FREE Digital Neon Spatter Papers - I'M BACK!!!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THIS SET FROM MY TPT SHOP

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THIS SET FROM MY WEBSITE

My summer has already been filled with fun family vacations, but I have been super eager to get back into creating! I have spent most of my time doing custom work for the last year, but I am not ready to start working on some of my own projects and getting some new clip art uploaded into my shops for all of you to enjoy! 

Thank you so much for all of your support and love over the years! This has been such an amazing journey - with so many ups and downs. Although I have not added new stuff to my shops for the last two years, I have been working on my health and spending more time with my family. Two areas of my life that seemed to get pushed aside when I was busy building my business. I have learned that BALANCE is everything and I don't always have to say yes (something that was really hard for me to learn). 

I would love for you to say hi and hear about how you have been doing! Make sure to drop a comment below <3 I hope to get reconnected with you all - I have so much to share about what's been going on in my life the last two years. 

Custom Blog Designs: Time to Show Some of My Work

I am way over due to show you some of the designs I have completed over the past couple of months, so I am going to post a few of them below and I will try to post more in the weeks to come. I also have a little freebie set for you to enjoy at the very end. 

With each and every design, the client drives the inspiration and direction of the design. Each person I have had the honor of working with brings their own unique vision to the mix - and that is what makes creating these designs so much fun! Each design turns out completely unique and I love getting the opportunity to work with so many amazingly creative ladies and gents!! 

First Up.... Get Your Teach On
I actually get a chance to work with Deanna quite a bit and I just love when she has a project for me to do. This website had to be finished and up and running in a couple of days and I was up for the challenge, of course. Keep in mind that they had all of the colors and design ideas already prepared when she contacted me. I had the honor of meeting Hop King in person this past July in Vegas.. and what an AMAZING person she is!! I have really enjoyed getting to know these ladies. Make sure to check out their website and sign up for their conference in Orlando. I believe the space is limited and there IS a discount if you register early.... Who wouldn't want to get a chance to meet these two power-houses in person!!  Click on the image below to check out the site. 

Next up.... Is Jen Martel from Miss Martel's Special Class!  Click on each of the blog buttons below to check out the blogs below. Jen had a very cute vision for her design and I loved getting to do something nautical!! I grew up by the beach and I really miss the ocean. While working on this design, I couldn't help but imagine being at the beach everyday... maybe that is why I took a little longer than I should have finishing it.. haha... Actually, life - family and Vegas got a little jumbled and put a strain on my productivty - but I managed and my clients were the best!! 

I can't say enough good things about Michelle from Fabulous in First. Her design makes me feel calm and welcome and I just LOVE how it turned out. She was so patient and kind during the process and her vision really ended up translating into such a beautiful custom blog design.

And last, but certainly not least.... is Lindsay Jervis' blog, the Kodaly Inspired Classroom. Before doing this design, I had NO IDEA what Kodaly even meant. It was not a word that had entered my vocabulary and I had to Google it before I set up her phone conference. I don;t think I ever even admitted that to her..haha. I got a chance to give Lindsay a HUGE hug in Vegas this past July... I wish I would have snapped photos of every person I have worked with over the years while I was there!! Next year... I plan to make a board in my office that I can be proud of. Everything I do is digital, so I often forget how much I have accomplished over the years. I do get many emails from clients who tell me that their designs increased their traffic, motivated them to consistently blog, and made them feel unique, but I  rarely get a chance to meet everyone in person and put a face to the names. 

Even though the background on this design took quite a while to paint, I just love how it turned out. I had a hard time with creating just the right type of silhouette for this design, so we actually turned to another designer for those - and I think it turned out just lovely!!

P.S. If any of you have never heard of the Kodaly Method before.. here is the definition copied and pasted directly from Wikipedia (I provided the source link below):

The Kodály Method, also referred to as the Kodály Concept, is an approach to music education developed in Hungary during the mid-twentieth century by Zoltán Kodály. His philosophy of education served as inspiration for the method, which was then developed over a number of years by his associates. 

(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kod%C3%A1ly_Method) 

I hope you have enjoyed looking at these new designs as much as I enjoyed creating them... you can check out all of my work from my online portfolio on my website by clicking HERE.  It has been a while since I updated my portfolio, but I plan to do that some time today. 

FREE on TpT just for YOU!! Thank you so much for all of your support and love over the years!! I hope you can use these in your own creative work! Click the image below to grab this free set of digital papers from my Teachers Pay Teachers Shop...

It's HERE!!! Come check out the Mega Educents Clip Art Bundle Deal!!!

I know there are a ton of you clip art addicts out there, so here is your chance to load up on clip art from the best at a very discounted price!!!     

Very excited to be a part of the bundle with Educents!  I know you will love my Christmas Jo Graphics Set!! This set includes over 90 high quality images; including frames, accents, borders & more! It is PERFECT for adding some holiday bling to your letters, resources, cards or whatever else you can think of!!

If you happen to grab this set, hop on over to my TpT Shop and grab a FREE set of matching digital papers!! Click the image below to grab the matching freebie!!

There are 35 other products in our bundle to get your kids learning!  Literacy, math, science, social studies, and so much more!   Hop along to see all the goodies you will get!  

Check out what else is in the Educents Clipart Bundle!!! Click the button below... The deal won't last long so head over now!

Spiders, & Scorpions, and a Gecko Lizard?? Happy Friday Everyone!!

Happy Friday Everyone!!!

I have been basking in the sun and soaking up every last breath before.... wait.... I am not teaching this year... I should be celebrating that my kids will be going back to school next week...hahaha

For all of my teacher friends who are going back to school this week - I pray that you are ALL very blessed this year!! You are the foundation of our future!! I {HeArT} you all!!

I have been very busy, but I managed to get a very special meal in this week... take a look at this masterpiece that I SLAVED over for hours in the kitchen!!!

D- LICIOUS!!!

What is this delicious morsel, you ask?? 

Just wait one sec....

Let me zoom out a bit, because I forgot what page I took a pic of and I can't remember the name of this recipe....

BWAHAHAHA!!! I hope you are all giggling.. I would hate to think I have become one of those people who laughs at their own jokes... while everyone else is silent. 

Oh! who cares....I crack myself up I tell ya!!

This is a copy of Rachel Ray's magazine called, Every Day with Rachel Ray (/oo/ as in tooth... clever!). I actually love her recipes and this issue has become a staple in my house for "Mommy's" private time.... you know.... the only privacy that seems to exist once you become a mom.. (and not even all the time)... 

THE BATHROOM.

Most days, I don't even get away with getting a little private time in my own bathroom.. it seems like the entire house will be at a complete stand still, but once I pack up my magazine, ipad, cell phone, a notepad and pencil for sketching, and deadbolt the bathroom door.... everyone seems to need something!! GOSH!! The nerve of these people!! haha

Admit it!! I am not the only one who brings a carry-on bag to the bathroom with goodies... and pretend like I have the worst case of something and tell everyone to be quiet or else I might just fall over and pass out..I hope they don't read my post... this will definitely put a cramp on my mini "potty" vacations... 

moving right along...since the first part of this post has nothing to do with my title.. hahaha

We have gone without calling our pest control service for about 3 months and we were beginning to spot creepy crawlies INSIDE the house... that's when I spring into action!! After spotting TWO scorpions INSIDE the house on the SAME day, we called the experts (one guy) out and he did a great job. 

 About an hour before they were to arrive at our house, we did a mad dash from room to room - making sure everything was picked up and moved out of the way for the Oh-Bomb-Of-Poison that came to our rescue... We went outside to move the pool supplies chest thingy away from the house and got an extras special surprise there as well!!!  Don't judge the leaves... it is windy and dusty out here...

 Plus Also (in my best Junie B voice)...I  take great  pride in being eco-friendly- I neglect to water my plants all of the time... just helping out our mother earth... (too bad our HOA doesn't see it that way)...

Well, feast your eyes upon these creepy crawlies that I found inside and outside of our house this week. Teachers, feel free to snag the images and use them in your classrooms for teaching!!! It beats having to take a pic of the "real" thing... hahaha

I took the liberty of labeling this bad boy for you!!

And YES, that is a black widow with her cockroach carcass... GROSS!!

This is an Arizona Gecko Lizard or Western Banded Gecko 

Click on the link above to visit a great website with some amazing shots of this lizard... puts mine to shame!!

This handsome devil was very polite the entire time I was trying to get my phone to focus!! He even seemed to have enjoyed the attention.. go figure!!


There you have it!! Anyone want to come visit?? hahaha!!

I did finish another custom blog design this week and I am so excited to show you!!! I have three more to go until I take some time off!!!

If you have not had the privilege of connecting with Lisa from Growing Firsties, I HIGHLY suggest you stay for a little while on her blog while taking a peek at the new design!! She is one INCREDIBLE woman!! I thoroughly enjoyed working with her and I love that I had the honor of bringing her creative seed to life!! Just click the image to visit this amazing lady!!

Tomorrow, I will be installing another blog design for a very NEWBIE BLOGGER!!! Since I don't like posting about the design until my clients have had a chance to "reveal" the make-over, I will give you a hint at what the design theme is.... It is really looking so cute!! Here are a few freebies for you to grab. Please read my Terms of Use before using any of my graphics. 

I will have these uploaded to TpT later this weekend for you to grab in one zipped file. These will not appear in the blog design; however, I created these while working on some ideas for the design. ENJOY!!

One more thing before I leave you this Friday...

Next week will be the kick start to better blogging and I will begin adding my Friday Feature from my Collaborative Pinterest Board. I have been taking a daily peek at the board, and although the pins are growing, I would love to see it EXPLODE!! If you would like to join my Pinterest board, please leave your link in a comment below. This is a collaborative board where you can pin resources, crafts, and products you create using my graphics! It is a way for me to say, thank you, and hopefully get traffic flowing your way!! Click on the image to visit the board!!


Thank you for stopping by & remember that laughter is healthy for your heart, mind, and soul!! Laugh all weekend - there will be plenty of time to whine come this Monday...tehehehe!!

Tickle Me Tech: How to Create Attractive Cover Pages for Your Teachers Pay Teachers Products

Hi Everyone!! It has been a while, but I am here to Tickle you all with some Tech Tips!!! I have created a simple tutorial for beginners wanting to learn how to create an attractive cover page for products created for a Teachers Pay Teachers shop!!

Click the image above to download this tutorial from my TpT shop!!

One of the most common techy questions I get (pertaining to clip art) is how to use digital papers, frames and clip art in a document to create digital products. People often ask me how to add text over backgrounds or frames, or how to layer frames. Sometimes, I do wonder about some of my buyers... the ones who purchase clip art and then send me an email asking me how to use clip art. Many times, I have sat back in my chair thinking to myself how to even begin explaining this to someone. 

Me: Where do I begin?

My Brain: How should I know. Maybe you should start with a definition for clip art.

Me:Do they even have a computer?

My Brain: Probably in the classroom... and if there is one at home, chances are  - it is ancient!!

Me: Why does one purchase clip art without first knowing what it is for?

My Brain: Who cares... it's a sale - WOo HOo!! 

Haha!!

Well, after much debating with my brain, I finally came up with the perfect solution!!

I call it: Tickle Me Tech and it's my newest Tech series that will cover everything I know from the very basics to the most advanced. I am working very hard to put more tutorials together and I would eventually like to create a collection that can be downloaded in one zipped file. I even created a cute logo for the series. I came up with the name because I always feel "tickled" with joy whenever I learn something new and techy. I also know how excited many of you get when you learn something new pertaining to technology and the only word to describe this sort of happiness is, tickled!!! 

At this point, I will be posting a new "tickle" once a month...that is...unless time miraculously decides to be my best friend. Lately, time feels more like an ex husband than a friend, but only time will tell what will happen in the future..hahaha. 

 Instead of cluttering a blog post with images no one can read, I am linking the image above to my TpT shop, where you can download the tutorial and read it when you are ready. 

I really do hope this tutorial is helpful to many of you in the beginning stages of building your online Teachers Pay Teacher Shops!! For those of you who are more advanced, please feel free to bookmark or better yet, PIN this tutorial to keep as a tool and reference for beginners you know.

I really love blessing all of you by sharing my knowledge and offering free resources and clip art. I put just as much time into my free resources as I do for those I put up for sale. I am always blessed by your feedback and I love hearing about what you create. Please continue leaving feedback and pinning anything and everything - those little efforts make a tremendous difference & I can use all the help I can get.

And another crazy thought.... I was looking at some stats today and I jumped for joy when I realized that nearly 100,000 people have downloaded my FREE Frames and Borders set on TpT!! That is Crazy Talk!!!! Then I quickly realized that not even a quarter of that number chose to follow my shop...

Sadness and a vanilla cone!!!

I think following someones store should be a requirement when getting a freebie; however, TpT works on an honors system.... hint.. hint....

SO...If you love the RAD and Awesome FREEBIES, please make sure to follow my shop.... it is just rude not to..hahaha!!! I never grab a freebie without following...I believe it is the best complement and appreciation I can give in return to the seller.

Have an AWESOME WEEK everyone!!!!

Here is a free background I created for this tutorial.. Feel free to grab this freebie, but please make sure to link this image back to my blog whenever you use it. You can read my Terms of Use for more copyright information. 

Commercial Use Okay

The digital papers and frames used to create this tutorial and free product cover are available in my shop. This Kit will be marked down 50% this week only!!! Click the image below to grab this set. 

Guess What Hero Teamed up with Brody's "Heart to be a Hero" Fundraiser????

Greetings Everyone!

  Welcome to my Marvelous Manic Monday!!

It is already NOON and I am lagging over here!!! I get so caught up in emails sometimes, that I don't even begin my work day until noon..haha- although, I did manage to get a shower in this morning. 

My husband let me sleep in and I didn't get a chance to tell Broden how much you have all helped him to raise!!! Get ready for this....

Your efforts, kindness & support have helped my son raise $670 to Jump Rope for Heart through the American Heart Association!!! He is more than half-way to his goal of reaching $1000.00 with all of your help, so thank you for the many blessings!!

Now onto something REALLY exciting!! I have recently connected with another artist who I have become quite fond of indeedy!! I am sure many of you know her, and after  peeking at the image above, may have already guessed who it is I am referring to!! haha. 

This weekend, Nikki from Melonheadz (Woo HOO), saw that I was helping my son raise money for Jump Rope for Heart and asked if she could get involved to help him reach his goal!! 

UMMM...HELL-O... YES!!!

I can't tell you how much of a blessing she is!! I sent her the info and figured she would let me know what set she would be willing to offer....
To my surprise, Nikki outdid herself and created a completely NEW & SPECIAL (one of a kind) mini set to offer for this fundraiser!! I am more than thrilled to get an opportunity to work alongside another great artist. Her style is unique and appeals to so many. I am honored that she took the time to reach out and offer extra help for such an important cause! 
Now.... when you make a love (Hubba-Hubba) donation of $20.00 (or more) through my son's sponsored page, you will get A mini Melonheadz set... AS WELL AS the choice between one of my bundles below.

Donations MUST be made before February 10th to receive the FREE gifts above. Click on my son's picture below to visit his sponsored page & make a donation. Remember to send an email to 3amteacher@gmail.com once you make a donation of $20.00 or more. Be sure to include your 3AM -bundle choice in your email.

Thank you so much for you help & please be sure to stop by and say thank you to Nikki from Mealonheadz for her generous offer!!! Feel free to use the lovely poster image above to help spread the word!! We might even be able to surpass the $1000.00 goal!!
Have a happy Monday everyone & Thank you for visiting!!!

Family Christmas & Free Holiday clip art and graphics!

Happy Saturday!! It's beginning to look a LOT like Christmas around these parts...hahaha

We have been S-L-O-W-L-Y working on getting the house transformed for Christmas and it is beginning to feel a little more like Christmas here in our home. Not so much outside though. We have had pretty warm weather here in AZ. 

  The other night, the hubs and I dragged (literally) the kids from their rooms to make some candy holiday characters. We even had a fire - thanks to Netflix fake fire!! Bwahahaha... The film is an hour long video of an actual fire...you even get to hear the popping and crackling....Way to go us for creating the ambiance ourselves! Who needs winter weather and snow when we've got Netflix...hahaha

This picture is not good at all, but I couldn't deprive you from our awesomely home-made candy characters. I got the idea from Pinterest, but I think ours have a bit more character..hahaha

We have created a "Christmas Vacation" right from our home; complete with "Mr. Fix-it" funnies.

Giving Thanks to Teachers: Giveaway!!

Hi Everyone!

Forgiveness & Freebies!!! Feels like Friday, but it's not..

Hi everyone!! This is going to be a VERY short post, but "fast food" is okay to enjoy every once in a while..hahaha...

Winner, Winner & Charlie, the EATER!!

Well, HELL-OOO bloggers!! I can't believe that Halloween is already here...holy cow!!! This year is going by so fast!! Before I get into anything, I have 2 winners to announce from my Bloggiversary fun last week!! Winner #1