-05-22T07:05:00.000-06:00

ok... if I could insert an "oopsie" smiley -- right now would be an appropriate time! Alright... it seems that I attached the WRONG file to the GOT LANDSCAPES? template pack!! can you believe it!!!!? If you have purchased the Got Landscapes... you will notice when you unzip the file that it is the GOT SHAPES? templates - just keep the Shapes set and drop me an email -- shandyvogt @ hotmail.com . If you have your store receipt that would be helpful but not necessary... I will just doube check it against my store invoices. You will then recieve the correct link to get the templates. I fixed the link yesterday - so this would be in effect for purchases prior to yesterday afternoon. I'm so sorry for the inconvience! Don't hang me, k? :)

Sticker Doodle Frame Freebie

2007-05-21T00:34:00.000-06:00

this'll be a quick post.... Just wanted to come put up this little Freebie for you guys :)

I also really really REALLY wanted to thank all of you have purchased from me. I wish I could send you all a personal email letting you know how much your support means to me. I know that there are literally THOUSANDS of designers out there - so to have you visit my store just means so much! Thank you! Also, just a reminder that the BLOGREADER coupon worth 50% off your entire purchase ends tonight (Monday).

So, here's a package of some doodly stickers that are frames (yeah, I know.. real original name for them - hee hee) but pick them up if you think you can use them :) Have a terrific Monday! Download them here

What's a Swass Mask???

2007-05-19T22:37:00.001-06:00

alright.. I've gotten several requests on how to actually USE the Masks... so thought I'd pop in and give a brief "how to".... Basically, in a nutshell, it works just like a template.

(1) You would import a photo (or paper of your choice) and place it ABOVE the mask layer.

(2) With the photo as your active layer - In PSE hit Ctrl+G (Ctrl+Alt+G in PSCS2) and this will clip your photo (or paper) to the mask

(3) Using the move tool, you can manipulate the photo until you are happy with the end result

here's a little visual for ya! (this is a photo of my #2 and #4 Ds - aren't they cute?!)

I hope this helps clear things up for some of you :)

housework vs. scrapping!

2007-05-19T14:18:00.001-06:00

I really *should* be doing some housework.... but that's not as fun as scrapping and blogging, right? hee hee.... My DH has been out of town most of the week so I desperately need to do some catch up before his plane lands - EEEKS!

I must say I'm thrilled so many of you have taken advantage of my "Blog Reader" coupon at the store. I must admit there's been several "full price" orders and I have felt soooo guilty that they didn't get the discount! But then I reminded myself that I was doing this as a special gift JUST for my blog readers... so then I didn't feel so bad - LOL

Also wanted to share 2 more LO's that my team created today using the Swass Frames (top LO - Books) and the Swass masks (Bottom LO - Beautiful Hair)... they are also both using the new NOT SO Simple Solids. They were too swass NOT to share! -- enjoy!

My 5 year old is dragging me out the door to jump on the tramp again (remember what happened last time? hee hee... ) my ankle feels like 95% back to normal so he thinks I'm good enough to jump.... wish me luck!

ETA: I'm sure you guys were all just on pins and needles wondering if I survived the tramp... so thought I'd come here and ease your minds - LOL... yep... everything well smooth and no further injuries occured! HOORAY!

SWASS ALERT!!! (and a special gift)

2007-05-18T00:56:00.000-06:00

hee hee... just wanted to type that! Although Swass Alert is probably a great Title for this post... I've got several new goodies I just finished uploading to my store and wanted to share the preview of them... these are totaly Swass if I do say so myself (so couldn't resist naming them that - LOL)... For your scrapping pleasure, here are some new goodies available...

I just wanted to mention that I am also offering these new items in Combo Packs with some additional savings... :)

Here's a LO that I created using the Swass Masks and paper from the NEUTRAL solids pack.

and here are some incredibly inspirational LO's that my CT (aka: the Swass Posse) whipped up this week -- aren't they sooo cool! there are sooo many possibilities with these Masks and Frames that I'm hoping that next weeks SHINES are full of them!) (and ps: the top 2 LO's and the bottom right LO are all using FANCIFUL for the papers and elements :)

alright... now I made mention to a "special gift" in my title - so let's move on to that! .. I'm not going to advertise this anywhere but here... so this is my little *Thank You* to my blog readers... Here's a Coupon Code worth 50% off your ENTIRE purchase at my store. It is good right now through Monday night (the 21st) and can be used multiple times. Just enter BLOGREADER during the checkout for your discount to be applied.

SHINES & a Colossal Freebie!!

2007-05-18T00:20:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! I keep telling myself that I need to post more than once a week! But truthfully, each spare moment I get... I'm working on new designs to bring to you :) -- but I know that I like it when I get regular updates from my favorite designers (hee hee.. did you see how I snuck in that subliminal message - LOL).... so I'm going to make a goal to post 3 times in this next week.... I know, I know... now you all can rest peacefully at night knowing they'll be some updates (and most likely a few freebies :) from me in the next few days!

Alright, I've gone on long enough... let's get to the real purpose of this Post -- to SHOWCASE THIS WEEKS SHINES!! oh yeah!

First up we've got AMBER W. (top left) and BRITTNEY L. (top right) both illuminating some sweet Swass Lo's using the Island Woods collection (Brittney also used one of my templates) - WTG ladies! Bottom left is sent in by JULES the Confidence papers really meshed beautifully with her picture (and props to Jennilyn for the cool template she used -- and yep.. snagged up that beauty myself!)... and then KELLY sent in this incredible LO using Paramount! Love them all ladies! Next batch are my Template peeps :) (so only the template is created by me.. the fabulous kits used belong to other fabulous designers!)
This top left LO using my FANCIFUL kit was sent in by LISA C. (who BTW is just starting out designing so go check her out.. she's also got a contest going on right now!) As you know... I always give a little something special to the wonderful gals who participate in my weekly SHINES and of course, this week is no different :) I've decided to give each of them the set of my new SWASS FRAMES! so check your emails ladies :)

Of course I couldn't forget my faithful blog readers... so here's a product I created and thought I'd let you all have first dibs on it for FREE before I added it to my store (I'll keep it here for a week... then it'll only be availabe for purchase - so snag it quick!). Download Got Stitches? Colossal Style here

New Products - hooray!

2007-05-10T22:14:00.000-06:00

just wanted to make a quick post that I just put a few more goodies into the store. First I didn't want any 8.5x11 scrappers to feel left out at Shandy Vogt Designs... so... I made up a tempalte pack for you guys! They are in landscape view and can totally help you out in making swass LO's!

and then.. I started playing around with making some stickers and all of a sudden... FANCIFUL was created! LOL.. here's the preview for it (it's found under the mini-kits section at the store)...

and here are some LO's that my wonderful team has made using Fanciful! This first one is a LO that I actually scrapped up today during naptime (and the folded paper is part of the free add on pack found in the next post down....)

SHINES & Fanciful Addon Freebie!!

2007-05-10T21:30:00.000-06:00

wow! what a week it has been! I've been busy designing new things... getting my new CT up and running (which BTW - they're awesome! and I'm sure you guys have seen some of their work in the galleries about town)... On a personal note: I was attempting to be a *good* mom and jump on the trampoline with my 5 year old... something went wrong and i heard a loud P.O.P.! and I went down! OUCH!! did something terrible to my ankle... so we hobbled back in and snuggled for some movie time. We're leaving in the morning for my dh's grandpa's funeral (about 6 hours away) and I'm not looking forward to the throbbing that will inevitably accompany me with my foot not being elevated.... His grandpa was like 95 and lived a great long life so this isn't a *super sad/sudden* death.... but hearts are broken nonetheless...

OK... shifting gears now.... I got some terrific SHINES to show you, so let's get started!!!
there weren't as many as usual (but I'm thinking that's becuase now I've 17 people on my CT - who normally were some of the regular contributers! LOL)

I guess this was the template of choice this week! LOL... This is one of my newest template
additions - GOT ADS? Here's the next group of wonderful LO's These are using my templates (with other incredible designers papers) the top left is a freebie one and the other two are both from GOT SHAPES? and this last group of awesome LO's: Top left Lo by Dara using last weeks SHINES gift (Liberty). Top Right by Chrissy - also using Liberty as well as myy cardboard cutouts and characters... Bottom left is by Kelly using the Confidence papers -- look at that cutie!! and bottom right is by Lisa C. also featuring the Liberty papers! Great job ladies!!! Each of this weeks participants will recieve the full kit of FANCIFUL -- so check your emails ladies! I hope you enjoy it! here's a freebie addon for you all to enjoy! Download the Fanciful Add on here

INTRODUCING the SWASS POSSE

2007-05-07T10:11:00.000-06:00

alright ladies... I spent the majority of NSD pouring over all of the submissions and personally emailing each applicant (if you didn't get a response from me... (1) check your junk mail.. I was told that one of my emails ended up in their junk folder - GASP and if it's not there.. please drop me a line -- I dont want anyone to feel "missed")

Everyone had such great talent that it really was a T.O.U.G.H. decision I had to make! Finally I narrowed it down and here's the newest members of the SWASS POSSE:

**credit to Amanda Roberts for the Pretty Shabby Frames that I used**

Policemen & SHINES baby!

2007-05-03T20:43:00.000-06:00

yep.. you guessed it! It's SHINE time again here at SVdesigns! I already showcased several throughout the week (so if you missed them.. feel free to scroll down and browse :) Before I begin.. remember 2 weeks ago I mentioned how I went to traffic court for driving on a closed road? and how the judge said that he would have probably done the exact same thing? and then he STILL fined me - LOL... well.. I had 2 weeks to pay the fine. I've been so preoccupied with my new store and CT call and everything.. that I TOTALLY FORGOT!!!! so.. I remembered this morning during Nathan's nap and I start freaking out... so as soon as he gets up, I get him and Ben (my 5 year old) dressed up all cute and stuff and have me get all "done up" (ya know.. so we look like respectable people going to the courthouse to pay a late fine...) so we get there and as I'm unloading the boys.. Ben says "can I tell the policeman that you tie me up?" I was like "WHAT?!@?!??" Where on earth did you get that from??? I was like "um.. no, that's probably not the best thing we can say." He doesn't drop it and goes on to say "what do you think the policeman will say?" I was like "Ben!.. we CAN NOT say that to the policeman... ok, sweetie?!" then he says "oh, it will be funny, mom!" Thankfully he decided maybe it wouldn't be so funny and did not say that to them... and yeah.. I have NO CLUE where he came up with that.. and for the record -- I DO NOT TIE UP MY CHILDREN - LOL. Oh, but the whole point of this was so I pay it and guess what... the county clerk says that since it was due yesterday and I'm a day late... my liscence has been suspended!! what??!?! more fees? can I even drive home? am I stranded?? I was NOT a happy lady.. but I was sweet as honey to the clerk - hee hee... anyway.. long story short.. I call the DOT (or whoever the clerk told me to call) and they actually give an extra week before they suspend the liscense.. so I was fine :) PHEW! I was relieved!! so yeah.. moral of the story... don't pay your tickets late -eeeks!

alright.. onto a lighter note here are the AWESOME SHINES for the week!!!

First up...gotta give it up for the SWASSness of these 4! they each use one of the Swass borders. Top left is by JoANN... top right is LYNN L. bottom left is CHRISTY S. and bottom right is by DALE ANN C.

alright.. now how FUN are these!!! all 4 of these are using all papers/kits by me and each is using a template of shandy vogt designs as well :) In the top left LYNN L. used the new Paramount kit to showcase these cool pics of her dh. top right is CHRISSY W. bottom left is LOUANN and bottom right is JULIE -- :)

these next 3 are using some other talented designers papers/elements but each are made with a template of mine...

Here are some more AWESOME LO's! The top 2 are both by the talented LYNN L. (top left is using Pink Candy and top right is Paramount)... and both bottom LO's were craeted by the talented LISA H. (bottom left featuring Island Woods and bottom right using If You Dare and Nature Papers and the Cardboard Cutout Arrow).

and how fun are these 8.5x11 pages! and how much more fun that all 3 of them used the CONFIDENCE paper pack!

alright... wow! are you guys all inspired yet??? yeah.. me too!! :) here's the SHINES gift that each of this weeks participants will be receiving - it's from the paper I used to make the DOUBLE THE LOVE chipboard hearts freebie from earlier this week -- so check your emails ladies!!! thanks again soooo much for sending me these awesome LO's!

New Products + Freebie

2007-05-02T22:54:00.000-06:00

A couple of new products I just put into the store tonight :) I got lots of comments on how you like the concept of the glitter outlines to be seperate so that you can customize them to match any LO... so I made up a set of glittery outlines for my Cardboard Characters. I've got them individually (for those of you who already have the characters...) and then I also bundled them together for future customers :) What's really cool about these (ok.. at least to me - LOL) is that you know when you are working with "real" glue and glitter... you inevitably get those globs here and there where the glue and glitter are much more thick... well.. I put them on these as well for a more realistic look :) I was quite pleased with them - hee hee

and then I've also got this ne kit up - called Paramount. Now for this particular kit -- there is a way you can get it for free! How is that, you ask? Well all you have to do is participate in the challenges over at Scrapgarden and this is the digi prize for participation! Pretty cool, eh? Also all of these items are each 30% off for the next 3 days (until Saturday night). Now that's what I call swass!

and then I also had done this template up (back when i was working on the "got shapes" pack and this one didn't make the cut - LOL... so... here ya go! hopefully a few of you will like it :) I was being a bit lazy and didn't zip it up.. so it's just the psd file to download from 4shared.

Download template here

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the weekly SHINES! :) You'll all be in for a special treat! As always - there's some great submissions and I can't wait to show them off. There's still time if YOU want to add yours in -- and I've already got the SHINES gift all packaged and ready to go to the participants :)

good afternoon!

2007-05-02T15:02:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to pop on real quick and say that you guys are REALLY making this CT call hard on me! I was hoping only like 6 people would apply so I wouldn't have to make any decisions and everyone could be on my team - LOL .... unfortunately that isn't the case so I will be faced with a hard task! But on the bright side... It really makes me feel so happy that so many have actually wanted to create for me! wow! thanks for the UPLIFT :)

I also wanted to remind anyone who's interested in the weekly SHINES... I'll need your LO's by tomorrow night to be included. I wanted to go ahead a post a couple that have come in. Both using a template from my newest template pack - GOT ADS? This design was my favorite out of the group and I loved seeing it in action.

This first one is by Chrissy W. She also used the Island Woods kit. Aren't her 3 little guys so handsome!! looks like they're having a blast there at the beach!

and this second one was send in by Monique. What a totally adorable little girl! Who can resist a cowgirl with new pink boots!!!

oh I also wanted to point you all in the direction of some cool things :) :)

Jennilyn opened up her new site this week and it is DEFINITLEY one of the coolest designed sites!! CONGRATS to her!! That's quite a big undertaking! It's so bright, fresh and fun -- just like her designs! It's totally worth checking out! oh, and her little daughter drew the image for her home page! how fun is that!

and also Heather has a set of 20 unique flower brads up for grabs today!! they are totally cute and would be a great accent on any LO! While there.. be sure to scroll down and see all of the yummy goodies she's been hard at work creating!

Double the Love -- Freebie

2007-04-30T22:24:00.000-06:00

When my dh got home from work, I said... "do you want to see a LO I did today?"... his response was "WHAT?!? you actually did a LO?" Usually each spare moment is devoted to designing vs. actual scrapping - gasp!... so do you want to see it? I used the only other shot that somewhat turned out from our photo shoot last week.... I lifted this from a paper LO that a fellow member of Scrapgal.com did. I made the papers and the flourish is by the ever talented Meredith Fenwick!
I emailed Amanda and asked if I could "package" up the chipboard hearts (since I got the idea from her LO) and she agreed... sooooo... here ya go! I've also included a "bare" set of chipboard hearts so you can customize them.
download here

Also.. I've been thoroughly enjoying going over the CT app's that have already come in :) I really appreciate those of you who have already taken the time to apply. I also just wanted to say that it's not all about the scrapping skills either... I'm also totally looking for someone with enthusiasm for my designs who will enjoy promoting me :) With that being said... don't shy away because you don't feel your scrap style isn't "good enough".... Remember - the call ends Saturday night (read the next blog entry for more details)... THANKS GALS!

CT CALL

2007-04-30T10:33:00.000-06:00

hey all my bloggity blog friends! I decided to take the plunge and get myself a CT -- I know (from past experiences of applying for paper scrapping DT's) that I hate it when the call is so far out and the announcement even further... So.. this will be a quick call (and hopefully I get a few peeps that are interested... come on now.. don't make me beg - LOL) Here's my ad telling about it: Basically the requirements will be 1-2 Lo's a week... promoting me in any way you see fit (like possibly participating in the Praise Game threads over at DST :) and posting your layouts to 3 online galleries (DST + 2 more of your choice).. The benefits will be 24/7 free access to my store and a headshot and bio featured over at my website -- now who could pass up that? LOL...

If you are interested... drop me an email with a link to your best gallery and just tell me a little bit about yourself - just so I can get to know you better. Deadline is this Saturday and I'll announce a week from today - Monday - May 7th. Each applicant will recive a personal email from me either way... THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST! :)

I also thought I'd tell a little bit more about myself (since I usually just use this blog for my scrap related stuff)... here's a pic we took last week. I was sooo hoping it would have turned out better... but oh well.. Nathan (my baby) was SO NOT in the mood! and having to get up and set the timer and run back into place didn't help things either... but here it is. Yep.. I've got 4 boys. August is 10, Seth will turn 9 next month, Ben is 5 and Nathan is 7 months. My first expereince with anything digital was 7 months ago when I decided to use my PSE4 program (that I begged for last mother's day) and did up Nathan's Birth Announcements. It was totally fun and I've been hooked ever since! I'm 31 and my DH and I got married on Dec. 28, 1994 in the Boise LDS Temple. He's an officer in the army (and yep.. we've had to do the whole deployment thing - hence the big gap between the last boys - LOL). I totally love photography and setting up photo shoots (especially when they go well :) We're HUGE BSU (Boise State University) football fans and life evolves around that each fall - hee hee (actually it's kind of nice since dh and older boys have season tickets -- so I get to have lots of "alone" time at home :) Let's see... I'm totally easy going and have a pretty optimistic attitude about life in general. Guess that's about it for now... so, yeah.. if you'd like to be a part of my new CT -- I'd love to hear from you! Just drop me an email.

Swass!

2007-04-28T03:04:00.000-06:00

alright ladies... you guys are keeping me smiling with the whole Swass craze! LOL

what I love best is those of you who have used it in a comment and then quickly added "did I use that correctly?" - and rest assured... you have! :)

Just to clairfy things for some of my new readers, SWASS (which rhymes with "moss") is a term that was used in the late 80's (just for a brief amount of time) that means HIP, FUNKY, COOL, RAD, AWESOME etc and I'm bringing it back - LOL... so for example here's a good illustration on its use...

this LO by Lisa H. in Canada is TOTALLY SWASS! When she sent this to me.. I was like "YOWZA.. this is awesome! She used the Nature Paper (avaiable in the store) and very fittingly the Swass Borders (also available in the store - with some freebie borders found here at my blog....)

Here's another use of the term... go check out Heather's Swass designs! She's always got a great freebie for her readers and she's constantly adding new products to her store!

and last, but not least... do you guys see a new addition to my blog?? need a hint? Look at the space to the right (up above my profile)... yep, a new BLINKIE that tells everyone you've got style! Or should i say... that you layouts are SWASS! hee hee.. isn't is just so much fun to say?! Say it with me... Swass! I love it! It just rolls off the tongue nicely -- (I have to say that it is creeping into my everyday vocab -- yesterday I saw a friend with a new haircut and i told her how swass it was - yeah, she didn't get it - LOL). Alright and just for fun... while I'm out and about the digi community, if I see this rather swass lookin' blinkie in your siggy.... you just might find yourself with an extra little goodie :) Let's see... I think that's about it for today. Thanks for stopping by! and remember that my 50% off sale ends tonight at midnight :)

New Releases!

2007-04-26T15:34:00.000-06:00

Just a quick preview of some new goodies I added into my store today :) Everything is still 50% off (until Saturday night) including these new goodies!

SHINES and Glittery Photo Frames FREEBIE!

2007-04-26T14:04:00.000-06:00

YEP! it's SHINE time again here at my blog!! (and yes.. I have yet another format for showcasing them - LOL... this one definitely takes a bit longer so we shall see what format I have them in next week.. stay tuned - hee hee) There's lots to showcase today.. so let's get going!!

First of all - here were my favorite 3 sent in this week. This one by Christy is pretty swass! She used the Pink Candy papers (that were last weeks shines gift) and this weeks Freebie template - Great Job Christy!

and this one sent in by Chrissy W. using tropical resort and a Template from the GOT SHAPES? pack -- this one came together so beautifully!

and this one sent in by LouAnn using the Swass borders -- yep... LOOKS TOTALLY SWASS to me!!

These next 2 were sent in by Traci V. first one using Nature papers (LOVE that arrow!) and the second using Jumperoo (both Freebies - with the links still active :)

Michelle (Shelbe) was busy working my goods this week! She created 5 LO's with my designs! I especially like this first one (Swimming) -- it's just so bright and fun and the Coral Reef papers are perfect! she's also used Jumperoo, Golden Wash Trio, Vintage Floral Add on and If you Dare (and yes, all of the links to these freebies are still active as well).

This one is by Kelly! I think we can totally relate to her journaling about how no matter how many pictures you take - there's always someone with a goofy face! LOL. Used Jumperoo papers.Here is a beautiful heritage one by Ginger using Island Woods and this weeks freebie template :) Next up we've got 3 C.O.O.L. layouts by Julie! She's been a busy little scrapper this week! First one features Island Woods and a GOT SHAPES? template. Her second one uses the new Utopia papers and the third is using JAMS mini kit and a template from GOT PIX? thanks Julie :)
Just look at this little cutie that Dara sent me! how adorable! this was a perfect LO for the glittery photo corners (no longer a freebie but can be purchased at my store)
Kori has also used the new Pink Cany papers for this first LO she sent me -- look at that cool photo treatment she's got going on! and the second is a 2 pager using Island Woods.
Chisty also created this LO showing off her new skirt that her mom made her! It uses my Nature papers and a freebie template (from last week.... both still have active links)
and here are 2 additional LO's sent in using some templates of mine! the first is by Kara (and what a cutie pie she has!!) and the second is by Lynn -- how REFRESHING is this!! Lucky girl already having summer weather!

Each of this weeks SHINES will be recieving the CONFIDENCE paper pack! so check your emails ladies and thanks for participating this week!!!

and last, but not least... today's FREEBIE! The photo corners with the seperate glitter overlay went over fabulously so took that as my inspiration and came up with 2 cardboard frames (yeah.. they started out as the polaroid frames... but evolved into this!) I hope you all like!

Download here

and just to report back in about the Pinewood Derby -- August (my oldest ds) took 3rd overall and Seth took 5th. There were 11 boys participating so they were both pretty happy! I was a bit surprised just becuase they were literally working on them up till the time we left - LOL!

bringin' it back BABY!

2007-04-25T12:25:00.000-06:00

LOL You guys are a hoot and a half!! I was just reading through all of the comments left here and had to giggle at how a good percentage of you used the word SWASS (just FYI: it ryhmes with "moss") in your comments! I especially liked the one left (well.. it was an anonymous comment) from a teacher that said in return she'll try to get her High School kids on the bandwagon as well - hee hee!! That's awesome! when my dh gets home from work today (and after the Pinewood Derby -- yep, my 2 oldest will be competing against each other.. they have high hopes.. yet their derby cars are sitting here on the counter with sticky paint and no wheels! We've got a lot of work before 5pm! YIKES!)... anyway.. after the Derby, I'll have him read all the comments and I'm sure it'll make his day! ... yep, you all are helping him achieve his dream of seeing Swass make a comeback! - LOL

NEW STORE... and Grace Bennett rocks!

2007-04-24T06:14:00.000-06:00

Yes... you're at the right place :) I've just been updating my look and getting things a bit more cheery for the Spring weather that is about to be here (HOORAY FOR SPRING!). I just wanted to say that -- since sometimes when I go to a blog I frequent and things look different, I have to do a double take and make sure I'm at the right place - LOL

I know I've been a bit scarce around the digi community and here at my blog (Ok.. just since like last Thursday) and I'm so excited to tell you the reason why.... I've been working with GRACE BENNETT to set me up with a *real* store. I feel a bit like Pinnochio when I say "I'm a real store owner!" - LOL

First thing -- I've gotta give props to Grace! (For those of you who might not be aware of this incredible designer.. she has a shop set up here at Elemental Scraps. She just uploaded some WAY COOL items into her store and you won't be dissappointed if you check her out! some really unique designs and awesome templates! I totally had to snatch some up and can't wait to play!) Well, she saw my blog/store last week, contacted me and offered me something I couldn't pass up! She has worked her little buns off putting together my NEW STORE - so now it will be much easier for the checkout of my items and a smoother navigation! Last weeks GRAND OPENING sale here at my blog was a tremendous hit! I absolutely LOVED giving away the prizes to the "Lucky 13" gals... I loved logging into my email and seeing all of these wonderful emails from all of you. I SOO appreciated them all - each and every one of them! They got me through a long week :)

Now you know I couldn't open up shop and not have another Grand Opening shin-dig, right - LOL. So right now the entire store is 50% off (this sale will last through this Saturday - April 28th) so if you were hesitant about purchasing through my blog I hope that this new arrangement will be a bit more comfortable.

Also, I asked Grace if it would be cool for me to put her contact info here in case any of you new (or veteran) designers were interested in contacting her to see what she can do for YOU! She agreed... so if anyone's interested - here's her email: gabenn2@msn.com
For a funky swass freebie.... keep scrolling down :)
Also... if you usually look for my freebies in the Member Giveaway section at http://www.digishoptalk.com they will no longer be there (due to the rules of store owners not posting freebies there) but they can be found in their Digital Site and Designers Announcements forum... so be sure to keep checking back. I'm still planning on my freebies and MOST DEFINITELY keeping up with my SHINES! (which BTW -- keep sending me your LO's! I've got some fabulous creations sent to me already this week and can't wait to show them off to you on Friday!)

Happy Scrapping! :)

SWASS BORDERS

2007-04-24T06:05:00.000-06:00

LOL.. see, I told you guys that I was going to help my husband in his efforts to bring back the word "swass".... but really... I thought they seemed quite appropriate for these edge borders :) It's a set of (3) 12" swirly, flowery borders. These were made with the Commercial Use brushes that I purchased from Jason Gaylor :) Take a peek and if you like download them here.

SHINES & Template

2007-04-19T21:52:00.000-06:00

What a week! It sure has been fun! I really hope those of you who have done business with me are pleased with (1) your PRODUCTS and (2) your SERVICE... (on a side note.. I have gotten about 2 emails returned to me as undeliverable.. so if you haven't received your item(s) PLEASE email me!) OK.. on to the SHINES of the week! ooooh.. there were absolutely fantastic ones submitted! Some with even the new kits released in my store! :) You gals are too awesome! Alright.. let's get going:

The top 2-pager LO was sent in by Lynn L. using the new Utopia Papers. The bottom 2 LO's were sent in by Kori B. The left one also uses the Utopia Papers and in the bottom right one, she used the new If You Dare (to be a baby) papers! Great job ladies!! These 2 LO's were sent in by Christy S. She pulled out one of my older freebies (Golden Wash Trio -- link is still active -- go to the archive) and the right side features last weeks freebie (link also still active) Jumperoo! Awesome Job Christy! Both of these LO's use my freebie kit TROPICAL RESORT (you guessed it.. the link is still active). The one on the left was sent in by Ebie - how cute is this!!!! and the one on the right is one I did (yep.. I actually found time to scrap this week - LOL) Dara used another ealier set -- BASKETBALL (altered to enhance her photos better) and I think she did a SUPER JOB! These last 2 LO's feature Templates of mine. Kara S. is the fabulous creator of the LO on the left and Erin D. is the artist for the one on the right :) You guys rocked these templates! Now, you probably all know by now that my SHINES get a little extra something from me -- and today is no different :) Each of these talented ladies will receive this new paper pack -- PINK CANDY! how delicious is this! I hope you guys enjoy them! (check your emails :) If any of you others would like to have this set as well... you can purchase it for the same $.99 deal that I have going on in the store right now (until Saturday at midnight) - just indicate PINK CANDY as your desired item to purchase. :) Be sure to send me in your LO's this week -- you won't want to miss out on another great freebie exclusive to the SHINES! and... no, I haven't forgotten about all of my faithful readers (who BTW landed my little ol' blog here at the #2 spot at the DigiTopBlogs earlier this week -- made me smile!) Anyway.. here's a Swass new Template for ya! ENJOY!

Download here

LUCKY 13 GALS!

2007-04-18T22:49:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to come here and announce the LUCKY 13 GALS of the day!!
First of all... the 113 winner was TANYA D. and the lucky 13th customer was CYNTHIA S.
Both ladies now are the lucky owners of my entire store! Plus, their full purchase price was refunded to them! HAPPY SCRAPPING GALS!

Again.. thank you so very much for all of your support... I've loved all your emails and notes and comments... (one can never have enough of those, right? LOL)...

No freebie today... been a busy day...
oh, but I DO have a freebie tip for you:
Driving on a Closed Road is Against the Law! Spent the afternoon in traffic court attempting to get my ticket dismissed (comming home from church last month I drove on 100 yards of a closed road - although the signs were MOVED and no constructions crews were out and no obstructions that I had swerve around, etc...) anyway... after the judge told me I was wrong and had to pay (he ended with "and I can't say it's (driving on that particular section of road) is not something I wouldn't have done myself..." I was bummed. This was my frist time at traffic court and we actually did the whole *trial* thing -- so i got all sworn in and was called as my own witness -- out of my comfort zone.. but hey, I can scrap about it, right? LOL

also.. don't forget to keep sending me LO's for this weeks SHINES! Friday is quickly approaching! :) Hooray for the weekend!

Lucky 13 (round 2) & FREEBIES!

2007-04-18T00:06:00.000-06:00

First off -- CONGRATULATIONS TO MARY F. who was the lucky 13th customer of the day! That's right... she received the entire contents of my Store (and a refund of her purchase price!) WOOHOO Mary! Well, since that was so much fun, I thought I'd go for round 2 of lucky 13's - but with a twist this time! Over 100 items have been moved from the store so far - but I'm thinking that at least 113 items want to be gone - LOL! Soooo.... whoever purchases the 113th item (to be clarified this way: as long as their purchase includes the 113 item) they too will receive a refund and the VAULT of my store! Yep.. this one is geared for my EARLY BIRDS who want a deal! and hey, since I do love the #13 so much... I'm going to go ahead and say that the 13th customer will get a little extra something from me as well! Just a little payback for all the wonderful words of encouragment and support I have gotten from all of you!

Also I've got these 2 little goodies for everyone today. I made them to go with my If You Dare (to be a baby).

Download Baby Xtra's here

Download Baby labels here

a thousand THANKS!

2007-04-17T00:46:00.000-06:00

Wow! I feel so loved! So much positive feedback I've gotten from everyone about my STORE (plus I don't think it hurts that everything in there is under a buck!). Thank you for your kind comments both here and via email. They are very much appreciated! I'm so grateful that this has been a positive experience for me (and hopefully for those of you who have already purchased from me). I have to admit that I've been a bit nervous on how it would be recieved - so THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! For a little payback, I've got 2 fun things for you today - a Freebie and a Reward! First, the Reward... I'm not much of a lucky individual. I never win anything! My husband, on the other hand, is very lucky. When there's contests on the radio for the 100th caller... he'll be the 100th caller. If he puts him name in a drawing... it gets chosen! I'm just glad I'm married to him so I can reap the benefits as well - LOL. So today I want one of you to FEEL LUCKY! I'm going to REWARD the 13th customer (that's my all time favorite number!) of today (starting the count now at 1am MST) with the links to my ENTIRE VAULT! Yep... you get the entire store! Not only that... BUT I will refund your entire purchase price as well - so you will be receiving everything for FREE! I hope today is your lucky day!

Now on to the 2nd thing - the FREEBIE - Hooray! I really think these turned out kinda Swass (on a side note: this is the term my dh is determined to single handedly bring back - LOL... oh, it means Funky, Cool, Hip, etc). There's a variety of photo corners. Some with glitter accents... some just plain and I've also included a glitter outline that you can recolor to match whatever you're working on! Have fun with them!

(the link has expired but they are available for purchase at my store)

Going LIVE (wish me luck!)

2007-04-16T08:25:00.000-06:00

Phew! I have been a busy little bee! Over the past couple of weeks, I've been adding to my "inventory" and decided it was about time to launch my STORE! I know that the majority of my readers are all about the freebies (I think we all are...that's why most of us stalk Ikea Goddess and Amy W. and Selena you get the idea, right- hee hehe) but just want to say that I've got the Frugal Digi Scrapper in mind and for this week (until Saturday at midnight) I've got everything in the store priced at just $.99!

Ok.. now I'm going to feel like I do whenever I host a Pampered Chef party or Stampin'UP party... I always tell my friends "Just come! You don't have to buy anything... just stop by and visit! It'll be fun and then I won't be there all alone - LOL"... so that's what I'm going to tell all of you (my cyber friends!)... Just go check it out and have fun! I would really love to hear any comments you guys have about it...

For stopping by today, I've got a little Island Woods Add on that includes the 2 papers and a frame (and yep, you guessed it... the full kit is over at the store). It's a beauty! After I packaged this up, I thought to myself how it looks like it could be the cover of a book.. perhaps a Shutterfly one - how fun is that! Wouldn't you agree?? :)
downlaod here

SHINES...FREEBIE... & GIFTS... oh my!

2007-04-13T00:05:00.000-06:00

Hi and welcome to another edition of the Weekly SHINES of SVdesigns! oooh.. that's sort of fun to say... try saying it out loud. Doesn't that roll off the tongue quite nicely? Anywho... LOTS of submissions this week! I'm going to start off by showing these 4 LO's that were created with the Free Gift Kit (Plum Goodness) that I sent out to last weeks SHINES (yep.. these girls are repeats... guess they knew there'd be another free gift for participating this week as well - which we'll get to later on...) But for now let's focus on these ladies T.A.L.E.N.T.!

Starting from top left (and going clockwise) we have "Berry Good" by Traci V. what a great upclose berry shot she got! The next one is by Lynn (chslynn) and what a sweet pic of her dh and girls! Kori's LO is beneath that one -- documenting her dd's obsession with toe jam! LOL and then the bottom left is another one by Lynn -- how soft and pretty this is! Love how 3 of the 4 incorporated the GOOD into their titles! WTG ladies! Set 2... here we go! These top two LO's have such INCREDIBLE photos!!! top left is by Traci V and to the right is Lynn's... both using my Tropical Resort kit. Bottom left is another one by the talented Lynn (who BTW just made Dana Frantz's CT over at Scrapbookgraphics.com -- GO LYNN!)... and have to say that Lynn's a FAST scrapper... just put this Jumperoo kit up this morning and here's a LO with it! Jolie M. sent me the bottom right LO using my Monday's freebie template. She created this LO using the Scraps for Charity kit and it came out awesome! Next batch starts off with another GORGEOUS LO by Kori using Monday's template. Next up is this creative LO by Desiree! Love her artistic use of tools here. She took me up on my dare and used my first set of "if you dare" papers for this one. Bottom right features a LO by Leslie (go check her out.. she is VERY GENEROUS with her designs and does some awesome work!) She made this LO entirely out of all my past freebies! Vintage Floral meets "if you dare" meets ribbons, etc, etc.. you get the picture - she brought it all together most wonderfully! And to the left of her is a beautiful LO by Kathy. She took on the dare also and used the original set. Our last set starts off with a POWERFUL LO by Lynn. Her dh served our country over in Iraq and her journaling brought tears to my eyes. It was about how she didn't take any pictures of them saying goodbye because it was a moment she didn't want to remember but how it is burned into her memory forever! It's going to make me cry just thinking about it! She created this with my JAMS kit. Top Right features a grunged out cool LO by Christy S. showcasing her sons first soccer game! Glad she took me up on my dare and used the papers! And last (but certainly not least!) is a totally cool LO by Dara. She used the "if you dare" paper and turned it to an overlay to accentuate her gorgeous flowers!!!

So now that we've all had some wonderful inspiration it's FREEBIE TIME! woohoo! oh, wait.. before I get to that... here's what the gals who made this weeks SHINES receive (check your emails ladies... Leslie I didn't have yours... if you could send it my way.. it'll be off to you -- and LVMOMMY2 is receiving this as well.. she sent me a link to a LO, but I couldn't get it to work... but I'm a generous lady and so she gets one too for attempting :)

OK... now it's the FREEBIE time. Promise! After showing you the Glittery Girl pack I figured I'd better give you guys something along the same line... so here's a glittery star frame. It's 5x7 and in png format...ENJOY! Hope you all get some great scrappy time this weekend and don't forget to send me submissions for next weeks SHINES!

download Glittery Star Frame here (just FYI - I didn't zip it up.. so you'll just be DL a png file... just scroll down past the preview once you're at 4shared and you'll see the "download image" button at the bottom right.) ENJOY! :)

Jumperoo Freebie

2007-04-11T23:08:00.000-06:00

Guess what today is?? Today I register my little boy for Kindergarten! How did that happen?? Now, he's not my first to go off to school... nor is he my second - he's the 3rd boy that has gone through this milestone! It just doesn't seem possible! On the positive -- Nathan (my youngest ds) and I will have special "mommy time" each day. :)

Well it's time again for another freebie. I've actually had these papers sitting on my HD for a while now... guess I'm not doing anything else with them so here ya go! Hopefully some of you can use them. So after packaging this mini kit up, I've come to the conclusion that my best genre is definitely G.R.U.N.G.E.! It's so much fun to create and the end product is always so striking and cool. I totally love my "if you dare" series (and what a cool name, if I do say so myself - LOL)... So a little teaser here -- been working on another "set in the series... it's "if you dare (to be a baby)" and I think it's sooooooo cool! Look for it next week (hopefully :)

oh, and yet another teaser... I've got something cooked up special to give to all my SHINES this week! Got some new faces that I can't wait to show off! Remember you can use any of my designs and just shoot me the link :) I'll need them by the end of today (Thursday) if you want them included this week :)

Download Jumperoo here

Scraps for Charity...

2007-04-10T14:47:00.000-06:00

I'm sure a lot of you have heard about this but to others, it might be new... so just wanted to post this here at my blog. It's an awesome cause and the whole idea is BRILLIANT! here's a link for more information and to support the cause!
Scraps for Charity

Date night and Template Freebie

2007-04-08T23:50:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend! I was hoping for a nice picture of my boys all dressed up for Easter before church -- but instead I came downstairs to crushed up eggs ground into the carpet! Yeah... so needless to say, no picture was taken and we were late to church. Afterwards we went to my dh's folks for Easter dinner. My MIL is a fabulous cook and I ended up over-eating a bit and have felt sick ever since! Trust me... not a good feeling! But hey, besides that... it's been a terrific day! Oh, and on Saturday my dh surprised me by getting a babysitter and taking me to a fancy Fondue restruant. We decided to take in the whole dining experience and got the 4 course meal for 2 - which included the salad a bread, followed by a pot of Cheese fondue with an assortment of breads, fruits and vegetables. Next came the main entree that was a selection of meats (like chicken, shrimp, filet mignon, pork tenderloin and alligator. Yes, you read that right -- ALLIGATOR!). I'm so not adventurous when it comes to food but I did have to have a bite of the gator -- just to say I'd eaten it. Then finally out came the Turlte a'la flame -- a rich chocolate with pecans and caramel -- Mmmm.. Yum! They serve this with brownies, cheesecakes, macaroons, lady fingers and then an assortment of fruits and such. Unfortuanetly by this time I was completely stuffed so just had a bite of brownie and cheecake. The whole dining took several hours and my dh and I had a wonderful time just reconnecting.

Alright, now that you've followed me along on a recap of my date - LOL... lets get on with another MGM post. For those of you perhaps just finding my blog now, MGM stands for My Giveaway Monday -- and just like the name says, each Monday you'll find a little goodie free for the taking right here at SVdesigns :) I know I say this pretty much in every post, but I really mean it!... THANK YOU guys for leaving me such wonderful comments. Reading what you write is such an uplifting part of my day! I thought I'd share another template today. This was actually taken from a paper LO that I had created a year or so ago (ya know.. in my "Pre digital" days when I was on the DT for the LSS) and recently made a digi page with it... so here it is for all of my cyber friends :) I hope you have as much fun with it as I did! Remember to keep sending me links (or even just the jpg's) of LO's you've done for inclusion with the weekly SHINES. Have a happy Monday and KEEP ON SCRAPPIN'!

download Template #1 here

SHINES and a FREEBIE

2007-04-05T21:57:00.000-06:00

ok... first things first -- I was SOOOOOOO excited about all of this weeks SHINES! I'm telling ya, you guys are such talented scrappers!!! and I've been waiting all week to showcase these (and maybe that's why I'm getting a little jump on it - starting Thursday night :)

I realized that my previous format on showcasing these, wasn't really the best so I'm trying a different layout... we'll see if we like this way better. So with no further delay...

These 4 layouts were sent in by Kori! Aren't her layouts so wonderful! I especially love the way she used the Tropical Resort kit -- that picture of her little girl is simply adorable!

The top 2 and bottom left layouts were all sent in by Lynn (aka chslynn). I LOVE how she used the "if you dare" papers (on the bottom left LO) and cut the flowers out of it! How cute! The bottom right LO was sent in by Ramie -- what a precious photo she has there of the cousins! Too cute!This third set of layouts were sent in by Heather (aka Scrappy Pony -- top left LO) using the gift paper from being featured in last weeks SHINES. You can't get much cuter than this! The bottom 2 layouts were created by Traci V's! The "if you dare" papers really fit the theme and mood of the HOLES LO!

I'm just so tickled pink by everyone's LO's that I wanted to give these gals something extra special... so... here's a little preview of what this weeks SHINES will be receiving (just as a special "thank you" gift from me -- so ladies... check your emails!) It's full of yummy *goodness* and includes the 5 papers, coordinating ribbon, 3 chipboard elements and 2 overlay frames. The *cleaner* crisp one is 5x7 and the more grungy one is 4x6... so ladies... HAVE FUN!

alright.. now on to the FREEBIE for everyone! I had some "high hopes" for this one as well... but just wasn't turning out quite like I had envisioned... I had taken this gorgeous photo of my plum tree out front and it totally inspired me to make an "if you dare (to see spring) pack... yeah.. just got these 2 done and just wasn't "feelin' it" -- didn't want to force it, so am just offering this small pack with a ribbon. It's still pretty cool, though and hope some of you enjoy it! :)

Download here

Tropical Resort - oooh la la

2007-04-05T00:44:00.000-06:00

First of all.. I have seen several people who say how blogger "ate" their post after they'd spent so much time writing, etc and I have to say -- I always felt bad for them, but somewhat happy that it didn't happen to me (you see where I'm going with this, right??). Yes, I have joined the ranks! I had inserted all the links and was just about to hit "publish" when it happened. Do you all feel sad for me (but secretly relieved that it wasn't you?) LOL... ok.. on for the second encore.
Well... just wanted to update you all on my happenings this week (as I know you are all so interested - hee hee)
* I am still just feeling great about doing lots of freebies from my blog!
* I am still feeling great about doing a bit of selling from here as well :)
* I am reallly excited about a new addition to these. What addition you might all be asking. Well... ealier this week I received a message from Grace Bennett (who is currently having a CT call - the details of which can be found here). Anyway, she invited me to join the Element Team over at Elemental Scraps. Which I gladly accepted! So basically I'll be working on monthly collab kits with some other fantastic designers that will be used as prizes to the participants of the monthly challenges. There is LITERALLY a challenge for pretty much anything you can think of! So I *encourage* you all to head over there and check it out. What can be easier than getting freebies just for participating?? oh yeah, I guess comming here and just clicking on the "download" button - LOL. I'll keep everyone updated on this new adventure :)

Let's see... what else had I talked about in the original post (you know.. the one that got eaten?) oh yeah... I also wanted to say that I'm sooooo excited about the SHINES this week! There have been some FABULOUS ones sent to me and I can hardly wait till Friday to showcase them! I'll also say that those of you who have already submitted for this week are going to be pretty happy come Friday (hint: check your inbox for a special surprise!) If you don't want to feel left out on this, you still have 'till tonight (Thursday) to send me a LO using any of my products :)

OK... so on to the freebie. When I started out with this, I had such big dreams for it! But after I got working on it, it just wasn't turning out the way I had envisioned it... so, here it is for your free consumption. You know what I love most about this kit?? it's name - Tropical Resort! Isn't that sooooo fun?!?!! I absolutely LOVE that part of designing... coming up with the names - LOL.

(the link has expired but this set is available for purchae at my store)

NATURE & TEMPLATE Freebie

2007-04-02T07:55:00.000-06:00

Another week... another Monday! but wait... Monday's are FUNdays here at SVdesigns :) Before I get to the freebie, was just going to give everyone an update. Remember how a couple of weeks ago, I announced that I'd accepted a position at a new store that would be opening up... well, shortly after that "announcement" the store owner emailed and decided to bail on the project. I have to admit that I actually felt relieved. Even though the terms were to "design at your own pace" and there were no deadlines or commissions, I still found myself working into the wee hours each night trying to design the "next best thing" and was putting so much pressure on myself. (Not to mention, I was wanting to go down to Utah for Women's Conference the first week in May, but that interfered with the grand opening of that new site and so I wasn't going to be able to make it... happy to report that now I can! hooray!) Anyway... I've been soooooooo torn on what to do and where to take things from here. I’m sure my sweet DH is getting tired of me "discussing" my options with him pretty much everyday! I WANT to keep designing – I find so much satisfaction in seeing an end product all packaged up and ready for all of you - but I keep asking myself why I put forth so much time and energy into it and is it worth it? And what if I put this much energy into other aspects of my life? So here's the truth of the matter...

* Would I LOVE to see some monetary benefits from my hard work - CERTAINLY!
* Do I think I could find another store to sell at? DEFINITELY
* Do I really want to at this point? here's where I'm unsure...

So, for the time being - I'm just going to keep giving out my work for free here on my blog (and put up an occasional kit, paper pack or template pack for sale here - like I did with my Vintage Floral kit a few weeks back – which I feel went over fairly well ) I really do get pleasure in seeing my designs in "action" in the different galleries and reading all of the comments that you guys leave me here and at 4shared and the emails I receive. I think I've got an awesome group of fans :) - so feel free to wear my new blinkie I created over the weekend for all of you :) ok.. back to my little "vent" to my captive audience (the captive audience who is probably most excited that I'm just going to be doing freebies - LOL) I could go on a bit longer... but think I'll go ahead and end it for now (although part 2 might be in a later post - hee hee).

On a lighter note, my dh and I have been watching the first season of Freaks & Geeks on DVD and I'm a bit inspired to make some retro 80's papers - LOL! We'll see where that takes me... But for today, I've got a 12 piece paper pack for the taking. There's 5 solids and 7 coordinating patterns. Remember to email me your LO's (or links to the LO's) so I can check them out and include them in this weeks SHINES.
Alright... thanks for making it THIS FAR! Here's what you've all been waiting for..

(link is no longer active... if you'd like... this paper pack is up for sale at my store)

Also... just for kicks.. here's another template for you guys! I think there's lots of potential with this one - can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

Download Template #5 here -- I know, I know... my template titles are sooooooo original! LOL

SHINES of the week!

2007-03-29T21:22:00.000-06:00

I'm gonna have to say that I think these posts (even though this is only my second SHINE)... they are my favorites! #1) because it shows me that people are actually using my designs and #2) I get to showcase some fabulous scrappers! #3) It's just too darn fun!And just for kicks... I'm going to send each of these gals a fun little *extra*... they'll be recieving this paper from my ISLAND WOODS collection (which hasn't been released yet)... so check your emails ladies :) I hope to get loads of LO's this comming week to showcase in next Friday's SHINES of SVdesigns... and who knows what next weeks little *extra* will be. Have I enticed you yet to share your LO's - LOL

DOUBLE THE FUN!

2007-03-28T15:55:00.000-06:00

You all need to thank my incredible MIL -- she took the boys today and so I've spent the afternoon designing some more fun filled goodies! In fact, you are in for a double dose of fun today -- a template AND a paper pack! I've been debating on which pack to put up.. I did create an IF YOU DARE (to be a girl) set -- obviously by it's name, the girl counterpart to Monday's freebie :) and I also just finished up a 12 paper set called NATURE... hmmm.. decisions, decisions! LOL... I'm going to flip a coin.. Heads is IYD and tales will be NATURE... (hold on a moment)...... ok, I'm back -- took me a bit longer than I thought.. couldn't find a coin - LOL. The winner for today's freebie is IF YOU DARE (to be a girl)!! and just because I get so much lovin' from all you gals -- here's an extra Template for ya! I used it in my "Making the Grade" LO that can be found a few posts down...

Also, stay tuned for this weeks SHINES! can't wait to share them with you... there hasn't been too many so I've got plenty of space for all of YOURS -- so share them with all of us (by emailing me a link - email is just under my profile)... let's see... while I have everyone's attention is there anything else I want to say... hmmm... nope.. just HAVE FUN SCRAPPIN'!

(link has been taken down but this set of papers is available for purchae at my store)

download template here

MGM - IF YOU DARE Freebie

2007-03-26T07:35:00.000-06:00

Hi and welcome to my blog this fine, happy Monday! My boys are all on spring break this week... so wish me luck in surviving - LOL. My friend Heather (aka Scrappy Pony Designs) shared a few of her ingenious tips on making some awesome grunge papers... and here's the end product! I named it "if you dare" because basically -- these are BOLD, RAW and GRUNGED OUT to the max... and only use them if you dare - LOL. These definitely are not for the faint of heart. I challenged myself to use them and came up with this. Credits can be found here for the LO. Also, just one more thing. I'm quite curious on the different creations you guys can come up with using these... SO... anyone who emails me a link to a LO they've done using IF YOU DARE... I'll give 2 more papers that go with this set (I had too much fun playing after I'd already *packaged* these up for the freebie - LOL) My email is located just under my profile :) Download If You Dare

SHINES of the week

2007-03-22T23:48:00.000-06:00

What's more rewarding than seeing your goodies put to good use??? Well.. I guess I can think of a few things, but I must say - it's pretty darn cool! Several of you have emailed me links to LO's you've designed using SVdesign products and so I decided to start doing a fun little thing each week. I'm going to call it "SHINES of the week" and bascially I'll make a little collection of LO's that showcase my work in action and post it here on my blog. If you'd like to be considered for future weeks, just drop me an email :) - my address can be found just beneath my profile. Here are this weeks SHINES... enjoy! and I hope to hear from LOTS of you this week! (oh, and it doesn't have to be the latest freebie.. it can be any of my goodies).

I also did one up tonight using the new Coral Reef Papers. I usually don't scrap with these brighter colors and didn't think I'd even have any pictures to use with them, but my son happened to be wearing this orange shirt today -- hooray for him! LOL. I used Seebies alpha grunge for the title and the arrow is by Kari :)

TT - Coral Reef Paper Pack

2007-03-22T01:08:00.000-06:00

Happy Thursday to all of my cyber friends!! Although I was tempted to do another Template (I find them F.U.N. to make - LOL) I thought I'd pass around some *Fresh* papers today instead -- to help welcome in spring :) If you think you can use them... click HERE to download.

2007-03-20T21:29:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone... just a quick post...
here's a cool layout by Jolie using my latest Template - I just LOVE how it's so fresh and sunny! ... She gave permission for me to post it here to inspire all of you!!! Keep sending in links to LO's using my goodies (who knows.. you could be next to apper here - LOL)

Word Art Link :)

2007-03-19T17:17:00.000-06:00

alright.. it was brought to my attention that when you save the word art from the blog here... there is a white background with it... SO SORRY LADIES! thought I'd make things simple.. guess not - LOL
so... HERE is the link for it. It's not zipped.. but it is in .png format so just click the "download here" once you're at 4shared.

Template and Quote Freebie

2007-03-18T23:05:00.000-06:00

It's Monday again and you all know what that means, right?? Yep.. it's MGM (My Giveaway Monday) time again at SVdesigns! I hope everyone's week is starting off on a fantastic note! We've had such gorgeous weather that I just can't help but smile :) I've been making some more templates and thought I'd share another one (I don't think I really like this one... but someone may have the perfect pictures for this design so GET IT HERE ). Also, here's the quote word art that I used when playing around using Jessica Spragues handtinted tutorial (read next blog entry for details) and thought I'd share that today with all of you as well :) Again, just wanted to say thanks for all the awesome comments that you all leave me here (and also at 4shared). I DO read them :) and they give me warm fuzzies - thanks! oh, just right click on the word art picture and select "Save As" to download to your desktop. It's in .png format. If that doesn't work, I'll go ahead and link it up to 4shared.

Dreamy Handtinted Effect

2007-03-18T01:03:00.000-06:00

So call me crazy but I had no idea that Jessica Sprague did photoshop tutorials each friday! I've been checking out different blogs and came across a link to hers on this tutorial that I used to create this handtinted and frame effect! I'm so pleased with the outcome! Her instructions were so easy to follow! Thanks! This is a photo of my littlest guy this past Thursday during our home photo shoot :)

Template Freebie

2007-03-15T09:47:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! I know TONS of people make Templates out there (and they are awesome at it!!) but thought I'd give one a try... I actually think it turned out pretty cool and used it to do a LO this morning with (papers are from Meredith Fenwicks Technogrunge kit and the brushes are by Designfruit) ... Here's the LINK to download it (do it fast, tho.. I'm limiting this to just 400 downloads! edited: wow! I didn't realize it would exceed 400 within 10 hours. Sorry, but the link has been taken down. I'm thinking this template will be available in the near future, though.) I hope you all enjoy it and feel free to show me what you do with it.. who knows.. I might just ask to showcase it here on my blog :)

Happy News and FREEBIES!

2007-03-13T22:51:00.000-06:00

Alright everyone... first of all I guess I have an "announcement" to make - :)
A brand new site will be opening up in the near future (shooting for a May 1st debut) and I have accepted an offer to be one of their designers! Originally I had planned on just selling from my blog so (1) I wasn't under any "pressure" to produce X amount of product by a certain date and (2) so I could keep my prices low by not compensating for paying a store commision. Well, needless to say, I found an owner that addressed BOTH of these points! They encourage us to "design at our own pace" -- which is a concept that I LOVE!!! Designers are given a certain amount of shopping cart slots in their store and basically they are ours to do with what we want... to fill with kits, alphas, elements, templates - whatever! and obviously, if they are all filled, that's more beneficial to us... and number 2: There are no commission to pay. ever! Paypal will be the method of acceptable payments and only the coresponding paypal fee will be taken from the payment. I found the official call for this in the digishoptalk forums (which gives more info and the contact information) -- so check it out if you're interested!! I believe she is down to looking for only 4 more designers to climb on board! So don't delay if you're seriously interested! In talking with the owner, I am VERY impressed with her designer/owner co-op concept! I am so thrilled that this opportunity was extended to me and that it will fit into my life and let me keep my priority on my family and have fun with the whole designing journey :) - plus I'm relived that I have over 6 weeks to "build up" my inventory to have some awesome things ready for the big release day - LOL. Oh, and here in a few weeks it looks like I'm going to have to be putting out a call for my very own CT -- wow - that sounds sooooo official! a bit intimidating to me... but exciting at the same time!... so keep a watch out for that too (if you're interested :)

Alright... but in the meantime... I was going through my files and came upon this painted alphabet stencils (that I made to go with my August Sun kit -- found here on my blog) but somehow it didn't make it in - LOL... but then I started playing around in PSE and came up with some papers that coordinate with it as well!... feel free to pick these up if you can use them!

Click here for the Painted Alphabet Stencils

Click here for the Golden Wash Trio paper pack