If you have a point and shoot too then this is for you.  Here are some of the tricks I do to get good photos.

*Take a lot of photos.  You’re bound to get some good ones.

*Crop, look at your photos in a different perspective.

*Use your settings.  My favorites are the close up, auto and the setting for action.

*Have your camera nearby.  When you see your kids doing something memorable turn your camera on and have your finger on the button.  Hopefully you’ll catch them before they realize you have the camera.

*Hold your breath, especially for the close up shots.

*Have fun. 

I hope this helped!

This week’s LOTW is Balloon Glow by GinnyO. Make sure you stop by the forum and gallery to leave her some love! Congrats GinnyO!

and now on to our…

This week we have the pleasure to get to know Heather of DirtyFeet Designs.

1.   Your screen name? Your real name?  DirtyFeetDesigns (heb1976) - Heather Benson

2.   What is your main job/career?  I am a SAHM, but I am also a photographer.

3.   Are you married/children/pets?  I have been married to my husband Tom for 9 years - together 14.  We have 2 boys, Justin who is 8 and Kyle who is 5.  We are trying for #3.  We have 7 pets - 2 dogs and 5 cats.  Oh, we have 6 goldfish as well.

4.   Where is home for you? We live in a small town in Ohio called Roaming Shores.

5.   What are your 3 favorite foods?  Speghetti, Steak, & Chicken Paprikach

6.   What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? I am not a big ice cream person - but I love me some sherbet.

7.   Snacks…Salty or Sweet?  Salty

8.   Beverage of choice? Coke

9.   What’s your least favorite food? Pork, Green Beans and Peas

10.  PC or Mac? What program do you use? PC - I use PSCS2 and PSP 9

11.  How long have you been digi-scrapping? How did you get started?  I started digi-scrapping in Feb. 2006.  A friend of mine on a parenting board had a layout creating contest.  After making one, I got instantly hooked.  I started searching the internet for all things digital and the rest is history.

12.  What was your 1st LO about? My son in the fall collecting acorns. 
13.  Do you have any other hobbies besides digi-scrapping (are there other hobbies)?  Bowling, writing poetry, photography

14.  What is the most challenging part of scrapbooking for you?  Digging into my older photos instead of just using the current ones.  I have all my great-grandma’s photos from when she was a teenager and I want to scrap them - but I tend to stick with the more recent ones because it is comfortable. 

15.  What would you like to learn to do (or do better) not related to scrapbooking? Everything pertaining to photography - I want to be good enough to have my own studio one day. 

16.  What are your favorite movies/TV shows?  I am a Prime-time TV addict.  My favorite shows right now are Fringe, Brother and Sisters, House, & American Idol.  There are a ton more - just look at my DVR!

17.  Describe your “scrapping” environment.  Music? TV in the background? Drinks? Snacks? Where?  Usually it is quiet, but thanks to a friend of mine I found Pandora.  Now, when I remember, there is music playing.  I have a drawer in my desk devoted to my snacks; things like Chex Mix, beef jerky, nutty buddies.

18.  If you only had 2 elements to use on a LO, what would they be? string and leaves

19.  Would you like to share a little known fact about you…?  I still sleep with my blankie.  Altho I do not suck my thumb anymore or cuddle it like I did when I was younger, it stays under my pillow.  My grandfather, who passed away when I was 7, gave it to me when I was born and I have always felt close to him when I have it. 

20.  When did you start designing? What is your favorite product that you’ve designed?  I started designing around Nov. 2006 just offering freebies on my blog.  My favorite product created so far is probably my Sea-Scape kit.  I love the beach, listening to the waves, etc …

21.  How would you describe your design style?  Hmmm … I really cannot answer that!  I have no idea!  I just create whatever comes to me and hope that it turns out good.

22. Where do you get your inspiration/motivation?  Colors, things I see when out and about, my kids, internet.

23. Which of your kits showcases your style the most?  Probably my Justin kit.

24. What is your favorite color scheme to design with?  blues, greys, greens

25.  Favorite kit you’ve designed?  Sea-Scape

26.  I also would like to know how you got the name “Dirty Feet Designs”….heheheh  I was sitting in my garage on afternoon after playing with the kids in the yard.  I looked down and saw how dirty my feet were.  I was just getting ready to apply for a design spot at Scrap Matters and knew I needed a name before I did.  For some reason Dirty Feet Designs came to me.  I thought it would be something that would get attention - something different.  So it stuck!

Heather thanks so much for letting us get to know you better. You can see all of her kits and designs HERE.

For today’s Saturday Special Challenge we are going to borrow a technique from paper scrapping – paper punching. There are many ways to digitally punch shapes in your papers. I’ll show you one way using Photoshop Elements 5.0. Feel free to use this way or any other way that works for you.

Select the area you would like to punch. I used the magic wand to select the inside of the circles. You can also you the marquis selection tool, lasso tool or even select an element or shape layer.

Choose the paper layer that you would like to punch. Hit delete.

That’s it!

There are endless possibilities with digital punching. You can punch as many shapes as you can create (or find in your stash). You can even use the “discarded” punch shape as an element on your LO too. I’m a stickler for not having any waste (hehe!). You can place elements in/on/around your punch or use your punch as a frame. Maybe you can even use your punch in your title. Oh the possibilities!

Here Monique punched the 07 from the paper and photo and then reused the 07 on the top of her LO.

Products: Jingle All The Way by GG Digital Designs, Dynamic Duo Set 4 template by Sya’s Blueprints,  Messy Christmas Wordart by Plum Dumpling Designs

Here’s one from Cristina. She punched the flowers from the frame and then used the punches for her cluster on the bottom.

Products: Enjoy the Moment, Striped Candy Alpha and Worn Cardboard Strips Alpha by Sahlin Studio, Font: Pea Olson

From emileem. She punched some hearts out of a red piece of paper and scattered them throughout her LO.

Products: Gingerbread by Chelle’s Creations, Word Art by Andilynn Designs

Here’s my completed LO where I cut out the inside of those circles from the template.

Products: Template from MEGA Template Pack by SM CT and DT, Let’s Camp S’more by Chelle’s Creations

Your challenge this month is to create a LO where you digitally “punch” your paper. Have fun and be creative!

This challenge will end on July 31, 2009.

For a refresher on the Matter of Scrap Challenge system, please visit this thread.

First, I want to tell you that we are having a HUGE Christmas in July SALE!  It’s not too early to start thinking about holiday cards and gifts!

Sprinkler Party By Man In The Moon designs and Mickey B Designs

Once Upon a Shabby Christmas by Haynay Designs

Dynamic Duo Set 4 by Sya’s Blueprints

Word UP: Christmas by Sya’s Blueprints

Jingle all the Way by GG Digital Designs

Christmas Flair by GG Digital Designs

Incredi-Boy by GG Digital Designs and Britt-ish Designs

Messy Christmas by Plum Dumpling Designs

Iconology: Christmas by Plum Dumpling Designs

Month by Month Dates by Happy Scrap Girl Designs

Snow Day {Full Kit} by Trixie Scraps

Snow Day {Page Overlays} by Trixie Scraps

Snow Day {Full Alpha} by Trixie Scraps

Snow Day {Glitter Styles} by Trixie Scraps

Santa’s Workshop {Full Kit} by Trixie Scraps

Santa’s Workshop {Holly Alpha} by Trixie Scraps

Santa’s Workshop {Glitter Styles} by Trixie Scraps

Gingerbread by Chelle’s Creations

Holiday Cheer by WM[squared] Designs:

Christmas In Your Heart mini-kit by Scrapmuss Designs

Sweet Summer Melody

Sweet Summer Melody Add-on

All About the Photos Template Pack by Designs by Tater:

Tiny Paper Scraps by Designs by Tater:

Just Add Water Alpha by Sahlin Studio:

Worn Cardboard Strip Alpha by Sahlin Studio:

Just Add Water Combo Alphas by Sahlin Studio:

Striped Candy Alpha a by Sahlin Studio:

“Teeny Tiny Christmas Alpha”

Be Merry Photo Card Pack by Simply J Studio and Andilynn Designs

Holly Jolly Hybrid Printable Ornaments by Geeky Diva Designs:

Stars & Stripes Forever  - A ScrapMatters Design Team Collab:

Be Merry by Andilynn Designs:

Words Matter: Traditional Christmas

Be Merry Hybrid Printable Advent Calendar by Geeky Diva Designs:

Hybrid Dice Templates- Level Up! by Geeky Diva Designs:

Clipping masks Vol.2 by AnnaBV Designs

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Clipping masks Vol.3 by AnnaBV Designs

Be Merry Badge Album

DIY Gift Set featuring Jingle all the Way and Christmas Flair by iKari Designs

Here is a look at just some of the great winter and holiday kits that are already in our shops…

For this month, to receive a point for the “I’ll Pencil You In” challenge, just post at least one month of your calendar in the gallery under Hybrid Challenges and in this challenge thread. If you’re new to this challenge, it might be helpful to check out the introductory post here.

As always, here are the guidelines for the challenges at Scrap Matters:
- entries must be posted in the appropriate challenge gallery, and in the corresponding thread in the forum
- entries must be posted before the end of the month (July 31) to be counted toward that month’s point total
- you’ll get 1 point for completing a month of your calendar and posting it. Plus, I’ll select one entry at random for a bonus challenge point.

Ack!!  I blew it!  I was supposed to post this morning before work and I totally forgot!  So, you’re getting me after work instead

It’s Cyndi, and it’s time for another round of Grand Theft Layout. This week we’ll be lifting Heidi (aka: Scrappurple). And Wendy has made it so easy for us with her new Be Inspired - Heidi Template pack.  Go check them out!

You can find Heidi’s gallery HERE.  She has a lot of 2 pagers in her gallery, so if you’re feeling real ambitious, try one out. Can’t wait to see what you do!

Here’s a little inspiration to get you started

I lifted Dude2

Here’s mine

Using Patriotic Pride by Trixie Scraps, Back to Basics: Bold Alpha by Denise Beatty Originals and Foam Stamp Alpha by Sahlin Studio

Kim lifted

And came up with this

She used Everday Memories by Chelle’s Creations and Juno Designs and In Stitches Basic and My Ribbon Jar by Britt-ish Designs

Suzanne lifted this

And here’s her version

using Game for Anything ScrapMatter’s Collab

And Erica lifted this LO

and made this LO

Check them out in the gallery soon. And just a reminder of the Matter of Scrap Challenge Rules: You have the rest of this month to complete your layout! Upload it to the gallery and leave BOTH the image and a link in the challenge forum!

You will receive one point for completing the challenge. You can earn an additional point for using a NEW product from the SM store, released within the last week! (Please indicate that you used something new with your LO/link in the forum.) And, one lucky winner (random) will receive one ADDITIONAL point!

Remember no double dipping…your layout must be unique to this challenge!

Have fun!

Hi everyone!  I’m here with another SM Template for ya.  So without further ado here it is:

Click on the image to grab it or click here:
http://www.4shared.com/file/116590050/4c4e8670/jhopewell_smtt071409.html

There are no rules for this challenge except have fun and use the template!  Pretty easy huh?  Here is the LO that I based this template on:

credits:  {Life’s A Beach}; {Snippettes: Life’s a Beach}; {Modern Words: Summer} all by Sahlin Studio

And here’s what our fabulous CT cooked up with this template.

By Wendy (WM[Squared]) credits: All elements (unless otherwise noted):  "Everyday Memories" by Juno Designs and Chelle’s Creations; White BG Paper:  "Shabby Chic" by WM[squared] Designs; Black Frame:  "Shabby Chic" by WM[squared] Designs

By Suzanne (iisuzieii)

By Tracy (Trixie Scraps)

credits: Glam-o-rama Gradients - Britt-ish Designs; Dreaming of Summer - WM Squared; Deeper Conversation - Sya’s Blueprints; Foam Stamp Alpha-Sorbet - Sahlin Studio; Stamped, Dated, Stated - Trixie Scraps; What’s Hangin’ Journals and Tags - Andilynn Designs

By Sya (syapotter)

By Sylvia (SylviaB)

credits:  {Benjamin} by Jeni Hopewell

Well, there’s plenty of inspiration there for you so here are the rest of the details:

You have the rest of this month (until July 31st) to complete the layout. Upload it to the gallery, and leave BOTH the image and a link as a reply to my post in the forum HERE.

You will receive one point for completing the challenge. You can earn an additional point for using a new product from the ScrapMatters store (PLEASE indicate you have used something new when you leave us the link in the forum.) 

Have fun scrapping!

This month we are featuring ScrapMuss’ brand new kit Summer Solstice. This kit is so beautiful! Inspired by the fall weather they are having this summer, Maria has created a kit with rich autumnal colors and fun summer elements. Details of the exchange can be found in this thread. We’d love to have you play along! Click on the image below to go directly to the shop and get your own Summer Solstice for 30% off!

2.   What is your main job/career? Accountant

3.   Are you married/children/pets? I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have an 8 year old daughter. We have two dogs (Lady and Dosie) and a cat (Tagi)

4.   Where is home for you?  Home for me is Montgomery, Alabama

5.   What is your favorite challenge at SM?  My favorite would have to be the Tuesday Template Challenge just because I am a template junkie….LOVE them!!  I really do enjoy the Roadmap to Scrap on Fridays too though because it really pushes me to work outside of my comfort zone.

6.   What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? CHOCOLATE!!

7.   What type of camera do you use?  I finally broke down a few months ago and purchased “my baby” which is a Sony A-300.  I am in LOVE with it and still trying to learn to use all it has to offer!

8.   If you could go anywhere on a “Dream Vacation”, where would you
go, and why?  I would love to go to Hawaii.  My family loves the beach and I envision Hawaii as a beautiful, tropical paradise. Maybe one day we will make it there!

9.   What is your favorite color, and do you tend to use it on your layouts?  My favorite color is blue and it really has no special place when it comes to LO’s for me.

10.  PC or Mac? What program do you use? PC and I use StoryBook Creator Plus from Creative Memories.  There are a FEW other users here and I know we all LOVE it!

11.  How long have you been digi-scrapping? How did you get started? I started digi-scrapping last fall after coming across some LO’s over on the DIS (Disney) boards.  I followed Brittney (Britt-ish Designs) and Christy (TheWerners) over and have been here ever since!

12.  What was your 1st LO about? My very first LO was about my daughter’s first day of second grade.  Looking at it now, I realize that the elements are entirely TOO large, etc but it was my first.

13.  Do you have any other hobbies besides digi-scrapping (are there
other hobbies)? I love to read (but have a hard time putting down the computer to do so!) and enjoy trying to improve my photography skills.

14.  What is the most challenging part of scrapbooking for you? The initial process of a LO…deciding which photos to use, the composition of my page, and figuring out which kit(s) to go with.  Well, I guess that is pretty much the whole process!  No wonder it takes me a while to spit out a page!!

15.  What would you like to learn to do (or do better) not related to scrapbooking? I would love to improve my photography skills (even though that does kind of relate to scrapping)

16.  What are your favorite movies/TV shows? Right now, I love Wipeout…just a silly show that makes you laugh.  I am a huge fan of DVR since it is the only way I get to watch anything.  During the regular season, I love Grey’s Anatomy, Two and a Half Men, Law & Order: SVU.

17.  Describe your “scrapping” environment.  Music? TV in the background? Drinks? Snacks? Where?  I scrap on my laptop in the den usually after everyone has gone to bed.  I prefer quiet, but usually have the TV on just for background noise.  I usually have a glass of sweet tea to drink but don’t munch.

18.  If you only had 2 elements to use on a LO, what would they be? Stitches and ribbon

19.  Would you like to share a little known fact about you…? Unfortunately, I am a pretty boring person

20.  Can you tell us a little about your scrappin’ style? I don’t think I really have a style and it completely depends on the LO.  Sometimes I like a clean, blocked look and other times I enjoy layered papers and pieces. 

21.  Favorite LOs that you have done? I always tend to like my more recent LO’s the most!  Dancing Sweetie…it’s an old picture, but I LOVE the oranges and just how perfect the picture is for the template!

Happy Family Birthday…this one is completely different and uses blocking, but I love the coloring and how clean it feels too!
  

22. What is your favorite part of being a member
of the Scraps Matter Gang? It has been a great way to get to know other ladies that love ScrapMatters!

Thanks Kelli for letting us get to know you a little better! You can check out her gallery HERE.