Friday, April 04, 2008

A Remembrance for All Seasons


Another page for my mom's memorial album. Poem of my own inspiration.

I will remember you...When the robins arrive announcing Spring's arrival.Surely the flowers you so loved will be blooming soon.

I will remember you...When the leaves change their colors and the dusky sky is on fire,
For Autumn was your favorite season.

I will remember you...When Winter brings our first snowfallAnd we our celebrating a white Christmas.

I will remember you...When we gather with family and friends each SummerFor picnics and merriment in the great outdoors.

Just like you, I will be the one taking the photos, hoping to capture fleeting moments for posterity.

In every moment, I will remember you.

Credits:
--Raffia flowers (white with golden beads) from Verde elements by Sausan Designs
--Willow stem by ON Designs
--Paper tears and curl by Jen Caputo
--Book, paper border and ribbon from Funky Junky Spring Fling Elements by Michelle Godin
--Purple flower from Spring Fling elements by Birgit Kerr
--Frame, white and pink flowers, lace border and long dried flower from IO Healing and Calm by the Studio Girls
-Font: Cherish
--Wings, dotted circle/number stamp and swirl from a Little Magic set by Vera Lim (April grabbag)
--Brown bg. ppr., fern and green pine from Sweetness kit by Manuela Zimmerman
--Berry garland from Bunnies and Brownies Coll. by Lorie Davison
--Cream newsprint ppr. from Nana's Secret Garden by Flergs

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Tuesday, April 01, 2008

AnnaBen: 2 Layouts and a printable project




Best Friends
Kaylie and her inseparable friend.
Preppy in Pink page set and Alpha by AnnaBen; Blended flowers from Quite Contrary flowers by AnnaBen. Tied ribbon from Tying the Knot by AnnaBen
Template from Brace Yourself 2 by Janet Phillips

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Live in The Sunshine

Today was a sunny beautiful day so we took the scenic route to the mall. On our way we saw barns, horses, horse ranch, and also went to the playground. You picked flowers, played on the swings, slides and monkey bars. You had fun! 03-30-2008Buttons from spilled Milk by AnnaBenFlowers from Quite Contrary set by AnnaBenBg. pprs., frame and ribbon from Preppy in Pink by AnnaBen
Font: Century Gothic
Template by Jen Caputo (from Creating Keepsakes)
Doodled border byMissMint from Playground pop set.
Scallop round shape by Digiscrap.ch.
Clouds ppr. from The Bouncing Brownies and Bunnies Papers No. 2 by Lorie Davison
Live in the Sunshine WordArt by Kay Miller (I added the To play, or not to play, perchance to....today and always) 2406

Meet Anna Benjamin (a/k/a AnnaBen)

Anna Benjamin is the newest Studio Intern at Scrapbook-Graphics! Anna joined the Studio Crew after her amazing finish in the Queen of the Crop contest, and immediately we discovered her other awesome talents, including design! She’s been providing giveaways on her blog, Paper Moons, for ages (check it out today for another one!), and she also had some fab gifts up on the SBG blog.

Check out her Studio and also the SBG blog for inspiration on using her designs.

Welcome aboard, Anna. Wishing you much success!

Monday, March 31, 2008

Impressions of Healing and Calm: My Layouts



Love and Tenderness credits:
Kit Used: Impressions of Healing and Calm by the Studio Girls at SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20692&cat=0&page=1
String 'Em In Alpha by Flergs
fastenit_HooksEyes by Birgit Kerr
Font: Penstyle
Staples from Maya's Personal Stash - The Ultimate Staple Collection
Really Messy Alpha by Birgit Kerr
Blanket stitching by Ronna Penner
Cute as a Button Credits
I have always loved these photos of Kaylie. Her full cheeks, bright eyes, curly brown hair and red lips were to die for. March 2001

Kit Used: Impressions of Healing and Calm by the Studio Girls at SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20692&cat=0&page=1
Staples from Maya's Personal Stash - The Ultimate Staple Collection by Maya
Sketch - Janine Langer
I Love You This Much Wordart - Misc. Wordart by Jen Wilson
Bead alpha by Kimberly Giarruso
Folded corners #1 by Karah Fredricks
Fonts: Paulinho Pedra Azul and CAC Shishoni Brush

Impressions of Healing and Calm


Get it - HERE
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20692&cat=0&page=1

The storm clouds gather in a heavy dark oppression, glowering down, inescapable. The dry, dusty corn stalks are shaken, tossed, and waving wildly to escape. The dust billows in wandering columns across the yard, searching for more to consume. The clouds burst and the rain begins – hard, driving, and relentless. It tears dead leaves from the trees. It whips everything unstable and lacking roots, carrying it off to the center of the storm. It tears at the wildflowers with greedy fingers, yet they fight back, resilient and determined to survive in their supple state. The dry ground soaks up the wetness, hiding the dust with deep eager gulps. The rain softens, falling steadily to feed what is left of the fury, gently encouraging and motivating growth. The sun emerges from behind the glowering clouds, chasing the wind away and causing the wetness to shimmer like jewels on the refreshed greenery. The deadness has been washed away, the streams of water cascading down and filling the earth with promises of deeper roots and further growth. Healing has begun.



Coming to Scrapbookgraphics April 1st this soft and gentle collaboration from the Studio Girls (on sale for $9.99 through April) is going to sweep you off your feet. Perfect for your most tender moments, this pink and blue delight will surely inspire many a wonderful page.



Contributing Studio Girls include Berna Datema, Birgit Kerr, Dana Frantz, Flergs, Lorie Davison, Michelle Godin, Mirranda Reinhardt, Manu, Traci Sims, Wendyzine Scraps. You’ll find this collab jam-packed with the following goodies:


33 papers 8 frames 2 glitter overlays 2 ribbon strands 6 flowers
1 window frame2 lace pieces1 paper border1 swirly brush1
wrapped string7 Butterflies7 button1 stitched flower1
stitched circle1 patch5 ribbons2 corner accent1
scalloped border2 paint and glitter swirls2 bows1
border overlay1 dried flower stem1 filigree embellishment5
journaling labels1 pretty glass ball2 tied ribbons1
flower stem1 glitter element1 swirl2
jewels1 jewel strand1 ripped paper piece1
flower4 2 glitter sheets
Photoshop layered tempates (12 x 12 Shutterfly-ready and 5 x 7 Shutterfly-ready)

Want to see the kit in action? Click here to view twenty-one (21) layouts using it.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Do Not Weep


I wish I had had the foresight to ask Mom the questions I always had in the back of my mind...
As I make these pages about her, I realize how much time I wasted and how different my priorities are than hers. If only I had known that her end would be coming so soon, I would have made the time and set aside any stones impeding our way. Too late now. The only thing left to do is for me to remember her in a positive way. Maybe give a bit of insight about her life to my siblings. Maybe my artistry (yes, this is the first time in my life that I consider my pages art!) will help them down the road. My wish is that when they look at this book they can remember the good times they had with her and maybe learn something that they didn't know already.
Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am in a thousand winds that blow, I am the softly falling snow. I am the gentle showers of rain, I am the fields of ripening grain. I am in the morning hush, I am in the graceful rush Of beautiful birds in circling flight, I am the starshine of the night. I am in the flowers that bloom, I am in a quiet room. I am in the birds that sing, I am in each lovely thing. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there. I do not die. - Mary E. Frye- 1932

--Poem by Mary E. Frye, 1932
--Font: Penstyle
--Robin - stock exchange photo 524281.
--Nest - stock exchange photo 76874
--Orange Butterfly - Butterflies #1 by O.N. Designs
--Bg. ppr. in soft light mode, Raffia Flowers, vine, bugs, tiny butterflies and pink (carnation) flowers from Verde Kit by Sausan Designs
--Branches with luscious green leaves and baby's breath from Spring Fling, The Elements by Birgit Kerr.
--Bright green leaves along the left bottom side from Painted Doodles No. 2 by ON Designs
--Pink crepe flower from Kit No. 14 by ON Designshttp://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20355&cat=0&page=1--Light brushes from Obsidian Dawn
--Base bg. ppr. from Afternoon Serenade (March grabbag) by Meredith Fenwick
--Yellow bug from Birdy elements by Sausan Designs
--Alpha - ON Designs Alpha No. 2
--Pink flower and remember label from Lingering Joys, the elements, by Birgit Kerr
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19803&cat=0&page=1Purple long flower from Garden Variety by Doris Castle (unavailable)
Stream photo blended in the backgroun is from Amy Pearson's A Walk in the Woods stock photos set.
Barn/Farm blended in the background is from Stephanie O'Neill's Farms and Barns

Friday, March 28, 2008

Mom's Favorite Season

Another page for the memorial book...

Mom’s favorite season was Autumn. She enjoyed the cooler weather and the changing of color of the leaves. She especially like the fiery red and orange leaves. She used to tell me that when she was younger, and still living in Puerto Rico, someone had traveled to the U.S. and brought back a postcard with scenery such as this one. She couldn’t believe that it was real; she thought it was a painting. She never imagined that later in her life she would actually get the chance to see it in person.

Eclectica Collection: Earth Tones pprs. by Michelle Godin
http://www.scrapboo kgraphics. com/xcart/ product.php? productid= 20657&cat=0&page=2
Twigs/berries from Verde elements by Sausan Designs
http://www.scrapboo kgraphics. com/xcart/ product.php? productid= 20631&cat=0&page=1
Leaves from Prairie Gal elements by Lorie Davison
http://www.scrapboo kgraphics. com/xcart/ product.php? productid= 19981&cat=0&page=1S
ketch plate 11 by Anita Stergiou
Really Messy Alpha by Birgit Kerr.
http://www.scrapboo kgraphics. com/xcart/ product.php? productid= 20322&cat=0&page=1
That's a Wrap II - Beaded - by Birgit Kerr.
http://www.scrapboo kgraphics. com/xcart/ product.php? productid= 20056&cat=0&page=1

Posting galleries:
http://www.scrapboo kgraphics. com/photopost/ showphoto. php?photo= 30851&cat=587
http://www.scrapboo k-bytes.com/ gallery/showphot o.php?photo= 278992&ppuser=19252
http://www.digishop talk.com/ gallery/showphot o.php?photo= 294935&ppuser=976

How's Your Spelling?

Woo hoo, I got a perfect score!

Your Spelling is Perfect
You got 10/10 correct.

Your spelling is excellent. You also have a great memory and eye for detail.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Daydreams


If you would like to see the page up close, click on the layout to enlarge it.
Remember how I showed you that Bunnies and Brownies kit by Lorie Davison yesterday? I had to take a break from my memorial pages and so something whimsical and fun. I love her, I love her illustrations, I love her style...I love her.

I was trying to daydream, but my mind kept wandering. Stephen Wright. 5-4-2007
(This quote is so very true for her...she has a super vivid imagination. Who knows, she might be an illustrator or children's book writer.)

The Bouncing Bunnies and Brownies kit collection by Lorie Davison

Really Messy Alpha by Birgit Kerr/SBG

Vintage Lomo Action on photo from EZ Does It Combo by Traci Sims
White butterfly from Border Collection by Flergs.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

My Top Picks at SBG today



Lorie Davison is fabulous...her style is so whimsical and fresh, totally a welcomed change as far as innovative page designs are concerned.
Sausan Designs (Sylvie) is another designer rocking my world now. Her kit titled Verde is fantastic, too. You have too see the raffia flowers, the butterflies, frogs and frames...you have to...enough said.

Meredith Fenwick's Blog Playday




You know, you can tell that this is MY son. He is grumpy, just like me! :) I remember being 15 years old and having this very same attitude. The pursed/pouty lips, the eyebrows...

One day I was listening to Jack's Music show on Nick Jr. and heard the "Grumpy" song. I learned the lyrics and sang it to Liam every morning when I woke him up. He grew to like the song and now dances to it. It defeats the purpose, doesn't it? :)


Grumpy - rightGrumpy lyrics by David WeinstoneFont: Times New RomanGlass Alpha and bg. pprs. from Random Grabbag by Meredith Fenwick http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20539&cat=290&page=1Decorative border under musical credit by Mindy TerasawaCarboard edge by Mary.Journaling Highlighters by Jackie Eckles.Doodled border by Mikkel Paige Originals.
Grumpy - left You are the grumpiest little boy I have ever seen. You hate getting up in the morning, and just like me, you can’t stand the chatter of others so early in the morning. If I see that you are grmpy, I sing you the “Grumpy” song. At first you didn’t like me to sign the song to you, but as it turns out, you’ve grown to like the song and even sing it along with me. 9-6-2007

Font: Times New Roman and Stamp ActBlack Circle stamps by V.VVEclectic Needs Variety: Combo Pack by Jessica Boltonhttp://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18164&cat=0&page=4"G" alpha from Reel Inspiration by Michelle Godinhttp://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18591&cat=0&page=5(Note: I used a blank, which I also recolored.String frame from Front Porch Elements by Birgit Kerrhttp://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20524&cat=0&page=1Bg. pprs. from March Random grab bag by Meredith Fenwickhttp://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20539&cat=290&page=1Doodled border from DoodleMeBig by Mikkel Paige Originals "Love Ya" from Girly Notes by Lauren Grier 2335

Monday, March 24, 2008

Doris Castle's Blog Playday


--Light brushes from Obsidian Dawn
--Wooden frame, crumpled paper and bg. pprs from Classic Trios by Doris Castle.
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19436&cat=0&page=1
--Hanging-doilie by Terry Maruca
http://store.scrapbook-elements.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=&products_id=5504
--TSIMS_Coming-Home-Pocket-Watch
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19915&cat=0&page=1
--Leaves, label frame, wordholder1 and twirl leaf from Prairie Gal by Lorie Davison
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19981&cat=0&page=1
--ondesigns_frameset_no4_frame1
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19797&cat=0&page=4
--Green flower with pearls (flower16) from Water Spirit from Lorie Davison
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20382&cat=0&page=1
----Flower from Sweet Summer's End by Birgit Kerr
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19824&cat=0&page=1
--Staples from Maya's Personal Stash - Staples by Maya
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19871&cat=0&page=2
--Boxes from Box It Up by Maya
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20336&cat=0&page=1
--White tie wrap from Spring Fling by Birgit Kerr
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20404&cat=0&page=1
--Metal tag from Birdy elements by Sausan Designs
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20487&cat=0&page=1
--Photo of light shining through the woods from Walk in the Woods_6 by Amy Pearson.
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20492&cat=0&page=1
--Gold wire wrap from Thats a Wrap by Birgit Kerr
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19865&cat=0&page=4
--Stacked framed from Dreamery set by Dana Frantz
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20152&cat=0&page=1
--Little-Krafty Alpha Tags by Traci Sims
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19495&cat=0&page=1
--Wood ornament from Kit No. 14 by ON Designs
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20355&cat=0&page=1
--Raffia flowers (white)and twigframe from Verde kit by Sausan Designs
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20631&cat=0&page=1
--Willow catkin from Kit #14 by ON Designs
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20355&cat=0&page=1
--Flowers from Garden Variety Pressed Flowers by Doris Castle
--Butterfly from Butterfly set by ON Designs
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20476&cat=0&page=1
--Dreamery fairy dust overlay3 and tiny pink flowers by Dana Frantz
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20152&cat=0&page=1
(Frame 1 - Doris Castle, Frame 2 - Lori Davison, Frame 3 - ON Designs, Frame 4 - ON Designs, Frame 5 - ON Designs, Frame 6 - Dreamery - Dana Frantz)
--Fonts: Times New Roman and Virginie
--Vintage Lomo action from EZ Does It Combo 1 by Traci Sims
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20335&cat=254&page=1
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Friday, March 21, 2008

The Obituary


In case you are wondering about the abundance of flowers in my pages...it is easy, really - Mom loved flowers - the brighter, the better.
Font: Times New Roman
Hearts by Doris Castle
Label and buckle border from Prairie Gal by Lorie Davison
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19981&cat=0&page=1
Pink paper border from March grab bag by Birgit Kerr.Glitter flowers (white, red and dark red) from Luscious Flowers set in the March grab bg by Birgit Kerr
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20597&cat=0&page=1Grid stamps (all along side of the frame and on the right side of the page) from March grabbag by Birgit.
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20376&cat=0&page=5
Purple flowers and branch from Spring Fling kit by Birgit Kerr
Background ppr. from Front Porch kit by Birgit Kerr
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=30409&cat=587

How Many Grains Have You Donated Today?

I saw this post at Jessica Sprague's blog and was intrigued. I followed her link to FREERICE.COM. For each word that one gets right, they donate 20 grains of rice to the UN to help end world hunger.

If you are a wordsmith, then this will be easy. Do you know what omphaloskepsis means? Well, I don't. As it turns out, it means navel-contemplation. Why would I know that? I would have to be like "George Costanza" from Seinfeld to be able to work that into a conversation. If I mentioned that word to anyone, they would think I am crazy. LOL

Anyway, give it a try...it is for a good cause.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

2 are back and a new one!

Good Morning Everyone,

Just wanted to share with you some good news.
Doris Castle and Meredith Fenwick are back at Scrapbook-Graphics! Oh, happy days!

Flergs (Meghan Farrows), Stephanie O'Neil and Manuela Zimmerman recently joined the Studio Girls and we couldn't be happier.

Are you ready for more? Diane Rigdon has joined the ranks of SBG. Take a look at her designs, they are fabulous.

Exciting new things are taking place at Scrapbook-Graphics...keep your eyes peeled for further developments.

Monday, March 17, 2008

First Snow of the Season - Manu Zimmerman


First Snow of the season - Kaylie couldn’t wait to go out to play. She piled it up, she stepped on it and finally made snow angels. The snow got here late this year, but well worth the wait. Feb. 22, 2008.
Credits:Flergs - String Em In Alpha
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20509&cat=0&page=1
Template Coll. 1 (template 3) by Manuela Zimmerman
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20426&cat=0&page=1
Welcome Winter page set by Manuela Zimmerman
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20456&cat=0&page=1
Note: Snowman recolored to suit my taste.Snowflakes overlay from
Snowmagic Overlays set by Birgit Kerr
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19894&cat=0&page=1
Glitter Snowflakes (freebie by Flergs)
Fonts: Pea Jessi and Lipstick Traces
2290

Little Boy Blue and Together Again



Little Boy Blue
The school nurse called me to come pick up Liam because he was feeling under the weather. He went grocery shopping and for a stroll at the lake. If he was feeling blue, he was a real trooper and didn't let it show. March 11, 2008Little Booat Blue page set by Baersgarten(Grat A Kit - Boys Edition by BaersGarten - released today!))http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20541&cat=0&page=1
Beaded ribbon from Water Spirit Elements Coll. by Lori Davison
Vintage lomo action (on main photo) from EZ Does It Combo Action by Traci Simshttp://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20335&cat=0&page=1
Glass Tile Alpha by Birgit Kerr
Fonts: Pea Elizabeth and Mariah
Backward staple by Jenn Patricks.
Circle stamp by V.VVWrinkled paper alpha by Bren Boone
Together Again
Kaylie hasn't seen Miguel sinced he moved to Florida a year ago. She was so happy to finally see him again.
Papers and elements from Flower Girl kit by BaersGarten. Grab a Kit! Girls Edition released today!
Torn and Curled Page Borders by Jen Caputo
Fonts: Vaguely Repulsive and Times New Roman
Maya's Personal Stash - The Ultimate Staple Collection
Mat Shape and doodled outline by Choukette.Flower by Flergs - Borders Collection.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Toot - Someset Digital March 2008 Premier Issue


Click on preview to enlarge, if you want to see a closeup.
My Monarch Butterfly appears in the premier issue of Somerset Digital Magazine. Woo Hoo! I am so excited! 2285


Toot - Feb./March 2008 Somerset Memories

Click on the preview to enlarge it and to see it up close.

My layout titled "A Daughter Is" was published in the February/March 2008 issue of Somerset Memories.

I went to Borders today and found it! We were excitedly looking through the magazines which made Kaylie giggle with delight. A man next to us became aware that it was Kaylie in the magazine and felt like he was among "celebrities"; his words, not mine. Obviously, he could see how thrilled Kaylie was and played along. Sometimes strangers can be so kind.

Belated Toot



A belated toot...
Did I tell you that this layout appeared in the February 2008 issue of Digital Artist Magazine?
Credits can be seen on a previous post or click on my gallery links to take you to my gallery.