Tweaks and Designs

A Short BUT Fun Post About My First Digital Stamps!

2011-05-31T22:48:00.004-05:00

I am so excited to release my first ever digital stamp set! It's called Night at the Movies ©. It's a realistic and detailed movie themed set. Take a look:

I think they look great in this project Lauren made:

I love the way she used both Catherine's About to Pop © set and mine together! It looks great don't you think?

Of course, I have to also showcase the digital paper I made and I love what Lauren did with her paper too! We both went for completely different styles using the same images...isn't it all so cool!?!?!

I hope you enjoyed seeing my latest!
Have a WONDERFUL day!

Using Photoshop to Color and Shade your Digital Stamps

2011-03-25T15:11:00.004-05:00

So I just finished posting a video tutorial on the My Time Made Easy™ Blog! I have made a few video tutorials in the past for private use for a few different clients. This is my first PUBLIC tutorial! I am so excited to see how many people find it useful or even need further help. I have a bit more detail in my posts at MTME so check out that post for a bit more info and a PDF version of the tutorial. If you just want to check out the video...here it is:

I hope you enjoy using this technique! If you have any questions please post a comment to the MTME post I made here. I will reply to your comment as soon as possible.

Have a great weekend!

A Whole Lot of Catch-Up

2011-03-21T02:22:00.003-05:00

I know it's been forever and a day since my last post...I apologize. I'm not going to make any empty promises as to when I'll post again, but I will tell you that I will keep posting no matter how long it takes me to get around to it. ;D When I quit taking new blog design orders I made a promise to myself and my family that I would spend less time at my computer, so I've been doing that. Hooray!!! I mostly work with previous customers and My Time Made Easy™ LLC now-a-days.

Take a look at what I've been doing. I think it's fun to look back and see all the different styles I have been able to play with! Just take a look, I'll start with the most recent designs and go backwards.

My latest release is my big sister Susan's new blog design for her site susiestampalot.com. It was supposed to be her birthday gift but she was SO SWEET and let me get it to her late!!! BIG HUGS SUSAN!! Thanks for the awesome color inspiration and all your valuable input, it wouldn't be YOU without it!!!

I also just recently finished the MTME Blog. HOORAY AGAIN!!! I can't believe we finally tackled that project, it has been a long time coming. Lauren is hosting some GREAT challenges there, be sure to take a look and play along if you can!

As for my digital papers I have only released a few packs since my last post. I took a bit of a hiatus to catch up on old commitments (some are still in the works) and spend the holidays with my family. That turned into a bit more but that's just ONE of the reasons why I LOVE working with Lauren on a regular basis!!!!

I worked with Becca of Amazing Paper Grace to create a brand new classically elegant design that fits her warm and graceful style. I love the way her design turned out, it reflects Becca's taste to a tee!!!! We are still working together on a few leftover theme issues and additional design work. She is a wonderful lady! If you haven't already, be sure to visit her site!

Finally and firstly (well it is the first one I finished in the list) I want to show you Encore! Encore! This one I finished quite some time ago. Melissa and Corey are old and long time friends of mine...I used to work for Corey in a "past life" (bc...before children). He was a great boss and still is, even if it is a different setting. His wife runs a great shop that sells ladies consignment here in Texas. You can find great deals on brand names there...take a peek!!!

Pretty diverse designs I think, don't you??? I love playing with different styles, that's exactly why I keep on designing. I love to experiment and push my limits! Until next time...

September MTME Releases are MEGA AWESOME!

2010-09-01T05:00:00.009-05:00

Why is this one different you ask?

Lauren's releases are always so creative and unique but this month is special. Lauren is offering a SUPER CUTE MEGA TEMPLATE this month!!!! It is LOADED with options, option, options!!! I can't even believe how much stuff this baby comes with! The template is called Shop Around © Mega Template and boy is it mega, from home to shoppe this template has got it all!

What better to go with a house and shoppe template than some building materials? I have designed a ton of paper to use with this template. We've got brick, stone, shingles, siding and so on...just see for yourself:

Now my store graphic doesn't even have all the papers in the set displayed. Yes there are that many, 22 to be exact!!! Be sure to visit the store to see them all.

The patterns from these papers are also available in black with transparent backgrounds here:

Now you can make your own construction materials to match any project!

I also made some EASY to use store decor. Want to make a boutique quick? This is the answer for you! My very first Color Me Pretty © set of papers. I have created 10 different boutiques using Lauren's images from this release... and even previous ones. The bold colors are there to make digitally coloring the images a cinch! No more fill bleeding on everything. There are many possibilities with this set as I have included these with white AND transparent backgrounds. Overlay, underlay, fill, stroke, etc...the possibilities are endless! You mustsee them in the store to get the full picture of what these babies look like! Go see, go see:

And last but not least the Color Collection for this month to use with any project.

OK there is one other reason this month is so special and my explanation for staying up WAY TOO this month!!! MTME has a Gallery now:

I'm so excited to show you my first gallery installation, configuration and design! It turned out great and the design team is already talking about how great it is to use...WHOOPEE!! The best part is now you can see all the design team projects in one place...all the inspiration you need without all the searching and clicking, how cool is that??!?

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

August MTME Digial Paper Releases

2010-08-01T00:00:00.014-05:00

This month I decided to change up the colors in the collections a bit. I went through and gathered all the colors ever have used at My Time Made Easy™ LLC and grouped them in some very appealing ways. This way if you do own (or plan to own) other MTME digital papers you can still mix and match with ease!

The first color collection is called Shopping Shirley's. I used images from the new Money Well Spent © stamp set as well as some images from the older Fanciful Flourishes © set:

The second and final collection this month is called Taylor's Teeth and uses images from the Lost My Tooth © stamp set and the Gardeners Apron © cut file image from last month:

I hope you've enjoyed looking and be sure to check out ALL the new MTME release!

OK...so I'm a bit late posting my latest releases!

2010-07-21T21:21:00.013-05:00

I've been "playing" with Joomla (too many paid plugins...BTW), engaing my children (it's summer so ya know) and working on my next month's releases so I am a bit late posting July. Nonetheless I am still excited about them and hope you have some time to check them out and maybe even buy something! I'd LOVE to hear about your projects!!! FUN FUN!!

I have also had the "Susan Sale" posted for way too long...sorry about that. I have a small loyal audience and to you I apologize.

I am now creating papers in different color collections (Lauren's AWESOME brain child) so a lot of these will be similar but hopefully catered more to your taste/projects. You'll get the gist of it all when you look. You can also >click here< to view all the latest MTME products!

I made quite a few "go to" papers that I feel would be useful in many projects, even outside of MTME products but you can be the real judge.

I have already finished next months papers (can't wait for you to see those, but I have to)! I am also working on a bit more for MTME...some other products...I will reveal those a bit later as well. ;D

I'll be back before you know it so until then check out all the design team blogs to see what you can create with all these papers!

MTME gallery is coming soon as well...ok so I have 50 pots on the burner...what?

OH..OH..I almost forgot! I redesigned Jen's blog last month too...if you haven't seen it, check it out! Jen is UBER talented and has lots of cool projects and posts to share!! Here is her before, now see her after:

Back again soon!

Helping Eric and the Family

2010-06-17T17:27:00.002-05:00

I am in complete amazement at the support that has been give to my sister Susan and her family during Eric's battle with cancer! All of the cards and prayers that Eric and the family have received (and still receive) have been extremely uplifting for him and greatly appreciated!!!

I would have never imagined that all three of the companies that Susan designs for (MFT Stamps, TCP and Verve) would come together to help raise money for them!!! They are all having 10% off sales Friday through Sunday and a percentage of the sales will go to Eric, Susan and their family! WOW!!! I want to personally thank them, it is so fantastic that they have all come together like this, I am just beside myself!!!

Sheila, one of Susan's bestest friends, also composed a message and, with my admin skills ;D, we posted it on Susan's blog yesterday along with a donate button on the side of her blog. If you'd like to contribute and are not a stamper/crafter you can also help that way!

Thank you EVERYONE for all your support and encouragement!!!

Children's Challenge Corner and Casita Sales

2010-06-14T18:22:00.005-05:00

I have still been working with a few different customers on website and blog designs. Julie asked me a while back if I could whip up a banner and some badges for the Children's Challenge Corner. She did have to wait a while but I finally found some time to get this done for her last week. Check it out and if you have any children who love paper crafting be sure to check out the challenges. The kids can win some really great prizes! I used graphics from istockphoto for this design.

I also designed a logo for a VERY OLD friend. We used to work together back in my "real job" days! He and his wife own a couple consignment shops. This one, Casita Sales, is furniture and home decor. They have BEAUTIFUL items for sale! If you're near Lewsiville, TX you should really go visit. I am working on a larger scale site for them as well, so for now I have designed the logo and just made a few minor changes to the site they already have.

My Second MTME Digital Paper Release

2010-05-31T22:07:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited about this month's releases!! My Time Made Easy © has some super cute projects this month so be sure to visit!!! Here are the papers I created using Lauren's and Kristin's images:

Until next time...

I am THRILLED to be releasing...

2010-05-01T02:00:00.002-05:00

...my very first sets of digital paper! As many of you may know I work quite frequently with Lauren Meader helping her out with My Time Made Easy™ LLC. So now I am not only working with her on her store mechanics but I will also be releasing new papers using Lauren's awesome graphics each month! Here are the papers I designed for May:

Heck Lily is even getting in on the action! She designed the Lily ABC paper in the School Ruled paper pack here:

Go visit My Time Made Easy™ LLC to see all the new releases! If you LOVE paper crafting you will LOVE all that MTME has to offer!!!

A Gaggle of Page Designs

2010-04-19T22:12:00.008-05:00

It has been quite a while since my last post. I finally finished gathering my numbers for my CPA today...don't worry we got an extension. Since I have all that squared away I want to be even more caught up! I decided, why not post all the projects that I haven't yet posted? So here are all of the FULL designs I've completed but never posted. I have also been working with repeat customers on lots of other little things here and there but I am not posting all of those at this time.

I got inspiration from these ladies, stalked them all a bit and then worked with each to get EXACTLY the looks they wanted!

Libby's Little Addiction
I spent a lot of time organizing and making everything clean. Her link lists are pages which really helped give her sidebar a nice fresh look.

INKclinations
Melissa wanted a flower change a few other things on her blog originally designed by Veronica. Hi Veronica! *waving*

...just a little something...
Joanne just wanted simpler versions of her previous banners designed by myself. I work with Joanne often on little things here and there. Graphics for giveaways, package sets for MFT, business cards and even an Etsy banner! She's such a wonderful woman and I am always happy to hear from her!!

Lillian's Place
Another blog design for Lily, I am merely her tool. She likes to ask me, "Mommy, when can I get in your queue?" My little drama queen...I love you Lily! ;) Lily has been participating in a children's challenge...take a look if you have a child who LOVES crafting and card-making!!!

My Time Made Easy™ LLC
I worked with Lauren previously on her SCS hosted blog. Knowing that I had NEVER designed a store before, Lauren asked me to help her with this venture! I suppose she knows that I'm a sink or swim kind of gal and I have yet to drown...how could I refuse??? I just love Lauren and jumped at the chance to learn A TON more about the big wide world of web design. I am still working on her company's blog, forum and gallery. I still work with Lauren during each release. Heck I'm even officially part of her very talented Design Team...SWEET! However I don't have the time to do the paper thing just yet...but maybe someday soon!

Check out MTME to learn more about Lauren's very pretty templates, stamps and more!!!

...or just go straight to the store!

InkyDiva Fitness - not public at this time

Belle Papier
Julia has a beautiful and elegant sense of style. I was so excited when she asked me to work with her on a custom design for her SCS hosted blog. Her style really helped me grow as an artist. Her design was even featured on Designs So Pretty...THANKS A MILLION KRISTIN!

iheart2stamp
One of the most talented people I know and also one of my big sister's best friends, it's Jen!! We worked very hard to get exactly what she wanted. Thanks Jen for putting up with my schedule Jen!!

52 Sketches 52 Weeks
When Julie asked me to work on her self-hosted Wordpress blog I was stoked! Sketches for scrapbooking is a bit of a different audience so that was very cool! She was very patient as we worked together through the holidays...thanks Julie!

StampingJo
Canada's best Stampin' Up! demo! Among other additional things, I made a printed ad for her to put into Canadian Scrapbooker magazine.

My Time, My Creations, My Stampendence
Lauren was my first SCS hosted blog design which was ultra-swell! I thoroughly enjoyed working with Lauren, we are just in sync, there is not much else I can say!

I used graphics from iStockphoto, vectorstock, iClipart, and some hand drawn or computer produced images for all of these designs. Some fonts are purchased, others are from my favorite free font sites and one is even a client's handwriting.

I hope you have enjoyed this very long post! :D

A Gift for Mark Cahill

2009-11-18T20:09:00.004-06:00

I've been working with Mark to get some designs up and running at Splitcoaststampers. I wanted to say THANK YOU with more than words so I decided to create a logo for him. No, I didn't design his entire theme but I did make a logo and a little image that he could just add with some code. Go check it out for yourself:

I was taking a risk and not getting his opinion...as I said, it was a gift. I stalked his blog a bit and started designing. Surprisingly the end result came to me pretty quickly. I am just SO HAPPY he said he "LOVES IT" and is now using it...YIPPEE!

All Things Cahill is full of great technical and salt water fishing information so look around a bit and become a subscriber like me!

A new design for Halloween!

2009-10-26T20:03:00.004-05:00

My VERY, VERY favorite customer asked for a Halloween design over the weekend. So here it is:

Be sure to check out her blog and leave a comment! She REALLY appreciates it! And yes, she's a kid and she's my daughter...in case you didn't already know. ;D **I love you Lillian! **

Images from vectorstock.com and font is from fontspace.com.

Have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

StampingAround

2009-07-15T15:11:00.006-05:00

I'm so happy to finally say that the new home for StampingAround is finished! Julie and Kim were so great to work with...AGAIN! I just love that so many of my customers come back for more!

Be sure to visit StampingAround.com and take a look around! Who knows you may even want to join them or even sponsor some stamping fun!!!!!!

Images from istockphoto were used in this deign. Fonts were provided by one of my favorite free font sites. The sleek social networking icons were provided by Murid Rahhal.

Some Retro Fun and Real Estate

2009-05-23T23:23:00.006-05:00

HUH? I know it makes no sense but what the hay!!! Here are two new releases.

First up is Carole from Mother's Little Helper. She wanted funky and retro with the blue, green and rust color you will see below. I already knew she has a fun since of humor mostly because of Susan but also from stalking her a bit as I usually do. I KNEW I would be able to have TONS OF FUN with this design and I did!!!! I found this great old ad to use in her banner and with some modification it fit WONDERFULLY in the look we wanted!!!! I also created a relaxing siggy and silly footer for her as well. Just check it out for yourself!

Images from istockphoto and iclipart were used in this deign. Fonts were provided by one of my favorite free font sites AND myfonts.com.

And here is another one for Linda! Well it's really for the entire office of Bartek Real Estate. This is a company blog mostly put together by Linda (yes, my mother) but I tweaked it a bit and created a banner. I have also got a couple different domains pointing that way and am working on some search engine optimization for them. So be sure to check out Fort Worth Home Market...they are providing great tips and real estate news for the Fort Worth Texas area!!!!!!!!!

Images from istockphoto were used in this design. Fonts were provided by one of my favorite free font sites.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

2009-05-09T18:43:00.010-05:00

**FIRST...if you are in my queue and don't usually READ my posts of new designs you REALLY should this time!!! I have news that may interest you.**

Announcing a brand new look for a VERY VERY SPECIAL LADY, Linda over at Hugs Included! You may have seen her around or even on my sidebar because...she's my MOM!!!!

I wanted to give her a design LONG AGO when she started her blog, then for her birthday and THEN for Christmas but I was just too busy. So I put a few current projects on hold so I could get this done for her just in time for Mother's Day...I can't believe it's actually FINISHED!!

Of course, I didn't have to get TOO much inspiration from her...she is my mother so I pretty much know what she likes. Earth tones with lots of green, elegant and classic yet fun, that's MY MOM! She did tell me she wanted birds and a drew me a little picture of a Stampin' Up! stamp. So when I found these graphics on istockphoto.com I thought it would be just PERFECT for her blog! I think it all came together beautifully and it really is HER!!! She fell in LOVE as soon as she saw it, no changes, no revisions and I was doin' the happy dance!!!! Changes are always fine with me but it's WAY cool when I get it right the first time...especially when it's Mom! ;D

Be sure to pop over to Hugs Included yourself to see it in action! You MUST see the card she made for her "GRAND OPENING"...it is totally PERFECT with the design!!!! The flowers, the flourishy leaves and OF COURSE that stamp...I just love it all together!!!

You may also notice that she has CUSTOM FONTS for her post titles, sidebar titles, post dates and even the comment form (I made my post titles and dates match hers...see it?). This is not something I've tried before. YES, YES I've been making sidebar headings on my designs since the beginning but this is different! Those are just images I make and upload. New titles must be added manually for new sidebar gadgets/widgets and I cannot do that for post titles at all. These fonts are provided via JavaScript and Flash so no custom images are needed if you want custom fonts. I have seen a little about it in the past but just haven't looked into it much. Well, my Mom's design was going so smoothly I decided to give it a try. Thanks to MANY wonderful geeks on the web I was able to do this relatively simply using sIFR. Of everyone writing about this awesome tool I must give kudos to Amanda over at kevinandamanda.com. She's got everything you need to get sIFR up and running on your blogger blog...THANKS Amanda!

Once I got the custom fonts up I couldn't go without a little graphic enhancement with them. I'm VERY pleased with the whole result so I will DEFINITELY have to use this method in future designs!!!!

I did have one small kink. The font I had chosen for the the titles was NOT created with numbers and a lot of symbols were not there either. So I did a bit of digging and found out how to make my very own fonts. After I figured that out I was able to create missing numbers and symbols to match. I know it seems like a lot of trouble (I could have just found another font) BUT I've been wanting to know how to do that anyway and honestly that is just how I roll!!!!

So if you're ***patiently*** waiting in my line...tell me if you would like custom fonts on your blog. We could even use your handwriting since I learned how to make fonts too!!!!! You will also get the font for your own use with your computer as well...TOO COOL!!! :D

All in all I had a GREAT time "working" with you Mom!!! I got to learn a lot and try new things, plus you're my Mom...I felt like I knew what you would like or not like every time I made a change to your design. We really are SO alike!!!!! I love you with all my heart and I can't wait to spend Mother's Day with you!!!!!! And big hugs to all my loyal subscribers, customers and PATIENT people waiting in line! I really do appreciate all of you, have a Very Happy Mother's Day!!!!!!!!

Inky Diva Cards Blog and Boutique

2009-04-27T14:21:00.003-05:00

You may remember this post back when Jen released her new design. I mentioned I had some posting to catch up on. Well here is one from that list...my new (well sort of new) friend AILEEN!!!! She gave me lots of time to play around with different aspects of her BOUTIQUE on Blogger...YES, I said boutique on Blogger! Thanks to Google and all those geeks out there who LOVE to post Blogger tips and tricks I have been able to create thumbnail grids of posts, Pages plus MUCH MORE. Just take a look around her store.

Be sure to visit the Inky Diva this week...she is having a 20% off EVERYTHING SALE and it only lasts until May 1st! She has a great inventory already built up so I just can't wait to hear all about her success!!!! **fingers crossed**

Her new look actually started with her blog design. You can see it in action as well at Inky Diva Cards. Aileen didn't want flowers but something with more flourish. OK, OK...I know she has flowers now, but it's spring!!!!! She has one for all seasons so keep your eyes peeled for those designs too. Aileen also wanted these fabulous warm pinks and browns on a very clean and simple design. She got the works for both her blog and boutique...Full page design, watermark and siggy! I have to say this design is still one of my favorites.

Graphics from istockphoto and vectorstock were used for this design. The fonts I used were all provided by my favorite free font sites.

I'll post more new designs as I can!!

Paperie Petals

2009-03-27T10:57:00.003-05:00

I am so happy to co-announce Kim Schofield's new blog design! She is a FANTASTIC person and so nice to work with...we had lots of fun!

Once I reviewed Kim's design notes I just started gathering inspiration from several places. I KNEW I wanted her to have stitching and, of course, some paper flowers. I showed her revision one and she was delighted...HOORAY! After working with Kim on the finishing touches we came to this beautiful end result. I think it fits Paperie Petals perfectly!!!

Graphics from istockphoto and vectorstock were used and embellished using Photoshop patterns, I made the lace using a lace brush from spy-glass. The rest of the digi-scraps were made by me. The fonts I used were all provided by may favorite free font sites.

Thanks for hangin' in there and waiting patiently!

My Favorite Things...

2009-03-17T23:25:00.008-05:00

...right now are...STAMPS!!!!!

I have SUCH exciting news today!!! You may remember my post SEVERAL months ago showcasing some siggy and watermark work I did for Kim at My Favorite Things. I made these using some of her existing stamps designed by Christy Beckwith (love her work) but she was curious if I had any original artwork. So I sent her a few samples of previous work including a banner (now retired) and a little sample of what Joanne had in store. Well I was just ECSTATIC when she told me she wanted to work with me on some stamp sets of my own!!!!!! After lots of patients with my lines Kim finally has the sets all ready and I just can't even express how excited I am!!!!!!!!! I even took a little time to garnish my blog with a few of the sparkles and swirls from the Funky Flowers set. The blog hop is going on now so start here at Kim's blog and take a look at all the WONDERFUL cards created by her VERY AWESOME design team!!!!! If you are unfamiliar with a blog hop just read the posts and follow the links...you'll see.

I even got to make the SCS ad...Thanks Kim!

I'm also extremely overjoyed to see them sitting there in her store...you MUST SEE! I told Kevin (my husband), "Look! Look! I'm on her sidebar!!!!!!"

Thanks dropping by and don't forget to check out the whole design team to see the stamps in use....that's where I'm going right now!!!!!

And I MUST say again that I just love working Kim! She is so nice and a blast! Her patience with me has been FABULOUS!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you Kim!!

A post for susiestampalot

2009-01-30T16:54:00.005-06:00

A Quick Post

2009-01-08T10:43:00.008-06:00

Welcome!

I know I'll be seeing a lot of you guys from Jen's place today so I thought I should make a quick post of my latest projects, just in case you want to poke around. I'm still working with all of these ladies so I will make "official" release posts later.

Of course, Jen at i{heart}2stamp.com...we are working out those little bugs now. It will be thinner so you won't have to scroll from left to right! ;)

Julie at 52sketches52weeks.com...we may actually be finished, I'm not sure yet. What do ya think Julie?

Aileen at inkydivacard.com...Hi Aileen...I'll have you're buttons soon!

Josee at StampingJo.com...I'll be talking to you VERY soon!!!

Joanne at ...just a little something... I can't believe I never posted your design!! I need to do that...after we get your non-seasonal up.

and finally I made a little siggy for Debby forever ago:

Announcing the Storage Units, Ink & More Product Catalog

2008-11-13T13:00:00.005-06:00

It's been a long time coming...Denise wanted to showcase her products in a catalog so she contacted me! Since that time we have worked on several projects but this was my first assignment so I'm very excited to get to finally show it to you!

Want to search the catalog?
Just want better quality?
Then click here instead!
high speed connection
recommended

Don't forget to visit Denise's store...she's got some great illustrators. You can get that butterfly in stamp form plus much more from suinkandmore.typepad.com!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-06T13:45:00.008-06:00

Julie wanted some holiday "embellishments".

pumpkin and leaves from vectorstock.com

...and be sure to visit Stampin' with Julie to the whole holiday look...stay tuned for Christmas. ;)

Some Ads and Such

2008-11-06T13:03:00.007-06:00

I've been doing some more work with Denise over at Storage Units, Ink and Storage Units, Ink & More!

Here are a couple fun blinkies for suinkandmore.typepad.com:

A SCS banner ad for her great sale at suink.net:

Made to match her existing store design.

And just a fun reminder of the great deals at suinkandmore.typepad.com:

The bear, stocking and gift can be found in "clear stamp form" at suinkandmore.typepad.com!

It's always a laugh working with Denise!

The Queue

2008-11-05T21:40:00.010-06:00

If you are waiting in line and were checking your spot, I'm sorry I removed the list. It was just COMPLETELY out of date. I have finished a lot of projects, people have left my queue, it's just a mess and takes too much time to update. But rest assured I still have the list and plan to keep on designing until I have finished every last one of you. I sincerely appreciate your patience!!! If it's any consultation my clients often tell me it was worth the wait and I hope it will be for you too! I will do my absolute best to make sure it was!!!! :) Also you MAY like to know that I am ALWAYS helping my existing clients as well so I suppose if you need it you can consider that a perk as well. Once I'm finished with your design I'm happy to help you with WHATEVER you need and you rarely have to wait. You waited SO long for your design you deserve a little something extra. Plus I really do enjoy helping all the friends I make online.

Some of you have asked to be removed and that's fine too. Although I must admit I am VERY sad to lose you...NO DOUBT!!! If you've been waiting forever and a year and are just sick of it, I TOTALLY understand! I always check to make sure you haven't found a design somewhere else before I start stalking your blog an going through your notes for inspiration. If I see you have a new design I move on otherwise the first time you will hear from me will include samples!

If you've visited my queue EVEN after reading that I'm no longer taking requests

...then you deserve to know more about what I will be up to!!! Initially my thoughts were SADLY just to close up shop as this really does take a lot of my time but I really do love it and I just can't go!!!!! So I plan to have premade blog themes available and EASY TO INSTALL freebies as well (hopefully) by the beginning of next year. I will definitely offer Blogger templates and freebies. However I am toying with the idea of offering themes for other blog hosts as well. So if you use another blogging host and KNOW you will be back to see my premades, leave a comment here on this post and tell me which one YOU use!!!! You can subscribe over there to your left to be the first to know when I start releasing some INSTANT gratification!!! Oh and for all you blogging kiddos out there...Lillian has plans as well, so stay tuned!!!! ;)

As far as CUSTOM designs I am still having an internal debate as I hope to be doing more illustrations as well so we'll see. Should I decide to re-open custom designs I will only be taking a client or two at a time. That means NO MORE LINES...HOORAY! I really don't like making all of you wait...I need clones to do my bidding!

Thanks for reading and I hope you come back to visit me some time!!!!!

A Chaotic Banner with Extras

2008-10-21T10:47:00.005-05:00

When Marcie over at Cardmakin' Chaos contacted me to make a banner for her Minima Blogger Template I was surprised! I NEVER receive banner only orders. She told me she wanted clean but chaotic with flowers and butterflies but not cute. Although to her it seemed like a strange request I understood and could see her vision. So I browsed my latest favorite graphics source, istockphoto, and sent her a few ideas. I worked up a few samples and she just chose...no revisions. WOW, were we in sync or what?? **of course, I am ALWAYS OK with revisions**

So I know what you're thinking..."I thought she just wanted a banner?" We--ell...if you've worked with me you know that I just HAVE to see it this way and that, right? I didn't like the way it looked on the Minima Blogger Template so I did a few modifications and even added a bit more "Font and Color" customizing features. I showed it to Marcie and she HAD to have it...HOORAY! It looks so much better with the fun dotted borders!

Marcie was great to work with and I really like her clean, fresh yet detailed style of card making!!! Just look at this one, she even decorated the envelope!

A Dreamy Blog Design

2008-10-20T16:42:00.004-05:00

You may all remember or even know Michelle at Stamper's Dream. We have worked together SEVERAL times. We have become such great friends! She was one of my very first blog customers. I've designed her blog as well as her store and have actually worked with her on several other projects. We felt like her blog needed a little face lift so it would integrate more smoothly with the store and since we were working together on her Dream Team page and her new Friend's Feature I thought this would be a good time to get that done. I think it's absolutely dreamy and looks great on her blog!

Thanks to Michelle and her Dream Team for working so hard to get this done!

...just a little something...

2008-10-15T13:50:00.003-05:00

Joanne wanted something fun, clean and fresh. The main focus of inspiration was a t-shirt that she loves to wear. This doesn't really look too much like it now but we are both just ECSTATIC with the result! We were both VERY anxious to get this up and running so stay tuned, I've got more Joanne tweaks to come...just wait and see. ;p

No art credit is necessary because I drew it ALL myself....Whoopie!!!!

Be sure to click on over for...just a little something... by Joanne B! She does great work and is a HOOT to work with!! Thanks for being so patient with my juggling act Joanne!!!!!!!!

Terri Conrad Designs and a bit about Julie

2008-10-02T13:52:00.010-05:00

Before I show you the design I first MUST tell you a little story.

Remember Julie Masse...you know Stampin' with Julie? Back when we were working together, she sent me a little sample of some paper that she just LOVED! I too LOVED this paper and took a mental note of that fabulous designer. Well that paper was designed by Terri Conrad! So needless to say I was just blown away when Terri contacted me to work with her on a beautiful new blog design.

All the papers in this blog design were designed by Terri herself. I will also admit I had very little design work to do considering Terri sent me a full layout already finished of her vision for her blog. I just needed to work up some code! She asked for input and was open to change but, come on, what would you have changed??? I think it's gorgeous and I love how it compliments her boutique.

Luckily she did ask me to design a few headings for her photo albums. I had permission to use any digital paper of hers I chose...I was SUPER stoked! So I visited Webster's Pages and came up with these little guys:

I just loved working with Terri. Her designs definitely reflect her kind and beautiful personality! Thanks a million for this opportunity Terri!

And speaking of Julie I did a little tweak for her too. She has a cutom search, a "peek-a-boo" Blogger navbar and another suprise in store soon, be sure to check her out!

Jennifer's Sweet Design

2008-10-02T01:12:00.004-05:00

Jennifer's brand new look is ALL FINISHED! I'm so happy with the result, it's scrumptious!! She found some very cute cupcake paper for me to use on her design.

extended license for paper was purchased from Designer Digitals

Be sure to get the full view at her blog!

And of course I can't leave out her super HUNGRY siggy:

I mean come on, who wouldn't be looking at all those cupcakes all day long?

Researching online can lead to...

2008-09-27T11:40:00.003-05:00

...finding FUN things like this:

EepyBird's Sticky Note experiment from Eepybird on Vimeo.

Isn't it COOL?!?

Have a great day!
Sara :p

Old 33 Icehouse

2008-09-13T00:30:00.003-05:00

I designed a logo for Kristi Mallett's new business. It was so exciting to see my design work on a sign and even t-shirts!!! Thanks you so much Kristi for this opportunity and the t-shirt!!

Be sure to check out the Old 33 Icehouse website! The Grand Opening is today so if you live in or near Inola, OK go visit Kristi at the "Coldest Place in Inola"! She is a great lady with a FUN attitude...I'm sure her establishment reflects that!!

Happy Birthday Lily!

2008-08-31T09:58:00.004-05:00

Happy birthday to Lil...happy birthday to Lil...Haaaappppyyyyyyy birthday dear Liiiilllliaaaaan...happy birthday to you!

Go tell Lily happy birthday...she's 7 today!!!! Whoopie!!!!!!

Vicki's Tweaks

2008-08-28T13:18:00.005-05:00

Vicki over at Paper Hugs & Die Cut Dreams decided she wanted headings and a few other things to match her current design by Lara and her "Crazy Larry" siggy!! Here let me show you:

Visit her blog to see all the headings...it's an eggstravaganza!

She also wanted a clock so I looked a bit for one to match. I remembered Connie installed a new clock recently so I decided to check it out. Well Toolshell Flash Clocks ROCKS!!! THANKS CONNIE...you helped me and didn't even know it!!! Anyway Toolshell let's you customize your own clock! HOORAY...I was able to incorporate her design onto the clock...HOW COOL THAT????!!!!

I also added a column and helped her with a few more widgets...but wait! She also had this WONDERFUL idea to divide her Supplies List in her post...so I added this:

First item
Second item
- First item of embedded list
- Second item of embedded list
- Third item of embedded list
Third item
Fourth item

Now all that automatically populates each of her new posts! And see there's her fun siggy ...back for a little dance, the infamous "Crazy Larry". OK maybe not infamous!

Thanks Vicki for coming up with these great new ideas! Sounds like I have some updating of my services to do!!!

The Stampin' Librarian

2008-08-22T09:23:00.006-05:00

I'm so happy to help Nicole unveil this latest design. It's fun and funky!!!! Nicole sent me some of her favorite papers for inspiration and told me she wanted flowers and the main colors to be black and pink. I made the first sample banner and sent it to her. Then I checked email immediately and saw an email with one last bit of inspiration from Nicole. Well apparently I didn't need that because I totally nailed it! I saw her vision and she didn't even know it yet!! I just love it when that happens. I really wanted to find something neat for the Librarian in Nicole. So I looked around and found a boring pair of black glasses and an old library check-out record card and the funk was born!!!

It looks like I need to offer a few more new services! Notice the blogger bar at the top hides...oooohhh...aaaahhhh. And she has her own custom search widget as well as link navigation at the top!!!!

I must also add I just love her spectacled "mini me"...she makes me laugh. I got the idea one morning to just stick those glasses on her avatar (made by matterofscrap.com) and I thought she looked so cute I had to share. It was a fun little freebie! Now she's telling you to check out Nicole's BRAND NEW Etsy Store! I made a banner for that too and Nicole decided to use her little spectacled store clerk on Etsy as well...she's SO FUN!

OK one last Nicole item I'll show you, her watermark. We just loved those glasses!!!

flower brushes from brushes.obsidiandawn.com - glasses and library card from istockphoto.com - stitched flower from vectorstock.com

Storage Units, Ink & More is Having a Sale!

2008-08-18T09:39:00.008-05:00

Denise from Storage Units, Ink & More asked me to put together a small ad banner to use for her Core'dinations Card Stock sale. The kicker was that she wanted to surprise one of her designers by using one of her VERY CUTE card designs in the ad banner. I was especially excited when she told me that designer was my very own sister, Susan!!!! SO MUCH FUN!!! I must say I did a great job keeping it under wraps. :) So here is the little ad banner I put together:

Be sure to check out Denise's Sale...she's a GREAT LADY with a GREAT STORE!!!!!

And here is a little something silly I made to honor Hopper! I've been, of course, keeping up with the Hopper Saga on Susan's blog and even talking to her on the phone. What!?...on the phone you say...NO WAY!!!! Yes, I'm a real person who leaves her computer chair every now and again and does things the "old-fashioned" way. Anyway when I heard that Hopper was still in "doggie-jail" and saw his mug shot I just HAD to play with Photoshop!! I know, I know I'm busy...but I still like to have a little fun here and there!!! So check out Hopper in his full-on jailbird suit:

I only wasted about 20 minutes on this...really! Plus it was Sunday!! :)

Have great day everyone!!!!
Sara :)

Just a Quick Note

2008-08-15T12:08:00.004-05:00

I have received quite a few requests since the release of Lauren's new design. I am knees deep in a couple of projects right now so I haven't made time to respond to those requests. Rest assured your place in the queue is locked in as soon as I receive your first request. I will, however, still respond individually just as soon as I carve out a little time to do so. The queue is at approximately 6 to 8 months at the present time but I'm working as hard as I can to get that time decreased. THANK YOU so much for your interest in my services!!!!!!

I will also be revising my Queue (yes, I need to update that number as well) soon so that you can better see where you are in line. To do this I will use your first name and last initial. If you would prefer to remain anonymous until your new design is released please send me an email with a name or code of some sort I can use in place of your name. ;)

Another little note to my existing queue: I haven't forgotten ANY of you, I promise! I've got my spreadsheet with all your names and wonderful inspirations. I'm SO SORRY you have to wait so long, I really am!!! It's totally ridiculous, I know!! As time goes on I get faster and more efficient but I also have a family...one child is a baby boy...need I say more. THANK YOU SO MUCH for your patience with me!! When we start working together I hope that you see that I go to great lengths to ensure that your design is COMPLETELY YOU and that YOU LOVE IT!!!!!!!

Have a wonderful day!
Sara :)

My Time...

2008-08-06T17:13:00.004-05:00

...spent with Lauren Meader. Her design is totally complete and I think it turned out great...it's so Lauren! She was also my very first Wordpress blog design! She got a brand new "custom theme"...you Wordpress users know what I'm talking about. I loved Lauren's enthusiasm during the whole process, Lauren you are a joy! Thanks for being my first. I heard what you said about the watermark. ;)

I must also give a BIG HUGE CYBER HUG to Kurtis...I couldn't have gotten her published without you!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!

Again I used a couple flourish vectors from dezignus.com.
I also used flowers and butterflies purchased from Vector Stock.

I'm here, just working...see...

2008-07-16T00:57:00.011-05:00

I just finished Debi's brand new blog design. She is a collaging, card making fool so I was able to play with styles I've never tried before! It was so much fun, I LOVED IT!!!

Vintage woman brush from nadinepau-stock.deviantart.com -Papers from cloaks.deviantart.com - Eiffel Tower brush from http://www.brushes.obsidiandawn.com/ - Column and Lace brushes from www.damnedinblack.net/brushes.htm - Fonts: ShowBoat, Expo and HenryMorganHand

Sue Kust over at The Spirit Zone asked me to match her blog to her store:

She even got a fun animated siggy!

You may also notice that her blgger navigation is gone from the top and she has her own search widget. Did you know I could do that?

Kimberly's Watermark:

Vicki wanted a siggy and watermark to match her brand new design by Lara. So go see Crazy Larry on Vicki's blog!

Crazy Larry and friends purchased from istockphoto.com.

Clara's Sidebar Bee:

The Polkadot Cafe and an Unpink Logo!

2008-06-16T15:28:00.004-05:00

After several FUN weeks of work Becky and I have finished her TOTALLY COOL NEW DESIGN! She sent me a couple pictures and some ideas for inspiration and we were off. I got to play with all sorts of texture and home made "digi-scraps"! She was able to find the perfect font and color scheme and throw in some really great ideas to help me create this COMPLETELY POLKA DOTTED FANTASY!!! I just LOVE IT and I hope you do too!

Thanks Becky I really could not have created this look that is totally YOU...without YOU!!!!

<---You may have also noticed that I'm an unpink soap star! Check out Gina's blog to see what it's all about!!!

I just made this link logo and a favicon for Gina to match her already VERY HIP blog design!

And one more thing I have to add...thanks for the funny comments about the scarily anatomically correct picture by Lillian! It was as hilarious to me as it was to you!!!!!!

I woke up to...

2008-06-13T15:15:00.002-05:00

...this next to my bed!

Isn't Lily just the sweetest!!!

I'll be posting some completed projects VERY SOON!!!

Happy birthday to my twin sister...Nancy! She'll have a blog soon!!

Lillian's Blog Candy

2008-05-31T16:34:00.004-05:00

Lillian's Place has a winner! Do you notice anything different on my sidebar?

It's this:

Check out Lillian's give away results for details!

JoAnna the Crafty Kid...

2008-05-29T00:54:00.003-05:00

...has a brand new look! I really enjoyed working with JoAnna, she is just a joy and very talented.
If you never have be sure to check out her blog:

I used a couple flourish vectors from dezignus.com.

And of course, I have to post her siggy!

A BIG Tweak and a LITTLE Catchup!

2008-05-25T01:24:00.011-05:00

I've just finished another big tweak! Michelle asked me to make her a watermark, an animated siggy and she wanted her CUTE hand-stamped banner sprinkled all over her blog.

She sent me scanned images and photographs of her stamped work as well as her smiling donkey, Raffie! I used those and her banner to create a FULL BLOG MAKE OVER:

Here is her VERY animated siggy:

I'll let Michelle show you her VERY COOL watermark.

Now for SOME catch up:

A siggy for Christy Beckwith, MFT's illustrator. Again, I got to work with her TOO CUTE illustrations....LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

Julie's 2 watermarks inspired by her blog design:

Using Cornish Heritage Farms' logo I created this watermark for Julie for her DT works.

Mary Leeson's siggy inspired by her profile picture:

A Sara Original...you may have seen it here, here, or maybe even here:

I used a few vectors from dezignus.com.

I still have a few more little guys and 2 full designs to show you VERY, VERY SOON! I can't show you BEFORE my customers do, that wouldn't be right. ;)

Now back to work. I hope you're having a great Memorial Day weekend!

Lillian's Giveaway!

2008-05-24T12:27:00.005-05:00

My daughter is giving away some blog candy!!!!!

Click on the butterfly to see what it is!!!

Please feel free to post about her blog candy on your blog...Lillian would LOVE to see a lot of comments!!!!!

I'm Here...Just Busy!

2008-05-19T11:27:00.008-05:00

So I've had a couple of people ask about me. Yes, I'm here I've just decided to work on SEVERAL projects at once to help speed up my queue. So my posts have gone by the wayside. Soon I'll have a sloo of completed projects to show you. I just have a few I'm knees deep in so I want to finish those first.

I did, however, take a couple of minutes to complete this silly ice cream test I saw on Christi's blog. It's quick and fun if you want to waste a few minutes!

Here is my very professional psychological evaluation performed by the prestigious
the-n.com:

You're Mint Chocolate Chip.
Mint chocolate chip ice cream wakes up people's taste buds, and you do the same thing when you walk into a room. The chocolatey bits represent your sweet, flirtatious side, and the minty flavor represents your high energy level. You are smart, witty, and you make a great first impression. Your friends value your advice, because you tend to see things from a fresh new perspective.

Somewhat accurate although I think it may be a bit closer to my twin sister Nancy....who REALLY needs a blog, BTW!!!!!! I'm the mellow laid back one, she lights up a room when she walks in!

And my DH Kevin's said:

You're Coffee.
Compared to other ice creams, coffee ice cream has a strong flavor, and it's packed with caffeinated sweetness. You're like that, too! You're always busy, and determined to stay focused as you move from one task to the next. You get frustrated when other people slow you down or hold you back, but when you're in control, you can find ways around any obstacle.

I'd say right on the money!

What flavor are you?

Back to work and I'll try to post something a bit more substantial soon-ish!

My Favorite Things...

2008-04-17T23:11:00.006-05:00

That's right watermarks and siggies are my favorite things.

And can you guess who asked me to make these for her? Stumped?

It's Kim at My Favorite Things! Using her ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS website design I created a cute animated siggy for her and watermarks for her AND her entire design team...WHOOPIE!

See the watermark in action:

*my baby boy Edison, he makes a fine sample*

And of course my real favorite....the siggy. What can I say they are SO MUCH FUN to make!

Thanks a million Kim for giving me this opportunity!!!

A couple new Siggys and my Arte Y Pico Award

2008-04-13T10:08:00.005-05:00

OK I've been SUPER busy ever since the unveiling of Julie's tweak! Thanks Julie and thanks to all my new girls in the queue! Have fun watching the designs and tweaks flow while you wait!

I'm just now getting around to posting a couple of things!

Lori's siggy at Live-Love-Laugh-Create:

and Melissa's siggy at Ink-clinations:

I'll make another post tomorrow with another SUPER CUTE siggy, if I can. I can't reveal it before she does!!!

And I was awarded the Arte Y Pico award by Amy at Heartfeltgreetings! Thank you so much Amy! I'm supposed to award it to 5 other creative blogs but I can't decide. I really have looked and there are just SO MANY I just can't choose. So I'm giving this to all my girls in the queue! Come and get it...your blogs are all so wonderful, I love seeing all of you share your wonderful projects and thoughts with the world! I just love blogging don't you?!?

Here are the rules should you choose to follow them ;)

1) You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contributes to the blogging community, no matter what language.

2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

3) Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.

4) Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog , so everyone will know the origin of this award.

5) To show these rules.

Julie's Tweak and Siggy

2008-04-08T19:15:00.011-05:00

Thank you Julie for giving me the chance to help you transform your SUPER CUTE banner:

into this SUPER CUTE design!

I have to say the siggy is what I'm the most excited about!

I had SO MUCH FUN playing with your blog design...WHOOPIE!

Price List

2008-04-07T20:57:00.003-05:00

Banners (blog header):
$45 for “the banner” (the header image)
$15 for each additional SIMILAR banner (for example your newly designed banner decked out for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, etc.)
$15 for graphical sidebar headings that match your banner (this will REQUIRE the “queen” treatment)
$5 for graphical post title image next to or behind your post titles. (this will also REQUIRE the “queen” treatment)
$10 for a simple siggy and $20 for an animated siggy (post signature) **price changed 4/22/08**

$10 for the blogger “queen treatment" (I will upload your banner for you, match your background as well as your font styles and colors on) This service is for Blogger users…other blog services are “to be determined”...I'm always interested in try new blog services!

eBay Store Header:
$35 or an eBay store header to match your blog banner $15
$8 for the eBay "queen treatment" (I will upload your header and change your theme (if needed) and match the colors to your header.
$25 for a Gift Certificates for your store that match your banner design. This includes the promotional version in several denominations as well as a self-customizable version for creating the authorized versions.

$15 for clickable Button to match your banner/header $20 if you would like it animated (for people linking to you, usually located on the sidebar of someone else's page) **price changed 6/16/08**

$5 for a Favicon to match your banner (that cute little guy next to your URL, he also shows up in bookmarks) **Favicons DO NOT work consistently in Internet Explorer** **price changed 4/22/08**

Watermarks (to match your banner design)
$15 you get the PNG and the Photoshop brush. Instructions for installing and using the brushes are provided. I also have instructions for using GIMP (FREE photo editing software...it's comparable to Photoshop Elements). **GIMP brush sets are currently uderway...still getting kinks out of that process.** **price and process changed 4/22/08**

Page Elements (slide shows, music, link lists/blog rolls, about me with custom picture, etc...)
$5 for each element
$2 to modify an existing page element

Layout
$3 to change your blogs width
$8 per column removal/addition

Other design and web development services are available but will have to be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Help me expand my horizons and offer new services....Ask Me if I can Help!

I can accept payment via Paypal, cashiers check or money order.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Before I can start your design I'll need to know:

What colors would you like?
What’s your style? Some words that may help you get an idea of how to explain it:, cutesy, simple, busy, graceful, jagged, dirty, clean, crisp…I suppose the normal words can be used as well…country, elegant, vintage, retro, modern…on and on and on.
Any particular elements? Flowers, stripes, spots, lace, hearts, tree, fishing pole…I don’t know, you get the idea.
Seen what you love online? Send me some links, banners, cards, digital scrapbook embellishments…any graphical image.
Do you know EXACTLY what you want? Describe it with words. Draw a sketch (even an ugly one) then scan it/photograph it and email it to me. Send me similar images.
Don’t have a clue? Send me mail...get in my queue (if I have one) then take some time and look at other banners or any graphical designs and then just send me what you like. The more you know about what you want the quicker we get to realizing your banner!
Still can’t figure what to tell me…try telling me what you hate…colors you think are ugly, banners you find horrible disgusting, so on and so on.

So just send me email!

My Design, a Tidbit and a New Service

2008-04-06T17:46:00.014-05:00

The Design
As you can see I've made a few changes to my look. I was so TIRED of the big butterfly and dark background I HAD to do something! So you'll be seeing changes here and there on my own blog. Of course, I don't have a lot of time to dedicate to my own blog...just break time...so there will be no grand unveiling. Instead you'll get to see bits and pieces here and there. A personal note to my wonderful queue...I promise this is not cutting into your time in the queue! Thanks for hanging in there!!!!!!!

The Tidbit
I've been hearing quite the buzz lately about a GREAT Blogger tool! Some of you may know but those who don't SHOULD so I decided to make a post about it! If you use Blogger go to draft.blogger.com. You will see your slightly different looking dashboard. If you login into Blogger here you can SCHEDULE POSTS and if you LOVE widgets be sure to Add a New Page Element to get the list off all the great widgets!!!!!! I suppose I would consider this Blogger's staging area so be patient as some of the tools on draft.blogger may not be PERFECTED just yet. Thanks Connie for reminding me of this GREAT service!!!!! I love just Blogger!

The New Service
Announcing Another New Service...Siggies!
I've been hearing a lot of talk about post signatures (also known as a "siggy") lately. First Susan was asking about them and then I saw Amy's new signature she made herself on mylivesignature.com. Then low and behold Julie told me she wanted one to match her new design.

So I figured what the hay...I should offer this service in case people want more out of their signature! For $5 - $10 I make it to your specifications, write the code and I will even help you set it up to be automatically added to each post providing your blog service allows these kinds of modifications, most will.

Thanks ladies for the great ideas and asking for help!!!!! :) Anyone else? Even if I don't know you yet I'm always here to help just send me email! sarajwil@hotmail.com

Have fun playing on the Internet!
Sara ;)

My Queue

2008-04-05T21:32:00.013-05:00

Right now I have 32 people in the queue awaiting new page designs! If you're one of my wonderfully patient customers; remember I’m working really hard and I will be with you as soon as I can. Subscribe to this blog to receive queue updates!

Let me know if you have a question!

Stephanie's New Digs

2008-04-02T20:32:00.002-05:00

Ingenious Inklings has a brand new look and I'm down a design...WOOHOO! I think it turned out great! Thanks Stephanie for all your wonderful input and gorgeous inspiration, I couldn't have created this beautiful design without you!

Flourishes created using Photoshop vectors from dezignus.com.

Lillian wants to know...

2008-04-02T09:20:00.004-05:00

...about the CraftLite Cutter. Please check out my daughters blog. She's not getting many answers so I thought MAYBE I could help her out!

http://lillians-place.blogspot.com/2008/03/tell-me-about-craft-lite-cutter.html

Michelle's Card Gallery

2008-04-01T07:49:00.005-05:00

Michelle is really getting your one stop shopping on! She's, of course, got her wonderful store that has all the coolest stamps. But now she's even added inspiration right there for you to look at! Check out her brand new and ever growing Card Gallery! See them all at once or look by stamp brand...it's SO CONVENIENT and her cards really are WONDERFUL!

Favicons...the final word...

2008-03-30T00:46:00.008-05:00

...well for now anyway!

OK...so they don't work consistently ever in Internet Explorer and unfortunately there is no magic code that will make them work! But I have had so many requests for them anyway I'm still offering the service! Anyone who uses FireFox, Safari, and (I don't know) anything but Internet Explorer shouldn't have any problems with them. So if YOU use Internet Explorer remember just because you can't see it that doesn't mean NO ONE else can.

I do know that that this is not a happy subject up at Microsoft and MAYBE with the latest release of IE this will be fixed...let's cross our fingers!

Michelle's Store

2008-03-24T13:42:00.007-05:00

Well I'm back from vacation and I see that Stamper's Dream is doing great. Check out her brand spankin' new store! She's had it open for a few days after a long couple of weeks of hard work and just a little help from me...yeah Michelle! Congratulations!

Check her out...she's got a GREAT inventory ready to sell!!! Plus she's the greatest lady, you'll love doing business with her!

Vacation

2008-03-13T17:41:00.007-05:00

OK, so I know I haven't been in business long BUT I had a life before this. The rest of the people in that life need a vacation...and I suppose I could use one too! So I'll be on vacation next week (March 17th - 24th). If you need me, sent me email and haven't heard back from me you know why. I'll respond as soon as I can.

A special note to my queue:

I know it delays you a week...I'm sorry! I wish I could work on all your blogs all at one time. I need the "Bewitched" shake the nose power! Thanks for putting up with me!!!!

Introducing...

2008-03-08T13:20:00.001-06:00

...Post Title Images to match your new blog banner!

$5 get an image behind or next to your post titles.

Time to Rock the Sparkle Vote!

2008-03-06T19:22:00.009-06:00

Visit Julie's blog to cast your vote for Julie's headings!

OK, so we aren't going to make them ALL sparkle just a some here and there. Take a look and tell us what YOU think!

Oh and and take notice...I can get images into you polls as well as the fonts and probably whatever else you can think of!!!!! Just ask!

Announcing Stampin with Julie's new look!

2008-03-06T11:26:00.008-06:00

I'm very excited about Julie's brand new blog makeover. We have one more thing to add so stay tuned because we want to your opinion!

Julie, I've really enjoyed working with you I think your design is really you! Thanks for all your great input and patience with my busy life. It's been alot of fun!

Flourishes created using Photoshop vectors from dezignus.com.

Favicon Services Suspended...

2008-02-23T15:30:00.002-06:00

FIrst of all I want to give all my new favicon ladies a BIG THANK YOU for letting me help you get a favicon!! So THANK YOU ladies!!!

Check out these great blogs!

Blessings on Paper

My Thoughts and Creations

live, love laugh, create

Secondly I must temporarily suspend the favicon service. It doesn't seem to be too reliable. The favicons have a tendency to disappear if you are using Internet Explorer. I've tried a few things but still have not worked out the bugs. I can't charge anyone else for one of these things if it's not going to work consistently. If I cannot work these bugs out full refunds will be given to all my gals! I apologize for any inconvenience!

Favicons are really taking off!

2008-02-20T07:42:00.005-06:00

Everybody loves the favicon...check out all these cute little guys!

Inkclinations

HeartfeltGreetings

susiestampalot

StampersDream

iheart2stamp...Be sure to check out Jen...she is offering up some blog candy to celebrate her new favicon! ;)

Another new service added!

2008-02-18T14:37:00.004-06:00

$25 you can get graphical Gift Certificates to match your banner or store header! This includes several denominations plus a customizable version for producing the "authorized" certificates.

Well maybe not "Introducing" to some of you as you may have seen Michelle's gift certificate on Laurie's or even on SO AND SO's blog! Here is a sample of Michelle's gift certificate:

Thanks again to Michelle for inspiring yet another new service!

Testimonials

2008-02-18T10:15:00.001-06:00

Kind words from my wonderful clients! Please post your comments here...

A new service!

2008-02-12T08:58:00.001-06:00

Thanks Melissa for inspiring this great new service!

ONLY $3 get your own Favicon to match your new banner:

Another New Design Completed!

2008-02-04T14:27:00.000-06:00

Thanks Michelle for all your great input and patience! I think your blog turned out quite dreamy! It was a PLEASURE working with you!

Michelle at Stamper's Dream:

Another wonderful butterfly brush provided by Stephanie Shimerdla.
Flower brushes provided by http://designfruit.com/jasongaylor/blog/?cat=4 and modified by me.

And I tweaked her eBay Store a bit:

Want to know what this blog is all about...

2008-02-03T21:03:00.002-06:00

...but you don't want to read.

Or...Don't understand my pricing? Tell me what you need in an email and I'll give you a quote!

sarajwil@hotmail.com

What is Tweaks and Designs?

2008-01-31T22:47:00.000-06:00

Where am I and who are you?

My name is Sara Williams.

My primary profession is SAHM of a 6 year old, a baby and a husband.

Second to that I design graphics and tweak code for your website or blog. Hence the name..."Tweaks and Designs". I enjoy creating art of any kind and LOVE computers so this was a perfect combination for me. I have been working in some facet of the computer world for the last 10 years or so. My home is full of geeks!

Sit back, browse and let me know if you'd be interested in any of my services!

How does this all happen?

2008-01-31T21:53:00.002-06:00

1) First you send me email and tell me which services you would like. For example: A banner with headings and a watermark.

Before I can start your design I'll need to know:

What colors would you like?
What’s your style? Some words that may help you get an idea of how to explain it: cutesy, simple, busy, graceful, jagged, dirty, clean, crisp…I suppose the normal words can be used as well…country, elegant, vintage, retro, modern…on and on and on.
Any particular elements? Flowers, stripes, spots, lace, hearts, tree, fishing pole…I don’t know, you get the idea.
Seen what you love online? Send me some links, banners, cards, digital scrapbook embellishments…any graphical image.
Do you know EXACTLY what you want? Describe it with words. Draw a sketch (even an ugly one) then scan it/photograph it and email it to me. Send me similar images.
Don’t have a clue? Send me mail...get in my queue (if I have one) then take some time and look at other banners or any graphical designs and then just send me what you like. The more you know about what you want the quicker we get to realizing your banner!
Still can’t figure what to tell me…try telling me what you hate…colors you think are ugly, banners you find horrible disgusting, so on and so on.

2) I put you in my queue...if I have one

3) As I finish designs I'll send updates so you can see my work PLUS you get an idea of where you are in line and how much longer you have to wait.

4) I setup a temporary blog for you and I to view samples together. We can also use this blog to discuss ideas or anything else we may think about.

5) We work TOGETHER to create your design. You tell me what you love and hate and I make changes. PLEASE REMEMBER my feelings are to be EXCLUDED from this portion of your blog design. The more you hesitate to be honest the further from our goal we become!

6) If you're not getting the "Queen Treatment" then I send you a bill, you pay me and I send you the final version of your design. If not:

a) You grant me access to your blog. (Oh, don't know how? I do and I'll tell you with simple ILLUSTRATED step-by-step instructions!)

b) I make the changes.

c) We tweak it if needed.

d) I bill you, you pay me, I send you the files and make the final modifications.

7) We're ALL DONE...for now! ;) If it doesn't sound quick that's because it isn't! I work diligently to get the look that YOU want!

Let me know if you have any questions!

My Tweaks and Designs

2008-01-30T21:48:00.000-06:00

My blog banner:

Beuatiful butterfly was provided by Stephanie Shimerdla via one of her awesome brushes!

Thank you so much to all my wonderful clients...I couldn't have created your wonderful designs without you and your great visions!

Melissa at Inkclinations:

Thank you Stephanie Shimerdla for the great wing brushes!

Becky at Domestic Briefcase (I made the headings to match her existing banner):

Digital supplies (c) Lauren Grier and bling by Becky!

Connie at My Thoughts and Creations (she has seasonal banners...keep watching to see them change):

Thank you Stephanie Shimerdla for the snow flake brushes!

Amy at HeartfeltGreetings:

Flourishes by http://1lovesdevine.deviantart.com/ she makes WONDERFUL brush sets!

My big sister Susan at Susiestampalot:

Wonderful flower graphics by Jenna Desai

Complete web design and maintenance for Dick Bartek and my Mom at
Bartek Real Estate:

Thank you Terry for helping us with this pages original design MANY, MANY years ago...you're a great friend!

FOR ALL MY DESIGN WORK: Credit is given where credit is due and all other art work is created by me just for you!

Let me know if you have any questions!