Cherished Memories

This past week I was privileged to be able to chaperon my daughter's class at our school's traditional Sixth Grade Camp. The good times shared during these three days will be cherished for years to come.

We woke up both mornings and joined other 'early birds' at the lake.  We enjoyed the quiet of the morning, the mist on the water and the sunlight as it started rising above the tree line.  I especially enjoyed remembering my own childhood when I would fish with my Dad - truly happy memories.  Admittedly, I did not like baiting the hook or taking care of my "catch" - but I loved casting and reeling in - and mostly, I simply loved my time with Dad.

Here is the first of (likely) many layouts from her camp adventure.  

The template is from a Photoshop Friday 2012 class at jessicasprague.com.  The papers and elements are from my "Shades of Gray" collection available at My Memories and Scrap Takeout.

Cherishing memories....by the Shore.

PhotoShop Friday

You know how much I love my "to be printed" folder - and I couldn't wait to add the following layout.

This template came from another great Photoshop Friday at jessicasprague.com.  I simply adore layouts of my girls spending time together.  These memories are priceless.

Loving my "to be printed" folder...by the Shore.

PhotoShop Friday ~ Live Life Out Loud!

Another Photoshop Friday and another layout in my 'to be printed' folder.  Life is Good!

The technique in this week's Photoshop Friday at jessicasprague.com was using a font to create an outline  and using that same font as a clipping mask.  (See the title: PAINT)

I used the template provided which was already 'rich' in elements from the talented designers at jessicasprague.com.  I added papers from my Fresh Floral Fun collection available in both of my stores.

Fresh Floral Fun Available:   NDISB collection and MyMemories Paper 1/ Paper 2 / Elements

Don't forget that all of my products at NDISB are available at 50% off using the coupon code 'SPOTLIGHT'.  At MyMemories, I have placed all of my product on sale at 50% as well.  Both of these sales are in celebration of my two year 'Digi-Versary' and are through July 31, 2012.

Have a blessed day...by the Shore.

Digi-Versary! (yes, I like fun new words)

OK, so Digi-Versary may not be added to next edition of Websters - but it's fun to say and fun to celebrate!

A few years ago I made the decision to branch out from digital scrapbooking and explore digital designing.  What a great couple of years it has been.  I graduated from both of the advanced digital design classes at jessicasprague.com, became a certified digital designer and was blessed to be part of a designers workshop in Utah with Carina Gardner earlier this year. I am currently in two fabulous online stores - Natural Designs in Scrapbooking and My Memories.  The journey has been wonderful - I have met so many fabulous designers, digital scrapbookers, traditional scrapbookers and multi-media artists.  And I know that this adventure has just begun and there is so much more fun ahead!

To celebrate my two year Digi-Versary - all by the Shore designs products in both of my stores are on sale through the end of July.  Here are just a few of the collections and best sellers that you will find:

At Natural Designs in Scrapbooking - simply use the coupon code SPOTLIGHT when you check out. (by the way, check out the NDISB home page under the last few Spotlight Saturdays)

At My Memories, simply add your purchases to your cart - the items have just been discounted for you.

For my faithful followers, thank you for joining me on this digital journey. 
Y'all rock...by the Shore.

(a new facebook freebie that coordinates with my just released collection 'Toes in the Sand' will be out tomorrow - this is your last chance to grab the free Fresh Floral Fun Add On - head on over now!)

Photo Shop Friday with Fresh! Floral Fun!

Photoshop Friday at jessicasprague.com- and I actually did it on Friday (go figure)

This class used an overlay to create 'paper'.  Can you see the luscious texture on the lighter pink paper in the background.  


On this Photoshop Friday, I used the template as a starting point but made several changes (picture quantity and sizes, new elements and I recolored items to go better with my choice of papers. One of the best things about using templates is that they are so flexible.  You can use them 'as is' - or tweak them to make them your own.  Either way, another layout in my "to be printed" folder.


 I used my Fresh! Floral Fun collection for this layout and am tickled with the way it turned out.  You can find this collection at Natural Designs in Scrapbooking and at My Memories (and if you are an Etsy shopper - it is there too)


Hope you have a great weekend planned - highly unusual but I have nothing on my schedule (except church) so we'll see what I can get into...by the Shore.

PhotoShop Fridays!

Have I mentioned that I love PhotoShop Fridays at jessicasprague.com.  Sure I know most of the techniques that are shared - but I don't always remember to use them, the templates are great and I am able to add another layout (or two) to my "to be printed" folder.

This first template/class was on creating your own photo strip (which I love to do on my layouts)  I used a map from google on the background and added a few papers from designers at jessicasprague.com

If you look at the top left corner of the layout, I added an extra photo strip with random images from our trip to Chicago.  If you look extra close, you might see that each image represents a letter of the alphabet, spelling out the word 'Chicago'. My daughter and I enjoyed this alphabet scavenger hunt through the city and are looking forward to trying it again.  A fun way to see things around you a bit differently.

This PhotoShop Friday was on adding a calendar to a layout.  I created a clipping mask for each date and it was super easy to add the pictures in as they were taken.  This would also be a great layout to use as a cover page for a vacation album, or as an advent countdown at Christmas time.

I am now caught up on all PhotoShop Fridays for the year (I bought the entire bundle at once, saving a bit of money) I wonder what this Friday will bring.....You can also go back and purchase individual editions at any time, in case you see a template that catches your eye!

Have a great day...by the Shore.

Photoshop Friday (7/6)

Thanks for stopping by the Shore.  This past week, Photoshop Friday at jessicasprague.com included a template and lesson that I really enjoyed.  While my own scrapbooking style tends to be clean and simple - the technique shared was to add a few background brushes as well as "paint" brush stokes to add a special touch.  A bit out of my comfort zone - though I have to admit I like the end result.  Need to add these techniques to my digi-arsenal of tricks.

                  

Hope you have a fabulous week...by the Shore.

Photoshop Friday and more...

I love Photoshop Friday jessicasprague.com.  Last December I purchased the entire year for 2012 and have not been disappointed - and the best part is I add another layout (or two) to my "to be printed" folder.  

This episode of Photoshop Friday featured a fun template and journaling in a column.  I love that each of these classes refreshes my memory on all of the awesome techniques available in photoshop. And if you are relatively new to photoshop - not to worry, the video lesson and corresponding PDF are easy to follow.

My 'Creativity' layout features paper and elements from my Beautiful Music Collection - available at both NDISB and MyMemories.  I can't tell you how I truly loved spending the day with my husband and girls - and in a paint studio was definitely a bonus!  So much fun getting my hands messy......

And....mark your calendars for July 6-8.  We have a fun blog hop next weekend - you won't want to miss the digi-goodness these designers have for you! Make sure you head back to my blog to check it out (and I'll be sure to let you know it arrives)

Have a great day....by the Shore.

Photoshop Friday x2 and more....

Two more layouts for my "to be printed" folder - both are from the Photoshop Friday series at jessicasprague.com

AND......next week at jessicasprague.com it is party time...who's going to join me!

Have a blessed weekend!  Till next time...by the Shore.

Digital Art Journaling - 3 new pages

I am truly embracing this "new for me" art form.  Art Journaling is a great way to express oneself.  The process is therapeutic and relaxing ~ and is often a pleasant diversion from my busy days.

Prompt:  Strength



Prompt: Laughter



Prompt: I am

These layouts feature supplies provided in the Digital Art Journaling class at jessicasprague.com as well as Art Journaling Kits from Nancie Rowe Janitz.  

As we roll into the weekend - enjoy time with family and friends...by the Shore.

Digital Art Journaling

Life has been pretty busy the last few months and I have not had the opportunity to do any Digital Art Journaling.   I have saved the weekly prompts that are shared in the general forum at JessicaSprague with the high hopes that one day things would slow down  - just a bit.  This morning I worked on two layouts and really enjoyed the process. I forgot just how much I love this form of art and personal expression. 

Prompt: Abandon!

Prompt: Beauty!

On these prompts I used the class supplies from the Digital Art Journaling class I took at jessicasprague as well as some new kits by Nancie Rowe Janitz - Journal Your Art Out!

I still have 4 more art journaling prompts from the past month  and will likely work on these over the next week.  

Hope you have a wonderful week.  June is here and summer is just around the corner.  I am looking forward to a relaxing (?) break from normal routines...by the Shore.

Photoshop Fridays

Playing catch-up on my Photoshop Fridays! This is one of the reasons I love classes at jessicasprague.com. They are available forever - so if life gets a bit hectic (which it does at times) I can work on my layouts and take those classes when I have the opportunity. No stress!
These PhotoShop Fridays are from May 18th and June 1st. (I am saving May 25th for another day)

(this one features my Playful Collection which will be available soon at MyMemories.com)

Hope you have had a blessed weekend...I know I have...by the Shore.

Seven Days of May (1st 3 days)

Over at jessicasprague.com there's a party going on -The Seven Days of May. For seven days (which began on Monday), you can find a new challenge in the general forum - along with a cool freebie. 

Here are my layouts for the first three days.  I love a good challenge and you know I love (wink wink) adding a layout or two or seven to my "to be printed" folder. Can't wait to see what day 4 brings.  If you hurry, you still have time to participate in day 3 - you just need to download the freebie before day four is posted. 

Hope you are enjoying the month of May.  In addition to these very fun challenges - we are winding up the school year for my fifth grader - and preparing for a High School Graduation & Celebration for my Senior.  Hug your little ones - they grow up way too quick. 

Have a super week...by the Shore. 

May 4th - Photoshop Friday

Another layout in my "to be printed" folder. Photoshop Friday at jessicasprague.com for May 4th featured this lovely template and the technique for creating a "dreamy photo".  Super cool.

And speaking of my "to be printed" folder,  Persnickety Prints is having their semi-annual sale through May 6th.  I am purchasing credits so that I am stocked up and ready to print my layouts throughout the year.  Head on over there now! (click on the image below or on the Persnickety Prints logo on the side bar)  Checkout with code: bigsale25



Hope you are enjoying this beautiful weekend...by the Shore.

Photoshop Friday x TWO

Two more layouts have been added to my "to be printed" folder.  Last week's Photoshop Friday featured a fun technique on typography - using three different fonts within your journaling to make your ideas pop!  Here's my little girl in her first soccer game.  She really rocked it!

Today's Photoshop Friday featured a technique of using a map as part of your layout.  This was from a few years ago when we went to DisneyWorld right before Christmas.  We told my youngest that we were visiting Gramma - which we did, but we had a surpise detour.  We thought it would be that magical moment you see on tv, where the kids are surprised and over-excited to be in the Magic Kingdom.  Um....NOT.  All she could say at the airport was..."Where's Gramma?"  She did get over the initial disappointment and had a fabulous time.  And yes, when our stay at DisneyWorld had reached it's end, we hopped on a train (another surprise) and headed to Gramma's house.

If you are looking for fun digital scrapbooking templates that you can use in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, cool techniques and a quick way to add layouts to your own "to be printed" folder, then head on over to jessicasprague.com and check out PhotoShop Fridays.

It's Friday!  (I know this is a favorite day of the week for many of my friends)  Enjoy....by the Shore!

Photo Flow Class

There's a new class at jessicasprague.com that I am totally excited about - Finding your Photo Flow. It begins tomorrow (4/16) and is a self-paced class.

Here is a short excerpt from the jessicasprague.com site (the full course description is here)

Start your journey from overwhelmed to organized. In this class you will learn the theory and principles behind Finding Photo Flow™, empowering you to create a consistent and simple process that puts you in control of your photos. You will also learn the secrets to protecting and preserving your photos for future generations along with how to save time with technology by choosing the right software program for your journey. This class is the foundation for future advanced Finding Photo Flow™ classes in specific software programs.

I am constantly taking photographs and really need to develop a good system to manage these photos. And now that I am in the process of moving my camera from automatic to manual - there has never been a better time to 'get it together'.

The class is currently on sale for $29 - though I am sure that price will not last for long.

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Here in Colorado, Spring is back in full swing (which means you could be wearing flip flops one day and snow boots the next) And yes, I am ready for summer...by the Shore.

Photoshop Friday 4/13

Another Photoshop Friday - another layout in my "to be printed" folder ....

I love Photoshop Friday as I know that I will have at least one new layout for my albums. The templates are fun and so versatile. I get a refresher on a photoshop technique. And I complete a layout quickly! If you have not checked out the Photoshop Friday classes at jessicasprague.com, I encourage you to take a peek - you will be glad that you did.

I have been 'absent' from my blog this past week - busy working on the yearbook for my daughter's elementary school (a true labor of love) and busy taking lots of photographs. 2 weeks ago I began a great new class - "Oh Shoot", taught by Candice Stringham. I am determined to take my DSLR - a Canon T3i - off automatic and make the leap to manual. I am loving this class and am really learning the basics. Candice has a wonderful way of teaching photography - it is easy to understand and very comprehensive. I already have her next class on my radar - Portraiture!

I hope you have had a wonderful week and are looking forward to a great weekend.

Enjoy the blessings that surround you....by the Shore.

Photoshop Friday 4/6

The 4/6/12 Photoshop Friday class at jessicasprague.com was on selective recoloring. This is a technique that always looks wonderful - and yet I often forget that it is an option. This is why I love Photoshop Friday, it is a wonderful refresher for me - and for those that are new to digi, it is a great opportunity to learn new techniques.

These are papers I have had in my digi stash for quite some time - DHD Pink Lemonade by Carina and Jen. The template is provided as part of the Photoshop Friday class. This is an older picture (from 2005) and is one of my favorites of my daughter when she discovers that she LOVES playing at the beach and in the ocean.

And....you know the best part....I add another layout into my "to be printed" folder. And that makes me happy!

Have a blessed day...by the Shore.

Layouts and More

I hope you were able to stop by in March and download the freebies I had for you. Keep your eyes open for more free digital goodness in the near future- both here and on facebook.

I have been having fun the past few days - working on challenges and layouts. Too much digital happiness!

Here is a layout I completed for this week's Art Journaling Prompt at jessicasprague.com The prompt was "tomorrow". I find myself using music as the focal point in these layouts. I truly enjoy the process of Art Journaling - painting, stamping, chalking, inking - digitally of course.

This layout was part of a speedscrap on Thursday night at jessicasprague.com. A new 'requirement' was posted every 10 minutes. At the end of the hour you were done - you had a little bit of time to put those finishing touches on an load your layout to the gallery. I love speed scraps as you never know what will come next. Here were the requirements for this scrap....1) choose one photo that covers entire background - grab a few extra photos 2) get messy - digitally 3) add something with stripes 4) add stars! 5) use an element 3 times 6) use an office supply item 7)use the word YES in the journaling or title....



This was one of the weekly challenges at jessicasprague.com. The basic idea was to use a series of photos with the focus on the inanimate objects and not the person (though I could not resist including this one bigger pic of my daughter)

This layout was from Photoshop Friday 3-30-12 - again at jessicasprague.com. The template was provided as part of the 'lesson'. I chose the papers for Creativy by Crystal -RainbowSherbet. I love the bright playful colors.
And finally - this is my second project of a class I recently took at reneepearson.com ~ It's Elemental - taught by Tiffany Tillman. The focus of the class was on the use of elements - specifically on clustering (yes, I am cluster challenged) I love the way this one turned out. The paper and elements are from a kit by Creashens.

I am putting the finishing touches on week 13 of Project 366! I'll share that with you tomorrow.

A beautiful day here in Colorado....weather was spectacular....hope you had a great day in your corner of the world. Till tomorrow...by the Shore.

It's a Blog Hop! Spring Has Sprung

The Art of Digital Design 2 Blog Hop has ended. Thank you for stopping by. I will be participating in the May 2012 Blog Train (starts May 1) Be sure to 'like' me on Facebook and download a free digital goodie over there (changes periodically) You can find many of my digital designs at Natural Designs in Scrapbooking

WELCOME TO THE ART OF DIGITAL DESIGN 2 BLOG HOP.

In 2011, I continued on my digital design journey and was blessed to participate in another advanced class at jessicasprague.com, taught by Carina Gardner ~ The Art of Digital Design 2. You know I love to learn - and believe me, the AoDD2 class did not disappoint. Several of the designers from this class created digital goodies for you using a luscious color palette!

)

Want another freebie? Head on over to "by the Shore designs" facebook page, be sure to "like" me - and download this fun coordinating alpha. (And I have more freebies planned for you in the near future over on facebook)

The full list of designers is below and they each have a wonderful coordinating freebie for you.(If at any time you get "lost" on this bloghop, please feel free to hop back here and you can go to each designers blog with a simple click) Your next planned stop on this blog hop is Crumpled Paper Designs.

I hope you enjoy the freebies that these designers have created just for you. Please take the time to leave a little love (comment) and let them know you appreciate their efforts and generosity. (And we have designers participating from around the world, so please be patient if someone's contribution is not yet available)

This blog hop only lasts through the end of March (as does the March Blog train) Download now and make sure you don't miss a single digital goody!

Enjoy your spring and all the blessings that surround you - and I hope that these digital freebies will help you create some fabulous layouts! Have a super day...by the Shore.