My friend Kristine of Designs by Kristine has released a stunning new kit – Daybreak inspired by an awesome sunrise.  A truly stunning kit and it’s on-sale! Kris let me play with Daybreak and here’s what I came up up with: The layout is a new template set (gasp – yes I’m working on something new) that I’ve been working on – I’ll be sure to let you know when Double Dips Set 9 is in my store.  To create the soft glow on Nadya’s photo, I duplicated her photo, applied a soft posterize filter, then decreased the opacity to 30% – this allowed the soft glow around her face and the background without sacrificing the detail of the original photo.  I used SuperbladePro presets from Meadows Studio to create both frames.  The feathers are from Loucee’s Dilys kit (yes Kris, I loved your suggestion) that I layered with one of the flowers in Daybreak.  I “sprinkled” some digital glitter using a square brush and a glitter style I made in Photoshop and ArtRage.  The scallop strips started out as PS shapes from KCS Designs that I modified and then overlaid with one of the stunning papers in the kit. I didn’t include journaling as I love the surreal and angelic look of the photo and I didn’t want to draw attention away from the photo.  I did use Papyrus font to add her name and the date. Once again, I am quite pleased with the completed LO – I’d love to know what you think too.

Have a great weekend!

Is a fun and fabulous new digi-kit from my dear friend and creative genius, Kristine, of Designs by Kristine:

I really really love the richness of the colors in this kit – so, I paired it with a couple of templates from another uber-talented designer – Bunny Cates to create these:

Credits are super simple: Designs by Kristine’s Natalie’s Day and Bunny Cates’ Bracket Album templates.  The background paper in the Imagine layout is one of my all time FAVORITES!

Do you want to know what else we’ve been up to? It’s called reclaim our house – aka the Great Toy Round-Up! We listed Nadya’s crib on Craigslist as she hasn’t ever used it, and although it was a convertible one, we already have a full-size bed in her room, so we didn’t need that option.  After only  a day and a half, we had a buyer. So, after a quick trip to Target (thanks for the gift card Mom and Dad) – her room transformed from this:  To this (and my living room regained some semblance of order): We’re still waiting on a couple of stuffed animal nets, but other than that, we’re pretty well done.  We’re watching craigslist carefully for a twin over full bunk bed or one of those Doll House theme beds that will allow for a twin bed on top and a full underneath.  Too bad my dear husband doesn’t have a table saw or much spare time– I found a fabulous website that has awesome plans and an even better blog full of ideas – I’m thinking a little barn themed bunk/loft bed would be perfect! LOL Plus, I’m certain I could build some of the bookcases/cubes Ana has posted plans for here, here, and here – and be better than the particle board and cardboard that I can buy at WalMart – oh Micki – you’re my inspiration here! Ah, the stuff dreams are made of – and like I really need another craft/project/hobby!

Ok, I’m off to do laundry – such fun! Have a great day!

Woohoo – the weekend is almost here!  I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to spending time with my family – Yasha’s Holiday time off started yesterday – he even managed to put in some extra time at the office so he could sneak out early yesterday and join us for swimming lessons.  Nadya was beyond excited, and insisted Daddy get in the pool with her (I just happened to have packed his gear).  So, for the first time, I played the spectator and took photos.  I’ll upload a few later.

In other news – the fabulously talented Kristine of Designs by Kristine has a fabulous FREE kit on her blog today (and it’s part of a mega collab so you don’t want to miss out). Being on her CT meant I was able to play early, and with her permission, I created a couple of QPs for you:

I hope you enjoy them – please leave a comment if you download and send your friends here and not directly to the download.  Thanks!

That’s all from me – if I don’t make it back on before Christmas – Have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!