SarahBarberDesign

Art from the Heart NEW

2012-01-29T16:51:00.000-05:00

This kit is from my heart. I started off as a Valentine's Day kit, but it evolved to my love of art. This is my first entirely hand painted kit. Almost everything included in this kit, was painted by me. I had so much fun creating this for you, you can count on there being many more painted kits.

This kit is 20% off till February 3rd! And her's some inspiration from my creative team!

Creating Art & Making Mistakes

2012-01-29T16:18:00.000-05:00

First of all, do you know how hard it is to create with a house full of kids? This weekend has been crazy. My son (13 years old now) brought a friend over for the weekend. 2 teenage boys and a 6-year-old girl crushing on his friend. OY!

I was able to complete a page Friday (it took literally all day). I kept going back to it here and there between errands, but I refused to go to bed till it was finished. Saturday was impossible to create, too much going on. BUT today, I forced myself to do something and I absolutely love it and I'm glad I did it.

So here's the page I did on Friday, it's mostly just doodles and stuff. Lots of layers of paint, pen, markers, and paper collage fodder. Oh, and I can't forget the tape. My mom says it looks like a Dr. Seuss illustration, with all the striped doodles going through it. I added some Prima flowers to it, making it extremely bulky and hard to scan, hence the poor quality of the image. Sorry! Can I just say, I'm so in love with Sharpie paint pens and markers! I have quite a collection started.

{title} create art. {mixed media}

This next page is deliberately muddy. I'm kind of blue today and that was all the more reason to get it out on a page. If you notice the difference in the left side and the right side of the page, you'll see that one side is a little more messy than the other. I was trying new techniques and really didn't know if they'd work, but trying them taught me how to achieve the results I wanted. I learned from my mistakes.

I started with a round doily and sprayed a coffee colored glimmer mist to get the masked image on my page. Next, I wanted to try image transfer. Donna Downey makes it look fairly easy, so I thought I'd give it a go. I ripped some pages from a Charlaine Harris book (Oh Sookie!) and applied my Basics gel medium. So, doing that on the left (that's where I started), I learned that the gel medium smeared my ink. Ooops. PLUS, the Basics gel medium didn't work so well with the image transfer. I ended up spraying water on it and rubbing the paper off. I didn't wait long enough, so I ended up with quite a mess. Lesson learned.

I redid the same process on the right, but in between layers, I sprayed some fixative. Ah...the light dawns. The image transfer went a little better, and I was able to get more of the text to show through. I then did a white wash over the entire thing and added some magenta dots with some bubble wrap.

To wrap up, I typed some text on regular printer paper, "You have to make mistakes to learn from them" and pulled out some old letter stickers by American Crafts. I outlined the text strips and the letter stickers with a charcoal pencil and added a touch of water to make it softer and shadow like. Then I went over the entire thing with Tea Stain Distress Ink by Tim Holtz.

The reason I really love this piece is that it has a double meaning for me. I'm gong through a rough break-up right now, and this just seems apt to the situation. Again, thank you for looking.

{title}mistakes {mixed media}

Clearance SALE!

2012-01-26T15:34:00.000-05:00

I've decided to clean shop! That means, everything I'm getting rid of, can be purchased now through February 29th, for only $1! That's it. No catch. That's up to 83% off on some products. Check out my shop for all the great deals!

What's in Your Stash?

2012-01-26T12:34:00.001-05:00

I was watching an old Donna Downey "Inspiration Wednesday" where she drew an image of her studio. It inspired me to draw an image of my home. I've been wanting to document this home for a while, but didn't really know how.

Moving around a lot, my kids have never had a permanent home. While I know that eventually I will be moving out of this home, I want to remember it. This is the first home we've had that feels like a home. We've lived here for 3 years now and we all love it.

So, taking the lead from Donna, I decided to draw it. She also tries new things all the time or goes through her stash and uses stuff just because she has it and has been hording it. Well, in doing that, I found my set of pastels. I bought them 2 years ago with good intentions, but never used them. I also have a ton of Hambly rub-ons that have been waiting for just that perfect thing. So, I just decided to use them both today, because I can.

So I started with a fresh white gessoed surface. I drew a sketch of my home, complete with gardens. Then I started playing with my pastels. So much fun! I haven't done pastel work since high school. The blending with your fingers, OH, I'm such a mess. But it made me happy.

Then I went in with watercolor pencils and a white charcoal pencil to define some areas. I just kept building layers of color and lines. Then, choosing this fabulous wood grain rub-on by Hambly, I decided to just use it. I've had it forever, so why not? I sprayed some acrylic paint for some splatter effect, and then started adding some stickers. More supplies un-earthed. I drew on some accent circles with my black India ink, did a little journaling, and went in with a fine tip sharpie to add more accents to certain parts of the house.

After all this, it still didn't feel done. I went back into my stash, found some great collage fodder (by Miss Tangie Baxter!) and glued them down to create some flowers. The stems are ribbon. More accents drawn with my sharpie paint pens, and the piece was complete!

This was a long painful piece (2 hours!), but I didn't give up. I just kept on going till I achieved a page that I love.

{title} This Home. | mixed media

Oh! Guess what? So the cover of my journal was done at the beginning of the month. I have to look at it every day and I HATE it. So, I gessoed over the whole thing! Yep. I did it. I worked on a new cover that I absolutely LOVE. It fits my word "breathe" so much better. The old cover was so cluttered and confusing. This one is clear and simple.

I used a canvas grid and spray painted over it. Using Tim Holtz's distress ink, I was able to pick up all the great texture and shapes of the previous design. The letters are felt letters by K&Co.

L4 {a soliloquy}

2012-01-25T18:43:00.000-05:00

so·lil·o·quy
[suh-lil-uh-kwee]

noun, plural -quies.
1.
an utterance or discourse by a person who is talking to himself or herself or is disregardful of or oblivious to any hearers present (often used as a device in drama to disclose a character's innermost thoughts): Hamlet's soliloquy begins with “To be or not to be.”

2.
the act of talking while or as if alone.

This is my own "soliloquy" about the recent turn of events in my health. I'm still a little dismayed, confused, and anxious about the whole thing. This is actually a digital page, which I haven't been doing much of lately. BUT, the background paper is my own real painting, scanned in, and available in Art Paint Backgrounds v.4 (coming soon). TFL!

{title} L4 {credits} Art Paint Backgrounds v.4 by Sarah Barber | AJC12 Parcel 1 and Parcel 3 by Studio Tangie | AJC11 Parcel 50 by Studio Berna.

Just doodling around...

2012-01-25T12:39:00.001-05:00

I wanted to do something today, I just had no idea what. So I started with a very blank page in my art journal, made even blanker with white gesso. Have I mentioned that I love gesso? It makes the page some much...more; there more texture and umph to the page. Anyway, so I just started playing. Just got some new pinks (acrylic color) and wanted to play with them.

I started by spraying a canvas grid (thrift store - 25 cents!). Then I dipped a finished roll of tape into some bright pink and plopped some circles down. I also found a swirly stencil at the bottom of a drawer, so I used accents of that in the corners. After that, I just went with the flow. I noticed some text lying nearby from a previous page and it had pink spray on it. Perfect! I cut it into a heart and placed it down with Gel medium.

The dust cover of a Charlaine Harris book was lying there as well, and the color scheme was a perfect match. I cut the woman out and added her to my page. After that it was just a blur of markers (Sharpie), paint pens (Sharpie), more paint, watercolor pencils, charcoal pencils, and glitter glue. I even added some splatter with my orange India ink. Somewhere in there I added a great fabric tag by Webster's Pages. Finally I added my stamp and date. So much fun and so bright!

And of course this technique was inspired by Traci Bautista. Thanks so much!

AJC & Donna Downey

2012-01-22T19:38:00.003-05:00

It's no secret that I am totally in love with Donna Downey's Inspiration Wednesday's. They rock and inspire me so much! I've learned so many new techniques as well. Anyway, for this week's Art Journal Caravan itinerary, there was a quote I wanted to work with. I had just watched an old Inspiration Wednesday video from last year and Donna's page turned out so cool, I wanted to do that. So I did, with my own touches.

I started with a curly doodle across the page and went from there. I used watercolor paints and pencils, Sharpie paint pens, alpha stickers, a rub-on I found in the bottom of a drawer, and the printed text is out of a Charlaine Harris book.

To see the original post by Donna Downey that inspired this page, visit her blog here: http://donnadowney.typepad.com/simply_me/2010/09/inspir.html

ATC Love

2012-01-22T05:32:00.002-05:00

So, each week, as part of the Art Journal Caravan, in the itinerary are these fabulously lavish words. I wanted to do something with them every week, and what better way to expand your vocabulary than to make little definition cards. :)

So I cut up some watercolor paper and made my first three Webster Dictionary ATC cards. I have an old dictionary that I picked up from the thrift shop. I often use it for collage backgrounds and such, so this was perfect. I absolutely adored working on these little tiny canvases. They were great for experimenting and trying new techniques out.

{Clandestine} I used acrylic paint, lots of layers of masks and stuff, and added some lace and a rub-on by Hambly.

{Propinquity} This one was done with watercolors. The image is from an old book on the history of women. (I LOVE used book stores!) I added the "P" by Color Bok, and accents with my sharpie black pen. I was able to get that transparent pink look with a Sharpie Mark It marker.

{Soliloquy} This was a mix of watercolor and acrylic. I used lace as a mask and pounced the acrylic pain on to get that cool texture. The brackets are an acrylic stamp, but I touched it up with my Sharpie paint pen.

Thanks for looking! I can't wait to make some more of these!

PS - What do you think of the new look on my blog?

art paint backgrounds v.3 NEW

2012-01-21T09:41:00.000-05:00

If any of you have been following my blog lately, you've seen me getting back to my roots, so to speak, with my painting. I'm loving where my heart is headed. It's messy, fun, and free! I decided why not share a bit of that with you? I've started creating some new digital products that are my own hand-painted designs! Yippee! I'm so excited to share these with you.

This week, my new release is a set of art journal background papers, straight from my actual art journal! They are 20% off now till January 27th. Enjoy!

These hand-painted background papers are perfect page starters for your art journal. Use them as is or layer them up for fantastic artwork every time. Paper pack includes 4 letter size and 4 12x12 papers at 300dpi.

And now some inspiration from my creative team!

A Beginning NEW

2012-01-17T21:50:00.001-05:00

Can you believe it? Another new product. I think I'm finally coming back from the dead, Baby. LOL! I've already got a couple more done that you're just going to have to wait for. This week I'm introducing you to "A Beginning". Inspired by the new year, but it's so much more than that. This has a very Victorian feel to it, something I haven't done in a while. And birds....do you like birds?

"to make an end is to make a beginning" -T.S. Eliot

Starting fresh, whether it be the new year or just starting over, is good for the soul. This product encompasses that feeling you get with a freshly fallen snow, where everything is clean and new. Included in the full kit are 5 card stock papers, 10 patterned papers, over 40 elements, 5 glitter styles, and a complete alpha (upper, lower, numbers, & symbols).

Here are some yummy previews...

This can be purchased separately.

The full kit is 20% off, but only till January 20th! Get it now while the price is unbeatable! And now some inspiration, courtesy of my creative team.

Doodles Unleashed!

2012-01-17T16:08:00.001-05:00

I'm taking this fantastic FREE workshop by Traci Bautista hosted by Strathmore, called Doodles Unleashed. I've always admired her work, and I came across this while searching for more inspiration and creativity ideas. Anyway, I've been watching her videos and tutorials and been dying to try some of her techniques, but I don't have any money. What's a girl to do? Weeeellll....

I dug out every last thing I have, and was able to finally create a piece using this tutorial, substituting with what I have, and come up with crazy alternatives. Mind you, this is stuff I never would have tried before, but I'm really trying to open my mind up to different possibilities this year. So far it's paid off, immensely.

At the suggestion of Traci, I took photos of my progress, and it's just so cool to see where the piece started, and where it ended up. So, I've decided to share my progress and little tidbits of what I did throughout the creation of this piece. Enjoy!

In true Donna Downey style, I had no idea where this page was going to go when I started it, but I just went with it. Go with your gut, nine times out of ten, it will be fabulous.

I started with a large piece of lace laid across my journal pages. I used two different color spray paints that I made myself. (I put a little craft acrylic in a spray bottle and added water). As you can see, the lace wasn't clean, it still had some paint on it from a previous project. Oops! :)

So, taking my lead from both Traci and Donna, I started with circles, had to add the drippage, but I didn't have the color I wanted in acrylic, so I used my watercolors! Yippee!

Going with the flow, I started making patterns and circles around the page, in contrasting colors. My acrylics are cheepies, so they aren't very opaque. This was bugging me so much because I like bold colors.

I went in with some of my watercolor pencils to kind of accent the pink a little more, and I splatted some pink around the page.Okay, out come the sharpie markers. I have these great translucent type Sharpies that I picked up at Staples real cheep. Keeping in mind, to just make marks, kind of going with the flow, not over-thinking it.

Paint pens are my favorite! I have a great purple one by Sharpie that is so awesome. I also added in here some more watercolor pencil accents and blended with my water pen. More happy doodling. :)

So while I create, I always have Pandora on, listening to something. Today I was listening to my Michael Buble station and "Beyond the Sea" came on and got stuck in my head. LOL! Had to add it in for some fun. The letters are some chipboard ones by ColorBok that I found on clearance.

Also, you might notice Elvis hanging out there in the bottom right corner. I was at Target (my favorite store!) and found these cute Elvis note cards in the dollar bins.

I added a stamp that says "to be all that is possible we must attempt the impossible. to be all that we can be we must dream of being more." (stamped with Stayzon).

Next, if you notice, I got out my trusty white paint pen by Sharpie. Added lots of highlights, making my page happier.

I finally added some black marks and accents, because the stamp was too heavy by itself. And my little posted date stamp in the bottom corner. It's done and it makes me happy!

And here's the final piece. Thanks for looking!

AJC | For the love of birds... {mixed media}

2012-01-15T13:00:00.000-05:00

When pondering about collections, my birds came to mind. I guess I collect birds. I love them. I've got them tucked in everywhere in my home. So it only seemed fitting to dig out my acrylic bird stamps. I'm sorry again, no clue who made them. I did use a bird mask by Heidi Swapp and a rub-on by Hambly. It's so cool to dig out all these old supplies and finally use them, instead of hoarding them. :) This organic free style is inspired by Donna Downey. LOVE her!.

{title} for the love of birds... {mixed media}

AJC | Fragile {mixed media}

2012-01-15T08:36:00.003-05:00

Taking advantage of another pretty background made in one of my morning warm up creativity sessions, I came up with this page, just using bits and pieces from my old stash. I honestly can't tell you who made what, it's been too long since I bought these extras. (I do think the crocheted flower is by Jo Lee's.) The pad I'm working on for these warm-ups is a small 6x9 watercolor pad by Strathmore.

{title} Fragile. {mixed media}

AJC | Letting go of even more rules...

2012-01-14T21:55:00.004-05:00

{title} What Do U See? {mixed media}

{title} Be Brave. {mixed media} inspired by Donna Downey's Inspiration Wednesday

AJC | A Beginning

2012-01-11T12:55:00.001-05:00

{title} a beginning {credits} A Beginning and Lovey Dovey (Digiridoo Feb. Collab) both by Sarah Barber (coming soon!)

AJC | Inside

2012-01-10T14:59:00.001-05:00

{title} Inside {credits} Art Paint Backgrounds v.3 (coming soon) by Sarah Barber | AJC2011 Parcel 50 by Studio Berna.

AJC | Free Your Mind {mixed media}

2012-01-09T12:08:00.003-05:00

Inspired by yet another video from the Creative Jump Start by Nathelie's Studio. This one was a video inspiration by Dina Wakley. You can find her inspirational blog, Ponderings, here. This was a piece I did while "warming up" my creative muscles this morning. I had so much fun and it was so freeing!

{title} Free Your Mind {materials} acrylic paint, ink, stamps by Tim Holtz, paint pens by Sharpie, and PITT Artist pens by Faber-Castell

AJC | A Self Portrait {mixed media}

2012-01-07T15:11:00.000-05:00

Another mixed media journal entry for defining myself. Inspired by the Art Journal Caravan by Studio Tangie. The concept for this one actually came to me last night. I was lying awake and couldn't sleep and was thinking about my art journal. The idea to sketch a self portrait but no color except around the image was what I had in mind. The rest of the page came to me as I was creating it.

{title} a self portrait {material} watercolors, sharpie markers and paint pens, PITT Artist pens by Faber-Castell, and Preserve It! Matte finish spray by Krylon.

AJC | Self {mixed media}

2012-01-07T12:24:00.004-05:00

This started out as a page about things people don't know about me, with the concept of "self". It ended up being about my self-image and how it's changed over the years.

{title} self {materials}Acrylic paint by Ceramcoat, glitter glue, dymo label maker, paint pens and markers by Sharpie, PITT Artist pens by Faber-Castell, gloss gel medium by Liquitex, and Preserve It! Matte finish spray by Krylon.

AJC - What's Past? {Mixed Media}

2012-01-06T12:07:00.003-05:00

Another 2 pages in my mixed media art journal. I was watching an inspiring video this morning by Karenika about staying inspired. You can only view it if you're signed up for Nathalie's Studio's Creative Jump Start Summit 2012 newsletter. Anyway, the basis was to create something, anything everyday and leave your art supplies out where you can see them. Simple, but effective.

{title} what's past? {supplies} ink pads and mask by Tim Holtz | watercolor pen, office supply stamps, wrapping paper | clear alpha Halloween stamps by Martha Stewart | paint pens by Sharpie and Marvie | coffee glitter spray by Tattered Angels | PITT Artist pens by Faber-Castell, gloss gel medium by Liquitex, and Preserve It! Matte finish spray by Krylon.

a letter to myself {ajc}

2012-01-04T13:05:00.000-05:00

{title} a letter to myself. {credits} 2012 AJC kit by Studio Tangie.

January 4, 2012

Going on this journey is a wonderful exercise of the mind and creative spirit. It's a constant source of inspiration to keep my creative juices flowing. I want to remember not just the end result of what I learn, but the path along the way. Keeping this journal will help remind me and future generations of my family that you are only limited by your own imagination.

I will allow myself time everyday to create, whether it be writing, drawing, or digital. I will not let my mind shut down. I will not let my health decide what I can and cannot do. I will stay open to the possibilities lain out before me. I am an artist, this is what I do.

Sarah

one word {breathe}

2012-01-03T14:20:00.000-05:00

Not just a word for the year, but a symbol; a constant reminder to chill out. I've created the following symbol to help me remember and focus on my word.

January 2012 Challenges Sponser at Digiridoo!

2012-01-02T14:07:00.003-05:00

I have the pleasure this month to be sponsoring the January challenges. What does that mean? That means for participating and playing with us this month, you get goodies from me!

Details on the challenges can be found here.

I also am hosting the art journal challenge as usual and we're starting off the new year with a one word challenge. You can find it here.

{title} breathe. {credits} created and edited by Sarah Barber.

One last thing, I wanted to share my layout that I just finished for the Colour Challenge (hosted by Pene). You can find it here.

{title} a toast {credits} template by Emily Powers | Vintage Berry by Boo Land Designs

2012 Art Journal {Mixed Media}

2011-12-28T17:34:00.000-05:00

I'm getting back to my old self, and part of that includes working on my art journal once again. This year, I'll probably have two, a digital one, and a completely handmade one. I've started the handmade one already. The cover is done and my first page is done. Actually, the journal I have is a fabulous handmade journal by Tangie Baxter. You can find them here, in her Etsy shop. Anyway, I wanted to share my new artwork with you all.

2012 Art Journal Cover Art {collage fodder by Tangie Baxter, a Broadway post card, paint pens by Sharpie, label maker, distress ink by Tim Holtz, acrylic paint, PITT Artist pens by Faber-Castell, gloss gel medium by Liquitex, and Preserve It! Matte finish spray by Krylon.

Breathe {credits} paint pens by Sharpie, PITT Artist pens by Faber-Castell, watercolor paint, and Preserve It! Matte finish spray by Krylon.

Quiet Magic NEW

2011-12-20T10:36:00.000-05:00

Quiet
Magic

There's nothing more peaceful, tranquil, or magical, than a Christmas Eve with a freshly fallen snow...

Buy Now

more details here...

Quiet Magic
Alpha

Included are one complete alpha set - upper case, lower case, numbers, and symbols.

Buy Now

or see more details here

Quiet Magic
CU Glitter

Included: 4 different glitter styles, 4 full sheets of glitter, and 1 sheet of sparklers

Buy Now

or see more details here

Magical 1st by Terri

Quiet Reflection by Lou Ann

Peaceful by IldiGiest

Reflection...

2011-12-20T09:44:00.005-05:00

As this year comes to a close, it makes one sit back and reflect what's happened in the previous year. This theme seems to be prevalent throughout the scrapbooking world right now. My December Art Journal Challenge is along these lines and of course Tangie Baxter's Art Journal Caravan has a similar vibe to it. I perused my art journal pages from this past year and was surprised that I actually had 25 of them, since I thought that I had barely gotten any done. They all had a similar theme to them, strength and survival. So here is my reflection page on this past year. Thanks for looking.

{title} reflect. {credits} Happenstance, Journal Anthology, Photo Emporium, Quickity Split Borders 1, and Verb Cards by Studio Tangie.

{journaling} "Strength? Well, I’ve certainly had that, as I’m still here to testify what a crazy, whirlwind, insane, year this has been and I’ve survived it. I’ve done so many things, but also, done nothing. I’m almost embarrassed by my pages from this year.

Have I grown as a person? Maybe, but I don’t know. The diet’s have come and gone with no change. The men have come and gone, and yes, there is yet another in my life. The depression is still prevalent in my life and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, but at least it’s not as severe as it once was. My health has gotten worse.

What have I done this year? Well, I had strength to survive. And in the end, isn’t that what we all want to do, survive?"

Guest Designer Meredith Cardall Designs!

2011-12-07T09:40:00.001-05:00

December Guest Designer: Meredith Cardall Designs

{title} Trust {credits} What a Hoot! by Meredith Cardall Designs | Lots of Paper Layers Template by Dana's Footprint Designs | Keywords by Taylor Made Designs.

{title} Your Love {credits} Love is in the Air by Meredith Cardall Designs | Lots of Paper Layers Template by Dana's Footprint Designs.

December Art Journal {Challenge} FREEBIE

2011-12-07T09:36:00.001-05:00

Art Journal Challenge {Retrospect}
designed by Sarah Barber

It's time to get real. This month's art journal challenge at Digiridoo Scraps, has you opening your mind to whole new possibilities in creativity. Join us here, in the forums, and use my exclusive free art journal inspired elements, from my own art journal to yours.

Urban Style NEW

2011-12-07T09:12:00.001-05:00

Blessings by Sarah Barber

Everly Brothers by Terri

Pandora's Box by IldiGeist

Family Outing by Sharon

2011-11-24T09:48:00.001-05:00

Black Friday SALE! 40% off of anything in my shop! Discount shows at checkout.

Simple. Stylish. Swag. Vol. 1

2011-11-24T09:44:00.001-05:00

This set of stylish "swag" is just the right touch to add to any page, for art journals and scrapbook pages! Includes 10 word art strips in PNG format. (Don't forget to check out the other products in the Simple. Stylish. product line!)

Simple. Stylish. Spreads. Vol.1 | NEW Product!

2011-11-04T13:05:00.001-04:00

Let your photos and words be the focus of all your layouts. These simple, but stylish templates will give you the look and feel of a professional spread.

Includes: 4 templates, 12x12 in size, psd and tiff file formats included.

{credits} Simple. Stylish. Spreads. V1 by Sarah Barber | photo by Sarah Barber

to school we go!

2011-09-27T10:54:00.000-04:00

Better late than never!

{title} to school we go {credits}Blueprint 10 by Gennifer Bursett | Just About Me by Sara Schmutz | Weathered Frames by Celeste Knight.

hiatus

2011-09-27T08:55:00.002-04:00

hi·a·tus
[hahy-ey-tuhs]
noun, plural -tus·es, -tus.
1. a break or interruption in the continuity of a work, series, action, etc.
2. a missing part; gap or lacuna: Scholars attempted to account for the hiatus in the medieval manuscript.
3. any gap or opening.

I need to make an official announcement. Because of recent personal problems, I will be taking leave of designing for a while. I know you all love my work, but because I love you all so much, I want to give you my best, and I can't do that right now. I've decided to go back to the beginning, where it all began, and try to regain my passion for this hobby we all love. I hope you understand.

Chapters of Our Lives | FREE with Purchase

2011-09-14T19:58:00.000-04:00

The book of our life has many chapters, even though the index may read different for everyone. There's the fond memories of our childhood, the smile when thinking back of the time we graduated from high school, the butterflies in our belly when we knew we met that very special person in our lives, the tears of joy we spilled when we married that person and when our children were born, the pride we felt when our children started to write the chapters of their book. There may be sorrowful chapters, when thinking back of loved ones lost or there may be chapters that you prefer would not have been written. One thing is for sure, there will be many chapters. Scrapbooking is a wonderful way to making the chapters in our books come to live. Just a look at that beautiful layout you made and the chapter will come alive in your mind. Our September monthly megakit will help you do just that.

What's inside:
more than 110 Elements
+60 Papers
2 Alphas

You'll get this megakit free with a purchase of $10 during the entire month of September 2011! (the kit will automatically be added to your shopping cart).

Extremes

2011-09-14T19:48:00.000-04:00

{title} extremes {credits} photo emporium, deconstructed journals (papers) as if by magic (sampler) by Studio Tangie | acrylic alpha by Emily Powers.

Hard Questions

2011-09-12T18:06:00.000-04:00

{title} Hard Questions {credits} Glittery Love, Art Ground 2, Charming, Feather Friend, Fragments all by Studio Rosey Posey.

Depression Hurts

2011-09-11T23:07:00.000-04:00

{title} Depression Hurts {credits} background paper from Showtime by Sarah Barber Design | paint splatters from Express Yourself by Doodle Designs | stitches and tape from Chapters of our Lives a collaboration from Digiridoo Scraps | images have been vectorized and edited from Pinterest.

This is My Tomorrow.

2011-08-23T15:38:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited that Amanda came out with these great templates! Chatterbox v.1 comes with 4 templates! I'm also happy to introduce to you, Scrappie Irene's designs, NEW designer to the 'Roo!

{title} This is My Tomorrow {credits} Chatterbox v.1 by Taylor Made Designs | Reflections by Scrappie Irene | background paper & stitches by me, not available yet.

Poetic Nature | Digiridoo Collab

2011-08-16T14:14:00.000-04:00

Check out this month's fabulous collab kit! It's soft and pretty and ready for all your nature inspired layouts! Best of all, it's FREE with a $10 purchase of anything in the shop!

Poetic Nature - August 2011 collaboration kit by the 'Roo designers.

Nature is an inspiration for artists of all kinds to create beautiful works of art - be it words, images or otherwise. Whether you're daydreaming while on a morning walk on a misty meadow, losing yourself in thoughts on that old bench at the back of the garden, imagining adventures while exploring a lush forest ... Let this stunning nature-inspired kit be the inspiration for your next word of art!

_What you get:_
2 alphas, 93 elements, 58 backgrounds and 2 templates.

**FREE** with any purchase of $10 or more during the entire month of August 2011

Taylor Made!

2011-08-15T17:53:00.000-04:00

Amanda has been on sort of a hiatus, but she's just release two fantastic new templates that will having you wanting to share your chatterbox. Chatterbox no. 1 and no. 2 are now available. Look below for a preview and my use of Chatterbox no. 1.

{title} Diving in {credits} Chatterbox no. 1 (template) by Taylor Made Designs | Deconstructed, Diving In and As If By Magic by Tangie Baxter.

August FREEBIE, Challenges, New Releases, Inspiration, & More!

2011-08-05T13:13:00.000-04:00

Art Journal Inspired v.6 (FREE for August ONLY)

It's time to get real. This month's art journal challenge at Digiridoo Scraps, has you opening your mind to whole new possibilities in creativity. Join us here, in the forums, and use my exclusive free art journal inspired elements, from my own art journal to yours.

Design Factor Mini Kits are now up in my shop! If you missed getting yours during my stint in the race, you can now purchase them in my shop! 20% off for a limited time!

And here's some inspiration from around the 'Roo using my products! Thanks ladies!

Forget by IldiGeist

Eye of the Beholder by oldvwblues

Heart Broken by Skyezak

Garden by Cheryl M

No Regrets | Inspired by Bubbly

2011-07-18T16:53:00.001-04:00

Just a quick page that I had to do today. Love this song. My page was inspired by this song and my life.

{title} No Regrets {credits} Art from the Heart a collaboration by the designers of Digiridoo Scraps.

The Design Factor | Heart Breaker | FREEBIE

2011-07-17T18:38:00.001-04:00

Design Factor Challenge #4

Your mini kit must contain:

3 patterned papers
2 solid colored papers
an alpha consisting of the letters a-z
5 unique elements
You must choose one single shape that you will incorporate into the design of EACH of the items in your mini-kit (except for the solid papers, of course).
We're using the term shape loosely here - so your shape could be a paw print, cloud, arrow, car, shoe etc. However, this is a design challenge, so we want to see some creativity, therefore you may NOT choose a circle or square as your shape!
You may NOT use pre-made/commercial use custom shapes, brushes, doodles etc for your shape. The shape must be created personally by you, either drawn by hand/scanned or by using the basic tools which are available to you in your software program (such as the pen tool).
You are welcome to use variations of your shape so long as each is made by you personally. For instance if your shape is an arrow one could be straight, one could be curved, one could be an outline, one could be solid, etc. so long as they are all arrows.
We are considering the alpha to be a single item in your kit, so your chosen shape does not necessarily need to be visible on each individual letter in your alpha.
You may use a maximum of FOUR (4) pre-made/commercial use tools in designing your kit outside of the standard tools that come with your software program.
These CU tools must be listed/credited in the description of your submission.
Actions, filters, fonts, brushes, etc that you did not create yourself or do not come standard with your software ALL count towards the 4 CU tool maximum.
Using two different textures from the same product counts as two tools - it's individual items, not products/sets. However, you may use an individual tool more than once - for instance, using a specific texture overlay on two different papers in your mini-kit is just one tool.

Heart Breaker is just that, inspired by my life, I felt the need to get it out there. It's all about that crazy little thing called love. Kit includes 6 papers, 6 elements, and 2 full alphas (upper and lower case). (Special thanks to Atomic Cupcake and Just Jaimee for actions and styles used on this kit.)

Want it for FREE? You can find it in the Design Factor Gallery (with the download link) at DigiScrapConnect. Enjoy! Many more freebie designer challenges to come!

July Calendar Challenge at the 'Roo!

2011-07-12T10:06:00.000-04:00

{credits} Art from the Heart Collaboration by the designers of Digiridoo Scraps.

The Design Factor | Friend or Foe? | FREEBIE

2011-07-08T12:05:00.003-04:00

Design Factor Challenge #3

We challenge you to create a color palette using neutral monochromatic colors for the majority of your kit, with accents of random and sparse pops of harmonious colors.

Once you've determined your color palette, you'll need to present it in an appealing way and then create the following:
5 papers using your monochromatic colors
10 elements using your monochromatic colors as well as your color pops
Because this is primarily a color challenge, you MAY use commercial use products. However, the use of each product must be listed in your description and you may use no more than 5 CU items (not created by you). If you use a texture overlay on your papers, and use the same one on all 5 papers, that counts as ONE CU item. If you use a brad and recolor it, it still only counts as ONE CU item.

This is just a fun kit done in my usual style, old images with a tongue in cheek feel to it. This kit includes 6 papers and 12 elements, done mostly with my own commercial use products.

For my five CU allotted items, I used the fabric brad action by Atomic Cupcake and 4 images of birds and a bug by Dover books. My monochromatic color scheme was a series of blues with a pop of lime green.

Want it for FREE? You can find it in the Design Factor Gallery (with the download link) at DigiScrapConnect. Enjoy! Many more freebie designer challenges to come!

New Professional Design Service Available

2011-07-08T11:49:00.001-04:00

I've added several new design services to my shop. As a professional graphic designer, it only seemed natural to offer my services to my fellow designers and other small business owners. You can now purchase the following:

Brand Identity Design Service {Package}
by Sarah Barber

Save $20 when you purchase the entire package!

LOGO DESIGN
For logo design, you will get 2 ideas based on the answers to the questionnaire, and then up to 2 redesigns. Total time for design is up to 1 month from purchase. You will receive a high-quality jpeg, png, and the original Illustrator file or Photoshop file, depending on what you request. No matter the software you use, you should be able to resize as needed.

LETTERHEAD & BUSINESS CARD DESIGN
Using your chosen logo, I will then create a letterhead design and business card design (front and back). You will receive high resolution jpeg, png, and Illustrator files for these.

FACEBOOK & TWITTER FAN PAGE SETUP
I will create an avatar (square sized image) of your logo for brand identity purposes on your Facebook and Twitter pages. I will set up the fan pages for you (if you don't already have one) and create a background design based on your logo image colors for your Twitter page. For this process, I would need administration rights to both of these accounts, unless you would rather do this yourself. At completion of process, I would rescind admin rights.

Logo Design Service
by Sarah Barber

For logo design, you will get 2 ideas based on the answers to the questionnaire, and then up to 2 redesigns. Total time for design is up to 1 month from purchase. You will receive a high-quality jpeg, png, and the original Illustrator file or Photoshop file, depending on what you request. No matter the software you use, you should be able to re-size as needed. You can also purchase add-on services or the whole brand identity package.

Facebook & Twitter Fan Page Design Service {Add-On}
by Sarah Barber

I will create an avatar (square sized image) of your logo for brand identity purposes on your Facebook and Twitter pages. I will set up the fan pages for you (if you don't already have one) and create a background design based on your logo image colors for your Twitter page. For this process, I would need administration rights to both of these accounts, unless you would rather do this yourself. At completion of process, I would rescind admin rights. This is an add-on service only. YOU MUST PURCHASE THE LOGO DESIGN PACKAGE TO ADD THIS AS WELL.

Business Card & Letterhead Design Service
by Sarah Barber

Using your custom logo, I will then create a letterhead design and business card design (front and back). You will receive high resolution jpeg, png, and Illustrator files for these. This is an add-on service only. YOU MUST PURCHASE THE LOGO DESIGN PACKAGE TO ADD THIS AS WELL.

Showtime!

2011-06-29T16:57:00.000-04:00

Showtime
designed by Sarah Barber

"Now that's entertainment!"

Fantastic old photos of actors from the 30's and 40's! Victorian touches everywhere. Art journal delights! Inspired by the graphic designer Eduardo Recife of Misprinted Type, I've put together this fun and artistic kit just for the inner artist in you.

Kit includes: 12 papers and 50 elements, giving you over 60 pieces in all!

Check out this gorgeous artwork by my creative team!

by Terri

by IldiGiest

by Belladonne

by Lou Ann

by Vicki

by Jeannette

by Rebecca

Soda Pop!

2011-06-29T16:50:00.000-04:00

Soda Pop
designed by Sarah Barber

"Light and Refreshing!"

Remember those days of old when going to the soda pop stand was a good time? Reminisce and relax as you drink in this light and refreshing kit. This kit was a labor of love as I drew many of the elements by hand.

Kit includes: 17 papers (12 patterned, 5 solids), 16 hand-drawn and painted elements, 13 pieces of ephemera, and 20 other fun goodies, over 60 pieces in all!

Check out my creative team's layouts!

by Terri

by Jeannette

by Margaret

by IldiGiest

by Belladonne

The Design Factor | Gnome Love | FREEBIE

2011-06-29T13:36:00.000-04:00

Design Factor Challenge #2

We challenge you to create a mini kit - with 6 different patterned papers, 6 solid papers and 10 or more (unique) elements.

The catch - The 6 patterned papers must be 100% drawn by YOU!

Whether it be doodles drawn in Photoshop or vector images drawn in Illustrator or a combination of both! Simple shapes (from your program) can be used in combination to create a UNIQUE pattern but NOT be the main design, we want to see creativity! (ie: a simple polka dot or stripe pattern will not be considered unique, we want to see what you can draw). Feel free to use your doodles or vectors as elements in your mini too!

Other requirements:

No CU can be used except UN-patterned textures/styles may be used on papers and elements. Fonts are only allowed for elements.

After watching Gnomeo and Juliet about a 100 times his week, I couldn't help but have gnomes on the mind. Here's my little contribution to the eternal war of red caps vs. blue caps. Kit includes 12 papers and 12 elements.

Want it for FREE? You can find it in the Design Factor Gallery (with the download link) at DigiScrapConnect. Enjoy! Many more freebie designer challenges to come!

sweetheart.

2011-06-25T10:13:00.000-04:00

{title} sweetheart. {credits} Kitchie Kutie by Fidlette Designs | RooRah by Kathryn Wilson | template by Emily Powers.

The Design Factor | Eye Candy | FREEBIE

2011-06-23T13:58:00.000-04:00

Design Factor Challenge #1

We challenge you to create a mini kit with a summer theme. It can be anything to do with Summer. Such as food, playground, summer sports, etc.

Since this is a designer challenge to help you build your skills as a designer, you MUST NOT use any commercial use products, with the exception of styles and brushes, with proper credits of course.

Everything you create for this mini kit must be made by you. You may extract or use your own doodles, any thing as long as you created the items/designs yourself.

Your mini kit must include:
4 or more unique elements to represent your theme and title of the kit. Think out of the box, and be unique.
AND
1 Layered tag - 2 pieces of paper
1 fastener
1 ribbon or string
1 layered flower - it can be 2 flower layered on top of each other, a flower on top of a shape, or a flower with a button on top of it. It must have at least 2 layers.
5 Papers or more.

So I've created "Eye Candy," full of Summer colors and fun with my Blythe doll. Tea parties and dress up are just one of the many activities I enjoy with my daughter in the Summer months. This kit includes 5 papers and 13 elements.

Want it for FREE? You can find it in the Design Factor Gallery (with the download link) at DigiScrapConnect. Enjoy! Many more freebie designer challenges to come!

Exclusive Facebook FanPage COUPON!

2011-06-22T10:20:00.000-04:00

NEW Look!

2011-06-22T10:04:00.000-04:00

Two-Riffic Blog Train | Stop #14

2011-06-12T22:00:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the Big Two-rific Birthday Blog train, hosted by Digiridoo Scraps staff members. You are here at Sarah Barber Design. I hope you're having a great trip. We're having a blast celebrating DRS' 2nd! birthday and hope you are having as much fun as we are. There are several stops along the way. You should have gotten here from Mad Genius Designs. But now that you're here at stop number 14, here is my portion of this two-rific blog train.

-->BOX.net-Download Link<--

-->4-Shared.com-Download Link<--

Next you should be on your way to Caffeine Created Designs. As we are spread out over several time zones, please be patient if you run into a stop that isn't up yet. In case you get lost, you can check in here for the full blog train list.

Happy travels! and happy birthdays!

Believe it or Not

2011-06-11T19:36:00.000-04:00

{title} Believe it or Not {credits} Ryan's Ride and Monkey Business by Studio 4 | word art from Keywords by TaylorMade Designs.

New Challenge System from Digiridoo Scraps

2011-06-11T11:58:00.003-04:00

From the Digiridoo blog:

In case you hadn’t noticed, as of 1st June, Digiridoo Scraps has moved to a points-based challenge reward system. By participating in our monthly challenges, you can earn yourself a Gift Card to spend at our store. If you’d like to read all about it, visit our Forum here and see how easy it is to go shopping on us!

We have our ten challenges up and running and in order to earn your rewards, please visit our Challenge Tracker thread to set up a post that you can edit throughout the month adding your completed layouts as you go. You can earn your rewards much quicker if you use mainly Digiridoo Scraps products. You will have until the last day of June to submit your layouts if you want to qualify for rewards points, but also starting this month, we now have a designer sponsoring our challenges. You can earn yourself more goodies by playing along. Truman Studio is the June Challenge Sponsor, so head over here to see what Aly is offering you! It can’t get any easier for you to start earning lots and lots of goodies!

I've already shared a few of my layouts done with this months challenge, and here's yet another one, for the Quote Challenge. You can find it here. I also went SHOPPING in the Digiridoo Shop to find all these goodies. Don't forget, all month long the entire shop is 22% off in honor of our 2nd birthday. Come join us!

{title} Ordinary Life {credits} Gypsy Flee Market paper pack by Honey Bee Digital | Monkey Business and Ryan's Ride by Studio 4 | Cameo by Sarah Barber Design | Down Home mini kit by Truman Studio.

Certain

2011-06-10T21:25:00.000-04:00

{title} Certain {credits} Journal Anthology 6, Happenstance, Diving In Provision, Photo Emporium 1, and Deconstructed 2 by Studio Tangie.

C is for Callie.

2011-06-07T08:38:00.000-04:00

{title} C is for Cat. {credits} template by Scrapoholic Designs | Sweet Surprise by Scrap'it Designs | 2-Riffic Collab by Digiridoo Scraps.

Digiridoo Turns 2!

2011-06-03T07:08:00.001-04:00

from the blog...

Digiridoo Scraps will celebrate in June!
Written by Digiridoo on May 27, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Digiridoo Scraps are celebrating their 2nd birthday in June and the entire team has been working (very) hard on all kinds of fun stuff.
We’ll be posting details of all the events in our forum very soon, but here are some of the things we’ll have going on … to wet your appetite
- Bingo!
- Scavenger hunt
- Pass the Parcel game
- Speed scraps
- Blog Hop
- A Free with Purchase grab bag
… and more!
We’ll also be launching our new welcome kit in June, free and exclusive to our Facebook fans. Be sure not to miss it and come see us!
In addition to the birthday events, we will of course have our monthly challenges: Art Journal, Template, Inspiration … just to name a few. There are plenty more and there’s something that will please everyone.
… and what would a birthday celebration be without some bargains to be had in our store so be on the lookout for a sale and we’ve got some other surprises for you too!
Hop on over, come and celebrate with us! We’re a friendly bunch and you’ll be made to feel welcome!

June Calendar Challenge

2011-06-02T07:28:00.000-04:00

{credits} background paper and small frame by Studio JM | beach elements from Beach Blanket Bingo by SAS | alpha by SherryJD | large frame and yellow flower label by Paula Kesselring.

Inspired by {David Carson} | A Photoshop Tutorial

2011-05-31T08:42:00.002-04:00

Sarah Barber | Inspired by David Carson | Photoshop Tutorial from SarahBarber on Vimeo.

This is a Photoshop tutorial on creating a page for my art journal, inspired by David Carson. This was made at the request of Tangie Baxter for the Art Journal Caravan.

This is the page that the tutorial is showing how to create:

Please be kind, it's my first ever tutorial. Most of you have never met me before, except in forums, so this is my first introduction to me. I'm in my pajamas and yes, that's Tarrah in my lap!

Also, there is a PDF version of this tutorial, complete with screen shots and resource links available for download here: Inspired By {David Carson} | A Photoshop Tutorial

Breaking All The Rules | Magazine Spread

2011-05-29T11:10:00.001-04:00

{credits} fonts: Franklin Gothic medium, Franklin Gothic condensed, Nail Scratch, Polaroid 22, HVD Rowdy, Stencil STD, 28 Days Later, Alias, Code Bold, Fayettenam | photos taken by Sarah Barber.

Breaking All The Rules | A Brief Look Into the Design Philosophies of David Carson

2011-05-28T13:52:00.002-04:00

Breaking All The Rules

[A Brief Look into the Design Philosophies of David Carson]

Sarah Barber

Herzing University Online

GA212

David Carson was a 24-year-old sociology teacher and professional surfer when he stumbled into the world of graphic design. After seeing a flyer for a two week graphic design workshop for high school students, his life was forever changed (The Font, 1996). He's been called a "Master of Typography", credited with "chang[ing] the public face of graphic design" and has authored several successful graphic design books, including the highest selling graphic design book of all time, "The End of Print" (Bio, n.d.). With his reputation for breaking all the rules, it's amazing that he has become the talent that he is today. His philosophies and lack of training are what makes him who he is, and he's proud of it.

Never one to follow the rules, Carson's entire resume for formal training in graphic design consists of a couple of workshops in America and Switzerland and six months at a commercial art school in Oregon (The Font, 1996). When it comes to the subject of formal training, Carson has this to say, "There's a conformity that comes out of some of the schools (The Font, 1996)" and as we can see from his work, that's just not his style. One of the most asked questions of Carson is about his training, or lack of. "Without formal training I never learned all the things I wasn't supposed to do. I would read the article and try to express the emotion or feeling of the article. I just did what made sense to me in interpreting the writing" (Conversation, n.d.). He still works that same way today, staying away from the restrictive grid and formal systems that are taught in art schools, feeling that these systems leave the work "uninspired, emotionless and forgettable" (Conversation, n.d.). Learning in a formal environment has never been for him as he says, "The less you see of other(s) [designers], the less likely you are to be influenced by it" (Schepis, 2010), preferring to put his own spin and inflection into his design. "I never set out to break rules or boundaries, just do what makes sense to me" (Schepis, 2010.

Carson has a reputation for illegibility in his work. His main philosophy is to invoke an emotion to a piece, make the audience feel something before reading it, investing them in it. Visually impacting the audience is a higher priority for him than the actual reading of the text. "The emotion of a piece and its type are extremely important to sending your message. Hopefully the writing actually backs up the design. But I'd say pick a font that expresses the tone of the message first" (Dennis, 2008). His illegibility has become somewhat famous as he was once credited with setting an entire article in Dingbat. According to Carson, the article wasn't worth the read, he found it boring and no font choice made it any better (Helvetica, 2007). It became a running gag with the writers of Ray Gun, a music magazine he worked on for 10 years as the art director, that the more legible the article, the more interesting the writing was (Neuman, 2007). "I want to bring the reader into the article visually, and hopefully they're rewarded with some worthwhile reading" (Conversation, n.d.).

Carson also has a reputation for being quite non-technological in his work. While he does use a computer and the program QuarkXpress, his work is pretty basic, so he's not up on all the latest software and tools available. "New technology, . . . [isn't] why I went into the field -- Ray Gun was printed out of the computer onto a bad printer, then pasted down onto art boards" (Banks, 2008). "There's a fear that if you're not technically sophisticated, the design is somehow less valid . . . There's lots of ways to communicate . . . It's largely emotional and intuitive" (Shepter, n.d.). ". . .for me, it comes down more to placement and eyeing and seeing something. I'm not anti-computer, but it's not about that for me" (Shepter, n.d.).

Carson is mostly modest but at the same time, self indulgent. He uses this word to describe himself over and over again, in every interview given. In describing his own style and himself, he had this to say: "intuitive, self indulgent, emotional, experimental, expressive" (Schepis, 2010). When asked to describe himself in one word in another interview, it was déjà vu, "Self-indulgent" (Conversation, n.d.). So what kind of advice could an icon like David Carson offer a struggling graphic designer? "Passion. Love of the craft. Obsession. Attention to detail, and 'The Eye' . . . You got to love it. Ask yourself, if money wasn't an issue, . . . would you do the same work?" (Schepis, 2010). On the old wives tale 'you need to learn the rules to break them' Carson has this to say, "What matters is that you have an intuitive design sense, listen to it, and explore your uniqueness through your work. Create rules that work for you and the type of work you're doing. I never learned all the things in school I wasn't supposed to do, so I just did, and still do, what makes sense to me" (Dennis, 2008). "I appreciate anyone who is trying something different and speaking in their own voice. Design work needs to be personal and subjective to be of interest and value" (Dennis, 2008).

So where is this graphic design great now? You can find him at one of his small studios, in New York, LA, or Switzerland, working. Or maybe even at his home on the coast, surfing a wave. If you have the notion to call his studio, he might actually be the one answering the phone. These days he's as busy as ever, with the new revival of Ray Gun, being published as Carson Magazine, and branching out into new media, like film and television advertisements (Bio, n.d.). It makes you wonder, who needs to follow the rules when you've got clients like Apple Computer, Samsung, Nine Inch Nails, Toyota, and Microsoft (Bio, n.d.)? His philosophies on graphic design are apparently working for him. Just remember, in the immortal words of Carson, "Trust yer gut" (Schepis, 2010).

References

Bio, David Carson. (n.d.). David Carson Design. Retrieved May 27, 2011 from http://davidcarsondesign.com/?dcdc=top/s&p=10

Carson, David (b.1956). (2003). In The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of Graphic Designers. Retrieved from http://credoreference.com/entry/thgraph/carson-david-b-1956

Conversation with David Carson. (n.d.). DesignTAXI.com. Retrieved May 27, 2011 from http://www.designtaxi.com/article.php?article_id=100699

Dennis, Tom. (2008). The Computer Arts Interview: David Carson. Computer Arts Magazine. Retrieved May 23, 2011 from http://www.computerarts.co.uk/in-depth/interviews/david-carson

Hustwit, Gary. (2007). Helvetica [Film]. Brooklyn, NY: Plexi Productions, LLC.

Neuman, Chad. (2007, November 8). An Interview with David Carson. Layers Magazine. Retrieved May 23, 2011 from http://layermagazine.com/an-interview-with-david-carson.html

Schepis, Michael. (2010). Interview with David Carson -- World Renowned Graphic Designer. Visualkontakt.com. Retrieved May 27, 2011 from http://designcollector.net/interview-with-david-carson-by-visualkontakt

Stoeffel, Kat. (2011, January 12). Ray Gun Magazine To Be Resurrected As (Duh) C A R S O N. The New York Observer. Retrieved May 28, 2011 from http://www.observer.com/2011/media/ray-gun-magazine-be-resurrected-duh-c-r-s-o-n

TEDTalks: David Carson on design, discovery and humor. (2008). TED.com. [video file]. Retrieved May 27, 2011 from http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/436

The Font of Youth. (1996, February 26). Newsweek. Retrieved May 27, 2011 from http://www.newsweek.com/1996/02/25/the-font-of-youth.print.html

David Carson | Talks

2011-05-27T11:18:00.003-04:00

"LIKE" Me on Facebook!

2011-05-25T09:04:00.000-04:00

Exclusive offer:

Inspired by David Carson

2011-05-24T14:58:00.001-04:00

I'm working on a project for school and doing a research paper on David Carson. This week's itinerary for the Art Journal Caravan had me experimenting with a new style and new typography techniques.

{title} I am grateful. {credits} fonts used: HVD Rowdy, HVD Poster, HVD Boleo, and Tkakchanko 4F. | filter by Machine Wash Deluxe by Mister Retro.

We R Family | ADSR

2011-05-22T12:44:00.000-04:00

The final challenge for ADSR6. It's been quite a ride, but I think this is my favorite layout. I love all my digi buddies! Thanks for the daily support. :)

{title} We R Family {credits} Background paper by Fiddlette Designs | Alpha's by Kathryn Wilson | template by TaylorMade Designs | Date element by Emily Powers | everything else from Life collab by the designers of O'Scraps.

Journaling: "What can I say? These ladies have been there for me, everyday in every way, whenever I needed someone to talk to, someone to encourage me, someone to just be there. They are kind, passionate, and loyal. We are a family in every sense of the word. I don’t know what I do without them. I love them all."

Typography Assignment

2011-05-21T15:46:00.000-04:00

Just thought I'd share my latest typography assignment with ya'll. Thanks for looking.

It's a 30 OFF Weekend!

2011-05-20T11:54:00.000-04:00

30% off your entire purchase*

using coupon code: {30OFFWEEKEND}

*cart must equal or exceed $5.

{coupon expires May 23, 12pm est}

Mother to Nature

2011-05-19T11:05:00.000-04:00

Another challenge! Caryn's Photo challenge this month is excellent. Check it out!

{title} Mother to Nature {credits} ArtGround 4 and Feather Friends by Studio Rosey Posey.

My Happy Place

2011-05-19T09:57:00.001-04:00

There are so many challenges this month over at Digiridoo Scraps, you can't want for inspiration. I did this journal page for the layer it up challenge. You can find this challenge and plenty more here.

{title} My Happy Place {credits} Spinny, Hope, Being True, Metamorphosis, & Heartful by Studio Rosie Posie. | mask template by TaylorMade Designs.

Portals | Art Journal Caravan

2011-05-15T20:03:00.000-04:00

{title} black portal {credits} background paper by Lori Davison | swirls and running girl by Sarah Barber | stamps, journey wordart by Jessica Sprague | wordart, numbers, stitches, tape by Kathryn Wilson | wings, scalloped edge, tears, little girl by Fiddlette Designs | paint scallop by Pixel Works.

Expressive Typography

2011-05-15T16:22:00.000-04:00

The assignment was to choose an adjective, or describing word, and express it with just the word with typography design. Here's what I came up with. I've got the original drawing, which was done with pencil, watercolor pencil, and ink pen, and then I've got the digitally composed version, which is much creepier. Thanks for looking!

May Calendar Challenge {exclusively @ Digiridoo Scraps!}

2011-05-14T19:28:00.000-04:00

{title} May 2011 Calendar {credits} template by Designs by Renee | photo by Sarah Barber

Gypsy at Heart | ADSR

2011-05-14T17:50:00.000-04:00

{title} Gypsy at Heart {credits} Field Notes and Gypsy Call by Studio Tangie.

A week in the life of...

2011-05-08T20:54:00.000-04:00

{title} a week in the life of... {credits} template, numbers, flowers, word art, paper strips, by Gina Marie Huff | background paper by Studio JMDesigns

Homemade Pizza | ADSR

2011-05-08T11:36:00.000-04:00

{title} Homemade Pizza {credits} Being True by Studio Rosey Posey | You Are Here by Paislee Press | Bits of Color and Funky Doodles by Studio JMDesigns | fonts from the FontDiner.

May | Freebies, NEW Products, Inspiration, and more!

2011-05-02T10:07:00.000-04:00

Oh, where to start....it's SPRING! But you knew that already, with all the Spring kits I've been coming out with. But now, it's really Spring. Mother Nature finally gave up the snow and is blessing us with lots of rain here in New York. It's a mixed blessing, as there has been flooding here locally. I LOVE this time of year, with the new buds, bees, warm sun, cool breeze. It inspired my art journal challenge this month, as you will soon see. I've taken elements from my own sketchbook and shared them here with you.

On to the NEW stuff. First, I've got 4 new art journal background papers for you to drool over. They are 8.5x11" and ready for adding to your art journal. What's more? They're 20% off for a limited time only. Grab 'em quick!

My monthly dose of sarcasm is ready for you to grab in my shop here.

And of course, my monthly Art Journal Challenge is here, ready to inspire you. Like I said, this month's Art Journal Inspired elements came straight from my sketch book. If you like this style, stay tuned for an entire kit like this.

Want some inspiration? I've been checking out my designer gallery and these caught my eye.

by Sarah Barber

by Kelley

by MissParker

by Scrappinaly

the Truth: a legacy of pain

2011-04-27T20:02:00.001-04:00

{title} a legacy of pain {credits} Firsts by Prima Hybrid. | Press Plate no. 13 by Paislee Press. | Keywords by TaylorMade Designs.

Nature, gardens, and crazy families!

2011-04-24T23:13:00.000-04:00

That's right, I've got more ADSR layouts coming at you. Can you tell I'm in love with Lori Davison right now? LOL! Thanks for looking!

{title} the beauty of nature {credits} Artist Faeries, Poet's Keepsake, and Falling Leaves Autumn Tea by Studio Lori. | little rock and chipmunk by Bernedette Hunt.

{title} mi familia = loca {credits} Being Me by Gina Marie Huff | frames by Miss Tina.

Pardon the Mess!

2011-04-18T13:39:00.000-04:00

I'll be renovating this blog for the next couple of days, so have no fear, it will be fixed soon. Thanks for your understanding.

Sarah xoxo

Me Time.

2011-04-16T14:50:00.000-04:00

This is a LO for the ADSR event. What would I do if I had a day alone to myself? Curl up with a good book.

{title} me time. {credits} Falling Leaves Autumn Tea by Studio Lori.

Spring Madness comes Home.

2011-04-14T09:08:00.000-04:00

I guested at Owl Tree Studios in March and created Spring Madness. Well, it has come home and now is bundled for you to save! Check it out!

Spring Cameo

2011-04-11T14:13:00.000-04:00

Spring Cameo
designed by Sarah Barber

"...frolic & play!"

Welcome Spring and the coming of the Easter with this wonderful warm kit that makes you want to make-believe in princesses and tea parties. Product is a full kit, including 12 papers and over 50 elements.

Medicated & Motivated | 8x10 Mixed Media on Canvas

2011-04-11T14:02:00.000-04:00

Just finished a new painting. This was super fun and quick. I didn't feel like letting the medium dry before adding more. LOL! I had a previous painted canvas that I had started. I slapped the page out of my old Webster on there, added the beautiful and spunky lady from an old nudy magazine, some polka dotted tissue paper, alphas, some paint and ink, and it's done! (Actually, I still have to put a glaze over it. I was waiting for it to dry.)

PS - This will be for sale soon in my Etsy shop!

Reverie & Red Sky | Art Journal Caravan

2011-04-11T11:54:00.000-04:00

{title} reverie {credits} Reverie by Scrapbook Artist designers | Gypsy Call by Studio Tangie.

{title} Red Sky {credits} Falling Leaves and Autumn Tea and Poet's Keepsake by Studio Lori.

More ADSR LO's...

2011-04-10T22:09:00.000-04:00

Here's my two more layouts from this past week's challenges. I bought Lori Davison's Falling Leaves and Autumn Tea collection and MAN, I LOVE IT! Of course she rocks. LOL! Anyway, I used it on both layouts. Check 'em out!

{title} Dainty Games & Family Storytime {credits} Falling Leaves and Autumn Tea by Studio Lori.

{title} an Enlightening Journey {credits} Falling Leaves and Autumn Tea by Studio Lori | journaling and photos by Crystal Howser

More Adjective Cards...

2011-04-05T18:57:00.000-04:00

More adjective ATC cards...

{title} D is for Deranged. {credits} Kitchy Kutie by Fiddlette Designs | Alice quote by SherrieJD

{title} E is for Exultant. {credits} Art Starts by SherrieJD | Art Journal Inspiration v.4 Alpha by Sarah Barber | Kewpie Cutie by Holliewood Studios

April Calendar Challenge at Digiridoo Scraps

2011-04-05T18:44:00.000-04:00

Every month at Digiridoo Scraps, there is a host of challenges to get your scrap on. I do the calendar challenge loyally as I've found it's a great way to keep track of my daughter's school activities. She gets a kick out of seeing the finished calendar page too. It's easy, since you get a FREE template to complete the challenge, and then a FREE kit just for playing! I've used my new kit, Spring Cameo to do mine this month. This product is coming soon!

{credits} Spring Cameo by Sarah Barber Design (coming soon!)

La La Land | ADSR6

2011-04-03T13:33:00.000-04:00

Challenge 2 for ADSR6! This kit is so adorable! It's called Layla in La La Land and it's a collab by Miss Tangie Baxter and her mama Studio Rebecca. I love it! Anyway, here's my layout of my cute little kitty, Sassy.

{title} La La Land {credits} Layla in La La Land by Studio Tangie and Studio Rebecca | Cirque Joyeux by Studio Tangie.

Digital Painting | Blythe Love

2011-04-02T18:16:00.000-04:00

I want to share my very first ever purely digital painting with all of you. I did a composite of my blythe doll. :) Comments are welcome and appreciated!

{title} Blythe Love {credits} original digital painting by Sarah Barber, taken from a photo by Sarah Barber | created with Adobe Illustrator.

April FREEBIES & Inspiration

2011-04-01T11:15:00.000-04:00

It's time for April! I've got your monthly freebie and your monthly art journal challenge (with freebie) up and ready! Both are now available in my shop.

Observations
Part of an art journal is exploring who you are, what makes you special, what you observe in the world around you. Do you ever take the time to slow down and really listen? Music, in all it's forms, is another part of that expression.

Join us here, for my monthly art journal challenge.

{title} 1 Last Time {credits} Spring Madness v.1, Citrus Love, Art Journal Inspired v.4, and Cameo (coming soon) by Sarah Barber Design.

You can view the video that inspired this page here:

CLEARANCE SALE | 80% off more than 30 products!

2011-03-30T19:53:00.000-04:00

More than 30 products are on clearance! 80% off means prices from $0.30 to $1.20! That's it! Get 'em now before they're gone! They will be removed from the shop April 15th!

WINNER of Citrus!

2011-03-30T19:50:00.000-04:00

I'm so sorry! I've had a hectic week. I just did the drawing for the winner of Citrus. The winner is Eden! Congrats Eden! Please contact me for your prize.

Eden said...
Gorgeous. Tangerine is the new black darling! Now off to spread the word on Facebook......
March 23, 2011 7:46 AM

ADSR6 | Family Ties

2011-03-29T16:47:00.000-04:00

{title} family ties {credits} Spring Morning by Thaty Borges Design | frames by Fiddlette Designs and Paula Kesselring

Sassy.

2011-03-25T11:02:00.001-04:00

{title} Sassy. {credits} Citrus Love by Sarah Barber | template by BioGrafitti

Citrus Love | WIN This Kit!

2011-03-21T08:51:00.001-04:00

Citrus Love
designed by Sarah Barber

"Good enough to eat!"

Splashy and fun, warming up for the summer weather. These color are happy and bright! Kit includes 12 papers, and 60 elements!

------>20% off now through March 27th<------

Want to WIN this kit? Simply post a comment below. For multiple chances to win, tweet on Twitter and/or add a link on Facebook. Don't forget to come back here to post that you shared on Twitter or Facebook. Winner will be announced on Monday, March 28, 2011. Good luck!

And I had to share this, this is my favorite LO done by one of my NEW CT members, Margaret, AKA Its Only Me! Check out the rest of my talented CT members in the galleries at Digiridoo Scraps!

Citrus Love | Coming Soon!

2011-03-18T14:42:00.000-04:00

Do You Have the Luck of the Irish?

2011-03-15T10:53:00.000-04:00

This weekend, we're celebrating St. Patrick's Day the scrapper's way at Digiridoo Scraps. You can pick up so much FREE product, it's ... well, Lucky!

First, I will be choosing one lucky winner to win one of my kits that they've got on their wish list at the shop. Make sure you add the kit you want to your wish list before the end of March 17th, 12am EST. and the 18th (Friday), I'll be announcing the winner and awarding them with their wish.

Next we've got 2 major events going on, a Rainbow Forum Train, and a Hunt for the Pot of Gold! At the end of the Rainbow, you pick up a fantastic collab by the designers at Digiridoo Scraps. My portion is seen below.

For details on the Hunt for the Pot of Gold, and other events, sales, and fun, see the Digiridoo forums from the 17th-20th. Happy hunting!

SarahBarberDesign

Art from the Heart *NEW*

Creating Art & Making Mistakes

Clearance SALE!

What's in Your Stash?

L4 {a soliloquy}

so·lil·o·quy

Just doodling around...

AJC & Donna Downey

ATC Love

art paint backgrounds v.3 **NEW**

A Beginning **NEW**

Doodles Unleashed!

AJC | For the love of birds... {mixed media}

AJC | Fragile {mixed media}

AJC | Letting go of even more rules...

AJC | A Beginning

AJC | Inside

AJC | Free Your Mind {mixed media}

AJC | A Self Portrait {mixed media}

AJC | Self {mixed media}

AJC - What's Past? {Mixed Media}

a letter to myself {ajc}

one word {breathe}

January 2012 Challenges Sponser at Digiridoo!

2012 Art Journal {Mixed Media}

Quiet Magic *NEW*

Reflection...

Guest Designer Meredith Cardall Designs!

December Art Journal {Challenge} *FREEBIE*

Urban Style *NEW*

Simple. Stylish. Swag. Vol. 1

Simple. Stylish. Spreads. Vol.1 | NEW Product!

to school we go!

hiatus

Chapters of Our Lives | FREE with Purchase

Extremes

Hard Questions

Depression Hurts

This is My Tomorrow.

Poetic Nature | Digiridoo Collab

Taylor Made!

August FREEBIE, Challenges, New Releases, Inspiration, & More!

No Regrets | Inspired by Bubbly

The Design Factor | Heart Breaker | FREEBIE

July Calendar Challenge at the 'Roo!

The Design Factor | Friend or Foe? | FREEBIE

New Professional Design Service Available

Showtime!

Soda Pop!

The Design Factor | Gnome Love | FREEBIE

sweetheart.

The Design Factor | Eye Candy | FREEBIE

Exclusive Facebook FanPage COUPON!

NEW Look!

Two-Riffic Blog Train | Stop #14

Believe it or Not

New Challenge System from Digiridoo Scraps

Certain

C is for Callie.

Digiridoo Turns 2!

Digiridoo Scraps will celebrate in June!

June Calendar Challenge

Inspired by {David Carson} | A Photoshop Tutorial

Breaking All The Rules | Magazine Spread

Breaking All The Rules | A Brief Look Into the Design Philosophies of David Carson

David Carson | Talks

"LIKE" Me on Facebook!

Inspired by David Carson

We R Family | ADSR

Typography Assignment

It's a 30 OFF Weekend!

Mother to Nature

My Happy Place

Portals | Art Journal Caravan

Expressive Typography

May Calendar Challenge {exclusively @ Digiridoo Scraps!}

Gypsy at Heart | ADSR

A week in the life of...

Homemade Pizza | ADSR

Art from the Heart NEW

art paint backgrounds v.3 NEW

A Beginning NEW

Quiet Magic NEW

December Art Journal {Challenge} FREEBIE

Urban Style NEW