Sunday, December 30, 2012
Harry Potter Album and Altered Box
I made this album and altered book box for a big Harry Potter fan. I started wanting to make a trunk like Harry takes to Hogwarts. Months of trying, using Kathy Orta's Journey Suitcase pattern, and I finally gave up and did the book box (from Joann's). I added some photos to make the album more fun, but there is plenty room to add photos on the included pull-out photo mats. Enjoy!
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Life is Good, becasue I have good friends
Having good friends is such a great blessing. I am so fortunate to have the friendship of such wonderful people. Through church relationships I have gained so many wonderful friends and acquaintances. Most wonderfully, my dearest friends the Holy Scrappers. We are all so different: each one bringing a totally different set of talents, skills, strengths, and weaknesses into the relationship. Never before have I had so many really good friends at one time. Cathy, Terry, Kathy, and Kat, I believe, from the bottom of my heart, that you make me younger, happier, and healthier.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Animal Kingdom Mini Album
I have finally completed this mini, and I UIU--used it up (Bo Bunny Zoology paper). I used all but a few scraps, and I even dug into the stash for a few other papers and cardstock. It is a very large mini which was originally inspired by Kathy Orta's zoology mini, then took on a life of it's own. I used Kathy's burlap cover idea, though. She is awesome (check out Paper Phenomenon). I will try to take photos of the album, and post within the week.
Now I have to finish that Chrirstmas present album using the Harry Potter papers.
I have finally completed this mini, and I UIU--used it up (Bo Bunny Zoology paper). I used all but a few scraps, and I even dug into the stash for a few other papers and cardstock. It is a very large mini which was originally inspired by Kathy Orta's zoology mini, then took on a life of it's own. I used Kathy's burlap cover idea, though. She is awesome (check out Paper Phenomenon). I will try to take photos of the album, and post within the week.
Now I have to finish that Chrirstmas present album using the Harry Potter papers.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Train to Trieste
I listen to books each day on my way to and from work. This week I listened to Train to Trieste by Domnica Radulescu. While it is a novel, the story comes from the authors own experience of living in Romania during the reign of Ceausescu, and escaping her native country. While I like reading books over listening, this is one that was really worth listening to. The accent of the reader, Yelena Shmulenson, a Ukrainian actress, makes it seem like it is really the main character telling the story. Totally enjoyable.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Phoenix Scrapbook Cottage Rocks!
Saturday two friends and I went to the Phoenix Scrapbook Cottage. It is in a charming craftsman style house near downtown Phoenix. This was my third time there, and as before, I got so much done. While I didn't finish the long overdue Christmas gift for my boss, I am much closer to done. I also started the mini documenting our January trip to the Animal Kingdom at Disney World. It is so nice to spread out, have good company, and work without the disruptions of daily life.
While I totally enjoyed the luch at Zoe's cafe, and our take out dinner from the taco shop near Safeway (sorry, don't remember the name Chicos???) Next time I think I will bring food and stay in the cottage all day to get more done. (They always have some nice treats at the cottage, and a supply of sodas. I really miss sodas. Wish I could drink them in good conscience. There is just nothing like a real thing! I have to admit to cheating a little lately.)
When we were there the first time I completed a steampunk themed album. The next time I made a complete Christmas album, and though I had intended to give it as a Christmas gift, I liked it so much I kept it. Something about being there all day just makes it easier to scrap. The delightful company of Cathy and Terri makes it even better. I am so blessed to have good friends who love the same things I do.
While I totally enjoyed the luch at Zoe's cafe, and our take out dinner from the taco shop near Safeway (sorry, don't remember the name Chicos???) Next time I think I will bring food and stay in the cottage all day to get more done. (They always have some nice treats at the cottage, and a supply of sodas. I really miss sodas. Wish I could drink them in good conscience. There is just nothing like a real thing! I have to admit to cheating a little lately.)
When we were there the first time I completed a steampunk themed album. The next time I made a complete Christmas album, and though I had intended to give it as a Christmas gift, I liked it so much I kept it. Something about being there all day just makes it easier to scrap. The delightful company of Cathy and Terri makes it even better. I am so blessed to have good friends who love the same things I do.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Ouch!
I tripped when I was on my way home from walking Rowdy. Injured both my hands. Now they are in splints, and I only have good use of my left hand. Right is far worse. Looks like not much more crafting for me in the near future. I have so much to do, too. And the 3rd we have reservations for a day long scrap retreat, too! I am so bummed.
Monday, February 20, 2012
gone--never forgotten
My uncle Kenny Melby died a few weeks ago. I have been rather numb ever since. Kenny was much more a father to me than my own father was. When I was very young, I moved from my mother's to live with my paternal grandmother, Madge, and my aunt and uncle, Jeanne and Kenny. Even after their own daughter was born, they were always there for me. Everything from making me meals to kissing me goodnight. Taking me to school, getting me to church, teaching me to drive: all things I counted on either Jeanne or Kenny to do for me.
I learned what a good marriage is from them and my other aunts and uncles. I learned how to love unconditionally from them. For someone who, though parents were living, was essentially an orphan, I was so totally loved by my grandmother and my extended family.
How then can I not grieve? I hadn't been home in many years. I always intended to, but life always interfered. I kept thinking, "I will do it next year," but I didn't. So I didn't see those people I love most in this world (aside from my husband and daughter), and now one is no longer with us. I am still feeling a lot of guilt about that. I am also concerned about my aunt Jeanne. How does one get over the loss of the one they have loved and lived with since she was 18 years old? At the funeral she said to me, "I just can't believe I will never be able to talk to him again." My heart broke for her, for the loneliness that is sure to engulf her on occation.
I know Kenny had the straight path to heaven, for he was truly the kindest, most loving, faithful man. He was an example of what Christian looks like. St. Kenny, pray for us.
I learned what a good marriage is from them and my other aunts and uncles. I learned how to love unconditionally from them. For someone who, though parents were living, was essentially an orphan, I was so totally loved by my grandmother and my extended family.
How then can I not grieve? I hadn't been home in many years. I always intended to, but life always interfered. I kept thinking, "I will do it next year," but I didn't. So I didn't see those people I love most in this world (aside from my husband and daughter), and now one is no longer with us. I am still feeling a lot of guilt about that. I am also concerned about my aunt Jeanne. How does one get over the loss of the one they have loved and lived with since she was 18 years old? At the funeral she said to me, "I just can't believe I will never be able to talk to him again." My heart broke for her, for the loneliness that is sure to engulf her on occation.
I know Kenny had the straight path to heaven, for he was truly the kindest, most loving, faithful man. He was an example of what Christian looks like. St. Kenny, pray for us.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Can't wait for all the new products coming out this year
From all the sneak peaks, I will need to quit eating so I can start buying all the great new items I've been seeing on blogs by Tim Holtz, Wendy Vecchi, and Graphic 45. My palms are itching--but wait, didn't I just make a vow to myself not to buy more until I used some of what I have?
Tomorrow my friend Cathy and I are taking an introductory motorcycle riding class. I am excited and scared. What if I like it? Will it affect my already too scarce scrapping time? Probably not. I am taking the class to help me overcome my fear of the the greatest joy in my husband's life.
Meanwhile, back at the scrap rack--creativity is starting to spark. I am motivated to get the Christmas gift for my boss done. I even have it sketched out. Maybe Sunday? Then it is on to making three minis for my daughter from our recent trip. She turns 25 on Feb. 6, so I would like to have at least the Harry Potter one done. I will have to quit sleeping! Or maybe quit spending every early morning reading blogs about other people's creative life.
Tomorrow my friend Cathy and I are taking an introductory motorcycle riding class. I am excited and scared. What if I like it? Will it affect my already too scarce scrapping time? Probably not. I am taking the class to help me overcome my fear of the the greatest joy in my husband's life.
Meanwhile, back at the scrap rack--creativity is starting to spark. I am motivated to get the Christmas gift for my boss done. I even have it sketched out. Maybe Sunday? Then it is on to making three minis for my daughter from our recent trip. She turns 25 on Feb. 6, so I would like to have at least the Harry Potter one done. I will have to quit sleeping! Or maybe quit spending every early morning reading blogs about other people's creative life.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
New Year, New Opportunities
I hope that in the new year, 2012, I can devote at least one whole weekend to scrapping each month in addition to my two Friday Holy Scrappers times.
I made a number of minis that I hope to take photos of to share. I still have one Christmas gift to finish (yeah, I know, it is well past Christmas!) AND I now have over 300 photos from Disney World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to go through, print, and put in mini albums. I plan on one for each park, which means 4 albums! My goal is to finish the HP Christmas Gift, then make the Animal Kingdom album, followed by the Harry Potter album, Epcot, and then the Magic Kingdom.
My vacation has re-invigorated me. My health issues are motivating me. My friends give me faith. By the end of the year, I hope to have much to show for all my wonderful luck.
I am so inspired by the work of Laura Denison, Kathy Orta, Susan Day, and Susan McGuire (Following the Paper Trail, Paper Phenomenon, Iowa 2308, and Creative Cafe Girl, respectively). Thank you, ladies, for sharing your amazing creativity and talent.
I made a number of minis that I hope to take photos of to share. I still have one Christmas gift to finish (yeah, I know, it is well past Christmas!) AND I now have over 300 photos from Disney World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to go through, print, and put in mini albums. I plan on one for each park, which means 4 albums! My goal is to finish the HP Christmas Gift, then make the Animal Kingdom album, followed by the Harry Potter album, Epcot, and then the Magic Kingdom.
My vacation has re-invigorated me. My health issues are motivating me. My friends give me faith. By the end of the year, I hope to have much to show for all my wonderful luck.
I am so inspired by the work of Laura Denison, Kathy Orta, Susan Day, and Susan McGuire (Following the Paper Trail, Paper Phenomenon, Iowa 2308, and Creative Cafe Girl, respectively). Thank you, ladies, for sharing your amazing creativity and talent.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)