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May 16.2011

the grand slam

It’s that time of year. Baseball season is in full swing (no pun intended) as indicated by the baseball games I kept flipping through on Saturday.

I miss watching my husband play. Our first few years of marriage were spent at the ballpark as he played both fast- and slow-pitch softball and even played Roy Hobbs–baseball for men over 30. He would have gone to a Roy Hobbs World Series had I not been pregnant and due right about the same time. It was so fun to watch him pitch a game. He’s got quite an arm and is pretty amazing . . . if I do say so myself. ;)

So in honor of the ol’ ball game, I’m having a Grand Slam day . . . not to be confused with Denny’s Grand Slam Breakfast. There’s no bacon and pancakes here. (mmmmm….paaaancaaaakes….)

This Grand Slam is all about the storyboard templates though . . . so here we go!

On First Base
We have “The Page”.

Okay, note to self, don’t wait so long between scrapping. Oy! It takes so much to get back in the groove to make something. And with this page? I tried stepping out of my “all cardstock” box that I loooove doing so much. I think that threw me for a loop too. I’m used to things having a cleaner look. ;)

I used two templates for the photo collages here. I looooove photo collages. I love telling a story with many pictures and keeping them the focus (which is why I love cardstock usually ;)).

And not only did I use the templates, believe it or not, I used shapes and images from SIX different kits!

You know, even if you aren’t into making the This & That trays, there are usually around 20 images in those kits that can be used for anything!

Look at the telegram image below here. I printed it onto some 7gypsies patterned paper so that it looks even more authentic, right down to the distressing and watermark!

Now, with this event I had a plethora of photos to use, but didn’t want to spend all my time making pages for them. So I trimmed an 8.5×11″ page protector to 4.5″ wide and used some Heidi Swapp tape to adhere the open edge closed. The tape went perfectly with the spread. With this little insert, I was able to add eight more photos (front+back).

So in the end, this is what the spread looks like.


One other tip I’d like to share here is the beauty that is Photoshop Actions! And they do make PSE versions as well. Basically, an ‘action’ is a recording of keystrokes or steps so that you can get the same result every time via a push of a button so that you don’t have to go through all the steps yourself each time.

I downloaded some free Actions from The Pioneer Woman some time ago and loooove what they can do! (I also use Totally Rad Actions as well.) On these vintage photos I used actions called Soft & Faded, Seventies, and Quick Edge Burn. I highly recommend downloading these actions to see what you can do with them! You can find them HERE. Although, for PSE, getting all the actions isn’t quite as easy, but you can read about how to get them from The Pioneer Woman HERE.


On Second Base
We have “The Photo Template”.

Now, if you’re looking at that page on the right and thinkin’ to yourself, I don’t recognize that template . . . well, you’d be right! This is a brand new template that I am giving away as a free download until Wednesday only. It’s kind of like “bat day” at the ball park. ;) After Wednesday it will find its way into a template kit as a little bonus that you will have purchase.

Alas, Wednesday is now over. Sorry if you missed your chance to download this for free, but it will make an appearance in another kit down the road.

And you need to go check out what Nichol Magouirk did with one of the storyboard templates from the Storyboard #2 kit. FAAABuolous!!! Genius!


On Third Base
We have “The Video”.

I’m still in the process of getting my real copy of Photoshop Elements (I had a trial version), but the steps behind this are all the same between PS and PSE and Mac vs. PC with one exception. PSE has a bin at the bottom that shows all your open windows (see images below). I can’t guarantee the differences between versions though–although again, I think they’d be basically the same process. I’m using CS5 and the screenshots below are PSE8.

Also, I set up my palettes on the left as opposed to on the right, like the default. I like not having to move across the screen to use the Toolbar and the Palettes. Everything is pretty much on the left and that makes more sense to me.


Okay, I’m not sure why this video stretched after uploading, but it is. I’ll figure it out and repost it, but for now, it will get the job done–just everyone will look a little wider. ;) I’m new to this whole thing, so please forgive my noviceness (yeah, it’s a word).

I have some screen shots that I took before my trial version of PSE ran out so you can see a little better visually about what’s going on.

Open a template and the photos you’ll need. Look at the bottom and you can see all the files I have opened.


With the template showing in your open window, click on the photo down in the bin and drag it up onto the template.


Look at the Layers Palette on the right in the example above and the example below. Notice how I moved the photo so that it sits just above the layer where I want to clip the image to. Hover your mouse between those two layers in the Layers palette, press Alt then click your mouse, and your image is now residing in that square. Resize as needed.


And the homerun hitter up to bat . . . 
We have “The Giveaway”.

I’m giving away one storyboard template 
of your choice to FIVE different people! 
Just leave a comment about your favorite spring thing to do and I will draw a winner on Wednesday.
So tell all your friends to come get a free storyboard template, watch a little video on how to use them and enter to win a storyboard template of your choice! It all ends Wednesday  though, so don’t miss out! 
[this contest is now closed]

On another note, if you didn’t notice Wednesday through Friday last week, Blogger was having issues. No posting. No comments. They even lost 30 hours worth of posts and comments. So my Wednesday post disappeared for a bit and I think comments were lost–but they did get the post restored. So frustrating because you can’t even blog about Blogger being down. lol Hopefully all is well now.


add a comment
nancyb - May 16, 2011 - 6:20 pm

I totally love your stuff and find the storyboards inspiring for hybrid scrapping. Believe it or not, I'd have to purging and organizing.

barnscrapper - May 16, 2011 - 6:36 pm

You are so awesome and talented not to mention generous! I love templetes and use the frequently. Yours are just fab! I love sitting on my back porch on a beautiful sunny day in spring and reading. I can't do this in the summer, because it gets much to hot and humid where I live. Thanks for the chance to win!

Lynne - May 16, 2011 - 7:04 pm

I really love that page and how you combined all the elements!!

My favorite spring activity is actually baseball. My two kids play, we go to the minor league team games here in town and drive to Denver for the Rockies games. We love baseball in our family!

GabyCreates.com - May 16, 2011 - 7:14 pm

Thanks Kerri! I love what I have purchased from you so far!… more to come!
Thanks for your generosity!

My favorite spring activity if flower watching!

Rhadonda - May 16, 2011 - 7:22 pm

Yes missed you when blogger was down. Love the long post, sweetness. Love all your stuff as you know from my pay pal account. Favorite spring thing? Love sitting in the warm sunshine and cool breeze and reading (and planting flowers). Thanks so much for the generosity. Play ball!!

dlhfks - May 16, 2011 - 7:40 pm

What a treat!! Thanks for the free storyboard. I am off to give it a try, and then come back to buy more.

dawnelaine - May 16, 2011 - 7:40 pm

So great to see one of your layouts again, Kerri! Love how you used elements from different kits. And thanks for the video – I will have to study it – SERIOUSLY "study it"!

What I love to do in spring is plant flowers and vegetables and watch them bud and bloom!

Lara - May 16, 2011 - 7:58 pm

Thanks for the freebie and the video that is so cool! Love your files they are so great. I like to head to the ball park and soccer fields and watch my kids play ball!

janel - May 16, 2011 - 8:01 pm

My favorite spring activity is planting flowers. They always cheer me up after the long winter. Love all your templates, Kerri! And now I'm hungry for a ballpark hot dog and some nachos! :)

Scrapthat - May 16, 2011 - 8:12 pm

That IS a GRAND SLAM of a LO!! I love it! TFS
My favorite spring thing is just getting my little gal out for walks and to play!

Andrea - May 16, 2011 - 8:36 pm

I love all of the things you design and I would love a free storyboard! :)

Kathy (krolski) - May 16, 2011 - 9:03 pm

I love your LO and love the kits I've bought! Thanks! Can't wait to try this photo collage template in PSE. My fav spring thing is to enjoy the sun. I love sunshine! :)

Cutiephinphin - May 16, 2011 - 9:41 pm

My fav spring thing is to feel sunshine and watch the trees and flowers budding & blooming and squirrels hopping from tree to tree for food.

Thanks for the giveaway!

carilackner - May 16, 2011 - 9:43 pm

Thanks for the free storyboard and the video. I bought one of the kits and haven't had the chance to play with it and figure it out in PSE. I will be checking out that video.

I just love being able to be outside in the spring. I can't wait to be able to eat our meals on our new patio and just enjoy the weather!

Charlene - May 16, 2011 - 10:17 pm

Love your storyboard.

My favorite Spring thing is to take photos of all the Spring blossoms–definitely my favorite season.

Karen - May 16, 2011 - 10:21 pm

I'm so glad just to be outside when spring finally comes! Finding your blog and fabulous designs was a stroke of great luck. I'm on vacation now, but I have oodles pf photos for one (or more) of your story boards. Thanks for the great frebie!

Issy - May 16, 2011 - 10:48 pm

Thanks for the Freebie Photo Storyboard Kerri! Yes, I tried to add a comment last week when I saw your extra kit, but blogger went down as I was doing it, and I couldn't get it back for days! Thought that I'd managed to "break it" from way over here! LOL! My Spring Doings…. I'm out admiring my pergola full of beautiful Wisteria, which sets off my clump of blue Himalayan Poppy – Awesome! Yep I've sprung into gardening mode. THIS is the best time to visit my country…Where are you, girlfriend? Love from Scotland xo

Karen Darmanie - May 16, 2011 - 10:53 pm

Favorite spring thing to do…..be outside with my kids, playing in the sun.
Love your work Kerri !!!
Karen D.

luvmysilhouette - May 16, 2011 - 11:20 pm

Kerri, Your LO is just Stunning… Thanks so much for the freebie I am about to get the hang of it finally lol The video was great too…You Know how much I love Kerri Bradford Designs…
I just love to open the windows and feel the fresh air come through the house in Spring…
Thanks so much for the chance to win…xoxoxo

Jeremy & Amanda Butt - May 17, 2011 - 1:08 am

My favorite thing to do in the spring is cook out on the bbq. Yes I do it all year long, even when it's snowing…but there is just something special about doing it in the spring that makes it exciting!
Amanda

Lara - May 17, 2011 - 1:27 am

Hi Kerri! Thanks for the Freebie!

With Spring comes the reinstatement of our evening baseball game with my husband and three little girls. It feels so good to get outside and stretch those legs. Having three little girls sleep well at night from all the activity is wonderful too! :)

Sandi - May 17, 2011 - 1:29 am

I am SO excited!!! A video to help me with something that seems more like a foreign language than anything else!
Spring? I think FL forgot it this year, but so far my favorite thing is our new solar heater for the pool. Water is fabulous for swimming laps! Oh yeah, and corn on the cob, and watermelon. Both are really sweet this year.

Jewel - May 17, 2011 - 3:03 am

I love your layout! My favorite thing to do in the Spring is to watch my son play baseball and daughter play softball. I love it to be outside now that Spring has finally arrived and watch my kids play a sport they enjoy.

Mollie - May 17, 2011 - 3:19 am

Beautiful layout! I agree that it's really hard to start back up after not scrapping for a while. Also, thanks for the template. I took the most adorable pictures of my girls at the park the other day (which happens to be our favorite spring time activity). The pics will look fabulous with the template:o)

tallyscrapper - May 17, 2011 - 3:48 am

Kerri, that layout is beautiful. I meant to comment on the pictures that you took of Jordan and her friends for prom (was super busy that week). Love all the pictures with the old cars and Jordan looked so pretty. Talking about baseball, we love it. Our son plays college baseball, we have watched a lot of games to get him to this level. Thank you for the opportunity for giveaway.

Andrea - May 17, 2011 - 4:17 am

Hi Kerri!

I *love* your work and can't wait to start using some of your layouts! I'm new to digital crafting and your style of things really fits with what appeals to me. So…thanks for today's freebie.

Oh…my favorite spring thing to do? Well…this year it's getting married!! 12 more days to go until I become a Mrs.

I can't wait to start capturing our wedding memories with the help of digital crafting.

Thanks again for your beautiful designs…I look forward to all your new posts.

–Andrea

Kate aka stinkydudette - May 17, 2011 - 9:31 am

Love this post, and thanks for the giveaway!

Unfortunately, Winter's approaching on this side of the world. But I'm definitely looking forward to warmer temperatures and walking barefoot!

Debbie C - May 17, 2011 - 10:18 am

Thanks for the freebie! I love your photo templates, life is so much easier. And your idea of cutting the page protector – Genius!
I love seeing the spring flowers popping out of the ground. Right now a field of purple Iris is blooming! Yum.

Stephanie - May 17, 2011 - 10:26 am

Thanks so much for the free storyboard template Kerri!
And I love the layout you created with it!
My fav spring activity is definitely sitting outside on my swing. The day it gets brought out of the shed is one of the happiest days of the year! :-)

Mindy - May 17, 2011 - 1:04 pm

Love the new storyboard template! Thanks for the video, can never have too much information. I have really enjoyed using your storyboards! Thanks again!

Stephanne - May 17, 2011 - 2:27 pm

I just downloaded my first storyboard template last night–thank YOU, by the way! I'm using it for an 8×8 photo book because…ugh…those Shutterfly templates leave much to be desired!

Anyhoo… now I'm kinda sorta addicted to the whole clip mask thing and the chance to win another template set? Holla!!

You rock, Kerri Bradford. You rock.

Susan - May 17, 2011 - 2:57 pm

My favorite spring activities are watching my daughter play softball and inhaling the wonderful but short-lived aroma of our lilacs in bloom. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!

Kim - May 17, 2011 - 3:10 pm

Hi Kerri. I love the layout you did for your daughters prom and I love the "extra" photos you added in the page protector. My favorite spring activity is spending time at the park and having picnics. Thanks for all the inspiration.

Vicki - May 17, 2011 - 3:50 pm

My favorite spring activity is planting flowers in the garden!! talk to me in July and I will tell you I hate the garden! lol but spring time its wonderfullllllllll!!
I have been dying to try one of your storyboards! thanks for the chance to win!

vegetablog - May 17, 2011 - 3:55 pm

Thank you so much for the template (I downloaded it yesterday)! I'm excited to use it :)

I LOVE planting a vegetable garden in the spring– it means that the warm weather is really and truly here to stay! (in fact, I just planted mine outside today :))

~Natalie

caroline - May 17, 2011 - 4:20 pm

Oy! I could just kiss you through the computer right now! I don't know what I was doing wrong with the story boards before, but the video was soooo much easier to follow and now I'm doing it! Yay!! (Why is learning anything new in photoshop like wrestling an alligator??)

As for the giveaway… I live in the primary snowbelt in Ohio, right on Lake Erie, so my primary favorite things to do in spring seem silly: not waddling when I walk outside, not having to put on 14 layers to walk to the mailbox, not having to pray the entire drive to work. But sleeping with the windows open (even when they're just cracked), and visiting the lake are my favorite fun things.

Thanks again for the video, that made all the difference in the world.

kbhistory - May 17, 2011 - 4:39 pm

Ahhh spring! I absolutely love watching the plants and flowers in my garden poke up their fledgling spikes. So fun. Rather crazy how much joy I get from watching them "grow up."
Thanks for the great opportunity!
-Kristin B.

Judy - May 17, 2011 - 4:51 pm

My favorite thing about spring is that the Earth just seems to "wake up," however, it causes me such miseries (allergies).

Vera W. Yates (Ling) - May 17, 2011 - 6:09 pm

These templates are so much fun! My favorite thing to do in the spring is to sit outside on my backyard and enjoying the weather with my puppies. Thanks for the chance to win.

Heather Crawford - May 17, 2011 - 6:34 pm

One of my most favorite things in Spring is being at the ballfield with my kids..softball and baseball..and the smell of that fresh cut grass! Brings back good memories :)

Anonymous - May 17, 2011 - 6:43 pm

One of my most favorite things to do in spring is watch my two sons play soccer. They both love the sport and playing it puts smiles on their faces for the entire season! Thanks for the giveaway – I love your templates! RT in GA

Anonymous - May 17, 2011 - 7:14 pm

Hi Kerri,

Thanks for the chance to win! I have some of your templates already so the video was informative and fun. My favorate thing to do in the spring is my husband's least favorate thing. lol. I love to go to all the Communion and Graduation parties. Its the first time of the new year where you can shed your black and wear something ruffles and flowers (yes I am a girly girl) I love seeing my friends and family and especially to see those cute little second gradrs all dresses up in their finest. Graduations are a time for parents and young people to be proud. Its a time of new beginnings. PS my husband doesn't like going becasue he seldom gets a day without a tie and an agenda. He would rather veg out at home.:)
Paula

Anonymous - May 17, 2011 - 7:14 pm

ooh.. love a good freebie! Thank you! Hmm… one of my favorite things to do in the spring would be de-winterizing the motorhome & boat. A sign for sure that summer is just around the corner. :)

Roshni's Paper Trail - May 17, 2011 - 8:12 pm

Staying indoors with horrible allergies, I hate being out!

Thanks for the chance to win!

Mel - May 17, 2011 - 9:49 pm

I love to plant my new plants every spring, and get ready to enjoy the blooms!

Amy - May 18, 2011 - 12:05 am

Thanks for the chance to win! My favorite spring time activity is to plant a garden for for yummy summer veggies!

Deneen - May 18, 2011 - 12:21 am

My favorite thing to do in spring is to be able to open the windows and air out the house that has been closed all winter long LOL and I enjoy planning birthday parties for my twins who have a spring birthday!

Ellie A. - May 18, 2011 - 12:48 am

Ok 1st off I already SUPER love this post because I am a Baseball mama so this just made me squeal for me Spring means just that- Little League Baseball & cheering on my sweet boys as they do what they love. Nothing like it. YAY for Spring. Thanks for the chance!

Melanie and Doug - May 18, 2011 - 1:50 am

Some of my favorite things about spring are finally seeing some sunshine and enjoying the beautiful tulips. I love your work and now love using your clipping masks. Thanks for the video.

scruzfam4 - May 18, 2011 - 4:51 am

I love going for walks in the Spring….just getting out and enjoying the weather. Thanks so much for the freebie and tutorial.

Lynsey - May 18, 2011 - 1:58 pm

Plant veggies in our raised beds. so gratifying to then collect veggies from the garden later in the year.

debkelley - May 18, 2011 - 3:35 pm

We have long winters, so just getting outdoors for any reason is great. I love watching things start to come alive and bloom.
Love your stuff, Kerri – thanks for the storyboard and video!

Amy13 - May 18, 2011 - 4:23 pm

This is probably the most corny thing anyone will say…but my favorite thing in Spring is to smell the lilacs.

Anonymous - May 18, 2011 - 4:28 pm

Hey! Thanks for the chance to win! I'd have to say my favorite thing to do in the spring is a tie between baseball and going yard work! I love the smell/ look of freshly mown grass and planted flowers and who doesn't love concession stand food at the baseball field. By summer I'm tired of both! Lol
Amy Moore

Jennifer S. - May 18, 2011 - 5:27 pm

My favorite spring thing is baseball and spring training! Now that my little guy is old enough to play tball, it has been a fantastic spring!

Christi - May 18, 2011 - 6:10 pm

my favorite thing to do in spring is to wear sandals and capris! I'm so tired of boots, socks and wool pants. :(

sneakers3575 - May 19, 2011 - 12:24 am

Love going to the greenhouse for flowers and plants for outside. Just wish it would stop raining here in Ohio. Thanks for the give away!

kathy - May 19, 2011 - 2:00 am

my favorite spring activity…..watching the birds around our home..seeing new animals and the sweet smell of fresh grass!

thanks for this chance!

Cheryl D - May 19, 2011 - 3:22 am

I love watching all of the colorful birds that have arrived now that winter has passed. Bluebirds, indigo buntings, baltimore orioles, goldfinches, grosbeaks, cardinals……. Here in Ohio, spring is our reward for getting through dreary, gray winters.

Julie - May 19, 2011 - 3:59 am

Your layout is beautiful!!!

Favorite thing about spring is being able to wear capris and enjoy spending time outdoors with the kids…it has been a long winter in Minnesota!

Thanks!
Julie

May 11.2011

odds AND ends

Okay, so I really didn’t set out to do two kits so close together with such a similar theme (‘you’ & ‘and’). :) In fact, I didn’t even put two and two together until I was just writing this post. I’ve had all these phrases written out for a few years and thought it would be fun to do a kit with them.

comes in SVG/STUDIO/DXF/AIv8/PNG
for Cricut/Silhouette/Pazzles/Wishblade/etc.
Price: $10


This kit comes with 10 phrases and 10 simple–yet fun–title variations for a total of 20 images. You know me and variety. I think that should be my middle name. Kerri Variety Bradford. How does that sound? Don’t answer that. I’m just in a weird mood right now. ;)

And so like, speaking of variety, you could even change your title to look something like this:

A fun little twist, especially if you need your title to fit more horizontally than vertically.

AND I think I’m done wring now. :)

add a comment
Rhadonda - May 12, 2011 - 2:05 am

I love the whole word thing! You are definitely on a roll. You just keep on rolling. We love the variety!! Love the new name, totally fits. It's the spice of life you know ( :

Michele - May 12, 2011 - 3:31 pm

LOL!! i love coming on your blog and checking out what newly creative thing you post. =D gotta have this, too!

Gary - May 13, 2011 - 10:59 pm

Your numero uno says "GREAT JOB KERRI VARIETY BRADFORD!!" LOL!

Gary - May 13, 2011 - 11:01 pm

I don't know why it says my name is Gary (Google)! LOL! This is Cindy! LOL!

Kerri - May 14, 2011 - 2:12 am

Highly questionable… Gary…Cindy… Hmm… ;)

May 10.2011

storyboard #4 . . . 8.5×11 style

So I’ve had some requests for full on 8.5×11″ storyboard templates.
And in this world of instant gratification?
Your wish is my command!
Don’t you just loooove instant gratification? :)
Price: $7


This set of templates comes in a variety of styles. Some have borders inside + outside, some just have inside borders, some have no borders, some have bigger borders and some smaller.But all templates (including borders) are 8.5×11″.

They are great for photo books or printing out an entire page and putting it into a page protector.

You can use them with Photoshop or Photoshop Elements and they can be resized as needed.

I did something a little different with this set. Rather than listing the sizes in the Layers palette like I’ve done in the past, I thought I’d try using numbers to correspond. Thought it might be a little easier. You guys try it out and let me know if you like it. :) FYI, the numbers are a part of the square, so when you clip it, it doesn’t show.

This is what it they will look like:

I’m feelin’ the urge to make something right now.

Just may have to do that.

hmm . . . .

p.s. I will be making a video on how to use these templates in the
very near future, so keep an eye out for that.

add a comment
dawnelaine - May 10, 2011 - 3:56 pm

I look forward to viewing your upcoming video on using the templates!
PS I completed my Family This & That kit over the weekend and just love it. I can hardly pass it by without stopping to admire it! I feel like I've accomplished so much after assembling one of your trays! LOL

Anonymous - May 10, 2011 - 5:18 pm

I too am looking forward to your video on how to use these templates. I'm not very computer literate…but I can learn.:) Thanks, love your blog!

Linda - May 11, 2011 - 2:44 pm

these are really beautiful! Is there any way you could do a tutorial on how to use these with a PC? (it's quite different to a Mac).

thanks for yet another amazing template!

Kerri - May 11, 2011 - 5:05 pm

Hey Linda!
I'm not sure about doing it on a PC. All the programs I own are for Mac. But for what this is all about, the steps are the same between both programs.

Maybe someday when I can afford both sets of programs I can do separate videos. But for now…it's just gotta be Mac.

And Dawnelaine…how exciting! I'm glad you like the kit. :)

Jewel - May 11, 2011 - 6:42 pm

Can't wait for the video on how to use your amazing templates!

May 9.2011

for the other "mums"

So I had originally planned to do an English/Aussie version of the freebie yesterday, but between Saturday night and Sunday morning when I made the “mom” image . . . I forgot. About an hour later I remembered, but the day got away from me.

So for all you “mums” out there . . . this one’s for you! :)

You can download it for free HERE.
And thank you all for the wonderful mother’s day wishes. We had church, invited Dan’s parents to dinner. Zach–who is the menu maker these days after two years of not having mom’s cooking–wanted roast, potatoes and carrots. So that’s what we had. And on Saturday, the girls in the choirs at Jordan’s high school did a special mother’s day program, which was very sweet.
Topped it off with a two-hour season finale of The Amazing Race and it was a lovely day. Kind of was rooting for Gary and Mallory to win though. Dang.
This week? Two nights of Survivor!!! Nobody bug me! ;)

I hope you had a maaahhhvelous mother’s day!

add a comment
Rhadonda - May 9, 2011 - 3:22 pm

You are so sweet to consider additional mom's. You could also use this for a fall flower page, no disrespect AT ALL for our English/Aussie friends just having fun with words. Love you all!

Cynthia B. - May 9, 2011 - 7:48 pm

I was rooting for Gary and Mallory too! Darn cab driver. And that waxing?! OWW. And I'm rooting for Matt on Survivor now, although somehow I think Rob will finagle through.
Thanks for the downloads – glad you had a good Mother's Day. :)

Amy13 - May 9, 2011 - 9:13 pm

Thanks for the heads up on Survivor. I completely missed that it is on twice this week. I really like Mike, would love to see him win. Please just anyone but Philip!

Issy - May 9, 2011 - 10:07 pm

Thanks Kerri for the new version – Saves me chopping off the top of the o in the other one! And Rhadonda is so funny! Bet she's a Gardening Girl and likes Chysanthemums! LOL!
Love from Scotland xo

Megan Renfree - May 10, 2011 - 8:40 am

Thats so awesome, thanks for the downunder version Kerri!!

Creative Dee - May 10, 2011 - 11:19 am

Hi, thanks for thinking of us English/Aussies..I am actually both! I it so nice you thought of us, I really notice that we are forgotten in the stamp world, so was great to see this :) Kind regards Denise – Melbourne, Australia

jbuffan - May 10, 2011 - 8:41 pm

Kerri,
I always thought that if we were neighbors we would be best friends, now that I see you also love reality shows ( survivor is the best!) I know we would be besties !
I am slowly going to collect every one of these adorable cut files and clipping masks.
Thank you for providing them for us.

Kerri - May 10, 2011 - 9:29 pm

'Tis true, 'tis true Miss Beth…we would be friends and we could have big finale parties. :) I've watched Survivor pretty much from the very beginning. Love the show. Love that Rob is back. And that Phillip? He's crazy! I'm dying to see what happens if one of the Zapatera tribe makes it into the finals. Hello! Mike really is a nice guy. Lots of good people on that tribe that didn't stand a chance. It's been an interesting season. Poor Matt! He deserves to win just on his endurance alone.

Survivor. Amazing Race. America's Next Top Model. Those are my reality shows. :)

Allie.Duckienz - November 26, 2011 - 4:23 pm

Thanks so much! Being a kiwi it is hard to see all the spelling differences on product etc. Favourite, colour, mum etc are mainly spelt the American way. Thanks so much for being inclusive!

May 8.2011

happy mother’s day!

This time of year is always a special one. It has lots of meaning for different reasons. First and foremost it means I am a mom to three amaaazing kids. While life isn’t always bliss, I thank my lucky stars to have such normal kids. They are talented and funny and I love sitting around the front room just chatting with them. And for the first time in three years, we are all together again.

Mother’s Day also has some sadness for me. About seven years ago (in July) my mom passed away from a series of strokes at–what I consider to be–a young age of 65. This woman you thought would have lived to 102 at the rate she kept going and taking care of the family farm. You just never know. I’m sure there are many of you that lost your mother even earlier than that. Not fun. Not fun at all.

With all the reflection I’ve had going on,
I’ve had this expression going in my head for the past few days:
it’s what moms are for

They are there to . . .
teach you how to cook
to play games
put a bandaid on
read a book
buy you clothes
play hide & seek with you and your friends
listen
sing along loudly to music in the car
feed you popsicles when you have a sore throat
drive you to the mall with your friends
eat with you at your favorite restaurant
teach her grandkids to work on the farm
(or drive on the farm)
care for you
love you
always be there . . . for as long as possible
. . . .

The list could go on and on. I think the few things that my mom “was there for” and instilled in me is a love of nature, a love of a weekend trip or to just ‘go for a drive’, a love of photography, a love of family, how to be kind and honest . . . just to name a few.

I know we all are in different stages in our lives. Some may not have mothers or be a mother. You may have mother figures in your life. Whatever the case may be, today is a time for reflection on womanhood in general.

I challenge you to jot down some notes on motherhood, 
womanhood, or whatever your situation may be.
What have you learned and hope to learn from the women or children in your life?
What does being a mother or woman mean to you?
And if you need a little journaling prompt? How ’bout this  freebie.


You can download this shape for free HERE.
(Comes in SVG/STUDIO/DXF/AIv8/PNG)
It’s also the usual “all one piece” with a “moms” accent.

I thought perhaps I’d share a couple pages that I made a few years ago (a little dated ;)) about my mom after she passed away (I’m sure I’ve shared these before). This first page happened to be about the weekend of her funeral. Everywhere we went as we drove through town, there was some sign that reminded me of her and I had to take pictures and write about each place.

(a photo template would have been nice for this one! i did it the really HARD way!)

This is something you could do now with your mom, with your kids, even your husband or girlfriends. It’s a fun way to remember places–which do change over time. They go away, signs change, etc. It’s fun to capture what you can in the moment.

On another trip to the farm, the kids and I were reminiscing about things that reminded us of “grandma,” which spurred this page.

Again, another great idea for remembering all the little pieces about a person. It was fun hearing the kids’ take on what “grandma” meant too.

So this is the perfect weekend to just jot down your feelings. You can always do a page with it later, but write it down now.

You are all just amazing women! I’ve made some pretty great friends here
on my blog and I very much appreciate your friendship and support.
And I want to wish you all a . . .
xo
k
add a comment
Issy - May 8, 2011 - 3:01 pm

Happy Mother's Day to You, Kerri! And thank you for the freebie, my sweet friend! Love from Scotland xo

Scrapthat - May 8, 2011 - 4:23 pm

Thanks so much for the file Kerri! I always get so excited when you have a free file! (your's are da bomb!)
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to you also!!

Jan - May 8, 2011 - 5:09 pm

Hope your Mother's Day is wonderful. Thanks for all you do….you are the best!

luvmysilhouette - May 8, 2011 - 6:06 pm

Happy Mothers Day Miss.Kerri, Hope you have a perfect day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!We Love You Bunches…
Thanks soooooooooooooo much for the wonderful freebie…xo

dianem - May 8, 2011 - 8:02 pm

Thank you for the Mother's Day gift!
I hope you have a wonderful day as well.

dawnelaine - May 8, 2011 - 9:55 pm

Thank you for the beautiful download, Kerri! I so love you titles!! And just perfect for the very many mom page ideas going around my head! And you are so right about jotting down things while in the moment… It is unbelievable the wonderful memories we let go of when we haven't photographed them or journaled them!

Happy Mother's Day to you, Kerri! Have a great day!

Sue - May 9, 2011 - 12:42 am

Happy Mother's day!!! Thanks so much for the freebie and for reminding me of how wonderful my mother was. What a wonderful layout you created about your mother.

Rhadonda - May 9, 2011 - 2:16 am

Glad you were ALL together this year! My girls were away at college across the state but my son was here. It was a good day. Thanks for the title, awesome as usual. Thanks for your encouragement and generosity.

nativetexangirl - May 10, 2011 - 4:14 am

What great ideas for a page! Thank you for the terrific title!

Heather D. - May 12, 2011 - 1:38 pm

So cute! BUT…I can't download it :( When I click the link I get an error saying that IE can't download it – that it's either unavailable or can not be found. Boo hoo!

Kerri - May 12, 2011 - 1:57 pm

You know Heather, I wonder if there are issues with Internet Explorer and downloading from Google Docs. I've heard this combination before. I've also heard something about trying to clear out the cache to see if that will work?

When I went to search for some answers, I see that this happens a lot with IE. I'm curious if it has issues with something like Firefox (which was always my preference on a PC).

The forums I'm reading make it seem to occur with IE version 8. No one on Google is answering the questions though, which is really strange.

If you can try using another browser, I would love to know if it works. And if it doesn't, just let me know and I'll email you the file.

This seems to be a more recent issue too…like in the past month…

We'll still get you hooked up Heather! :)

May 6.2011

life additions

No. Definitely not talking about having a baby. DEFINITELY not.
I’m actually talking about Project Life by Becky Higgins.
A few months ago I started making a cuttable kit that you could use to accentuate your Project Life kit. Just to add a little dimension or another little somethin’-somethin’.
Sadly it got put on the back burner for a while.
I had this image that I’d made first and cut out on my Silhouette.
Loooooved looking at it all these weeks + weeks as it sat out on my desk . . .
a constant reminder–taunting me, if you will–that I needed to get this kit done!
Now.
Low & Behold.
It is done.
(comes in SVG/STUDIO/DXF/AIv8/PNG
for Cricut, Silhouette, Pazzles, digital scrapping, etc.)
Price: $7
Of course these can be used for ANY project, but they’ve been specially designed to overlay your 4×6 photo or to fit within the little journaling pockets that come in the kit–which you could either have the pocket with just the shape (no paper behind it) or lay it over one of the accent cards.
Also, some of these elements/frames would be fun to add to your photo before printing even! Since they come in PNG files too, you can drop it onto your photo in your photo editing software. A fun little twist.
Be sure to keep a look out for more of these in the future too!
I have waaay too many ideas in my head for this one!

Oh, and as I was test cutting the shapes just to make sure that “all was well”, I put these two images together to save on cardstock and thought that would be a really fun page element. I squished the frame so it wasn’t as long (in this image) and I think it still looks great. I love that doodle frame.

As many of you may know, I was the main designer on the Turquoise edition of Project Life,
so it holds a special place in my heart to create more of these images to work with this amazing system. Becky is brilliant at organizing and has made such a wonderful product here. Sadly, I never did get started on mine. I am not anywhere near as organized as our Miss Becky. ;) But I will make up a page soon just to show you how fun it can be to put it all together.
Stay tuned on Sunday for a special post . . . and perhaps a freebie . . . maybe? ;)
add a comment
luvmysilhouette - May 6, 2011 - 6:56 pm

YES YES YES IT IS ME AGAIN OF COURSE I GOTTA HAVE THIS ONE TOO….LOL LOL HUGS TO YOU KERRI
YOU ARE DEFINITELY ON A ROLL….LOOOOOOOOVE IT

Rhadonda - May 6, 2011 - 7:06 pm

Seriously? Out of the park again. Well i guess i will just have to get this one for myself for Mother's Day too, maybe I will call it Mother's Dweek (day/week, my own word). I would love to be a little fly on the wall in your head and see all those ideas floating around but that would not be very healthy! Keep up the good work.

Michele - May 7, 2011 - 12:55 am

kerri!!! seriously!?!?!?! i'm ordering this right now as we speak! LOL, ps miss ya! haha

melaina - May 7, 2011 - 1:41 pm

THANK YOU! LOVE LOVE LOVE the way you two work together on these things! love project life and love my silhouette! This is great!!!!

Nichol Magouirk - May 7, 2011 - 4:13 pm

you do know I love you, right?!!!
Can't wait to cut these bad boys out!

Kerri - May 7, 2011 - 7:34 pm

Love you too darlin'! And I can't wait to see what YOU do with them. :)

Issy - May 7, 2011 - 9:00 pm

Wow! Kerri, you are going from strength to strength, my dear friend! I just ADORE this one! So another for me to buy when I'm more financially afloat later in the month! LOL!
Just loved the wee comment from Miss Nichol in your last post! Of course, I KNOW her! I am the NO 1 FAN of You,Kerri, Miss Nichol and the awesome Ali Edwards! I curtsey (and tug my forelock) to the 3 of you! YOU are Royalty! Long may Ye All Be Revered! And I'd LOVE to have you come visit me, here in Scotland! I'm Hoovering and preparing for you as we speak…well after I've finished scrapping for NSD, of course! Have a Happy NSD! Love from Scotland xo

cindysoul - May 9, 2011 - 5:27 am

Kerri, I REALLY Love these! Can I make a special request?!! LOL!! Would you please make the flourish frame to fit all your collage templates? Wouldn't that just be awesome?!! Love you! Cindy Lou Who!!

Gypsy Chaos - June 21, 2011 - 12:25 am

"Sadly I never did get started on mine"
July 1 marks the midpoint of the year – why not start then?

I started in Sept because I had to capture my twin sons' senior year of high school.
just sayin'

Kerri - June 21, 2011 - 2:22 pm

You are so very right! There's never a bad time to start. The point is to JUST START. We'll see if I get motivated. ;)

life additions | weeklies » Kerri Bradford Studio - January 4, 2012 - 7:32 pm

[...] few months ago I made my first Life Additions kit to work with the Project Life kits (with BH’s permission, of course). I had intended to [...]

May 6.2011

this everything

This time of year you can’t help but think about family–mom’s especially. That’s what I had in mind when I made this kit. A fun phrase, some cute funky flowers, a flourish . . . you get the idea.It just has a little bit of everything.

comes in SVG/STUDIO/DXF/AIv8/PNG
for use with Cricut, Silhouette, Pazzles, etc.
or digital scrapbooking even

Price: $5

That four-petal flower has got to be my favorite!

I thought perhaps the little date tabs might be a fun addition.
Just print it onto cardstock and fold them over whatever you feel like.
Stapling it would be fun too!

And the long “rectangle” border?
It’s kind of hard to tell, but it’s not exactly even.
Kind of makes it look old or rustic.

And if you haven’t gotten a Mother’s Day gift yet?
This & That: Family is the perfect gift idea!
add a comment
Issy - May 6, 2011 - 12:20 am

Super Kit Kerri! Love the date tabs AND the long border…I bet Miss Nichol will like those 2 fun parts! I can't wait to see what she'll do with this goodie! More Cats' Whiskers coming right at Ya! Love from Scotland xo

Rhadonda - May 6, 2011 - 1:37 am

Problem solved of what to get myself for mother's day! From one mom to another thanks for the gift! Wish i had something to give you back. Hugs from Missouri! Enjoy your weekend. Maybe i will scrapbook. Will we be seeing any of your pages soon?

luvmysilhouette - May 6, 2011 - 2:27 am

Another Beauty Miss. Kerri can't wait to play with all this WONDERFULNESS YOU HAVE BROUGHT TO US THIS WEEK… I WILL BE MAKING MY PURCHASE IN THE A.M. HUGE HUGS…HAVE I TOLD YOU LATELY HOW GREAT YOU ARE?????????????XO

Kerri - May 6, 2011 - 3:42 am

Awwww, thanks Miss Terri…and Miss Issy and Miss Rhadonda. I hope you have a wonderful weekend too!

And Rhadonda…I've been itchin' to scrap something, so hopefully soon! :)

dawnelaine - May 6, 2011 - 2:42 pm

In searching for photos for my This & that Family kit, I came across the perfect photo to use with this kit. Of course, I will have to make up my own little date tab – something that says "1993"! Something to look forward to doing on Mother's Day – putting this page together and re-living the memories!
PS I, too, miss seeing your layouts! They are always such an inspiration!! Thanks, Kerri!

Michele - May 6, 2011 - 3:50 pm

Whoo Hoo!!! I love this kerri! I've made my first purchase, actually bought 4 things :) Love your work. They're beautiful and thank you so much!

Michele - May 6, 2011 - 3:52 pm

P.S. Happy mother's day!

Nichol Magouirk - May 7, 2011 - 4:11 pm

It sounds like Issy knows me! ;)
I can't tell you how much I LOVE this kit, Kerri. That phrase is PERFECTION. You = the BEST!!! xoxo Happy Mama's Day, my friend!

Kerri - May 7, 2011 - 7:35 pm

I think she does too! ;) Maybe you and I should go visit her in Scotland sometime.

Happy mother's day to you too…and to everyone!

May 3.2011

it’s all about YOU

Okay, well not necessarily you per se,
but it is a kit entirely centered around the word “you.”
Who knew you could do so much with that one little word?
Comes in SVG/STUDIO/DXF/AIv8/PNG
For use with digital craft cutters & digtital scrapbooking.
Note: If using with Cricut, you’ll need SCAL or MTC.
Price: $8

13 titles for pages or cards. 
It’s all about you.
If you could see my hand–palm out, going in a circle–when I say “it’s all about you.” It’s a phrase I use often when I’m teasing. No wonder why this idea popped in my head. :)

Oh, and the “be amazing / be you” also has a version without the swoosh–just in case you prefer a non-swoosh style. ‘Cause variety . . . that’s just how I roll.

And as usual with most of my titles, I like making them all one solid piece and then providing a word in a complementary color. That way you can use them in all one color or quickly add an accent color. It’s that “variety” thing again. :)

add a comment
Rhadonda - May 3, 2011 - 10:20 pm

YOU are amazing, YOU are talented, YOU are funny, YOU are THE BEST! What a great kit. Thanks!

Kerri - May 3, 2011 - 10:54 pm

No, YOU are funny. ;)

Linda - May 3, 2011 - 11:25 pm

I'm with Rhadonda…YOU are awesome ;) cna't wait to use this :)

luvmysilhouette - May 3, 2011 - 11:57 pm

Me Too Kerri You knocked it slam out the park with this one !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE EVERY SINGLE THING ABOUT THIS…YOU MY DEAR ARE A GENIUS…XOXOXO

Lina - May 4, 2011 - 1:47 pm

These are awesome. Already bought them, and my Silhouette's been hard at work all morning. Looking so much forward to a little creative time, so I can get to play with these pretty titles.

Kerri - May 4, 2011 - 1:58 pm

How fun Lina! Enjoy that creative time. I'm in the mood to scrap something myself too. :)

And to all of you? YOU are so amazing! xo

Nancy4004 - May 4, 2011 - 4:27 pm

You REALLY are amazing! Wow, wow, wow!

marla - May 4, 2011 - 4:43 pm

Wow YOU truly are amazing. Love this.!! Off to purchase it!! I have admired your work for a LONG time and now I am going to put my Silhouette to work cutitng out your beautiful titles!!

Issy - May 4, 2011 - 8:00 pm

YOU are the cat's whiskers, my dear Kerri! Love the new Kit! Love YOU! LOVE from Scotland xo

Mindy - May 5, 2011 - 3:48 pm

You may want to let folks that they can't purchase MTC or SCAL for their Cricut use anymore. Cricut sued them and now we are all up a creek until we can buy a new machine! Such as silhouette.

Kerri - May 5, 2011 - 3:52 pm

Hey Mindy! I'd heard about MTC, but nothing yet about SCAL. Was there something decided on that? If I go out to their website, it looks like it's still for sale.

This is bad for PC unless they are coming out with their own SVG program…

Rhadonda - May 5, 2011 - 5:46 pm

As far as i have read SCAL is still usable with Cricut up to a certain version of SCAL2. THey have SCAL3 now for other machines. I believe they are still in litigation with no settlement yet but considering MTC had to stop SCAL is probably next. Sad. Craft Edge forum is very helpful.

Mindy - May 6, 2011 - 1:38 pm

Yes actually it does say that if you previously purchased the SCAL 2 then it will work with the cricut, but SCAL3 which is what most folks would buy now, does not and is not listed. I totally agree this is bad business for PC. They have created a new program, but I read that and it says you can create using any of their cartridges, but if you don't have the cartridge, you can't cut it….. I guess I will be buying a silhouette now!

Roshni's Paper Trail - May 11, 2011 - 9:09 pm

Ugh I meant Cricut! =)

knock, knock » Kerri Bradford Studio - August 9, 2011 - 6:29 am

[...] uses shapes from All About You and Borderlines–both on sale [...]

more partyin’ goin’ on…. » Kerri Bradford Studio - August 10, 2011 - 8:10 am

[...] go see what our little Miss Nichol made on her BLOG today using the All About You kit! She’s doing a little Technique Tuesday blog hop today too, so she always has such fun [...]

boom . . . boom . . . boom . . . » Kerri Bradford Studio - August 11, 2011 - 9:00 am

[...] Card: All About You Kit (hello) & This & That Summertime Shapes Only [...]

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