sara schmutz

Be my guest...

2012-01-26T13:54:00.000-08:00

I have been busy this week guest blogging over at One Charming Party!

I am hosting a Valentines Breakfast Party, so be sure to jump on over and check out the goodies.

Also.. don't forget about the giveaway for Confetti Sunshine! Perfect for all your party needs. Get the details here.

Confetti Sunshine... plus giveaway!

2012-01-19T12:12:00.000-08:00

Sorry for this blog being so silent recently. I've been working on a few projects recently...

Whats been taking up all of my time recently is this little store - Confetti Sunshine

While it shouldn't be any surprise that I love to plan parties, and that I also absolutely adore pretty packaging supplies. But I decided to put my obsession to good use and open up a little party supply boutique!

And.. since I love this blog so much, and love you readers, I've decided to offer you a chance to get some free party supplies! Gotta love giveaways!

WIN A $30 Gift Card to Confetti Sunshine!

The many ways to enter:

"Like" Confetti Sunshine on Facebook and leave a comment there

Post about Confetti Sunshine on Facebook and leave a comment here

Blog about Confetti Sunshine and leave a comment here

Go Follow Confetti Sunshine Blog and leave a comment here

And the favorite... just comment here and tell me what you would buy with the gift card!

good luck!

DHD blog hop! free 2012 calendar download

2012-01-05T22:57:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again! Time to get organized, back into the swing of life, and - of course - time for Design House Digital to celebrate it's second birthday! We are trying to help you fashionably achieve all the goals you have set for the new year with our adorable downloadable calendar.

I opted to design the September month, and made a calendar with and without a picture option:

click here to download

Be sure and head over to the other designer's blogs to pick up the rest of the 2012 calendar!

Jen Allyson - January

Robyn Meierotto – February

Karla Dudly – March

Erica Coombs – April

Karen Funk – May

Angie Hinksman – June

Celeste Knight – July

Shannon Hegarty – August 1

Sara Schmutz – September

Gennifer Bursett – October

Tiffany Tillman – November

Agnes Biro – December

(You really can never have too many cute calendars around the house)

***PERSONAL USE ONLY***

:::::NO COMMERCIAL USE IS ALLOWED:::::

All of the graphic images created by Sara Schmutz,

including any sample images, may be used for personal use only

in your own creative projects.

enjoy 40% off...

2011-11-28T09:13:00.001-08:00

You need to head over to Design House Digital for their huge cyber monday sale today!

be sure and enjoy 40% off all of these fun kits below...

(click on the pictures to take you to the shop)

and also get 25% off everything in the store!

have fun shopping!

DHD sale... happening cyber monday

2011-11-26T14:08:00.001-08:00

you know you want to be there.

New Release... Jolly!

2011-11-17T09:04:00.001-08:00

I am so excited about my new kit, Jolly! It might also be due to the fact that I am excited for Christmas (hehe). But this playful and colorful kit is perfect for all your holiday scrapbooking memories.. and also wonderful for some family hybrid projects, but more on that later...

But I did want to share some wonderful layouts from my C team and also the ladies over at DHD...

by: Jennifer Valencia

by: Sarah Hemmert

by: Jen Flaherty

by: Jennifer Hignite

by: Missy Backues

little family announcement...

2011-11-09T17:17:00.000-08:00

It's a girl!

due 03.17.2012

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T15:42:00.000-07:00

Princess? ...no

Ballerina? ...no

Fairy? ...no

my little miss schmutz wanted to be something scary for Halloween this year. So a scary kitty it was.

This might be due to the fact that most of her friends are boys... but it might not be either. She has

embraced Halloween and all of it's spooky, scariness like none other 3 year old. It has fast become the most enjoyable holiday we have had this year.

...and it's not over yet! She doesn't even know there is candy involved.

Happy Trick or Treating!

Trick or Treat...

2011-10-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

can you believe its almost time for Halloween?

eek! My daughter has been on my case about finishing her costume ever since we started it last week. Mind you, not that she is excited to trick or treat, she just wants another dress hanging in her closet just waiting to be worn.

This year I really debated if I should design a Halloween themed kit or not. I am not a spooky type, nor am I a really cute and cuddly type. So I had to figure out something in between - but I am very happy with the results! This kit is not only for Halloween, but could easily be used for numerous autumn activities (minus the spider web papers)

It releases today... so go and grab it 30% off!

And, if you still aren't sure... check out the amazing inspiration.

especially all the hybrid projects!!!

by: Sara Schmutz

by: Sarah Hemmert

by: Sarah Coggins

and the winner is....

2011-09-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

congrats to...

libbywilko said...

I love the look of the frames and journalling spaces. Thanks for the chance.

email me at sara(dot)schmutz(at)gmail(dot)com to collect your prize!

Thanks for all the wonderful comments,

and be sure to run over to Design House Digital today to pick up Recollect 30% off!

and, for some beautiful inspiration of all the creative things you can do with this kit...

by: Sarah Hemmert

by: Shannon Dombkowski

by: Katherine Hansen

by: Sarah Hemmert

by: Sarah Coggins

by: Sarah Hemmert

by: Sarah Coggins

"recollect" sneak peek and giveaway...

2011-09-16T17:11:00.000-07:00

...So... I just finished designing my "recollect" kit, like, last night. It releases this Thursday (Sept. 22) But I was too excited to use it, (its gorgeous!!) so I couldn't stay away from the computer for long. I decided to scrap up a sneak peek for ya'll!

And.. along with my sneak peeks, I always like to include a giveaway...

comment on this blog post to be entered to win the entire Recollect digital scrapbook collection,

which includes:

20 patterned papers

12 semi solid papers

31 tag elements

4 ticket elements

2 monogram alphabets

the winner will be announced Thursday morning!!

worth a thousand words...

2011-09-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

...our 2011 family pictures...

taken by the highly recommended Holly Aprecio

click here to see more of the photos

From my kitchen to yours... jam label freebie...

2011-08-31T16:24:00.000-07:00

This summer I decided to be adventurous and make my first ever batch of peach freezer jam. My friend had found a farmer who was selling his peaches in bulk for a great price. So I was quite excited and felt very domestic even though I only made freezer jam (my favorite!)

And, like ever domestically oriented woman, I wanted to share the love with my friends and neighbors. Now, I couldn't just hand them a jar of freezer jam, I just had to dress it up. I found my inspiration here (don't you all just love pinterest?) and spent a relaxing morning dressing up my jam jars.

Since I can't share my delicious peach jam with all of you, I decided to share my jam labels! I came up with three adorable color combinations...

click here to download

Have a great weekend...

2011-08-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

...we are off to a kid free weekend to celebrate 5 years since this day...

isn't he adorable! I {heart} him!

Nursery Rhymes new release day!

2011-08-25T15:29:00.000-07:00

I am so excited this kit is finally releasing. I have been working on it, a little here, a little there, for the past few months. I love how it came all together in the end. Be sure and run over to Design House Digital and pick it all up 30% off today!

and enjoy these adorable pages created by my wonderful creative team!

Aren't they adorable...

summer time photo morph...

2011-08-23T22:32:00.000-07:00

So.. I will have to admit that I have been home from vacation for quite some time now. But I feel like as though I just arrived back yesterday. I have had a hard time getting back into the swing of things... mainly back into the swing of work and designing.

I am trying to kick that bad habit and get some design goodness flowing..

And to help, I looked through my vacation pictures to help bring inspiration into my next design project. But, while I was looking I couldn't help notice that while I had adorable pictures of my daughter and nephew running through the sprinklers, I didn't have any of them both looking at me at the same time.

So I grabbed the two pictures that most resembled each other (and which I liked the best) and decided to morph the two together in Adobe Photoshop CS3...

1. opened both files in photoshop.

2. dragged one photo and placed it directly over the other photograph.

3. I used the Rectangular Marquee Tool and selected the portion of the top photograph that I wanted to be showing.

4. I then added a vector mask to the top layer.

5. I had to rotate my picture (Edit / Free Transform) to match up with the bottom picture.

6. flatten the layers together.

7. selected the Spot Healing Brush Tool and gently clicked down my noticeable edge.

quick tip... it helped to only have small movements with the spot healing brush tool. Zoom in close to your picture so you can see what is going on and resist the urge to quickly swipe away the edges.

Here is my final picture! I played around a little more with the colors... I love the bright yellow the kids were wearing! I am so glad I was able to merge these to pictures. This has become one of my favorite photographs from our trip. It was even the picture my daughter picked out to print out and hang in her bedroom (she loves her cousins!)

after a long weekend...

2011-07-06T16:15:00.000-07:00

...it is sometimes hard to get back into the swing of things. Our long weekend ended yesterday instead of Monday as we had family in town. It was wonderful and I didn't want it to end.

But, I did want to stop in today and show you these adorable pages Sarah H. put together using my Bicycle Ride collection (one of my favorite collections!)

Aren't those pages amazing!

SALE... and freebie...

2011-07-02T14:24:00.000-07:00

Happy holiday weekend for all of my state-side readers! If you aren't in the USA this weekend, you should still get out and enjoy the summer - we are finally getting some nice weather! Which is very exciting for me!

To celebrate, be sure and head over to Design House Digital and look through my designer weekend sale going on this weekend - 25% off everything!

(click here or on the picture above to download)

And, since I was in a festive mood, I put together a little Star Spangled coordinating freebie! Everyone can do with a little more washi tape in their life.

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Star Spangled Collection

2011-06-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

I love summer and all of the fun holidays it brings! I am also excited to share my festive Star Spangled collection... it just release today, so be sure and go grab it 30% off!

and.. here are some lovely layouts to help get those creative thoughts in gear... aren't they wonderful? I am definitely going to need to scraplift these two...

by the wonderful Sarah Hemmert

by the lovely Sarah Coggins

sneak peek...

2011-06-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

into tomorrow's release! It is a very fun kit - perfect for a 4th of July patriotic page, but also great for just about any fun summer party! So be sure to drop by Design House Digital tomorrow and pick it up 30% off.

I hope you are all enjoying your summer! I really really wish things would heat up around here, and, being my first summer away from any sort of desert (in my entire life!), I will admit that I am missing the dry, crusty land like crazy. I am a sun and dead heat type of girl. I am looking forward to a visit in just a few weeks! I might change my mind once I get there.. we shall see.

as for the rest of the party...

2011-06-27T16:48:00.000-07:00

It really was a lot of fun! I love the whole idea of doing just a small party, and then being able to spend the time needed to make it more creative and unique. This really was a lot of fun for me to put together, and I am just very happy with the results!

My daughter instantly knew it was the day of her party when she woke up that day.. which was very exciting since we had talked about the party for weeks. I tried to keep it more on the cheap side of things (she did only turn 3!), so I was very happy to find these 25" tissue fans at the one and only Shop Sweet Lulu. Which gave me a lot of wow factor for not a lot of money factor.. happy mom!

Honest to goodness, I could have spent my entire birthday budget over at Shop Sweet Lulu, but I had to restrain myself from buying out the entire store.. that would not have been fair to every other party planning mother on the planet. The only other thing I just could not live without were the adorable Berry Baskets, which I used as favors. I, then, filled the baskets up with a homemade fabric headband (3 year old girls adore anything "fancy" and "adorable"), a thank you note with a princess necklace attached, a little candy filled glassine favor bag with faux coordinating tape, bubbles with a custom label, and then I stuffed the baskets with the packaging that came from my Shop Sweet Lulu purchase.

Party goodies are always a hard topic for me. I never know what people want to eat, and I cannot bring myself to pile stacks and stacks of sugary goodness onto a table for 3 year olds. So, I tried to even out the odds by also serving some kid friendly snacks. But, it was a party, so we did have some sugar. I made these very yummy vanilla chiffon cupcakes with adorable red polkadot wrappers from Michaels.

We also had pb&j sandwiches with little coordinating flags and lots of fresh strawberries (not pictured here).

And wrapped it up with a nice sweet fruit pizza. The party was so fun, and I really can't wait to start planning another one for next year! Why is it we only celebrate birthdays once a year? Seriously? I could go for a quarterly birthday celebration... what about you?

just a little hybrid birthday invitation...

2011-06-25T15:52:00.000-07:00

Digital is great. I love creating without hardly any mess and, of course, the undo button. But there is something special when I finally print out a project I've been working on. So, for my daughter's 3rd birthday party, I designed up a cute little invitation to take around to her close friends.

I was trying to decide on only one theme for the party, and decided that I just couldn't narrow it down, so I ended up coming up with more of a color theme - red, pink and a light blue. Once I had that figured out it was easy to design up some cute invitations, as well as dress up the favor boxes (which I will blog about later...). It is so fun to have such a cute custom little accent for a party! Its all in the details!

Since I didn't want huge 5"x7" invitations, I opted to pull out some little sheer glassine favor bags to use as envelopes (we were hand delivering all the invitations). I then sized my invitation to fit into the favor bags, printed a coordinating accent digital paper out onto sticker paper and made a cute little faux tape to seal the envelope.

...and now that all is said and done... the party was a success! And I am excited to share it with you, but that blog post, is for another time!

Have a wonderful weekend!

I'm back...

2011-06-22T22:08:00.000-07:00

... from a blog hiatus that lasted much too long. I feel guilty when I don't blog.. as if someone is lonely without my constant blog updates (which I sure only happens in my head). But, I am going to try to do better. I have suddenly found myself with more free time this summer than I original thought, so hopefully that will translate into some fun blog posts and new designs!

But, to start the summer off correctly, I thought I better introduce you to a couple of girls who like to make amazingly beautiful layouts...

First, I would like you to meet Sarah Hemmert - who, not only makes beautiful layouts, but also has a degree in photography and is a sign language interpreter! If that wasn't enough, she also has three beautiful children and a very supportive husband... what a lucky girl! I'm so glad to have such great talent on my CT!

Next, I would like you to meet... Sarah Coggins at 2pawsdesigns - is a pro at gorgeous layouts! As a recent stay at home mom, I am so glad Sarah picked up scrapbooking as a hobby to keep entertained during her son's nap time! I am so excited so have such wonderful scrapbookers on my CT!

click here for credits

...and if you can't tell, I am a little excited. These two gals are exactly what I need, and it has helped me get excited for upcoming releases!! So stay tuned for more fun, soon!

all these layouts used my No.1 Fan kit available at DHD

Creative Team Call...

2011-05-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

...for Sara Schmutz digital scrapbook designs!

I've been contemplating for a while the decision whether or not I needed a creative team, but have decided to try it out. So please submit!! I've never had a CT team, but the ideas makes me very excited to work with all you amazing digital scrapbookers. No hesitation, just submit.. believe me.. it is going to be a party!

interested???

creative team requirements:

at least 1 layout per new kit (approx. 1 a month)

post to DHD and 2 other galleries (and my facebook page if applicable)

3 month commitment

please include:

name, username(s), short bio

link to a gallery and/or blog

any teams you are currently on

compensation:

any new kit you use to design a layout, and is then posted in DHD and 2 other galleries

any old kit you use to design a layout, and is then posted in DHD and 2 other galleries

happy emails from me

a secret surprise

so email me asap... sara.schmutz@gmail.com

hope to hear from you soon!

Bicycle Ride Freebie...

2011-05-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

So.. now that blogger is happy again (even though I lost a post or two? ...weird...) I thought I should get this all up for ya'll since I did promise...

(click here or on the picture above to download)

...I thought a little bit of free twill ribbon is what this kit needed!

Have a fun weekend! We've been enjoying a very sunny week.. it has been wonderful! and we're headed out to soak up a little more...

and the winner is...

2011-05-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

libbywilko said...
Thanks for the chance and Happy iNSD...

In spring I love going out for walks with my family seeing all the beautiful new flowers in the neighbourhood.
May 7, 2011 2:32 AM

Congratulations! Be sure to email me at sara(dot)schmutz(at)gmail(dot)com to receive your Bicycle Ride Collection for free!

credit:

Bicycle Ride Collection

Back to Basic White Frames

Pick up "Bicycle Ride" today at DHD for 25% off!

also...

I am releasing a coordinating freebie tomorrow on the blog!

So my question is...

anything you would like to see? I haven't designed it yet (I know, last minute and everything) but what do you think this kit needs? Brads? Solid papers? Ribbons? Etc? Let me know!

I spy.. Hip Hooray!...

2011-05-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share a few projects I've recently seen using my newest printed kit...

Hip Hooray for My Mind's Eye

which is available right (click) here!

By Shanna Vineyard via My Mind's Eye Blog

by Suzanne Sergi via My Mind's Eye Blog

via Oh My Crafts

by Suzanne Sergi via Scrappin' the Details

So adorable, right? ah...

old.. but still good!

2011-05-10T21:26:00.000-07:00

I've recently been looking back into my past scrapbook pages.. its, by far, my favorite way to get some inspiration for current pages I am working on. But, I thought I'd drop by today and share a few fun ones with you... and hopefully it will help inspire your next scrapbook page too!

Travel Log Collection by Sara Schmutz

Sophistication by Sara Schmutz

Dainty Collection by Sara Schmutz

(aren't those chubby cheeks to die for!)

embellishments - Tu Es Jolie Collection by Sara Schmutz

graph paper - an extra I had sitting around

I'd love to see any pages you've created with any of my product (freebies or not) email me anytime at sara(dot)schmutz(at)gmail(dot)com!

And remember there is still time to enter the Bicycle Ride giveaway. Go here to enter.

sneak peek at Bicycle Ride.. enter for a chance to win...

2011-05-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I sure hope you all are having a wonderful weekend so far.. Ours has started quite dandy with my husband agreeing to go shopping with me tonight (a very rare occurrence)

So, on that happy note, I thought I would share a quick sneak peek of what I have lined up to release next Thursday...

(it was suppose to release yesterday.. but.. oh well..)

This is a very fun kit to play around with - lots of shapes, patterns, textures and a few bold colors.. my favorite type of kits! And I know I tend to lean heavy on the "girly" kits, full of flowers and pink, but this kit is not so. It would be perfect for any boy, girl or family gathering.

The kit is full with:

20 - 12"x12" 300 dpi jpeg digital papers

1 - full color alphabet

1 - tag alphabet with a shadow and unshadowed version

7 - tags with sentiments

23 - journalling tags

and, just to show it off a little bit more, I put together a quick layout for you to enjoy.

want to WIN this kit?

just leave a comment on this blog post telling me what your favorite spring time activity is to be entered into the drawing to win the complete collection!

(contest ends Wednesday night.. the winner will be announced Thursday morning!)

And.. extra bonus!! ..I will be releasing a limited-time Bicycle Ride coordinating freebie kit sometime next week on my blog.. So be sure to "follow" my blog so you don't miss out!

iNSD bloghop freebie...

2011-05-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a small part of the DHD iterNational Scrapbook Day Bloghop!

we've done a blog hop before.. and I personally loved it!

Most of the designers from Design House Digital have gotten together, pulled out our creativity, and create one huge coordinating scrapbook kit... all for you... all for FREE

CLICK HERE (or on the image above) to download my freebie

Then be sure to "hop" around to the other blogs (links below) to gather up all the free pieces of this huge free kit...

(the image above is a preview of the entire kit)

...and there is plenty more fun going on over at the House this week!

25% OFF everything in the store!!

New Daily Dollar kits

Chats Thursday-Saturday

and a chance to win a CRICUT!!

Have fun this week... be sure and go now and visit everyone else...

Sara Schmutz- that's me!

Tiffany Tillman

I know you've been curious...

2011-04-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

...about what DHD has got planned for inter-national scrapbook day! Well, we like this holiday so much that we are going to celebrate an entire week!

It is going to include a BIG sale, a huge blog hop freebie, chats and prizes!

the festivities start on Monday!

And it's Monday again...

2011-04-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

...amazing how that happens, right? Beautiful, warm, sunny weekends never seem to last long enough.

Well we had a perfect little Easter weekend. I snapped this picture during little Miss Schmutz' egg hunt on Saturday. The vibe and colors of this picture has been my new source of inspiration for the moment. Isn't it amazing how something can catch your heart and make you think about it, non-stop, for hours?

I have been finding myself in a creative rut until now. How do you motivate yourself out of a creative rut?

Hip Hooray!

2011-04-21T22:37:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about this kit! My Minds Eye is one of those scrapbook companies that I have drooled over for years - I never imaged I would actually be able to design for them!

But they have proved to be a fabulous company to design for. I have been so blessed in my freelancing to have only worked with amazing companies.

I know it might be "overkill" to show you all of the designs, but hey.. I am excited!

I hope you like My Mind's Eye "Hip Hooray" by Sara Schmutz!

{click here to go to MME's website and get a closer look}

and the winner is...

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

Anonymous said...

This is adorable, strawberry-sweet -hmmm -

just beautiful!

Thanks for the chance to win.

Barbara

April 11, 2011 11:42 AM

Congrats Barbara! Please email me so I can send you my Strawberry Patch Collection!

But, for everyone else, you can run over to DHD and enjoy 30% off my new Strawberry Patch digital scrapbook collection!

Here are a few more adorable pages using my new kit...

by Shannon Dombkowski

by Sara Schmutz as a spread to the page I posted earlier.

Have a great weekend!

sneak peek...

2011-04-09T13:11:00.000-07:00

...at my digital scrapbook release for next week. the Strawberry Patch collection is such a sweet little kit full of spring time goodness. It is so fun to play with.

The full collection includes over 70 items!

Want to win this kit?
Leave a comment below to be entered into the drawing
to win your own "Strawberry Patch" digital scrapbook collection.

Drawing will close on Wednesday. A winner will be announced Thursday morning.

Time for Tea freebie...

2011-03-10T22:04:00.000-08:00

Here is the "Time for Tea" freebie I promised! I love these colors! This is such a fun kit to work with, and if you looked over on DHD blog post, this kit doesn't have to just be for a tea party - it works with a big variety of different picture worth events!

click here or on the image above to download

And... guess what? All my kits are on sale now through Sunday! Its a great time to go through and pick up some new or old kits. I've got some great spring time kits from last year.

Time for Tea!

2011-03-10T07:13:00.000-08:00

And now for the winner of my new Time for Tea collection:

RANDOM.ORG picked comment #14!

Shay said...

Such lovely pictures of your daughter and the kit is so pretty and dainty. My favorite tea time treat is scones with clotted cream. Thank you for the chance to win.

March 8, 2011 10:06 AM

congrats Shay! I hope you enjoy the kit!

Everyone else can head on over to Design House Digital and pick up my kit 30% off today!
And remember, tomorrow I will be posting a coordinating freebie... so check back then!

And, isn't this page gorgeous? Follow the link over to the DHD blog and see the other layouts using my Time for Tea collection in this weeks 1 kit 4 ways!

Time for a Giveaway...

2011-03-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

...and a sneak peek of my newest collection debuting on Thursday!

This collection is not only perfect for those lovely spring tea parties, but just about any beautiful, calm, gathering! Though, it was inspired by my daughter's love of tea parties (we would have one every afternoon if it was up to her). I just need to find better tea time snacks. Miniature cupcakes are wonderful, but not suitable for an everyday afternoon treat.

What is your favorite Tea Time treat? Leave a comment below to be entered into the drawing to win your own "Time for Tea" digital scrapbook collection.

the winner will be announced wednesday night!

and be sure to follow my blog, I will have a coordinating freebie on friday!

time is running out...

2011-02-28T14:45:00.000-08:00

...to pick up the amazing stash of $1 kits at Design House Digital!

Today is the last day of the sale.. tomorrow all of the kits will return to their normal price.

I wanted to quickly show you a fun little mini album I put together over the weekend for my daughter. It was a lot of fun, and very quick.. mostly using all the odd and end scrapbook embellishment supplies I have gathered over the years.

The kits I used for this mini album are:

color wheel : SPRING : paper pack (on sale for only $1)

color wheel : SPRING 2 : paper pack

back to basics bundle (on sale for only $1)

I made this little album because my daughter really misses her cousins. I had no idea what an impression a summer with cousins could have on my two year old.. she asks, at least once a week, if we can go to "Taylor" and "Ba-gen" (baby megan) house.

This book was a lot of fun. I arranged the basic layout in photoshop, printed it all out (not even a full 2 8.5x11 pages), cut it out and taped it all together. Then my daughter and I, literally, dumped out all our little embellishments and arranged and rearranged each page a dozen times.

I really like how this book turns out, and I am not at all worried letting my two year old carry it around. If it gets dirty, I can toss it and easily print out a new one.. easy peasy.

Don't you just love digital?

Its been a busy month...

2011-02-24T22:03:00.000-08:00

Doesn't February always seem rushed? It must be because it only has 28 days.. I must be squeezing in 31 days worth of activities. But I can't believe that it is already the 24th!

It does seems that things might be slowing down just a bit. I have had a boat load of work show up - all at once, of course. But I love it. I love both the digital and printed work that I do. Seriously, this is not work, it is much too enjoyable to be considered work.

But, I have to run off again.. I really need to get to sleep at a decent hour tonight (hehe). But I thought I would leave you with this adorable little page I made up with today's new release and tomorrow's february dollar deal!! Friday's deal is amazing.. 3 must have kits bundled together for only $1. (remember! february is a short month.. only a few more days to go download all those beautiful cheap kits!)

{The two adorable people, in the layout, really are my sunshine on cloudy, gloomy days.. I am so lucky to have them!!}

credits:

color wheel : MIST : paper pack - large dot and background paper

color wheel : SPRING : paper pack - small dotted paper

back to basic tags - all tags

back to basic white frame - photo frame

Free PS & PSE action...

2011-02-17T14:24:00.000-08:00

I found this free Photoshop/Photoshop Elements Action (from MCP Actions) while browsing around facebook today. The only catch, is you have to "like" their page, which isn't a big deal for me since I would like to see more of their product.

So, I thought I would pass on the information to you. I do like actions... they are an easy way to change up your photo without having to go through all the tweaking.

And, so, before you go sign into facebook, follow my link, download the action, install in into ps/pse... I thought I would whip up a photo so you could see the action in, well... action!

first off.. my original photo

my photo + MCP Mini Fusion Action

My photo + MCP Mini Fusion Action + turning on the Tone

my photo + MCP Mini Fusion Action + Tone + playing around with the settings.

This is a really fun action because it gives you the ability to play around with all the different layers when it is all done. I would definitely recommend just downloading and playing around with it!

Find the free MCP Facebook Exclusive Mini Fusion Action here

now I know my A B Cs...

2011-02-10T22:33:00.001-08:00

...next time won't you sing with me? Here is a forewarn - this is a "I'm so glad I am a mommy" post... you've been warned...

My little miss schmutz loves to sing. No doubt about it. She also loves the alphabet. So we (as in "I") decided it was high time she had an alphabet hanging in her room.

I really wanted to wait for the paper of my new spring line to arrive. But I am glad I didn't, and just used my paper from last year's release (Imaginisce's Lucy Bird).

My little miss schmutz was so so excited when we finally put the banner up (26 letters is a lot of work! sheez). Even though she was getting over a slight cold, she couldn't resist the urge to sing, dance, and jump on her bed!

(oh yes.. she puts all of her heart and soul into her songs!)

I am so glad she's my daughter.

love mini kit ... grab it for a $1

2011-02-02T08:55:00.001-08:00

Every day in February DHD is going to have a new kit release for only $1!!
Today was my turn, so I had this beautiful little valentines kit release.

Of course, I had to scrap a little something with it. The main reason is so you could all see some of the cute little details of the kit (I love the little stickers and tags). Another reason would be that I have been on a major scrapbooking kick as of late.. its been so much fun!

So.. I am going to have a few more kits to be released this month for only a $1.. is there anything you would like to have? basic elements? themed mini kits? let me know...

credits:
love mini kit by Sara Schmutz
font: Century Gothic
staple and tape: extras I had in my library

Super Bowl Week

2011-02-01T19:34:00.000-08:00

Design House Digital is kicking off February with a bunch of fun stuff. This week, we are having a Super Gallery Bowl Party - all week!

25% off the ENTIRE SHOP

Wacom Tablet Give-away

Week-long challenges

& hosted chats!

woot! Thats a lot of fun.

Also.. every day in February there is going to be a new kit released for only $1!!

It'll be a great month to stock up on your digital scrapbooking stash.. there is going to be some great stuff!

Make sure and visit tomorrow - a little birdie told me that I might have something valentine-ish releasing tomorrow for only $1... quite a cute something too.. hmm..

How to age your photo...

2011-01-24T22:28:00.000-08:00

As promised, I put together a little tutorial on how to get an easy, yet pretty, aged look to your photo. All you will need is your photo (don't worry about the colors, just get a photo where you like the composition), The dark brown watercolor washed paper from my new Country Cottage Collection (get it here), and an Photoshop Elements (I am using Photoshop Elements 9)

Sorry if the instructions are too simple for you! I don't know how advance everyone is, so just skip the steps that you already know!

quick note - all the pictures below are bigger than they appear on the blog. Just right click on the picture, and select "Open In a New Window" to see the full sized picture.

Open your files (picture & dark brown paper) into PSE.

Click "Image" on the top toolbar

scroll down to "Mode"

finally, click "Grayscale"

Click "Okay". We don't need the color information.

Click on the little half light/half dark circle at the bottom right of the screen.

From that menu, select "Brightness/Contrast"

My photo wasn't very good coming straight from my camera, so it needed a little adjusting; especially when it came to the contrast. There is no right or wrong to this step, just adjust until you like your picture.

Once you are done adjusting, click on the "Layers" tab (underlined in the picture)

Now we've got to change back to RGB mode so we can add some color.

Click on "Image" on the top bar

Click "Mode"

Click "RGB Color"

Choose "Flatten", unless you are going to want to adjust your contrast some more in the future. If you are, select "Don't Flatten" ...pretty self explanatory stuff, eh?

Next, drag the dark brown paper onto your picture. Just click the brown paper with your mouse, hold down, and drag your mouse arrow up onto your picture.

Click on the drop down menu (should say "Normal"), which is right under the "Layers" tab.

From the drop down menu, select "Overlay"

And you should have your finish product! The "Overlay" feature basically takes all the blacks and grays in your picture and replaces them with the browns and lighter browns in the paper.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! Let me know if you have any follow up questions.

Country Cottage Monogram Freebie...

2011-01-21T07:03:00.001-08:00

click here or on the image above to download

Happy freebie day! The more I use the Country Cottage Collection, the more I love it! It is such an easy kit to use... flows together so well. I hope you all enjoy it too! {...and the free monogram...}

Isn't my youngest sister beautiful? She turned 16 last fall, so we ran out one fun filled evening and snapped dozens of gorgeous pictures, grabbed frozen yogurt with fruit, and went home and watched a chic flick... one of the most fun evenings of the whole summer!!

I'd love to see what pages you've come up with my stuff... be sure and email me your pages!

Country Cottage... get it 30% off today!

2011-01-20T14:55:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about the release of my Country Cottage collection! It is the first time in months that my kit hasn't been revolving around the holidays... and it feels good. Kinda feels like spring cleaning...

But, if that wasn't good enough - today it is 30% off!! woot! So make sure you pick it up today, and check back here tomorrow for a special Country Cottage coordinating freebie!

...have a wonderful thursday...

sneak peek...

2011-01-18T01:10:00.000-08:00

sneak peek of one of my kits coming "soon" to DHD. Plus... a look at what template and tutorials I will be sharing within the next few weeks-

How to use brushes in a number of different ways

How to add a texture to your photo

How to make a {cute} scalloped border

(all techniques used in the page above!)

If anyone has any questions on what I did to a layout, or how to achieve a certain "look"... please let me know in the comments and I will do my best to answer any questions!!

Getting Back...

2011-01-10T22:04:00.000-08:00

sorry the blog has been on the back burner as of late... I always think than when my husband has a break from school that I will get more work done than usual. I am not sure why I even think this way, because the opposite always tends to happen.

Now that we are back from a fabulous holiday, and into a normal routine, I should be able to start up blogging more frequently again!

...And, I do have a little freebie in store for you soon...

credits:

color wheel : CREAM by Me

Digi Essentials 8 - brushes by Karla Dudley

ribbon was a limited time freebie

Ring in the New Year and a Birthday... freebie included...

2010-12-31T16:33:00.000-08:00

Starting today (Jan 1st!) DHD is celebrating their 1st birthday! Wahoo! It is so exciting for us all! To celebrate, there is a site-wide sale, different $1 kits everyday, chats, and an adorable little calendar freebie blog hop!

{click here or on the image above to download}

"March" is my contribution to the collection. I used my Sophistication Collection from DHD, which is still one of my favorite kits to digital scrapbook with.

But, thanks for stopping by and picking up your 2011 March calendar! Make sure and visit everyone to get the entire collection!

January: Robyn Meierotto

February: Jen Allyson

March: Sara Schmutz (ME!)

April: Celeste Knight

September: Celeste Knight

October: Jen Allyson

November: Robyn Meierotto

December: Gennifer Bursett

have a happy New Year!!

and the winner is....

2010-12-02T07:59:00.000-08:00

Congrats Beckerella!!!

And remember that my new collection releases today!!

So run over to Design House Digital to pick it up 30% off

You can pick up the whole collection (over 70 digital scrapbook pieces!!) for only 8.39!!

Counting down...

2010-12-01T14:31:00.001-08:00

Until Christmas!!! I cannot believe it is December already!

Which means... it is time to start counting down. I always loved our little advent calendar I had growing up. It was simple and sweet - just the way a count down calendar should be.

This holiday season I have found myself more wanting to enjoy the "season" and far less of the shopping. I have gotten almost all my shopping out of the way, and am excited to just enjoy spending some family time together. But, if you are anything like me, if it isn't scheduled, it doesn't happen.

So to help with the unplanned holiday events, I have decided to put them in my advent calendar. Everyday for the next 25 days we are going to celebrate a little bit of the holidays together as a family.

I am going to slip little notes into my envelopes with the planned activity for that day. Today's activity - decorate the Christmas Tree. Tomorrows? Read the Christmas account out of the Bible. The day after that? Ah, I haven't planned that far. I am just excited to have a little moment, every day, to think about the wonderful Christmas season!

And.. I put together this little download for anyone else who is interested in using my idea. The envelopes are just a solid plum, but are saved as a template .psd for anyone who would like to use some other digital paper.

And don't forget about my GIVEAWAY... enter until tonight for a chance to win my new "Wonderland" kit (which was featured in this post!!)

Wonderland digital scrapbook GIVEAWAY

2010-11-29T13:03:00.001-08:00

How was Thanksgiving? Ours was wonderful! Very relaxing, and quiet - just what the doctor ordered. We don't get a lot of family time with my husband's schedule, so having almost an entire week of having him home was amazing!

If you haven't guessed by the scrapbook page, we got snow over the holiday! It actually started a few days before, and lasted until we got up on Saturday.. by then it had all melted overnight.

But it was just enough snow to put me in the holiday mood... and enough "staying at home" for me to finish this kit!

...so its time for a giveaway...

Here is how to win.. contest will be closed wednesday night
{the winner will be picked Thursday morning, December 2nd}:
*comment here on my blog*
*like my facebook page and leave a comment there*
the lucky scrapbooker will win the COMPLETE Wonderland Collection!
...good luck...

It's time for...

2010-11-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

Monday Gallery Round Up! I hunt down layouts using my sold products (not freebies) and post them up on my blog for every one's enjoyment!

And, the reward for being posted on one of my Monday Gallery Round Ups is a free kit of your choice! (valued at $3.99 or less)

I only look at Design House Digital Gallery, but I would love to see layouts in other places! Just send be an email with your layout posted in another Gallery for a chance to be featured and to recieve a free kit!

I know I started this round-up last week with a half dozen, or so, layouts. But from now on, I will only be picking one special layout!

(click the layout for full credits)

Thanks Missy Backues for the adorable layout!

be sure and upload all those amazing layouts, and email me, before next monday to get a free kit of your choice!

Holiday Hybrid Card

2010-11-12T09:02:00.001-08:00

So, this is the first year that I am actually going to do holiday cards. Before this year, we have been close enough to all of our family that we always were able to see them all during the holiday break. We've decided this year that we aren't going home for christmas, so one of the perks to staying is that I get to make a bunch of cards! It really is fun, isn't it?

Problem is, is that I will probably make a dozen different styles and never, actually, get them sent out. (hopefully that isn't true!)

But, for this card, I wanted to use my Letters to Santa collection and give it a warm, homemade, vintage spin.

I decided to do two of the classic paper yoyo flowers, except on one I snipped the edges to give it more of a petal look.

I ended up not using the button I had picked out for the vintage story book flower. I just liked it better without a button, and it will make mailing easier. (any one else have problems mailing when it comes to bulky letters?)

I really liked how the papers look as the flowers. I am thinking I might make some slightly bigger ones to hang up on my christmas tree.. give it a nice vintage, nostalgic feel.

For the envelope, I printed on of the labels from my collection and a brown paper bag I had laying around. I really like how it looks, and will probably go shopping for more brown paper bags.

wouldn't it be fun to have this tape to tape up the back of the brown bag envelope? I.want.some.please!

digital scrapbooking day FREEBIE...

2010-11-09T06:55:00.000-08:00

click on the image above to download... and don't forget to follow my blog!

Happy, belated, Digital Scrapbooking Day!

Since the chats at Design House Digital were cancelled, and I had already made this cute freebie as a giveaway for my chat, I decided to still give it away... to all my blog readers!

...enjoy!...

Monday Gallery Round Up...

2010-11-08T06:25:00.000-08:00

Its time for my first Monday Gallery Round Up! I hunt down layouts using my sold products (not freebies) and post them up on my blog for every one's enjoyment!

And, the reward for being posted on one of my Monday Gallery Round Ups is a free kit of your choice! (valued at $3.99 or less)

I only look at Design House Digital Gallery, but I would love to see layouts in other places! Just send be an email with your layout posted in another Gallery for a chance to be featured and to recieve a free kit!

Holiday Card 2010 by katherine-hansen

using my Letters To Santa Collection

Fall by Tiffany-Bodily
using my Give Thanks Collection

So Thankful by theresa-marie
using my Give Thanks Collection

Delicious by Audrey Neal
using my Give Thanks Collection

Invitation by Audrey Neal
using my Happy Camper Collection

Beautiful All Around by jeryn-carlisi
using my Give Thanks Collection

be sure and upload all those amazing layouts, and email me, before next monday to get a free kit of your choice!

UPDATE on DHD...

2010-11-06T14:32:00.001-07:00

...do to certain difficulties all the chats at Design House Digital have been cancelled...

boo

but, everything is still 25% off and there are a number of great items that are on sale for only $1!!

including my Autumns Kitchen recipe cards

and.. for those of you looking forward to chatting it up and recieving a freebie -

be sure to sign up to follow my blog, because I will be releasing my freebie sometime next week!

sneak peek of my freebie...

2010-11-06T09:04:00.001-07:00

Here is a layout I created with my DHD digital scrapbook day chat freebie.

my chat is at 4pm mst

you have to be there to get the adorable freebie!
see you soon...

How to ... easy thank you note

2010-11-05T09:30:00.001-07:00

I love the holiday season! Its such a good time to reflect and think about the past year. I usually find myself so thankful for all the wonderful people in my life. So, I thought, what better way than to make little tags, attach them to some sort of gift (which I haven't discovered yet) and hand deliver these little thoughts of gratitude to the people around me.

I knew I wanted to use my Give Thanks Collection and come up with a hybrid tag.

I was able to print all three flashcards, and enough random papers for punching to make all three of these tags...

I thought I was "so smart" on this tag.. for actually punching the tag itself, along with layering butterflies on top... :D

But, I can't wait to attach these little beauties to a yummy treat and go deliever them. I always think little note of gratitude are more appreciated than we think!

For these tags I used...

Give Thanks flashcards

Give Thanks digital paper 1 - to punch butterflies

Give Thanks digital paper 2 - to punch butterflies

Give Thanks flashcards FREEBIE

Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch

and... don't forget!... the entire Design House Digital shop is on SALE all weekend... pick up my stuff here...

Fall Digi Blog Hop from DHD...

2010-11-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog! If you are one of the many wonderful people who already look me up every once in a while... hello again! if you are new.. welcome, and please take a minute to look around at all the fun stuff.

I could not be happier with this blog hop! I just have so much fun doing these, and I hope you all have fun gathering all the goodies! This time, the kit (all together) is huge! I can't wait to pull it all together and make a page or two out of it myself!

And, to just add to your excitement, guess what is happening this saturday!?! its Digital Scrapbooking Day! Which means the entire DHD site will be on sale... 25% off all weekend!

this is a preview of the complete kit.. all put so nicely together..

22 papers + 34 elements + 1 template = so much fall fun!!

Here is my contribution to the collection! I hope you enjoy it!

and then head over to Tiffany Tillman's blog for another freebie! Or over to Robyn Meierotto's blog for her treat!

Thanks for stopping by!

new Letters To Santa digital scrapbook release...

2010-11-03T22:32:00.001-07:00

My newest digital scrapbook collection release, comes to Design House Digital in a couple hours (yikes.. I am getting this post out late).. but I do love how its come together, and I am looking forward to making a few hybrid christmas cards out of this kit in the coming days...

and guess what else is happening this weekend?!? Digital Scrapbooking Day!!! Yippy! It is "offically" November 6th, but over at "the house" (design house digital) we like to party a bit longer than just one day... so we are having a...

site wide sale all the long weekend!

november 4th - 7th!

I am hosting the chat at 5pm mst. Be sure to show up, because I will be giving away a freebie!! only available at the chat... so show up! I'll be posting a teaser on friday...

boo...

2010-10-31T15:02:00.001-07:00

...happy halloween...

Give Thanks.. sneak peek & FREEBIE

2010-10-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

Can you believe Halloween is this weekend?!? It never feels like the seasons change to me up here in Washington. I am use to watching the rocky mountains change from green, to gold, to red.. and then, inevitably, turn white with snow. Up here I am surrounded by evergreens, and the only change I have noticed is the constant cloud cover and light mist.

So, the point I am getting at - the holidays are sneaking up on me much too quickly... I can't seem to catch a break. But I do love being in such a rush.

But, since we haven't carved our pumpkin, we haven't even bought our pumpkin as of yet. I still wanted to post a sneak peak of my newest kit Give Thanks which releases to Design House Digital on Thursday.. I ended up using last years pumpkin carving pictures in my page. And it is just as well that I did, since I hadn't scrapbooked those pictures yet. (but, now I have.. check that off my list.. please..)

click on the image above to download.. and don't forget to "follow" my blog

And.. I haven't posted a FREEBIE here in.. how long? oh yes.. much too long. So it was high time that I get one up. I hope you enjoy it. I love all the extra things, such as flashcards to help embellish a page and give it that final last touch.

I even ended up using one of the free tags in the digital scrapbook page I did (above). I just love how all the colors go so well together.. you really will love this kit.. positively delightful!

SALE... on my popular travel log...

2010-10-18T21:16:00.001-07:00

click picture for full credits

Look at the fabulous "Travels" layout that the wonderful Katherine Hansen created with my Travel Log Collection! I was so excited when I found out that it was featured in the July edition of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine!

so.. to celebrate.. we are having a sale on the Travel Log Papers... use the codes when checking out of Design House Digital to recieve...

30% off any of the Travel Log Collection!

Travel Log Paper Pack 1 code: TRAVEL-P1

Travel Log Paper Pack 2 code: TRAVEL-P2

Travel Log Road Sign code: TRAVEL-SIGN

Travel Log Phrase Stamp code: TRAVEL-STAMP

Travel Log Button & Tags code: TRAVEL-TAG

Travel Log Paper Pack 3 code: TRAVEL-P3

Choose as many as you want, or as few! I love this collection and find myself using it over and over again. Isn't the timing great? Just now, am I finding time to go through all those summer vacations and start scrapbooking them... and I know I am not alone...

sale only lasts the 19-20th!

Pick up your favorite TRAVEL LOG kits now!

and...

THANKS Katherine for the wonderful layout!!

i am a mother...

2010-10-14T21:50:00.001-07:00

...and have to brag every once in a while. I captured this precious moment this morning after my little miss schmutz' bath time. She was singing to her babydoll the ABC song, while both were still wrapped in their towels.

...it melted my heart...

new | COLOR WHEEL | scrapbook kits

2010-10-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

(for this page I used this kit, my grunge collection, and this fabulous kit from this wonderful lady)

Isn't my little miss cute? This picture was from last year... back when she was too little to tell me what was on her mind.. and she was too little to realize that she can easily get her way with me. Oh how things have changed.

But I am excited for halloween this year... just have to finish those last minute costume details...

I have got new COLOR WHEEL digital scrapbook kits up at Design House Digital today! Back from my popular spring line, I now have a fresh amount of Halloween and Autumn colors in my shop... on sale today.

It was a quite night.. so I scrapbooked..

2010-10-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

(I used my Delight digital scrapbook kit for this page)

Its had been a while since it had been sunny up here in the Northwest. So this past week, while it was sunny almost every afternoon, we were able to take advantage by heading over to our favorite park (which is also, conveniently, located within walking distance of our home).

It had also been a while since I had pulled out my camera and gone with the intent of getting some pictures of my growing wild flower. But, since it was sunny, the pictures didn't turn out as nice as if we had gone on a cold gloomy day.. go figure.. But we were just happy to be outside, in the sun, surrounded by fun-loving cousins!

And.. Since it had been an even longer time since I sat down and actually scrapbooked, and blogged, all in the same setting. I figured it was about time to let everyone know that we are home (safe and sound) and have finally fallen into a very nice routine of life.

its good to be back!

Guess what is on sale this weekend?

2010-10-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

My brand new Design House Digital kits... Delight and Autumn's Kitchen!

30% off ALL WEEKEND!

Be sure to get them while they're hot! And, while you are looking.. here are some gorgeous pages that some gorgeous DHD gals digitally scrapbooked with my new kits! (click any page to see the full credits)...

above page by: Katherine Hansen

above page by: Katie Richards

above page by: Jeryn Carlisi

above page by: Tiffany Bodily

whats cooking?

2010-09-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peek of what is coming to Design House Digital in just a few short hours.. Autumn's Kitchen!

Almost more than anything, I look forward to all the yummy baking and cooking I get to do over the holiday months. This kit also comes with some adorable recipe cards, which might, actually, make me organize my recipe box sometime in the near future.

don't forget.. the entire collection is 30% off THURSDAY ONLY!

A fresh take...

2010-09-28T22:07:00.001-07:00

...on some of my designs! Isn't this page gorgeous! The wonderful Kym Tsukamoto put this together with my new Delight Collection with some others (for full credits, go here). And what a cute little kiddo! ah.. the whole page just sings to me.

Anyways, busy week ahead! Keep on checking back for more goodies! Plus, chance to get a freebie sometime this week!

oh what a DELIGHT...

2010-09-23T08:39:00.001-07:00

Delight has finally arrived at Design House Digital! Grab it today while it is 30% off!

This kit was a lot of fun to put together, and even more fun to play around with! The bright, but autumn color palette matches so many of my pictures, I can't wait to have some more time to play around with it again.

...and... how could you help but love the adorable little animal chipboard elements... sigh...

Finally... new scrapbook releases!

2010-09-22T10:04:00.001-07:00

Take a SNEAK PEEK at what is heading over to Design House Digital Tomorrow!

Sorry I have been so very out of it recently.. we are leaving our summer home (aka. long vacation) this weekend, and I have been running around trying to spend every last waking moment with the adorable people we are surrounded by here.

By this time next week we will be happy we are home, and life can get started back into the swing of things.

Its been a glorious summer, and am happy to have had the chance to spend it here!

and the WINNERS are...

2010-08-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

don't forget about my sale this weekend! it won't last long!

But.. now on to what you really wanted to see..

giveaway winner of "Sweet Shoppe"

agravette said...

Oooh, I love the sweet shop goodies!

giveaway winner of "Happy Camper"

Karen Haworth...

Beautiful color combination. Thanks for the chance to win the collection.

giveaway winner of "Summer Picnic"

-brooke said...

Your stuff is always so cute! I would love to win either of these kits!

giveaway winner of "My Shades"

The Three Wheeler's said...

Super cute! :)

giveaway winner of "School Is In Session"

Rebecca K said...

I love the kit and the page to so awesome!

Thank you for everyone who commented! I love reading every single comment, and wish I could giveaway kits to all of you.. I guess that's why I enjoy doing freebies so much! You guys are awesome and have made my week!

For the winners - please email me at sara(dot)schmutz(at)gmail(dot)com to retrieve your prizes!

new digital scrapbook giveaway.. winners announced tommorrow..

2010-08-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

it's Friday! The week is over, and now it is time for the weekend! But I do have time for one last giveaway. And I bet you can guess what kit it is..

My newest addition to the Design House Digital family.. School is in Session!

Look what the amazing Katie Richards did with this kit! I just love this page, so I had to show it off! Katie is one of the amazing team of Decorators at Design House Digital. Be sure to visit her blog here.

You only have today to enter, so do not delay!
Here is how to win.. contest will be closed friday night

{the winner will be picked Saturday, August 14th}:

*comment here on my blog*
*start following my blog (and leave a separate comment saying you're following)*
*like my facebook page and leave a comment there*

the lucky scrapbooker will win the COMPLETE School is in Session Collection!

...good luck...

Day 4... with 2 giveaways...

2010-08-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

don't forget about my sale this weekend!

will you forgive me?
I didn't post again yesterday, even after I said I would. Please, don't tell my daughter I do such things.

So, as to make up for my delay, I decided to put 2 giveaways in this 1 post! You only need enter once to be entered for bot giveaways... yes... there will be 2 lucky winners.

first giveaway is...

Summer Picnic COMPLETE Collection

Here is how to win.. contest will be closed friday night

{the winner will be picked Saturday, August 14th}:

*comment here on my blog*
*start following my blog (and leave a separate comment saying you're following)*
*like my facebook page and leave a comment there*

the lucky scrapbooker will win the COMPLETE Summer Picnic Collection!

the second giveaway is...

(aren't these hybrid magnets adorable! I made them with these sweet tool.)

My Shades COMPLETE Collection!

Here is how to win.. contest will be closed friday night

{the winner will be picked Saturday, August 14th}:

*comment here on my blog*
*start following my blog (and leave a separate comment saying you're following)*
*like my facebook page and leave a comment there*

the lucky scrapbooker will win the COMPLETE My Shades Collection!

...good luck...

and head back tomorrow for the last giveaway with only 24 hours to enter!

want to sneak away with a freebie?

2010-08-11T13:30:00.001-07:00

oi

THIS FREEBIE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE!

..please.. don't ask me what my title means. I do not know. All I do know is that this post is giving you a sneak-peek-freebie of my new "School Is In Session" collection releasing tomorrow at the one and only.. design house digital!

I did promise a freebie this week, didn't I? I will be back later for my Day 3 of my week-long giveaway. But, until then.. enjoy a little look into my new digital scrapbook collection!

want to know the trick? this freebie will only be available through the 15th! So hurry and download and get all of your friends to. Because when its gone.. its gone...

want to win a digital scrapbooking giveaway? ...day 2...

2010-08-10T14:41:00.001-07:00

HAPPY national S'MORE DAY!
Can you believe it is here already? This holiday sure did sneak up on me.. haha.

I would've blogged earlier in the day, so that everyone of you would have enough time to celebrate this wonderful holiday with me, but - alas, I did not even know about it until an hour ago.

which is quite the coincidence since this is the layout I was working on...

(Isn't my daughter -above- just a dear? she loved cooking the marshmallows, but hated getting sticky... I can relate.)

Which brings me to DAY 2 of my week long giveaway! Enter here to win the COMPLETE Happy Camper Collection!

Here is how to win.. contest will be closed friday night

{the winner will be picked Saturday, August 14th}:

*comment here on my blog*
*start following my blog (and leave a separate comment saying you're following)*
*like my facebook page and leave a comment there*

the lucky scrapbooker will win the COMPLETE Sweet Shoppe Collection!

...good luck...

a week full of goodies.. plus giveaway!

2010-08-09T21:54:00.001-07:00

What a week this is going to be! I have a sale this weekend at design house digital on most of my summer time releases.. its crazy.. so many great kits at amazing prices!

Plus.. we are going to have our famous 1 free kit and 1 $1 kit!
How could it get any better? Let me tell you..

How about a GIVEAWAY everyday until the weekend sale! Everyday I will post a new collection for you to enter to win. Yup, an entire collection - everyday. All the giveaway will end Friday night.

Plus.. I will be posting a FREEBIE some random day this week, that will only be available until Sunday. So check back often, you won't want to miss it!

would you like to win some "Sweet Shoppe" yummys?

Here is how to win.. contest will be closed friday night

{the winner will be picked Saturday, August 14th}:

*comment here on my blog*
*start following my blog (and leave a separate comment saying you're following)*
*like my facebook page and leave a comment there*

the lucky scrapbooker will win the COMPLETE Sweet Shoppe Collection!

...good luck...

show off a little...

2010-08-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

And add your own layouts to your blog side bar. (do you see mine off to your right?) We all love to look at each others layouts. And, let's face it, we all love to show off our own layouts a little more.

So go grab your widget to add to your sidebar from the design house digital blog. The fabulous Mary has got you all set up to go.

its all about finding time...

2010-07-25T22:08:00.001-07:00

isn't it? This summer is going by so fast, that I feel like I am just waving as it goes on by.

I do like to try and set aside a little bit of "me" time everyday (usually nap time!). I don't always scrapbook, but it is something I like to do on my mommy-breaks. That is probably the number 1 reason I love digital scrapbooking so much. It is so easy to put away and hurry and get out again when I have a half a moment to do something creative.

isn't my daughter the best about putting on her own sunglasses? looks so uncomfortable to me.

and the winner is...

2010-07-14T22:07:00.000-07:00

...DiSails Too! who said...

"This kit is adorable! I'd love to win it!"

Thanks for all the wonderful comments! I am so glad you all like the kit so much! I do as well; I actually can't wait to pull this kit out again with pictures of my daughter and myself modeling our "shades" together. I would love to see the creative things you all do with my kits!

But congrats to DiSails Too! please email me for your prize.. sara(dot)schmutz(at)gmail(dot)com.

Btw, "My Shades" Collections is on sale today! So pop over and pick it up!

there is sunshine in my soul today

2010-07-13T08:05:00.001-07:00

I have love all the pictures I have seen lately with a good sun flare in it. So much so, that I have been dying to try it myself.

Apparently, all you have to do is play around with your f-stop (aka. aperture), and have the right lighting. All the pictures taken here were taken with an f-stop of 11, last saturday, at around 7:30pm up little cotton wood canyon in utah.

I was so excited when my sister asked me to take their family pictures, son's 2 year picture, and daughter's 6 month picture, all in one setting. Oh - and did I mention she wanted a vintage feel? and that she got an awesome chair for the shoot? I was just too excited. It all came together beautifully!

The bottom two pictures were actually taken by my youngest sister, Kendra. Didn't she do an amazing job for her first photoshoot? She's got some unreal talent.

But, I dare you all to go out during the evening light and snap a few pictures, while playing around with your f-stop... it is so much fun!

And don't forget to enter "MY SHADES" giveaway! ends tomorrow night! winner will be announced thursday morning!

My Shades... and digital scrapbook GIVEAWAY

2010-07-10T08:46:00.001-07:00

Isn't my nephew so cute? He loves his little sunglasses his grandma got him. I couldn't help but scrapbook his adorable face with my new "My Shades" collection coming to Design House Digital next week!

would you like to win some totally legit "My Shades" goodness?

Here is how to win {the winner will be picked Wednesday, July 14th, night}:

*comment here on my blog*
*start following my blog (and leave a separate comment saying you're following)*
*like my facebook page and leave a comment there*

the lucky scrapbooker will win the COMPLETE My Shades Collection!

...good luck...

Summer vs. Scrapbooking

2010-07-07T23:05:00.000-07:00

This is my dilemma. I love to scrapbook... it really is my creative outlet in my world. And, I feel it is important to journal the events of my life. But when it comes to summer... (shopping, sun shine, warmth, no school, long days...) its so hard to sit down on the computer.

So... as you can see.. I promised pictures of my daughter's party (which I still have not put up). And I was wanting to do more on my blog.. which has been feeling neglect. But that all might just have to wait until the cool nights and short days come again.

scrapbooking the non-event

2010-07-05T06:27:00.001-07:00

I usually catch myself only scrapbooking "events" in my child's life, but I have found myself thinking more about the little things that are changing in her life lately. Since this is the main journal I have of little miss schmutz' life, I thought I should include these little moments.

I always like to include pictures with almost everything I do. It helps me visualize the time of life we were at. But I am sure I will think of other little things that my daughter does, and will go back and edit the layout... but that is what is great about digital scrapooking, right?

the journalling...

a few reasons why I love you

you love to sing
you like to play with others
you like to go "jumping" on the trampoline
you try to copycat anything anyone else does
you have no fear
you love to say family prayer at night
you try to take care of anyone who is sad
you love anything smaller than you
you have the cutest smile and brightest eyes
you are shy
you love to suck your thumb and hold my ear
you try to read books to yourself
you are my best friend

credits:

papers - Sophistication from Design House Digital
tag - Sophistication from Design House Digital
stitching - Summer Picnic from Design House Digital

FREEDOM digital scrapbooking freebie... part 2

2010-07-03T12:10:00.001-07:00

Here is the papers to go along with my freedom digital scrapbooking freebie below!

click on the image above to download.. and don't forget to "follow" my blog

I hope everyone is having a wonderful long celebratory weekend! Mine is going to be pretty quiet and laid back. My sweet husband gets in late tonight and has to leave early on monday. So I am planning a picnic and just some well needed family time.

Have a great weekend! Enjoy your freedom...

FREEDOM freebie... part 1

2010-06-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

I love America.

I love almost everything about this wonderful country where I live. I also, very much, enjoy celebrating all things American - down to the last apple pie and rootbeer float.

I know I haven't been around a lot this past week. We are getting things "figured out" at our little neck of the woods. But I will not be passing up any opportunity to fly the flag, or sing the "Star Spangled Banner"... It just makes you feel good, doesn't it?

And so, as a jump on the beautiful festivities that I will be enjoying this weekend, I am going to be putting up 2 FREEDOM digital scrapbooking freebies on my blog this week. Here is the 1st one... look me up later this week for part #2.

click on the image above to download.. and don't forget to "follow" my blog

and, for all of you curious folk - this kit, and colors, match my tu es jolie collection from DHD! A perfect coordinating collection for independance day festivities!

why I scrapbook.

2010-06-21T17:03:00.001-07:00

it isn't about the newest trend. it isn't {always} about the cute papers, newest tools, or fun new trick. I scrapbook to remember the memories that I am afraid I just might forget. Like the page above, simple and calm, but means the most to me.

This little page will remind me how we spent the first year of medical school, miles away from close family, in a little home, in a very cloudy place. And, how, whenever it was even just a little smidgen of sunny we hurried outside. And, how, even on this sunny, beautiful day, you insisted on wearing your bright pink rain coat on our walk to the store.

I want to remember how little, yet independent my miss schmutz is.

this is why I scrapbook...

We have a birthday...

2010-06-17T14:46:00.001-07:00

..showing up at our doorstep sometime next week. But since we have decided to not be at home on that special day, we decided to bump it up the festivities a weekend.

my baby is turning 2!

Little miss schmutz loves play dates. She isn't very social, but she really tries to be. I am afraid she might get a wee bit of shyness from her mommy (oh wait.. and her daddy).

So, for a break-the-ice idea, we decided to have a party at a local playground (as long as it doesn't rain!!). I don't have a "theme" (gasp!) but I do have colors, and am playing this out as more of a playgroup gathering along with cupcakes, juice and cookies... she is only turning two..

So the pictures above are of my preparations. I did have to put together a fun little favor.. since favors are my favorite. My little miss schmutz even tried the chalk out today to make sure it worked.. don't worry.. it does.

I'll post more pictures tomorrow of the actual party.. and please cross every finger you have in hopes that it doesn't rain. Our little home is too small for a handful of little girls running around.

sneak a little peek...

2010-06-16T01:58:00.001-07:00

...at what is coming to DHD this week!

having an almost two year old...

2010-06-15T00:13:00.000-07:00

...is starting to have its fair share of troubles keeping me occupied. This is my first time doing the mothering thing, and I am starting to realize that I don't know what I am doing.

But, I am hoping, that at least I am doing something right since my little miss schmutz loves to take care of babies and kitties. (problem is.. she doesn't like it when I take care of babies or kitties.. hmm)

credits:
Tu Es Jolie Collection
background graph paper was custom made

While running across...

2010-06-11T14:31:00.002-07:00

...my favorite blogs, I ran into this wonderful idea via this blog and knew that I had to try it out. The original concept was to use fabric and just have a fun dry erase board, but I thought to hybrid-it-up a bit and make a calendar with my Happy Camper collection found at DHD.

I think using paper in the background was easier than fabric. It was super easy... 1st - measured the frame I wanted to use, 2nd - designed up a calendar in photoshop (or elements), 3rd- printed, 4th..5th..6th..7th - cleaned glass in frame, cut out paper, put frame back together, doodled with dry erase makers. pretty simple.

It was a very fun, cheap (I used a frame I already had and was not using) and crafty way for me to get a cute calendar out where I will actually end up using it!

flutter away.

2010-06-08T15:52:00.001-07:00

So.. surprise! I thought I had already shared this hybrid card, but apparently not. My mind is seriously going every which way these days.

But, something about the Sophistication kit just calls out for simplicity - at least to me. That is where the inspiration came from the kit. I tried to make the butterflies' wings "flutter" more by stacking the polka-dotted ones with just white cardstock punch outs.

credits:
Sophistication Paper Pack 2
Sophistication Journalling Tags
Martha Stewart Classic Butterfly Punch

catching up...

2010-06-07T08:10:00.001-07:00

...on my scrapbook! oh, I fear I am lost in the number 1 scrapbooking sin - falling behind.

I was looking at pictures from last fall, and realized I hadn't scrapbooked them! Ugh.. so now I have about a six month period where I had forgotten to scrapbook. So I guess it is make up week! ..oh.. and don't think that if I scrap those scrapless six moths that I will be completely caught up.. just caught up for my daughter's life. Before my daughter was born I haven't scrapbooked hardly anything..

but it is fun going back and looking at old pictures again.. remembering good memories - like the picture above - taken on our last camping trip in utah, with little miss schmutz' cousin. It was a lot of fun, and a wonderful memory!

credits:
"Happy Camper Collection"
"grunge brushes" - on sale today for only $1

Is summer here?

2010-06-04T14:29:00.001-07:00

The weather is saying it is not summer, but I feel the tingling in my bones. Its like christmas for me. I.love.summer..

And, I cannot wait to go camping this year. It is always so relaxing to wake up in a tent and know that you are completely surrounded by mother nature.

But, since it is cold and wet outside, and yet I am stilling at home in my shorts and flip-flops, I figured I might as well do a little "planning" for the summer activities. And so I came up with this adorable little envelope. ..that would be about the extent of my planning.. I know I am a lot of help..

I printed it out with my new "happy camper paper pack 2" from DHD, as well as one of the labels from the "happy camper embellishments". You can buy the complete set here.

I am planning on printing these out and sending them off with my girls teach at church. They have a church camp they go to once a year, and I don't get to go.. boo. So hopefully, this will be just as good! Who wouldn't love one of these cute envelopes full of treats, notes and what-nots?

(Oh, and have I told you how I love the plaid in this kit? I really want to print each page out as a different envelope..)

click on the image above to download.. and don't forget to "follow" my blog

I was just saying...

2010-06-01T23:22:00.001-07:00

Remember how I was telling you yesterday that my daughter likes to draw? She found a new canvas for her artwork... and she thinks it is very silly.

what a little...

2010-06-01T08:38:00.001-07:00

...copycat my miss schmutz is turning into. She loves to do anything and everything I do. And, I love it. Having a little me around the house is such a delight! My little miss schmutz loves to draw, sing, wear pretty clothes, cook, and clean! She's always helping me clean up a yucky mess - even if she wasn't the one to make it.

But, for our long weekend, we kept it very peaceful. the Husband studied (like always) and my miss schmutz and I hung out and read books most of the day. Come dinner time, she dragged her wooden stool over to the counter and climbed up to help. What a cutie.. I had to get pictures. She ended up making most of her dad's salad all herself.. and she did a wonderful job!

I hope you've all had a wonderful Memorial Weekend! And have taken the time to remember all that you hold dear.. I know I did!

page credits:
papers - Blackberry Winter Paper Pack
embellishments - Blackberry Winter Embellishments
"salad" type - Blackberry Winter Alphabet
"ashlyn" type - Type Alphabet
"helping make dad's" type - Classy Cupid - Classic Cursive Alpha by Melissa Esplin

hello friend.. freebie..

2010-05-28T21:32:00.001-07:00

I love this picture.. Its slightly blurry and little miss' head is somewhat missing, but I just love it. It was my birthday last month.. and it wasn't all that exciting. The day started just like everyday. I did have a night out with the husband, but the day was nice and relaxing. It was during that relaxing, warm, afternoon that I decided to try and get a picture with my baby and me.

It is hard, isn't it? I am almost always the one behind the camera, but its hard to remember to hand it over to my husband at least some of the time.

Well.. it was my birthday. So this was my birthday present.to.me.. I made it into a game - we would set the self timer, run around our pile of toys and crash into each other just about the time the timer would go off. My daughter.is.a.pro. She was so good at making sure she made eye contact with the camera.. every single time. It makes me laugh when I look back through the pictures.

the picture, and memory, is so precious to me.

click on the image above to download.. and don't forget to "follow" my blog

So, to go along with my little precious memory.. (and like I promised earlier on fb).. here is a freebie for this week! I was wanting to get it up earlier.. but didn't.

Please enjoy!

other kits used in the layout were:
Vanity Fair Cerulean Alpha by Jen Allyson
Real Simple Clean Frames by Jen Allyson

©2010 Sara Schmutz For non-commercial use only. Altering the file does not void the copyright. Please do not share the 4shared link. Please link directly to this blog. Thank you!

..sweet thing..

2010-05-25T11:25:00.001-07:00

I was so inspired by this post (and the whole blog.. which is fabulous) that I decided I really really needed to do a paper craft.. and quick, since I had to come up with a craft for my church's teenage girls to do that night at our weekly activity.. And, I wish I would've taken my camera to the activity, because the girls loved it and their books turned out so cute! It was a great activity!

I decided to make this little notebook in to a sketch book for my daughter. She has realized that I am almost always glued to my book, and has started to discover the joy of drawing (her artwork is adorable! very detailed too.) Once I had decided what the notebook was going to be used for, picking out the scrapbook paper to use was easy.

I grabbed the Tweet Talk paper from Imaginisce's Lucy Bird collection and Modge Podged it onto the front of the book.

I then cut the corners of the book and glued it down flat. (cutting out the squares in the corners helps the paper lay down better) I put a paper lining over the glued down edges.. but.. sadly.. forgot to get a picture.. boo.

For the decorations on the front - my secret weapon of choice was.. my sewing machine. I love gathering paper, fabric, ribbon.. etc..

go ahead.. call me the gathering-nerd-freakin-awesome-person

The notebook has some gathered fabric (white.. had on hand), gathered pink felt, and gathered "daisy may" paper (from Lucy Bird, but I can't find it online, I think it is sold out everywhere.. sigh), "sweet talk" chipboard, "Adorable" flowers, a hand-cut hot pink felt flower, and a random button.