D's Paper Studio

Scrapbook Layout: To Those Before Us

2022-09-08T10:37:00.003-04:00

Thinking this morning about who we are. If I lost my photos and written stories would I still be who I am? I know that sounds ridiculous. Who I am is all who came before me. Remembering them, for me, is a reminder of who I am. From my family, I inherited my creativity, stubbornness, obsessive behavior, my love for things that they loved before me. This is one of the reasons I scrapbook my family stories.

On November 27, 2021, my husband lost his father, K.B. Lewis. In all our sadness great stories were told about this son, father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. He was blessed to live 97 years. I met Dad Lewis about 45 years ago when I began dating his son. He was a quiet man with a quiet sense of humor that produced a smile I will always remember.

Dad was a farmer. He worked hard with the crops and the cattle. My husband grew up with that work ethic and love for gardening. Graphic 45 came out with a paper collection called Farmhouse in 2020. I remembered this line when I begin to look to see how I could honor my father-in-law. This is the first page of that remembrance.

My daughter took the photos some years back and we are blessed to have them. Take a moment and read the beautiful blessing by Robin Fogle. Putting this type of journaling on my pages is different for me but I believe it is so true of Dad. I hope to continue sharing more about this amazing man. I am thankful for #graphic45 for honoring the farmer with the Farmhouse collection.

Supplies

All paper and elements are Farmhouse by Graphic 45 with the exception of the clock (I believe this is from an old paper by Tim Holtz.)

How do you preserve your family memories? Leave a comment and don't forget the chocolate!

Inspired To Create/Encouraged To Try

Debby for D's Paper Studio

One More Summer Layout

2022-09-02T10:23:00.002-04:00

Labor Day has been declared as the unofficial last day of summer and the beginning of Fall. Before "Fall" begins I want to get in one more summer layout.

This is my sweet granddaughter at the beach during a holiday.

Products:

-Graphic 45 Sun Kissed

-Tim Holtz Distress Ink Mustard Seed

- Technique Tuesday's chipboard, I've hoarded for years.

The highlight and surprise to me were using the TT's chipboard! I used it to trace sunshine on the back of one of the 12 x 12 pieces to use as an element on another piece of paper. Once I was finished cutting and turned it over I was surprised. It was beautiful. I did not plan how to cut the paper to highlight the different children and flowers. So I used that side. I inked the edges and loved it. Isn't it fun to have surprising accidents?

Note: I am working out the "bugs" of the new blog format so hang in there with me. Hey, leave a comment to let me know you came by. If you would like to share your crafty blog's address feel free. I would love to visit back.

Gratitude List

-my incredible children-TWAJ

-my husband encourages me to spend time in the studio!!

-a home that God blessed us with

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

Debby for D's Paper Studio

Happy Birthday! Scrapbooking with "one line sentiments" stamps!

2022-08-23T10:48:00.006-04:00

Today is my granddaughter's 10th birthday. I can't believe she is in her double digits now. I was looking through her photos and was inspired to create this layout for her first birthday.

Highlights:

I have what would be considered older products but I want to make sure you have the list. If you are like me you have some papers/products from a decade ago.

Paper: 49 and Market

Chipboard: Blue Fern Studio

Flowers: Prima

Metal embellishments: Idea-ology and Distress Inks by Tim Holtz

My newest discovery

-One Line Sentiments "blessings" designed by Connie Mercer, Crafty Goodies, for Blue Knight Rubber Stamps.

-You can see and order directly from Blue Knight Rubber Stamps.

-There are several sets of "one line sentiments."

The fun here is that it is one stamp. No losing small parts of the stamp. That is a plus for me! You can use the whole stamp in your creations. I created my title "blessings" using a section of the whole stamp for the background and the larger stamp "blessings" (included) for the title. I stamped and cut apart the sentiments to add to the "stem" of the flower.

-I used 3D Foam Strips by Scrapbook Adhesives, (thank you, Connie). They are the perfect size to give those strips a "pop."

I was concerned if I could cut apart the small one line, but I had no trouble at all.

There are two posts on the crafty goodies blog I recommend:

One Line Sentiments by Blue Knight Rubber Stamps ~ the "why".

Folder File for One Line Sentiments ~ Tutorial

Have fun and Happy Birthday sweet Ali.

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

Debby for D's Paper Studio

KB: Art Journaling and Scrapbooking, A Good Pair

2020-10-22T11:11:00.001-04:00

I am fortunate to have older photos of my family and my husband's family. With my newfound love of Art Journaling and my Scrapbooking passion, I put together a fun page of my husband's father when he was quite young: KB.

Yes! Attitude is everything. As long as I have known Dad he has been a quiet, soft-spoken man, who loves his family deeply.

I made a copy of this photo and cut it out for the Art Journaling page. I believe this is before Jim's Mom and Dad were married.

I used the following products:

Tim Holtz Oxide Inks, Washi Tape, Drywall Mesh, Wendy Vecchi dot stamp, Tim Holtz diamond stamp, Tim Holtz chit chat, foam alphabet stamps, black acrylic paint, Tim Holtz brick wall stencil, and Distress Spray.

The medium that is new to me is Tim Holtz's, Distress Glaze. I tried different ways to color the photo (without a computer) but always failed because it would rub off easily or ruin the photo. I applied the Distress Glaze on the photo then added a few colors. I even gave it a bit of a distressed, old look. The photo was not ruined this time. Now that was fun!

Dad was sitting on a fence in the original photo. I gave it an Art Journaling twist with the drywall mesh topped with washi tape.

I could point out mistakes but I think you can find them without me. 😄

My husband enjoyed this page and that alone gave me great satisfaction. Dad is 96 now. He has seen nearly of century of worldwide change. What a blessing he is to all of us.

Would love to hear from you. Leave a comment and tell us the age of the oldest in your family.

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

Giraffe and Ali, A Mirror Image

2020-10-10T07:36:00.000-04:00

I discovered a photo tucked away in my computer. It is a photo of Ali with a picture of three giraffes. I told Ali she inspired me to try a scrapbook layout of the photo. Ali gave me the biggest hug.

I had just purchased Tim Holz Thinlets-Gertrude. Gertrude is a colorized, layering die cut set. When I saw the "Ali photo" I was inspired to try and recreate the scene using Gertrude.

The first thing was to cut and assemble Gertrude three times. The back of the dies has a color/number. Brown 1, Brown 2, Brown 3, Yellow, etc. Once you learn how to layer it then it's easy to change up the colors. This was the first time putting Gertrude together so I made mistakes. But that's cool, I learn from mistakes and sometimes create something new.

Next, to create the sky. I am not a sketch artist. So I created a background with Tim Holtz Distress Oxides: mermaid lagoon, cracked pistachio, and speckled egg.

I layered the background with black and gold cardstock. I created the stripes on the gold cardstock using Wendy Vecchi's stencil "Dots and Stripes Borders" and brown archival ink.

I included the title and words of encouragement via Tim Holtz's Small Talk. Last but the best I added a photo of my Ali.

Inspired by this photo and smiling face to create this...

It was not perfect but it was good in an artistic I kind of way. Importantly, she LOVED it.

Tim Holtz's Products

Thinlits Die Set Giraffe Gertrude Colorize

Oxides:  mermaid lagoon, cracked pistachio, speckled egg

picket fence 

Core'dination cardstock 

idea-ology tiles 

Small Talk  

Washi tape

metal heart

Other

Wendy Vecchi's Dots and Stripes Borders

Ranger Archival Ink

Bo Bunny Safari-Spots

I discovered a photo tucked away in my computer. Some days you just have to have a laughing good time!  I love art. Giraffe and Ali, A Mirror Image 

What artistic fun thing makes you laugh?  Leave a comment below.  I love hearing from you!

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

Inspired By A Sweet Friend-Encouragement and Inspiration

2020-10-05T06:36:00.000-04:00

My busy life had me lay aside my crafting/art for awhile. Once out it was hard to get back in the creative stream. I found one of my friends posting an interesting page of Art Journaling and of all things, the Stickles Glitter Gel she used caught my eye. Now I am interested.

I pulled out all my inks and paints and started once again. Sometimes I went to tutorials. I often visited Tim Holtz's Facebook Live videos. My Ranger Stickle Glitter Gel came in the mail. By the time it arrived, I was on a roll.

I decided to make an Art Journaling page in honor and admiration of my sweet friend, Cheryl Waters from "Cheryl Waters Artsy Findings blog."

Stickle Glitter Gel by Ranger

Distress Oxide by Tim Holt,

Tim Holtz Stencil Layering Stencil, Flourish

Bo Bunny Butterflies

Wendy Vecchi Stamp

Blog of the Week

Could you have guessed from the beginning? Visit Artsy Finding and be inspired and encouraged. There are so many layers of learning and beautiful art. She has classes, an E-Magazine, blog posts, and more. Thank you, Cheryl!

Do you have that one friend that inspires and encourages you? Leave a shout out in the comments below. Thank you for stopping by.

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

Haunted Library Featuring Graphic 45 Products

2020-10-01T13:26:00.001-04:00

The best I can do is just show you! I had so much fun creating a touch of Halloween for my home. I also did a little research about old haunted libraries. I will share a few things while you enjoy the photos.

The base of the project is a Melissa and Doug dress-up doll wooden tray. I used a series of Graphic 45 paper collections including Rare Oddities and Old Curiosity Shoppe.

A few highlights as we go!

"Rest in Peace." I used my label-maker and Staz-on Burnt Orange ink. I filled the bottle with chunky glitter. It certainly could be the ashes of a patron who had a long-overdue book!

The table and chairs are made from chipboard and G45 paper. I even added a little bit of cushion to the seat! I used a Gold leaf pen and Prima Pearls cut in half for the legs and footings.

The urn was cut from one of the papers of G45's Rare Oddities, curled, aged with Distress Oxides, and glued together on the back.

Some patrons never leave "The Library!"

A ceramic corner painted black and highlighted with a gold leaf pen.

The brave soul that continues to keep "The Library" for untimely guests! I made the ladder from chipboard, Distress Inks, and Glossy Accents.

"EERIE" was created from real antique typewriter keys. The flowers are from Recollections and painted with Tim Holt's Distress Ink Black Soot.

Founders of "The Library" keeping watch. In reality, they are my great-grandparents. The table is made with an old sewing thimble, alcohol ink, and a scalloped oval punch from Fiskars. The decor on top of the table is from G45. The frames are from Tim Holtz's idea-ology line. I just added the paint.

The whole "Haunted Library." I didn't cover even half of the whats and hows creating this project. If you would like to know anything about the Halloween project, leave a question/comment on this post and check the box to be notified when I respond.

Do you have a Fall or Halloween project you would like to share? You are welcome to share your blog post with me at DsPaperStudio@aol.com. I would love to check it out and maybe you will see your blog featured here! Until then ... Booooo!

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

"Today" Art Journaling

2020-09-28T07:05:00.000-04:00

"Today"...yesterday is over, tomorrow's not promised so my focus is today. At times I fret about the future to the point of forgetting about today. Today I can brighten someone's day. Today I can encourage a friend. Today I can say thank you to a stranger. Today is the only moment I have.

That is my Art Journaling project: "Today."

I played with Distress Crayons on this project. I started at the top, changing colors as I moved downwards, overlapping colors as I went. I used a baby wipe to smooth out colors by starting on one side and gently wipe to the other side. I love that sweeping effect!

I lightly splattered water on the page, laying a paper towel over it, and patted. Then I gently splattered White Picket Fence Distress Paint onto the page. I used the Americana Pixelated stencil for the black dots.

Now if the timing is everything then Connie Mercer, Crafty Goodies, had just posted a link on Facebook to Blue Knight Rubber Stamps YouTube video on how to create moons and suns. It was easy and fantastic. The timing was perfect. In the video, they used pan pastels, I used Distress Crayons. I highly recommend watching the video. It has more than what I did that is so creative. Instead of the pan pastels, I added the Distress Crayons then used a baby wipe to smooth it out, adding a bit of White Picket Fence Distress Paint around the sun.

Flower: Wendy Vecchi stamp

"today": Ali Edwards

Word blocks: Tim Holtz

Note: center of the page got wet and smeared a little due to me laying it on top of a "closed" package of baby wipes that had just a bit of a wipe sticking out.

The joy one feels making today special for others makes it special for you. Make someone else's life special "today" and it will make your "today" incredible.

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

Art Journaling with Scrapbooking

2020-09-22T11:24:00.001-04:00

I love trying anything crafty including Art Journaling. My first passion is scrapbooking. Who says you can't do both?

This photo is cut from one of my favorite moments with two of my grandgirls as I pick them up from school.

I used leftovers from another project on this Art Journaling page. I started with Bo Bunny paper for the background. You can see the leaves in the top left-hand corner.

Items I used:

Short Circuit Stencil from DecoArt

Rangers Stickles Glitter Gel (highly recommend)

Spiced Marmalade Distress Oxide, Vintage Photo Distress Oxide

Paper Clocks saved from a previous project

"Memories" rub-on

Tim Hotz chit chat words

FUN FIND

My fun element on this project is the Drywall Joint Tape, Self-Adhesive on the right. The roll is 2" wide and 100 ft. It comes in little squares and ovals. It costs $6.57 at Lowes.

Are there other art projects besides a scrapbook page to put your photos. What craft do you use your personal photos? Leave a comment below and inspire us.

NEW FEATURE

Blog of the Week: This blog comes from Pam Bray Designs. Her creative work is incredible with a wide range of styles. She has her own product line and works for several of my favorite companies.

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

Halloween, Arthur, and Harry Potter!

2020-09-14T10:57:00.000-04:00

What fun I'm having working with different crafts and media. I thought I would put it together in a scrapbook layout, my first love, and obsession.

Meet Arthur. Arthur is a Tim Holtz Thinlits Die Set, Colorize by Tim. Colorize basically means on the back of the 16 dies used to create Arthur is the color and shade in the form of color and number. Once you learn how Arthur is created you can make all different colors and styles of Arthur like what you see here.

This is another creation using Photoshop Elements. I took a photo from last Halloween of my grandgirl and superimposed it on a Harry Potter scene.

The paper collection is Bo Bunny's Wonderfully Wicked, an older paper collection that can be found via the internet.

I cut one of the spiders from Bo Bunny's paper, gave it an orange tint, and placed it on the Prima flower. EEK! My grandgirl loves "Mandrake" root so this "ad" is perfect.

I cut elements from Bo Bunny's paper, then arranged the potion bottles at the bottom of the page.

Bo Bunny Wonderfully Wicked

Tim Holz Arthur die cut set, idea-ology star, layering stencil, Picket Fence Distress Paint

Prima Flower

Recollections Ravenshead Manor Paper Diecuts, spiderweb

Brads?

Welcome to the Fall and Halloween season! Leave a comment and let me know your favorite season. Mine? Christmas. I'm already planning!

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

The Crazyness They Call "Art Journaling!"

2020-09-09T06:57:00.006-04:00

There are so many ways to create an Art Journal. Many styles, media, and papers. I am working my way back to art through scrapbooking and now art journaling so I am looking at it all. There is so much inspiration out there. YouTube videos are full of classes and tutorials.

My inspiration for getting back to working with different media is Cheryl Waters from Artsy Findings. Along with beautiful inspiration, she has an E-Magazine and classes on her website/blog. (Unashaming and unsolicited plug for Cheryl's work.)

Enough "talking." Here are a few of the early attempts to art journal.

"Times Like These" certainly fits the times. The transparent circle is from Little Yellow Bicycle. When I journal I will put what I'm feeling or experiencing into the art.

Tim Holtz Distress Crayons. If you have not tried them go to the link and check out the whole video. You will want to try these incredible inks. Tim Holtz Demo Getting all the colors on and not make "mud," for me, is a challenge.

My Art Journaling is being created in a mixed media book that is spiral bound. I've seen several books that the binding clips can be removed and later put back. Do you have a favorite Art Journal?

The picture of the girl was cut from old postcards I found at an antique store. The white distress is natural.

Bird Cage stamped on pattern paper and cut out.

So true!

Tim Holt Distress Spray Stain, antique linen, and Chit Chat words. Splatters from delusions ink spray. A few stencils. "today" by Ali Edwards. Graphic 45 button behind the cage. The girl is another postcard naturally distressed.

Art Journaling is satisfying. I have a long way to go to learn what is too much and not enough. Of all things to learn about, surprisingly, is chemistry. My Art Journal is growing. I hope to find my unique style.

Do you Art Journal? What do you like to craft? Feel free to share your answers in the comments.

Everyone stay safe. Remember "life's nothing without love."

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

Art As Therapy, Part 5: Blessed

2020-09-04T09:51:00.000-04:00

This is the last of the Art As Therapy tag. It is not the end of my art journey. I will continue to grab a brush, ink, paint, paper, and express my day through art. I am grateful to be a part of a community of likeminded people.

Art As Therapy was not as difficult as I thought it would be to share with you. Through the years I have heard from scrapbookers and artists telling me much of what they do is therapy. It doesn't mean you have deep dark places that need exploring, but it can be a way to express the moment. I've learned there can be a lot of "Ah-ha" moments about your life.

Thanks to my dear friend Ruth for challenging me to share my story with a group of incredible women and allowing me to do it "my way."

My last Art As Therapy Tag

Bo Bunny Faith paper collection (If you can find this collection buy it. The colors and design are brilliant.)

Thank you for "tagging" along this journey with me.

Tag 1

Tag 2

Tag 3: Uniquely Normal

Tag 4: Forgive and Grace

Do you have a favorite craft activity that creates that feeling of satisfaction? Feel free to share in the comments. I enjoy it when friends and new readers leave comments.

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

"Time" For School with Graphic 45

2020-08-30T17:05:00.001-04:00

Sometimes it begins with something my husband brings home. This time was a broken wall clock. I fuss but sometimes my creative wheels turn, "Hey, I can do something with that!" I know that has happened to you! The wall clock has been around for more than 3 years. It popped up again and I just had to do something fun.

One of my favorite paper collections is Graphic 45's ABC Primer.

I removed the glass and began to add all the elements that make up a school day.

-Graphic 45 ABC Primer

-Tim Holtz idea-ology: clock, keys, Distress Ink Vintage Photo

-Fiskar's Banner Punch

I've missed fussy cutting. This was a perfect project to get back into it.

I started at the base and kept building until I created what I wanted. One notable: The metal Tim Holtz clock face is a brass color. I used fine sandpaper and lighten up the numbers and hands before adding a little white paint..a touch with just my finger..no brush.

We are hanging the "School Clock" on a display board that sits on her desk at "school." The start of this year will be Distance Learning. It will be a blast!

With the glass off:

With the glass attached:

It is fun to get back into inks, paints, art journaling, altered art, tag art, etc. During these trying times, it is a wonderful outlet for joy, sorrow, and just a bust of creative energy.

What is your favorite medium to play with when you want to express yourself? It's great to hear from you in the comments. I love to know how you've been crafting.

Inspired To Created, Encouraged To Try

Art As Therapy, Part 4 Forgive and Grace

2020-08-24T09:35:00.000-04:00

Well, you can't be Mary and Martha (see Art As Therapy 3) and not expect a bit of an explosion.

I had to make two tags to tell the whole story. I searched through my memories and documented my walk. I realized how blessed I am to have the world's greatest husband. When at my lowest, angry, hurt, sad, hopeless, there was a man who stood beside me, in front of me, and behind me.

I created my husband's tag showing his forgiveness towards me. On my tag, how God used him to show hope and grace.

Without my art, I don't know if I could have told my story.

The important take away from Art As Therapy is looking inside to realize

1. the part of you that needs to come through in the art,

2. you can create a safe way to express yourself,

3. there are no rules, splat it down, stamp it, glue it on and take something off.

Digging deep taught me to forgive myself. For me, art was an important experience that enabled me to share with a group of amazing women.

Lots of products here: (Note: I created the tags several years ago. It is hard to remember all the manufactures.)

Tim Holtz manila tags, Distress Ink, Alcohol Inks, Stampers Anonymous stamps, trinkets and more from Idea-ology

Finnabair's Art Alchemy ... on the butterfly

Prima rhinestones

My favorite part of the tags is the butterflies...stamped on, die-cut, painted and wrapped in wire. I see 100 stories right there in my life.

I appreciate all of you that stop and read a story without details except in my art tags. I love your feedback. It is encouraging and helpful always.

Art As Therapy, Part 1

Art As Therapy, Part 2

Art As Therapy, Part 3, Uniquely Normal

Inspired To Created, Encouraged To Try

Art As Therapy, Part 3 "Uniquely Normal"

2020-08-21T07:25:00.001-04:00

I have come to the conclusion that no one lives a normal life. Matter-of-fact, I don't believe there is a "normal" measurement. We are unique and our daily lives reflect that uniqueness.

Here I am as a young adult and married. Making choices are part of everyday living. Some choices are simple, "What's for breakfast?" Some are harder and often tainted with our earlier experiences. There was a life that was my reality and then one pretend. This tag reflects that struggle.

As a Christian, I am familiar with the story of Mary and Martha. Martha being the busy one focusing on the busyness of having company. "Martha becomes preoccupied with worrying about the preparations of their home, she misses the opportunity to listen and learn from the direct wisdom of Jesus." The story is found in the Bible Luke 10:38-42.

During this time of my life, I fought between being Mary, wanting to be the best in learning, and doing what my faith teaches. At times I was Martha busy trying to be the wife and mom I was, what I thought, expected to be. This is what I call my "pretend" and "reality" time in my life. Mary and Martha.

Finding my unique normal was a tough one. I continue to push through to understand and live a uniquely normal life.

Tim Holz tag, token, distress inks, grunge paper, and die-cut, chit chat.

Flower-Prima

Microbeads by Martha Stewert.

Photo is of me in 1990 as a missionary in Giessen, Germany.

Thank you for stopping by. Please, leave a quick note in the comments. I would love your feedback.

Inspired To Created, Encouraged To Try

Art As Therapy, Part 2

2020-08-17T14:00:00.000-04:00

Another day, another opportunity, another Therapy Tag.

This tag picks up my teen years. My teen years were mostly a lot of confusion. My bright spots were with my good friends who hung out at lunch on the front of the old school stairs. Did you have a special "on school campus" hangout?

Making one tag that helped look at my teen years, good and bad, wasn't easy. The tag is mostly black and white with a bit of color on the rose (Prima). I chose black and white and learned later these colors represent fear and unknowing. Interesting.

As I created the tag I had to narrow down what my experiences said to me and how different relationships impacted me.

I used a black and white pattern paper and white paint diluted with water to mute the color and pattern. Afterward embossed the whole tag (Texture Fades Embossing Folders--Alterations Postcard and Sheet Music from Tim Holtz-Sizzix).

I made my own "image" with Prima's Julie Nutting doll stamp "Gina." FYI: The real photo at the bottom is me. Some similarities to the doll!

Other add on's are Tim Holtz idea-ology Salvaged Dolls and Chit Chat Words, Prima flower, Julie Nutting paper for the base of the doll, Maya Road trinket pin, and leftover rub-on.

Through my Art Therapy and with a more adult perspective my teen years became clearer. I understand the impact on my adult life but choose not to continue to let it impact me with that "teenage" memory. What do you do with your art that reflects your personal struggles and growth?

Thanks for stopping by D's Paper Studio to explore my art. Know you are welcome anytime.

Art As Therapy, Part 1

Inspired To Created, Encouraged To Try

Art As Therapy, Part 1

2020-08-12T14:56:00.000-04:00

I was asked to tell my story in a ladies' Sunday School class.

Telling one's story means reflecting on the good and not so good.

The best way for me to work through the past was to create ART. I didn't want to create a book so I decided to create tags highlighting events with my experiences. It was harder than I expected. The second hardest thing is to share it here. I won't share details and hopefully, you can extrapolate a few details. Mostly, I want to share the art and what it means to me to be able to be part of a larger community of crafters and artists. This is part 1 of 5 tags and posts.

Tim Holtz products include Caged Bird die-cut, tag, chit chat, label alphabet, chain, small metal piece (it's older and I can't find the name), and Distress Inks. Prima products include flowers, clock tile, and pearl.

The photo is me!

Facing the past is rarely fun but it can help to separate truth from far away memories of a little girl. It allows you to face feelings, good or hard. It also makes you find gems in your life.

I have started back relearning and learning anew many of the Tim Holtz ink, sprays, crayons, etc. I find the chemical makeup and reactions interestingly fun. I hope to share my Art Journal pages when it's complete. Note: the tags were made over a year ago.

Thanks for taking the time to see my art. I hope to see you for the next tag.

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

Disney's Wilderness Explorer Sash

2020-08-02T17:22:00.006-04:00

“A Wilderness Explorer is friend to all, be it a plants or fish or tiny mole.” Then of course the signature “Caw, Caw, Roar!”

My granddaughter loves Disney's movie UP. I decided to surprise her on a trip to Walt Disney World with the infamous Wilderness Explorer Sash!

It is easy to find downloadable prints of the Wilderness Explorer badges. I printed them out and Mod Podged them to yellow kids craft foam. I made a sash with some spare fabric and used my old (VERY OLD) Girl Scout sash as a pattern. With fabric hot glue I attached them to the sash in the order it is displayed in the movie.

If you know the story there was a very special "badge" that Russell received at the end of the movie called "The Ellie Badge." I made one with a bottle cap I had in my crafty stash and followed instructions on a YouTube video. Make The Ellie Badge.

To Ali's surprise Russell and Carl had left her a Wilderness Explorer sash the day we were going to Animal Kingdom. Ali had many extra opportunities to earn The Ellie Badge. The WE cast members were incredible!

At the end of the day she was award the Ellie Badge for being helpful and kind all day.

It was a wonderful day and worth the time to put it together.

A sweet moment for Ali receiving her last badge!

Blogger is new to me all over again. It's been awhile and I hope to start posting small things I've been working on to share with you. Give me a bit of time to get use to the new-to-me Blogger. Thank you for visiting D's Paper Studio.

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

Remembering A Friendship: A Scrapbook Layout

2018-11-03T07:06:00.000-04:00

It has taken me a while to post this. Even now it is hard, but I want to share with you the frailty of time.

During a reunion on this past 4th of July holidays, I found out a dear friend had passed away in December. I was taken aback. She was younger than me. But mostly I began to feel a great deal of regret. Here is our story.

I knew Chantay when we were both freshly married and had our little girls. We hooked up at church. She was married to my husband's cousin. We began as friends and ended up sisters. We did a lot of church ministry together for the kids. We did a puppet ministry in the church as well as taking it on the road to share the gospel. We also planned, started, and ran a bus ministry for the kids in our greater community. We took our girls to the General Assembly in Tennessee and visited a lot of well know sites.

We laughed together and cried together. We were truly friends.

Regrets
Life got busy. We both had more children which took time from each other. New people came into both our lives. Our time became shorter. My family eventually moved out of state. Then distance became my excuse.

Chantay took a very different direction in her life that I wasn't apart of. We had lost touch by that time.

Fast forward over 30 years. On a visit home I heard she had breast cancer. Our visits home are always so short so I told myself I would try to catch up with her next time around. I never did.

I loved the Chantay I knew when I was 20. I miss her.

Chantay (Lewis) Hawkins

One of our trips to TN and meeting the head of the church we belonged to at the time. The little one is her oldest daughter.

Ingredients
Blue Fern Studies: print paper
Tim Holtz: die cut...swirls; idea-ology clock, clock hand, gumdrop, hearts, idea-ology roses
Prima: flowers, rhinestones, buttons
Large Butterfly: Ken Oliver Studio Ephemera

The clocks are to remind me of our time together but also remind me how precious time is and to take full advantage of the short time we have.

I love remembering Chantay and our fun antics we had then. Although life is a journey we must see today and all its possibility. No one is promised tomorrow.

More clocks and a heart full of love.

Please click on the photo of the full scrapbook layout. Read the journaling. Chantay and I both changed through the years...but at that time and moment in our lives, I had a great and loving friend to me and our family. I will always remember that Chantay. I love you sweet girl. Rest in peace.

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

One Young Man’s Journey, A Layout Using 49 Market

2018-08-02T15:09:00.001-04:00

Missing Dad these days. I’ve been working on a project with my mother’s side of the family and while going through the old photos I find Dad over and over again. Some of my favorite photos are that of dad before he knew me. I decided to try and scrapbook these photos more.

On this layout, I wanted to use the photo of Dad on the bus but I wanted him to be center without other bus riders. I used my design and embellishments to make that happen.

Go Explore The World

Notables
49 Market's Tattered Garden
Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Stamp Theories, Tiny Attacher, Metal tag "Electrical", Diecut Adventure Words, Die-Cut Globe, metal stars
Stencils, Paint splatters, odd number laying around

I used my die cut words "The" "World" to cover the person who was closer and had a better photo. Dad sure looked happy.

It was fun Tim has the Idea-ology tag "Electrical." At one point my dad worked on electrical equipment and lines while in the USAF.

The stamp help cover part of the man next to Dad without distracting from the photo as much. It leaves my dad in the focal point.

Tim Holtz's Globe die-cut and Adventure block die cuts are wonderful.

The background is stenciled and the entire layout splattered with white acrylic paint.

Tired doesn't describe me so well right now. My husband and I with the help of the family have been building a deck. We are about to put up the roof. Normally, it would be hard. 90-100 degree heat and humidity through the roof (LOL) has taken its toll on me. So I am going to be slow to post BUT I have some exciting finds I can's wait to share... Soon.

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

Pour Painted Clay Pots

2018-06-01T06:11:00.000-04:00

I have been busy creating in the yard this past month. Some things are still in process but I thought I would share my redecorated fence.

I have a fence in the middle of the kid's play area. In the beginning, we, the grands and DIL, painted flowers and we added hand prints. It was wearing out so I decided to let some of the grands plant flowers ON the fence.

At first, I just painted the clay pots. I started out with gesso because clay pots are absorbent. Then I used regular acrylic paint. It is what I had and it is expensive to buy new all the time.

I grab a stencil or two and added a design to each of them except one. The best stencil is the vinyl stencils. They form and adhere to the pots wonderfully. The butterflies are by Darcie, but make your own on your electric die cutter.

Here are the of the pots I worked on.

This is the Darcie stencil. It worked wonderfully.

I applied one coat of gesso and two coats of acrylic paint.

I used a "regular" stencil and adhered with painters tape. It was a bit harder.

I wish I was an artist. I would have hand painted what I envisioned in my head. But alas, it is not my gift.

The most fun of all the pots was the Pour Pot. I found this on a school website and went with it.

I turned the clay pot upside down onto a 2-liter soda bottle. I placed a Tim Holtz craft mat underneath to catch the paint. I started with one color and squeeze it all around the base of the clay pot and let it run down. It was a slow drip so I let it sit for awhile. I continued doing it until I had what I wanted. I loved my first effort.

Here is a link to another fun pour clay pot. This makes a great summertime kids project. Pour Painted Pots.

Here is a bit of the fence:

Early on when the flowers had just begun.

Moving right along.

Now several of our plants are about to bloom. You can see in this photo that I have spotlights on the fence. I found these at the Everythings A Dollar Store. You can't beat it. It is fun to look out the window at night to see the flower pot and flowers.

The pots are hung by hooks I can't remember the name of but I purchased them from a garden show. These pots are large and heavy and they are holding up nicely.

You can see my ladybug bowling balls in the back that needs a touch up from last year. I have also started a gnome garden but it's not ready to show yet. I have been spending a lot of time outside after our long winter.

I hope you get time to dig in the dirt!

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

Beach Theme Doesn't Mean Beach Theme! Mixed Media Scapbooking

2018-05-09T05:00:00.000-04:00

Beach and Garden collections themes together, a non-beach photo...a wedding...let your imagination roll outside what you see to what you imagine. Keep your scrapbooking/creating fresh by mixing up themes and colors. I remember the day you could hardly find matching theme paper unless it was a birthday or something like that. Now everything seems to be "themed." That is great...but I dare you to mix it up, keep it fresh, love the journey.

I love the greys of 49 Market Tattered Garden and I love the blues of Graphic 45's Sun Kissed collections. Blue Fern Studio's "Mommy's Boy" plus a beautiful photo of my daughter and her son stirred in a pot of mixed media gets this creation.

Mommy's Boy

Noteables
49 Market Tattered Garden
Graphic 45's Sun Kissed
Blue Fern Studio's "Mommy's Boy"
Stampendous Cutting Dies and Stamps Sailboats
TCW Mini Fence Frame stencil
Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pumice Stone and Distress Oxide Black Soot, chit chat words

Blue Fern Studio's chipboard title held up great to paints and texture sand. Under the mesh fabric, I stenciled the "net" with Pumice Stone distress ink. A few "bubbles" with Queen and Co. pearls.

Fussy cutting Graphic 45 is on my favorite thing to do list. I created the waves and sailboats with Stampendous Cutting Dies and Stamps (THANK YOU, BETH) on top of Graphic 45's Sun Kissed and fussy cut the little fish behind the waves. The sand dollar is real.

I inked the "net" on the edges with the TCW stencil and Black Soot distress oxide. More fussy cut with the turtles. I added a few encouraging "chit chat" phrases from Tim Holtz. The sub-title was cut from 49 Market Tattered Garden paper...you know that piece we always cut off with all the manufacture info? I love it when companies utilize this piece for a few extra possibilities.

LOVEIN' LIFE
I am in the midst of three ongoing "things" right now. I am going through my father's photo albums and scanning them and moving them to a photo-friendly album. In the midst of doing this, I opened a private Facebook Group for my extended family to share my photos and a place for them to share as well. I am loving the stories we are getting. I highly recommend doing this...it is time-consuming but well worth the information and connection with the family.

I am also in the middle of Spring blast in my garden. My flowers get a lot of my attention but I also try to add creativity as well. Ask me about Clay Pot Paint Pour...it is so fun.

All that to say. I am slow at blogging but I'm here. Stay up with my posts by following D's Paper Studio on bloglovin' or via email. The links are on the left-hand side of the blog.

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

Scrapbook Mixed Media Page with 49 Market

2018-04-30T05:00:00.000-04:00

A quick post to let you know I am around. It has been busy so creating a blog post is not easy when you are a good kinda tired in the evenings. Creating at my house never ends. Here is an awesome page using 49 Market's Tattered Garden.

Dream

Noteables
49 Market Tattered Garden
Tim Holtz Stamp Theories, Distress Ink Spun Sugar, Stamp and Stencil Watercolor Butterfly Set, Distress embossing powder,
Prima flowers
Ranger Archival Ink
Blue Fern Studio Organic Coins

"Dream" is a rub-on that I did not know was a rub-on. I've had this for the longest and I thought it was a word on a thick acetate. I guess it caught my attention at the last minute and I discovered it's rub-on properties. LOL

I love Blue Fern Studio's chipboard. It holds up to all type of mixed media and heat!

A bit of Tim Holtz encouragement for my little dancer.

I love the greys and pink along with the encouraging stamps. Of course, my favorite element is that beautiful granddaughter. I had to frame it.

I always hope to have another post up towards the end of the week. Let's cross our fingers. Running after grands again. Yea...I'm blest with a great family.

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

Mixed Media Layout

2018-04-16T10:30:00.000-04:00

After DD 2017 I was ready to get mixed media with it. Here is my creation.

Wonder

Noteables
Graphic 45 Botanical Tea collection
Tim Holtz watercolor-stamps & STencil set - Butterfly. Hearts, Wonder, Distress Ink Spun Sugar and Broken Glass,
Ranger Archival Ink
Prima Flowers, tile
7gypsies Architextures Findings angel wing stickers and chicken wire
Jenni Bowlin Whimsy Silhouette stamp
Martha Stewart micro beads gold

Layered my paper
Gesso-ed
Stenciled
HAD A TON OF FUN!

Collaged flowers, butterflies wings and adhered with ScraPerfect glue (awesome of fabric elements).

Then I collaged the other set of flowers.
Ran the string around everything.
With gloss medium, I added the beads. I wish I would have gone lighter on the beads but I was out of practice and went a bit too heavy. Oh, well next time.

I love 7gypies' Architextures Findings. Find at Michael's Arts and Crafts.

I love my new Jenni Bowlin stamp. Thank you, Beth!

I love this newest release from Tim Holtz and Stampers Anonymous. I picked it up at the SSAT show in February and just had the opportunity to put it to work. The butterfly and quote stamp along with the stencil I used were included.

I glued down the edges very tightly in order to stamp the quote. Tell me if there is a different way to do this, please.

You might recognize the rub-on. It was in my leftover, hoarding, keepsake pile from Basic Grey. I love BG and miss them very much. It was time to use at least one of the rub-ons. LOL

I'm glad I got a post in. Between grands and garden/yards I've been busy. Blogging is hard when you are exhausted.

What are you doing to usher in Spring? or Fall if you are on the other side of the world!

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

2018-04-02T18:36:00.001-04:00

The winner of My Favorite Things via Random.org is Lynn.

Lynn Murphy7:29 AM

What a pretty page. And the 2 stories are awesome. Love that lamp post and lil deer. Too sweet.

Lynn send me your addy via email at dspaperstudio@aol.com and I'll get it out to you as quickly as possible.

Thanks, everyone for hanging in there and stepping with me as I completed my December Daily. I hope you found some fun techniques that inspired you.

I'm on Spring Break this week so no posts until next week.

Inspired To Created/Encouraged To Try