A Dig Valentine's Day Card

As I was thinking of what kind of card to make for this week, I thought about how my card making obsession began. It started about 9 years ago. I had a computer, a printer, a package of copy paper and an inexpensive card making program. I would go through the index of choices, add in some of my own photos and design cards for my friends and family. I even created a signature on the back that represented our family with a "created by" line and some clip art.
Once I discovered rubber stamps, paper punches and eyelets, I began to combine them with my card making software to create cards and post cards. Before I knew it, I forgot my computer and have added to my stash of embellishments and have had ink stained fingers ever since...and then Lindsay started Lindsay's Stamp Stuff.
I had to dig back into my computer and try to remember things I forgot. At times, it has been frustrating. But then I began to think...hmmm...that's how I started making cards - with the computer. Why was something that was so easy years ago, so daunting to me now? I decided to dig out my old program once again and put it back to work. It was so simple. Why didn't I think of this before?
I opened a new document in my program and began to import the stamps from the LOVE GROWS HERE set. I just can't get enough of this one! It's too cute. I used the sketch from Melissa's Tuesday Morning Sketches. Lindsay is sponsoring this week's challenge, so be sure to click the link for more details on how to enter.
For my card, I created a background (watermark) with the sentiment. Next, I re-created Melissa's layout with the digi stamps and was able to easily color in and outline them with my program. I added a photo of myself and a sentiment to finish the digital elements. Once it was printed, I popped in three brads and adhered that to a card base with a scalloped edge. Stickles gave the card it's finishing touch. (DejaVu?) LOL
So for those of you who want to try digi stamps but think it might not be as easy as it looks, open up an old, familiar software program and design a hybrid card like I have. It doesn't have to be a new, fancy program -anything you use to print a photo will work. Think of the digi stamp like it's a photo or clip art and copy it into the document. It will be fun to see how you can use something old to put a new spin on your card making fun!
Check out Thefrugalcrafter's Weblog and see what Lindsay has for you today. While you are there, check out the links to the rest of her Design Team's Blogs and see all the fun they are having with Lindsay's digi stamps and papers. Ooh, did you hear that? Lindsay has added some new stamps and papers to her MyGrafico Shop. Click the link to check those out as well-they can be downloaded instantly-no waiting! That's all for today - see you again soon. Happy Digi Stamping :)