tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30373470823227404472024-02-20T22:26:26.305-07:00April Dawn CreationsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-14827815468379569972011-03-19T12:40:00.002-07:002011-03-19T12:55:27.854-07:00Change is inevitable in Life!Many of you are probably asking...since it has been over a year since my last post and even then things were very infrequent...where I went, where have I been, and why don't I just close this blog. I have to admit I have debated the value of keeping it, but I haven't stopped creating and I really would love to share those creations in this format. However, change is inevitable in life...so where have I been? I have been advocating for my children, my boys do indeed have Asperger's Syndrome which brings a constant sense of adventure and challenge to our family life. I have been working with a team of parents to advocate for stronger and more helpful bullying prevention policies in our district, which has been a learning experience. I have had a fifth child...boy was that a surprise!...but she is a constant joy and delight in our home. She is now learning how to climb on the furniture which makes it so I spend my day teaching her how to sit down, get down safely, catching her whenever I am quick enough, and cuddling her when I am not.<br /><br />KjoiStudios has gone a major change too since I have been out of it online...the store is no more multiple designers. This was a wise choice by the owner as she was having some life adventures of her own...but I will and have missed it. This also means that due to my busy-ness I am no longer selling in any shops, and in all reality I haven't designed anything for a year now. But not to worry I have no doubt that the right time for that will come again as I had too much fun doing it. But for now I am taking time to create more than just digi-designs, my goal is to create a happy, safe, healthy, and loving childhood and homelife for my children. This will come with a lot of crafting itself as that is what will keep me happy through the ups and downs of life, and we all know "If Momma ain't happy, ain't no one happy." So, this is now an expanding blog from digiscrapping and designing, to all crafting and creating fun I have! Stay tuned for upcoming pictures of the hairclip barrettes I have been crafting for my 3 girls!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-4886857477524936452010-01-23T10:57:00.007-07:002010-01-23T11:10:58.347-07:00January's KjoiStudios Collab...on sale for 8 more days!!Hi all,<br />I know I have been a bit scarce the past several months...but hang in there, I am hoping that will change still! In the meantime if you want to see my latest designs, they are in the most recent KjoiStudios Collaborations. January's is called Natural Reflections...and it is a peaceful and calm yet amazingly beautiful kit! Here is the preview and it is linked to the shop:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kjoistudios.net/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=157_512&products_id=3517"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://kjoistudios.net/shop/images/k-joi-collab-nat-reflect.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you are all having a fabulous New Year!!<br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-55072854463698733242009-12-04T15:31:00.005-07:002009-12-04T16:03:39.325-07:002010 Brag Book Calendar Blog TrainI am back with more fun! And speaking of fun...have you been by the KjoiStudios forum to check out the Advent Calendar Hunt? Every day another part of this kit is hidden in the shop for you to snag for free...but if you want to know where it is hiding you have to check the member area of the forum.<br /><br />Now for some more freebie fun!! Some of the KjoiStudios designers have gotten together to help make your family calendars for 2010 a breeze! There are 10 designers that took on the 12 months...each designer with one of their items, which is now on sale for 50% off during the blog train for the calendar pages. So...here is my BB-sized Quick Page Calendar Freebie, for May 2010:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kjoistudios.com/kjoi/aprildawn/aprildawn_may%202010.zip"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5bguAdtV1Y6GSxqB8LvF8kp7S3Sf11rrFMJ-TKHdzYY1DmjiSLlHhe_cEa1I32bjTdoVqJVWdJ7zUCS-DC0ktVzpN-1_L7I0yxV_IgCzIyOszFuPHRb-e_UtW3CAxMauIcDVZlRWifQi/s320/May-2010-Calendar-Page.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411516084841357522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >(Click on the image above to download directly.)</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And here is the blog train list so that you can grab the rest of 2010 from their blogs:<br /><br />Jan * <a href="http://www.pandabeardesigns.blogspot.com/">Panda Bear Designs</a><br />Feb * <a href="http://scrapznbitz.blogspot.com/">ScrapznBitz</a><br />Mar * <a href="http://sandezcreationz.blogspot.com/">SandEz </a><br />Apr * <a href="http://liz-lizarddaudesigns.blogspot.com/">Lizard Dau Designs</a><br />You are here!---->May * <a href="http://aprildawncreations.blogspot.com/">April Dawn Creations</a><----You are here! Jun * <a href="http://scrapznbitz.blogspot.com/">ScrapznBitz</a><br />Jul * <a href="http://katlen124.blogspot.com/">KatLen Kreations</a><br />Aug * <a href="http://iceprincessfl.blogspot.com/">ice princess</a><br />Sep * <a href="http://living4him2.blogspot.com/">Lori Imel</a><br />Oct * <a href="http://cactusmango.com/">CACTUSmango Designs</a><br />Nov * <a href="http://scrappingwithangel.blogspot.com/">Designs by Angel</a><br />Dec * <a href="http://katlen124.blogspot.com/">KatLen Kreations</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-49756249181687335022009-10-26T09:35:00.009-07:002009-10-26T09:58:06.760-07:00Breast Cancer Awareness-Charity Kit and Freebie!Hi all, just popping in to let you know what I have been up to lately. Did you know that this month is Breast Cancer Awareness month? If not, now you do! It is amazing how many fabulous things I have seen going on this month to push forward this cause. I know this disease is one that hits families hard, and catching it early is key. So...the designers at KjoiStudios wanted to do their part in helping contribute to the awareness of this disease so more lives might be saved. And what do the designers do...but design! So 13 of us have put together this INCREDIBLE and gorgeous charity kit:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kjoistudios.net/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=526&products_id=3480"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 380px;" src="http://kjoistudios.net/shop/images/k-joi%20collab%20preview%20cancer%20charitysmall.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">(Click on the image to visit it in the KjoiStudios Shop.)</span></span><br /></div><br />All proceeds of this kit go to the Susan G. Komen Fund...the shop paypal fees are included too, so every cent goes to them! Here is the description in the shop for you to see what we put together for you:<br /><br /><div id="productDescription" class="productGeneral biggerText">This kit was put together by 13 designers who want to get out the word on Breast Cancer Awareness. ALL proceeds from the sale of this kit will go to the Susan G. Komen Fund to aid in this cause! For more information, or to donate to this cause directly visit: <a href="http://ww5.komen.org/">http://ww5.komen.org/</a>. This kit is for all the mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, cousins, friends, grandmothers, and many other loved ones who have ever suffered from this illness and their families.<br /><br />It is so important to catch this early...and that is the message we want to get out! Check yourselves, be checked by your doctor, and be aware for those that care so deeply about you! To those that haven't survived this...we will remember you forever!! And to those that have survived this...we are amazed by the strength and courage you inspire in those that are around you...THANK YOU!<br /><br />This kit includes 71 papers, 113 elements, and 2 alphas. All items are 300ppi resolution, and are jpg/png files. The papers are all 12x12 in size.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 51, 255); text-decoration: underline;">There is also a generous coupon added by Kara of KjoiStudios for her shop!</span><br /></div><br />The elements include: 12 frames and frame clusters, 13 flowers (1 of which comes in 3 colors), 15 Word Art, 9 individual Breast Cancer Awareness ribbons, 5 bows, 8 ribbons, 5 tags and journaling tags, 4 butterflies, 4 buttons, 2 bottlecaps, 3 doodles, 3 glittered chipboard pieces, 3 borders, 2 crowns, 2 flourishes, 2 mats, 1 marquisite pin, 1 sparkly tree, 1 butterfly trail, 1 scatter of silver hearts, 1 frilly heart, 1 silver swirlie, 1 Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirt, 1 glitter leaf, 1 photo turn, 1 Hope rock, 1 chipboard piece, 1 rose stick pin, 1 eyelet ribbon, 1 Hope charm necklace, 1 lace clip, 1 ribbon pile, and more...<br /><br />The alphas are: A distressed chipboard alpha (Uppercase only), and A glittered polka dot alpha (Uppercase, Lowercase, Numbers, and Punctuation).<br /><br />Now this isn't all we have for you, if you like BB pages and freebies you are in luck! Lori Imel has taken this fabulous kit and put together an FABULOUS BB page album for us to post parts of on our blogs to help get the word out! You can get the part she donated for me to use by clicking on the preview image below:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.kjoistudios.com/kjoi/lori/LAI_KJOINov09_BB05.zip"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 380px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYhEbWXQoGQoziJuqx6G-jnf9pJrwvhINfHIpOD5NI8EZmV2D3cFW0QhFNbcm27d8zKkuJY4mktvUKpTLzGD_mSkKeYpFIYOirSJ81nbCVZ8FW3joTWO0NYL9CfQigfKaK0y3rUAF62FL/s400/LAI_KJOI_BCA_Pre05.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396952204760367154" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Click on the preview to download the BB pages Freebie!)<br /></span></div><br />You are probably wondering where you can get the rest of this STUNNING album?! Well, no worries! All the information about what blogs to visit will be/or is posted on the KjoiStudios Blog! Just visit the blog for the list! And please help us in getting the word out, both about Breast Cancer Awareness, and our charity kit! THANK YOU!!<br /></div> <!--eof Product description -->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-38919856630607180902009-10-02T09:20:00.005-07:002009-10-02T09:50:44.047-07:00Life's Brick Walls and Scrapping past them.Okay, I know it has been a little while since my last post. I happened to hit one of life's brick walls, and had to take a few months figuring out how to work around/over it. Of course the funnest answer to this is to just scrap and design my way past it...unfortunately I hit the scrappers form of "writer's block" at the same time. But I am glad to say that the brick wall seems to have shrunk to a climbable height, and I am making my way over this one now!<br /><br />I have a lot of good friends and family to thank for their help with this, and as always the LORD for his mighty hand having the place it does in my life!<br /><br />Anyway, while I haven't been posting...life at Kjoistudios has gone on! You should see the past few collab kits that the fabulous designers there have put together, they always do such a fantastic job putting them together! And our CT has been hard at work putting out some truly FABULOUS layouts...you should see them in the gallery! Oh, and we have added a weekly hybrid project to our newsletter...with our COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS themes each month from now until then! Check out these ones I added to my shop this past month when we focused on ornaments:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kjoistudios.net/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_466&products_id=3361"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 180px;" src="http://kjoistudios.net/shop/bmz_cache/3/31a39a111f53c65f1b228bb29256fd48.image.180x180.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kjoistudios.net/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_466&products_id=3370"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 180px;" src="http://kjoistudios.net/shop/bmz_cache/3/34348137a44d800a784842d73789eef8.image.180x180.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kjoistudios.net/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_466&products_id=3388"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 180px;" src="http://kjoistudios.net/shop/bmz_cache/d/d7015226bb7dcbf1d2db5c9928a618d8.image.180x180.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Oh, and I added a 2010 Calendar Grungy Brush set to my shop, for those of you working on the family calendars already:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kjoistudios.net/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_466&products_id=3389"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://kjoistudios.net/shop/bmz_cache/2/2abebd489d6d72ca885d5e4ee853892e.image.250x250.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Can you believe we only have 11 Fridays after today until Christmas!!?? It is hard to believe it comes so fast! And speaking of holidays...what does your family do for Halloween that doesn't involve SUGAR?! One of my sons has an issue with sugar and after last years fiasco with trick or treating...we have decided to do a homemade Halloween party, and see if we can find a fun way to dress up sugar free items. We already have decided we can have "dirt"...you know where you take sugar-free chocolate pudding, find some sugar-free oreo type cookies and crush them up over the top of the pudding, then add a gummy worm coming out of them...but I want some more fun things to make and do with them, as it will be a long night of them wondering why they can't go trick or treating! Any ideas you want to share?? I would be most grateful!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-55926927278573118772009-06-06T09:18:00.006-07:002009-06-06T10:06:18.835-07:00Updates, and Birthdays!!<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span></span>Wow, it is amazing how time flies! My poor neglected blog...oops!...anyway it isn't neglected now!! I have been busy playing with the construction again. Check out the TOU tab and the About Me tab...they are updated! I still need to add the general information on the About Me page...but it is started and ready for me to finish. I am hoping to finish up some of the other tabs this next week as time allows...we will see as the kids are on summer break.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />And speaking of time flying, this hit me hard the other day as I realized how close my son's birthday was. They grow so quickly. The changes are subtle from day to day, but when you look over a period of years they are incredibly and drastic!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6VpdrZ_lPdaqiqdTwBqCTQ78ihiitdvw-9uEU5guWI6HmnKObstU43tuxxV8kU65WoSAVzNJKZrMDmSPu5HpVByDDT2NWNp0VJYg7EFxkdfBWcRthbyKHtDL1FyfvYaZeD2weAgioY-O/s1600-h/Then-and-Now-LJ.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6VpdrZ_lPdaqiqdTwBqCTQ78ihiitdvw-9uEU5guWI6HmnKObstU43tuxxV8kU65WoSAVzNJKZrMDmSPu5HpVByDDT2NWNp0VJYg7EFxkdfBWcRthbyKHtDL1FyfvYaZeD2weAgioY-O/s320/Then-and-Now-LJ.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344252998663515730" border="0" /></a>Here is a LO that I made around his birthday last year!<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Do you find the same happens with your scrapbooking? Are you one that tends to redo old layouts because they just don't fit your style or scrapbooking knowledge anymore? If so, my opinion is that you should let it be. I am like you on this...it truly does bother me, but a good friend pointed out the other day that this is a journal of your knowledge and how you have learned and grown.<br /><br />If you change this, you lose that record of you, and as scrappers we are the person most often left out of our scrapbooks. Let's see what we can do to leave a record for our children, grandchildren, and other family that might really treasure it. It is amazing how much they see in us that we just don't see in ourselves!<br /><br />Now, back to my son's birthday...with his birthday, I am having a "My baby is turning 9!" sale!! There are 9 items in my shop at KjoiStudios.net, that are only $1...these items are at least 50% off or MUCH more!! Oh, and the Fighting Fire kit that I made for his birthday is FREE...but all of this is ONLY for today!! So, come grab these items if you are interested!!<br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:100%;" ></span><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"></div><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-81522853702845207082009-03-31T18:52:00.005-07:002009-03-31T19:49:04.357-07:00April Fool's Day...LOL!In the past this has been one of my least favorite days, but not this year!! There is SO MUCH going on this time to have FUN with, there is no way I am going to feel anything more than excitement at what I KNOW you all are going to LOVE!!<br /><br />But first let me get a tiny bit of business out of the way...lol...that sounds so drab! This is FUN business!! Kjoi has a new collab and it is our biggest yet, Garden Paths Mega Collab is perfect for scrapbooking those photos of doing yard work, landscaping, gardening (flower or vegetable), or even just simply enjoying the beauty nature brings us this time of year! This kit has 98 papers...all 300ppi and 12x12 jpg files. It also has 167 elements...all 300ppi png files. Here is the preview of this fabulous kit:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kjoistudios.net/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=157&products_id=2876"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://kjoistudios.net/shop/images/gardenpaths_shoppreview.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Click on the Preview to visit it in the Shop.)</span><br /></div><br />The elements for this kit include: 35 various flowers, 18 frames and frame clusters, 17 bows, 10 ribbons, 7 tags, 6 borders, 6 word arts, 4 butterflies, 4 branches, 3 seed packets, 3 overlays, 3 flower cards, 3 fence elements, 3 wavy beads, 3 leaves, 2 bowflowers, 2 kitty garden clusters, 2 pairs of brackets, 2 shovels, 1 folded paper, 1 bunch of grapes, 1 set stitched shapes, 1 tap w/drip, 1 frog, 1 fly, 1 bush, 1 aphid bug, 1 spiders web w/spider, 1 fox statue on a rock, 1 pot of tulips, 1 journaling mat, 1 clip, 1 trowel, 1 cart/wheelbarrow, 1 clay pot, 1 pot cluster, 1 rock, 1 snail, 1 bee, 1 archway, 1 tomato, 1 pea pods, 1 turnips, 1 carrot, 1 sun, 1 tools cluster, 1 flower stem, 1 button, 1 polka dot tool belt w/ tools, and 1 paper vine.<br /><br />Now what else have I got for you...LOL...just you wait and see!! KjoiStudios is holding it's first ever GREAT KJoi Egg Hunt April 1st-April 30th!! One product from one designer will be on MEGA special for $1 every day during the month of April...we are talking greater than 50% off, some as much as 80% off!! But which designer, and which product, on which day??<br /><br />Well, for that you must register in the Kjoi forum and visit it to find out! We will post one Egg with a clue each day. Find the Matching Egg in the Shop, and you will have your special for the day! There will be a crossword to fill out for those looking for more fun and a fabulous freebie to those who fill it out. For more details visit us in the KjoiStudios Forum to find out!! Here is the ad we put together...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kjoistudios.com/messages/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRfG7eA5pRlukSwDJ55H14iJHrPLvppePl6RkRvROZDq-mwa9hQCWx74eChHAsCs3OJatk6FkQCa6bEq32ZRIQabkBpW_UtBXLlS-4fDZgqNN5mYokBC2bgR6wJZ7714LWjMr7361pCyk/s320/easter-hunt-advert.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319546975005079026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Click on the ad to visit our forum!)</span><br /></div><br />I have a freebie, it was posted on the DigiScrapStation blog several months ago but not many were visiting there then, so I have chosen to dust off this fabulous Add-On to my Rosebud Garden Kit as it holds some of my favorite parts! Here is the preview:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kjoistudios.net/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_466&products_id=2888"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://kjoistudios.net/shop/images/attributes/aprildawn_rbgaddon_-prev.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(Click on it to download from the shop.)</span><br /></div><br />I hope to see you around more often...oh, and no worries, this blog is still under construction...so if you click on my links above and find a blank page that is why!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-69206622346319837592009-03-02T15:50:00.003-07:002009-03-02T16:00:11.018-07:00Crazy DaysWhere did I go?? Well, things have been crazy...lol, and it is long past due for an update! I was hired on as Media Manager and Site Admin at KjoiStudios. Learning my new role there has kept me hopping! But I have enjoyed every minute of it!<br /><br />On top of this, there is a chance that my boys both have an autism spectrum disorder...at this point we think Aspergers. So, I have been busy trying to work with Dr.'s and the school and my boys to see what accurate diagnosis we might find. This of course is a job and a half, but I am finding a ton of support from friends...online and offline...who know what I am facing and are showing they care.<br /><br />I have now officially left DigiScrapStation...although I hope to go back again at some point. With the above mentioned things going on I haven't had time to do anything more there, and didn't feel that right for Nancy who is so kind and easy-going. Anyway, I will miss them greatly but will still stop by from time to time as life allows because the ladies there ROCK!! They are so nice and welcoming!<br /><br />Then, at KjoiStudios...we are preparing to celebrate International Scrapbooking Industry Day on March 4th. There is SO MUCH going on there! We have at least 6 different challenges, 3 chats, 2 games, and 2 drawings...all of these come with a prize for the winner, or for the participants!! We were able to line up some incredible sponsors for the prizes too!! Plus we will be hosting a hunt...don't worry there isn't a piece to this hunt kit that is hosted on 4shared or any other file sharing site...so no need to worry that freebie hunting is going to destroy your computer! So, I hope to see you all there! And I look forward to hearing what you all have been up to...lol!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-34941093048001423592009-01-19T12:47:00.003-07:002009-01-19T12:51:30.806-07:00Progress...What do you think?So, I am sure that you see the changes I have been making...what do you think about the new look?? It is done using a collab kit--Forever Bliss by Lizard Dau Designs and April Dawn Creations (Me)! You can grab it in my store at Kjoi...and soon in my store at DSS. I must warn you...the tabs don't work as of yet. Like I said I have a LOT of ideas and it will take a bit to implement them, but hang on as the ride has only just begun!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-1873637312301141162009-01-18T18:30:00.003-07:002009-01-18T18:37:38.749-07:00Under Construction!! YAY!I have decided it is LONG past time for me to truly customize this blog! So, hang on as it will be a really interesting ride to the end of this truly FUN endeavor! I look forward to seeing what the changes will bring! I have a TON of great ideas and can't wait to put them into action! There are many surprises coming, so hang in there while I get them up and going. In the meantime I will post as I can about the amazing things I am adding to my stores at DigiScrapStation and KjoiStudios! Oh and did I mention that I am saving up for attending the CK Digital Scrapbooking Experience in Provo this year??!! So many exciting things...so little time. I guess the true adventure is seeing how far I can get and how fast I can get there...LOL!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-47390651786117971162008-12-15T22:22:00.002-07:002008-12-16T10:50:22.281-07:00Been away...but I am back! All Aboard!!Hi all,<br />Due to computer issues last month and then more fun with some Trojan virus' this month you are probably wondering where I have been...LOL! I am still here, just was away for a bit on a FORCED vacation from the computer! The 10 Weeks Before Christmas Challenge is still going on over at KjoiStudios...and this week is Holiday Parties and Dinner Parties. Go check it out...but first keep reading for more FUN!<br /><br />Also, DigiScrapStation has been doing an Ornamental Express...where there is a freebie ornament each day of the month! And the even better news is that they will stay up until mid-January, so if you have missed the previous days...not to worry, you can still go snag them! And when you see todays you really will want to...at least if you want the whole set of my hybrid train ornaments! I had a BLAST creating these from scratch...but with my train loving kids it really wasn't too difficult...LOL! Anyway, enough blabbering from me...the info for each days ornament can be found on the <a href="http://digiscrapstation.com/blog/">DSS blog</a>. And here is what we have done for you so far:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://digiscrapstation.com/oexp/days/dss_adventcal_16_klb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://digiscrapstation.com/oexp/days/dss_adventcal_16_klb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />But for a better look at today's here is what I have in store for you:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://digiscrapstation.com/oexp/day16-aprildawn_passcar.zip"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://digiscrapstation.com/oexp/aprildawn_hybridpassengercar_preview.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />And because I know by now that you are just going crazy for the link...simply click on the preview above for the download. If for any reason that isn't working...then try this one <a href="http://digiscrapstation.com/oexp/day16-aprildawn_passcar.zip">HERE</a>. It comes with a tutorial on how to put it together! I would love to see how yours turns out...so feel free to post a picture in the gallery at DSS!! Enjoy!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-85928547570348543662008-11-12T08:10:00.002-07:002008-11-12T08:15:36.996-07:00SUB for Santa Tradition...and Internet "FUN"!<span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"><em></em></span><em><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Shortened Sub for Santa Story:<br /><br />When I was about 7 yrs old, my family was blessed when another family did the 12 days before Christmas for my family. We enjoyed this so much that we decided to use our talents to raise the money to do this for other families. My mom made homemade ornaments and we sold them door to door to raise enough money.<br /><br />Then my little sister died in early Dec. one year, and we were unable to do it. However,others who knew of our own need did a Sub for Santa for us. We were each given a gift for under our tree, a blanket, and the food for our Christmas meal. This touched my family so much that we went out the next year and sold enough to do both a 12 days and a Sub for Santa project. This tradition continued until we all left home.<br /><br />I am now hoping to restart this tradition with my own children. My oldest suggested I use my talents the way my mom used hers. In my case this means digi. I am hosting a <a href="http://kjoistudios.com/messages/index.php/board,197.0.html"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Ten Weeks of Christmas Challenge</span></a> at KjoiStudios. After the freebies for the week have been available for 2 weeks to those participating in the challenge, they will be available for sell at $1-$2 depending on the size of that week's freebie. There are already 2 weeks worth to sell in the store…Calendars and Gift Lists.<br /><br />I am donating every single penny of my proceeds from these items to the Sub for Santa project. It will go to a family connected with <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><a href="http://www.nbwctucson.org/">New Beginnings for Women and Children</a></span>. An organization that helps women get the jobs, education, and housing they need to get back on their feet again so they are able to care for their children like they want to. If I get enough I will do multiple families…there are 80 in need just with this charity organization alone. Thanks for any help you send me with helping these families and keeping my family tradition alive!! </em><br /><em></em><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><em><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >I have been having internet trouble, and have been unable to post on my blogs...the 10 Weeks before Christmas challenge is still going...I would LOVE to have you join me!! I am unable to post previews as it takes more time than my internet connection allows right now.</span><br /></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-4091956895535964452008-10-27T12:01:00.003-07:002008-10-27T12:01:01.881-07:00Okay...Week #2 is here!!Hi all,<br />I am having so much fun with this new challenge! Not to mention making the digital freebies to go with it! Here is a preview of Week #2's freebie. You will find it in the 10 Weeks Before Christmas Challenge at KjoiStudios!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwHPQqtyKsmhWcs9MEqZalD8_-aIBwgxaVpOKJDzBcUL76YpO5eSeYmhfLeBr-2GFJFRFqemS1yI9IY5URbJmg3eiEAbuRffBDNfMVu1xKtRS03Ej_prvhyHZ85A8BVV1fidmJ_kzUPaZ/s1600-h/aprildawn_giftlist_prev.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwHPQqtyKsmhWcs9MEqZalD8_-aIBwgxaVpOKJDzBcUL76YpO5eSeYmhfLeBr-2GFJFRFqemS1yI9IY5URbJmg3eiEAbuRffBDNfMVu1xKtRS03Ej_prvhyHZ85A8BVV1fidmJ_kzUPaZ/s320/aprildawn_giftlist_prev.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260858023251057698" border="0" /></a>This weeks challenge is about making those dreaded gift lists...and making it FUN to check them twice!! Here's an idea...how about scrapbooking them!! More on this in the Challenge forum!! Come share fun family gifting traditions with us!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-29277111582821648152008-10-23T14:42:00.003-07:002008-10-23T14:49:16.272-07:00Week #1 - Kjoi Chat!! Come join me!What to know that the whole deal is REALLY with this fabulous challenge?? Well, come see what you can find out tonight at the KjoiStudios Chatroom...where I will be hanging out from 11 EST to 12 EST and will have more details to share!!<br /><br />I am VERY excited...so come join me!! You must be registered in the forum to get into the chatroom...so be sure to get that done beforehand! I look forward to seeing you there!! Oh...and I might just have a heads up for you on the supplies needed for weeks 4-6 of the challenge!<br /><br />Here is the <a href="http://kjoistudios.com/messages/">FORUM</a>!!<br /><br />And have I mentioned that things are starting to brew for DSD at DigiScrapStation...hmmmm...well they are, be ready to hear what on Nov. 1st!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-72222461633610006762008-10-20T15:12:00.005-07:002008-10-20T18:23:22.992-07:00Week #1 ChallengeHi all...the first challenge is up in the <a href="http://kjoistudios.net/messages">KjoiStudios</a> forum!! Go check it out! Here is the freebie template you get there to help you along:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoThTqAhDLgQeP9jVYBZePiDp-xjgGbiSBPqdk9NPp9Z2uCRGpVJAD99tZv6bshYF1CTO8Ry-Q4QTwaPVNEyxyv_2HJnoZSAwlVHMS99PeCMngeD1twfV2zzVyyZugss7FaVmQvkVSJPxo/s1600-h/aprildawn_calendarfreebie_p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoThTqAhDLgQeP9jVYBZePiDp-xjgGbiSBPqdk9NPp9Z2uCRGpVJAD99tZv6bshYF1CTO8Ry-Q4QTwaPVNEyxyv_2HJnoZSAwlVHMS99PeCMngeD1twfV2zzVyyZugss7FaVmQvkVSJPxo/s320/aprildawn_calendarfreebie_p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259363011796965586" border="0" /></a><br />That is if you need to have help...we don't all need it, but I know sometimes I want it!! You can get it and more in the <a href="http://kjoistudios.com/messages/index.php/board,197.0.html">Challenge thread</a>!!<br /><br />And here is my first months calendar(made using mostly my week 4 entry from the contest):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoe9rxA8gC1u5zdE9gWo85YsSP1E-jlyVZqogfYVfEDtLQWRSRDdJKFE4eg3GYNs3HliJLlClZ3QoPCgITWB4GQ3T0MPHENqI6WcVl8zRPyuL4UCBvpd6o6xJI5Dy9Vkd5ABt0MFjcB6t/s1600-h/aprildawn_jan-2009-calendar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoe9rxA8gC1u5zdE9gWo85YsSP1E-jlyVZqogfYVfEDtLQWRSRDdJKFE4eg3GYNs3HliJLlClZ3QoPCgITWB4GQ3T0MPHENqI6WcVl8zRPyuL4UCBvpd6o6xJI5Dy9Vkd5ABt0MFjcB6t/s320/aprildawn_jan-2009-calendar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259411312353921890" border="0" /></a><br />AND...IF you are silly and forgot that today is when registration starts for Jessica Sprague's new class...GO SIGN UP!! LOL!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-75614454907160171562008-10-19T08:22:00.006-07:002008-10-19T08:37:44.205-07:0010 Weeks Before Christmas Challenge!!I am already busy at work at Kjoi!! LOL! I am having a blast!! <br /><br />Those that know me in RL...know how MUCH...I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I generally prepare MONTHS in advance, starting in June...but this year I am WAY behind. So, I got to thinking...how do I catch up with my Christmas to do's and still digi-design and have FUN!! Well, at KjoiStudios I am putting my answer(here is my ad):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkP3dx01FNyAdrKCRW8qlfDvsLZ3d2q6LdLQdQSFE8AIlcJHVYn2Ep6qdbKopplBfoUwBvSKpK9gdJsbQlLPTVyJ88UGV-XCPYmpaSWV_ZOEeyXzj-CGjhMhn9JyzVzgpktt-J6_VrlIc/s1600-h/10-Weeks-Before-Christmas-A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkP3dx01FNyAdrKCRW8qlfDvsLZ3d2q6LdLQdQSFE8AIlcJHVYn2Ep6qdbKopplBfoUwBvSKpK9gdJsbQlLPTVyJ88UGV-XCPYmpaSWV_ZOEeyXzj-CGjhMhn9JyzVzgpktt-J6_VrlIc/s400/10-Weeks-Before-Christmas-A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258886582609087922" border="0" /></a><br />I had a LOT of FUN coming up with the poem...and only used a little piece of it for this ad!! The whole version is up in the Kjoi forum. I will probably be doing a weekly chat, but haven't nailed down the exact time yet!! And here is a run down of what we will be doing:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Week #1: Calendars...for family or the scrapbook...works either way!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Week #2: Gift Lists...this will be a TON more FUN than it sounds...LOL! Come prepared to post family gifting traditions you either do or would like to do!!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Week #3: Christmas Cards...with a LOVELY surprise to help them along!!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Weeks #4, #5, and #6: We will be doing fun Photo Craft or Scrapping related Gifts for those on our Gift Lists...or ourselves...LOL!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Weeks #7 and #8: Ornaments for our trees...every year I make one for my family with a story. I will have a fun Christmas story to go with these two as well!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Week #9: Time to Wrap some gifts! We will have some ideas for FUN gift tags, or dressing up gift bags and wrapped presents!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Week #10: This is when we reward our hard...but FUN work!! I am REALLY excited for this week!! Stay around and you will find out why!!</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Now...just in case any of you may have forgotten...Jessica Sprague starts her newest class Registration TOMORROW at 9 EST! DON'T MISS THIS!! There is NO ONE that explains PS as well as she, and this is a class you don't even have to be a scrapper to attend!! It is called Stories In the Hand...and is like it says...ALL about getting our stories in our hands rather than just in our minds...which, LOL, we all know can be faulty with stress or time!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Now on to Challenge #2...hmmm, no not yet, LOL! You will just have to check out DigiScrapStation in a few weeks for this one. I want to make sure it is FABULOUS first!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-11362643478193563492008-10-17T19:29:00.002-07:002008-10-17T19:50:14.519-07:00Kjoi's New Designers are Announced!!I MADE IT!!! YAY!! All of the hard work over the past 2 1/2 months has paid off and I am now one of the KjoiStudios Designers!! My things are already up in the store there!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kjoistudios.com/messages/index.php?referredby=806"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://kjoistudios.com/blinkies/kjoi6.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I am still going to be selling at DigiScrapStation as well...I have made a LOT of great friends there and the environment is GREAT!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-62033446434117209752008-10-16T22:01:00.012-07:002008-10-17T14:23:40.784-07:00Joi De Vivre-Kjoi Blog Hop!!Okay, so you made it to my blog!! YAY! Here is a little about me...<br /><br />I am a 29 yr. old, SAHM of 4 young children, and I am married to my best friend and biggest supporter. I have been traditional scrapbooking for nearly 12 years...some years more so than others. I have been playing with digital scrapbooking for about 2 1/2 years, but have REALLY found it beginning of this year...thanks to Jessica Sprague and my great friend Janei (who introduced me both to digi and to Jessica). I have wanted to get into the designing aspect ever since I started playing with digi!! I LOVE creating things...music, a smile on someone's face, almost any craft, more projects for myself...LOL! Creating things is what makes my heart sing with joy...that is ME!!<br /><br />Now...enough about me, here is what I created for the contest:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3JKR0hhBKmTh3x34lo0KqtZ_EwiI0oNq1-aiJMxpHwa3AM5pmIdNUkg4PhtSHPsweTvhQhEIBxo-j3FbUsKH2eoIzQKak-2KYrYg3GZc2HnUXQMJjypJf8WVC8_70GXXnllJPgAkVu9M/s1600-h/kjoi_22181A_week1_preview.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3JKR0hhBKmTh3x34lo0KqtZ_EwiI0oNq1-aiJMxpHwa3AM5pmIdNUkg4PhtSHPsweTvhQhEIBxo-j3FbUsKH2eoIzQKak-2KYrYg3GZc2HnUXQMJjypJf8WVC8_70GXXnllJPgAkVu9M/s200/kjoi_22181A_week1_preview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257782522506453986" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglynMJ5WqFQKo53m_y6GNDU1JCMbqCRay2fjc7bLamsVBTt1uw8ap6mbhXcxNdd8YYb06ZH7GXtIbnvr_pbA-_m-y28i-czRFOhjFzFWQWH9QcaP7WnnqiOOMI8W-tI0hvrddEjWHEWzQX/s1600-h/kjoi_22181A_week+2_preview.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglynMJ5WqFQKo53m_y6GNDU1JCMbqCRay2fjc7bLamsVBTt1uw8ap6mbhXcxNdd8YYb06ZH7GXtIbnvr_pbA-_m-y28i-czRFOhjFzFWQWH9QcaP7WnnqiOOMI8W-tI0hvrddEjWHEWzQX/s200/kjoi_22181A_week+2_preview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257783015855981362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYz2QbCG5VRIOkzUilcxlEOAixfqvBpazvGprtRD1JMEG4Ivh7yOkcIOxgmIHt5GUAdW7EkzTrjzp577I0E_P2yrXrM2FxqtIttGhL4qLXOmJCM6AgdfNxnLzJjB7KDV0EBJAMxHc6A5Kv/s1600-h/kjoi_22181A_week-3_preview.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYz2QbCG5VRIOkzUilcxlEOAixfqvBpazvGprtRD1JMEG4Ivh7yOkcIOxgmIHt5GUAdW7EkzTrjzp577I0E_P2yrXrM2FxqtIttGhL4qLXOmJCM6AgdfNxnLzJjB7KDV0EBJAMxHc6A5Kv/s200/kjoi_22181A_week-3_preview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257782523793133458" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2nBumVzqCfyJpVOdf2PhXF9_KxO52glfpbDcOlOJ9NSJo8-TRt-4w50Jfo_s-7kmjDBW0orZJQ4YITy4ZSQgsOaSCngmN2c0UL6HGqnqITbOaQ-26Cyfgssha0JqNt15oOlqq0CtN0oe/s1600-h/kjoi_22181A_week+4_preview_web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2nBumVzqCfyJpVOdf2PhXF9_KxO52glfpbDcOlOJ9NSJo8-TRt-4w50Jfo_s-7kmjDBW0orZJQ4YITy4ZSQgsOaSCngmN2c0UL6HGqnqITbOaQ-26Cyfgssha0JqNt15oOlqq0CtN0oe/s200/kjoi_22181A_week+4_preview_web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257783018058022978" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And here are the various Avatars that I used:<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKH1LioQq6RkPtT6BE95D6gqIBIn-0MXsF0OVtqb7n2F6eO6DhCQpbW7WaPagZkla2Qy3fxK4ILDcLMRiaEtuafw3YkGq9u7ASf2A2dHj2pkuRCgnNCyDhSUF84ioAHH335czNjyReUAj/s1600-h/Unicorn+and+Baby+Avatar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKH1LioQq6RkPtT6BE95D6gqIBIn-0MXsF0OVtqb7n2F6eO6DhCQpbW7WaPagZkla2Qy3fxK4ILDcLMRiaEtuafw3YkGq9u7ASf2A2dHj2pkuRCgnNCyDhSUF84ioAHH335czNjyReUAj/s320/Unicorn+and+Baby+Avatar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257784739820421970" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrieVWJiul9Hp8HLXX7jN7CpkLALH3oNU0o8S9nwjg3D9wyHcAS1RDyPQuxVYx-9H4xbyXOv3rF52_xCr6TzHxPkIx_7KJ0XyNA0LxuKNy1YNHkGp5IxKITOs1oZReu9cGSpAj64yOY4Ew/s1600-h/Unicorn+and+Baby+Week+3+Avatar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrieVWJiul9Hp8HLXX7jN7CpkLALH3oNU0o8S9nwjg3D9wyHcAS1RDyPQuxVYx-9H4xbyXOv3rF52_xCr6TzHxPkIx_7KJ0XyNA0LxuKNy1YNHkGp5IxKITOs1oZReu9cGSpAj64yOY4Ew/s320/Unicorn+and+Baby+Week+3+Avatar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257784740787388690" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRRUEBtzxa6SstA2QEhYfixcsRJ5A7jbvoKqPeITUlDl-bk0ui36oSiR7WwwEpVL654wAlsUTuru2ljZ5rWZ9K4B3CSI-R0WRV3ROeyCUgyl3cNr5hT2CxFS-qU8QGxPe3XVGBNuMD9i0/s1600-h/Unicorn-and-Baby-Week-4-Ava.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRRUEBtzxa6SstA2QEhYfixcsRJ5A7jbvoKqPeITUlDl-bk0ui36oSiR7WwwEpVL654wAlsUTuru2ljZ5rWZ9K4B3CSI-R0WRV3ROeyCUgyl3cNr5hT2CxFS-qU8QGxPe3XVGBNuMD9i0/s320/Unicorn-and-Baby-Week-4-Ava.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257784747047845218" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg952wqfSbg9vyuhPZWrPmts4iSiQJ2jj840s2I9p4qLTCLyBDgRhnGvzO8nwfydoXgSMDRofG1TRKQATy6ilF2jktVd_l21xxBmSgKHOJUqXMspE1fPQTsMPoUV_y76NLHdLW0TkcW5aWa/s1600-h/ICONATOR_8d713bbf708a049081aee49a88234eb7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg952wqfSbg9vyuhPZWrPmts4iSiQJ2jj840s2I9p4qLTCLyBDgRhnGvzO8nwfydoXgSMDRofG1TRKQATy6ilF2jktVd_l21xxBmSgKHOJUqXMspE1fPQTsMPoUV_y76NLHdLW0TkcW5aWa/s320/ICONATOR_8d713bbf708a049081aee49a88234eb7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257784743465350946" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">...can you tell I LOVE Unicorns??:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And finally, last...but most definitely NOT least!!...what you all have been waiting for...My Blog Hop Freebie:<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.scrappystation.net/aprildawn/blogfreebies/aprildawn_22181A_fruitytaffy.zip"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5S2LKN4qLb7NSE3DT-2EjugeCMZk-JxvNiqOqUvBj523z8HBcDPSMsHc50mMiFqz9O__hWXw7KFbi3_5pIU1QodoCL_9Xl8a9hdB2pF0Bw9FcpB4AIJHa7-jmMAZ9TJB6BmU8ZXY6mxca/s400/aprildawn_22181A_fruitytaffy_prev.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257785702160005138" border="0" /></a>Click on the preview to download<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You can find the rest of the Joi De Vivre Blog Hop here:<br /><br /><a href="http://liz-lizarddaudesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br />21206D-Lizard Dau Designs</a><br /><a href="http://labline.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br />21845B-Labline</a><br /><a href="http://weallhavetostartsomewheredigiscraps.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br />21879D-Digidesigns By Amberbaz</a><br /><a href="http://www.pandabeardesigns.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><br />22170C-Panda Bear Designs</a><br /><a href="http://aprildawncreations.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br />22181A-April Dawn Creations</a><----------You are here!! <br /><a href="http://camillaskitchen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br />22342B-Camillas Kitchen</a><br /><a href="http://mitsybelle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br />22596D-mITSYBELLE</a><br /><a href="http://luvfromindia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br />22611D-luvfromindia</a><br /><a href="http://living4him2.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br />22896B-Lori Imel</a><br /><a href="http://schappys-scrapdesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br />22978-Schappys Scrapdesign</a><br /><a href="http://nicoalgoesdigiscrapping.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br />23075D-Stacey Crossley Designs</a><br /><a href="http://cancermooncreations.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br />23494D-Cancer Moon Creations</a><br /><a href="http://katlen124.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br />24301D-KatLen Kreations</a><br /><a href="http://atodds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br />24588B-Belanna At Odds</a><br /><a href="http://sandezcreationz.blogspot.com%e2%80%9d%20target=/"><br />24789C-SandEz Creationz</a><br /><a href="http://biebies.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><br />24864A-Biebels Scraps</a><br /><a href="http://digibygodsdesign.biz" target="_blank"><br />24974b-By God's Designs</a><br /><br />And don't forget to stop back by KjoiStudios for the rest of the Birthday Bash!! Oh, and the ANNOUNCEMENT!! YAY!!<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-53449171280955714882008-10-16T07:56:00.003-07:002008-10-16T08:16:55.707-07:00Announcements...and more coming tomorrow!!Hi all, I just wanted to say really quick...I know I haven't posted many LO's lately and some are missing my lovely young family...but there is a reason for that!! I have been doing the Kjoi contest for the past few months and in order to keep my identity secret, most of my recent LO's needed to remain hidden from public viewing. But here comes the first Announcement!!<br /><br />Kjoi is having their BIG BIRTHDAY BASH tomorrow and the rest of this weekend, this means that the identities will be REVEALED and the new Designers ANNOUNCED!!! I am so excited, and nervous, and well...a whole gammit of emotions from one minute to the next!<br /><br />I can hardly wait...BUT OH...THERE IS SO MUCH MORE!! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kjoistudios.com/newsletterimages/kjoi_bday_bash2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://kjoistudios.com/newsletterimages/kjoi_bday_bash2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Some of us designer contestants have gotten together to do a Blog Hop with the reveal...so MORE FREEBIES!!! YAY!! And there are even more that will be found at Kjoi tomorrow!!<br /><br />Not to mention the HUGE SALE or the Challenges with Prizes!! It is seriously NOT a party to be missed!<br /><br />And I do promise more LO's next week after the Party RUSH calms down a bit!! Oh...I have more for you too...<br /><br />I have designed some more Corner Brushes...these ones are MUCH more Elegant, so I am naming them...LOL...Elegant Corner Brushes! I know...I know...SUCH very creative naming! Anyway, here is what they look like:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6kuBSsyQIk3HAdVmQ_dRBBi52WvvslpFTzydWZJi-PHKokjvwICKcNBNWvv15qQGeFZ8CLULhOdaV6AYFB1hQDM1MRgFcZEjRH2rT8MY-Wp-rnkwCHPUVLM8iijS4GRRM5YMOzRUI-3g/s1600-h/aprildawn_elegantcorner_cuok_prev.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6kuBSsyQIk3HAdVmQ_dRBBi52WvvslpFTzydWZJi-PHKokjvwICKcNBNWvv15qQGeFZ8CLULhOdaV6AYFB1hQDM1MRgFcZEjRH2rT8MY-Wp-rnkwCHPUVLM8iijS4GRRM5YMOzRUI-3g/s400/aprildawn_elegantcorner_cuok_prev.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257770827977451138" border="0" /></a>I will be putting them in my store today, so hang in there one day more and then you can be sure to:<br /><br />-pick them up from the store,<br />-swing by Kjoi for the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT and Birthday Bash<br />-Find out both here or at Kjoi where the Blog Hop is starting and "HOP" along with all of the FUN!!<br /><br />Oh, and to all those that may have missed my lovely addition to my sidebar...JESSICA SPRAGUE IS DOING A NEW CLASS!! It is FREE and SHE IS FANTASTIC!!! AND...registration starts on MONDAY!! DON'T MISS IT!! She gives you access to the videos and class info from the class FOREVER! So, if you are wondering if you have time to do this...YOU DO!!<br /><br />Now, I just KNOW I am missing something...so I will probably come back and post more in a bit, but this gives you enough to chew on for now!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-55386651525245016372008-10-13T08:50:00.010-07:002008-10-13T08:50:00.076-07:00Calendar Tutorials as promised...with freebie.<span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">There are two routes that you can use to make a calendar grid in PS. You can make one using Microsoft Excel, save it as a pdf file with a PDF Writer like Ghostscript, and then open it with PS and use it as you need. Or you can simply use your line tool in PS to make a grid and use that as you need for your calendar. For example purposes I am leaving off a spot in the grid for the month...I figure that can be added creatively later!!</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Here is the tutorial for making it in Microsoft Excel first(scroll down for version 2):</span><br /><br />I was able to use PDF Writer (Ghostscript) to convert my Excel file into a pdf. PSE and CS are both able to open and manipulate pdf files. I find this software through my print screen when I go to print. I will have to check with my DH to see how we got this software on our computer, but I am pretty sure that it was a free download. Anyway, when you go to File>Print then a screen comes up that gives you an option of choosing where to print to. I select PDF Writer (Ghostscript) in place of my printer and it prints it to a pdf file on my desktop...you are able to save it somewhere else when you save it. This is probably the EASIEST way to convert it to workable in PSE or CS. It does print it a brown shade, but that is easy to fix in PS.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjmui_Io8w9SB9D5TzUvHDWm3DGTC-qZlINFC5i0j9f1Wa7KIZfPE18HvlAnrMNP11xballB6Op0UKwUdnLpZauEtQ1g2VevNzcEBUleOTv-Ba3XXRNzs2i80EMHS-3ta3rYu5BMLX3xz/s1600-h/Calendar+Grid+for+Spragmate.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjmui_Io8w9SB9D5TzUvHDWm3DGTC-qZlINFC5i0j9f1Wa7KIZfPE18HvlAnrMNP11xballB6Op0UKwUdnLpZauEtQ1g2VevNzcEBUleOTv-Ba3XXRNzs2i80EMHS-3ta3rYu5BMLX3xz/s400/Calendar+Grid+for+Spragmate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255927337704642178" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><br />For the example grid above, I highlighted 7 cells across by 6 cells down. Then I right clicked and selected format cells. Next put a border around the cells. I left a blank borderless row of cells on the top so there would be room for the name of the Month. Depending on what you want to do with the days of the week you may not need 6 bordered cells down, just 5 will do, but be sure to leave room for you to add them if you want to.<br /><br />Here is how I set up my example: The first row of cells(blank for the month) I put at a row height of 40. The next row (first bordered-for the days of the week) I put at the typical row height of 12.75...you may want to play with that depending on fonts. The last 5 rows (for the calendar body itself) I put at a row height of 66. Then all 7 of the columns are at a column width of 12.<br /><br />I did add a little more decorative border around the days of the week row and the whole outside...but you can play with the borders as you like in your own. Also, If you like mine enough...you can go ahead and use it. Just right click and select Open with Adobe Photoshop....etc. Hope this helps you. Let me know if you have any other questions. <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--> <!--[endif]--></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">And now for version 2...how to make a grid in PS (whichever version you have):</span><br /><br />My example this time is a 12x12 one, open a new 12x12 file, white background, and 300ppi. Next click on your line tool to make sure that is the tool you are using. Next, if you don't have the grid showing, go to View and click on Grid so that a checkmark shows up next to it. While you are in there make sure that Rulers also has a checkmark next to it.<br /><p></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT64gkz2Nc48BqgVSIQ6wQBiO4qATPEJqepVy0RVlos2Pg27p_wy8Y4joPTGeEPG5kwZ6Jwe4YyYvi_9VRmLONRTqGOjtMq8vjAu2UgKTgtarNTUxcfZNvqtS4sKGs-UJfx12Xhs0RrRN-/s1600-h/Calendar-Grid-in-PSE.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT64gkz2Nc48BqgVSIQ6wQBiO4qATPEJqepVy0RVlos2Pg27p_wy8Y4joPTGeEPG5kwZ6Jwe4YyYvi_9VRmLONRTqGOjtMq8vjAu2UgKTgtarNTUxcfZNvqtS4sKGs-UJfx12Xhs0RrRN-/s400/Calendar-Grid-in-PSE.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255929344139654002" border="0" /></a>Now for the example above this is what I did...<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In the top option bar for the line tool click on the weight box and type in a weight of 10 px. (This sets how wide your line will be.) Now click on the calendar screen to set it and it will give you a plus sign in place of an arrow. Place the plus sign at 1" on the top ruler and 2" on the side ruler using the grid to line it up. Click and Drag while pressing Shift until the "plus" sign lines up with the 11" mark on the top ruler and then let go. This will give you your top line.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Now do the exact same thing only move down to the 11" mark on the side ruler, again click-shift and drag it from the 1" mark to the 11" mark on the top ruler. This gives you your bottom line.<br /><br />Most calendars have at the most a need for 5 rows down for the body of the calendar...with just a few exceptions (that is when they add a slash through the the bottom rows first one or two "boxes"), but you can decide if you prefer another row or to slash them. For my example I am just sticking with the 5 rows and no slashes as this will be fine for majority of the time.<br /><br />So, the next step is to right click on either the top line layer or the bottom line layer and duplicate layer...do this over again until you have duplicated it 4 times. This will give you a total of 6 lines. Click on the move tool, and uncheck Auto Select Layer. (Make sure to recheck this when you are done.) Now move the 4 duplicate line layers so that they are space out...IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PERFECTLY SPACED!!...just make sure that they are between the top and bottom lines. </span> <span style="color: rgb(3, 61, 33);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Now click on the top of the line layers in the stack to highlight it in the layer palette, then hold down shift and click on the bottom of the line layers in the stack. This will highlight all of your line layers. While still on the move tool, go Distribute on the top tool option bar. Click on Vertical Centers. This is really COOL!! It will perfectly space your lines for you!!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Now, while they are all still highlighted, is the time that if your lines got a little out of line...LOL!...then you can line them up. Go to Align, and Horizontal Centers.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You should find that you now have all of the horizontal lines you need for your calendar, and they are spaced just right. The next steps are easy, you basically are doing the same thing only dragging from top to bottom instead of from left to right. And you will need more duplicate line layers as there are 7 days in a week, meaning you need 7 columns.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">So, here goes...Go back to the line tool and place the "plus" sign back on 2" on the side ruler and 1" on the top ruler. Click-Shift, and Drag it down to 11" on the side ruler and then let go. Again, using your grid helps. Now you have your left grid line and your grid is starting to look more like a box or grid then just a bunch of lines.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Place your your plus sign at 11" on the top ruler, and 2" on the side ruler. Do the same thing: Click-Shift, and Drag your line down to the 11" mark on the side ruler. This gives you your right grid line. You are ready for Duplication. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This time you want 6 Duplicate line layers. Space them apart, again NOT PERFECTLY. Click the move tool, Distribute, and this time you want Horizontal Centers. Again, while highlighted still, if needed you can go to Align and this time pick Vertical Centers.</span></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You should now see a very nicely spaced grid. However, if you are picky like me, you might be looking at the corners of your grid and saying...WHY AREN"T THEY MATCHED UP??? Well, not to fear...mine didn't either. So, now for the final touches.</span><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style="'width:24pt;"><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrjXle2BGwo8JWV6L5iy3oYI_-wfe_-_hgiN060rPbvzobvbTscDuksnN44o-aQmaEN7qFdo253EHNDL52O5namlGwhwwlzDhiTcxjp0CPxFhZCCWcnPB7z4DEsnxCc6XjIKAc_yqV9aM/s1600-h/Make-it-Much-Longer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrjXle2BGwo8JWV6L5iy3oYI_-wfe_-_hgiN060rPbvzobvbTscDuksnN44o-aQmaEN7qFdo253EHNDL52O5namlGwhwwlzDhiTcxjp0CPxFhZCCWcnPB7z4DEsnxCc6XjIKAc_yqV9aM/s320/Make-it-Much-Longer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255931770180186178" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You should still be on the move tool...if not, click on it. Now I want you to simplify/rasterize all of the vertical line layers (if you are like me...LOL!...that means the ones from top to bottom!). Highlight all of the simplified/rasterized layers in your layer palette and watch for the transform box. Then I made the lines much longer by using the "mini" boxes on the top and bottom in the center. (Let me know if I lost you there!) This doesn't change the width of your lines so it still looks fine.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHPYoYtfUg-7X-aQWrMcwWF-qRszTlITFptsq5hQ7QW_o8DyjcyslTsSoFJ13do0P4qFIhm0_hDyZhCVdj8Jbic5PHR2LrMfeIIePLLwmxqbBC0LTXIQ5b6BPFShnl8B2rV6wyZJBxGjS/s1600-h/Select-Rectangular-area-and-delete.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHPYoYtfUg-7X-aQWrMcwWF-qRszTlITFptsq5hQ7QW_o8DyjcyslTsSoFJ13do0P4qFIhm0_hDyZhCVdj8Jbic5PHR2LrMfeIIePLLwmxqbBC0LTXIQ5b6BPFShnl8B2rV6wyZJBxGjS/s320/Select-Rectangular-area-and-delete.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255931782508084946" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The final step is to take your Rectangular Marque tool and select a rectangular area around the extra pieces of vertical line on the top of the grid, click on each of the vertical line layers in turn and hit the delete button on your keyboard. Now do the same thing only select a rectangular area around the extra on the bottom of the grid.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This should make it so that when you are done your grid now looks like a box with smaller boxes inside...or a GRID! Now pat yourself on the back...you have a calendar grid perfect for making your family calendars!!</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">I didn't leave much room for Decorating, just for adding Month and Days, in my example. But you can easily resize your grid to a smaller size for you to have embellishing room.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">One other option for making it a bit more decorative is to do the same thing as described above, only with the brush tool. If you like the dashed or dotted line look this might work better for you. Just be sure to hold shift so your lines are straight, skip the simplify/rasterize steps, and create a new layer everytime you draw a new line. That will make it easier to play later with matched up corners and edges. Hope this helps you!</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">If you have any questions or I just simply lost you let me know and I will do my best to answer the questions and reword the step I lost you on.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Now for the FREEBIE!!!! I went and made some calendar grid brushes...both landscape and portrait directions for an 8.5x11, and then my 12x12. You can get them by clicking <a href="http://scrappystation.net/aprildawn/blogfreebies/aprildawn_calendargrids.zip">here</a>. Enjoy!!<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-71738340765303321422008-10-10T08:35:00.004-07:002008-10-10T08:46:43.365-07:00New Class with Jessica Sprague!!I am so very excited about Jessica's announcement today, that she will be doing one more class this year. It is called Stories in Hand and is all about capturing your stories...whether you have pictures for the story or not!! This is a FREE class good for the scrapper and the non-scrapper alike, great for beginners and very advanced learners in scrapping as well!! Check out the flyer she made up for this!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.jessicasprague.com"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.jessicasprague-m1.com/images/JSprague-StoriesInHand-Flyer425.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Click on the image to be taken to her FABULOUS site!! She is all about helping others learn how to capture their stories...whether in the scrapbook page, on the page of a journal, or now it sounds like even on our blogs!! YAY!! THANKS JESS!!<br /><br />If you have never taken one of Jessica's classes this is a great time to find out exactly why she has made so many friends in the scrapping world with her classes and her site!! This is a great way to find out if the way she teaches her classes will work for you!! And Heather P., email me if you want to do this...I am taking it too!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-87383755621794004872008-10-02T07:37:00.017-07:002008-10-09T09:31:14.054-07:00Freebie Template and Tutorial......but it isn't the calendar one yet! Yesterday I got to playing with a template design after I saw a <a href="http://www.scrapsupply.com/forums/videos.php?video=Journaling%20Card%20Page">video on making a Journaling Card Page</a> from traditional supplies at ScrapSupplies.com. They have a few different videos, so feel free to check them out. Now I thought to myself, I wonder if I can create something similar in digi...and so I had a LOT of FUN doing it!! Here is what I came up with...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09i4UUczfxWUcmywG18vKX1BYa2Yxc34ugCImQdVHDdlm4fZeXctLw80wZusp_bklt9goXmau2KoDaiKVS-1OhPcTUAkOXgsVpzKfVMvz6znz5vy-S_DlHbAgiVdN_BPmQoTBZj-_i3fe/s1600-h/journalingcard_template_pre.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09i4UUczfxWUcmywG18vKX1BYa2Yxc34ugCImQdVHDdlm4fZeXctLw80wZusp_bklt9goXmau2KoDaiKVS-1OhPcTUAkOXgsVpzKfVMvz6znz5vy-S_DlHbAgiVdN_BPmQoTBZj-_i3fe/s400/journalingcard_template_pre.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252567033253114082" border="0" /></a>This peaked my interest as I just finished the Type+Write Class at JessicaSprague.com that focuses on fun ways to add truly meaningful journaling to you LO's. IT WAS FANTASTIC!!! And Jess had put together some INCREDIBLE templates for us to use, that also had me wondering...can I figure out how to do THAT too??!! So, there are some added fun layers to this template that you won't need to touch...unless you don't like what I did with it. It still isn't quite up to Jessica's caliber...but it is getting closer!<br /><br />Now in the cool tutorial video they took tags and made them into flaps that they could put photos under. I have included a template without a shadow behind the cards for this purpose, this is what you will use. Anyway, here is a little tutorial for you on how to do something similar:<br /><br />Go ahead and clip on your papers like you would with any other template...if by chance you don't yet know how to do this with PSE or CS, not to worry, check out a FABULOUS video tutorial by Jess done for CKM at <a href="http://www.jessicasprague.com/index.php?view=article&catid=48%3Acreating-keepsakes-magazine-computer-tricks&id=504%3Amay-08-template-mini-album&option=com_content&Itemid=92">The Spraground Free Tutorial Area</a> . You might need to be logged in to see it. It comes with a Freebie too!<br /><br />Take your page once everything is added and it has been printed, and grab a cutting tool...I will be using an exacto knife.<br /><br />( I hope I don't lose anyone by adding this here, but if you want the BACK of your tags to have a color or patterned paper on them when they are open you will need to adhere the paper of your choice to the back of your printed layout BEFORE you cut!}<br /><br />Next cut along the edges of the "cards"...BUT BE SURE TO LEAVE ONE SIDE ATTACHED. You have flexibility here, you don't have to choose to leave the top attached on all of them, but you can go that route if it is your preference.<br /><br />Use something to score along that remaining side, this makes it easier to fold. If you don't have any traditional scrapping supplies to do this you can use a pair of scissors. Open them and VERY GENTLY run the blade along where you want to fold. (If this isn't done carefully then you will cut through it...so again BE GENTLE if you go this route.)<br /><br />After you have done this to any of the 11you want photos under, than you want to have a way to put the photos underneath your card "flaps", but not to fear there are a few ways to do this:<br /><br />1. I have created a template...simple though it be...for that too, just adhere it under your journaling card layout.<br /><br />2. Just glue/adhere them under after you have made the flaps.<br /><br />3. Take a piece of 12X12 cardstock and adhere them to that then attach the two.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgRU-v77_auryj98N7yVSu8ve5iyKIWWgjrU-97bFijh7pzx_YniqqgtHwexSO3gMt5qWO3nZofKhVkKZpO8H74cKAu1O-iQNtfViJghdtdeW-Ddi-RVTeV5MPDdsegvi8do4chnnkrZu/s1600-h/jcp_photo_window_prev.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgRU-v77_auryj98N7yVSu8ve5iyKIWWgjrU-97bFijh7pzx_YniqqgtHwexSO3gMt5qWO3nZofKhVkKZpO8H74cKAu1O-iQNtfViJghdtdeW-Ddi-RVTeV5MPDdsegvi8do4chnnkrZu/s400/jcp_photo_window_prev.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252574815460731314" border="0" /></a>You should then have a completed page with both Journaling and Photos. The project that I took the inspiration for this from used this as a month page...so there is one thought for you. I look forward to seeing what you come up with. If you remember too...I know I forget things often...please post back here with a link to your finished layout! I only created the templates yesterday, so I have not yet had time to do an example for you...but I will be posting it here when I have it finished.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You can download the zip of the templates by clicking on the preview here:<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtMsJEL1j5auIrXOjx7hUFcQVnAujBiB7Oj_kIYHnRwKKtWzcalUr63AJ1gk3ubifXLN5DlGaieIl4EPs1XRUEx6aX1rPxQ87zMatqSjN8CryZNvltaI1-FDcC6NL8BfeRb6OCmvtW4q9/s320/aprildawn_journalingcardtemplate_prev.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252581029630110018" border="0" />(This will only be a freebie on my blog for one week...then it will be able to be found in my store at Digiscrapstation.com .)<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-26184364446263613812008-09-30T12:55:00.007-07:002008-09-30T13:27:05.893-07:00Sale Time!! Just because I LOVE you!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://digiscrapstation.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_39"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqefSFgu1W3aza1Jgg3fUS2m3UOm8Td9I2EN8cwqL_4387oAEJ4J_6xpyiKA-yXHfg0TfB4c9Je35cZLBfVYQjKCve1U0qzQHzu0gbpFHeXQVktFl2LjatswA4AEpzEN8aGdj8sdOrEpJw/s320/aprildawn_loartist_prev.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251906452184949026" border="0" /></a>Okay I put all of my previously displayed items at DSS on sale <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">50%</span> off yesterday for <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">2 weeks</span>! I figure it has been quite a while since I had a sale, and I am feeling in a generous mood...so sale time it is!<br /><br />Also, I have a new item offered in my store! LO services are now offered through the store. I am REALLY looking forward to offering this! You can find it in my store by clicking on the preview image.<br /><br />I have a LOT of fun doing LO's and this gives me an opportunity to mix my designing with my scrapping! If there is a desire to increase this aspect to card services...especially with Christmas around the corner...then email me at <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">aprildawn@digiscrapstation.com</span> and I can see about adding a card service as well!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kjoistudios.com/gallery/index.php?cat=9"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://kjoistudios.com/gallery/albums/userpics/round4_sml.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>And for more good news...Kjoistudios.com has their store back up on a newer LARGER server, so the Design contest is back in full swing. There are <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">4 weeks worth of freebies</span> up, and voting can be done on their forum for week 3 and week 4 through October 5th! Don't forget to comment on your favorites in their gallery either as those count toward their scores!<br /><br />And for those of you from the Spraground waiting for the calendar tutorial...stay close by as that is on my plate for the next day or two. (Depending on what my children will allow me to do while on their school break! LOL!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-63917352587496355102008-09-04T13:10:00.006-07:002008-09-04T13:45:17.198-07:00Good news and Bad news!I always start with the bad news when I have both. I find that way you leave on a happy note, and the other person knows after getting the bad news that things can only get better! Anyway, the Bad news is that Kjoistudios grew so fast that the bandwidth usage was more than their servers could hold. So, the contest is on temporary hold, and their site is TEMPORARILY down...although last I looked the blog was still working. All of my things for the rest of the contest are turned in, so I am simply on hold waiting for it to get back up to find out how I did.<br /><br />The Good news is I have a little time on my hands I didn't think I would yet! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-qfurWRvpb6p2_ndrv2mMevN7qtfwDE9_Lxgz3FS1wqYU5AA71ABuiTUJUq4R1U-aJr51hrx9MqrRVWntMcKobfPdcUsYg_QxdM6gA4GG3Y2elY0-nTLn5itMaZ2FM0DCWNkHAKcLooo/s1600-h/Wedding-Pic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-qfurWRvpb6p2_ndrv2mMevN7qtfwDE9_Lxgz3FS1wqYU5AA71ABuiTUJUq4R1U-aJr51hrx9MqrRVWntMcKobfPdcUsYg_QxdM6gA4GG3Y2elY0-nTLn5itMaZ2FM0DCWNkHAKcLooo/s320/Wedding-Pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242267041085888658" border="0" /></a>Which is fabulous when it happens to be your anniversary!! YAY!! It has been nine fantastic years with my wonderful honey! I can honestly say that I happier with that decision than I am with any other I have made in my life! He truly makes me happy. We met and married in 6 months time...but it is obvious to those who know us that it was right for us! LOL!<br /><br />Now the other good news is that I have finally after a 2 month break got something new in my store!! The irony is that it is a mini kit with a baby theme...LOL! <br /><br />This IS NOT an announcement...but since our first child was somewhat of a honeymoon baby, it fits! LOL! Also, my dear sister is due anyday now with her first...so you could say that is the reason that it was on my mind! So, here is a glimpse of it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsLHBOLq-JVWEYy7n2a3EkkJumVCViY9zMG62Jgw14TjLniYcLISZCbVH3KdHEVDWkZt7wqoiH1bOSKSheSGeRfh-fzuPL4BrQ4YUe6u8mLD8-IEcpGMrYTabrq9HEyIizSKhRLgHc7o4/s1600-h/aprildawn_whoababy_preview.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsLHBOLq-JVWEYy7n2a3EkkJumVCViY9zMG62Jgw14TjLniYcLISZCbVH3KdHEVDWkZt7wqoiH1bOSKSheSGeRfh-fzuPL4BrQ4YUe6u8mLD8-IEcpGMrYTabrq9HEyIizSKhRLgHc7o4/s400/aprildawn_whoababy_preview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242263838409852370" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the mini kit.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtdWc9rQu2R6TzrEO_L4X14d3eNbP_Rn5-HgMP_Gy4zYKp533ZkeWrY0iO7pBA3Mvvw1xHUAWEJDIUKMuGVWCd9Ojsi9LB-2y77ZpqKmcJsOCBv9FMWM33-GepDXJJm-NfmcTvNUx5LAF/s1600-h/aprildawn_whoababy_alpha_preview_web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtdWc9rQu2R6TzrEO_L4X14d3eNbP_Rn5-HgMP_Gy4zYKp533ZkeWrY0iO7pBA3Mvvw1xHUAWEJDIUKMuGVWCd9Ojsi9LB-2y77ZpqKmcJsOCBv9FMWM33-GepDXJJm-NfmcTvNUx5LAF/s400/aprildawn_whoababy_alpha_preview_web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242263835736846882" border="0" /></a>And here is a matching alpha!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You can purchase them in my store at <a href="http://digiscrapstation.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_39">DigiScrapStation</a>! I would LOVE to see your LO's when you finish them...feel free to leave me a link to them in the comments!<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3037347082322740447.post-63105182465243937982008-08-29T09:49:00.004-07:002008-08-29T09:55:35.947-07:00Wow...thought you were done?? Here is week 3!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kjoistudios.com/gallery/albums/userpics/kjoi-Week3-Previews.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://kjoistudios.com/gallery/albums/userpics/kjoi-Week3-Previews.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Simply amazing!! Now I could post more info here...but I REALLY need to go work on my week 4 entry!! So, go download(at <a href="http://www.kjoistudios.net/blog">www.kjoistudios.net/blog</a>)-comment, and vote (the gallery and forum at <a href="http://www.kjoistudios.com">www.kjoistudios.com</a> !! Then make LO's...just because it is FUN!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1