Melanie's Digital Creations

Changing Grace...and freebies

2011-10-03T09:05:00.006-05:00

Yes, it's me again. As are so many of you, I have been going through some tough changes the past couple of years...the kind that just when you think things are leveling out, the rug is pulled out from under you...over and over and over again. I'm not saying this to illicit sympathy, just to explain my absence for the past few months, for those of you who care, for those of you have followed me since I've started blogging.

As you will quickly see, coping with CHANGE is on my mind, and that's what my word art gift to you reflects. I wrote this highlighted piece of word art just as a reminder to me about keeping my eyes on God through all these struggles. Looking up...so my outlook will be brighter, if you know what I mean. :)

Hope you can use these. For those of you who expressed a continued interest in the Alphabetically Speaking series, I will get back on that series from time to time, so stay tuned. In the meantime, keep the faith!

Blessings to you and yours,
Melanie

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Alphabetically Speaking 7 freebie set

2011-04-10T16:39:00.005-05:00

A dwindling number of you are "enjoying" this series compared to when I started it--yet, I still have more lists of Alphabetically Speaking words to put into word art for you. Your VOICES now have the power to get more of them, you just must let me know, please.

I will be getting back to more traditional word art soon, so please bear with me! As always, I remind you that you are receiving all this word art free of charge; if you can find it in your heart to pass along a donation in return some time, it would be much, much appreciated.

Blessings on your day!
Melanie

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Here's Alphabetically Speaking 6 freebie word art

2011-04-02T21:50:00.004-05:00

It's been more than a month since I last posted. Really? Oh so sorry, everyone. Life has been a bit distracting lately, plus I've taken on some extra freelance projects.

Hope you can use Alphabetically Speaking 6. I'll be back soon with more.

Best wishes,
Melanie
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Alphabetically Speaking 5 freebie set

2011-02-28T07:39:00.003-06:00

Thank you so much for those of you who take the time to leave comments. It is GREATLY appreciated!

To alleviate the download time problems with 4shared, I'm trying out Box.net. Hope you like the change?? Some of you are having problems with the download from Box.net so I've added 4shared.

Blessings on your day,
Melanie

download (Box.net)
download 4shared

Alphabetically Speaking 4 freebie set

2011-02-25T03:23:00.003-06:00

I had to go out of town twice for a few days and in between had my mom staying with us for several days...needless to say, not much scrapping or designing gets done then! However, while on the road, coming and going, my brain always wanders to creative stuff, or making lists of things I need to do. This time around, just about every time I got in the car, my mind was making more lists of these word sets. So, my original thought of making just 3 sets, has expanded considerably!

Here's the FOURTH set:

Happy Friday!
Melanie

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Alphabetically Speaking 3 freebie set

2011-02-11T02:09:00.003-06:00

Hope you're enjoying these?

Have a great weekend!
Melanie
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Alphabetically Speaking 2 freebie set

2011-02-04T16:48:00.005-06:00

Here's Alphabetically Speaking 2, as promised. Remember that some words (1) have more than one meaning and/or (2) may be used as a noun or a verb! That should give you more flexibility in using them.

Happy Friday!
Melanie

download link fixed

Alphabetically Speaking freebie

2011-01-31T09:54:00.005-06:00

Well, I'm back again, a lot longer than I had planned...but, I won't go into all that's been going on. Suffice it to say that I did get some digi-scrapbooking done for a friend in North Carolina (Hi, Jessie!) which is a wonderful distraction and outlet for stress (not to mention a feeling of accomplishment).

Today's word art set is based on the alphabet. I challenged myself to sit down with a sheet of paper, divided into 3 columns, and wrote down random words beginning with each letter of the alphabet. The challenge was to stick with what I wrote down--the first words that came to me. Some you may not often see in the word art you collect, so hopefully, it provides you with a challenge as well! It makes life interesting, KWIM? :)

Here is the first set of words of the ALPHABETICALLY SPEAKING series (download link below):

I would enjoy hearing about or seeing what you've done with some of these, and hope they inspire taking a fresh look at your photos. My goal is to have the other two sets posted within the next week.

Blessings on your day,
Melanie

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Hello, 2011 ... with freebies

2011-01-02T08:41:00.004-06:00

Here's an 8-piece set of 2011Anew word art; a New Year is always an opportunity for reflection and renewal, with those pesky resolutions we always make.

Actually, I quit making them several years ago; another "fear of failure" thing. Instead, I find myself working on new resolves throughout the year, as I see the dire need for change within myself, especially when I don't like what I see.

These are provided to you as a gift; however, if you choose to make a gift in return, it would be most appreciated (by using the DONATE) button in the right-hand column.

Many blessings to you as you embark on your own new beginnings!

Melanie

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Merry Christmas (freebie word art set, too)

2010-12-25T04:20:00.004-06:00

I did come back with more...finally! Hope you can enjoy using these. I made them based on what our family Christmases have always been like.

Merry Christmas to you all!!

Melanie

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Christmas freebies

2010-12-18T00:35:00.005-06:00

ACK!!!!

I knew it had been awhile since I posted anything, but I had no idea it was THIS long. Busy, busy, sick, busy, busy, yada-yada-yada, blah-blah, and a pear tree without a partridge. Those are my excuses.

Hope you can use today's word art set. There will likely be more over the weekend, so stop by and check in with me. :)

In the meantime, hope you are not getting so caught up in the must-dos and wanna-dos of the pre-Christmas rush that you forget to take time to remember why we celebrate...our dear Savior's birth.

Blessings,
Melanie

download link fixed

Music to Scrap By 2...freebies

2010-11-12T05:34:00.007-06:00

I'm so tired. And bone-weary. My brain fog hasn't lifted yet. And I promised myself I wouldn't whine.

My mom has been with us for more than a month now, on doctor-ordered bedrest. I took her back home over the past weekend, and she decided to stay because she was homesick. I worry about her, but my other siblings can help out with her back home again. They finally scheduled her surgery for after Christmas, so she has awhile to go before she can get off the "bedrest" thing. I suspect that she will try to do some of her quilting while none of us are around to remind her she shouldn't be sitting up; but it's hard to be bossy with your mom, KWIM?!

It was difficult to spend much time on the computer when my mom was here because she needed a bit more companionship and she had to eat something every couple of hours because of her diabetes, to keep everything regulated. I tried to meet her whims (all reasonable) but she had some funny cravings that kept me busy. Guess I may have spoiled her but that's okay.

It feels weird not having her here now. Sort of like having a child going to camp or something, I guess.

In between all of the coming and going and fixing and caretaking, I got to my computer and put together (eventually!) a sequel to last month's word art set: Music to Scrap By 2 is here for you today, if you'd like. It's available for free, but if you find it in your heart to donate something, I would be incredibly grateful.

Hope you like it...blessings on your day,
Melanie

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Music to Scrap By (and with!)

2010-10-24T06:49:00.005-05:00

If you're dropping by to pick up a freebie today, you're in luck. You can get a 20-piece set of word art...song titles that are oh-so-scrapable.

If you find it in your heart to donate something today, that would be most appreciated. With me still not working, grocery money is even a struggle. Anything you can do would be helpful.

My mom is still at our house, on complete bedrest. She's doing okay, but gets a little lonely if I stay on the computer much. That's why I haven't been around much the past week. I hoped to make it up by having the word art set available today. I originally made it for (Inter)National Scrapbooking Day weekend, but didn't get it posted. Hopefully, it's a nice surprise. :)

I still have some layouts to post, so those of you who sent them or a link to me, hang in there!

Blessings on your day,

Melanie

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Feel a hug freebie

2010-10-19T02:03:00.000-05:00

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Smile freebie

2010-10-14T07:33:00.000-05:00

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Baby Love freebie

2010-10-13T07:13:00.003-05:00

Yes, I know! It's been way too long since I posted something. I just continued to be worn down from a lengthy case of bronchitis, then, my mom has required some help with doctor's visits and aftercare. She's on "complete bedrest" until Nov. 2nd at least, so after spending a few more days at her house and a medical test, I brought her to my home. I should be able to get some computer time now that I'm on home turf.

I have some layouts sent to me to post, and I'll do that soon! In the meantime, hope you can use this simple word art. I have babies on my brain at the moment because (1) my North Carolina friend had her 3rd child (a boy) 10 days ago, (2) my dear niece, Amye, is due with her son in 5.5 weeks and (3) we were just told at a Gender Reveal Party on Sunday that my sweet nephew, Myles, and his lovely wife, Katy, are expecting a baby boy, too. Their little one will arrive in March. I am working on a family (digital) scrapbook for my NC friend, so that keeps me thinking about babies frequently anyway, so you may see more baby word art soon. I'll try to get more creative about it...just trying to get something posted before another day goes by.

Hope your day is excellent!

All the best,
Melanie
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Crafty September freebie kit

2010-09-25T21:17:00.005-05:00

Well, here's another stab at being artistic, I hope. This is my entry for the September Color Challenge at DigiScrap Obsession, hosted by the superstar designer Kim Broedelet. I really, really loved her color palette this time!

People usually only like my word art, but I keep plugging away, hoping I'll strike a chord with other things as well. Don't get me wrong...I'm oh-so-grateful for those of you who leave such wonderful comments about your love of my word art...that is a real boost every time.

wishing you a wonderful weekend,
Melanie

download 1
download 2

A life well-lived...freebie

2010-09-16T00:43:00.008-05:00

The lovely Kate so kindly sent me more layouts she has prepared, in which she used my word art (or, in one case, a portion of it). Aren't they terrific? They feature her stunning daughter, Kelly, and beautiful granddaughter, Sienna. Thank you, Kate...it always inspires me to see my little bits of word art being used by others.

And speaking of inspiration, my brother-in-law, David, inspired today's word art freebie. My sister has asked us to write messages to him for his upcoming birthday; this phrase is one I automatically think of when I think of David. He's a really special guy and has a positive impact on the lives of everyone who knows him. I know you have people in your life for whom you could also say that, so here's hoping you can use it yourself.

Blessings on your day,

Melanie

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back with a freebie

2010-09-12T19:22:00.001-05:00

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Proud of you freebie

2010-09-02T19:48:00.001-05:00

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Mini-kit freebie

2010-08-29T03:21:00.003-05:00

Here is my entry for KimB's August color challenge at Digi-Scrap Obsession. My inspiration this month was my sweet, funny, fabulous niece, Amye, whose birthday is in August, and who is awaiting the birth of her little boy in about 12 weeks. This is the same niece who suffered a miscarriage in December, so we are particularly joyful about this new pending arrival.

Hope you can use this!
Melanie

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Tomorrow's memories freebie

2010-08-24T10:33:00.002-05:00

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Life and Loves ... freebie

2010-08-22T09:27:00.002-05:00

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New word, new freebie

2010-08-20T04:50:00.000-05:00

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another freebie for you

2010-08-19T11:32:00.002-05:00

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Remember to smile...freebie

2010-08-10T01:52:00.007-05:00

As I've shared in the past couple of years, times are extremely difficult for my husband and myself, financially. There are some days, I forget to smile. But then, I get a call from my niece, who tells me something funny that one of her little boys did. Or my husband cracks one of his corny/funny jokes. Or I get a dozen lovely comments in my e-mail from a new blog friend (thanks, Deb!!) who just discovered my word art. Or, while sorting through a box of things, I come across a letter written by my dad the summer before he died. Or Kate sends me another layout she prepared using my word art.

And then I remember all over again the healing power of a smile.

There are so many people in the world who are hurting because of losses, illnesses, financial challenges, and more...perhaps it is you, or someone you love. Share a smile with them today over a cup of coffee, or across a shopping cart...or looking in a mirror. You'll be so glad you did.

Blessings on your day,

Melanie

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Happy You freebie

2010-08-09T18:12:00.004-05:00

Hope your Monday is swell, and not sweltering, like it is here in my part of the world.

And I hope you enjoy today's word art freebie:

Blessings on your day,

Melanie

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New freebie

2010-08-08T08:21:00.000-05:00

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2 Freebies Friday

2010-08-06T10:51:00.004-05:00

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funny freebie

2010-08-05T03:34:00.003-05:00

At least it has the potential to be funny...with all kinds of predicament and/or accomplishment photos! Hope you can use it.

Blessings on your day,
Melanie
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Laughing freebie

2010-08-03T07:27:00.000-05:00

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New Month, New Preview, New Freebie

2010-08-01T14:55:00.003-05:00

Don't you wish you could say that EVERY day is your best day? Let's work on that, shall we?

Enjoy!
Melanie

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Be AMAZING freebie

2010-07-27T14:52:00.003-05:00

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Today's freebie

2010-07-26T09:28:00.008-05:00

Bet you have a gazillion pics of your little ones brushing their teeth? Okay, well, maybe it's just a few thousand. Hope you can use this to memorialize such a momentous event!

best wishes,

Melanie

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God's Beautiful World freebie

2010-07-22T20:34:00.018-05:00

God's beautiful world,

God's beautiful world;

I love God's beautiful world.

He made it for you.

He made it for me.

I love God's beautiful world.

For those of you who went to Sunday School when you were a child, these lyrics will sound familiar to you, as they are from a chorus frequently sung by young ones. Today's word art was inspired by a layout I was preparing for a scrapbook album Jessie Heuer--a sweet North Carolina friend of mine--is giving as a birthday gift for her father. [Don't tell him...it's a surprise!]

I made the layout above for the album, and used the lyric transparency from today's freebie WA. It's 3x12 inches, but can be adapted for 8.5x11 inch layouts (as shown in my layout above).

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Leap of Faith freebie

2010-07-12T01:33:00.003-05:00

Thank you more than I can say for the sweet, thoughtful comments some of you left. I REALLY needed that, and didn't realize how much. Your support is very special. :)

Here's today's gift:

I'll try to be back tomorrow...promise. :)

Melanie

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July's Hope freebie mini

2010-07-08T04:40:00.008-05:00

My color challenge entry at DSO for this month is your gift today. KimB's color choices worked well for me this time because of the mood I've been in. Things are still really really tough for us right now, and I've found myself losing all hope. I used this kit as a reminder to keep holding on...that God will provide and we can always find our hope in Him. I'm sharing this tiny bit about my situation to help explain the attitude of my kit; I'm hoping you don't see it as being too random. :) There's nothing random about the hope I'm trying to find again.

Didn't mean to sound so somber...thanks for listening.

Glad you liked seeing this New Englander expression as WA earlier this week! I've always enjoyed hearing it, so it was fun to have a chance to use it in a double meaning for myself, personally.

Have your best Thursday...

Melanie
download 1

download 2

WICKED AWESOME freebie

2010-07-05T01:57:00.003-05:00

So, June 18th really was my birthday (my last post date)...and I did feel like crying that day. Not particularly because it was my birthday, but just because of life's little "surprises" that aren't so fun. Having WAY too many of them this year so far, and I must say it's more challenging than I feel up to at the moment.

C'est la vie.

Don't mean to sound mopey there. Sorry about that!

Anyway, as a special birthday treat, that evening my younger sister and her husband took us to see the stage/musical production of WICKED. It truly was wicked awesome, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. That inspired today's freebie word art. Hope you enjoy it.

By the way, my sweet husband got my internet connections to finally work properly, so it doesn't take an hour to upload/download one thing--if at all. My frustration level was over the top, I must say. It was if I didn't have the internet at all, basically. Know some of you have been there. So I'll quit complaining about it and get back online and providing some freebies again. That's why you're really here, isn't it. ;)

And another thing, it's only recently come to my attention that 4shared keeps adding to the length of time it takes to get the "download now" button to appear. While downloading from a blog train over the weekend, I reached 383 seconds at one point...almost 6.5 minutes. That's RIDICULOUS. I will try to get a better way to get freebies to you, although I'm still jobless at the moment.

Back to why you dropped by...today's freebie:

Have a terrific Monday (a holiday for many in the U.S.).

Melanie

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It's My Birthday freebie

2010-06-18T04:47:00.006-05:00

Our new internet provider at home is just about to make me lose my religion. I get a "one-bar" signal most of the time where we live and -- needless to say -- it makes me want to S C R E A M. It's not very conducive to getting online and just posting this freebie/blog entry has taken right at 45 minutes. I think Fred Flinstone could have done it quicker. :)

Hope you can use this!

Melanie

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Creativity at work freebie

2010-06-10T06:14:00.005-05:00

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family Freebie

2010-06-08T08:29:00.001-05:00

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Freebie kit...Mad About May

2010-05-24T06:33:00.003-05:00

Thanks for the great comments about the "blankie" word art last week! We all have some form of security blanket in our lives that bring comfort, whether it's chocolate, a favorite pillow, a treasured photo...or a blanket. :)

Here's my contribution to the color challenge this month at DSO. KimB always has very striking color palletes, which keeps it interesting. :)

Hope your Monday is truly blessed,
Melanie

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My blankie...freebie

2010-05-18T06:57:00.002-05:00

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Whose idea...freebie

2010-05-17T09:06:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to share with you the beautiful, sweet layout Dinphy prepared, using a word art I'd done awhile back. I love the rapt attention her little boy has in studying things in this display. Thanks so much for sharing, Dinphy!

I thought today's word art is appropriate for lots of occasions, for children and grownups alike. A wry question when things aren't going well...a sarcastic poke to give you a giggle...a wondrous question to know who to thank for a great time. I'd be quite interested to see how you use this!

Blessings on your day,

Melanie

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Sunday freebie

2010-05-16T12:56:00.003-05:00

Sorry I've been MIA...new meds took some adjusting to and doing anything on the computer was torture.

Today's freebie has two versions, depending on which applies to you:

Enjoy your day...this is the day the Lord hath made!
Melanie

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Right-Click freebies

2010-04-30T09:15:00.007-05:00

4shared is not cooperating today; I suspect it's on overload with all the (International) National Scrapbooking Day/weekend activities! Sooooooooo, I'm taking a chance and just giving you the freebies as right-click-on-the-image gifts today--trusting that you will honor my terms of use that typically come with downloads from my site. Please??? THANKS!

This first one is for Debbie from Scotland, in appreciation for her many words of kindness and tales of her wee grandson, Levi. Hugs, Debbie!

Today's other freebie is in hopes that you'll take photos of yourself either shopping for your NSD bargains, or enjoying them by scrapbooking. My sister and I always end up with photos of our scrap-fests--they tell a tale all their own! [remember to right-click on the word art, and please leave a note and/or send me copies of your layouts!]

Enjoy your Friday,

Melanie

Freebie!

2010-04-28T07:54:00.002-05:00

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MugShots freebie WA

2010-04-27T14:58:00.008-05:00

Kate Palmer sent me a new layout she had done using a word art I had put together some time ago. Busy little guy! Thanks so much, Kate!

I do have a new word art for you, followed by a layout I put together using it:

Credits: KimB and GS Creations (Kim's sister) new collaboration, SISTERHOOD (at DSO). LOVE this kit!!! I splurged and bought it yesterday because it's such a versatile kit with wonderful colors. They both have add-on freebies on their blogs, so check them out.

Blessings on your day,

Melanie

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Home Hugs...freebie

2010-04-26T03:52:00.001-05:00

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Handful..Heartful freebie

2010-04-25T09:01:00.009-05:00

Here's today's freebie...

And here's how I used it (since I rarely get to see how YOU use it!):

Credits: Port au Prince kit (Songbird Avenue's March charity kit)

Blessings on your day!

Melanie
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Great advice.....a freebie

2010-04-24T08:46:00.002-05:00

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Building memories freebie

2010-04-23T07:09:00.001-05:00

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Precious....a freebie

2010-04-22T08:33:00.001-05:00

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Wedding Bells and a freebie

2010-04-17T17:33:00.003-05:00

Hoping I can impose on you again and try to sell some more word art. With spring weddings going on and more on the way, these two word art sets go a long way in putting the memories in those special books/albums. JUST WED is a new set of 12 word art pieces made just for such a memorable occasion. It's available for $2US.

A 15-piece set is PROMISES, which some of you may have already ordered. It's available for $2US as well.

Here's the special deal: you can get both of them for $3.50...just press the donate button and let me know what you are ordering.

YOUR PATRONAGE WOULD BE APPRECIATED VERY MUCH.

I can't put something on here for sale without a freebie. Hope you can use this one!

Have a terrific day,

Melanie

download freebie

Eye Heart U freebie

2010-04-13T14:41:00.002-05:00

Here's a new freebie for you:

As always, I would LOVE to see how you use this!

Blessings on your day,

Melanie

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When I grow up...freebie

2010-04-12T09:47:00.004-05:00

First, let me thank you for you oh-soooo-kind comments about my new mini-kit, Call Me April. I greatly appreciate your feedback, and when it's so nice to hear, well that's truly icing on the cake!

A few weeks ago, we were fortunate to have my 7-year-old great-nephew with us for a few days during his spring break from school. As always, we try to do fun things when we have the kids, but it was particularly difficult this time because things are so tight for us financially. However, one day, we splurged and took him to one of those fun entertainment places that have a combination of things to do, like mini-golf and arcades. He remembered going there before and wanted to ride the "goat-carts." They have the small ones that little ones can drive by themselves, and then the grown-up ones. Well, we decided on the larger ones, with my husband driving one with Adam as his sidekick, and I was right behind them in a single-seater.

It was my first time on one of those things, and, of course, the wind in my hair was exhilarating, as I became more sure of myself. I think everyone else on the track lapped me...I knew I was behind. But didn't care. And then I realized I was laughing at myself when I thought, "hey, this is a new workout regime!" because my BACK FAT was just jiggling away.

Silly, huh. But true! Just thought I'd share that workout tip with you. ;-)

Here's you a new word art gift:

Blessings on your day,
Melanie

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A Friday Freebie

2010-04-09T03:00:00.007-05:00

First, a little "show and tell." Recently, I did a photo shoot of a young girl whom one of my sisters is mentoring. Rikki was a NATURAL, and you would never know this was the first time she'd had her portrait made, except for school pics. The first layout is made using my friend KimB's delightful Merry A Round kit--I'm just now getting around to using it, but it wasn't because of lack of inspiration, that's for sure! I was so honored when she gifted the kit to me and was, well, delighted with it. You can find it in her shop at Digi-Scrap Obsession.

This next layout is made entirely with KimB's portion of the yummy My Montage kit, also at DSO. This layout really doesn't do the kit justice because it's such a gorgeous kit, but I wanted to use it to help the photo "pop" but also to show the soft side of this edgy-young girl...the conflicting emotions that she's feeling that is so typical of her age.

My contribution to the April color challenge at Digi-Scrap Obsession, hosted by the divine Miss KimB:

And you can download it if you'd like. :)

Blessings on your day,
Melanie

download one

download two

Mirth freebie gift set

2010-04-07T17:44:00.003-05:00

Just for fun!

download Mirth word art set

Love is a package deal freebie

2010-04-06T15:19:00.003-05:00

When my husband asked me to marry him, I told him that if he married me, he married my family...we were a package deal. Since then, he's said it often, when we're on our way to a family gathering...sometimes he gets tired of it and gets too much of it but sometimes, like yesterday, he "gets it." When I told him that my niece who miscarried her baby last December was pregnant again...and that she had heard the baby's heartbeat yesterday. He was just as happy as I was. That warmed my heart.

I thought you might be able to use this word art for those occasions in your life when you know it's "a package deal." :)

Blessings on your day!
Melanie

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Giggle freebie

2010-04-01T07:18:00.002-05:00

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Somebunny Loves Me freebie

2010-03-26T06:24:00.001-05:00

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5 Things freebie

2010-03-23T16:17:00.003-05:00

I would love to see your layouts using this word art!!

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freebie kit

2010-03-20T16:43:00.005-05:00

I didn't realize it had been so long since I had posted...just got busy with company at home. Here's a kit I never finished, for the January color challenge at Digi-Scrap Obsession.

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freebie

2010-03-16T16:04:00.001-05:00

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TIME word art

2010-03-15T09:20:00.004-05:00

I have so enjoyed the kind comments you have left me...they give me a lift when I don't even know I need one...if that makes sense.

Please consider grabbing this 30-piece word art set, all with the theme of TIME. Requested donation: $3.00, but I'll take $2.50. I would appreciate it more than I can say at the moment. I think you might be surprised at how versatile these word arts pieces can be.

I'll have freebies for you tomorrow. :)

Thanks for stopping by,

Melanie

More, Please...freebie

2010-03-12T06:39:00.004-06:00

Good morning, everyone...or whatever greeting is appropriate for where and when you are!

My heart just hasn't been into blogging or scrapping lately. For the third time in two years, I have lost a cousin. Two of them were several years older than me, and one was four months younger. This time, it was my cousin, Marilyn, who passed away so suddenly...and I went to her memorial service last Saturday. It was a celebration of her life, and a tribute to how many lives she touched along the way. For this, I am thankful. And, yet, I already miss her so much.

I decided this morning to try out a RAK gift from my friend, Kim Broedelet. She shared her new Easter Basket bag with me, which is on sale right now at Digi-Scrap Obsession. The quality of her work is flawless and timeless, in my opinion, and I always fret that my layouts don't do it justice.

I couldn't resist using this photo of my Mom and her youngest great-grandson, Nathan, from last Easter. Nathan was patiently waiting his turn to redeem the surprises inside the plastic eggs he found, but the look on his face says it all. [the background is from my March Anew kit, and the tuft of grass is from Kim's Moody Days set]

I made a freebie word art for you from this layout...hope you can use it.

Please be good to those you love,
Melanie

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MARCH ANEW freebie

2010-03-04T08:58:00.010-06:00

Once again, I attempted a kit for KimB's Color Challenge at DSO. I'm not much of a "yellow" person, but I'm working on some scrapbooks for my mom, who loves yellow, so I gave it a try. If nothing else, I'll have everything handy when I'm working on her albums. Plus, Kim's posting bonuses are always awesome!

Credits are listed in the TOU in the downloads.

I'd enjoy seeing your work if you're able to find a use for anything in the kit.

Best Wishes Wednesday,

Melanie

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YEAH, RIGHT freebie set

2010-03-01T07:50:00.011-06:00

When I made the "Yeah, Right" word art set to put in my Designer Digitals shop, I was very pleased. I hadn't seen anything like it anywhere, and I thought it would be popular. Perhaps I'm the only one amused by lighthearted sarcasm?

Anyway, you're in luck today, because (since my shop at DD closed) I'm giving it away...yes, the whole set of word art AND the arrows I made to go with it!

You don't have to have a sense of humor to use this word art...but, it helps!

I'm showing you a layout I prepared using two of the word art pieces from this set and some of KimB's fine work (Deon kit, and her July CC posting bonus).

hope you have a splendid Monday,
Melanie

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Special Layouts and a freebie

2010-02-20T08:37:00.015-06:00

I'm trying to do some catching up today on my blog. For instance, some time ago, Jennifer asked me about the font I used on this word art from February 2nd:

Caitlin for "My Day-to-Day" and

Dahling Script
for "Life"

I'm so sorry, Jennifer, that it took me way too long to get back to you!!

And another thing...

Kate Palmer sent me three of her layouts in which she used word art I had prepared. That was way back in January when she sent them, but I'm just now getting around to showing you her beautiful handiwork. Please forgive me, Kate. I LOVE these and love to see layouts any time.

Just gorgeous, Kate!

On a similar note, by now, you have probably seen KimB's newest masterpiece, which she calls Rustic Warmth. Isn't it wonderful? The earthy colors were so appealingly perfect for a layout of my niece and her minister friend (who officiated at my niece's wedding last fall).

My niece is the one who DOESN'T have pink highlights in her hair! The alphabet in the word "beautiful" is part of the Rustic Warmth kit.

And now, you've put up with my meandering thoughts today... so here's today's freebie word art for you. It reflects my mood. I'm soooooo in need of a job. I'm really down about it today, but praying about it...trying not to be too mopey. It's getting seriously tight here at home, so through today's posting, I'm giving myself a pep talk and a virtual hug. I know things are tough all over, and there are many more people looking for work than there are jobs out there, but it stinks waiting it out.

Give someone you care about a hug today, and make them feel better. :)

Blessings on your day and thanks for listening,

Melanie

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A Sweet Deal and a freebie

2010-02-16T06:49:00.004-06:00

PLEASE CONSIDER picking up the WHEN word art set ($2.00) and/or the "sweet deal" set which includes two alphabets and one 10-piece word art set about K.I.D.S. ($2.00). You'll be helping me a lot. Just click on the donate button and tell me what you want.

Oh, and here's what you came for:

thanks for stopping by,

Melanie

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A Sweet Deal

2010-02-14T12:50:00.012-06:00

Remember WHEN? That's the theme of the newest set of word art, which you can grab for $2. Take a look...

Now, here's the SWEET DEAL...for only two dollars ($2) more I'll add these two alphabets and the K.I.D.S. word art set. That's hard to beat!

To order, please press the DONATE button in the top right side of this blog. You'll be helping me sooooooo much if you can make a purchase ... times are indeed tough.

Best wishes to you all,
Melanie

A Valentine Blessing

2010-02-12T16:23:00.002-06:00

Thanks to my friends, Jessie Heuer, for the suggestion for today's word art!

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My Day-to-Day Life freebie

2010-02-02T09:39:00.002-06:00

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kid friendly freebie

2010-01-27T05:35:00.002-06:00

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Freebie word art for all your Life Challenges

2010-01-04T12:00:00.010-06:00

I'm sorry for being absent the last couple of weeks of 2009. Just had many things going on (who didn't?!) and spent a limited amount of time at the computer, except on Christmas-related projects. I hate it that I didn't even have time to work on KimB's color challenge at DSO that I'm always rattling about. I missed that.

In my e-mails the past couple of weeks, Kate Palmer provided me with several more layouts in which she used word art I had made. These are so beautifully done, and I am honored that my word art was used--Kate told me, "it enhances and makes sense of every layout." I'm truly humbled by such a kind, thoughtful comment, Kate.

Take a look, and be inspired!

Today's gift word art is not a new quote; we've all heard it many times. Personally, it's a reminder that God is still in charge of this new year, just as He took care of me and those I love during the past year. Plus, no matter how tough things get, we can find something to smile about when we look at this quotation...especially when we remember who said it first!

Blessings on your day,

Melanie

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Happy New Year! freebie set

2010-01-01T07:28:00.003-06:00

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Mistletoe Moment freebie

2009-12-17T09:53:00.002-06:00

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Christmas WA freebie

2009-12-16T01:01:00.003-06:00

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Home

2009-12-15T01:33:00.002-06:00

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Amazing Grace

2009-12-09T06:36:00.004-06:00

I'm so proud of my niece, Amye, today. She had the understanding of God's hand in her life, enough to know to pray for the courage and grace to accept the loss of her unborn child. We are all grieving today as she waits for her body, heart and spirit to heal from this unthinkable sorrow. She had a week to prepare herself, in between sonograms, for the doctor to give her the official word...that her baby had stopped growing four weeks ago. We had all rejoiced in the news of her pregnancy and now mourn with her and her husband as they adjust.

In a message from them yesterday, they acknowledge their sadness and disappointment, but tell us that they will never forget this baby, whose heartbeat they never heard. I'm so very very sad this morning with this loss...this, too, will heal because we all know that God is in control, and with Him, we can get through anything.

Blessings on your day,
Melanie

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Things Unnoticed (freebie)

2009-12-07T10:04:00.003-06:00

I stumbled across this quotation this morning, and it reminded me of countless conversations with my mother in recent years, since we lost my dad. There are so many things my siblings and I remember about our childhoods that my mother does not. She and my dad were just busy BEING...busy going about the day-to-day activities required to take care of a family of seven, stretching the money as far as it would go, making clothes for us girls...so many things, so little time. So little time to notice the things that would someday become memories for their children.

I think that's a gift for us--their children--and a gift we can give our mother now in turn. Special memories.

Let's take note of these memories-in-the-making every day, shall we? :)

All the best,
Melanie

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Christmas Is More...freebie

2009-12-06T08:01:00.010-06:00

A few weeks ago, the lovely Kate sent me another layout she'd done. This morning, while working on unfinished business from the past several weeks, I realized I had not posted it to show you how she used my word art. And--as it so often happens--re-reading her note to me this morning was exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you, Kate, for your gracious comment!

Melanie, Just for you, I hope you like it. Your word art makes all the
difference to a layout – gives it meaning. Love Kate
And here is her layout:

Today's gift word art is another way to share my beliefs about what Christmas really means. I used the phrase in a layout I prepared using KimB's Christmas First kit. Hope you can use the word art, too.

Blessings on this lovely day,

Melanie
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Chill out freebie

2009-12-04T05:54:00.001-06:00

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Recycled Freebie

2009-12-03T03:22:00.006-06:00

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Wetfish Designs
Please take time to visit Cyndi's blog this week. Her December 1st posting is an inspiring writing of a fresh start she is making in how she views her life. You'll also find freebies in her December 2nd posting, with a reminder that Divine Digital has a terrific kit which you can collect through the Download-a-Day in its forum. It's called Holiday Madness. The preview below is just a small part of this cheery kit. Cyndi always adds more on her blog when it's her turn to provide the daily download gift.

As I work on word art to commemorate this oh-so-special time of year, I was reminded of a word art I made last year. I call it Christmas Means..., and it still summarizes my thoughts about this meaningful season. So I'm posting it again in case some of you new to my blog may have missed it.

blessings on your day,
Melanie
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COOKING WA freebie

2009-12-02T15:09:00.004-06:00

Some time ago, Debbie (from Scotland) requested a "cooking with Nana" word art. So, I'm finally getting around to that! As it happens, my mom is called "Nana" by her grandchildren, too, so I'll need to find a pic to fit it myself.

blessings on your day,

Melanie

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December 1st freebie

2009-12-01T05:16:00.004-06:00

Whew.

The last of my company left Sunday afternoon. We had a good visit with everyone, and as much as I love my family, it's always nice to have our house back to ourselves. I took yesterday "off" and did very little except for a bit more cleanup, and prepared a few random leftovers for dinner for my husband and me.

This morning, I'm still feeling as sluggish as 4Shared is acting...so I apologize in advance if you have any download issues with today's freebie.

I'll talk to you later, 'k?

Melanie

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Bad blogger

2009-11-25T01:44:00.004-06:00

I am sooooo off-schedule with my blogging and designing and word-arting (?!) but I'm down-to-the-wire on getting ready for a houseful of family arriving for a 2-day Thanksgiving celebration. My husband and I are hosting it this year, but since everyone couldn't be here Thanksgiving Day, they're coming on Friday as well. We'll have revolving doors on the front door and the refrigerator, I think!!! Anyway, I'm dead-tired at the moment and need to get off my feet (on the bed but not at the computer) because Wednesday is going to be another very long long long day.

All that explaining to say that I'm not going to have a freebie for you today but maybe I can get back on schedule by Sunday. Thanks to the faithful few of you who leave encouraging, thoughtful messages. I appreciate them greatly.

To my US friends...HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Blessings on your day, and see you soon!
Melanie

Thanksgiving ... freebie

2009-11-17T07:17:00.002-06:00

So sorry to not have any new gifties for you the past few days. Having computer issues and unable to work on anything new. HOWEVER, I do have some Thanksgiving things I was working on last week for a new set for my store...but since I can't work on any more at the moment, I decided to give them away on my blog.

These are two of my favorite hymns of Thanksgiving, and I do not share them lightly. Hope you can use them on your special family gatherings layouts.

Thanks for your patience,
Melanie

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a fashion play-on-words...freebie

2009-11-12T23:59:00.001-06:00

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A Royal Mess freebie set

2009-11-11T17:39:00.003-06:00

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For Jessie ... freebie

2009-11-09T08:30:00.004-06:00

Today's word art is dedicated to a friend of mine in North Carolina. Jessie is struggling with long-term pain for TMJ and is undergoing a new treatment right now that hasn't started working yet. Chronic pain really grinds at you and whittles away your last nerve, but when you also have two little ones in the house...well, it takes a special person to work through it. She's got one of those nasty colds right now, too--and you know how those coughing spells linger! And to make matters worse, she had a major computer crash last week; she's still waiting to see if any of her family photos and important layouts can be restored. Sending big hugs to you, Jessie, my sweet friend!

Her misfortunate computer issues reminded me to do better about backing up my stuff. So, even as I type this, my computer is uploading everything to an online storage space. Hope it works!

Hope you've had a great Scrapbooking weekend with all the bells and whistles and freebies and good buys. I'm so grateful that Divine Digital has been restored...they've got a new collab kit coming out that you won't want to miss.

Blessings on your day,

Melanie

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Must-Have Freebie

2009-11-08T05:48:00.007-06:00

Debbie (from Scotland), I have to say how much your postings have cheered me on recently. You told me that the timing of something I'd prepared had helped you in the same way, but you have no idea how much I needed to hear your encouraging words at the time you sent them. Thank you so very much. Hope your everybody-needs-something-from-you period eases up soon! Stay strong. :) I'm sending you hugs.

And from the other side of the world (Australia), Kate sent me another layout she prepared, using word art I'd done some time ago. Thank you, Kate, for sharing this gorgeous layout with us.

I'm being a lazy cow this morning because I should have prepared a layout illustrating today's freebie word art. I need a creative team, don't I?! Anyway, if I HAD prepared a layout featuring this word art, I would have used photos of:

my Dad's Bible that I carried in my wedding

my wedding ring

my Nikon DX

my eyeglasses

my passport

chocolate

my Kindle

my favorite socks

a notebook and pen

Of course, another layout I could have done with this same word art would have included a mosaic of all my family. Just can't imagine life without 'em.

Another take on this would be photos of the things I pull out of my closet or drawers to wear almost every day at the moment:

my new boots
my newest scarf
black trousers
my fave bohemian blouse (that looks SO good with my boots!)
my Twilight (Sarah Jessica Parker) perfume
and more socks (I'm diabetic, so my feet stay cold ALL the time without my socks)

What's your must-haves?

Blessings on your day,
Melanie

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Happy (Inter)National Digital Scrapbooking Day

2009-11-06T22:24:00.007-06:00

There are soooooooooooo many sales going on over the weekend in recognition of this special weekend for scrapbookers, that I'm not even going to try to compete with it at my store. However, if you DO happen to feel like taking a look around at Divine Digital, please note:

a hacker caused extremely serious issues recently at Divine Digital; consequently, the store is graciously offering a great prize for anyone who takes the time to re-register at the store by midnight Nov. 7th (Saturday), and tons of freebies are slated to appear over the weekend.
if you do happen to make a purchase at my Melanie's Digital Creations shop there any time over the next week, just e-mail a copy of your receipt to me (Melberry34@aol.com) and I'll send you a free set of word art as a thank-you. [Please allow time for me to process any requests!]

please be patient with Divine Digital. Notices have been sent to everyone and I suspect that the store has been inundated with members trying to update their information.

Most importantly, please take time to check out the November SONGBIRD AVENUE kit, named Toys In the Attic. It's absolutely extraordinary. I ALREADY KNOW THAT I WILL BE USING IT YEAR-ROUND. It's not on sale, of course, because it's a charity kit...however, you not only get your money's worth (and more) from your purchase, but also you benefit such a worthy cause: this month, all sales benefit TOYS FOR TOTS, which brings joy to so many children at Christmas. Check it out...it's amazing amazing amazing.

Thought you could use today's freebie word art for all kinds of things, not just for this weekend's shopping!!!!

Happy shopping...and scrapping!
Melanie
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Happy birthday, Kim!

2009-11-04T23:49:00.002-06:00

I was remiss in wishing KimB a very happy birthday (Nov 4th)...she would read any greeting you left her...they make her cry! [As you can see, I used items from my Aloha November kit, mentioned below.]

50th Aloha

2009-11-04T17:08:00.010-06:00

DSO's challenges are fun to me, and I confess, I haven't taken the time to look at other store forums. I know there are SOOOOOOO many talented designers out there in scrapbookland; however, I have a special place in my heart for those designers who have become friends. Kim Broedelet is a crack-up, and a gifted designer as well. I worked on her color challenge at DSO earlier this month than I did the past couple of months, so that's your freebie today.

As usual, there's a story behind it! The color palette selected was definitely different for a November kit, so I started thinking outside the box:

my brother turns 50 this month...

he's celebrating with a week-long cruise from Los Angeles to Honolulu...

with another week exploring the islands...

and Hawaii's celebrating its 50th anniversary as the 50th state in the United States of America.

Eureka! A theme!! And, on the odd chance that my brother and his wife actually share photos from their trip, I will have something I can use to scrapbook his 50th celebration. I based the elements on what I knew for sure they would be doing.

I had computer connection issues today so I'm behind on other things, but thought I'd get this posted this evening--better late than never.

Blessings on your day...evening...morning...whenever

Melanie

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best costume ever

2009-10-31T08:09:00.001-05:00

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Another freebie

2009-10-30T11:42:00.005-05:00

Well, a couple of you have had some suggestions about creature comfort phrases, for which I thank you. I'll try to post that extra set tomorrow...I agree with your thoughts! And the rest of you will benefit from their suggestions.

There's a crispness in the air today...hurray! Each day is different, which is not unusual in my part of Texas. Thirty-degree temperature swings are not uncommon, and we're accustomed to it. My husband--a transplated Texan from the UK--still is not used to it, however, so his reaction becomes comical sometimes. I'm still smiling about his reaction this morning--nothing in particular to share about in words, but my point for all of us today is to find humor in the little things. That's always part of being ME, but it does take work at times.

It didn't take work this past weekend, however, when my 3-year-old nephew walked into the room and said, "I'm the bomb-diggity!" We have no idea where he heard that but he was so cute and sunny-natured when he said it...well, it was irresistible. He was just being him at the moment.

Hope you can use another "being me" type of word art today. I made it glittery in case you wanted to sparkle up a Halloween layout with it, too!

Blessings on your day,
Melanie
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Feel-Good Freebie

2009-10-27T07:54:00.008-05:00

If you've spent any time at all tracking my blog, you know how much I enjoy playing with my friend, KimB's Color Challenge at DSO. She's such a gifted designer and it's always a treat to get her posting bonus, but the real fun is in designing, too. [By the way, Kim's newest kit is all about a Candy Christmas, and is adorable. Check it out!]

I did something a little different this time. Kim let her husband choose the color palette, which made me think that these were "comfort colors" to him...which made me think about comfort food (doesn't everything?!!)...which made me think about things that appeal to me about October...which made me think about October's Creature Comforts. Make sense? It did to me. :)

Hope you can find this set of 12 word art phrases COMFORTABLE and inspiring to use for your layouts. Who knows...if enough of you send me YOUR "creature comfort" word-wishlist, I might be persuaded to make a second set. :)

Blessings on your day,
Melanie

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Retrieve!!

2009-10-26T09:02:00.008-05:00

Hello, all...hope this October day brings you joy. I had a fun weekend with an unexpected visit from my oldest niece and her family. Her three sons are great and we enjoyed watching them relish playing in the PERFECT weather we had all weekend. [Rainy this morning, after a stormy night, but the weather was perfect when we needed it!]

As boys do, they played all sorts of games; but in one particular game that involved a battle of sorts with foam swords, the oldest one (age 8), yelled to his "troops"....Retrieve! Retrieve! Retrieve!

We couldn't help but laugh at his version of the battle cry, "Retreat!" :) We never did correct him because, to be honest, we were impressed that he even knew the word retrieve. Don't you just love the way shared laughter makes you feel? :)

The lovely Kate sent me three recent terrific layouts she had done, using my word art. Thank you so much, Kate, for sharing these with us! Her daughter is newly pregnant and she wanted to commemorate the glowing lovely that she is.

I'm celebrating this favorite time of year myself with the addition of two new alphabets to my Divine Digital store. Click on the preview images below to take you to my shop...

AUTUMN ART ALPHABET:

And CHRISTMAS GREEN ALPHABET:

Hey, this just occurred to me...here's a thought for an advertisement slogan for my still-new store: RETRIEVE! RETRIEVE! RETRIEVE! [laughing by myself at my computer] Hope you like the new alphabets, at least enough to stop by the store and take a look. One of the word art sets I started with has been reduced to 20% off, so check it out, please! "Retrieving" them may just be the perfect thing you need for your layouts. :) A shameless plug, I know.

Hope your week begins well...I'll be back soon with another freebie!

Blessings,

Melanie

It's not easy being me FREEBIE

2009-10-23T18:16:00.002-05:00

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