Subway Art

In my RSS feed I have about 65 blogs I subscribed to dealing with the home. I have found some fabulous ideas and I love how this generation loves to repurpose things and live frugally.
One thing that stood out to me was their creations of Subway art. I thought it would be fun to put a smaller one together with the names of all the cities we visited during our trip to Italy.
I have a wall in the family room designated for photos/art from our favorite vacation spots. We love watercolors and ink drawings. Those and Christmas ornaments are the souvenirs we usually carry home in our suitcases. Anyway, this is the new featured art on that wall. I love looking at it and being reminded of all the wonderful memories from our trip.
I purchased a 12x18 frame from Michaels and, of course, it was on sale @ 50% off. I created a new file in PSE to fit the frame and left a white margin with the inside filled with black. I downloaded Waukegan LDO font and placed the names ... adjusting as necessary. I specifically picked this size because Costco prints it in an hour for $2.99.
I have seen other bloggers create their family rules in this art form. Many have purchased canvases and painted the words on. My version was a bit quicker to complete : ) I wonder what it would be like to print out a Wordle Word Cloud and have it framed? Holiday words? The possibilities are endless.
I would love to hear your ideas ...

Lab Decor

My new employment location is in the testing lab. For students, coming to this room is about as exciting as going to the dentist for a root canal.
I have been busy doing software updates, installing the new browser, auditing computers and sanitizing keyboards and mice ... getting everything in order.
One thing left up to me is the room decor. I thought it would be great to put up some inspirational 18 x 24" posters and got to work creating them in Photoshop Elements. The room now has something of interest and looks a little more warm and inviting. I still have three more to create plus a welcome banner.
I am thankful that Loretta gave me a folder of jpg stock photos a few years ago and it was the basis for finding quotes to match. I also found a great site if you need photos for a project: www.freedigitalphotos.net
This kind of got me in the mood to start scrapbooking again. BUT first ... our iMac needs more memory ... a project Walt and I need to work on together -- hopefully soon!

Celebrate!

I know ... it has been awhile since the last post. Life has been a whirlwind so in September I'm thinking I will be back on track ... perhaps with a different blog ... a new look ... a new focus. Just a few things I have been pondering. I have some ideas floating around in my head but I am waiting to see where life takes me in the next few weeks.
Anyway, this week our Tuesday @ Five Bible Study group celebrated Melney's birthday and since I hosted, I took the pictures. Here's a glimpse of the fun ...
Credit is due for the party ideas pictured:
Your Homebased Mom:
Paper Bouquet
Best Chocolate Cake Ever
Simply ... This. That. And The Other:
Fruit Jellies on a Stick

























Layout Credit:
Template: Mandagirl, Template 26 -altered
Font: ChromosomeLight, American Typewriter
Paper: ae_bdaydoodles2_paper2
Wordart: ae_bday_wa_5 and wa_3
I haven't scrapbooked for nearly nine months and I have to say, it was fun putting a layout together. I need to get re-acquainted with my digi supplies. I found some great stuff while creating this page.
Perhaps the next "season of life" will provide opportunities to have more creative time in my schedule.

Goal ... Complete

A wonderful gift of a day off and I have spent all morning working on my scrapbook album. I just sent the last seven 12x12 pages to Costco for printing ... 2006 is done Yikes ... the album contains 132 pages! Let's not calculate the cost ... to me, each page is priceless : ) Now on to 2007 which includes big events ... our cruise and Calleigh's birth. New experiences ahead.
I would like to work on getting current so that I can concentrate on deepening my Photoshop Elements and photo editing skills. It would be fun to do a little designing someday. I am looking forward to the new PSE version coming out soon.
Well, now on to my to-do list. Closet organizing is at the top of the list. Time to move those summer clothes out and make room for sweaters.
I love days like this!

Two-Page Designs

Up until this point all of my digital layouts have been one-pager designs. I am finding more and more two-page templates online to download so I thought I would give it a try. While creating a layout for our 2006 Sunriver Thanksgiving trip I found this family photo to be the perfect fit for cropping. I completed the layout in a 24x12 format and cropped it to a 12x12-left and a 12x12-right.


The crop lined up perfectly between Tim's shoulder so no one was cut in half. I enjoyed working with this layout format ... but maybe it's because I like these photos so much. What great family memories from that trip.
I have all remaining 2006 photos organized in folders by date/topic waiting for a layout design, then sent online to Costco for printing, ... and finally into my album. Because of digital scrapbooking I think I will be able to fit an entire year in one album where before it took at least 2 ... maybe 3 to hold a year full of memories.
It has been fun to once again "experience" the JOY of the 2006 family events ... good memories ... but I am still determined to get caught up!
Credits:
Font: Trajan Pro, CK Ali's Writing, RamRod, Pea Bandit
Template: Shandy Vogt -Double Vol 2

Cookie Monster

I am working at staying less than three years behind on my 2006 album and I have been "cruising" through the fall events.
I had to post this one of Colin because not only do I love the fall colors but the subject (Colin) is adorable.
Each October we plan a family day to decorate cookies for Halloween. In 2006 2-year old Colin was at the perfect age to join in the frosting frenzy ... and as you can see ... "a spoonful for my cookie; a spoonful for my mouth" was a great decorating plan.
I love looking back on all the fun. It's hard to believe that next week Colin will start preschool. Where does the time go?!?!?
Credits:
Brush: cinnamon brushed alpha
Font: ChromosomeLight, Rough Typewriter, Traveling Typewriter
Paper: LJD Autumn Days ppr03
Template: LJD Template 82

Goal Reached!

I just sent down an order to the Costco Photo Lab for the last scrapbook pages of our 2006 Wallowa vacation.
NOW ... I can start packing and planning for Wallowa 2009 and leave with peace of mind that I am still less than 3 years behind : )
I spent most of the morning working on layouts, the afternoon going through my camping wardrobe, and then before and after dinner finishing the last few pages.
Tomorrow I will be working on meal planning and making a grocery and packing list. Life has been simplified with our website. A big help with organization in getting ready for our trip.

While I'm At It ...

Here's a peek at the layouts I added to my album this week. I have several more pages to add before we leave next week for Wallowa. Just can't think of leaving -- knowing I'm more than three years behind again!!!
I wish I had more time to devote to this hobby... I love the creativity and recording our life events.

Backtracking

I need to step back in time because I missed a few posts during my illness and studying for my test. Here are a few layouts of Calleigh's second birthday party from May:
It's hard to believe she is already two ... where does the time go???
Michelle had the room @ Conestoga Park and Rec decorated with such cute decor and each activity, the food, etc. was so well thought out. She is truly a "party planner." It was a joy to see Calleigh's delight with each gift she opened and how much fun she had blowing out the candles. Year two has much in store for this precious little girl!
Credits:
Quick Page: Ange qp printemps
Element: Summer Driggs -Sweet Springtime Bird 3
Font: American Typewriter
Word Art: Lindsay Jane -Icing Cake Happy Birthday Wordart






























As soon as the party was over, Calleigh made a beeline for play equipment ... no fear in that girl. We lost track of how many times she ran across the bridge and then down the slide. It was one of the first truly beautiful blue sky days of May and it felt good to soak up the warmth of the sun while watching her play. As soon as we said goodbye, we drove down to Cannon Beach for a Spring getaway. More on that in my next post!


























Credits:
Template: JZ Designs -030509 Challenge FS
Alpha: Scarlet Heels -red alpha
Font: Pea Faye, Pea Jay
Elements: digitreats jump brad 8
Paper: Kevin and Amanda -red pattern paper, Yellow Solid PP

She's a Girly-Girl

What a joy it was to have the grandkids overnight last weekend while Michelle went to PH Women's Retreat.
We enjoyed an evening of playing with toys, going to the park, watching a movie etc. We pack as much into our time together as possible.
One thing Calleigh requested ... to have her nails done. This time it included the full spa package with a foot and hand massage. She was so intrigued by all that Grandma was doing.
In the morning she wanted velcro rollers in her hair like Grandma and a touch of "spray" when it was styled just right. She's growing up so quickly!
What fun it is to spend time with these precious little ones : )
Credits:
Misty Cato -Photo Display
Font: Pea Kate, ChromosomeLight, Witchcraft, American Typewriter
Paper: A Work In Progress-Designs by Vicki -Pink Coffee Cream Papers #6
Wordart: CW Picket and Company -News Print Alpha/Girl

Old Technology - New Fun

While I'm home with pneumonia I thought I would catch up a bit on my blog. Since I'm so far behind I will probably do a few posts between naps.
I love these pictures taken of the grandkids on Mother's Day. Even though they have never seen a phone like this, it seems to be one of their favorite toys. Who would have thought that old technology could be so entertaining.


Credits:
Alpha: Shel Belle Scraps -For the Boys Alpha
Template: Linda Roos / In The Making Design -Template XVll
Paper: mkoegelenberg -tropical escape kit 2 solid 005, LDD Vintage Dreams-Retro PP7
Journaling: Lauren Reid -Journal Me This 05
Font: American Typewriter, Pea Neffer, Pea Sarahloo, An Unfortunate Event

Layouts ... a Long Time Comin'

Well, finally I'm working on May of 2006. I thought I would share my progress since the last time I posted. My album is filling up ... Nice to have 16 new pages.

Photoshop Elements Brushes

I have been wanting to create my own brushes in Photoshop Elements ... brushes are similar to making a rubber stamp. Once the brush is "stamped" on a layout it can be resized, recolored, highlights added etc. and can be used over and over again.
After watching a tutorial online at Digi Scrapbook 101 I was determined to learn this new skill. I found some verses I especially like and could use on my card projects. And I was not disappointed ... it was so much easier than I thought.
I could hardly sleep that night just thinking of everything I wanted to turn into a brush. Here's a sample of a few things I've created.


























Well, I'm off for my walk ...

My Favorite ...

Just thought I would share my favorite digi layout since I last posted. Instead of posting all of them I thought I would feature one of two of my favorites.
I loved how it turned out ... the rich colors, the lettering, the simplicity and of course, I love those featured in the pictures.
It warms my heart to see a father-son moment as Brian spends time with Colin while playing guitar. Who knows?!?! Colin may learn to play one of these days. There has been a long history of interest in playing the guitar in our family
I now have 17 photos in my new album and nearly ready to start March 2006.
Credits:
Template: Kitty Cat Designs -Happiness Is
Font: Mom's Typewriter
Paper: Susan Fitch -guitar heaven

The Difference You Can See

I just had to show the difference in my albums since I've started digital scrapbooking. The photo below speaks for itself. Looks like I could almost get one year in each album now.

Layouts for this Week

One of my goals for the new year is to keep working on my 2006-2008 albums. I was able to complete four layouts this week. I'm trying really hard to keep at it.
The fun part has been going "back in time" and remembering special times with friends and family. It's especially amazing to see how much Colin has grown up. Time seems to be flying by!

Working on my Goal

During the Winter Break my goal has been to start 2006 scrapbook layouts before I go back to work. Yes ... I am that far behind! I'm excited to say that I am ready to start 2005 Christmas Day layouts tomorrow so I am slowly inching toward my goal.
The digital layouts are much quicker to complete and I'm able to tell our story through multiple picture layouts that's just not possible when doing them by hand. I'm also able to fill my scrapbooks with more pages since the bulky elements are no longer a factor. I hope you are able to enJOY something fun as 2008 comes to a close.

Dine and Design

I'm a little behind on "current events" but spent some time this weekend working on a few layouts from our annual Family Cookie Day in October. It's amazing how a spoonful of frosting and a few sweet treats can transform an ordinary cookie into a work of art. Colin was really in to it this year. He had some very creative ideas and enjoyed the "sugar rush."
Now I need to return to my Thanksgiving 2005 scrapbooking project before the upcoming holiday.

Credits:
Time with Uncle Tim
Template: Studio Ellie -Where's Ellie #3
Elements: Misty Cato -Date Bits; Digitreats -Jump Patch; Amy Bleser -Rainy Day Tag, Twill
Font: American Typewriter, Witchcraft, Pea Jenny Script
Paper: Amy Bleser -Rainy Day Paper 2&3; Anita Designs/Nana's Attic -All About Me Paper 3


Cookie Day
Template: Misty Cato Blog Template 12
Paper: Michelle Coleman -Happy Halloween 02
Brushes: Be Up2date
Fonts: Artistamp Medium, Pea Jay, Pea Frankie

Imagination Taking Shape

There are a few things Calleigh loves about visiting at Grandma & Grandpa's house. She loves the tray of fiber "balls" on my coffee table. She has the freedom to play with them without worry. They serve a dual purpose -- a decorative element in our living room AND something she can play with.
As the novelty of this slowly wears out, she has been heading down to the playroom with one thing on her mind ... PLAYDOH. Grandpa captured some great photos of the creative process in her new found joy. I see great artistic talent here! Keep at it, Calleigh ...

Credit:
Font: Tuesday, RA-type, CK Ali's Writing, Pea Simone
Paper: Grumblescraps -Tuff Fluff 10
Template: K@trine -Template 6
Alpha: Amy Sumrall -Playdoh Alpha
Arrow: Hummie -Swirly Arrow 2

Trick-or-Treat

Charlotte -- I finally got this posted : )
With so much going on this week I haven't spent much time on my photos or layouts. I thought I would share our fun Halloween evening with you. Here's the "story" in the journaling:

"Brian, Michelle, Aunt Sissa, Colin and Calleigh came by to “trick or treat” our neighborhood. Colin was Luke
Skywalker and Calleigh dressed up as a fairy princess. Michelle has been learning to sew and decided to tackle making costumes for the kids this year. She did a fabulous job!
It was a perfect evening to be out in the neighborhood -- mild temperatures and no rain. Our first stop was the Myers’ house to see “Mr. Chris.” Ella was dressed as Tinkerbell and between each house Colin wanted to hold her hand. After a full evening of “trick-or-treating” our cul-de-sac we had two very tired little ones."

I hope you enjoyed the weekend -- especially the extra hour!

Credits:
Template: Purple Tulip Designs/Suzanne Blair -PTD F001
Font: Chromosone Light, Century, American Typewriter
Paper: MaryAnne Curth -bpfreebie paper 2; Cate Sforza Absolutartist -CSforza Fall Splendor Paper 1
Elements: Scrappin Obsession -Trick or Treat Button
Word Art: Digitreats -Pumpkin wordart; Purely Pixels -Trick or Treat