Taming the chaos of digital scrap supplies

I don't even scrapbook digitally, but I have A LOT of digital scrapbook supplies.  A LOT.   I pick them up when they are listed as freebies or they are on sale for $1-$2 a set.   I really want to try my hand at digital scrapbooking, I also like to find things that can be printed.  During a recent computer crisis, it dawned on me that I had no idea what bits and pieces I had collected over the last few years.  I decided to do a few things about this.

1. I upgraded my Google Drive storage.  With each email account, you get 15GB of free storage. This storage is shared between your Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos.  15GB goes pretty fast.  For a measly $1.99 per month, you get 100GB of storage.   That's more like it.   The next level is 1TB for $9.99 per month.  (Hey Google, if you're listening... Can we get one that is in between?  I'm not at the 1TB level yet, but I'm approaching 100GB pretty fast!)

2. I installed Google Sync.  This connects to Google Drive and automatically syncs whatever you put into the Google Drive folder.

3. I created my files within the Google Drive folder and started moving my digital files into the appropriate files.

4.  Once they were moved, things got just a little complicated, and this might be where I lose some people.  That's okay.    When you download digital files, they usually come via .zip file.   I unzip those files and then get to work. (I put the zip files into their own folder and upload them to a different Google Drive account, just to keep them somewhere and separate from my supplies)  Most of the time, in the unzipped files, you have all kinds of stuff.  Terms of Use, coupon codes, thank yous, the digi files and the Mac versions of the digi files.  I immediately delete the excess - macosx files, files that start with *_*(mac versions), coupons, cover/sample kit photos and usually the TOU.   (I have one TOU for each digi artist in a different folder, so I don't keep duplicates)

5. Next, I take everything out of any separate folders and move them all into the master folder:

Now all the elements, papers, journaling cards, etc... are in the same folder.

6. After that, I select all and click on Print at the top.  This opens Windows photo printing software.

7. I select Adobe PDF,then uncheck "Fit Picture to Frame" and select Contact Sheet, then I click Print.

8. This creates a "contact sheet" showing what is in the folder.

9.  I keep these contact sheets in a folder labeled "Contact Sheets" and use them to reference.   I can tag them, flip through them and see what I have so I can make the most of my digital supplies.

This may not be a great method for everyone, but it really helped me to know what I have.  I find myself using it more simply because I know it exists, lol.

Gettin' my scrappy on!

We've been busy keeping up with the Declaration of Non Independence and the start of summer activities.  We've been to the water park a few times, a birthday party, we've cooked some healthy meals and we've just chillaxed at the house.

And finally, Mom got some crafty time in.   I saw this mini album by Scraps of Shirlee and I loved the title!   But of course, with everything else in the scrapbook world, those Thickers are long discontinued and not very easy to find.  (I did find them, but $10 shipping kept me from hitting buy, lol)

 

I started looking for a similar font and actually found the real deal, Gala BiLine, but it's a commercial font and at least $25. 

 I finally found Mexcellent and made it work. :)

I used my Silhouette software, (which is currently making me crazy because the new version keeps crashing, ugh!) and I made some labels, geo tags and my title.  Of course some of them deserved a little bling and "Tiara" Stickles was perfect!   Now, I just need to find the time to get these onto a layout. :)

-Cassie

Summer, Summer.......

Happened so fast!

Like seriously!?!  How did summer get here so fast?   I am so not prepared.  Yet.

So, my chitlin's have been out of school for 5 days.  FIVE.  And I am already questioning my sanity.  Today, I typed up this little gem:

This is basically the ground rules for summer.  They thoroughly believe that they can lounge around here in their 3 day old pj's, watch TV, make messes and noise, then demand to be taken to various fun (expensive) activities.   Uh, no.

I also made a calendar showing all the cool things we have scheduled and a Summer Bucket List of things to try to do this summer.  

 I'm going to make an effort to keep this updated with the things we do, as well as make a mini pocket style summer album.   Keep your fingers crossed.

My First Freebie!! Disneyland Project Life cards

"I'm going to Disneyland!!"

Teehee...no really, I am.  I escorted my daughter's marching band to Disneyland last May.   I am *SO* excited!  Over the next couple of weeks, I will be creating scrapbooking items using my Silhouette Cameo and I'm happy to share!   Here are the very first of several Project Life cards:

Here is the link to the .pdf and silhouette cut files:

Disneyland Cards PDF

Disneyland Silhouette file

Everyone have a wonderful day!

-Cassie

Intro Please!

Hi to all out in cyberspace!  I'm Cassie.  I am a mom of 5 (score Girls:4, Boys:1).  I also have a full-time job and I am a scrapbooker.  I'm also the main mode of transportation to the brood, lol.  We have a lot of activities to get to: Softball, Band, Football & whatever else we decide to make time for.   I am not a perfectionist and I don't have a bazillion great ideas for improving everyday life, lol.   My recipes are usually not so good for you, but they are yummy! I like to share the things I create and cool things I find on the web.  So kick back, relax and let's get started. :)