Christmas Update

Got the Christmas Cards done for UTSA Head Football Coach and they contacted me about doing the cards for the entire athletic department! Their other "design girl" was taking her sweet time and not returning email. Two days later mine were done and they LOVED them! So, with OTED logos on the back, 500 Cards went out from the Football Coach and 700 went out from the Athletic Dept. AND they sent the front image out by email to even more people! I received one of those and checked out their mailing list. It included people like Sea World officials and Jesse James Leyha (?SP) If you're from around here you know he's a professional boxer! WOW!
This makes my first official project that has gone out with my logo!!!! Not only those, but I worked with my husband on another project for someone in his office this week and we put the logo on the back of that one, too! Woo Hoo!

Christmas is almost here! I got those Cake Balls done (came to 280!) and made 24 homemade Christmas ornaments. Got them all boxed and tied with pretty gold bows. We delivered the last of them last night! My shopping is done and I am all ready to make cookies for Santa with my kids and hang out.

Our family was blessed 3 days ago (Dec. 19) with the birth of my niece, Katie! I've been up and down the highway going "home" and back again, but worth it to be there, with my brother and Sister-in-Law.

Hoping you have a wonderful Christmas Season and a Happy New Year!

Another Christmas Card

Here's the card I designed for my mom from the same photo sitting. Both cards are designed inside, front, and back, but I thought I would just share the fronts.

Finally!

We got our Christmas Family Photos in yesterday so my cards are finally ready to be printed today! Are yours ready? I hope so! Making 250 cake balls today and tomorrow for gifts and a bunch of home made ornaments are coming up later today. Whew! Christmas is so much fun!!! Here's my card for this year. I cheated b/c I ran out of time and used graphics I purchased last year before I started designing!!! Don't judge - I'm only one person! So, artwork credits go to Goldern Girls Digital Designs.

Confession

Time to get real. I, Lisa Edgington, one who bugs you constantly to order your Christmas Cards and not delay.....have not done my Christmas Cards yet. AAAHHH!!!!
I'm the Cobbler whose children have no shoes! :o)

UTSA just hit me with 3 more projects and the material to finish the 5 they have me working on already (whew!). But, we got our family portraits previewed this week and I will have a copy to put on my cards very soon. Now I just have to make the cards!!!

So, I am busy, busy, busy - and blessed, blessed, blessed. :o)

It's December!

It's December, Have you ordered your Christmas Cards yet? How about personalized gift tags for those cake balls?! Don't wait - order today and don't forget to check out other project ideas in the archives for great teacher gifts!

Cake Balls!

You probably know that when I'm not designing or doing things with my kids I am BAKING! I LOVE it! One of my newest fascinations is Cake Balls! I've been playing with them for a while now and have had many requests for the recipe so I thought I would post it here where everyone could see it! There are dozens of ways to create and decorate cake balls so I will post the basic recipe and some ideas that have worked for me. You can take it from there! Have Fun!

- Bake any flavor of box cake mix according to the directions and leave out overnight to dry out a bit.
- Cut the cake into 1/4ths. Remove 1/4 section at a time and place into large mixing bowl. Use 2 forks to crumble the cake into fine pieces (like good dirt!. When you are done with each section, add another one to the bowl and keep going until all the cake is crumbled finely.
- Add 2/3 of a tub of frosting (avoid the "whipped" variety, but any brand will do). Mix combinations that seem good to you. I will say that while chocolate cake and chocolate frosting are yummy, they're hard to use b/c you can't tell when they are mixed well!
- Using a large spoon, mix the frosting and cake until you can't see the frosting anymore.
- Scoop out a small amount of dough (I use a cookie dough scoop) and roll into walnut sized balls. Place on a cookie sheet. You will need to clean your hands after 7-8 balls. Be sure to dry them throroughly so as not to add any extra moisture to your cake balls. You should get approximately 48 balls.
- Put trays in the refridgerator for 1 hr. 30. until they are firm.

That's the basic recipe. Here are some suggestions for what to do next:

Basic cake ball:

- In microwave or double boiler, melt chocolate almond bark or candy melts (available in the cake decorating section of craft stores). The most important trick to these is not getting ANY water in them. They are oil based, so steam or water of any amount will thicken the candy and make for messy cake balls! Also note that vanilla almond bark is thicker than chocolate, if you want white - use candy melts! AND, white coating on dark cake balls may require double dipping for complete coverage.
- Remove a few cake balls at a time from the fridge. Drop one into your candy and coat with a large spoon. Scoop out the ball from the candy and tap on the side of the bowl to remove as much excess as possible. Place onto wax paper (use a toothpick to help get it off the spoon if needed). Watch for pooling of the candy under the ball. Because the ball is cold, the candy will harden on it faster than on the dripped section. Watch for it to harden and move the ball to another section before the dripped part hardens for a prettier look.
- while the coating is wet, sprinkle with any topping: finely crushed nuts, sprinkles, etc. OR wait until it dries then drizzle another color coating over the top. Note: whatever you sprinkle needs to be very finely chopped or it will weigh down your coating and slide right off!

Cupcake Bites: (My favorite)

- Use candy mold trays for this one. You need the ones that are fluted and look like you would make mini Reese's Cups with them.
- Fill the candy mold 1/2 full of your desired candy coating.
- Place a cake ball into the mold so that it sits in the coating. You want the coating to rise to the top of the mold without spilling over as much as possible.
- Put molds in refridgerator to harden. Note: the cake ball is still exposed at this point!
- After about 15 minutes, remove mold from fridge and pop the balls out onto your surface. Repeat this process until all your balls are done.
- Prepare another candy coating color as described above.
- Holding on to the fluted coating that just came out of the mold, dip the exposed cake ball into your topping just until coated completely. Invert, and set on work surface hardened side down.
- If you want to put toppings (see ideas below) do so now before they dry.
- repeat for all the balls!

** To make a true "cupcake bite" you want the ball to look like a miniature cupcake. Your molded part is the "paper wrapping" part of the cupcake and the remaining "bump" is the cupcake sticking out. Make sense? So, use an m&m candy (put the M side down) on top like a cherry and sprinkle some little candy sprinkles on top to decorate these. Make them in fun color combos!

^ For those inquiring about my "truffle-esque" cake bites I made recently for a party: I used Chocolate Fudge cake mix with Cream Cheese Frosting. Chocolate Almond Bark was put in the molded trays and I dipped the ball in light chocolate candy melts. The topping was crushed Heath's Toffee bits. Just chop the toffee very, very finely - mine dripped a lot! :o)

Check out www.bakerella.com for more ideas (she invented them) OR go to www.thepioneerwoman.com and search "cake balls". This is where I learned from!

Thanks to everyone for your kind words about my cake balls and I hope you have as much fun making them as I do!

Event Details

Made it through my first UTSA Football event. The team looked great and the crowds were so excited! It was pretty cool to see everyone walking around with my little project and it occurred to me that a lot of "mamas" would be holding on to that roster since it had their kid's name on it - I know this mama would if that were my kid on the field!!! So, I could have just made a memory for someone :o)

I got to spend more time with some of the UTSA athletic staff and am very excited to be working with them. In fact, I already got another project in final editing stages this morning! Here's a pic of me from just outside the suite. You can only see about 1/2 the crowd behind me in the stands. They had the pep band there which sounded GREAT and 3, yes, 3 squads of cheerleaders! So much fun!

Approved!

Yeah, my first official UTSA project has been cleared and will be printed today! Kick-off is 7pm tonight at the Alamodome downtown. Everyone is invited, admission is FREE (parking $5). I will be attending a reception before and during the game (yikes - what to wear!) in the suites (snazzy) and can't wait to see my work in everyone's hot little hands! They will be passing them out to everyone AT THE DOOR!!!!! :o)

Okay, must calm down. Not like I haven't ever seen my work in print before.....NOPE, I'm still pretty darn excited.

I have all but 1 of my other assignments turned in and waiting on final editing. I think that makes me officially on board!

(Here are the First 2,000 of 3,000 copies!!!)

GO RUNNERS!!!!!

Last Minute Requests

Welcome to the big time! On Monday evening, UTSA requested a roster designed and printed by Thursday afternoon!!! That means I have to have my design in by Wednesday so the printers can print and cut the OVER 3,000 copies of it! Wow - 3,000 copies of my work going out to everyone attending the big football scrimmage! YIKES! Gotta get back to work!
My favorite part so far... The 80 player roster has to be typed in with all the stats for each player!!! That's gonna take a while :oP

I'll try to put some pics up from the game afterward!

Also, so far they like the designs they've looked at. :o)

Christmas Cards

Pricing and new samples up on the Christmas Card Page! Be sure to check it out!!!
My prices are competitive with the brand stores and WAAAAYYY better than stationer's prices. Don't miss out! Also, remember to order your baby announcements, and more from Over the Edge Designs!!!

Are You Ready For Some FOOTBALL???

So excited to announce that OTED has been drafted by the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to do marketing for the athletic department!!! I am specifically starting with their football team which will be hitting the field in 2011. I attended the Spring Signing Party last spring and will be attending their first football pep rally this Friday! I get to work with professional photographers to get the shots I need for the marketing, and, of course, will be doing design and layouts for them.
This is not scrapbooking, so it requires a lot of research on my part, which is great! One of my first assignments is to create the brochure/registration form for their summer football camps! These are not your traditional forms, to say the least, and there are tough NCAA rules that must be followed when making it. I am already learning a lot!
I can't wait to WOW them with the designs and look forward to a great partnership for years to come!!!

Big News Coming!

I have some exciting news coming soon! I've been busy working on it and can't tell you just yet, but keep checking!!!

New Templates!

More Christmas Cards to choose from! Like what you see? Contact me today and place your order!!!

I found something new!!!

So, I set out to start creating some Christmas elements today. To my absolute designer BLISS(!) I discovered a whole new section to my design program!!!! Not only that, but it was EXACTLY what I needed for the projects I am working on. :o) Big, Big Smiles!!! Sooooo, I know this is rough, but I just HAD to share with you my first playing around ornament. What do you think?

Christmas Cards!!!

It's time to start thinking about your Christmas cards. I have started designing some templates (expect more soon). Check them out and let me know what you think! All styles are available with different text, font, and some color and arrangement changes where necessary. Let me know if you are interested in purchasing cards from me. You provide the photo(s) and text info - I personalize the cards for you and deliver them with envelopes at a great price! :o)

*I did not take any of the photos in the samples (I got them from online searches) and the names are made up!!!

Mini Collection - Daydreamer

As I posted before, I was playing around the other day and discovered how to make some detailed design pages. I played with the overlays today and threw this kit together. Hope you like it - I call it Daydreamer.

New Digital Artwork Site!

Just found a CUTE website for picking up some FREE digital art. They also have beautiful photo templates for your Christmas cards. Check it out www.shabbyprincess.com Love the FREEBIES!

Can't Sleep!

Well, I couldn't sleep so I decided to hop on my computer and do some practicing. I had a design element in mind that I wanted to try for a more elegant look. I confess, I trend toward the whimsical and it's hard to break that sometimes. So, I thought I would give it a shot. The result was a pretty good rendering of the element I was going for. The best part came when I took that element and played with it to make some beautiful paper overlays. I am sure to have a new collection of at least papers out very soon, but for now this sneak peak will have to do. What do you think? What colors should I use for my next paper set that will be a little more formal but still functional? As you can see, the formality only went so far. I couldn't help but distress the paper to give it an Old World style.

What I did today

I am so excited to be working on a baby announcement for a friend! So, I made my first flower today from scratch. It's simple, but cute and I am so glad that I am getting more confident with throwing an element together just because I need it and not because it is prompted by a collection! So, here's my flower, hope it brightens your day!

Introducing....Mod Moments!

It's Finally Here! My newest collection, Mod Moments. Inspired by fabrics I saw while making a zillion baby gifts, this set, as they all do, taught me a lot. I made my first barrel beads, brackets, and added "buckles" to my ribbons. I played around with my highlights and shadows and learned more about getting realistic depth to my images. You can see that in the circle elements. This is also the first "official" collection to be introduced with my new LOGO which you all helped me pick! Thanks a million!!! Hope you LOVE it and please let me know what you think!

Final Peek!

The Collection Comes out tomorrow! I can't wait until you see it!!! Hope you like your final peek!

It's the simple things, really

I decided that since this blog is all about my journey into learning to create digital art I would share my latest success. I made a bracket! Now, I know this sounds simple and it looks a little plain, but I have been trying on and off for months to create the perfectly shaped bracket!!! Finally, I have done it. I saved it immediately. So, take note, because every collection will probably now contain a bracket and if you look closely, you will see they all have the same basic frame :o).

Sneak Peek at NEW Collection!

Getting Back on the workspace and that means new stuff is coming!!!! Here's a Sneak Peek at my newest collection. Keep watching for the full collection and let me know what you think!

Jungle Baby

I have been cutting, sewing, and designing like crazy these past few weeks trying to get ready for the onslaught of baby shower coming up for my 15, yes, 15 pregnant friends!!! So, I'm not posting pics of my projects yet because some of them read these posts!!! But, I will go ahead and post the card design. So, if you receive this card... smile and look surprised :o)

Heritage Makers

Got some great news about Heritage Makers' new point system for purchases and you will LOVE it!!! Check out my Heritage Makers digital storybooking link for details or contact me. Remember, you can upload your own artwork (or mine - hint hint!) or use those provided by the company in their amazing studio!!! Christmas is coming sooner than you think and you need to put aside a little time to prepare these projects! Check it out TODAY!!!

Are you thinking Christmas???

Welcome back to school everyone! Now, all those teachers are going to be needing a gift in a few short months!!! So, while you're waiting in the carpool line grab a pencil and start jotting down that gift list. Then, check out these adorable notepad covers and matching pen sets you can make for about $1.25 each!!! Want to know how? Let me know!!!

*Note* This is not my personal artwork! I'm sorry that I don't remember who it belongs to or I would give them credit as is due to them!!!

Birthday Party Artwork

My Friend Crystal recently asked me to do some artwork for her daughter's first birthday. The decorations came out beautifully so I am posting some pics!

I think these would be great at a baby or bridal shower as well. Or even a wedding!!! So Cute!

Oh, and she made that huge cupcake!!!

The New Logo Is HERE!!!

Big, Big thanks to everyone who voted in the polls to help me decide on my new logo. I finally picked one and I hope you like it!

Also, big news: Over the Edge Designs now has a Facebook Page!!!! Look me up and hit the "LIKE" button, then share it with your friends!!!

New stuff coming soon as I get back into the swing of the school year and routines.

Poll Fixed!!!!

Looks like the poll is up and working! Keep those votes coming!!!

The Poll Widget offered on the blog is not working according to the Blog Host, I will have to postpone the poll until they can get it fixed. So, for now, feel free to leave a comment on your likes/dislikes. Thanks for understanding!

Voting Round 2!

Okay, the new graphics are up. What do you think? Vote NOW!!!!!

Red and Black

Red and Black Falling
Mostly Writing

Writing in White (Background Color is just to show detail of design)

What's the Verdict?

Thanks so much to everyone who voted and gave input here and on my FB page about the new logo options. I must say, you surprised me! I won't give away the one I was leaning toward, but I am very surprised by the one that got the most votes. So, the verdict is..... I need more time!!! Sorry for being indecisive, but this is a big decision! Here's what I'm gonna do: I'm going to play with them a little and take a new vote. Then, I will make the final decision! I promise!!! Pinkie Swear and cross my heart!!! So, be looking for a new poll up VERY SOON!!!!!

In other news, my favorite designer friends are doing a "Daily Download" special for the entire month of July!!!! Visit the scrapmatters website www.scrapmatters.com every day in July to get your FREEBIE. By the end of the month you will have an entire free collection from some of the best minds in digital artwork! Visit Britt's blog to see a sample as the first 5 selections will be submitted by her!!!! I can't wait!

Help Me Choose a Company Logo!

Ok, I need everyone's help picking my official company logo! I am posting several samples - what do you think?!

I've got to get better at this!

If you read my blog you would think that I don't do much these days. The truth is that I am so busy I don't blog!!! I will try to do better about journaling what I am doing instead of waiting until I'm done! That being said, what have I been up to?
I am working on some great projects I can't wait to show you! I have created artwork for a little girl's first birthday. This is a bit of a hybrid so I want to wait and show you the pics when the projects are completed. I also just finished my first Logo for a local writer's group! I hope to have the link to their website up on here as soon as they get it all put together. I had so much fun thinking in a new way on that project that I have started sketching a Logo for OTED!!! The best part is that I just CAN'T decide! So, be on the lookout for a poll with some designs and I am going to let you all help me choose my official Logo! Woo-Hoo!!!
I should warn you that I will be traveling out of state next week so don't hold me to my promise to blog more often just yet! :o)
In the meantime - check out my blog obsession right now www.pioneerwoman.com.

Paper Dolls are Coming!!!

I have finally been able to fulfill some of my commitments and get back to work! I have been sketching like crazy and I am so excited to see my kiddos coming to fruition! Here's a little taste of what is to come in the Paper Doll series. The boys are also done, but I am only going to show you these for now!!! :o) The kids are so easy to make and are supposed to help your projects be more personal to your child and the event!! What do you think?

Happy iNSD!

Yes, it's (inter)National Scrapbooking Day and that means FREEBIES GALORE! Check out my favorite site for digital art and inspiration www.scrapmatters.com and get on the blog train to collect some BEAUTIFUL artwork in a series called Moments That Matter. Then stop by their shop to pick up some things at a great discount!

Paper

Never underestimate the power of good background paper! So, here are some of my latest...

Welcome Ladies!!!

I am working on a "Paper Doll" style collection series that people can use to match their family members and dress them up to match their page themes!!! I am really excited about this and am still working out the details for how to package them. In fact, some of these are still a little rough, but I just can't wait to let the ladies out of the file box and get your feedback! So, here's the first group! The First Ladies (as I call them) are all blue eyed and have red, blonde, or brown hair and fair skin. Keep watching to see the entire collection unfold and let me know if you have a suggestion for things to add as I go along! Hope you like 'em!

Happy Easter Everyone!

Self Portrait?!

I am really excited about the new concept I have come up with. It's taking some time to work it out, but I think it will be really functional and help people get the most bang for their buck (and file space!) Here's a little Peek! I call it my self portrait.

Saturday in the Park

I sang the song every day while I worked on this one! We are fortunate to live near a major theme park so our family goes often. My favorite pieces are the roller coaster and the popcorn box background paper! Hope you like it!

And here's my first sample. My little man is turning 7 tomorrow so I just couldn't help myself!

Sooooo Busy

Well, my many ideas caught up with me! I have about 3 collections underway and I am so jazzed about sharing them. One is done I just don't think I have the right color scheme so I won't post it until I get that settled in my busy mind. So, keep checking in because LOTS of new stuff will be here soon!

In other news I would like to recommend How to Train Your Dragon as an excellent movie! The family was treated to an early screening (with the press!) to see it and we all agreed we will be buying it the moment it comes out to buy!!! It's got some scary stuff (they're dragons!) so not good for the littlest ones, but an enjoyable movie for kids and adults!

New Product!

I am so excited to now be creating iPhone and iTouch wallpapers! You can do it too! These are a couple of my initial papers. I'll be making lots for ours here at home!!! Imagine creating these for your photo pop ups on phone calls, etc. So fun! Enjoy my samples and start making your own! Contact me for dimensions.