I started seeing Fiddle Dee Dee templates credited on layouts by my team several months ago. It seemed every time I turned around Fiddle Dee Dee was there! I always love the layouts created using her templates! I especially love the large photo spots she includes on many of her templates. Let’s take a closer look at “Fuss Free: Daily Goodness” that is included in The Digi Files this month:
Here are some layouts created using Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs’s contribution:
Layout by Karen. Supplies: Fuss Free: Daily Goodness by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs; Captured by Shabby Miss Jenn.
Layout by Kimberly. Supplies: Fuss Free: Daily Goodness by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs; Exclusive “Celebrate” Kit from The Daily Digi; Fonts: Typewriter Scribble, CK Ali.
Layout by Kim. Supplies: Fuss Free: Daily Goodness by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs; Gnome Sweet Gnome by Dani Mogstad; Font: CK Roxy.
Layout by Anne. Supplies: Fuss Free: Daily Goodness by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs; 100% Me by Val C Designs; Font: Typewriter Scribbled.
Layout by Jen. Supplies: Fuss Free: Daily Goodness by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs; Love You Because by Designs by Kat; All About Me by Scrap Orchard Designers: Font: Journal Away by Fontologie.
You can see more layouts created with this kit on our “Team Inspiration” page.
My name is Cheryl Ashcraft and I’m a native Floridian living in Northwest Florida on the Gulf Coast. My husband Jay and I have been married for eighteen years, and we have two children. Olivia is fourteen and Daniel is six and they are the delight of my life. I’m a domestic goddess, working daily to make sure that my family home is a haven and I work part-time as a digital scrapbooking template designer. Besides digital scrapbooking and template designing, I’m an avid reader and I attempt to read a book a week. In addition, I cross stitch and embroider, and have recently rediscovered a love for pen sketching. I also adore hunting for treasures at thrift stores and estate sales.
STORE
BLOG
I would love to put up every layout I’ve made, but I’ve just highlighted one that shows off my family. Everyday moments just make me happy. I think that if you are scrapping about the people you love, you’ll end up with layouts you love.
Summer Day Trip:
I started paper scrapbooking in 1996 when I was pregnant with my daughter Olivia. My mother bought me an 8.5×11 album kit. It was the height of coolness at that time, but now I shudder when I look at the colors that were included in the paper frames and stickers. I started digital scrapbooking in August 2007 after I read a Jessica Sprague article about photo editing in the Fall of 2006. I downloaded a trial version of Photoshop Elements and loved what I could do with it, so I got the software for Christmas. I used the program for photo edits only until late Summer 2007, when I stumbled across a digital supplies site. I was hooked from that moment! My son was two years old at that time, so the ability to be creative and not worry about scissors or glue or tape being at his disposal was very appealing. I am definitely a scrapper first and then a designer. I started converting my layouts to templates in February 2010 with a guest spot at The Digichick. I was asked to stay as a designer at the store and spent over a year there. I recently moved my storefront to ScrapOrchard in July 2011. My layouts are created for my own personal scrapbooks, and I love being able to share the love and care that I put into my own pages via my templates.
There’s something inside me that wants to make some beautiful every single day. I’m often inspired by home decorating sites or fashion blogs that I peruse when I’m relaxing, but most often the photographs that I take of my family give me an internal push to create layouts. And of course, I make layouts for some amazing digital scrapbooking designers, and their kits open up countless avenues of creativity.
Computer: OS: Windows XP
RAM: 2 GB
Monitor: LG 1920×1080 widescreen
I just got a new video card that’s really being hampered by the lack of RAM ~ waiting on my hubby to build me a new computer that will let that video card scream! 
)
Program: Photoshop Elements 9.0, ACDSee 14, Lightroom 3.4
Camera: Nikon D5000
Anything Else: Wacom Bamboo Fun
Templates give the scrapper suggestions for placement of papers, elements and photos ~ similar to a puzzle or a pattern. The template can be used “as is,” but the digital scrapbooker should feel free to add or delete any piece of the template puzzle in order to create a layout that suits their purposes. For instance, just because one of my templates has spots for circular photos doesn’t mean that the digital scrapbooker can’t replace those with square or rectangular photo shapes, or simply delete the photo spots to create a photo-less layout. Or if my template has loads of flowers and leaves (yes, they are on almost every one of my templates LOL) doesn’t mean that those flowers and leaves can’t be replaced with other digital scrapbooking kit elements. A scrapbooker that uses templates can’t be without the keyboard shortcuts CTRL+G to clip papers and photos to template shapes and CTRL+E to merge the clipped layers. If you need more in depth instructions for using templates, there is a step-by-step tutorial on my blog: http://www.fiddle-dee-deedesigns.com/2011/02/how-to-use-fiddle-dee-dee-layered.html.
I love using a variety of papers and elements to create a collage-type feel on my layouts. This particular set was the beginning of a series of templates featuring fun ways of using papers on layouts. Although I love all the templates in this series, this first set took a long time to get just right when I was converting it from layout to template format, and I feel like the templates look almost as good as the layouts.
I think Fuss Free: Among The Waves is so popular because of the flow of the composition on each template in the pack. This set was inspired by the Gulf Coast beaches that I grew up on and that I still live near today.
Here are some of my favorite products by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs:
Here are some more inspirational layouts using Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs’s products. All of the layouts are linked to the originals with credits.
Receive 35% off Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs’s store with coupon code fdd_35_TDD (expires 1/12/2012).
Go have a look in Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs’s store! We will randomly select a winner from the comments to win $10.00 in product from her store! (Comments must be posted before midnight EST to qualify)!
P.S. SusanW was the random winner from yesterday’s feature on Viva Artistry. She won $10 in product from Viva!
Share This Using…
Discovered these templates a few weeks back. LOVE them!!
I am totally loving the templates in this months digi files!! I would like to get my hands on them…or really anything in her store!
Cheryl, these are fantastic! I didn’t know you were making templates, but it’s not surprising how great they are. I must try some!
love your templates! great to know more about you.
Thanks so much Mary!
Was thrilled to see Cheryl’s templates in the downloads this month! Yay!
Thanks Denise!
Awww, what lovely comments! I’m a happy girl!
I love templates! Thanks for the chance!
Thank you very much ~ good luck!
I so love your templates!
Thank you very much!
Love Cheryl’s templates!!! Awesome interview!
Thank you so much Heather!
Great interview. I just started using templates (I pronounce it templets..lol). I’ve found they are great inspiration when my mojo needs a kick start. I love that you can then alter them to fit your own style or project if needed. Thanks for the chance to win.
I pronounce it the same way ~ are you from the South? LOL Good luck!
I like templates but these templates at first glance were kind of intimidating, I totally feel better though after reading today’s post about the designer and will definately take another look at her creations in her store. (I am digging the beep boop one!)
I have an exclusive Facebook Fan FreeBee up right now for the month of December if you want to give my template style a whirl. Beep Beep Boop Beep was fun to make ~ it coordinates with a kit by SuzyQ Scraps at Scrap Orchard.
Love your templates. Off to have a look in your store and snag a few more
Thanks fo much!
Thanks and make sure you grab that coupon to use!
Love the templates
Thanks so much Corinne!
Love Cheryl’s templates and her favorite, paper play one is awesome. Thanks for the chance.
Thanks so much and good luck!
LOve me some Cheryl! Thanks so much!
**wubs** Thank you!
I always scrap with templates, thank you for the chance!
I love scrapping with templates, too! Good luck!
What a great interview! I love that the templates come from your own layouts!
Almost all of the templates come from my own layouts ~ and if I do design a template first, I have to try it out to make sure it “works.”
Impossible to pick a fave template ..but those scalloped and dotted borders are sweet!
Hmmm, you must like ALL my templates! LOL I love the borders. I’ve really been exploring playing with paper and I love how these borders really add a touchable feel to my digi pages.
Thanks for the nice interview. I really like having a variety of templates on hand, so these are all great. I think I would especially love to have Don’t Box Me In. Thanks for the chance to win.
Thank you ~ Don’t Box Me In are fun. I like using elements, like frames, as background stackers instead of just framing photos. I mean, they are great used that way too, but sometimes it’s fun to think outside the box. Hee hee. Pun intended.
I absolute love your templates, I use them as often I can.
You realy learned me how to cluster the ellements.
Thank you for the tips and tricks.. realy gonna use them next time I use a template.
I’m so glad you love the templates and that they’ve helped you develop your own style . . . and definitely use those tips and tricks, especially about not letting the template keep you in a box. Don’t be afraid to move/add/delete things to suit the “mood” or “theme” of the layout you’re creating.
I love to use high-quality templates for my layouts. There are a handful of template creators whose work stands up to my rigorous standards and Cheryl is one of them. They are truly awesome.
Wow ~ I think you just made my night! I’m not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I do try hard to be diligent about making a great product. So glad that you enjoy them!
I collect templates and have many of Cheryl’s. I love them! I’d love to win more! Thanks for the chance!
I’m so glad you like the templates! Good luck on winning!
I love Cheryl’s templates
great interview
Thanks Ronda!
I love templates!!!
I hope you’ll love MY templates as well! Good Luck!
I love her stuff and probably have 10 kits minimum. Thanks for the chance to win.
You are a super fan! Love it!
I like Cheryl’s style of templates. And I like Cheryl, she’s a total sweetie !
That’s such a nice thing to say. **sniff sniff** Thank you so much!
I love templates!
I love them, too!
)
I LOVE Cheryl’s templates (and her name!!). I’ve used a few but would love to have more! She’s so creative!
I love your name, too! LOL Thanks!
I don’t need the coupon but I just wanted to say Cheryl AND her templates ROCK~!
Oh my dear friend, I love knowing you are behind me supporting me all the way! MWAH!
I love Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs!
Well, I love this comment, like A LOT. LOL
Okay, I have been putting off re-subscribing to the Daily Digi since I got a new job that pays less, but today is the day – I want those templates! AND I’m going to use this coupon to go get MORE of them! I had a great time last month getting the free ones from Scrap Orchard when FDD was one of the 2 featured designers, and now I want MORE because I rarely have time to scrap and I really really want to – and it’ll be easy with these lovely templates!
Is Knittinjen your user name over at Scrap Orchard? Just wanted to be on the lookout for your layouts! Thanks for the kind words and I hope you enjoy!
I have no clue when it come to making these layouts. Does one do the layout for you and then I could pay?
Linda ~ what program are you using to digital scrapbook? Basically, these templates are like a sketch . . . but you are able to “cut” or “clip” papers to the shapes instead of actually cutting with scissors . . . so it makes assembling a scrapbook page very easy. If you want someone to scrap the page for you ~ that’s called scrap-for-hire and me, along with many others in the digi community, can do that for you if you are willing to pay!
)
As you probably already know, I *love* templates! Yay! I hadn’t seen Cheryl’s templates before and I’m in love–I’ve already used two of them! I can’t even pick a favorite from her shop–I like them all! Thanks for the coupon and the chance to win!
Woo-Hoo! So glad you like the templates!
Awesome templates, love all the paper layers. Thanks for the coupon.
I love paper! Especially patterned paper ~ it’s my favorite thing right now! Well, maybe third favorite. After flowers and leaves. LOL
Is Cheryl the Gone with the Wind from galleries? I’ve looked to her gallery for inspiration before and found it in spades!!! Now she has templates! Well, color me happy
Tamara ~ yes, I’m gonewiththewind from the galleries. So glad I inspire you there and hope my templates will help you document your memories! ((HUGS))
I need to be better at clustering – so these templates are awesome for that. I really enjoyed:
Tell a Tale
Arisana Set 3
Funky Paper Play 4
Thanks too for this month’s contribution to the Digi Files.
I love my Funky Paper Play sets quite a bit . . . I often go back and use them, flipping the template, moving things, etc. Hope you enjoy Fuss Free: Daily Goodness!
I love Cheryl’s templates!!!!
I can feel the love! Thank you!
Love Cheryl’s templates!!! thanks for the chance
Thanks Christine!!!
Cheryl’s templates are great! I love that the clusters are set up, but can be changed to whatever kit I’m using. I really like the “pencil you in” kit – the calendars give space for pictures, but still room to write things on the calendar
Thanks Tammy ~ have you printed yours out yet? I’m running behind (what’s new) and haven’t printed mine yet (shhh, they’re Christmas gifts LOL). Just wondering how they looked printed out. I’m putting mine in a clear acrylic stand to put on top of a desk or counter or shelf . . . how are you going to display yours?
HUGE fan already! Love her work. Thanks for the giveaway and coupon!
Yippee for huge fans! And glad you like the coupon
)
Cheryl’s templates are so unique and inspiring! Love them! Thanks for a chance!
So glad you like them!
I have always liked her templates. Such talent. Thanks!
I keep trying to say thank you ~ but the comment won’t publish for some reason. Maybe this one will work? THANK YOU ;o)
These templates look amazing and Cheryl sounds like a wonderfully fun person!! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I am pretty fun, Vicky ~ well, most of the time. Ha! Nice to meet you!
love Cheryl, she’s Queen of Scraps a title well deserved
and I love her fuss free temps!
Ahhh, you know my Queen of Scrap crown is still shiny and bright ~ I lovingly tend to it every day when I’m scrapping. LOL That was a FUN contest!
I don’t scrap without templates and Cheryl’s are awesome! Thanks for the coupon & chance to win!
Thanks for the nice comment, Dolores!
New to me as well. Great templates! Would LOVE to win.
Nice to meet you, Ashley!
I absolutely loooooove Cheryl’s templates! I have so many of her templates that I use again and again! Congrats, Fiddle-Dee-Dee on being featured!
Lorianne ~ you are a dear and thanks for the lovely words. I love seeing your pages and I’m so glad my templates help you document your memories!
New to me, yay! SO fun!
So nice to meet you!
Just to say that we LOVED working with Cheryl on a collab and would do it again in a minute and soooo happy to share this month’s Digifiles with her. Cheryl’s templates are the bomb!!! (don’t include me in the draw, I’m just here to congratulate Cheryl!)…
Y’all are SO sweet! You know I love both of you and think the world of you both and your designs! MWAH!