Happy 50!

I used wallet-sized photos to create this simple page about my dear uncle's 50th birthday. The only other items I used were my white gel pen, ribbon, brads and some vinyl Thickers letters. OH and yeah...more of that faux stitching on this one. I have been bad (but oh so good) with using that a lot lately, huh? :) Thanks for stopping by!

Brooke's 21st Birthday

This page make look like I spent time stamping or coloring it, but the patterned paper provided all the splashes of color. I only added matted photos, some turquoise bling flowers, ribbon scraps and a title circle. It has a "crooked and funky on purpose" style.

21! I can't believe Brooke turned 21 this year. She has certainly turned into a beautiful young woman. I just love her!

Brooke Nicole

I did this page about my dear niece Brooke. These are some of her senior pictures from a few years ago. Click the picture to see all the details. The flower accents are simply part of the patterned paper cut out to make my own embellishments. It took a while, but she is so worth it! Check back tomorrow for a layout regarding her most recent birthday. Thanks for stopping by!

Wheat Harvest

Click the picture to see these details up close:

*wooden buttons stitched on with linen thread

*striped patterned paper with fancy corners cut out

and layered onto additional patterned paper

*cool old combine in photos

*journaling

*title from small letter stickers at top

Thanks for stopping by! Today is my Grandma's surprise birthday open house! Stop back tomorrow for another layout.

The Web of Life

Ignore the crooked picture and hot pink pad I have the page propped against. Click each picture to see the intricate details. This page took me a while, but was quite therapeutic, especially the journaling. This page was one of the ones entered in the county fair.

I got the bling arrow at Archivers. I placed it on patterned paper and cut it out. I used a few different Halloween papers to give this page an eerie feel. The surprise of the page is its message in the journaling...which isn't eerie at all.

The sparkly foam spider stickers are from Hobby Lobby. I had some leftovers from making my Halloween cards. I placed them randomly on the page to simulate creepy crawling real spiders! I inked some layers with white ink and some with charcoal ink to make each edge stand out. The page was all about the details.

When I took the picture of Mr. Spider at night using my macro setting and flash, he became whited out. I added some glitter pen to him just to jazz him up a bit. In real life, he's black,white and other colors. I got this bling circle at Archivers, but switched out some red stones and added black. The red ones were used on the round black background paper (see above photo).

I cut out the word "web" using my Cricut. I added Stickles for some shine. It's iridescent, but when tilted looks green. The tiny letters are from Jenni Bowlin and the punch is from EK success for the orange layer. OH and I added some inked lines to the purple shadow pieces behind the letters to mimic the web.

This is the heart of it all. For some reason, this tiny spider's existence is one way God has spoken to me lately. I am terrifed of spiders, but have cheered this one on as he has rebuilt his web time and again. After all, he's just doing what spiders do. You can watch the video below of him in action....rebuilding his web after a windy day had torn it down.

The County Fair

Our first trip to the county fair was tonight. We wanted some fair food (oh, yeah!) and to walk around a bit. Of course, I had to go talk to some animals. I am humbled and honored to tell you that I got first place and best of show for my three scrapbook pages this year. I was excited because two of the three pages I entered glorify God and are a testimony in ways. One was the Sonshine page I showed a while ago and the other one is titled Web Of Life and features this spider below.

For several weeks, I have watched this spider build and rebuild a web on our light pole. His tiny life and diligent rebuilding made me think rather deeply and inspired a scrapbook page. I will share that page real soon. Just today, I took this picture of him "resting" in the center of his newly rebuilt web. It's the biggest and best web yet! Go, Mr. Spider, go! (If you click the picture to make it bigger you will get a REAL close view of his underside. It's creepy, but I am so glad God put him here to remind of some things in my life.) *shivers* So, go ahead...click it! Eww!

I researched spiders on the "web"...aka internet. Ha ha This kind is in a category called orb weavers. They usually have poor vision and detect their prey by the vibration of the web when something lands on it. The silk of the web is sticky so it can catch and wrap its prey. By the way, I was totally creeped out looking up spiders on the internet. Even pictures of spiders make me wiggy. There are different orb weavers, but I have no idea which spider this one is. Anyone know? It's not the common yellow garden spider and I quit looking at pictures after a while. EWWWWWW! This little rabbit just made me giggle. In fact, all the rabbits were cute as a pickle!! There was one that was literally bigger than Riley! Now, that's a big rabbit!

This pig had his/her bedding all bunched up to make a snuggly bed. Kind of like I do with the sheets in our bed that I hug when I sleep or get under my chin just right to get all comfy.

Some of the lambs have shirts on to stay warm. I think the lambs are one of my favorites, because my thoughts go directly to Jesus. He was the lamb slain for our sins. How precious is this lamb and how precious is He who died for us!

This handsome little speckled devil is a curious, hungry goat. They just crack me up! Snack, anyone? ha ha

Now, this rabbit thought a sip of water was lip-smacking good! How sweet is this!? Adorable!

We're going back to the fair tomorrow night for the tractor pull. I already decided since I've blown Weight Watchers points today, I am done with fair food. I will eat here before I go and maybe just get something to drink there. I'll take breaks from the tractors to browse the merchant buildings, talk to more animals and just watch people. We have another busy weekend ahead with my grandma's surprise birthday open house and church. I'll post more when I have a chance to exhale. I have several other pages to share, plus the special spider page, too. Thanks for stopping by!

Alice

Click the picture for a closer look at these details:

*giant chipboard letters covered with patterned paper

*cute little Jenni Bowlin letter stickers (love these!) and funky Making Memories sticker letters

*orange and silver "hardware" along the top edge

*funky patterned ledger paper

Ok, mid-week hello to you! Back again tomorrow with more scrappin'. Check back!

Haircut

Click the picture for a closer look at these details:

*how I covered up my journaling boo-boos with the same color cardstock

*Riley's adorable pictures (Does this bow make me look like a sissy? LOL!)

*cute ribbon and his bow in a little clear keepsake envelope

*red brads to separate the words of the title

*an adorable puppy bum

*faux stitching (I need intervention!)

Happy Tuesday! See you tomorrow with another layout! Thanks for stopping by!

Ouch

Click on the picture to see these details:

*chipboard letters with texture stamped on them to resemble letters on patterned paper

*bottom right corner accents(love that tiny clothespin)

*sticker accents on photos

*tag made with patterned paper, ribbon, etc.

*pics of on adorable dog named Jack (his vet visit for his 1st routine heartworm bloodwork)

Ok, one more tomorrow! See you then! Still several layouts left to share this week!

Bloom

Click the picture for a closer look at these details:

* faux stitching (I'm addicted!)

*linen thread used on chipboard, punch outs and as flower centers

*layered flowers using patterned papers and Kraft cardstock

*felt ric rac

*gorgeous flowers (pics from my yard and my parents' yard)

Thanks for stopping by! I have several layouts to share this week. Stop back!

Backyard Buds

Click pictures for a closer look. There are several layers, yet the layout is simple. More faux stitching on this one, too. When I made three or four layouts at the same general time, I was on a faux stitching kick!

Love these fuzzy bone brads from Hobby Lobby. Speaking of backyard buds...this morning Jack and Riley were in hot pursuit of a poor rabbit. They almost had her cornered, but she escaped. Good!

I added some details to the felt Thickers using my Stampin' Up! markers. Thanks for stopping by today! I'll try to upload more pics for tomorrow, but if not...check back soon. :)

Tomato

Click the pictures for a close up look. It will help you see the details better. I {heart} tomatoes now! :) Excuse the crooked photos. I was doing them super fast, then Jack jumped on the ottoman. Goofy boy!

This week has been super busy. Tonight after supper, we took the dogs (and they took us!) for a nice, long walk. Now, it's time to read the newspaper and relax. We have something to do tomorrow, then church on Sunday. It will be a busy weekend. Our fair starts Sunday and I took my scrapbook page entries today. There are more scrappers this time so I'll be excited to see everyone's pages. I'll let you know how I do. Judging is Monday. Ok, time to "veg"...get it...the tomato page is above and I said "veg". Yes, I crack myself up. *giggle*

Whew!

I am counting the minutes until I will lay down in bed. It's been a whirlwind week and I am whooped. I have to take pics of the other layouts, upload them and plan my blog posts. I have a busy weekend, too, and hope to get back on track soon. I will now have Weight Watchers meetings on Mondays and Bible Study on Tuesdays. Might cut down on blog time. OH, and speaking of Weight Watchers. I just joined Monday. On Tuesday, I could have eaten my co-worker for lunch since I was so hungry. Today I had my meals all planned and felt much better. As I reduce my portions and calories, I have to remind myself that it didn't pile on overnight and I won't lose it overnight either. Thus, my journey into being healthier begins NOW! Kevin is doing it with me to lose about 15 pounds. He is so funny and just rolls his eyes when I tell him how many "points" foods are, etc. I am planning our meals and together we can do this! I'll admit though, I could tear into a cream stick donut right about now. Instead, I'll brush my teeth, wash my face, thank God for today's blessings and snore!!!!!! :)

Glittery Snow

This was the first winter for both pups. They LOVED the snow! They ran and hopped and dug their noses in it. It was fun capturing these memories on a glittery snow layout.

I used Stickles glitter glue on the edges of the foam Thickers letters, photos, and on the brads. I used two patterned papers, a glittery snowflake overlay, felt snowflakes, brads, foam Thickers and Stickles on this page. Fairly simple items that made an intricate design. I'm not ready for snow again just yet, but this was fun to create. Not sure what Riley will wear this winter...gotta get him a "big boy" winter coat since he has outgrown his other two. Won't that be hilarious fun...shopping for a new doggie coat. *giggle*

Mr Muddy

Hmmm....a muddy Eskie is a funny Eskie. Well, that's what I had to tell myself this one day. He is ornery, even if he is the quiet one. LOL!

To create the tag, I placed letter stickers on and sponged two colors around the stickers. I then carefully lifted off the letter stickers and threw them away. Finally, I inked the edges with chalk ink and added dark brown faux stitching.

I added white faux stitching and dark brown faux stitching on one layout. Don't be afraid to mix it up!

The boys have "puppy Nascar" quite often. Thankfully, it doesn't always lead to baths! They both did get regular baths Sunday afternoon. I think I was just as wet! LOL! Kevin was gone so he missed the whole event. I washed Riley in the kitchen sink since it has the handy spray nozzle and was much easier. Jack gets in the big tub. They were both very good boys. I bet they'll be rolling in worms soon, though, as they don't like to smell like foo foo dogs. Puppy shampoo is gentle, yet smells yummy to me. Check back tomorrow for a glittery snow page.

Super Simple and Mr. Dandy

I needed a super simple, quick and speedy card to take to work tomorrow for Dr. R's b-day. Kraft cardstock+patterned paper scrap+dark brown cardstock+brown twine+stamped sentiment+punch out+self-stick nail head bling=super simple, quick and speedy! :) Hey, I think that twine matches my new hair....nyuk, nyuk, nyuk (Three Stooges laugh).

Dandelions are weeds. They are mostly unpleasant, annoying and tend to grow where they don't belong. However, I am fascinated by them and have found them to be less annoying when I consider their intricate design. I found this dandy Mr. Dandy just outside our back door and with the sun shining, it just glistened. Wow! Look at all his fuzzy wuzzies. I have also been known to stop mowing to grab one and blow its bits around. I know, I know...it makes MORE of them grow. I figure instead of grumble about them, appreciate God's intricate wonders. I have also seen stamp sets of dandelions and the saying is "Scatter seeds of kindness". The next time you see a Mr. Dandy, think not annoying thoughts, but pick it and blow! Then, go about your day scattering seeds of kindness! :) ooh...ooh...and see how each fuzzy wuzzy has little fuzzy wuzzies coming off of it? Just think how kindness could spread more kindness. Yeah, I think I'm lovin' the dandies!! They are just one more way God whispers His wisdom to me. Do you hear Him, too?

Yeah, this one will become a layout in the near future. Wow is an understatement! Say it again....WOW! ( go back and click each picture for some amazing up-close detail...the stem looks like wood grain)

Something new for fall

Ok, so how I stood the exact same way for both pics is quite bizarre. I decided to go a bit darker for fall and sha-zam, I got it! hee hee If Kevin wakes up in the middle of the night and squeals, I'll know he doesn't recognize me. *giggle* I'm still trying to get used to it.

Before

Now

Celebrate

Heeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeee's Riley!

And, what a cute little devil he is.....*snicker*

cardstock: Yo Yo Yellow, Green Galore

buttons: Real Red

other: white twill tape, metal word embellishment

He is tender and tough all in one tiny package. Bingo! He turned one last Saturday, but this pic is from a few weeks prior. I figured it was close enough for this b-day layout. :) Plus, I was gone all day Saturday so not like I could take a pic of him on his real b-day. *shrugs shoulders*

Kevin @ 45

Over the next several days, I'll be sharing the layouts I made recently. I won't bore you with reading oodles of details. Instead, click on any picture you want to see bigger and I'll just highlight maybe the more unique details. Thanks for letting me share my ideas. I have certainly enjoyed the process! Love, love, love to create!
The patterned paper is printed with a distressed edge. I mimicked that by sanding the edges of the photo, then inking it with white ink. Love how it really made a unique hazy frame around the photo. Letters are chipboard colored with craft ink. The only other materials are Going Gray cardstock, white gel pen and a journaling pen.

Kevin read this and said "introverted?". Perhaps I should have used the word "reserved". Same thing. LOL! I also asked him if he thought he was "gray-haired" and he said "well, maybe a bit...why?" I told him "Oh, ok...just wondered." He didn't know until he read this what I was doing that for. hee hee

This is one of the many positions Jack likes to be in while Momma scrapbooks. He was wedged behind the rolling cart of punches and next to the wall. I bet it was a space about 15"x15". ha Most often he has his nose touching my chair. If I roll, his nose will be smooshed!

Riley sometimes lays next to Jack. He's a snuggler. This time he was behind the trash can, next to my white stand with the Cricut. As you can see, he was touching the wall, too and not sure if his nose was against the blue trash can or not. I had to hold the camera under the table to get this shot and had to be sneaky. Funny how they like to be touching something when they sleep. At night, Riley is always in my back! Keeps me warm, but watch out if I roll over! ha

Come back tomorrow for a Riley page!

09-09-09

I just had to post something for today. Hey, it's 09-09-09! For all you digit heads, you'll appreciate this bizarre thought I had today while driving.

09+09+09=27
then take 27 and...
2+7=NINE!

And, this is my 405th post. Now, add those numbers...4+0+5=NINE!

Yes, it's cool indeed. Hope everyone had a great 09-09-09.

I will be back soon with oodles of ideas to share. I have finished THIRTEEN layouts since Sunday, plus made 50 Halloween cards on Saturday. Whew...my mojo is rockin'! Thank you, Lord for the inspiration! He gives me a great life to scrapbook about! :) Now, I just have to photograph and upload all those ideas and my blog will be hoppin' for a while. See you soon!

Oh wait....13+50=63, then 6+3=Yep, you guessed it...NINE! Oh brother...I need some sleep! *giggle*

Sunday Randomness

Have you ever looked at field corn up close? There are acres of it growing in the fields beside, behind and across from my parents' house. Today as we pulled out of their driveway, the colors of the corn under the bright blue sky just made me want to take some pictures. I love how tall it is, how green the stalks are right now and the velvety cover on each "leaf".

The way the cob grows and the stringy silks peeking out the top is quite fascinating. Those silks aren't quite so fascinating when you are cleaning cobs of sweet corn to devour at dinner. They stick to your hands, the cob and wherever else they land. :) It's neat that this field corn will be used for livestock feed, corn flakes, corn meal and many other corn products you and I eat all the time. I am so grateful for the farmers who grow and harvest what we eat every day.

The tip tops are the same color as my favorite cardstock....KRAFT! I wonder if that's why I like kraft cardstock so much...because it's earthy and I am so fascinated by all things in nature.

One of the blessings and highlights of Summer 2009 is my new love of fresh tomatoes. I only like them chopped in salads, but that's a huge step from only liking processed tomatoes in things like salsa, spaghetti sauce and ketchup. A girl can never have too much ketchup....Heinz that is!! :) I have even craved tomatoes when there were none here to chop in my salad. I found these GORGEOUS ones at Wal-Mart. They are still on the vine and have such a scrumptious bright red hue. Are you hungry yet? Well, keep scrolling and you'll really drool!

This is what I made Kevin for supper tonight. Stuffed french toast. I whisked together fresh cracked eggs, skim milk and vanilla in a shallow dish. Then, I dunked each slice of bread into the mix and placed them in a non-stick pan on medium heat. I think it is better to cook them slower and let the egg really cook through than to pop them in a hot pan and flash fry the outside of the egg mixture. The bread won't be so gooey if you do. I increase the heat as needed while continually flipping the bread pieces in the pan. Ahhh....it gets better. I added fresh sliced bananas, drizzled honey and slapped on some butter between each slice. Top off with more bananas, chopped pecans and drown in syrup. Notice I said DROWN in syrup. Don't you know it's the ONLY way to eat it. *snicker* Ooh...and don't forget the sprinkle of powdered sugar. It's just prettier that way. :)

I only had four slices of white bread, so mine were made with 100% whole wheat bread. Man, were those slices delectable! My belly is super happy right now! :) Ok, just wanna check...you drooling yet? As you can tell, I LOVE food. If you know me, you know I am a slave to good food. My waistline shows it. Ugh. I have to start doing something about that REAL soon.

Ok, while we're talking about food. Mom, Connie and I went to Archivers yesterday for a crop. We left to grab lunch at Chick-Fil-A and this is who we met...their mascot. I about died when I saw this honking cow costume. I scrambled to get my camera in my purse and said "You're such a handsome cow. Can I take your picture?" ha ha Later on, the cow was along the main road waving hungry people in for a yummy chicken sandwich. Chick-Fil-A has awesome chicken sandwiches and waffle fries. Again, my waistline shows just how much I enjoyed my lunch. ha ha

Does this take your breath away in fright? Or, are you completely fascinated like I am ? I am currently working on a scrapbook page to document this awesome wonder I discovered on our light pole in front of our house. I took the picture one night after dark by using the flash and the detail (macro) settings on my camera. The flash bounced off the spider and made him appear white, but look at the web detail I captured. I am just fascinated yet again by God's beauty around me....even if it's a creepy-crawly eight-legged spine-tingling eerie spider. EEK!!! Do you see the two spooky-eyed dogs in the window, too? They were watching Momma when she sneaked out in her jammies to take the picture.

Ok, that's my babble for today. I challenge you to take a look around you. Notice the details of life. And when you discover something that reminds you of how complex this whole world is...don't forget to give thanks to God. He truly is the most magnificent artist! Wow!