Pencil Lines: XO

This week's sketch for Pencil Lines was so much fun! I was thankful to finally get my hands dirty in the studio. I made this while Becca was over a couple of weeks ago. She was getting dirty too! We had a blast... I am looking at this layout with a sigh. My paints are all packed up along with most of my studio. We are off to Ikea today to look for a new cupboard for my supplies. Ikea is like a grown up Disney Land. I can't wait!

Supplies - Patterned Paper: Making Memories; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Alpha: Tim Holtz Ideaology; Ink: Tim Holz Distress Ink by Ranger Inc.; Ticket: My Mind's Eye; Rhinestones and Flower: Prima Marketing; Other: ribbon, thread, vintage script, spray paint, acrylic paint, and sanding block

I ran the grudge board letters through the Texture Boutique by Sizzix. I am now in love with that thing. Becca brought her's over and I wanted to texture everything. ;)

A little Shakespeare never hurt anyone.

My little man was four months old in this picture. While going through papers I found his weight and at six months and he was 19 pounds! Huge! There was just more to love. ;)

Publish His Glorious Deeds

"Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; bless his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!" Psalm 96:1-4a NLT

One of my goals for 2010 is to journal more about my life and thoughts. This genealogy album had me thinking about recording more for my family. So, for those that are interested, stick with me on this post. I have had quite a bit on my heart to share for the last two weeks and I wanted to make sure I got it down tonight. I have noticed that if I don't, I won't and these thoughts will be lost forever.

You may know that we have had a rough three years. At least when we look back at the last three years it sounds like we had it rough. I stopped teaching to become a mama, had a hard post-pregnancy and I got so sick that Dave missed some work to help care of Ethan. I am sure there was also post-partum depression added to the mix. Dave's lung then collapsed three times and he had to have lung surgery. Dave was out of work for three months. I went back to work for six months teaching part time but we never really got out of that hole that we had dug ourselves into. We were treading water for so long until we made the decision to sell our home. We both agreed that it was time to down size, move closer to town to help with Dave's drive, and be closer to family.

We have been praying about where God would have us move. We knew if we were to down size that we wanted life changing things to happen. You know... save, be debt free, and live wiser lives. Dave and I are still young to change our living habits for better. This week our prayers were answered!

Our friends that direct Aldersgate Conference Center had a part time position open at their camp. I applied at the camp and got the job! We will be moving by the end of February to the camp! We are so excited about this new adventure. I have been praising God for giving us this opportunity to start again, strengthen our hearts in the Lord, and to bless Aldersgate and those that stay there.

Don't you ever worry about what kind of legacy you are leaving behind? Is that a strange thing to be thinking about at 32? Maybe... maybe not. I think about it all the time. I guess when you have had experiences like mine, you tend to... on my application there were a few questions I wanted to make sure I have preserved.

When did you accept Christ as your personal Savior? What led to this decision? I accepted Christ as my personal Savior when I was three years old in my Sunday School classroom. I grew up in a Christian home where I was raised to love God. It wasn’t until twenty years later when I was disciplined in His Word, learned to love, fear, and obey God that I then realized that I needed to give my life entirely up to Him. I asked Him to use me in all that He could for His work and not my own. I was baptized and my life changed from that moment on… serving Him.


Describe what your Christian experience has been since that time: Although I grew up in a Christian home we never read the Bible together as a family or learned basic Christian discipline (read the Bible, serve in church, tithe, etc). When I surrendered my life to Christ, I knew that He wanted me to begin serving in my local church in the children’s ministries. I began serving as a Sunday School teacher and from that position the Lord opened a door for me to work at Sonshine School, in Salem Oregon. My boss, Mrs. Dorothy Read, disciplined me in spiritual things. I was taught how to respect, love, read God’s Word, and obey others. Since then, I have been involved with many different church ministries, learning from God to let Him use me as He needs. I have been involved in teaching in children’s ministries, directing children’s ministries, leading vacation bible school, leading Christmas programs, serving on the worship team, assimilation, and helping support my husband’s assistant pastoral duties.


During my time of teaching at Sonshine School, my teaching assistant and best friend, Maria, (Dorothy Read’s daughter) passed away from cancer unexpectantly in one day. She had collapsed at home one evening and passed away the next. I sat with her at her bedside that day as she reminded her father where she was going soon. During the mourning process, I looked everywhere in my school videos of Maria and I couldn’t find her. I looked at church event videos and couldn’t find her. In fact, her parents didn’t have many adult photos of her. Where was she? She was the one in the kitchen getting snack ready for 100 kids. She was the one that everyone depended on to babysit during women’s events. She was always serving… Maria taught me to be selfless. She went to be with the Lord before her twenty-first birthday; I think of her often and know that I am still striving to have the servant’s heart as she. Her life and death showed me how to live life with love for God and not ourselves.


At the end of my ten years of serving in the local church, God has placed on my heart the need to focus on my son’s spiritual growth. This year, I have stepped down from many of these duties that I have grown comfortable in, for God to use me in mighty ways this year at home. I have been homeschooling my two year old son. In doing so, I have been able to see my son grow in knowing who Jesus is and learning those early disciplines that I never received as a child. It has been more rewarding learning how to be the mother that God wants me to be.

Today, when I look back at these last three years I don't see the entire negative. I see how Dave is now able to breathe. I rejoice at being healthy. I can stay at home with Ethan and watch him grow and learn by teaching him myself. I can see how God has redeemed us through it all! God does amazing things. He has given us a new beginning and a chance to make a difference through service.

So needless to say, I have been packing. It is exciting. If this is what January is like, I can't wait to see what God has planned for the rest of 2010!

Under the Influence Photography Project

Have you been to Paislee Press on Fridays? Develop Fridays started last week with photographer Jefra Starr Linn. Today's challenge was one that I had to really think about. We are to think of what artists influences our style. As an artist I am always inspired visually. What I struggle with is trying to find my own style while flooded with other artist's visual stimulation! While I am drowning in creative inspiration I loose who I am as an artist.

I really had to think about what influenced me as a beginning artist. Man, thinking back fifteen years was pretty hard. It was good though. What inspired me then, I realized inspires me now. When I looked at the entire list there was a common thread! What a relief!

My list includes these artists:

1. Masters

When I was young I was inspired by Claude Monet, Degas, and Vincent Van Gogh. Even though these artists are unlike in styles I noticed that what attracted me then (and now) was the use of color.

source: Claude Monet

source: Vincent Van Gogh

2. American Artist

Another artist that I loved more than the Masters was Norman Rockwell. His work displayed real life. His work tugged on my heart and moved me more than any other artist. I know it was the vintage appeal but it also told such a story in each piece.

source: Norman Rockwell

3. Children's Literature

There was a time in my life that I stopped painting and drawing. I didn't pick up a paint brush for about four years. During that time I was teaching preschool and fell in love with children's literature. I think I must have been deprived as a child because now I have over 1000 children's books. This morning I realized that some of the books in my collect inspire me artistically. I fell in love with the illustrations. Artists that inspire me are David Small, Steven Kellogg, Tana Hoban, and Eric Carle.

source: David Small

source: David Small

source: David Small

source: David Small

source: David Small

source: Eric Carle

source: photography by Tana Hoban

4. I am inspired by magazines. Victoria, Better Homes and Gardens Country Gardens, and Birds and Blooms. I love gardening but what attracts my eye to these are the photographs, use of bright colors, and vintage decorating!

5. Classic Movies

My sister and I use to climb in bed with my grandmother when she was sick and watch old films all day long. It was wonderful. At the same time she would quiz me on who was who. I am not sure I am as good at remembering all the details as I did then but classic movies still inspire me as an artist. Some of my favorite movies are...

There's so many more movies that I love but this post is already getting long. ;) The common thread through it all is that I love the use of color, texture, and stories that tell real life. Hey! Through this assignment I found - me! That's really what I am all about. If you try this assignment let me know. I would love to check out what defines you as an artist. I will be taking my picture soon to go with the assignment.

Create Well: Find what influences you. Discover yourself.

Guest Designer: Suzanne Sergi

This weeks guest designer, Suzanne Sergi's bold colors and use of layers attracted me to her work right away. Plus, have you seen her photos?! Seriously beautiful! The way she captures her family's love and compassion for each other and life is inspiring! Suzanne designs for Pebbles Inc. which has now been picked up by American Crafts.

How would you describe your scrapbooking style?

I would describe my style as clean, colorful, with a mixture of texture, and lots of little details.

What makes your style your own?

I think you may recognize my style, by noticing that I do tend to create pages with only one large snapshot. I am a novice photographer, who enjoys taking photos of her sweet family. I may take hundreds of photos of one event, but although, it might not be “technically” correct, there might be just that one photo that makes my heart sing. I do tend to hand stitch on my scrapbook pages. It could be simply a straight line, or a flourish. I simply love the added texture it gives to my pages. I also love to use pattern paper,and seldom will you find my page without a photo corner. For me, it gives my page that finished touch. Once, my page has been built, I will find a way to make my page more special, by added the small details.

What inspires you to be creative?

What I see through my camera, inspires me to document the everyday. It is these special moments of my children, friends, and family, that I want to capture. When my little ones, sit and savor each page of our scrapbook album, this reiterates why I scrapbook.

Who are your favorite scrapbook designers and why?

I love searching the internet for inspiration. Scrapbooking combines art and photography, all in one. There are so many unique and inspiring styles. This is why I love this creative outlet. For me, I have always loved Laura Vegas. I am drawn to her pages, because they are simply, clean with linear lines. Her pages are not overly embellished,yet her finished page is complete.

I am also drawn to the work of Jana Eubank. Her pages are full of layer after layer. Her placement of embellishments, is simply perfection.

Of course, there is also my best friend, Jeannette Siciliani. She is full of inspiration, and her work is artsy, with big bold colors. She adds that special twist to a page, that makes it her own.

What are your favorite color combinations to design with right now?

I am not a chronological scrapbooker, so I tend to scrapbook in the moment. I do think I am drawn to bold, and bright colors that make me smile. I love to scrapbook my snapshots, depending on the season, too. The seasons, and special holidays inspire me to match my snapshots to their appropriate paper. When I am not feeling too creative, this usually helps me to begin my creative process.

What is your creative process?

To be honest, I really do not have a specific process I follow to create a page. It usually begins with that special snapshot, that I am eager to begin documenting. I begin with my snapshot, and then select the beautiful paper. Sometimes, once I have chosen my photos, there might be a special technique that I want to incorporate. Once the foundation of my page is complete, I then try and incoporate the special little details. I have also been known to begin with the beauty of the paper, and begin backwards in my process. I am here to tell you, this is okay.

What is your story that you are trying to tell? How can this inspire others?

I am simply trying to document and savor all the special moments in my family’s life. I am a photographer that enjoys capturing our story. I am a scrapbooker that loves to put my special snapshots, imperfections and all, on a simple canvas. For me, this is truly what makes me the happiest. The paper, the embellishments simply are the added details that enhances our story.

How can you inspire others to "create well"?

I would just tell you to create what makes you happy. There is not a right or wrong way to scrapbook. These are your snapshots, and your special memories that you want to document. Creating a page with one photo, is documenting your story, your way. If you want to create a page with ten photos, this tells your story too. Your pages are a reflection of what is important to you,and your family. This is what matters the most.

Suzanne lives in Orange County and is blessed to be married to a wonderful man, Steven. They have three beautiful children, and is grateful to be able to stay home, to watch them grow. Her family is the reason why she scrapbooks.

Suzanne started scrapbooking after the birth of her first daughter. "I wanted to find an avenue to help document all the special moments in her life. I walked into a scrapbook store, searching for the perfect album. I found much more, and fell in love with all the possibilities!"

Follow Suzanne on her blog, Scrappin' the Details where you will be sure to find loads of colorful inspiration!

Create Well: There is not a right or wrong way to scrapbook. Your pages are a reflection of what is important to you,and your family. This is what matters the most.

Evans Photography: Everyday Life

My son and I were enjoying the weather today. I couldn't help but be excited when I found plant starts growing along the road. My favorite flower is the foxglove. They grow wild out where we live, in the country. It got me so excited for spring that I worked in the garden the rest of the morning.

Create Well: Take a walk and be inspired by nature!

Never a Dull Moment Together

I have finished all my deadlines early which has given me some time to scrap for myself. It has been heavenly. Last Friday I was the only one in my house awake at 6pm! Both boys were sick in bed asleep early. I couldn't believe I had so much time to myself. ;) I did this traditional page, a digital page, and watched PBS Masterpiece Classic's Return to Cranford. If you like Jane Austen, put these dates on your calendar. Masterpiece Classic is bringing a few favorites back from last year.

I love this photo. During my December Daily project, I wanted a picture of Ethan and me but couldn't get him to sit still long enough to get a good picture. This is the best one. My expression is quite funny but Ethan is in total focus and I love the look. I boosted the contrast a bit in Lightroom, which made Ethan's hair pop a bit.

 
                   

For those of you that read "Thinking Outside the Box" check out the latest post. Becca, my wonderful twin sister, has written a brilliant article. She has also decided to prioritize (haven't we all?) and is going to close Thinking Outside the Box. But, she will be starting her own scrapblog instead! Yeah! She use to have her projects on her personal blog but now we are all invited to read this new one. I am so excited to see what she has to share with us in 2010. Make sure to visit her blog, Daily Grind Designs, to see the most beautiful layout I have seen in a long time!

Create Well: Take time to scrap for yourself this week.

Guest Designer: Lisa Ridgely

As many of you know, my goal this year is to document and journal more. As I was pondering about this new challenge, I stumbled across this week's guest designer, Lisa Ridgely's blog, Pen and Ink and was totally moved! You must check it out! Lisa hand writes her entries. If anyone can encourage us to write more in 2010, it is her!

Tell us a little about yourself…

I am a lettering artist based in Hanover, Pennsylvania, where I work from my home studio and live with my husband, Josh, and our lovely little girl, Madilyn. I have loved beautiful lettering since childhood. When I was a little girl, I would practice my penmanship and create samples of my handwriting. As a student, I enjoyed taking notes in class simply because I liked to write. My high school notebooks were filled with meticulous handwriting in a variety of lettering styles. The idea to pursue lettering professionally was born as I sat in class one evening as a graduate student, doodling in the margin of my notebook.

How long have you been a lettering artist? What made you become a lettering artist?

I began lettering professionally in the fall of 2007, when I decided to seriously pursue the idea that had been in the back of my mind for some time. I began simply, by doing envelope addressing for wedding invitations. My work has since grown to include hand lettered design for all types of projects.

How would you describe your style?

Artistically, I create lettering in a variety of different styles, depending on the project. When it comes to personal style, I like minimalism, but with warmth – selective and styled, but still comfortable.

What inspires you to be creative?

The typical things – nature, solitude, beautiful surroundings. I'm also inspired by gorgeous type and vintage lettering.

Who are your favorite designers and why?

I love the work of type designer Ale Paul. He consistently produces absolutely incredible work. I'm also inspired by the color stories on A Creative Mint and the gorgeous, detailed styling and photography on Cannelle et Vanille.

What are your favorite color combinations to design with right now?

I've had a life-long love affair with gray, and love that it is especially popular right now. I also love navy and fuchsia, and robin's egg blue with pretty much anything.

What is your creative process?

I have a notebook with me at all times that is filled with an array of ideas, doodles, sketches, lettering, layouts, business plans, to-dos. When I fill one up, I move on to the next one. Most of my designs and plans grow out of an idea that began in my notebook.

What is your story that you are trying to tell? How can this inspire others?

In my work, I really try to create something that has personality, and that adds an incomparable human touch. I try to capture the essence that it is the little details the make something really amazing.

How can you inspire others to "create well"?

Hand lettering is so wonderfully personal. I think we can all identify with that incredible feeling that comes with receiving a handwritten note. I hope that my lettering inspires others to pick up the pen, too.

What inspires you in your everyday life?

My faith, my husband and daughter, going for walks, photography, organizing, music, touring historical and interesting places.

Most of our readers are papercrafters and wish that journaling could be easier. Can you give them advice? What can they do to document that memorable moment?

I'd encourage people to just get down those moments in their own handwriting. Even if it is just a little line here and there. I know that I treasure the most mundane things that are written by loved ones in their own hand. I really think that handwriting is something special, regardless of your penmanship abilities.

To be incredibly inspired by Lisa's passion of the written hand visit her at her website, blog, and Twitter.

Create Well: Identify with that incredible feeling that comes with receiving a handwritten note. Then, pick up a pen and write.

L.O.A.D. Winner!

Thanks to all who entered into to win! Now, the winner...

Fun Mama - Deanna said...

What an exciting giveaway! I've done LOAD once before and it was a lot of fun.

Fun Mama - Deanna, email me at createoften@hotmail.com with your contact information! See you tomorrow with our guest designer for the week!

Pencil Lines: Laugh

Today is the last day to enter to win a seat in Lain's LOAD Challenge here!

This week's sketch for Pencil Lines was loads of fun! I love having stitched circles in my designs right now. Can you tell? ;) I wanted to use tons of elements from our kit, Simple Pleasures. It was just as much fun as a traditional layout - just cleaner. ;)

Supplies - Adobe Photoshop CS2; Patterned Paper: Liz Tamanha from Paislee Press and Michell Filo & One Bright Spot from With Love From Mushy Simple Pleasures Kit; Stitching: Anita Stergiou - Soft Breeze; Paint: Michelle Filo & One Bright Spot from With Love From Mushy Simple Pleasures Kit; Ribbon & Cardboard: Liz Tamanha from Paislee Press; Alpha: Fruit LoOp Sally's Digital Designs http://www.inspiration-lane.com/; Label: Leora Sanford with Designs by Leora; Other Elements: Michelle Filo & One Bright Spot from With Love From Mushy Simple Pleasures Kit

Make sure to stop by tomorrow for the winner in our giveaway! See you then!

You're The One

It feels good to get busy scrapbooking! My husband went to bed sick and my little one fell asleep early. Alone on a Friday night... feels weird. But, it has been the first time I have been able to scrapbook for myself in a while. I did a traditional layout (will have to share that one later) and I played with my new Paislee Press kits. My husband and I don't get very many pictures together. You know how it is... how often can you set the timer on a tripod with a two year old running through its legs? I told him that's what I want for Valentine's Day. Date. Dinner. Photo Shoot. ;) Here is one of our self portraits... see, what did I tell you? Poor Dave's face is cut off. ;) No matter, I love it anyway.

Create Well: Set up the tripod and get a few pictures of your family together today. That is if your household has children three years and up... ;)

Evans Photography: Post Processing

It was about a year ago that I was determined to help my husband's work load and learn how to edit photos in Photoshop. I learned how to edit mostly from books and online tutorials. My husband helped me learn how to read a histogram. Then later in the year I had to learn Lightroom. I wanted to encourage you - if I can learn it so can you! Here are a few examples of the difference your photos can look (even if you have a point and shoot set on automatic!) There is a photo from a wedding I am working on right now. The others are of my sister's Christmas vacation photos with her point and shoot. You can read about the story and edit here.

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after

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Create Well: Make this the year you learn to post process your photos! ;)