What led me to Digi Scrap

Hi. I added this to a post in a new site for all artists, crafters, or wanna-be's, on *The Hive*, in a group for digi scrappers. I wanted to blog it as well, for my pitiful memory, as well as cheap entertainment for you. LOL

What led you to your interest in this medium? Any plans for your future in digi scrap?

For me- it was the impending arrival of our first grandchild. I had seen some digi scrap photos online, but I didn't know what it was called. All I knew was I liked it, but had no reason to add another art medium to my list of crafts I did for a few years & never touched again. Plus at that time- I was actually making decent money as a decorative painter, & my time was devoted to that. Business slowed down, due a lot to me. So- then grandchild news arrived & what better motivator is there for a new craft medium??? But could I afford it? I had already sunk a small fortune into painting. Well- I discovered that other than investment in software (& there are a few freebies you can use, depending on how involved you get), & printing costs, that's about it. There are so many freebies in cyber space, you don't need to pay a penny if you dont want too. YOu can find free tuts & info online as well on how to do anything with your program. If you get/buy a digi kit- you can use it over & over again. You have it forever!!! And no MESS!!!! That really appealed to me LOL I have too much mess as it is. LOL Everything is contained on YOUR computer.
So- i decided to do this craft a little dif than my norm- I research it, & research it some more, & never did anything. I usually jump in with 2 feet & then look back to see what I am doing. By this time we now know our grand will be a girl- & if I want to do any pages I better put this into practice. So I hooked up with one site that had some wonderful programs for beginners... free again! And that was the start of my love affair with digi scrapping. You can see my beginning pages on Digital Scrapbook Place, under the name alarmrx2. I have progressed a lot, with lots of help- but I have a long way to go.
Hubby bought PSE 8 for my photo software, it is more than enough for me to handle. I did learn that this stuff can take LOTS of room on your computer, so I got a External Hard drive. I have learned an extremely valuable lesson- back those files & pages up!!!!!!!
As for the future- I *hope* to attend a digital crop in NC next spring. We'll see about that one. LOL And I want to keep learning. Right now I am learning about actions. I finally know what they are after a year! Brushes might be next.
The only thing about digi sites- is adding the credits. I want to add credits, but digi sites are kinda possessive about what can can be posted on each site. And when I started out- I wasnt good at saving the freebie designers. I'm still not if its a individual element. I understand why... but I am not used to that, I don't remember ever seeing that on painting sites. Maybe because most ptg artists use a generic site to save there stuff. Gee- another thing to try to remember. LOL
Hope you enjoyed my story, or put you to sleep for a nap. LOL

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The Hive..... hmmmmm....

The Hive  (using my link)

I have just discovered a new online resource that some of my crafty friends might enjoy. There seems to be a LOT of resources here... everything from craft business to organizing your craft space. Guess which one I need. And of course deco painting, & a few more.
It is called The Hive (use the link above to join or visit, I get credit), & it is free. It is a social + more (I did see some freebie stuff mentioned) site to provide a home for all crafting of any type. If its not there- it will be created. And I cannot BELIEVE that the deco painting doesn’t have more members. LOL
Also- I did not see a separate category for digital scrap booking- unless it is called digital collage in another country. So I will be starting one. So be sure & sign up for that one :)
I know- I said the same thing- I do not want another site to keep up with- but once I get everything figured out, it will work into my lack of schedule just fine. LOL

So come join me!
 

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More Digi Sites

As I visit different digi scrapping sites I do just what those blinkies are there for.... I click & find more sites, some that I just "click" with. I had recently decided to try & stick with 3 main sites, & of course, DSP being my favorite one. After all- they are my digi home, the site that is always there for me & taught me the most. But I wanted to participate in more challenges, & I can barely keep up with one site, but I wanted to broaden my digi virgin wings. OMG- therre are so many out there! I sure am glad I don't want to be a designer!!! LOL
My recent discovery-------- Digi Scraps Drive-In------ what nice people! Of course I started out right- I wasn't thinking & copied my pers site links from my email, to include another site where I have my DS gallery. I do know better BTW. In digi land, that is a no-no. (I don't think I ever saw that in painting land). I received the nicest message about it, & removed the link. I wanted to do a speed scrap with them that night, so I jumped in, & felt right at home <3 This was it...


Now the reason I went to this site in the first place was because I saw a blurb about a digital scrap retreat... maybe I saw it on FB, maybe I googled, I don't know. All I know is I was thrilled when I found one in the area where I grew up- one of the MOST beautiful places on Earth- Asheville NC!!! Don't argue with me- it truly is magnificent there. Too bad I didn't know how special it was while growing up there. :) Anyway- this is a sign (yep, I do believe in them) that I do need to be at this retreat! And when I felt so welcomed by DSDI- that was the convincing factor. LOL And I will be able to visit all of my scattered family after, or before, whatever. Of course. like everything, all this takes is money. Ha haaaa..... I keep forgetting to tell Mike that I want to do this. Especially since I/we have spent more money this year than we probably do in 3 years on fun stuff. Oh well- this doesn't happen til next year, but I do need to send in my registration to be sure I have a spot.
Well- my bedtime alarm just went off, & i think I should be headed that way. I usually turn it off & keep on going, yeah, it does a lot of good. But Bella is peacefully sleeping in her bed with us tonight, & somehow I don't think she will be letting me sleep til 10 or later in the morning. She is such a blessing to us, and I LOVE that little Brad looking face. And she has her Mommy & Daddy's sweet nature. And she is JUST like Uncle David in her activities! Go go go! Just like David- she started walking at just over 10 months. I think she has the best of all three of my children. Technically- Kelsey is a DIL, but to me she is my daughter, with a heart kinder than most, & filled with love.
Well- I could go on & on- but I need to head for bed. I blogged instead of watching Army wives, I'll see it later. Love those DVR's! Thought blogging would be faster... didn't know I was going to go on & On like some batteries. Good Night All!!!

Sweets for the night- Sweet dreams of ice cream, candy, cake, pies, & kissies from loved ones.

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Speed Scrap following Ivory Keyes around the web V2

I putzed around a bit more.... also- I have no clue where ahy of the elements came from. So if you created any of these, please let us know by claiming it. Sorry- I didnt keep up w/ individual pieces very good.
Click on the photo to enlarge.

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Speed Scrap following Ivory Keyes around the web

I really don't know where to post my speed scrap from today, so I'll post it here :) 
This is David when he was a baby, the top photo is my brother Tommy holding him. middle- Mike & I (badly needed a hair dye), last one was my Dad holding him.
I want to tint the photo's, but I cant remember how- so I'll have to look it up. LOL 
I think this is a *happy* for this post.

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What A day Today Is... or was... almost

I just wanted to say that today has been one of those days where you have done stuff all day, but I don't think anything got accomplished! LOL
I started out with plans to return to my studio & keep organizing, but got sidetracked looking at info on pillowcase type dresses for Bella. That should be interesting- I haven't sewed much in years!!!
Then somehow I wandered over to the new scanner that I haven't touched, & thought I would try scanning some old Christmas photos of me for a future digi page. Well- that was sooooo easy I just kept going- until I realized- wow- this scanner not only separated the pics, it will auto straighten. Amazing!!! And it will also auto lighten, adjust, do all kinds of things, but that is why I have PSE 8 to fix photos- so auto straighten  is enough for me. Scan a few more... OMGOSH... what about resolution!!! I suddenly remember others telling me to scan in a good resolution. Oh no- whats good???? So I start out high when I finally found the settings, set it up, scanned & waited... & waited... & waited... and thought I broke it! I finally set it on 600dpi, & while that takes a bit of time, they should do okay for scrapping. So I worked on that all afternoon until SCRAP CHAT time @ 9. Had a nice visit & we talked about all kinds of things & now I am here when I should be in the shower.
I also made reservations to go to Orange Beach, Al for a few days of sun & shopping with Brad, Kelsey, & Bella.
OH- for those of you that know I have a problem these days going to bed- I made myself a nightly reminder at 1AM to go to bed, or take meds then, depending on how tired I am. I love my reminder program. GRIN
One day I will have to share some of the awesome programs I have discovered.

Funny for the Day
I have a question

A father and son went fishing one day. While they were out in the boat, the boy suddenly became curious about the world around him. He asked his father, "How does this boat float?
The father replied, "Don't rightly know son." A little later, the boy looked at his father and asked, "How do fish breath underwater?"
Once again the father replied, "Don't rightly know son." A little later the boy asked his father, "Why is the sky blue?"
Again, the father replied. "Don't rightly know son." Finally, the boy asked his father, "Dad, do you mind my asking you all of these questions?"
The father replied, "Of course not, you don't ask questions, you never learn nothin'."
ha haa haaaaa

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BOOTCAMP- Day 12 I will finish

Day 12 journal word was "dreams". I dont have that many dreams for myself. My life is blessed, my dreams have come true for the most part. Love from certain people is the only thing I am insecure about.
But I have lots of dreams & hopes for my loved ones!!! That doesnt mean I want them to live my dreams, they have their own dreams. As long as they are happy- that is my dream come true!
Now if they happen to give me a bunch more grandchildren, that would be okay with me.  GRIN  Ms Bella has shown me a whole new type of love.

*Day 12's prompt word was "smooth". I had to do a little digging on this one, the obvious was too "obvious". Then I saw smooth jazz... I like smooth jazz & I like smooth music. It is very calming to me & my soul.



My funny for this post....
Attitude



A young couple, just married, were in their honeymoon suite on their wedding night. As they were undressing for bed, the husband -- who was a big burly man -- tossed his trousers to his bride and said, "Here, put these on."
She put them on and the waist was twice the size of her body. "I cant wear your trousers," she said.
"That's right, said the husband, "and don't you ever forget it. I'm the man who wears the pants in this family."
With that she flipped him her panties and said, "Try these on."
He tried them on and found he could only get them on as far as his kneecaps. "Hell," he said. I cant get into your panties!"
She replied, "That's right, and that's the way its going to stay until your attitude changes."

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