New FTU Awareness kit! "Cindy Lee - BCA Awareness"

Hey friends! I'm back with another Freebie for you all. This one is a new version of a BCA kit I did over 15 years ago that's no longer available. It was hideous and at the beginning of my scrapping journey. This one, I love more. 

This one is called Cindy Lee in honor of my aunt who passed away 27 years ago. She lived with breast cancer for a few years before she lost the battle. She's adored and missed always! 

Please, educate yourself on breast health. Do your yearly mammograms. Do the self-exams monthly. Don't wait, because it literally means life or death. Unfortunately, my Mom and her siblings came from a generation where women's health wasn't talked about. They weren't taught certain things. If she had been educated (even learned on her own) there's a chance it could have been caught sooner because of what sh went through I'm very adamant about these things. I do my exams and get my mammograms. I've taught my girls their importance. 


Don't wait to get the help you need! Reach out to your doctor or a local clinic who can help you. 

With that said...on to the kit! 

The kit DOES include AI elements! 

Please, enjoy! 

Get the kit from Mediafire HERE

Breaking the Silence - Domestic Violence Awareness FTU Kit

When I focused on making this kit, I wanted to have it center-happy stuff. Maybe renewal, and a reminder of surviving. That's why the teddy bear is the focus of the preview. The comfort my own brought to me as a kid was at the forefront of my mind. 

Yes, I was a kid who survived childhood trauma and domestic violence. I grew up in a chaotic household, and I was a teenager before we escaped. As an adult, I lived through domestic violence in a relationship for entirely too long. I came out of it, and am surviving, regardless of how hard it is some days to function. 

The reality is this: More people than you realize are living through domestic violence. It can happen to ANYONE. Regardless of who you are. Regardless of your gender identity, age, socioeconomic status, or race. It literally happens to so many. 

You never truly know what someone is going through unless they share. If you need help, please reach out for help. If you're someone who is helping someone, reach out for help.

You're not alone. 

National Domestic Violence Help Hotline - 1-800-799-7233

A special thank you goes out to my friend Jo, for the lovely wordart for the kit! You can find her blog HERE

Download the kit from Mediafire HERE

I'm retiring from CDO & a CU Freebie!

Hello friends!

I wanted to let you all know, I'm retiring from CDO and my last day will be 11/30. I've been incredibly blessed to be part of their team for the last 3 years. They're an amazing group of people. It was just time to center my focus completely on my own store. I've had a lot of changes in the last 6 months and I'm splitting my time between kit-making and working with a couple of authors as a PA (personal assistant). Which I love! I get to be creative in many ways. Balancing the two jobs isn't easy, but I'm doing it. 

The fact I got to start with CDO meant a lot to me. I've worked hard for the last 13 years on improving my skills as a designer. Kelly gave me a stepping stone and I'm proud and honored to have been part of CDO. 

Since I'm retiring, there's a big sale happening! So make sure you go check it out. The link is at the top of my blog. 

Now..on to the freebie!

I was checking my FB memories like always and saw this old CU pack I had done. I no longer sell at Patty's store, and this is retired. Why not give it away? This was something I made myself in another graphics program. I made it for my ninja buddy Kayla. She is my friend Patty's daughter and such a sweetheart. Kayla is part of the spectrum. I've always tried hard to share awareness for not only Kayla, but my friends Crystal and Sarah's kids (not naming their kids without permission). Because these kids are freaking awesome, and I love them, I want people to educate themselves. Not one person is like the other in life, right? The same is to be said about Autism. Every person is different. I think it's super important to educate ourselves properly. Fight against the stigma. 

If you'd like to learn more about Autism and how to support the cause, visit the Autism Speaks website. 

Finally, here's your download!  These are full-size, commercial use/personal use (NO CU4CU!) paint swirls in png format. 

Get it from mediafire HERE

Freebie Alert! Former PTU now FTU! ALS Awareness kit!

Hey guys! Recently Sassy and I made the decision to close our store. For many reasons too. But it will be back in the future! :) 

One of the things we did for the store was a collab for ALS. It's a very devestating disease that effects more people than you think. The biggest reason we did the collab was in honor of Gina's mother. She lived with ALS for quite awhile and I'll never forget what Gina went through those years as her daughter or as the daughter learning to live with out her when it was her time to go home. I love you Gina!

I wanted to post more than just this today, but I'm in a crunch to get some other things done.

Take your health seriously! Be vigilent in getting healthier (sage advice giving myself as well) and stay close to the ones you love. 

To learn more about ALS, check out the site HERE!

The kit has 7 papers and 25 elements...full size in png and jpeg format! :)

*Note that the awareness ribbons come in three colors!

Get it from 4shared HERE

New! Freebie Alert! FTU Awareness kit, "Time Of Your Life" - Chronic Kidney Diesease

Hi guys! I've got another freebie for ya'll. I know I've been doing some once a month, but trying to up the game on this one. I know how freebies are relied upon, just as I do. My goal is to do at least one awareness kit a month. A goal mind you! LOL We shall see how it goes!

My good friend Cindi had won a custom kit in a contest many moons ago. I feel horrible it's been a good six months. But she's been so patient with me where as others want to stomp on my big toe! Luckily, my feet are quick! *smiles and laughs at own joke* When I asked her what she wanted, she asked me to do one for Chronic Kidney Disease. Her husband has been fighting the good fight and succeeding in many way, this disease. I've learned many things about Robert (her husband) through her and he and the stories, melt my heart. Please note too it was CINDI's idea to make this a freebie kit to be shared with ya'll. Ty my love!

Cindi is one of the MOST amazing person I've met in my life. She walked on to my path many moons ago...ok so years...at least what, four years? Something like that..anyhoo, I digress. She's been so loving and supportive from the get go. She asked me for advice on kit making and various PSP related stuff. She's always been patient with me (obviously after six months of waiting for the kit lol) and really supportive. It's never mattered what I"m going through, she just even sends an "I love you" type message. She's gone beyond what most people do for friends. One thing about Cindi that most know, she's generous to those she loves. I'm honored to be able to call her my friend. I hope she knows this always.

One of the other things I've noticed over the years, how much she truly adores her family. Mama Sassy told me once that in a household, the mom always sets the tone of the house. Meaning if mom is pissed/tired/happy/sad/excited, it's contagious. Everybody follows those feelings, even when you don't see it. Trust me, this is very true in my house! She's so devoted to her husband and her kids. How many can say they truly know people like that? In my world, not a whole lot. Her love for her husband shines through constantly. She's there with him every step of the way. And vice versa really. He's just as much dedicated to her and the kids. He fights this disease for Cindi and their children. To fight it, is to be selfless. I've seen other people just let the diseases take over and they become a mere shell of who they used to be.Not Robert or Cindi! If there ever was a person who needed healing in many ways, it's Robert. I admire his strength and dedication. Like I said, I don't' know a lot of people like that and in all honestly, a little jaded when it comes to that. But they've changed a lot of that.

Ok to finish up.... Cindi and I were talking tonight and she said that one of the things she hopes for this kit to bring, is obviously awareness. But also this...and I'm putting into her EXACT words. "One of the most important things for people with CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) tor remember as we've been told over and over, is it doesn't have to stop you from living. You just have to do things a little differently." Truer words were never spoken about this disease. She also mentioned that even though they're limited on things they can do, like vacation, long car trips, etc., they can do what they can in moderation.

Their love for camping has not deterred them since. They just take shorter trips when he starts dialysis this summer. So for this kit, I did the camping theme. A reminder in their worlds, that life goes on. You have to enjoy everything in the moment. Take all in, and throw away the bad to leave the good.

Here are some statistics on this kidney disease:

* Up to 26 million Americans—1 in 9—have chronic kidney disease. 

* More than 570,000 Americans have kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease. 

* The Kidney Health Initiative (KHI) is dedicated to improving patient safety and promoting development of new therapies for all patients with kidney disease 

*To improve care for patients with kidney disease, more innovation is required: In the past decade, too few new nephrology drugs have appeared on the market in the United States.* 

* Significant racial and ethnic disparities exist at every stage of kidney disease: 

*African-Americans are 6 times more likely than whites to develop kidney failure related to hypertension and 4 times more likely to progress to kidney failure than Caucasians.* 

Hispanics and American Indians are 2 times more likely to progress to kidney failure than Caucasians. * 

* Kidney disease causes hypertension, which affects 80% of kidney patients. 

*Kidney disease also accelerates the progression of heart disease and increases the risk of heart attacks and heart-related death. (information retrieved from ASN) Another website that you should check out for more information (and tons of prevention/help) is the National Kidney Foundation. This is the official website, and please go check out! Educate yourself and your loved ones. 

Almost done, I promise! LOL If you wish to contact Cindi to give her and Robert tags you make with this kit, support, and love, you can reach her via email HERE and her blog (she rarely posts, but still lots of goodies there!) HERE or her FB account HERE. I knnow she woudl appreciate all of it!

Now for the kit....it's mega packed. twice the size than the custom kit she won. I was inspired and had to keep going. Every time I thought I was done, I found something else! LOL

23 Papers in jpeg/png format - 137 elements in PNG, large tagger size. no repeats in this kit! (I think lol) and for personal use ONLY! Please link back to this particular blog post for others to download. Sharing is caring, especially with FTU stuffs, but link to this POST! 25.2 MB is the size.

Ok here we go...one more thing....I love you Cindi, VERY much! Give Robert and the kids a big hug from us to ya'll.Kit preview:

Get it from mediafire HERE

Freebie Alert! ALS Awareness Colab!

Want some free kits? Come to Thrifty Scraps Store group and pick up some goodies! The Thrifty girls have completed an awesome collab for ALS! One kit is tagger the other is full!

Go HERE

Freebie Alert! Free to use Congenital heart awareness kit "Adams Heart"

A good friend of mine gave me an idea for an awareness kit. her son Adam has Congenital heart disease.He's a fighter and a beautiful kid who will have to live with a lot of obstacles but can do anything for sure! Please learn more about this disease and show support for others!

You can get the kit HERE 

Freebie Alert! "Hope" Domestic Violence Awareness

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For some reason blogger took th is posting away :( so I've reloaded it!

I had done this kit 2 and half years ago and it still is very close to my heart. I'm a survivor of domestic violence. My brother and I were abused as children along with me being sexually abused. It's a hard road of survival to deal with that, and thankfully with support and love, we're getting through it!

I hope this kit helps you all and you enjoy it!

Get it HERE

Freebie Alert! "Dancing Star" Bipolar Awareness

I have been working on this kit for quite awhile, trying to figure out where I wanted it to go. There are many reasons I made this kit...let me give you all a little back story...

When I was in late 20's I was FINALLY diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. It devastated me in many ways. It made me wonder if I was that stereo typical person who "had" that disorder. It took me awhile to come out of that funk. Through thereapy and everything, I learned that I had the disorder for a very long time but it was either ignored or dismissed by my previous doctor. I can remember being 14, and suffering from a dark depression. Through my teen years I went through many waves of the disorder. I've learned alot in the last few years.

One of those things is, I'm not ashamed. I used to be, as I had worked with a woman who was so severe in her bipolar disorder that she would cause issues at work and had to be fired. For me, telling anyone I had it, was too much. Especially after my mini breakdown. Coming out of all of that, I learned that it's ok if I live with this disorder. I'm not different than  a lot of people. But it's something I had to learn to accept it as it being apart of ME.

So there its, I live with Bipolar disorder along with several other disorders. I live with it every day and it's calmed down some by the medications that I will have to take forever if I want to be "normal" somewhat by societies standards. It's a juggle, finding the right medications for the various issues I have. I still struggle with it, and it's a work in progress.

I encourage people to be more open with it, to not be ashamed and to seek help that is needed. Look to your local crisis center to get you help. Never be ashamed of who you are! Embrace it and look at the brigher side of things.

I went with the direction of dancing fairies I guess you'd call them? LOL The light blue side represents the happier part of teh disorder. how you feel like you can dance and sing. The darker side represents the depression and the sadness. It's a constant battle to regulate the sides and make them co exist. That's what this kit represents, and I hope you all enjoy it and understand the concept.

Ty for reading this and allowing me to share!

Get the kit from mediafire HERE

FTU - "coming out of the dark" Depression awareness kit

For some reason blogger ate this post :( here is my depression awareness kit again!

GET IT HERE

Freebie Alert! My Special World- Autism Awareness kit FTU!

**** LINK UPDATED 4/6/18***

I decided to overhaul my old autism awareness kit after I had to take it down because of an idiot who said I had to change the name cuz we weren't friends anymore...DUMB...

But that's ok, because I love this one better! ;) This goes out to all my little friends who have super powers and their parents who know what it's like to raise a special needs child. Our worlds as special needs parents are so much different yet even more special than anyone elses. 

I hope you look for more information on Autism and the different  strains. Go to AutismSpeaks.ORG to learn more!

Please enjoy the kit and download it HERE

Freebie Alert! "through the looking glass" A Suicide Awareness Kit

This kit has such a huge meaning to me as well as to many I know.

Growing up my mom had a horrible accident that left her disabled and traumatized. There would be 3 times over a few years where she would attempt to kill herself. Each time thank the heavens she was not successful. When I became pregnant with my oldest daughter Otelia, she told me that Otelia saved her life. Those words were so powerful! She was nearing the lows again and would have tried once again had it not been for Otelia's appearance in our lives. A few years later she passed away from a heart attack. But I'm so thankful for those years we had her.

For myself, I was suicidal at the age of 14. Because of the trauma of the abuse and bullying I went through. It would haunt me for several more years. I too believe my children saved me.

2 and a half years ago, my cousin Greg who was only 2 years older than me, killed himself. There were no "signs" in fact he was a very successful Assistant Fire Chief. He had become closer to my youngest daughter who loved the old show "Emergency" and they used to talk about it lol. He even knew one of the actors personally. He promised to get his autograph for Mae :) We had both lost our mom's and we had that bond. He was just one of those people who would do anything for anyone. God how I miss him! He suffered from a deep depression and one day he succumbed to it. I'll never forget him, and will always love him forever. I don't hate him for leaving us, I just wish I could have saved him.

Recently, a dear close friend of mine attempted. She was damned near successful and I fully believe it was a miracle she is still with us. I won't go into a lot of details, but I will say this. What she went through, well what "we" went through (I say that because of the few that it effected the most) we have become so much closer, our bond is tighter and she has a better view on why she's here in the world. we've learned to rely on each other for support and help. What her "mistake" brought was a lot of learning, understanding and deep faith renewing. I thank God for her, for a few others whom are effected every day by the the haunting of the temporary fix to a very real problem.

So this kit is for Greg, my friends, my mom, for myself and for anyone who is truly effected by any mental illness, and walks that edge so close. May peace be with you in some form and you can seek the help you need!

My name and theme of the kit is basically "through the looking glass" and means that even if you are looking through the window into the darkness or through the mirror, there is light. You jus thave to be able to find it or even WANT to find it. Please enjoy!

Please if you are in need of help  Call the suicide hotline 1-800-273-8255 .

My amazing and beautiful friend Gina also made one! She actually has two on her blog and you can find it HERE

GET THE KIT HERE

Please enjoy!

Freebie Alert! "Furbabies" An animal cruelty awareness kit

We're all aware of the cruelty in the world, especially when it comes to animals. Personally I've never had the experience of dealing with animals who have been rescued. But when I was making this kit, it reminded me of my friend Gina. A few years ago she rescued a dog named Jake. He had been left tied up to a tree at her neighbors home and they left him there :( it was so sad! It took a lot just to be able to get close to him with out him reacting violently. Eventually she and her family were able to rescue him. Jake was a HUGE dog! lol eventually he became healthy and happy and they were able to place him with a local family who loves and cares for him. Not all animals are rescued. I encourage you to adopt from your local shelters. Local shelters will help you get the animals taken care of medically and you are doing a wonderful thing! To learn more about how you can help, visit the ASPCA website HERE

This is a tagger size kit, 16 papers and 84 elements. YOU CAN GET IT HERE

Freebie Alert! FTU Awareness kit "you are beautiful" HIV/AIDS Awareness

I was pretty young when the world first learned more about what exactly HIV/AIDS was. I can remember getting the "talk" in 5th grade and it was just being introduced into the curriculum. I can look back at those days and think holy cow, how far the world has come huh? In a day when it was believed to be a "gay" disease or the potential for survival was so little, we now see people living full lives and for quite awhile. The truth is, it's a very real and very devastating disease that effects millions all over the world. No matter your race, your sexual orientation, your gender, it can happen to any one person at any given time. With anything comes education, and knowledge. Talk to your kids, talk to your partner/spouse, open lines of communication and learn how to keep yourself safe! Get tested regularly and avoid risky behaviors that can lead to exposure.

I chose this theme and name of the kit because like most kids my age (god I feel old!) I can remember the show "Life goes on" and how her boyfriend on the show was Jesse and he had HIV. That show was incredible to break a lot of sterotypes about a lot of things and HIV was one of them. When I thought about making the kit, I thought about the love story of Jesse and Becca, about my friends and family, and how everyone deserves to be loved. No matter what your status is. You are beautiful, no matter what they say.... (cue Christina song)...and it's true. Please do the research, get tested and remember, love everyone and be accepting.

Please visit AIDS.GOV for more information on the disease and National Native Aids day HERE


GET IT HERE

Freebie Alert! FTU Kit, Ray of Hope a Pinwheels for Prevention Awareness kit

This is probably one of the most special kits I've done in awhile. It's very personal to me. I was doing some research on some sites a few weeks ago for a homework assignment and found the Pinwheels for Prevention website. As I read this information, it brought tears to my eyes. You see I was one of those kids who needed that attention and for the people who seen what I was going through to say something. But they didn't. I was an abused child, and I'm a survivor. There should be more education out there to help and educate people.

I fully believe that when a child is abused it's everybody's business. I was 31 when I found out that there was someone in my life as a child who knew what we were going through and didn't say something. If that had happened, if that person had stepped up, I might not have gone through it. Also my brother....I honestly am working through that. I'm a survivor and a fighter.

This kit is atribute to the ray of hope that as children who survive the abuse look for that ray of sunshine or the moment when it all stops. As well it's a ray of hope for those abusers who seek help. Something has to change. It's about education and prevention. Please enjoy this kit, check out the site and remember to be aware of what's around you!

Get this tagger size kit from 4shared or mediafire

Freebie Alert! "It's a beautiful life" Liver Cancer Awareness

I was asked to do this one a few weeks back, another awareness kit for Liver Cancer awareness. You can find it on the Art of Giving blog. Get it from 4shared HERE

Strength In Me - Tesiticular Cancer Awareness

I was asked to do this kit a few months ago and I had started it but stalled out because I couldn't find what I wanted for it. I picked back up on it this week and it came together pretty nice! This one is for Testicular Cancer awareness. We hear a lot about cancer now a days, which is horribly sad. It can effect males of any age, at any time. Please take the time to teach your sons about checking themselves, how to get tested and be self aware! Check out the official site HERE

Download this kit from 4shared or MEDIAFIRE

Freebie Alert! Give Me Wings Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness

My friend Yvonne asked me to do an awareness kit for Ehlers Danlos Syndrom. When she told me about it (which I had never heard of btw) it just sounded so painful and hard to deal with. Essentially it's being double jointed and a lot of gymnasts and catortionists are that way. With this syndrome it can be very painful. Read more about it HERE

My theme for the kit was fairy like, full of garden and outdoor themes. The reason for this is becuase for those that suffer with the syndrome, would probably wish for wings to just fly and not be in pain. I hope you enjoy this kit!!!

Get it full sized from 4shared

Papers

Elements

Elements 2


From Mediafire

Papers

Elements

Elements 2

Get it in tagger size from

4shared

Mediafire

Freebie Alert! Too Beautiful for Earth Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness

I've been wanting to do this kit for awhile, and like most things it got put on the back burner. A few of my friends have experienced the loss of a baby, and the after math of it all. It breaks my heart for them and I could never imagine. I don't think enough people turn to focus on this particular loss. I hope to bring some light to it and maybe offer a kit that may lead to some love and healing for some. Please visit This site to learn more about support, grief and more.HERE

10/14/17 - Links are now updated!. I apologize! I didn't even realize that I have so many dead links. I'll be working on fixing them. But thanks to those who posted on FB to let me know!

You can get the tagger size on Mediafire HERE

Full Size on mediafire HERE

Freebie Alert! Peace, Love, Cure a Multiple Sclerosis Awareness kit

I was asked quite awhile ago to do this kit. I got busy with other projects and put it aside. Then I found out my Uncle was diagnosed with MS. It was a shock, because with that came a bunch of other issues. I took it hard, all the stuff that was happening to him at once. We've always been super close. He often talked about how he just wanted to be able to go "home" even though he lived in Washington most of his life, they had relocated to Montana many years ago. He wanted to go home to be with his new grand baby on the way in August, she will be here. Going home meant the time he needed to heal and get better. Work on focusing better, healing his body and being in the fresh mountain air. He loves the out doors and camping. When I last talked to him, he told me how much better he felt. The headaches were gone, he could walk better and he wasn't depressed anymore. Life was good! I was so incredibly happy.

I have a few dear friends who are also living with MS. I know how difficult it is for them to deal with and heal. My heart aches because I can't "fix" them so to speak. I love them so much and it means so much to me to have them in my life. So Barb and Kris, this is for you!

I went a different route with this kit. I wanted to make a tribute to what Uncle Matt wanted and what he was able to get. This is all about nature and peace, and I hope you all enjoy it.

Please take the time to educate yourself and Learn more about Multiple Sclerosis. Visit the National MS Society website HERE

Get the kit HERE