Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template & Another CK Giveaway!

Happy New Year, Cyber Friends!  I hope your new year is off to a good start!

For today's free template, I have the cover I made for my 2012 POTD book.  For the past 3 years I have printed with Shutterfly so this year's cover is Shutterfly ready too (that's why it looks odd shaped and off centered) This is what it looks like and it can be downloaded (expires Jan 17, 2012 - please let me know if it expires before this date & I will get a new link up!) for free HERE:

Here is what my cover looks like:

365 Sticker by Wild Blueberry Ink, Stitching by Anna Aspnes

I also have a fabulous giveaway from Creating Keepsakes!  Check out this magazine:

Open publication - Free publishing - More photography

Want a chance to win this awesome magazine?  Simply leave your name and state in the comments section of this blog post.  I will randomly select a winner on January 15, 2012.  International folks are welcome to enter too!  Good luck and thanks for stopping by!

Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template

Greetings Friends!
As another year comes to a close, I find myself catching up on my 2011 POTD book. I usually get a few weeks behind at putting my pages together. I almost always get a daily photo taken, but I do have my occasional missed days! For today's free template, I have my 2012 POTD layout to share. It looks a lot like my 2010 POTD template, but I don't care. You can download it for free HERE (link expires Dec 27, 2011) Here is what it looks like:

Here is my take for week one:

stitching by anna aspnes, paper & tag by me

I also created a few highlighting pages to use for events, vacations, etc:

overlay by ali edwards

overlay by ali edwards

Check back next week for a free mini kit of the papers that I am using for my 2012 POTD book!
Thanks for stopping by!

Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template & Another CK Giveaway!

Oh Cyber Friends!  I have another great giveaway from Creating Keepsakes!  Here is a peek inside Scrapbooking Holidays & Celebrations:

Open publication - Free publishing - More celebrations

Leave your name & state (or country) in the comments section of today's blog post for your chance to win!  I will randomly select a winner on Friday, November 18, 2011!  International ladies are welcome too!

For today's giveaway, I thought I would give you an element pack instead of a template!  Here is a look at today's freebie (can be downloaded HERE. link expires Nov 29, 2011):

 Happy Scrapping & don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win Scrapbooking Holidays & Celebrations!

Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template & Another CK Giveaway!

Greetings Cyber Friends!
Today is our first snow of the season!  The kids went nuts and insisted on taking a break from school work (we homeschool) to play in the snow.  Who am I to say no to playing in snow that is going to be gone tomorrow?!

 

I have a fabulous giveaway from Creating Keepsakes to share with you!  I have one copy of Scrapbooking with Fabric & Notions to give to one lucky winner! Check this out:

Open publication - Free publishing - More fabric

Leave your name & state (or country) in the comments section of today's blog post for your chance to win!  I will randomly select a winner on Friday, November 11, 2011!  International ladies are welcome too!

Are you ready for today's free template?  You can download it HERE (link expires Nov 22, 2011)

If you are new to digi scrapping, you are going to need some software to get started.  Go to www.adobe.com and download the FREE 30-day trail version of Photoshop Elements.  (For a direct link, click HERE)  There are instructions all over the web as to how to get started in digital scrapbooking. Go HERE for some great instructions and links!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template - It's back!!

Greetings Cyber Friends!  Happy First Day of November!
In honor of National Digital Scrapbooking Day, which is Nov 5, I thought I would bring back Template Tuesday!  Woohoo! Here is a look at today's free template (download it HERE - link expires Nov. 15, 2011)

If you are new to digi scrapping, you are going to need some software to get started.  Go to www.adobe.com and download the FREE 30-day trail version of Photoshop Elements.  (For a direct link, click HERE)  There are instructions all over the web as to how to get started in digital scrapbooking. Go HERE for some great instructions and links!
I also wrote a blog post today over  at Creating Keepsakes.  Go check it out - there is a freebie there from Wild Blueberry Ink! 

Make sure and stop by my blog on Nov 5 for another free digital scrapbooking item!  I will also be giving away a special Creating Keepsake magazine starting Nov 7!  Stop by next week for your chance to will!

Thanks for stopping by & have a great day!

Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template & Another CK Giveaway!

Happy Tuesday to you all!!
I have another giveaway from Creating Keepsakes!!!  Woohoo!  This week, I have one copy of Scrapbooking Tricks & Tips: Fabulous Flowers to give away!  Here is a look into this fabulous magazine:

I am honored that CK trusted me enough to do the cover layout for this issue!  Thanks, CK!

This is a layout I did for the magazine too!

Open publication - Free publishing - More flowers

Want a chance to win this fabulous magazine?  Simply leave your name and state in the comments section of this blog post.  I will randomly select a winner on Friday, May 20, 2011.  International gals are welcome to enter too!  Good luck!  Don't forget to check back on Friday to see if you are a winner!
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I haven't had the time to do a layout for today's free template so I don't have any design tips to share today.  Instead, I have two freebies to give you!  Vicki H asked me where she could find the alpha that I used in May 3 Template Tuesday Freebie.  I created that alpha to use in a heritage book that I am making for my Grandmother.  It's just a lower case alpha, but per Vicki's request, it's my gift to you today!  You can download this alpha HERE (link expires May 31, 2011):

Here is a look at one of the heritage pages that I made for my Grandmother's book using this alpha:

All items by Katie Pertiet found at Designer Digitals

I also have a free template for you today!  Download this template HERE (link expires May 31, 2011):

This came from the Curvaceous Pack I sold at Owl Tree Studios

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great week!

CK Giveaway! &Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template & Design Tips

Happy Tuesday!
I am so excited about the giveaway from Creating Keepsakes!  I have one copy of Creative Spaces with Megan Hoeppner to give to one lucky winner!  Check out this fabulous magazine:

Open publication - Free publishing - More craftroom

Want a chance to win?  Simply leave your first name and state in the comments section of this blog post.  International gals are welcome to enter too!  I will randomly select a winner this Friday (May 13).  Good luck and don't forget to check back on Friday to see if you are a winner!

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Today is Template Tuesday!
I took a template from my Circle Template pack that used to be for sale at Owl Tree Studio.  Here is what it looks like (download it HERE for free - expires May 24, 2011):

Here is how I used the template:

Let's talk for a second as to why this design works:
Proximity: All the important elements of this layout are touching or near each other.  This gives the layout a sense of unity.
Triangle: The small touches of red form a visual triangle.  This triangle encourages the viewer's eye to travel around the layout.  Try creating a visual triangle with items that are the same color but not the same texture or size.
White Space:  Actually, it's blue in this case!  The space without text or graphics is considered white space.  White space gives the viewers eye a chance to rest.

Want to read more about design?  Go HERE or HERE


If you are new to digi scrapping, you are going to need some software to get started.  Go to www.adobe.com and download the FREE 30-day trail version of Photoshop Elements.  (For a direct link, click HERE)  There are instructions all over the web as to how to get started in digital scrapbooking. Go HERE for some great instructions and links!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template & Design Tips

Happy Tuesday, and thanks for stopping by!
Today at The Daily Digi, I wrote a little post about using texture on your layout.  Go check it out HERE!  :)
Here is today's free template -which is actually a fully-loaded template!  All papers and elements are included, and all layers are alterable! Download it HERE (link expires May 17, 2011 - this is a big file!):

Here is how I used this today's template:

Let's talk for a second as to why this design works:
Common Margins: The entire layout is framed with a lightly patterned paper and scalloped edges.  This framing gives the layout an additional sense of unityVisual Triangle: The splashes of mint green form a visual triangle.  This triangle encourages the viewer's eye to travel around the layout.  Try creating a visual triangle with items that are the same color but not the same texture or size.
Texture: To keep the layout interesting, I used a variety of textures on the layout.
Proximity: All the important elements of this layout are touching or near each other.  This gives the layout a sense of unity.
Repetition: I repeated a circular shape throughout the entire layout, but I used different textures, colors, and elements to keep things from getting too boring.

Want to read more about design?  Go HERE or HERE

If you are new to digi scrapping, you are going to need some software to get started.  Go to www.adobe.com and download the FREE 30-day trail version of Photoshop Elements.  (For a direct link, click HERE)  There are instructions all over the web as to how to get started in digital scrapbooking. Go HERE for some great instructions and links!
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template & Design Tips

Greetings Friends!
I hope you all had a fantastic Easter weekend!  I was blessed to be at a family reunion/ 90 birthday party for my Grandmother.  I had SO much fun visiting with family that I hadn't seen in several years!  I will post some photos later this week.
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Here is what today's template look like.  I thought a 2-pager might come in handy for your Easter photos:

You can download the PSD file/TIFF HERE (expires May 10, 2011)
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As some of you may know already, Owl Tree Studios is closing their doors.  The shop will be open the rest of April.  A couple of designers, myself included, will be discounting our products by 50%.  This sale will start tomorrow (April 27, 2011).  While I'm sad to see the shop close, I have to admit that I am a bit relieved because I have been struggling with time management.  I loved trying my hand at designing, but honestly, it's not for me!  I have only a handful of hours that I can dedicate to scrapbooking each week.  Since I started my store, most of those hours were eaten up with designing responsibilities, leaving little time for personal scrapping.  I long to "get back to the basics" and focus on scrapping for my family and Creating Keepsakes....and my blog of course!  Template Tuesday will still continue!  ;)

I hope you all have a fabulous week!  Thanks for stopping by!

Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template & Design Tips

Folks, I am so sorry that I left you hanging for Template Tuesday last week!  Do you ever have days/weeks were you have so many things going on that you don't know where to start?  That was me last week.  Between traveling, family drama, friend drama, gardening, kids, homeschool, housework, yard work, husband, and hobbies, I hardly had a moment to breathe!  Anyway, I am back this week, and I made this template for you (download HERE  - expires May 3, 2011) :

I hope you have a fantastic week!  Thanks for stopping by!

Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template & Design Tips & CY365 Blog Hop

Happy Tuesday!
Welcome CY365 (Capture Your 365) Blog Hoppers and all my regular readers too!  Blog Hoppers, every Tuesday I offer a free template to my fabulous readers.  Regular readers, I am a part of a Blog Hop regarding Project 365 aka Photo of the Day.

Let's get started with the free template.  Here is how I used today's free template:

Friends Mini Kit found HERE

Let's talk design for just a sec.  Why does this layout work?
1. Proximity:  All the important elements of this layout are touching or near each other.  This gives the layout a sense of unity.
2. White Space:  Actually, it's blue in this case!  The space without text or graphics is considered white space.  White space gives the viewers eye a chance to rest.
3.  Visual Triangle:  The splashes of red (number, stitching, sticker) form a visual triangle.  The triangle encourages the viewer's eye to travel around the layout.  Try creating a visual triangle with items that are the same color but not the same texture or size.
4.  Common Margins:  The entire layout is framed with a patterned paper.  This framing gives the layout an additional sense of unity.

If you are new to digi scrapping, you are going to need some software to get started.  Go to www.adobe.com and download the FREE 30-day trail version of Photoshop Elements.  (For a direct link, click HERE)  There are instructions all over the web as to how to get started in digital scrapbooking. Go HERE for some great instructions and links!

Here is the template (TIFF & PSD) can be downloaded HERE for free (expires April 19, 2011)

I have had numerous comments about how handy the text paths are for PSE users.  I thought a number text path might be useful too!  :)

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CY365
2011 is my third year of doing POTD/Project 365!  I love doing it, even though it's a chore at times!  My family and friends LOVE reading the books as it reminds them of things that they have already forgotten!  Today I would like to share with you my POTD books from 2009 & 2010.
Here is 2009 (the template used in most of this book can be found HERE):

   Click here to view this photo book.

Here is 2010 (I created an entire year's worth of templates similar to this book which can be found HERE.)  Simply add photos and journaling and you are done!

   Click here to view this photo book.

In case you missed the other stops in the blog, here is a list of participants:

1. Jill 

http://jillconyers.typepad.com/

2. Gayle 

http://lifeonlilypadlane.blogspot.com/

3. Tracy 

http://www.tracyannelittle.com/

4. Anne 

http://limeblog.net

5. Sarah 

blog.three8sphotography.com

6. Sharon 

http://sharonlinnefaulk.com/photo

7. Michelle www.ourhereandnow.blogspot.com

8. Katrina http://captureyour365.com/category/blog/

9. Kathleen 

http://jkplusthree.blogspot.com/

10. Erika www.imhangingwithmypeeps.blogspot.com

11. Gabi http://gabirytirova.typepad.com

12. Christi http://randomactsofchristi.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template & Design Tips

Happy Tuesday!
I have been so busy with other "real life" projects, that I almost forgot about Template Tuesday!  GASP!  Here is today's free template, but I haven't taken the time to make a layout or point out design tips.  So sorry!  Download the template (PSD and TIFF) for free HERE (expires April 12, 2011)

Thanks for stopping by!

Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template & Design Tips

Happy Spring!
I hope you are having a fabulous week!

My dear friend, Erin is selling her WHOLE store for $20!  This is a HUGE steal!  Check out HER STORE! 

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For this week's template, I decided to step out of my normal block design and give you something different.  Today's design is a little more abstract, but I hope you still like it!  Here is how I used the template:

Let's talk design for just a sec.  This design works because:
1.  Common Margins:  The common margin all the way around the layout keeps the design looking unified.
2.  Odds:  I used an odd number of dotted circles.  When using elements, try using an odd number of each.
3.  Position:  The subject is turned to face the middle of the layout.  I always try to keep my subjects looking towards the middle of the layout as this helps to keep the viewer's eyes looking at the whole design.
4.  Rules of Thirds:  Approximately 2/3 of this design is photo, while 1/3 of the space is occupied by the circle design.  Also, the large circle of journaling is located on the intersecting lines. (see below).   Using the Rule of Thirds helps creates more tension, energy and interest in the composition. Try using this Rule instead of simply centering your design.

Here is today's template which can be downloaded HERE (expires April 5, 2011)

Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!

Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template & Design Tips

Greetings and welcome to the 22nd edition of Template Tuesday!
I am the guest blogger over at The Daily Digi.  Pop over there and read my post about white space and how to effectively use it on your layouts!  I even demonstrate how NOT to use it too!

Here is my take on today's Template Tuesday freebie:

All items used from my Garden Lovers kit found HERE

 Let's talk about the design of this layout & why it works:
1.  White Space:  White space, also known as negative space, is the absence of text or graphics.  I wrote more on this design principle at The Daily Digi. White space can make or break a layout so be sure and check out that blog post!
2.  Asymmetrical Balance:  This layout is asymmetrically balanced - not equal from side to side, but an implied balance instead.  Different colors have different weight values as do elements. Go check out my January post at The Daily Digi for more info on asymmetrical design - you'll be glad you did!  :)
3.  Proximity:   The photo and papers are spatially connected to each other because of their proximity.  This placements gives a unified look to the layout, and unity creates a feeling of wholeness.
4.  Common Margins: I framed my layout with common margins which is an easy way to keep a layout looking unified.

HERE is today's free template (download link expires March 22 , 2011).  I have included a PSD version & TIFF too!

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On Monday, March 14, 2011, I am hosting a chat at  Owl Tree Studios!  Stop by HERE (Monday, March 14 at 9PM Eastern/8PM Central/6PM Pacific) to chat with me and get this template pack (PSD and TIFF) for free! 

Goes into my Owl Tree Studio store on March 18

Thanks for stopping by!

Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template & Design Tips

Happy Tuesday!
First up - Backing up:
This is just a friendly reminder to take some time (TODAY) to back up your photos and scrapbooking items.  I back up my photos and scrap goods to 2 external hard drives AND I use Carbonite which backs my junk up automatically when I am not on my computer.  Why so much, you ask?  Because I would be devastated to lose my memories, my hobbies, my life.  I gladly fork over $50 per year for unlimited back up with Carbonite.  Are they foolproof?  I doubt it.  But having peace of mind knowing that I have my stuff backed up at another location is worth $50 to me!  Do yourself a favor and back up your computer. TODAY. :)
BTW, here is a blog article from a site I trust that has a little info on externals.  Here is part 2 of that article.
Happy backing up!
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Second: Template Tuesday!  I have almost 500 people downloading my free templates each week!  Thanks so much for stopping by, everybody!  Make sure and check today's template download for a coupon to my store!

Here is my example of today's free template:

All items from my Garden Lovers kit coming to Owl Tree Studio on March 4

So let's talk for a minute as to why this design works.
1.  White Space:   White space is the area(s) of a layout that is has no text or graphics.  It gives the viewer's eye a chance to rest.
2.  Proximity:   The photo and papers are spatially connected to each other because of their proximity.  This placements gives a unified look to the layout, and unity creates a feeling of wholeness. 
 3. Repetition:  I repeated the same colors throughout the entire layout, but I used different textures and elements to keep things from getting too boring.

Here is today's free template (download it HERE - expires March 15, 2011)

The template is in TIFF and PSD!

Want to read more about design?  Go HERE or HERE

If you are new to digi scrapping, you are going to need some software to get started.  Go to www.adobe.com and download the FREE 30-day trail version of Photoshop Elements.  (For a direct link, click HERE)  There are instructions all over the web as to how to get started in digital scrapbooking. Go HERE for some great instructions and links!

Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template & Design Tips

Happy Tuesday, Everybody!
Here is what today's free template looks like:

You can download it HERE (link expires March 7, 2011)
I apologize for not having an example or design tips again this week.  My grandfather had a heart attack (all is well for the time being), and I have a ton of out of town family members staying at my house.  Thanks for understanding!  I'll see you next week!

Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template & Design Tips

Happy Tuesday, Everybody!
With it being Valentine's Day yesterday, I shut off my computer and concentrated on family time for most of the day - something that I should do more often!  Anyway, I have a free template for you today, but I haven't taken the time to do an example or write up design tips.  Here is what today's free template looks like:

You can download it HERE (expires March 1, 2011)
Thanks for stopping by!

Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template & Design Tips

Happy Tuesday!  Today I have written a post over at The Daily Digi about color and effectively using it in your layout design.  I gave links to some awesome color tools too!  Go check it out HERE!

Here is today's free template....I even tossed in a free handwritten title that I took from my Love Doodles Pack!  Happy early Valentine's Day!  :)  Go HERE to download the free template (link expires Feb 22, 2011:

Here is how I used the template:

Kit used: Fresh Memories found HERE

Now, why does this layout work?
1.  Common Margins:   The entire layout is surrounded by a common margin which unifies the layout.
2.  Proximity:   The photo and elements are spatially connected to each other because of their proximity. This placements gives a unified look to the layout, and unity creates a feeling of wholeness
3.  White Space:  White space is the area(s) of a layout that is has no text or graphics.  It gives the viewer's eye a chance to rest.  Folks, it doesn't have to be white in color to be considered white space! :)

If you are new to digi scrapping, you are going to need some software to get started.  Go to www.adobe.com and download the FREE 30-day trail version of Photoshop Elements.  (For a direct link, click HERE)  There are instructions all over the web as to how to get started in digital scrapbooking. Go HERE for some great instructions and links!

Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template & Design Tips & a Giveaway

Happy Tuesday, and thank you for stopping by my blog today!

First up is an AWESOME giveaway from Creating Keepsakes!  Creating Keepsakes is celebrating their 15th birthday!  I am honored to be a part of this fabulous family!  I have one copy of Scrapbooking Tips and Tricks: Texture to give away to one lucky person!  Check this out:

This was created by me!  :)

Open publication - Free publishing - More scrapbooking

Simply leave your name and state (or country) in the comments section of this blog post for your chance to win!  I will randomly select a winner on Friday, February 4, 2011.  Good luck!  Don't forget to check back to see if you are a winner!
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Template Tuesday is up next!  Here is a look at today's free template:  Go HERE to download the free template. (link expires on Feb 15, 2011)

Here is how I used the template:

All item from Fresh Memories at Owl Tree Studios

Now, why does this layout work?
1.  Common Margins:   The entire layout is surrounded by a common margin which unifies the layout.
2.  Proximity:   The photos are spatially connected to each other because of their proximity. This placements gives a unified look to the layout, and unity creates a feeling of wholeness.
3.  Picture Placement:  The left photo was purposely placed in the left square so that the subject would be looking towards the middle of the layout.  Had I placed that photo in the right square, the subject would be  looking awkwardly away from the rest of the layout. Properly placing a photo helps create a feeling of unity throughout the whole layout.

Want to read more about design?  Go HERE or HERE

If you are new to digi scrapping, you are going to need some software to get started.  Go to www.adobe.com and download the FREE 30-day trail version of Photoshop Elements.  (For a direct link, click HERE)  There are instructions all over the web as to how to get started in digital scrapbooking. Go HERE for some great instructions and links!

Template Tuesday - Free Digital Scrapbooking Template & Design Tips!

Happy Tuesday!
First up is a little blurb about the new products I put out at Owl Tree Studio!  They are all 20% right now and can found HERE!

Can be found HERE

Can be found HERE

Can be found HERE

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Here is a look at today's free template which can be downloaded for free HERE (link expires Feb 8, 2010)

Here is how I used this template:

Pure Love Kit used

Now, why does this layout work?
1.  Common Margins:   The entire layout is surrounded by a common margin which unifies the layout.
2.  Proximity:   The photos are spatially connected to each other because of their proximity. This placements gives a unified look to the layout, and unity creates a feeling of wholeness.
3.  Visual Triangle: (pink color) Placing items on my scrapbook page in a triangle allows the viewer's eyes to see the page as a whole rather than being distracted by one or two pieces on the page.  A visual triangle helps the viewer's eye to travel around the page and can be created on a scrapbook layout using photos, embellishments, or event text such as your title, date, and journaling.

Want to read more about design?  Go HERE or HERE

If you are new to digi scrapping, you are going to need some software to get started.  Go to www.adobe.com and download the FREE 30-day trail version of Photoshop Elements.  (For a direct link, click HERE)  There are instructions all over the web as to how to get started in digital scrapbooking. Go HERE for some great instructions and links!