CARDS FOR MEN - CHALLENGE 15 ~ CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Start Date: 22nd July

End Date: 4th August

Sponsor: Meljens Designs Website: 

Theme: Christmas in July

Prize: 4 images

Meljen's Designs (http://meljensdesigns.com) is a digital stamp company owned and illustrated by Melissa Jenkins.

She illustrates whimsical, fun digital images inspired by her kids and family. The Meljen's Designs store officially launched on April 1 and it is steadily growing.

The new store offers instant downloads, organized categories, and a search feature.

We have new releases along with a new challenge every Thursday, freebies every Mondays and a monthly Guest Designer at the Meljen's Designs Blog (http://meljensdesignsdt.blogspot.com/).

Please visit the store to find more of Melissa's wonderful images!

When i was asked what image i would like to use for this challenge, i have to tell you it was a hard decision as i was stumped as to the high quality of designs that were there on the web site. in the end i opted for this christmas mug to use as it was generic, had an ageless feel about it and it could be coloured in any way so that it would suit any age group that you have in mind.

Once again i have gone 100% digital in this project. Like i have mentioned in mother challenges i use Cards For Men [who allow me to follow whatever path i pick [THANK-YOU!]] So by doing a digital image i hope to show my fellow crafters that you can sit at your Computer/Laptop and make something creative. You don't always have to get your papers.. glues and tapes... scissors.... colouring pens or paints... Give your digital images a chance there are lots out there that you can download and use for your own personal use as well as in some cases images that you can sell for some profit. Always check the designers options of usage before you head forward. in some cases all they ask is that you give a credit or a link to their work or website as payment for using.

So PLEASE put those normally reached for crafting tools and equipment and give digital imagery a chance. There are a few programs that come with software like Docrafts offer. There is Serif Craft Artist which once again offer you the opportunity to buy what they call Digi Kits. These programs allow you to import digital imagery like the one's that you can purchase at Meljen's Designs. There are also free programs that do take a little learning but there are always wonderful instructional videos at y-tube web site that will help and advise you.

INKSCAPE is one such free program that's going to be good enough for most projects. just click on the text Inkscape to be directed to the web site so you can download.

i have been using Adobe Photoshop and illustrator now since they first came out and all i had was 10 fonts to pick from, i'm still learning how to do advanced things now i don't think you will ever be at that point when they say 'i KNOW iT ALL!'. However i have to say one thing about these other programs. No matter what people say Adobe Photoshop is the Graphics Industry program of choice. it's the top of the pile program.

Anyone who says different is putting their head in a massive bucket of sand. im saying this so that you my highly informed readers have all the facts and are not sold ideas by people who are in the business to sell this or that program.

You may know or not know that i have a Degree in Graphic Design and have been in that area of creativity since 1974. As a Photographer since 1972 when i first developed my first black and white film and took prints of that set of negatives. All self taught.

i cant remember when i first looked at the future when i saw that small white box with a 4 or 5 inch monitor. Here i could design things and it started me on another learning path which i'm still on today.

i hope that fingers crossed you might take that plunge and join me in that wonderful world of Digital Creativity.

Any questions please send me a message and i will get back to you as soon as possible.