Alejas Designs

I'm moving to Word Press

2012-01-26T21:24:00.000-08:00

I have finally decided to make the move over to a WordPress Blog. My DST Blog Train freebie will be available here until the end of the month but if you want to see what else is going on then you'll have to visit my new spot.

New Release by Diana Burton

2012-01-20T20:50:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy scrapping day for me. I always love working with the kits by Diana Burton and this was no exception. Diana's new kit Industrial Strength is perfect for all of the photos I have of my guy doing his thing. It is packed with screws, washers, cable and a variety of other elements all in grays and blues. So if you've been holding off on MAN pages then you can get busy right now and do some scrapping.

I wrapped up a few pics from our broken stove that is currently at the welding shop having it's foot welded back on and dropped in several pictures of the planer my guy got for Christmas but then decided it wasn't to his standard. New planer is on it's way so chances are good this kit will show up again. LOL.

Here are my pages made with Industrial Strength

and here is a preview of the full kit.

I'm hunting down photos for Diana's latest Christmas kit too and will hopefully have them posted in the next few days. Take a look at Winter Dreams and pull out the rest of those Christmas photos. It's beautiful and I can't wait to finish the pages.

New Release by Star Song Studio

2012-01-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

Star Song Studio has just released this beautiful kit which she appropriately calls Apricot Glow. Wow! It is simply stunning and I absolutely love these colors. I am so not a "blue and purple" girl but these bold colors that share a place with my favorite earth tones really can rock the right photo. The kit is on sale right now at all of her stores. You can find a list in the sidebar on her blog.

One of my resolutions this year was to revamp my HD and EHDs (yes I do have several) so I had to hunt for these photos but was happy when I found them. I think they went beautifully with this kit and can't wait to find a few others so I can play some more. Here is my page and below that is a preview of this beautiful kit.

I am so far behind on so many projects but there are some more layouts coming soon. Stay tuned!

Vale of Darkness by Creative Victorian Design

2012-01-06T07:33:00.000-08:00

Do you love dark kits? I love anything vintage, steampunk, rustic and this kit is all of that and so much more. I didn't do a fraction of the scrapbook pages in 2011 that I did in 2010. I missed making pages but I simply got caught up in other things. Part of my "resolution list" for 2012 is to make more pages and when I saw this kit I drooled on the keyboard. Truth is, there isn't much Creative Victorian Designs puts out that I don't just fall in love with but I've never used a kit that was quite this dark. I enjoyed playing with it and will likely make use of it again. It has been lovingly placed in my "favorite dark kits" folder for future use. Can't wait to see? Here is a preview.

I'm telling you the preview does NOT do this kit justice. It is gorgeous! The image is linked in case you want to take a closer look. And here are my pages made with Vale of Darkness

Final Project
My guy had some big projects we wanted to focus on last year and he finished one of his just weeks before the end of the year. Here is his new toy a 1950 Ferguson Tractor. It originally belonged to his uncle and his son gifted it to my guy early last year. It will be used to pull floats in parades for the grand kids and probably for so other fun projects.

Yellowstone Bears

Some shots from 1959 in the park to back up some fun memories for my guy as a child.

Thank you CVD for allowing me to play with this stunning kit!

Brady2011-show0.flv

2012-01-05T16:10:00.000-08:00

My friends Nancy and Tim have been keeping Brady since he was a baby. This year Tim wrote this beautiful song for Brady and his son wrote the music. The song is being performed by the two of them. Tim is incredible on his horn. I just wanted to share the video I did with pictures of Brady for them to give to his parents for Christmas.
Enjoy!

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;A new &amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

New Look Coming

2012-01-01T20:09:00.001-08:00

So I thought I would give my blog a bit of a makeover for the new year but it seems to have a mind of it's own right now. As far as I can tell all the links for the blog train are working properly but you may have a bit of trouble seeing the words while I hack my way through to a fresh look.

Guess I should have titled this "Pardon the Mess". Please bear with me while I work on a facelift.

Load Up The Train Is Leaving

2011-12-31T21:40:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I am looking forward to some new and exciting things in 2012. In church this morning they talked of worldly resolutions like getting out of debt and weight loss and the myriad of other things that will no doubt hit a number of folks lists today. My resolutions are yet to come but then, that's not why you are here today is it? Today is the day the first blog train starts for the new year and I have a real treat for you. This is supposed to be a mini but I simply couldn't stop so there is a mini and a full alpha to boot. The files are nice and large so you can downsize if needed. There are 4 zips. Enjoy!

This month I am stop #48. You should have come from Bon Scrapatit Designs and your next stop should be PixelScrapper.
If you happen to get lost along the way you can always go back to the beginning.

Here is a preview of my contribution this month and the links are listed below.

Download Papers

Download Elements

Upper Case Alpha

Lower Case Alpha with Numbers

What's On YOUR Christmas list?

2011-12-08T06:51:00.000-08:00

Until I started scrapping there was always an empty spot on my wish list. My husband's family does thing VERY different than my family did growing up. They make a list and distribute the list to everyone and then the buying begins. It was always a bit uncomfortable for me to make a list of stuff I wanted. I realized just a few days ago that I was always wanting something really "cool" but I didn't feel comfortable saying what it was. Kind of hard to get what you want if you expect people to guess what it is but it still doesn't feel good putting that list out. It is especially hard when you are pretty much happy with your life and don't feel like you are lacking in many areas. I truly want World Peace, National Peace and Family Peace and would be quite happy to purchase my own gifts in return but that isn't how it works.

Since I started scrapping and took a lick at designing, my wish list has grown exponentially. I now have a running list and when I see something I like I just pop it on there. I also have the Amazon app that allows me to send anything from the web to my Amazon Wish List and I LOVE IT!

As I was "tweaking" my wish list this week to give to my husband so he can choose and then distribute the rest I wondered what other scrappers have on their list. So, share you Christmas List with me and maybe it will help someone fill a gap on their list.

As for my list?

This year Eye Candy is my big ticket item

And one of my best gifts (which I grabbed last month while they were on a killer sale) is the full set of Photoshop and Illustrator classes from Andrea Gold.

I am just too excited to start these classes! Thanks mom!

Watching for your lists.

DST Blog Train - Traditions

2011-11-30T22:19:00.000-08:00

So I promised you a NICE surprise and it's a BIG surprise too! The Train has left the station and your gift is waiting :) You should have come from Designs By Mandy King and your next stop is Maitri's Digital Scraps. If you get lost along the way, you can always go back to the station and start over. My contribution is this lovely alpha/element set and the image is linked so all you have to do is click.

When I think of traditions, I can't help but think of home made and this alpha set will give you the look of home made and hand made on your craft projects as well as your pages. I was talking with a friend today who saw my earlier post and she had a great idea. The inspiration for these came from actual wood pieces but she suggested that she might print these off and put them in a frame or shadow box with some special memorabilia for a special someone.

I made these large so you can use them for a variety of creative projects. This little project alone really put me in the Christmas Spirit and I hope you enjoy.

The free download is available for the entire month of December but after that you will still be able to pick it up in my store and..... there might be a coordinating kit to go along with it in the near future so stop back by before the end of the month.

Christmas Time Crafts

2011-11-30T08:35:00.000-08:00

My step-daughter is making the coolest gift for her children's teachers and I wanted to share since there is still time to whip up a few before the big day.

She took a 2X4 from the local store and cut it into different lengths and then put scrapbook paper and cute little embellishments on each one. They are just darling. Earlier in the year they sent out a questionaire to each teacher asking for their list of favorites so she chose their favorite colors and made each one truly custom to each teacher. So without further rambling and delay, here is a picture of the one she just completed.

I just LOVE this idea so much that I am going to make some for a few special people in my family but I'm adding old photos to the blocks to really customize each set. Since she wanted the gift to be something you could display all year she didn't use Christmas colors or elements but I can certainly see these used for Merry Christmas or Live, Laugh, Love or any number of cool phrases.

I liked it so much that I made a special gift for the DST December blog train but you'll have to come back tomorrow to see it and while you're here you'll be able to pick up an entire alpha totally FREE.

Yuletide Charm

2011-11-07T11:24:00.000-08:00

I picked up some great templates during the DSD weekend and couldn't wait to make something special with the new kit by Diana Burton. Yuletide Charm is simply charming. Diana also just released some beautiful Fancy Edge Paper Templates and I used that too.

I've had some Christmas photos sitting for a while. The pics of my man when he was young has been around for over 50 years LOL. I'm glad to have them on a page for the scrapbook and loved the way both pages turned out.

This template is part of a DSD grab bag I picked up from Jen C Designs. You can still get it if you hurry and check out her other stuff because her store is packed with goodies.

I used a template I grabbed as a freebie that is still available if you hurry from Jeanye Labaya Designs just get over to her FB page and give her a like and you can grab this beauty. Her store isn't open yet but keep an eye out because her templates rock!

I love the colors in this kit and the elements are simply stunning. Here is a preview and you can pick this up in Diana's store at Digitals.

Keep an eye out for more pages with these Edge Templates. They are so versatile and truly gorgeous!

DSD with the NUTS!

2011-11-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

For DSD we have some nice challenges

click on the images to go to the Nuthouse forum for more information

Attention Vintage Designers

2011-11-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

Breaking News! My heart is in Vintage and I love everything by Idgie's Heartsong. If you love it too then you need to rush right over to her store at Heritage Scraps before she comes to her senses. Truely, I went to get a few things for DSD and found she has extended her 50% off sale but when I got there I saw she also has a 50% off coupon.

I thought it was a mistake so I emailed her to see if she intended to be giving her incredible designs away for such a super price and here is her response:

"

Absolutely Rebecca - It is to celebrate National Digital Scrapbooking Day - Shop away Sweetie! Smiles...Thank you so much for watching out for me though! This is my way of thanking our loyal customers for their continued support. With the economy the way it is right now I want scrappers to be able to add to their winter stash.

Wishing You a Lovely Weekend Rebecca and THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

Hugs From Laurie"

And that my friends is what DSD and incredible designers is ALL ABOUT.

Now, shhhhhhh - My adrenalin is really pumping now and I'll be in Idgie's store if you need me :)

What the heck is DSD? and a FREEBIE

2011-11-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

This blog is mainly my place to share my scrapping and designing thoughts but a few of my non-scrapping friends have found their way and to my surprise and pleasure they actually read what I write but I wasn’t aware of it until a few contacted me asking about DSD. So for my non-scrapping friends (here after referred to as NSF’s) I wanted to educate you on the topic.

DSD is Digital Scrapbooking Day and in the world of scrappers it is a literal “frenzy” of sales, promotions, free products, coupons and most of the digital stores even have games and challenges where you can earn a ton of free products. To put this in true perspective for my NSF’s, it’s like The Black Friday and day after Christmas sale all rolled into one big weekend.

The adrenalin is pumping! There are sites where you have to be there at a certain time to get the best deal. There are designers who offer special incentives for Liking them or Following them or Subscribing to their newsletter. Last week I picked up some great items for 75% off from! This weekend many designers and stores are having a 50% off sale and one of my favorites Rachael’s Scraps has her store on sale for 55% off! Yes, I dropped some bucks there as soon as I saw her sale. You know that rush you get when you KNOW you have to be there at the door at 4 a.m. but the store doesn’t open until 5 a.m? Well that is what it’s like for us this weekend but we can do it all from our desk. (big grin)

So what if you’re not a digital scrapper but you love to shop? Chances are you KNOW someone who scraps and paper scrappers have as much fun with DSD as the rest of us. Are you crafty? Do you like to make cards or other paper crafts? Looking for a really special gift for someone for Christmas? A 12X12 scrapbook page in the right frame makes a beautiful gift. Here are some of my favorites from the last few years.

I know you’re thinking “That’s great Rebecca, but I can’t do that!” No problem. I actually do that stuff FOR other people. We call that Scrap 4 Hire in the Digital world so if you’re just born to shop and can’t pass up a good deal then go for it! Find a kit that makes you ohhhh and ahhhhh and let me know. I’ll grab it while it’s on the Mega Sale and you send me your pics. We’ll whip out those custom Christmas Gifts in no time.

Here are a few of my favorite designs. Check them out and grab a cup of coffee because this is where “Eye Candy” really came from.

PLEASE! Give me a reason to buy these kits :)

Of course, I want you to stop by my store too. I have just released Indian Summer. It is full of color and just in time for Fall photos.

In celebration of DSD I made some snazzy papers to coordinate with this kit. You can download Indian Summer Papers by clicking the image.

So there you go NSD's! A nice explanation for you and some inspiration. Have a GREAT weekend. I'm gone shopping :)

DSD-Incredible Sales!

2011-10-31T21:09:00.000-07:00

I just love a good sale but it's those really incredible sales that make my day and since Digital Scrapbook Day is coming next weekend I've been watching like a hawk. Today I got a really incredible deal at OScraps. Sue Cummings is having a 75% off sale and she has some darling word art and kits. Now, you have to put $25 in your cart but then you get it all for 75% off! But you have to hurry because the sale ends 11/1/11 at midnight.

There is also a very cool grab bag full of coupons and goodies at Digidesign Resort. I already have mine and am stalking the shop.

I have a nice wish list happening at Heritage Scrap. A few of my faves are Star Song Studio (25% off right now), Idgie's Heartsong (50% off right now but will probably end at midnight) and Theresa Lindamood (25% off on most of her items).

Barb Speck has all of her items at $2 at Digiscrap Warehouse. As a matter-of-fact there are lots of great sales going on at DSW.

So, if you don't hear from me this week you'll know it's because I'm busy shopping. And to round it all off I am having a sale too! My kit "Michelle" is on sale for the Tuesday Treasure for only $1.99. Here is a preview and there will be some cool specials for the DSD weekend so bookmark my shop.

So, happy shopping. I have some new fall papers coming out later this week and whatever else I can dream up between now and then.

Indian Summer - On Sale in my Store

2011-10-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

I have a new kit in the store and it is just in time for the Autumn leaves. If you're like me and you've been saving those warm photos then you might want to grab this kit while it's on sale for 35% off.

New kit by Joyce de Jonge

2011-10-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

Ready to make some fall pages? I have been waiting months for the new Fall/Autumn kits to hit. When I saw this kit by Joyce de Jonge I couldn't resist. Fact is, sometimes you see a kit and know exactly which photo(s) you want to use and other times you see one and just KNOW that you will FIND a picture to go with it. That was the case with this kit. I knew I would find something perfect to use with it and I did. Last weekend I went to our annual family reunion and I didn't get many pictures of people so I was disappointed but fortunately mom did. I grabbed all the pics off of her camera this week and went to work.

I'm pleased and will be looking for more photos to use with these kits. They are magnificent! In February we lost the oldest male in our family, Preston. He was a true gentleman and we all loved him very much. This was our first reunion without him and he was missed by all so I made a tribute page just for him. Last year I made a page for someone else who had been to their last reunion. I hope we can go next year without the need to make a page for anyone.

If you love Fall colors then be sure to check out these kits.

If you hurry you can pick them up while they're on sale. Don't forget to look at the extras while you're browsing her store. Images are linked :)

So here is a tribute to Preston McDaniel. We love you man!

The next page is just some fun family photos.

New Kit by Diana Burton

2011-10-10T17:35:00.000-07:00

Diana Burton has just released a new kit called "Change of Season" and the colors are simply gorgeous. I put it to good use on a new page of Matilda and made a page with a picture I took this weekend at our family reunion. This kit is elegant full of fall color and right now is on sale for 30% off. Here is a sneak preview

And here are my pages with Change of Season

I'll be back in a few days with a freebie from my new fall patterns. Just finishing them up now.

October Blog Train - Toot Toot

2011-09-30T22:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my stop on the Blog Train. The color swatch this month was gorgeous! And the best part of this train is there was no theme. Each designer was able to choose their own theme. I thought the colors were perfect for a bit of a vintage touch.. My portion is called Victoria. You should have arrived here from Paper Capers Designs and your next stop will be pixelscrapper. If you get lost along the way you can go back to The Main Station.

Download Here

Enjoy! Come back soon I'll be giving away some cool freebies all month long, well after I get back from Hawaii on 10/5. See you then. :)

Pretty Papers and Patterns

2011-09-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

I have gone pattern crazy lately. I love patterns and the versatility you can enjoy with them so I want to give you a heads up.

I'll be gone for a week to visit my son and his family in beautiful Hawaii. I'm so excited I'm having a hard time getting anything finished but Set 02 of Pretty Papers and Pretty Patterns just hit my store today so I couldn't forget to let you know about them.

I will also be joining the DST blog train on 10/1 so be sure and stop back by for my freebie portion. The colors are beautiful this time and there was no theme so I've made a vintage set. Sorry, that's all I can say about it now but be sure and come back on the first.

No more wasted breath! Here is a preview of Set 2. They are on sale until Tuesday for 35% off.

Magical Moments

2011-09-18T20:22:00.000-07:00

My friend Ann aka Star Song Studio released this very unique kit a few weeks back. It's called Enchantment and is very versatile. You know me, never able to take a kit and do with it what was intended and this is no exception. Enchantment is kind of a magical, fantasy, whimsical style with beautiful blues and purples but I dug deep and found the browns.

I got a new camera just before our trip to Colorado this year because it seems that everyone always gets better shots of the hummingbirds than I can. Well, I have to admit I had a terrible time with the settings and wasted as many shots as I got but in the end we were very pleased. On top of that our pet squirrel Matilda was a very accommodating subject. There will be more photos of Matilda but here is her debut.

Don't let my earthy stretch sway you though, Enchantment is quite versatile. Here is a preview and the photo is linked if you want to see some more of the pages.

Summer Fun!

2011-09-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

I just finished 2 layouts with a new kit by Betty Jo Martin at Digitals. Her stuff is way fun and this one in particular is VERY bright and cheery so I thought there was no better subject than darlin' little Olivia.

Grab a peek at the full kit in Betty Jo's store at Digitals

Got a picture problem?

2011-08-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

Recently I had the opportunity to work with a designer on some cool actions for my photos. Today, she is giving away a free action to use on your photos and her story is hilarious so take time to browse her blog and don't forget to bookmark her because EVERY FRIDAY she gives away something to help you make a better page or enhance your photos in some way.

Wonder no more! Stop by and visit Monkey Mesh Designs and don't forget to tell her thanks if you pick up her freebie this week which is a very cool photo action. I used this action to spiff up a photo and here is the result.

I want you to meet Matilda. She is our pet squirrel while we hang out in Colorado. You will see more of her in the future as I think she makes a wonderful subject. In this photo Matilda is snacking on a few Nacho Chips. If you think Matty looks good then you should see what this action will do to a photo of your child.

Before

After

Back from vacation!

2011-08-06T12:43:00.000-07:00

I got an email from a Designer friend who said "I was looking at your blog and I see you haven't posted in a while, is everything OK?" Well, yes it is as a matter-of-fact we were simply having our annual vacation/get away to Colorado. We are literally dying for rain in Texas but it rained and/or hailed almost every day while we were up on the mountain. When it rains it means that my man can't work outside and so he paces back and forth from one end of the hut to the other....and that means that I can't work either LOL. The weather this year was unlike it's ever been and with so much so often we found that we had MANY leaks and so he decided to work inside and "field strip" our quaint little Quonset Hut for a new one next year. Woo hoo! There will be more on that later (probably more than most people even care to know) but this is after all my space and no doubt many photos will come out of this episode in our life.

For now though, we are home and trying to get back in the groove. I'm working on several deadlines so I will jump back in with bits and pieces as often as I can but today my friend Manu at Nuthouse-Scraps turned me on to a store closing sale and if you love PS Templates, Vintage Textures and gorgeous kits then you should sachet on over and take a look at Shadow Scraps.

I am so sad because I have never even seen or heard of her before and she is going out of business. Her templates are a true vintage style with an old fashioned hand water pump and a porch swing and a darling spinning wheel too so if that is your thing then help her out before she closes the doors for good.

I have some new pages coming from Diana Burton's new kit and a few new kits I'm putting the finishing touches on. It is highly unlikely that I will post every day but when the Colorado story starts it will be worth reading. I promise!

Midsummer Night - Ooooh Aaaaah

2011-06-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

I am always amazed at what some designers will use in their kits. I consider myself to be a fairly creative individual and I have always been "guilty" of trying to use certain things in ways they were most certainly not intended to be used so it always makes me smile when I see someone do something EXTRAORDINARY and StarSong Studios has something like that in pretty much every kit. This new kit is no exception. Just take a look.

When I saw this kit I simply could not pass it up. I love the greens and blues but the owl and the leaf were what really caught my eye. Clearly, this was a kit specially designed for my new photos of Olivia. Here are my masterpieces made with Midsummer Night

If you love the possibilities, you can grab Midsummer Night on sale right now at Digidesign Resort.

New Layout with Carnevale di Venezia

2011-05-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

Just finished 2 pages with Carnevale di Venezia by AW Design. Beautiful elements in my favorite browns. If you like pearls and swirls you should check out this kit.

Here are my pages

This kit is on sale right now for $3.99

Traditions

2011-05-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

I just completed a double page layout with a new kit by Diana Burton appropriately called Golden Moments. I knew I had to have it the minute I saw it. I didn't know what I was going to do with it at the time and even when I did decide, the tables turned on me in mid stream. It is interesting how that happens, especially in scrapbooking. My husband remembers his grandfather telling him the story of being shot by indians in the late 1800's. He somehow made it to a corn field and packed his wound with silk from the corn. Years later when he died in 1959 he still had that in his leg. The wound healed over and there was a knot there where the packing was. I'm sure it was very interesting for a young boy to hear that story and be able to see the evidence especially when my husband grew up in the years of all of cowboys and indians movies.

That isn't what happened with my page though. As I was browsing through pictures looking for one of Grandpa H. by himself I noticed that he was always standing or sitting next to his wife in all the photos we have. I also noticed that he was always standing to her right except in one photo. That is where my story turned and the idea of this page was born.

In the process of looking through the photos we found an interesting "Heritage" nugget. Both my husband's grandfather and my mother were born on July 25th. It was also interesting to realize that my husband's grandmother (who died many years after her husband) left this earth on July 25th (her husbands birthday).

So, there is my heritage nugget for today. Now that we've learned this we want to go digging for more interesting information but it will definitely be a process.

Here is a preview of Diana's kit. If you're looking to do some of your own heritage layouts you should take a closer look.

Many blessings until next time!

I'm Having Withdrawals

2011-05-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

I haven't scrapped a page in about a month. I have been so focused on trying to get some new kits out that I just didn't stop to scrap. I realized I was having some serious withdrawals so I contacted all of my very cool designers and asked for new kits. Keep your eyes right here because I got some fantastic kits today and will be posting all weekend. I have to have my scrapping fix. There just isn't a replacement for scrapping.

I got this gorgeous kit from Michelle Pieters. You can visit her store which is currently on sale for 40% off while they are trying to break the new server at the store.

And here are the pages I made with her lovely kit.

Miss O is just growing like a weed!

I used some cool templates on these. Helped me get it done quick and easy.

Introducing....Michelle

2011-05-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

My new kit Michelle will be available on Sunday. I am so pleased with this kit and it holds a special place in my heart as it is a tribute to my incredible daughter-in-law. It is packed with 20 papers and 71 elements and I just went crazy and and made 2 alphas. Here is a sneak peek and if you love it, be sure to check my sale on Sunday.

NEWS FLASH!

2011-05-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

There's a Party Going On Right Now.... A Celebration.... well, you get the picture right? I have officially opened my store at Nuthouse-Scraps and starting today they are celebrating their big Birthday Bash. You don't want to miss this.

I'm hosting 2 challenges: Nifty Nuts and the Scraplift Challenge. Check them out. You can join one or both. You'll receive my new Earthy Paper Pack as a participation prize!

Leave a Review:

Don't like challenges and still would love to get something for Free for the birthday celebration at the Nuthouse-Scraps?
Then how about this:

Leave a REVIEW in store for a product that you have purchased @nuthouse-scraps and get these CU items for Free.

*note*
- only reviews posted between 14 and 30 may will count
- products must be purchased at the Nuthouse-Scraps

Template challenge:
I love clustering and the template created for this challenge uses clusters.

To participate simply download the free template and use it to create your own layout. Upload the layout to the Nuthouse Scraps' Gallery before the end of May and post the link in the challenge thread in the forum and you will receive a beautiful mini kit as a posting bonus.

Happy scrapping!

Use it all mini! Challenge

This type of challenge is such fun and everyone participating gets not one but two free mini kits!

Using the So Strong Mini Kit you scrap a layout using everything in the kit at least once. To be kind you are allowed to create new elements but only using items contained in the kit!

Everyone who completes the challenge and uploads their layout to the Nuthouse Scraps' Gallery and posts their link in the challenge thread in the forum will be eligible to receive the posting bonus; the So Strong Add On Mini Kit.

Scrap a qoute Challenge:
This is the posting bonus available to you for participating in the Scrap-a-Quote challenge.

All you need to do is post a layout in the gallery featuring a quote related to the theme of birthday/Celebration.

Post the most Challenge:

Clutter it Challenge:

For this challenge you get this QP made with Bee Happy megakit
this thread

All you have to do is put in a photo and clutter it with elements. You can turn it, recolor it.

Upload it to 2nd Birthday gallery and put a link in this thread.
At the end of the month you receive this bonus

Designer Inspiration Challenge:
I have a special challenge for you this month!

Go here to participate:

http://www.nuthouse-scraps.com/Forum/index.php/topic,433.0.html

By completing the challenge you can earn this CU pack:

This pack contains:
1 bottle lid
1 duck
1 envelope tie
1 halogen spot
1 heart with glass mosaic
1 lava lamp
1 plastic pocket
1 metal sea horse
1 sheet of tulle (12 x 12)
1 paper (12 x 12)

All you have to do is:

- choose 2 items from this pack you would like to use in a kit / can think of to use
- make a color scheme with 6-8 colors to go with the kit
Please use this template:
http://www.nuthouse-scraps.com/FreeNuts/Manus/schemetemplate.zip
- think about a theme for the kit and write on the color scheme
- think about a name for the kit and write on the color scheme
- come back and post your idea in this thread

All who complete the challenge are allowed to use the color schemes posted anytime and get a coupon code to grab my CU pack in the store for free (challenge runs till the end of May, coupons will be given out on June 1st :) )

2 Challenges 3 Prizes:
I'm hosting 2 challenges in honor of our Birthday Bash! You won't want to miss it because it will be one of the Niftiest challenges you've ever seen. Get the scoop on the Nifty Nuts Challenge and sign up now. I'm also hosting the Scraplift Challenge and I picked a very cool page to lift.

You can join one or both but completing both will earn you all 3 of my Earthy Paper packs.

Complete the Nifty Nuts Challenge and you will receive Earthy

Complete the Scraplift Challenge and you will receive Earthy II

Complete both challenges and you'll receive Earthy III

Scrap-a-layout Challenge:
Scrap a Layout Challenge in the forum

Let's see some beautiful layouts again this month in the gallery. Every time we run one of these challenges we get some really beautiful layouts.

1. Take a solid or lightly printed background and about 1/3 down one side make 4 small boxes.
2. In 2 of the boxes put solid color and in 2 of the boxes put photos.
3. Now put some decorations under all 4 boxes and one on top of each of the boxes with the solid colors.
4. Now 1/3 down from the top on the other side of the paper put 2 paper strips.
5. On top of the paper strips put 3 photos.
6. Using an Alpha set put a title below the 3 photos.
7. Now put a ribbon down the side under the photos.
8. Finish it off with some more decorations placed under and around the 3 photos.

Place your layout in the gallery and then come back here and place a link to your layout.

If you complete this Challenge you will recieve this Kit from Acorn Designs.

Celebration Time Challenge:

May is Celebration Time at the Nuthouse so here is a challenge you all can't resist!

This are the rules!

1. Buy my Scrapkit Celebration Time! in the store HERE
2. Scrap a layout with this kit
3. Post the layout in our Gallery (please add to the store model # this: Wilma-323)
4. Post a link to this topic at the Nuthouse-scraps Forum to your post in the Gallery and you will receive a $ 5.00 Coupon from me to spend in my part of the store!!!

At the end of the month I will choose 1 lucky winner who will also get an article or kit of their choice out of my store!

Birthday font Challenge:

Come celebrate our Nuthouse Birthday with us!
We have a fun Font Challenge for all of you.
Complete the challenge and get this Birthday Surprise gift!

Barb Speck is on a roll

2011-04-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

I have been a fan of Barb Speck's designs since I first started scrapping. This month she has gone all out introducing several new products. Honestly, there are just too many to put here so I'm adding a link to her FB page and you can see it all there or check out her store at Digitals.

Here are 2 pages I made with her new vintage tags and hanger clips that I combined with her artistic vintage Grandma's Wedding kit.

Some bits and pieces from my mom's life.
I'll have something else from Barb's collection in a few days.

A Stitch In Time

2011-04-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

Well, Diana Burton has done it again! Her new kit A Stitch In Time is exquisite. I just love her work and couldn't wait to get this kit. It's on sale now at Digitals so if you like it go check it out.

And here are 2 pages I whipped out this afternoon.

Diana is an exclusive designer at Digitalscrapbookpages.com, just like I am going to be an exclusive designer at .........the game is still going. So far, no one has guessed my store here on my blog or in the Happy Place at DST. I'm still looking to give away one of my new kits so you still have a chance if you want to take a shot. Today I changed the thread so even if no one guesses it right the person with the most guesses will get to choose one of my kits before they are available in the store.

Guess My Store - Win a Kit

2011-04-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

**Looking for the Pirates download? Scroll down :)

I'm making my debut at ????? on May 1, 2011. Wooo Hooo! Already I don't know how some of these designers do it, especially those that put out 4 or 5 new kits a month. If you have a designer you really love you should go and leave her a special comment right now and tell her just how much you appreciate her - or him :)

Go on.....do it now. Designers need love too.

So, I'm taking the plunge and spreading my Designer Wings. First up is my "Uniquely You" collection. Each kit is named after someone. I started with my family but eventually, I'll run out of those names and who knows what I will come up with. For now though, here is a preview of my first 2 kits.

Katy - after our youngest granddaughter - is fun and silly and created with the traditional soft pastels of Easter. Perfect for Easter, spring or new baby layouts. I'll be back with some soon.

Introducing......

Katy

Next up is Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is a name shared by my grandmother, sister and that same granddaughter. Elizabeth is regal, sophisticated and packed with 54 elements and 20 unique papers. Perfect for a classy adult Easter album or any other "dress up" event. With a touch of grunge and gemstones combined with dark royal elements it's sure to get your pages noticed.

Introducing.....

Elizbeth

Guess my store and you can choose one of these or wait until my store is open and you can grab them on sale or if you just can't wait check out my thread at DST and you can get them for promo layouts.

Pirates Not Allowed

2011-03-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

April Blogtrain is ready.
So, this is my first official BlogTrain! Toot...toot!

There is an incredible line up and the theme this month is Pirates Not Allowed!
I must confess I had a terrible time working with the pirate theme but the colors are beautiful so if pirates isn't your thing either then this might just be the perfect stop.

You should have come from Polkadotpixels

You are here Alejas Designs

Your next stop is Ronda's Scrap Bits

If you happen to get lost you can always go back to the station.

Enjoy your freebies and remember - Pirates Not Allowed!

Download Pirates Not Allowed!

Easter Time by Silvia Romeo

2011-03-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

I am terrible about taking a kit that has a theme and doing something totally opposite with it. The Easter Time kit by Silvia Romeo is no exception. I don't know what's wrong with me that I can't just find some Easter photos and make a page but my creative brain just goes off in another direction.

Here is a page from 1984 so I guess this is almost a vintage page :) and another page from a few years ago.

If you love these color like I do and think you can get creative too take a look at the whole kit.

Thanks for looking! Be back in a few days with some NEW stuff.

Quick Page Freebie

2011-03-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

Every month there is a cool Quick Page Contest at Coolscraps Digital. This month the featured designer is Star Song Studio and the kit is Royal Romance.

In celebration of the Quick Page Contest she has this kit on sale for 40% off! It's a great deal. It's a beautiful kit and you can pick it up by simply clicking the preview above.

Now, I don't do many Quick Pages and I don't join many contests but I had the priviledge of working with Sue at Star Song Studio a few weeks ago on her blog redesign and we became fast friends so when she asked if I wanted to showcase her kit I just couldn't say "no".

There are around 20 people in the contest and each of them will be making a Quick Page with this kit so if you want to grab an album of pages this is your chance.

I made a page of mom in Jamaica first and then turned it into a QP.

Here is my page

Here is the Free Quick Page

If you love it and can't live without it you can get your full size Free QP Right Here.

And wish me luck on the contest will you? The prize is a $10 GC to the CSD Store and it's one of my favorite shops.

Winter Blues

2011-03-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

This new kit by AWDesign says it all for many folks. Winter Blues is just that...full of blues. We don't really get the winter blues in South Texas. It never really stays winter for more than a week at a time so I didn't have any snow or dreary winter pics to go with this. I did find it a perfect match for the boys in our family so I did a few pages of my great-nephew and great-great nephew.

This is a very versatile kit. I added some cool word art by Paper Capers Designs.

Here are my pages

And here is a preview of the kit

See, works nicely for boys or girls and it's on sale right now for $3.50.

Perfect kit for a baby

2011-03-11T00:47:00.000-08:00

Silvia Romeo has a new kit called Gaiety. Now Easter is coming and with it are lots of pastel kits but this one has a touch of brown that makes it different, unique and of course there is the typical splash of fantastic elements that is so "Silvia". If you've got baby photos to scrap, this is the perfect place to start.

Here is a preview

And here is another page for Oliva made with this beautiful kit.

If you want to see more of Silvia Romeo's work you should visit her blog.

Like bright colors?

2011-03-10T18:25:00.000-08:00

I have been working with Diana Burton for several months. I just love her style. Her scrapbook kits have a sophisticated, elegant style that is uniquely Diana. I've been trying my hand at some fantasy type pages lately but when I get a new kit from Diana I always seem to revert back to a traditional layout. Her papers are fantastic and I can't help but find a way to get as many as possible on my pages.

My heart belongs to warm colors and sometimes I find it hard to work with bright colors but this kit was a breeze. The elements are gorgeous and...well, I think they turned out beautiful. FYI, the word art is not part of the kit. It's from a different designer and it won't be available until 3/12/11. I'll talk more about it tomorrow but enjoy your sneak peek.

Here is a preview of Diana's kit - Catharsis (she always chooses really interesting names for her kits too).

DIANA IS HAVING A CONTEST ON HER WEBSITE!

First Place
Best Overall Design

Wacom Bamboo Craft Tablet
Adobe Photoshop Elemements 8.0
Corel Painter Essentials 4.0
Nik Color Efex Pro 3.0
26 software training lessons
Library of craft embellishments

And here are my layouts using this very cool kit

I know. I'm partial. But come on, isn't she just a doll? Doesn't she just make this kit look totally perfect? Ok. Enough of that. Enough of this typing too. The mind is willing but the hand says "no more".

Check back Saturday to see where you can get this cool word art and if you're interested check out Diana's contest. If you're not interested, tell your friends.

Thanks for looking.

Remember Me - 2 New Layouts

2011-03-05T19:16:00.000-08:00

This kit is so gorgeous! It's a collaboration between ManuScraps and Aquarius Designs called Remember Me. It's packed with light and dark papers, word art, and a literal windfall of elements. The alpha is sold separately but well worth the $1.99. Of course, it falls directly into my "earthy" colors so I was destined to have it for sure.

Here is a preview of the kit at Nuthouse-scraps

Yes..... I know.... You would think I did a special request. It's perfect for me, and here is what I did with it.

A Special Moment I want to REMEMBER forever with my man.

****Edit***Oooops. I forgot to mention I made this "Lovin' my man page with a template from Roadside Designs. Isn't that just the cutest name? This template is a freebie but she has a store full of great stuff. Check her out.

And some memories with Jasmine on 2 of her visits to Texas.

Thank for looking! More is coming. I have 3 kits waiting on layouts and 2 kits in progress for the stores. Blog is running smooth and I even Tweeted (is that right?) two days in a row!

I'm going to have some freebies near the end of the week too so be sure and check back.

Til next time,

Alejas

Back with a Beautiful Kit by Laitha's Designs

2011-03-05T07:57:00.000-08:00

So I've been sort of MIA for a week..ish. Had a bit of surgery on my elbow and typing is still a big pain. Anything that requires the use of both hands is a pain (for me) but can be pretty humorous for those around me. Try it. Just put one wing in a sling for a few hours and you'll see why God gave us two. They were designed to work together for sure. Enough of that.

While I was "off" I saw a One Kit Call from Laitha for her new kit Vintage Carousel and I couldn't resist. I love Laitha's Designs and this kit is no exception. Check out this preview and if you love it, grab it. It's on sale right now at Gotta-Pixel.

I know..... ooooohhhhhh, aaaaaahhhhh.

And here is what I did with it. A few pages for my Great-great nephews. Aren't they just adorable?

Aren't they just adorable? Oh, I already said that didn't I? Thanks for looking. I'll be back soon. I'm working on a new Easter kit that is fun and festive and will be just too cute for your little bunnies.

Introducing Olivia Marie

2011-02-27T12:10:00.000-08:00

I'm sort of Out Of Service for a week or so because I had elbow surgery last week. Only one hand is working so I'll be brief.

I totally love anything from Feli Designs and to celebate the arrival of our new Great-Grand duaghter this kit was just perfect. Here are 2 pages. Ill bw back when I can to tell some stories about the baby.

And here is the kit if you'd like a closer look.

Valentine's Collection Journals by Silvia Romeo

2011-02-23T19:12:00.000-08:00

Silvia just turned out these elegant journal tags and I paired one with her Passione kit which is exclusive in her store at Scrapbook-Elements. The kit is gorgeous, the journals are gorgeous and together.....well, you decide.

Here is the kit

Here are the journals

And here is my page - Handsome Dude

I'll be back next week with another Steampunk Freebie!

2 Very Different Pages

2011-02-23T11:03:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I get a kit that I just have a terrible time getting to look like I want it to. That was the case with this kit. It's a fun and bright kit which I love but every time I would start working with it I'd wind up just dumping the layout. Yesterday while browsing the gallery at Digitals I saw some unique layouts and they just spoke to me. This morning I popped out these two pages. Very different from the pages I've been making lately but I think they turned out great.

The kit is from Jen Maceyunas - Hugs & Kisses and there is a bit of her Happiness Set 1 word art on the 2nd page. Jen has several great sets of word art in her store at Digitals.

Here are my pages and a preview of her kit too.

And here is Jen's kit - Hugs & Kisses

More Pink!

2011-02-22T12:11:00.000-08:00

So, pink still isn't my favorite color but I think these pages for my niece turned out nicely. AW Design has a new kit called Passion and it has an excellent mix of pinks and purples. The kit is on sale now in her store at Wilma4Ever and here is a preview:

And here are my pages made with Passion

Who knew pink would work so beautifully for a bunch of boys and one gorgeous girl?

Brand New Kit by KakleiDesigns

2011-02-21T13:58:00.000-08:00

I had to wait until the kit was released to show off these two pages but let me tell you it wasn’t easy. These were made with the new collaboration between KakleiDesigns and Star Song Studio – Chrisma. I think the name says it all. Here are my pages and the preview is below (and linked for your convenience).

And here is the gorgeous kit!

Hot Pink & Bright Yellow and a VERY COOL CONTEST!

2011-02-21T07:14:00.000-08:00

Diana Burton has a brand new kit called Hannah Olivia that is bold!

I cannot tell a lie. Pink is the hardest color for me to work with and bright pink is even more of a challenge but this kit is so gorgeous and I'm quite pleased with the end result.

Now, if you LOVE these colors you can pick the kit up in Diana's Shop at Digitals. Here is a preview of the kit.

You can also visit Diana's website and if you register for her customer list you'll receive this exclusive kit

And while you're there be sure to check out her Layout Contest The prize list is huge and the deadline isn't until March 31, 2011 so there is plenty of time to get a page (or 10) done and enter them all!

New Kit from Silvia Romeo

2011-02-19T19:50:00.000-08:00

Silvia Romeo has just released a brand new collaboration kit with ETC by Danyal called Captivated. It is so gorgeous and filled with pinks and purples and blues and butterflies and 2 alphas and word art and literally the list goes on and one.

Here is a preview and it's on sale now for 30% off at Gotta-Pixel (image is linked)

Here is my first page with Captivated

New! Stellar Steampunk

2011-02-18T17:18:00.000-08:00

Stellar Steampunk is live in the store and on sale through Sunday for 50% off!

And here are a few pages I whipped up with it.

1 Terrific Template

2011-02-17T16:03:00.000-08:00

It took me a LONG time to work with a template but once I started I was hooked. I really love taking a template and going to the extreme with the kits to see what can happen.

This week I used Messy Text Templates by Photocowgirl at Gingerscraps. I fell in love with her templates immediately. Seriously, I actually bought 2 (count 'em) two...sets of her templates twice. Hmp. Don't say a word, you've probably done the same thing.

I really love these particular templates though because she scattered the text all around. Now journaling on a page is not a problem for me. I can tell the whole story with ease and fill an entire12X12 page in no time. What I don't do well is "play" with text. With these templates you simply follow her lead. They're fab!

The last layout is the one where I threw caution to the wind and plopped words in all the right places. See, it took me 3 pages to get the hang of it even with her help.

Made with Craquelure by Silvia Romeo

Diana Burton's Brand New Kit Hannah Olivia

New Store

2011-02-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

We went into a new store this month and there is a huge sale. Right now all of our products are 50% off at Wilma4Ever.

Even our New Designer Stash - Royal!

Time to get started

2011-02-15T14:52:00.000-08:00

I am excited to be partnered with Just Creations. This girl rocks! She makes these very cool templates and I take her templates and make an effort at turning them into something some one might like to create a page or two.

Together, we are Just Creations Designs (JCD). Our new kit is hitting the stores on 2/18/11 but if you happen to love it and want to make a page you can put your name in the hat at DST or if you can't make the deadline but just can't live without it you can stop by The Happy Place and you might get lucky.

Stellar Steampunk is a beautiful kit and I'm quite proud. Here is a preview and I'm giving away one of the clusters included in the kit.

Grab the Cluster

2011-02-12T07:15:00.000-08:00

There have been some exciting things going on in my digital scrap booking world. This layout of my guy when he was young was selected as Layout of the Month for January at CSD. The kit I used was Innocense Glanc e by Kaklei Designs.