Hands On Digital (tm)

3 New Background Paper Kits-Available Now!

2011-10-04T07:38:00.000-07:00

These are fabulous backgrounds for your digital art journaling or scrapbooking! Available at DSS Check out the other paper kits!

New Digital Kits!

2011-06-13T06:29:00.000-07:00

I just added some fun hand-painted texture brushes to the Digiscrapstation shop! Over 4 dozen unique textures to use in with your Photoshop Elements or CS software. Here is a peek at Set #1! (There are 4 sets!!)

Here's a fabulous painted tag alphabet that would be fun for digital journaling, digital collage, scrapbooking or print them off and use them in your hands-on art!

New Kits Have Arrived!

2011-03-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

I just added these two kits to the shop at: digiscrapstation Click Shop-New Products

Collaged Illusions Workshop

2011-02-27T07:01:00.001-08:00

Due to popular demand, the "Collage Illusions" workshop will be taught again from March 28th-April 8th. This is an on-line, Photoshop digital workshop for beginners who have: PSE-6, 7, 8 or 9 and CS-3, 4 or 5. For more information and to read what students had to say about the first workshop, visit: DigitalMontageStudio Don't miss out, sign up today!

Vintage Typewriter Key Jewelry

2010-10-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

Looking for a project you can make and sell at a Christmas Craft Fair? Take a look at this easy workshop in a kit by Hands on Digital Designer, Sharon House.

Vintage typewriter key jewelry is very popular, but real typewriter keys are very hard to come by and very expensive to purchase. Here is an easy "Workshop in a Kit" solution available at Digi Scrap Station that shows you how to make 3-D keys for a fraction of the cost of real keys. Just pennies! This workshop includes: a complete set of vintage black typewriter keys, plus complete step by step instructions that will show you how to make these keys look so realistic, that people will wonder where you managed to find them.

Make some vintage typewriter key jewelry to sell at your next craft fair or church bazaar (see our TOU + Angel Policy-which allows you to Make $$$ from this product) or make them to give as gifts to family and friends, who will cherish them!

Two New Kits!

2010-10-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

Two new kits have hit the shop this morning, exclusively at: Digiscrapstation

21 amazing high resolution, crystal clear mixed media brushes-the first collection of brushes in a new series, plus a collection of 8 beautifully made textured grey-scale papers, that can be re-colored over and over again. As a bonus-you also get 8 pre-made papers made from these textures! Use these kits together or by themselves, for some fabulous mixed media projects such as sachets, iron on transfers, create greeting cards, ATC's or even stationary! Have fun!

Digital collage

Using two of the mixed media brushes from the collection above, I created this awesome collage note card. This would also be wonderful for making greeting cards, an invitation to a garden party or tea! I'm thinking digital jewelry or a cover for a new journal! What ideas do you have?

Workshop #3-SOLD OUT!

2010-08-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

This workshop will begin on September 13th and it's all about creating unique virtual stamps and stenciling overlays. Layers and layers of wonderfully awesome techniques! Come join us! More information and sign up information is available at: Digital Montage Studio

extended sale date on Steampunk digital downloads

2010-08-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

I must've goofed somehow, because the DigiScrapStation store didn't list all my Steampunk digital kits at half-price, during last week. As of this morning, I have the problem fixed. Because of this mess-up, I have extended the sale; its new end-date is August 11. Please visit DSS via this link: http://tinyurl.com/25cn7wf. Or, just go to http://www.digiscrapstation.com/ and type my name in the Search box: Cecilia Swatton
Thanks!

Half-Price Sale on Steampunk Digital Kits

2010-07-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

At DigiScrapStation from now until 7-31-10, my Steampunk digital kits are on half-price special -- a sale that will not be repeated, ever! During this sale, Steampunk is $3.00, Sequelpunk Add On is $3.00, Dreampunk is $3.00, Stillpunk is $2.50 and Sillypunk is $2.50. The current sales on Stillmorepunk (also half-price) and Anne and Friends (only $1) are also ending 7-31-10. Here is the DigiScrapStation link to my page: http://tinyurl.com/25cn7wf. Enjoy!
Cecilia

Workshop #2-Update-this Workshop is SOLD OUT!

2010-07-21T05:02:00.000-07:00

If you haven't signed up yet-there are a few more spots left. The lessons are geared for the beginner to intermediate, but you must have some knowledge of how your software works. I have also shared some very basic lessons written in PSE6 with the workshop group, to help them get warmed up for the coming themes. The lessons are written in very basic step by steps, with plenty of photos, charts, color wheel and lots of fabulous links for free downloads. Workshop #2 will teach you how to create custom distressed grunge borders, overlays, brushes and a variety of techniques using what you create. Plus A New Bonus Technique. For more information and to sign up, visit: Digitalmontagestudio

Digital Workshop Starts in Just 6 Days!

2010-07-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Only 4 seats are still available! For more information about this series of workshops, visit: Digitalmontagestudios

We've been keeping busy, playing with a variety of themes while we wait for the final few, new students to join us. This is a montage I did with the theme: "All That Jazz". It started out as a cover from a vintage sheet music pamphlet that I altered and re-painted to make the colors more intense.
The workshops are written for beginners, but teach a variety of things for everyone. Workshop #1 is blending modes and next month Workshop #2 is learning about distressing techniques and how to create tools such as: overlays, masks and brushes to achieve the distressed-illusion of age. There are 5 workshops in this series, that will end in November. For more info, click the link above. Hope you can join us for some fun!

New Montage Workshop-Starts in Just 12 Days!

2010-07-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

"Serenity at the Beach" is the theme we have been playing around with for the past week-just having some fun while we wait for the remaining few people to sign up for the workshop. If you haven't signed up yet-there is more information below and a few more spots left. We are learning how to create layers of "Story Telling Montages" using blending modes in our software. The lessons are geared for the beginner to intermediate, but you must have some knowledge of how your software works. I have also shared some very basic lessons written in PSE6 with the workshop group, to help them get warmed up for the coming themes. The lessons are written in very basic step by steps, with plenty of photos, charts, color wheel, shared textures and lots of fabulous links for free downloads. Come join us!

This layout combined a texture of some beautiful turquoise peeling paint, with a new layer of baby blue, blended with a fabulous vacation photo of a sandcastle and pavilion. The lettering is from a vintage catalog of boys dress suits, but after changing all the wording around, it's now a poster advertising boys swimming suits, priced below regular London prices. :-D

For more information and to sign up for this 1st workshop in a series of 5-or sign up for all 5-go to: DigitalMontageStudios

SALE on Steampunk & other digital clipart downloads...

2010-07-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

...at DigiScrapStation!

My newly released mega-kit Stillmorepunk (its Preview is pictured below) is on half-price sale for $3.50.

And my digital hybrid kit Anne and Friends is available for only $1.00!

Here's the link...

http://tinyurl.com/25cn7wf

Enjoy!
Cecilia

Now at DigiScrapStation: 2 New Digital Kits!

2010-06-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

(Click on each image to enlarge it.)

Stillmorepunk, created for Steampunk-themed scrapbooking, works just as well for artfully altering cigar boxes, wood trays, etc. A staggering total of 35 frames, as well as 20 additional elements (including 5 borders) make up this unique mega-kit. There is a lot of bang for your buck with this one-of-a-kind Steampunk kit! It's all 300 dpi, for sharp, clear print-outs. Find it at DigiScrapStation via this link:

http://tinyurl.com/25cn7wf

Sillypunk is packed with Steampunk fun! This second new release features six 5"X7" ready-to-print greeting cards and 2 ready-to-print notecards. The kit contains 26 additional separate elements, including three 5"X7" background papers. It also gives you 2 Printable Collage Papers. You'll discover Steampunk imagery seen nowhere else. It's all 300 dpi, for sharp, clear print-outs. You can buy it at DigiScrapStation via this link:

http://tinyurl.com/25cn7wf

Enjoy!

July at DigiScrapStation

2010-06-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

During July, DigiScrapStation -- http://digiscrapstation.com/ -- will offer a two-part Steampunk-theme giveaway digital hybrid kit geared toward making hanging ornaments from wooden spoons. The first half of this Spoonpunk giveaway is available at DSS now.

Through July, Spoonpunk designer Cecilia Swatton will be available in the DSS Forum to answer questions.

In addition to Cecilia's just-released digital kit Stillpunk (for making ATCs & refrigerator magnets), two more of her kits will soon be released: Sillypunk (for making greeting cards & notecards) and Stillmorepunk (a kit of Steampunk-theme frames, backgrounds & borders, geared toward scrapbooking and many other kinds of artmaking fun.)

Sillypunk contains 2 ready-to-print notecards and 6 ready-to-print 5"X7" greeting cards. Here are 4 of those card covers; click on any image to enlarge it:

New Digital Montage Workshops! Sign Up Today!

2010-06-22T15:24:00.001-07:00

Explore Your Digital World through these 5 amazing "Montage" workshops!

July 19-30th-Workshop #1-Blending Texture & Color Layers-Blending/Overlaying for dynamic visual effects.

August 16-27th-Workshop #2-Creating & Using Distressing Tools-Create unique brushes (from found images) and learn how to use various digital tools to create the illusion of age to your backgrounds & elements.

September 13-24th-Workshop #3-Digital Stenciling Technique-A truly unique way for using Stencils in the virtual world of digital imaging. The results are stunning! Plus create a variety of digital stamps for your own personal collection.

October 18-29th-Workshop #4-Shadow & Light-Creating depth with Shadows, Bevels and Lighting effects + additional blending techniques.

November 15-24th-Workshop #5-Filters-Styles & Patterns-Filters can change your whole perspective, when you discover what they can do for your art! Throw in some styles or patterns and your digital world becomes a playground for your art.

For more information, to see samples and to sign up for these great on-line workshops-visit: MontageStudios

Newly Released Steampunk Digital Kit!

2010-06-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

Now available at DigiScrap Station, at this link:

http://tinyurl.com/25cn7wf

This brand-new Steampunk kit contains 26 PNG elements (including 2 unique frames), 4 background papers and 2 swirl brushes. The printable background papers and whimsical collages come in ready-to-print sizes for ATCs and refrigerator magnets. This downloadable imagery also works great on notecards, greeting cards, scrapbook papers and altered artworks of all kinds.

New Build A Kit

2010-06-15T08:24:00.000-07:00

There are several designers that get together occasionally and design mini kits for only $1 based on one theme and one color pallette so that all the kits can be used together or individually. Here is my addition to this newest "Connections" Build a Kit-available only at: Digiscrapstation.

New for June

2010-05-31T11:55:00.000-07:00

Here are two new ATC Primer kits available HERE!
One of the themes for the June ATC challenge is Child's Play! Hope you will join me over at the Kjoistudios Forum for some fun this month!

Sherre's Newest Kit

2010-05-04T18:02:00.000-07:00

Old n Rusty Things can be used to create greeting cards, journal pages, scrapbook pages, all kinds of digital applications! The full number set can be added to the blank metal template and signify a special birthday or date. Enjoy creating mixed media digital art!

Just Released: "Dreampunk" digi kit!

2010-05-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

(To enlarge, click on image.)

Dreampunk digital kit is now available at Digi Scrap Station -- http://tinyurl.com/25cn7wf. This kit features 5 ready-to-print 5"X7" greeting cards for birthdays and Father's Day, as well as 3 moo cards, also ready to print. In addition to the ready-to-go cards, 50 individual elements are included; among them are 12 unique frames. A bonus Printable page of background paper rounds out the kit, which also lends itself to scrapbooking, altered artmaking and creating frameable wall art. All imagery is 300 dpi, for sharp, clear print-outs. Below is a QuickPage collage I created using kit elements.(Click on image to enlarge it.)

A special, hearty THANK YOU to Cindy Powell, without whom this kit would never have emerged!

Sherre's New Kit!

2010-04-28T11:14:00.001-07:00

Here is Sherre's new kit which complements the Floral Splendor kit released previously. Create digital collage, greeting cards, journal or scrapbook pages and more!

Sample Postcard by Sherre

2010-04-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a sample postcard I made for a swap at Arttechniques using images from AlteredHeartDesign's (Sherre) Floral Splendor Kit and Journal Inspirations. The quote will be part of a second floral kit I am working on.

New May ATC Kit-Coming Soon!

2010-04-20T10:21:00.001-07:00

The new ATC Primer kit will be loaded to the shop next week-It's called Silk Worm and is of course an all new Oriental ATC kit for the monthly challenge I host over at the Kjoistudios Forum. Here's a sneak Preview!

The New Dupioni Silk Paper Pack has been loaded and is now available at: Kjoistudios

Also-Did you know that Sherre & I are hosting a year long workshop based on our newest release: "Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts-Vol II"? I currently have 10 co-artist/authors signed up to teach during this event! If you would like more information about this fun and exciting 46 art project workshop, check out our HOME page.

April Challenge Under Way!

2010-04-03T15:51:00.000-07:00

If you have not joined the KjoiStudios forum where I am hosting the monthly digital ATC challenge-I hope you will come and have some fun with the themes I selected for the month of April-no purchase is required, but it would be nice if you would share with us, by loading your creations to the ATC gallery that has been set up for us to use! Here is one of the ATC's I created for this first of many challenges!

Art Adventures is one of April's Themes-as well as Medieval and I threw in a couple more for fun!

I used the Polaroid frame I made for everybody as a FREE download on my Art blog Along with some checkered borders I made and the photo is a public domain one that I tinted a sepia tone, using my digital software. The font is: Catherine Hand-writing font using black and a low opacity to make it look more like pencil. I love the look of pencil markings on old photos-don't you?

Monthly Challenges!

2010-03-22T23:45:00.000-07:00

I will be hosting Monthly Digital Collage ATC Challenges over at Kjoistudios FORUM beginning April 1st. These challenges will be based on a monthly theme. No purchase is required to participate-there is no sign up fee! You can use whatever digital elements, images, etc. you have on hand to create with-or you can purchase the monthly $1 kit. (See the 1st ATC Primer Kit below). Then you can share your creations in the special gallery that has been set up, just for this challenge. Create one ATC or create a bunch! There is no limit to your sharing with us! Mark your calendar! I hope to see you there!

Sherre and I have been busy putting together these new ATC Primer Kits and adding them to the shops. They can be used for the monthly ATC challenges I am hosting over at Kjoistudios, or they can be used to create other hybrid-digital art projects, even printable art for greeting cards, etc.

What's New! ATC Primers!

2010-03-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

We have alot of new ATC Primer kits available at Digiscrapstation plus Sharon added 7 brand new kits over the weekend-go check them out! Here is a peek at the latest ATC Primer I loaded today at Digiscrapstations and Kjoistudios.

Medieval Muse Digital ATC Kits Now Available!

2010-03-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Sherre's new kits under the design name of AlteredHeartDesigns, are now available at Digiscrapstation!

New Steampunk Element Kits Now Available!

2010-03-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

Combine this kit with Cecilia's Steampunk kits and you would have an awesome variety of masculine elements to use for your altered art projects and Father's Day Cards! Two more kits available-for more information, check out my digital blog.

ATC Templates & Primer Kits

2010-03-17T06:02:00.000-07:00

This digital ATC Template kit is Free at the SHOP It is a quick and easy way to create digital collaged ATC's for the monthly challenge I will be hosting over at the FORUM. starting April 1st-hope to see you there!

I did create this $1 ATC Primer Kit for those who are new to altered digital collage. It is available in the SHOP Each month I will be adding a new kit, based on the current monthly digital collage theme. However, no purchase is required to come and join me for some monthly fun over at the Kjoistudios FORUM !

New Kits from Sherre, AlteredHeartDesigns!

2010-03-11T14:37:00.001-08:00

Here are Sherre's two newest kits. The Art Adventures Add on Kit goes with Cynthia Powell's Art Adventures ATC Primer Kit. The Floral Splendor Journaling Kit mixes Sherre's love of gardening with vintage. Use for digital journal pages, greeting cards, collage, ATCs, etc. Play with these kits and you will become enamored with mixed media digital art!
Sherre's awesome ATC Primer Kits are available exclusively at: Digiscrapstation and Sherre will be adding ATC Primer kits based on some of the monthly themes as well! Become a follower of this blog to stay up on all the fun new kits that will be released each month!

What's new in March!

2010-03-10T05:32:00.001-08:00

Here is a fun new Mixed Media-Hybrid printable kit that includes everything you need to create your own flag banner message to send to a friend or family member for their special occasion. For more information about this kit and 4 other fun kits added to the shop this month, click HERE

AlteredHeartDesigns Journal Inspiration Mini Kit

2010-03-01T21:22:00.001-08:00

Sherre Hulbert's second digital kit for HandsonDigital is ideal for creating digital journal pages. You can also use the elements for ATCs, scrapbooking, greeting cards and digital collages. purchase at: http://digiscrapstation.com/.

2010-03-01T20:07:00.000-08:00

Sherre Hulbert, AlteredHeartDesigns, has her first kit available for purchase! An ATC primer Kit, it is a bargain for only $1.99.
Celebrate your friends by creating digital ATCs! Use either the printable ATC provided in the kit, or create your own using the elements provided in the kit. A great way to begin experiencing the world of Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)! Go to http://digiscrapstation.com to purchase.

Digital Hybrid Kits by Cecilia

2010-02-26T06:15:00.000-08:00

Anne and Friends is a friendship-themed digital hybrid kit featuring 1 full-page Printable JPG background and 3 Printable Collage Sheets which contain a total of 50 individual elements in PNG (transparent background) format. Developed for making refrigerator magnets, ATCs and greeting cards, it can also be used for digital or hands-on scrapbooking as well as all kinds of altered art. Step-by-step instructions are included. Available at Digi Scrap Station via this link: http://tinyurl.com/yersqt4.

Steampunk is a digital hybrid kit designed for altering cigar boxes as well as creating refrigerator magnets and greeting cards. And it's fun to use in making scrapbook pages and ATCs. Contents: 5 Printable Collage Sheets (JPG), 25 PNG elements, 1 bonus free background paper and 4 pages of step-by-step instructions with lots of guideline photos. Available at Digi Scrap Station via this link: http://tinyurl.com/yersqt4.

Sequelpunk is my Add-On to Steampunk. This digital hybrid kit contains 4 Printable Collage Sheets (JPG), 45 PNG elements, 1 bonus free background paper and step-by-step illustrated instructions. Available at Digi Scrap Station via this link: http://tinyurl.com/yersqt4.

Are you Looking for Something New?

2010-02-21T09:09:00.000-08:00

Here are two new kits for the month of February! One Vintage Flash Card Set of Animals and a $2 full-size Mini-Kit! For information on where you can purchase them-check out CynthiaPowellDesigns

Next month-We will have some new digital-mixed media art project kits coming out! Truely unique ideas you will not want to miss!

New Kits Now Available!

2010-02-03T13:57:00.000-08:00

Through the Looking Glass-Part 2

Includes this Bonus Printable Tag kit

Through the Looking Glass-Part 3

Includes this Bonus-4 Printable Coloring Pages

These kits are only available at: Kjoistudios or Digiscrapstation

FREE Steampunker Frame by Cindy Powell, ready to download!

2010-01-22T11:11:00.000-08:00

This clever digital frame, created by Cindy Powell, is available full-sized via 4Shared download. The label "Steampunker" will be available soon as one of the 44 elements in my Add-On Kit that extends my Steampunk digital hybrid kit. Both the basic kit and the Add-On will be released soon. Here is the download link: http://www.4shared.com/file/228210360/af6d50e8/steampunk_bw_frame_by_cindy_to.html

Printable Book Marker Kit

2010-01-21T09:36:00.000-08:00

This kit includes: 1 printable sheet of 12 different words, also includes the png format for use as "Word Art" in your other art projects and instructions for making these cute ribbon book markers. Now available at: Kjoistudios & Digiscrapstation

New Princess Kit

2010-01-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

This mini Girly-Girl kit is now available at: Kjoistudios and Digiscrapstation

"Steampunk"

2010-01-18T11:08:00.000-08:00

Cecilia will be releasing this fabulous mixed media kit very soon! Here is a sneak peek at a layout I created using her wonderful new kit! Follow Cecilia's blog to learn more about when this kit will be released in the shops! The link is in the sidebar!

New Valentine's Kit-Coming soon!

2010-01-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

Here is another Valentine kit that will be loaded to the shops later today. In this kit you will find 2 Valentine photo frames and 3 photo masks. Plus the added bonus of How to Use Masks Instructions. These are very easy to use and add so much pizzazz to your layouts! Now Available at: KjoiStudios and Digiscrapstation.

New Hybrid Printable

2010-01-17T11:03:00.000-08:00

I had fun creating these faux cancelled Valentine stamps. They are so easy to use, just print, cut and glue in place. Or you can use the individual png formats to digitally embellish your art. Available at: Kjoistudios and Digiscrapstation.

Something New is Coming this Friday! 1-15-10

2010-01-11T11:43:00.000-08:00

At Digiscrapstation, we are pooling our talents and resources to bring to you, a new collaborative kit. The designers over at Digiscrapstation have created a variety of mini element & paper kits to pool together for you to mix and match! (Or collect them all!) Each of these parts is only $1 and will be available on January 15th! The kit is called "How's the Weather" and all the parts have been created with this theme and around the color scheme that was designed just for this kit. Here are my previews:

New Mixed Media Kit-Vintage Follies

2010-01-11T11:37:00.001-08:00

32 Unique Vintage to Modern Day Elements in .png format for easy re-sizing to create Mixed Media Art!

One dozen custom papers:

Now Available at: Kjoistudio, Divascrappersdesigns and Digiscrapstation.

Add Ons for the New Mixed Media Vintage Follies Kit

2010-01-11T11:35:00.001-08:00

3 custom cluster frames and 9 printable decorative frames help round out this amazing fun mixed media kit!

2009-12-29T10:41:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to tell everyone who enjoys creating mixed media hybrid art projects that I will be doing a year long art journey of mixed media projects on my art studio blog this year. The idea came about one day while I was trying to organize my library and had stacks and stacks of magazines-some dating back to the beginning of my art career-the early 70's! There is a treasure trove of interesting projects in this room and I decided to revisit some of the most amazing magazines to find some art projects that catch my eye. Once the projects are finished and the magazine has been fully explored, I will host a magazine swap on my Yahoo group-The Latest Trends in Mixed Media Art. If you are not a member of said group, you may want to join. We host a variety of projects every month, swaps, workshops, etc. You might also like to become a follower of my art studio blog-links are in the sidebar. Here is the first project for January 2010- "Words of Wisdom". I hope you will enjoy the journey with me!
While this project is not a digital kit yet, I am in the process of trying to get something together for you. I hope you will join me in this adventure!

New Technique-Stained Glass Basics

2009-12-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

After thinking about how I could use Kara's fabulous "Montague Paper Pack" available HERE. I came up with this first design, using a free stained glass pattern I downloaded from the net. I figured out at least 3 different ways to create a stained glass pattern, some easier than others and I will share them here with you.
1. The first thing you should do, is google for a simple stained glass pattern that is made up of squares, rectangles or triangles. This should be a black & white pattern but if there is color, no problem since you will be filling these areas in with other color. Load the pattern you found on a good size background. I used a 12" x 12" and re-sized it later. Create a duplicate background underneath this one and make it black. Create another duplicate background on top, leave this one transparent. (You will be working on this layer & subsequent layers.)
2. Grab either the Marquee tool or the Lasso tool, whichever will work best for your pattern. Simply create a box in one of the sections of your pattern, >edit>fill with color>color>OK. You decide where to place the color and you can use your color tool box, or a color scheme of your own. I created a color palette from the beautiful colored papers that Kara used in her paper pack for this first project.
3. After each color selection, add a new layer and continue filling in the areas of your stained glass pattern being careful to allow some space around each of these areas for the black lines to show. These depict the lead lines of a real stained glass window. Once you have all of the areas filled in or re-colored to your liking, click off the pattern layer and click on the black background. Awesome huh? This was a practice project-now that you know how to do this, the next one should be much easier and you can play around with opacity, adding textures, etc.

2nd New Stained Glass Technique

2009-12-16T07:50:00.000-08:00

This is perhaps the easiest technique to do:

1. This one starts with a simple 12" x 12" black background and I turned on the grid so I didn't have to guess at placement or do any math. :-D
2. Using the Marquee Tool and the grid for placement I just started adding squares & rectangles where I wanted them to be, leaving space between them for the lead lines. It's really that simple! This is so dramatic because I added this awesome Black & White dotted alpha from Kara's shop, available HERE.
Here's another Quick Page I did using this technique and Kara's Alpha. Know anyone that is turning 50, or has recently? Grab these quick pages for your scrap booking album!

3rd Stained Glass Technique

2009-12-16T07:30:00.000-08:00

I don't have a sample of this technique yet, I just thought of it this morning, but it should work and it should be extremely simple. Just time consuming like all good things are. :-D

Starting with background papers, such as Kara's Montague Paper Pack, available HERE.
Load one of the papers to a transparent background and again using either the marquee tool or the lasso tool, simply create squares, rectangles or triangles from these papers and save them as individual pngs. This would be easier if you use the grid. Make a bunch of shapes, in various colors and if the papers you are working with are not textured, add some! Play with the opacity and filters also. Once you have a bunch of these shapes to work with, simply apply them to a black background in a pattern of your choice, or create one of your own! Fun fun fun!

Here's another suggestion: Google stained glass, not the patterns this time, but the actual glass. Notice the beautiful textures of these various wonders, the shine, the opacity, they would make beautiful backgrounds too, or pieces for your creations. You can use these photos of glass or you can take it another step and create these, digitally! Yes you can! I will leave you to ponder this and if you are daring-give it a try! Don't forget to use all the digital tools at your disposal. :-D

New Kit-Quick Page Freebie

2009-12-12T12:13:00.000-08:00

By adding a tad bit of bling to these amazing abstract backgrounds from Cecilia's new kit: Anne and Friends, I created this fun and funky photo frame for all of your "Tropical Paradise" escape photos! Enjoy!

Anne & Friends-New Mixed Media Kit by Cecilia

2009-12-12T06:49:00.001-08:00

Do you enjoy making gifts for friends and family? This awesome hybrid kit
includes 3 printable art projects, complete with 3- 8.5" x 11" printable image
sheets plus full instructions for creating: Greeting Cards, Artist Trading Cards
and a gift idea for Refrigerator Magnets! All images, backgrounds and word
art are included to make dozens of decorative layouts. Or use this kit to create
some mixed media collage layouts, such as the one below. This amazing kit is exclusive HERE.

Queen Cracker Moth Collage

2009-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Here's another 4" x 4" mixed media collaged layout made from Cecilia's new kit: Anne and Friends, that is a perfect example of what an artist can make to trade or print and sell!

"Birdsong" Digital Collage

2009-12-12T05:55:00.000-08:00

I love working with other designers kits to create digital collage layouts or scrapbook pages. I used Cecilia's new kit: Anne & Friends to create this fun little digital collage that would be perfect as a 4" x 4" fat book page, an ACEO, ATC or a Friendship/Thank You card!

Independence-Part 1 Re-Release

2009-12-12T05:53:00.000-08:00

This vintage independence-patriotic kit is perfect any time of the year to do not only scrapbook layouts of your hero(s), but mixed media art projects as well. With 6vintage images, 6 patriotic wordart-overlays, 15 elements and 6 custom patterned papers (some direct from my art studio), you will be able to create some fabulous art printables, digital collages, ATC's, ACEO's, etc. Available HERE.

Meet the Designer-Sharon House

2009-12-02T10:55:00.000-08:00

Sharon has had a lifelong love affair with anything related to the 19th/20th century. She loves her job as a story teller and her personal blog is a wonderful journey through some of the history of her local lore. (See link in sidebar).
She is a self-taught artist who loves to create in mixed media, altered art assemblages and digital canvas collages. She joyfully cuts, pastes, paints, inks and assembles whatever captures her imagination. Her art focus is simplicity with grace and style. She loves to tell stories via her artful expressions and she encourages everyone to experience the magic of traveling back in time via her art and storytelling talents.
Sharon participates in annual local juried art shows, in Sooke, British Columbia as well as in international art challenges for which she has won numerous awards. She wrote, illustrated and published her family history book in November 2007 and was featured in my 2nd publication: "Jewelry Beyond Time", currently available at Amazon, soon to be available at all major stores and on-line book outlets.

Meet The Designer-Cecilia Swatton

2009-12-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Cecilia is an independent mixed media designer who has recently branched out to include some very interesting digital kits, designed with the mixed media artist in mind. She is a major designer for several rubber stamp companies, including: BonTonStamps as well as AnotherStampCompany
She is a well published artist who has had articles in various magazines and was recently featured in: Somerset Digital Studio, Scrap N' Stamp, Somerset Galleria and The Spring Hill Review to name just a few. Out of several 100 artists, Cecilia's wonderful mixed media artwork was selected to be featured in a soon to be released: "Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Art" Vol. II by: Sherre Hulbert & myself-Cynthia Powell.
Sharon and I are thrilled that Cecilia has joined our digital partnership under the "HandsOnDigital" umbrella-which offers its customers high quality, high standard digital kits for the mixed media artist as well as the scrapbook artist.
Cecilia has also developed 2 CD collections of vintage images, complete with some abstract painted background papers created in her art studio. These CD's are perfect for artists who enjoy collaged, altered arts, card-making and/or a new printable, digital, hands-on style of scrapbooking, called "Hybrids".

Meet the Designer-Cynthia Powell

2009-12-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

Cynthia Powell is a mixed media artist, whose career has spanned nearly 40 years. Her career includes, graphic design, commissioned painter, designer of folk-art primitives and tole painted wood. Her passion for the arts includes, stained glass, mosaics, painted furniture, wall murals, photography, altered art, surface embellishments and quilting. An award winning fiber artist, whose art quilts have toured the world. Her current passions are altered clothing, recreating vintage jewelry and incorporating digital imagery into her mixed media art projects. She has several articles that have been published by various magazines in the Somerset line and is the co-author of "Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts" Vol. I (Available at Amazon), "Jewelry Beyond Time" (also available at Amazon) and a soon to be released: "Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts" Vol. II.
To see more of her mixed media style of art, visit her Art Studio.