Inspiration.....ARTastic Challenge Blog

I like to participate in blogs...I think they are exactly what I need to move on something, probably something that was stuck just below the surface of my scrapbooking mind and wanting to come out anyway.  This week, I decided to use my scrapbook layout as my own inspiration for a poem.  I play along with some of those blogs too, you see. 

The Greatest Show On Earth

Look around and you will see a playful world for you and me! 

Open your eyes, sweet little man, and know that you can  - you can!

You can fly to the moon,
Swing through the air,

Walk upon a high wire,

Whatever you Dare!

Whatever you want, my sweet little prince, I will catch you and kiss you good night.

I will sing to the stars and turn out the lights.

I will be there, my little love, because you are...

My Greatest Show on Earth.



The Circus Horse by Marc Chagall



This month, I'm a Guest Designer over at ARTastic Challenge Blog!  We used this painting for inspiration. 

I had so much fun incorporating my family into the mix of a carnival scene. 

Owen was perfect to launch from the cannon!  Myself, I perched on a swing (see me above the cannon?), high above the show taking it all in. 

And sweet Wyatt, isn't he perfect on a high wire?  He is so funny!  And we can't forget Mike, now can we?  He's the perfect side kick to my goofy little Owen!

My mod podge flower made of string and bling!

I also used some new techniques this month - mod podge and tissue paper!  I have been deep into my Soul Restoration course and everything is mod podge, so naturally a little of that gooey stuff had to flow in here. 

My cute little guys!









I'm giving away goodies at ARTastic this month - so come play along!





Looking Out!

I started this blog with the intention of helping others, like myself, who are hopelessly addicted to the beautiful scrapbooking ephemera and blessed with wonderful boys, and I what I'm learning is that I am really helping myself!  By adventuring out into the world of online scrapbook challenges, I'm just amazed with all of the beautiful ways people are including flowers, ribbons, bling, you name it!  

This week my layout was inspired by a new sketch site I found,  this scrapbook by using a sketch presented on Pencil Lines.  I guess I waas so inspired by the sketch and the layouts presented that I got carried away.....and so you find 'Looking Out'. 

Yes, that is a window curtain you see!  I always feel as though my son is looking out at the world, and my message here to him is of course to enjoy life!  

I used Little Yellow Bicycle Clothesline for this layout, and so loved the weight of the paper.  How can you do this?  First I stitched the ribbon directly to my paper along the bottom edge. Then I folded the paper, until I got the right feel for a 'curtain'.  A little glue, or even tape, can be useful in keeping the folds until you're ready to stitch.  Just make sure it's acid free.  Then I stitched straight across the top, creating the ruffle.  Lastly, as I wanted a bit more window dressing, I added a line of glue to the top, and then placed the ribbon, sort of pinchnig it to add to a scrunchy look.  What type of pictures do you have that could include a window curtain?  I'm sure you can think of something and it's fun! 

Lastly I will tell you about the little chipboard bird.  This is so much fun and anytime I can include some embossed chipboard, I do.  You take a plain piece of chipboard and just spritz or dampen with a bit of water.  This allows for it to take a really deep emboss.  Using my Cuttlebug, I embossed the love stamp.  Then I used the edges to get at the chipboard that fell beyond my emoboss template.  Finally, with a little Tattered Angels Glitter Mist it was complete!  Just lovely. 

Of course, what's more important to me then any of the beautiful embellishments is the journaling, or in this case, the message to my son.  Don't be afraid to tell your story!  After all, that's what probably got you started with scrapbooking to begin with. 

Hope you enjoy it! 

REBEL Boys of Summer

It's that time of day when I am dying to create something, looking through my photos, sifting through supplies and I come across this little 'chippy'. Having only recently discovered 'Dusty Attic' I stare at its beautiful detail, this elegant flower and think - it's just gorgeous! But wait, I pause, gorgeous? What is gorgeous about these goofy looking photos of my two guys proudly wearing their new styled Mohawks? Gorgeous? I think not, threatening to stuff that gorgeous little chippy back where I found it.

But, then...I begin to think. Why can't I blend my goofy little guys with flowers and butterflies and even this gorgeous chippy? I can! So, that's when I get started, focusing on the colors, the style and everything that makes me happy about scrapbooking. Once I remind myself that it is I who is scrapbooking, and I adore flowers and flourish and ribbons and glitter, then I'm off, doing what I love. When all is said and done, they really are little REBEL Boys of Summer - reluctantly calling out with their mohawks and goofy smiles in a flourish of flowers. I hope you like it!

Incidentally - you really must try using sketches if you never have!  They are really the best inspiration.  I found this sketch over at the Dusty Attic blog ( http://dustyattic.ning.com/).  They're having a contest this month and I decided to try it.  The sketch is by Trina McClune. (check out her blog for some more inspiration http://trinamcclune.typepad.com/).