February Desktop Freebie!

It's almost February, so heeeeeeere's your freebie! I hope you enjoy it! Happy February and have a great Valentine's Day. The weather people here are calling for a "doozie of a snow storm" tonight, but I'm going to wait and see. Hopefully the power stays on, so I can tell you all about it! Enjoy your desktop and thanks for stopping by!

Download Here!

Remember, I only assemble the desktops. there are a lot of wonderful designers who are very generous! Read the TOU and make sure t visit them!

Starfish and World Gratitude Day

     Today is World Gratitude Day! Of course, I didn't really know that until this morning, so that makes this post all the more special. I was on Facebook last night, just seeing what everyone was up to...maybe playing a game or two, and I saw a wonderful status from a friend that really made me stop and think.

Isn't that beautiful? I don't think we slow down and remember that enough...much less take the time to tell other people in our lives the affect they truly have on us. I just loved that...so I clicked to read the other comments and noticed my friend had continued her thought in the comments section. She shared a story that brought tears to my eyes. Now, for those of you who really know me, you know that calling me emotional is a huge understatement...huge. I can easily go from a smile to a torrential downpour in less than a second.

Which leads me to this aside: I love star fish. They make me happy and sad all rolled up into one, and I can't explain it. I think it is because they are usually so small and fragile, but their little arms always look so happy. Like they are jumping for joy or something. So...I love star fish.

freedigitalphotos.net, Frederico Stevanin

Now...back on topic. The comment my Facebook friend shared got me, and then the little story she posted underneath totally unleashed the tears. I felt so connected to the little girl in the story, I couldn't hold back the water works and I became a blubbering wet mess. That is not an exaggeration. I cried like someone took my best friend away! So, of course, I had to make a page about it. It was just what I needed to read at the time. We all make a difference, no matter how small our actions....

I made this with edits to a photobucket image. The fonts are Jellyka St. Andrews Queen and Garamond.

I hope this parable touched you as much as it touched me. I kept starfish around me before because they reminded me to smile. Now I have more reasons for my little friends...they remind me daily that I do make a difference. No matter how small my contributions may be... I make a difference. And today is the perfect day to say that is what I'm thankful for.

Wine Country, Pennsylvania Style

I recently read a review of the Northwestern PA and NY winery region that called the area the "Napa of the East." I love that! So, when my friend Macy told me our group was going to have another template challenge, I thought I'd highlight my new hometown. About two weeks ago, I took an ambitious seven mile trek, and around here, that means I was surrounded by vineyards for most of my hike. It's very peaceful, walking through grapes. I had to take pictures. There are many more wine related pages to come, believe me!

So, for those of you looking for a challenge, remember to stop by the Digital Scrapaholics Anonymous Facebook Group some time Monday and check out the new Template Challenge that's coming! If you just like looking at layouts, head to the main photo gallery for loads of inspiration!

Thanks for stopping by an sharing my new page... Wine Country.

Credits:
Photo mask: Gunhild Storiede
Template: Roadside Designs FreewayMap3
Frame, papers,grapes,wine bottle, and corkscrew: Raspberry Road Designs
paper (blended): Joyce Paul Designs
Stains: Tracey Monette
Word art by Melissa Sherbon (me!)
Font: Jellyka BeesAntique Handwriting

Inspired by Water

Water is a theme in my life. Of course, I would much rather it be the ocean, but living here on Lake Erie isn't awful. At least it is large enough for waves, and there is the added fun of treasure hunting for sea glass! The best thing about it though? Definitely the sunsets. I have had nearly everyone I've met here tell me Lake Erie sunsets are some of the most beautiful on Earth. After seeing a few, I have to agree. So, when the group I belong to on Facebook (Digital Scrapaholics Anonymous...come join!) posted it's newest challenge, the first thing I thought of was my most recent sunset picture! It's called Embrace the Space, and the point is to use a lot of white space or negative space in your lay out. I love this technique, especially since it lets you show case your larger photographs. I also love challenges because they get the creative juices flowing. I had so many ideas, I am working on more pages...but for now, here is my page inspired by our beautiful Lake Erie sunsets!

Credits:
Photograph and Word Art by me! (Quote found on Goodquotes.com)
Paper by Trish Heffern Designs "A Splash of Spring"
Torn paper strip by Gunhild Storiede "Edges"
Fonts used, Jellyka Saint Andrew's Queen and Jellyka Bees Antique Handwriting

Fourth of July Freebie!

Here's a little something I wanted to share in celebration of July Fourth! Happy Independence Day Everyone!

Download

New Challenge, New Page!

Hello all!
     There's a new challenge over at the Digital Scrapaholics Anonymous group on Facebook...and Macy let little ol' me think it up! I must say, I was very excited to get the chance to come up with a scrapbook challenge all by myself! The brainstorming was fun, and what I came up with was a Title Challenge. The only real rule is to use a number as the main page title! The sky is the limit. If it's a number, you can scrap a page about it! I decided to think outside the box and scrap about calories (of all things) but I can't wait to see what everyone else comes up with! So, if you aren't already a member, head over and join. And if you are, get to scrappin'!

Here's the page I came up with...besides scrapping and household bills, calories seem to be something I think a lot about, so I decided to scrap it. The journaling reads:

"The recommended daily caloric intake for a woman is 1800. That's 753 too much...in just one day.
Talk about a reality check! Most people eat this or worse in a "normal" day. 

It's no wonder America is overweight and unhealthy!
I used to eat like this, but no more!! I cut the fried food, sugary drinks, and huge portions. 

I started exercising and feel so much better! Change is so worth it!"

Credits:
Water stains by Katie Pertiet (recolored)
Paper by Deena Rutter, Hotel California Kit
Staples by Andilynn Designs
Journal Tabs by Danielle Corbitt Designs
When I Grow Up Alpha by The Scrapping Sisters
Arrows by Spencer Nugent, Sketchy Elements Vol.1
Font by Kevin and Amanda, Pea Squeaker
Food by Trine Secher, I Love NYC Day 8 Kit

Awesome News and a Template Challenge!

     Hi everyone! I am just floating on the clouds right now! I have been a member of Digital Scrapaholics Anonymous on Facebook for a while, and just love it. (If you haven't been over there yet, WHAT are you waiting for?!) It's a fabulous group for the love of digital scrapbooking. A place for people to share their pages and chat about their collective passion toward the hobby!
     So, you can imagine how excited I was to become an administrator over at my favorite group! Not only that, I am now on Macy's CT Team! I am just ecstatic and can't wait to contribute to the group and the CT Blog! So, if you don't already know the way, head on over to J&M Designs Blog and check them out!
     Speaking of Digital Scrapaholics Anonymous...who doesn't love a challenge? I think they really give the old  creative process a much needed jolt most of the time. Well, there is a challenge afoot over at the group and you are all invited to join in! Just head over to the group page, join, and then get to scrapping! It is a template challenge and I had a load of fun making my page. The template is by Tiny Toes Designs and it's a great one! The link is on the group page or right here, so head on over and pick it up! The pages already posted are awesome, and we can't wait to see more! I'll close by sharing my page using the template...happy scrapping!

Credits: Faith True Designs: bubbles and acrylic water, Katie Pertiet: stains, Cali Designs: driftwood and paper for frame, Stapled tabs: Dizzy Scraps Designs, Bckgnd paper: Joyce Paul Designs, Alpha: altered "Red Kraft Alpha" by Designs by Kristine, Pea Lovey Dovey and Pea Alesa fonts: KevinandAmanda, Template: TinyToes Designs, and photo by me!

FINALLY!

     I have been having one heck of a creative dry spell. Maybe it's the funk I've been in...that never fosters much creative gumption. Or it might be the fact that the computer I have to use is OLD and I haven't been taking pictures, so I haven't had much to scrap. Either way, I hadn't made a page since mid March. That's NOT good.  

     Anyway, a few weeks ago I was exploring a local shop with Rob and saw the most perfect pair of galoshes ever and snapped a picture with my cell phone. We were only window shopping, and I saw a lot of neat things. (Namely, they are my new favorite store because they have loads of used books at great prices!) But the thing I remember the most...the thing I look for in the window every time I pass now...is that perfect pair of polka dot galoshes! I am hoping that they will still be there next time I come across an extra $20 to blow on myself. That's right...vintage galoshes in just my size for only $20. 

     Well, I believe everything happens for a reason, and I think I found those galoshes so I could get my creative juices flowing again! It took me a while, but I suddenly remembered I had some rain themed papers and elements that would be perfect! So, I  got to work yesterday and after a lot of playing I finally made a page! It was a big deal for me, so I thought I'd share it! Hopefully, this opened a flood gate for my creative juices! I will list the credits and journaling below the picture...I hope you enjoy it!

Page by Melissa Sherbon

Journaling

      "I've been exploring my new hometown in the afternoons. I just love all the little nooks and crannies of downtown! I saw these fabulous vintage boots in the local antique shop. I'm a fool for polka dots! They had quite a few different pairs in all shapes and sizes, but these were, by far, my favorites! Alas, I was only window shopping...but I hope they are still there when I have $20 to spend!"

Credits 

template: Katie Pertiet, Papers:MissTina (HiHello Kit), Joyce Paul Designs, MissyBits (Splash of Spring), Tracie Stroud (Sunshine Song Kit), Katie Pertiet (journal tab), Sun: Tracie Stroud (sunshine Song Kit)Umbrella and rain drops: Raspberry Road Designs Alpha: Sweet Like Choclate by A Work in Progress Designs Fonts: Susie's Hand and Socially Awkward

Sharing an Awesome Community and One of My Pages!

     I'm a big fan digital scrapbooking. I guess that's not too big a secret though, now is it? I realized that I haven't posted a single one of my pages on this blog. It must be that I upload them all to my Facebook page and groups and forget to share them here. Well, since I found an awesome group on Facebook, I thought it was a good time to share that and one of my pages!

Digital Scrapaholics Anonymous is a fun group on Facebook, and how can you not LOVE the name?!

Hello, my name is Melissa, and I am addicted to Digital Scrapbooking!

      Well, everyone interested in the medium in the least little bit should head over to their page and join the group! Macy and Janet, the fun ladies that run the group, are amazing! I really enjoy the group because it is a place to simply share your projects and get inspiration from other's while you're at it! They have fun challenges and things too, so run on over to Facebook and join in the digiscrappin' fun! You won't regret it!

     I was so excited about the feed back from fellow scrappers on the DSA group, but today I got an email that sent through the roof! One of the pages I shared had been chosen as the Layout of the Week!! So, since I haven't shared any pages here before, I thought I'd start with the one they chose! (If you guys are reading this...Thanks again Macy and Janet!!)

     I made this as a birthday present for my twin sister this past November. The poem I used had been a gift from her to me on a beautifully scrapped page for a birthday a few years before, but I knew she didn't have it out to read for herself. I thought she should, and this is what I came up with. I love my poem so much, and I hope she knows that.

"Sisters" by Melissa Sherbon

Poem by Martha S.

Credits:
fonts: Susie's Hand and Garamond
Clip: mgl Scraps, Spring Break Kit
Green polkadot pp: Sweet Blossom Designs by Sara
Strawberry Kisses Collab Kit
Picture Overlays: e-lena Designs, Shabby Paper Overlay
Hearts: Baer Garten Designs, Special You Kit
Papers: Katie Pertiet, ColorChallenge8/2/09 &
AdChallenge10/18/09
folded paper edge: Jan Hicks, Curled Edges Special
clover: Melissa Sherbon
Staples: wimpychompers, Gerber Garden Kit
Ribbon: Jan Crowley, Vagabond Kit
alpha: Rachel Young, The Beginning Alpha

In Honor of Earth Day!

Hello All! In honor of Earth Day, I wanted to share some of my favorite photos. Some I took a while ago, some are more recent and taken with my cell phone. I'm not going to go on about recycling or anything...I'm not fanatical. The simple fact is that, no matter your political leanings, or whatever it is that drives you, everyone should care about taking care of our planet.

My mother always taught us about The Golden Rule. You know, it doesn't just have to apply to other people...  treat the Earth as you would want to be treated. It's just that simple :-)

OK, there's my soap box...now, go forth and enjoy this beautiful place we call home!

Taken on a walk in North East, PA...the town, not the region (you wouldn't believe how much I have to explain that!)

A bird nest we happened upon while Geocaching. Note to self, write a post about that hobby.

 Pilot Mountain in North Carolina, last fall.

I love picking berries! This was taken July 2009 at The Happy Berry Farm in Central, SC.

Sunrise on Folly Beach, SC. Doesn't look like it, but it was February and it was cold!

Apples growing at a local farm here in North East. Burch Farms I believe.

Waves crashing on Edisto Beach, SC, taken March 2009.

The Angel Oak near Edisto and Charleston South Carolina. The perfect example of our amazing planet.

I made this collage of favorite Edisto memories for my best friend. I believe the template is by Jen Caputo. Photos are all mine though :-)

And Finally...

I realized I haven't shared one single page of my own on this blog! Since the beach is my favorite place to be, and it is Earth Day, I decided to share this one. I hope you enjoy these photos...I hope they help you remember your favorite things about our planet. I also hope you have a wonderful Earth Day!