IN THE DESIGNER’S STUDIO WITH ONE LITTLE BIRD
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I am really excited to welcome Peppermint of One Little Bird to THE DIGI FILES and THE DAILY DIGI this month. I discovered her soon after she opened her store and instantly fell in love with her products! She is a very talented designer and I am excited to share her products with you! Here’s a closer look at her contribution to THE DIGI FILES:
This is just ONE of the collections inside THE DIGI FILES #15 this month. Here are some gorgeous layouts created by our team with For The Birds:
Layout by Katie
Layout by Karen, additional supplies: One Little Bird Tranquil template; My Four Hens photo action; Pea Jokilyn font
Layout by Melissa, additional supplies: Fizzy Pop template, Font is DJB Renee Script
Layout by Kelley, additional supplies: Template by Crystal Livesay; Pea Hanzel and Gretel Font
Layout by Jacki
Hybrid project by Sunghee, she created the template based on the birdhouse element in the kit.
My name is Peppermint Granberg, although most of the time I get a lot of “No really, what’s your name?” or “Nuh uh, you’re making that up!” I’m a member of what I’m sure is a pretty small population of people who routinely have to show their driver’s license to people in order to get them to stop calling me a liar. My fiancé, Tom, and I live in west central Wisconsin with my 9 year old son and two thoroughly spoiled cats, Mo and Sisko. I’m the only female in the house! I work full-time for my family’s business distributing building materials to contractors – a job that will not land you a gig on Career Day, let me tell you, because it’s BO-ring and no one wants to hear about it. Then at night I come home and trip the night fantastic watching Reality TV and scrapbooking. And occasionally cooking dinner!
Innovative by One Little Bird, Font is Pea Devon from www.kevinandamanda.com
![clip_image001[5]](http://thedailydigi.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/clip_image0015.jpg "clip_image001[5]")
I’m a big keyboard shortcut user – the less I need to use my mouse, the better! So I move all over Photoshop without touching my mouse. It has its drawbacks because it makes it really hard to teach someone how to use Photoshop sometimes because I’ve actually forgotten where things are. I have a lot of favorites, but I just learned about this one a few weeks ago.
I am an avid user of layer blend modes in every aspect of scrapbooking, photo processing and designing. It has pained me for a long time to have to use that little drop down in the layer palette. You can Alt+shift”+” and Alt+Shift+”-“ to toggle through the entire list, which isn’t a much better option (but eliminates the mouse) so that’s what I had been using. Then I found out that there are key associations for each one and it freaked my freak out! I tend to abuse the same ones over and over, so I only need to memorize a handful of them. (Note: you need to have the Move Tool (V) activated for these to work)
Overlay = Alt+Shift+O
Multiply = Alt+Shift+M
Linear Burn = Alt+Shift+L
Screen = Alt+Shift+S
Soft Light = Alt+Shift+F
Normal = Alt+Shift+N
Also for text alignment, another one that required me to travel up to the toolbar with my mouse, you just highlight your text within the text box and:
Left Align = CTRL+Shift+L
Center Align = CTRL+Shift+C
Right Align = CTRL+Shift+R
Also you can increase and decrease your text size in 2pt increments using CTRL+Shift+”>” and CTRL+Shift+”<” (If you add the Alt key to that formula, you can jump in 10pt increments)
It seems as though it would be a lot to remember, but the shortcuts become habit. When I first started using Photoshop I kept a cheat sheet around to remind me, but now I fly around and if Tom is looking over my shoulder he’s lost within 15 seconds. Things are just flying and changing everywhere!
![clip_image001[7]](http://thedailydigi.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/clip_image0017.jpg "clip_image001[7]")
I tried paper scrapping shortly after my son was born and have a few pages in his album, nothing too impressive. I’m not a good paper scrapper, and if you don’t believe me I’ll show you my album. I started scrapbooking digitally in 2005 when 2Peas first opened their Digital community. Digital scrapbooking was right up my alley because I didn’t have to pack up a bunch of supplies whenever I quit working for the night. And there was no commitment; I could move things around as much as I wanted. I did stop scrapping in 2006 when my personal life got really busy. I didn’t pick it back up again until January 2008 when I tried (and failed at) Project 365. Mine was more like Project 22 and then I ran out of ideas for photos. For scrapbooking, though, I knew I should try to get on a couple of creative teams because if I made commitments to designers I wouldn’t abandon the hobby again. Know thyself!
I opened my shop at CatScrap in January of this year, so just a month and a half ago really. I was hesitant to try it because most designers say they don’t get to scrap anymore and I *really* enjoy scrapbooking. Plus I work full-time and I was pretty sure I was fooling myself thinking I could find more time in any one of my days. But what’s life without challenges, right? I’m hoping I’ll always find a way to balance it all out, but I really do enjoy designing products and it’s the same sort of creative outlet for me as scrapbooking. CatScrap was already my home away from home, so it’s a very laid back, comfortable and relaxing place to sell my products. All the pieces fit nicely together to make it a smooth transition for me. I’m a work in progress.
![clip_image001[9]](http://thedailydigi.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/clip_image0019.jpg "clip_image001[9]")
The Internet. Haha. I won’t even pretend I find inspiration in other places because they’re too inconsistent to count. I’m always jotting down little notes on things I saw on the internet, or saving color palette ideas to a folder on my hard drive. Wedding blogs, especially, will keep me enthralled for hours. Everything is so beautiful and the color palettes are genius! I also have a lot of home decorating blogs and random paper craft blogs in my Google Reader. Even the so-called “junk mail” that I receive from online retailers can set my wheels spinning. The Internet is a wonderful thing.
![clip_image001[11]](http://thedailydigi.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/clip_image00111.jpg "clip_image001[11]")
I work, scrap and design on a Toshiba laptop, and I put this thing through a lot! It comes back and forth to the office with me every single day, and I’ve sworn I’ll only buy Toshibas from now on because it has far outperformed my wildest expectations with the amount of abuse it takes. It’s nothing too outrageous, it’s a Dual Core 1.67Ghz with 4GB of RAM in it (originally 2GB of RAM, we upgraded it about a year ago). It’s on its second keyboard, I replaced it myself even. I actually wore through about five of the keys – I told you I abuse it! I have a 250GB hard drive in the machine and I keep a 500GB Seagate FreeAgent portable drive on it pretty much around the clock. I keep all my scrapbooking supplies, designs, music and photos on the external drive.
I use Photoshop CS4, Lightroom 2 and Illustrator CS3 – and I organize all my supplies in ACDSee 10.
My camera is all old-school, it’s a Nikon D50 which they don’t make anymore. I keep a 50mm/f1.8 lens on it almost exclusively and an SB-600 speedlight. That’s my ‘every day’ camera around the house. Some people hate their speedlights, but I love mine.
My graphic tablet is also old school, it’s a WACOM Graphire3, the predecessor to all the fun funky ones they make now. It’s also always in my computer bag.
I probably lug 30lbs worth of computer bag back and forth to work every day. LOL You’d think I’d be in better shape, but no!
![clip_image001[13]](http://thedailydigi.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/clip_image00113.jpg "clip_image001[13]")
Has to be Innovative. I had so much fun creating it, I’m in love with my little robot and the pennant alpha.
![clip_image001[15]](http://thedailydigi.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/clip_image00115.jpg "clip_image001[15]")
Here are some of my favorite One Little Bird digital scrapbooking products:
And some inspiration layouts to get your mojo flowing (layouts without credits are linked to originals):
Layout by Katie, supplies: Paradise Found by One Little Bird, Template by Janet Phillips (modified), photo by istock, font is CK elusive.
Thanks so much to Peppermint for being with us this month in THE DIGI FILES and sharing your talents, tips, and life with us!
Go have a look in One Little Bird’s store and come back and tell her what you like, we will randomly select a winner from those comments to win $10 in product from her store! (Comments must be posted before midnight EST and must include a product name to qualify)!
As a THANK YOU to our readers, Peppermint has this coupon for us:
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Peppermint, I love all your kits!!!
)) They are really beautiful with nice soft colors and beautiful elements. “In The Moment” is my favorite followed by “For The Birds”.
Thank you for the chance to win a coupon in your store and I wish you all the best!
Hugs, Anneke
I love the smitten alpha and the collab with Leora.
So nice to meet you! I love the kit “For The Birds”. You have such a fun style-beautiful with really creative fun elements. I would love to have Innovative for my little guys LO’s. Thanks for the keystrokes and the coupon!
What is not to like? I must say that the “Survey Says” tags made me laugh! Peppermint- too cool. I did take a peek at your blog—also made me laugh and you made the blog reader instantly.
Peppermint, I had no idea you live in WI too! I’m in Milwaukee area.
OK, I seriously love all of your designs. I cannot believe you have been designing for such a short time! I really do love everything, so it’s hard to choose just one thing. I guess I’ll choose your In the Moment kit, but really, I could just play with your whole store!
What mellow peaceful colors! I’m really liking Peppermints color palettes! I do love this template set:
http://www.catscrap.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=17226&cat=0&page=1
I’m also a big fan of her little robot
http://www.catscrap.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=17196&cat=0&page=1
oops! I forgot an apostrophe. lol please forgive my grammar!
P
When I saw the list for this month’s digi files, you sold me on Peppermint!
My favorites from her store…all of them!
As my 5 year old says, my mostest favorites are ‘paradise found’ and the cute robot guy!
So glad she’s designing, I love her colors and the crispness of her products!
I love your designs: Unconditionally would be my favorite, with that great color palette.
There’s no way I could pick just one. I love everything she makes.
Okay, have I said I love opening up reader and finding a “Daily Digi” post? And one reason are all these fabulous designers you show. I admit I had heard the name, but browsing the store?…..We get stuck in going to the same places for a our faves. Thanks for adding another artist to my list, her designs are yummy! In the Moment and Date Cards are stunning, and I see lots of pages for my family album using it this year…OH MY!…and throw in some Beige Like Me papers….fabulous art! Thanks for the chance, but will keep the coupon handy!LOL!
What a great interview! Unconditionally is the kit I feel I simply NEED, but I really like Innovative as well – in fact, I really feel as though I need everything Peppermint makes!!!
Thanks for the chance to win!!
I don’t know any new designers who have opened their store with such crisp & polished designed as you, Peppermint! Everything is amazing! I really want Unconditionally and Survey Says word art. I love that hybrid bird house, too. Are their any directions or a template for that?
Innovative is definitely my favorite. I have a thing for pennant banners these days.
Peppermint, your stuff is AWESOME!
I love your design!!
If I have to pick one favourit it would be the Innovative kit! Love the color combo and all the cute elements there:)
I love everything – wow! If I have to pick one I’d say Tranquil. So pretty!
I absolutely love the Survey says word tags
I love Unstoppable… Paradise Found and the Date Cards. Really cool designs.
I have Unconditionally and I looooove it. I really like the Tranquil collection, and I can’t help but want Innovative with that adorable little robot!
I lve the colors that Peppermint uses, fits perfectly with my style. Thanks for introducing her designs. I love the Unstoppable kit, it’s great for my 2 year old son. This one will be on my list!
Gotta go with Unstoppable! Perfectly describes my 13-month-old right now – he just figured out running!!
Love love love Survey Says…how fun are those?
Wonderful contribution to the digi files. I think I’ll buy it !
My favorite product on your store is Survey Says Word Art they are so cute !
Love the “For the Birds”–so pretty! My favorite from your store (a very hard decision) would be “Unstoppable”–I have visions of pages I could do for my son
What a great kit in this month’s digi files! Hmm, I really like the Tranquil kit in Peppermint’s store. Gorgeous stuff!
My favorite kit is Tranquil and I just LOVE the Survey says strips.
Beautiful stuff! I like that quirky “Innovative” kit — perfect for my inquisitive little five-year-old.
I love the “In the Moment” set, as well as the colors in “For the Birds.” I immediately felt creative inspiration when I saw them, and that’s even before my morning coffee!
I like the Date Cards. All of her kits are very nice too. Thanks!
Oh I did a lot of drooling while crusing “one little birds” products but I have to say my chin got extra wet when I saw “Beige like me” background papers by one little bird. Gorgeous, soft amazing textures.. I can see myself using them over and over and over..
I love Innovative too! The colors and the pennant alpha are so cute! They would be perfect for my baby’s first birthday party!
Loving Peppermint’s In the Moment kit and the All Scratched Up page borders!
I adore the Survey Says Word Art … very unique!
I don’t think I can choose just one. I guess if I have to choose one I would say unstoppable. You have beautiful designs.
Peppermint, love your name and your design style. Your interview was fun, too. Already own Tranquil, Innovative & Survey Says. Need I say I’m already a fan. Next purchase should include Unconditionally and In the moment. Know you are a busy gal, but keep designing,PLEASE!
Unstoppable is so cute! I’m loving the little car!
I just adore her kit Tranquil! TY for this chance.
Peppermint, I love your designs, they are all beautiful. I think I may HAVE to have those All Scratched Up Page Borders for sure, though.
So hard to choose just one! I love everything in your store! My favorite kit is “In the Moment”. I also love your “Date Cards” and “Survey Says”. I’m so glad I discovered you through The Daily Digi!
I love all her kits, but Innovative is my fave!
Gorgeous kits, Peppermint! I just love “Tranquil”. Thanks for introducing yourself.
This kit in the Digi Files is my favorite so far, but next up is Innovative. Great kits!!!
Thanks for all of the great keyboard shortcuts. Where on earth do they stash the master list of these more obscure ones??
I’m with Peppermint; Innovative with the pennant alpha has to be my favorite!!
I LOVE the Paradise Found kit! I still have photos from our beach wedding to scrap and this kit would be divine!
I love her addition to the digi files. Also like the Unconditionally kit. The date card items are neat also.
The colors you use in your kits are so restful and soothing. They go with everything! I really like your style of design too. I think “Tranquility” is my favorite although the other kits are beautiful too. So hard to choose just one favorite!
Keyboards shortcuts seem so daunting to learn because there are sooo many of them. You inspired me to start memorizing them! I love all Peppermint’s stuff.
Paradise Found and Unstoppable kits are ones that I could scrap with right away!! Pick me, pick me. LOL!
I really like Unconditionally, but I MUST HAVE SURVEY SAYS! NOW!!!
Everything is beautiful, but I love Paradise Found.
oh, every product from Peppermint is perfect!! I love “in the moment” kit, and Paradise found. A perfect kit for beach pictures!!
OK, I’m not kidding when I say I like EVERYTHING in her store! Seriously, the woman is crazy talented.
The colours are what draws me to the kits. So perfectly coordinated. Also that they do not overwhelm a photo but complement.
Paradise Found is sooooo pretty!
Love the innovative and the survey says! I love the colors of all the kits!
I have been waiting for a sale at Catscrap (or a coupon!!) as there are so many of Peppermint’s products that I would like. Her papers all look so good. Thank you for a chance to win…
Definitely Paradise Found. Love the colors and elements. Gorgeous stuff!
I love the Innovative kit which I purchased last week – makes a great LO when scrapping about my little man.
I think that “In the Moment” would be a pretty cool kit to add to my stash. I didn’t know that you designed! I’ve always admired your layouts in the gallery over at DST! Thanks for the coupon too!
Thanks for the chance to win and for making such beautiful kits. If I should choose my pick falls on Innovative closely followed by Date Cards and Tranquil.
I like the Beige Like Me paperpack, and the Along Those Lines word art. I’ve already purchased the Tranquil kit
I’m tempted by the Innovative kit, too.
I have known and loved Peppermint’s scrapbooking LO’s and now to see her doing designing is amazing!!
I really love her kit Unconditionally with its bold red and elegant patterns.
Oh geesh…what’s NOT to like??? I think the “Survey Says Wordart” pack is SOOO cute and I could use them on so many LO’s! Peppermint’s designs are top notch – I knew it right away from the first little kit she gave as a freebie “Optimist” – still a kit that I want to keep using!!!
Well first of all i love your name. Wear it with pride. Also i am totally a keyboard person too. New to digi and PSE7 so loved your shortcuts list, wrote them down. Now to a favorite product. So hard. I guess Paradise Found. I like the scratched up borders. All of it is great. Thanks!
I absolutely adore your “Paradise Found” kit! The color palette is gorgeous, the designs clean. And I really like the heavily embellished brackets.
I love Along Those Lines!! Actually, I love all the kits!!
You want me to choose just ONE favourite?! I love your style, Peppermint, I could happily work with any of your designs! The Pennant Alpha is supercute, and “Survey Says” is in my shopping cart right now!
Definitely: Innovative!!
I also love very much her products !!!
Love everything too ! No favorite one !
You rock girl !
I think my favorite is the Unstoppable kit, I love the fact that although it is mostly cars etc the colors work wonderfully for my tomboy grand-daughter as well. Love your color choices and the art work on everything is adorable.
Totally loving Innovative!! Thanks for the chance to win!
In The Moment Kit is perfect!! I love kits with soft colors and clean design! Thanks for the chance to win!
Your elements have such detail and are so creative! I love Unconditionally but Paradise found is very, very close second.
All your kit are so sweet … but my fav is definitly “In The Moment Full Kit” .. love the softness of it and the WA !!!
ok, seeing as I already have most of the stuff in her shop (SUCH a fan!) I would have to say the pennant alphas and survey says – just because I haven’t got them yet
(Notice I said yet?)
And I am going to print off her keyboard shortcuts and see if I can’t get rid of this darn wrist RSI from my mouse. AND I love that she has worn out her keyboard. She’s way too cool.