Broader Horizons, ME?

What came next was a total surprise.

I broadened my horizons.  It all started with a friend.  A friend from Canada.  We met at a Stampin' Up Workshop and discovered that we lived about a block away from each other.  She made me stretch.  This was a Christmas Gift (I give almost everything to my family). 

Last Christmas I made this ...

I would have NEVER tried something like this ...

I used a pattern and instructions from Winter Beliefs by Laurie Speltz.  This book included exact paint colors, how to do the brush strokes, and so much more.  The book and the instruction of my friend made this so simple.   It also helped that my friend had the paint! The sled base and the letters "WELCOME" were unfinished wood from Micheal's.  The letters were glued on with E6000 (the strongest glue known to man!)
Completing the base gave me confidence.
I've painted and finished furniture in the past and this was a similar process; shading was much like giving a distressed/aged appearance to paper.

Next came the snow man . . .  and that was very scarey for me! I used the basic shape from the book, but mine needed to be a little larger. I used a blue tracing pencil for sewing (since I don't sew much anymore).  The wipe off with water and it gave me more confidence to trace it before I painted. 

and farther along I went (this was a slow process for me)

The scarf was really hard for me.

This project gave me the confidence to try other mediums . . .  actually, I learned the word "medium" and I learned to try new things, scary things! You just never know where a road might lead or where you might be called to go. I thought I was all right brain and it turns out I have a lot on the left, too! I'm learning that I can have balance!  A Libra with balance.
I hope you'll try something new! 

and Scrapbooking led too ...

CARDS
It was an ad on FB ... and I was hooked

I went to a Stampin' Up workshop and fell in love.  I have never stamped or done anything crafty beyond scrapbooks, but this was fun and useful.  I learned more about matting, ribbons, buttons, bakers twine and other fibers that can be used.

First, I made their designs ...
 

Then I learned that you could steal "case" designs from the internet ... Pinterest is a GOLDMINE!   Of course, you change the colors and design to suit the occasion (go FC).  The tassel is made from embroidery floss and is held on by a brad.  This card opens upward and can be altered to hold a gift card.  If I could remember where the idea first came from I would give her credit. If I find it I will add a link. 

Then I decided to go out on a limb.  I used Stampin' Up's coordinating papers, ribbons, and inks, but did "my own thing."   These were both Mother's Day Cards.  I ADORE this paper pack and hoarded what I could.

Eventually, I took actual chances and made some cards - some were hideous.  I sent them to family - the love me anyway! Some weren't so bad.

Christmas

Box Fold

Valentine's 

Heart-shaped :)

SU Owl Punch and Wood Fence

One of my favorites (for my Crystal)

Scrapbooking!

So, now you know me a little better, and you know I love to take pictures.  The walls of my house are covered.   I also love to scrapbook.    I believe that Scrapbooks are about the PICTURES and the story they tell.  I am not a fan of the scrapbook style with one photo per page (unless it is a very large photo).  IMHO those scrapbooks are about the embellishments and not so much about the story.  There are times when one picture might be very special, but those are statement pages - not every page.  

And, yes, we went on a lovely cruise Feb 2013, our second, and it was wonderful!!

More about me

If a picture is worth a thousand words I have volumes and volumes and volumes.  I love pictures of all kinds, photos, paintings, drawings.  They tell a story words can't always convey.  I love to take photo's - preserving our memories for days when we may not remember.  Together Rick and I have four adult children, split equally male and female, and [so far] they have blessed us with five grandchildren.  My Mother told me once the my family is my first Mission Field.  I wholly believe that.  My children are my inspiration and my grandchildren are my joy.

Here are the four oldest grand-girls (#5 is a boy!!) with my wonderful husband Rick.  He is the "Pied Piper of Children" and I love him dearly

Our only boy (so far) and youngest grandchild.  Alexander.  He loves books.

I am so blessed to keep these two while their parents work.  Chloe is 4 months older and can't decide if Lex is competition, best friend or a baby for her to take care of.  If he's awake, he's moving, usually at full speed.

 

Chloe spends the most time with me.  She is a joy (most moments), she keeps me laughing and shaking my head.  She learned at a very young age how to master my iPhone.   

Chloe - During Church (I know, I know)

 And then there is Lilly.  The biggest imagination EVER!  She is bossy and sweet; silly and smart.  

Olivia is 5 months older than Lilly.  They started Kindergarten the same year, but Olivia is 6" taller and gets all of the "firsts." First grand-child, lost the first tooth!  They don't get to be together often enough, but when they do they're inseparable! it was well over 100* the day this picture was taken and it didn't stop them from (literally) sticking together.  I love their love for each other.

Alexis.  She is out personal "Miss Priss."  The antithesis of her sister.  No dirt and just dresses, please. 

Home is my destination

I am walking, running, and skipping my way down this long, winding road; the journey that leads home. 

I see long, lonely stretches and busy market places; small towns and huge cities, smooth road and rocky hills, safe places and dangers, distractions that take my attention off the goal - my destination.  Sometimes there are footprints in the dust and sometimes I try to mimic them, but far too often I try to cut my own road - alone.  I want to share the journey, shoulder-to-shoulder, with my family and friends.  I don't want to make this journey alone.   I am afraid of making a wrong turn, being mugged, or giving up altogether.  I want company so we can keep each other on the right road, point out certain beauty we might miss, wake each other when we nap too long, and to remind us why we’re on this road; to help us when (not if) we stumble, introduce us to new friends, to make the trip interesting and fun.  Fun is good.

I love this road - this journey.  The path has more than its share of “white crosses” on the shoulder.  Friends have been lost along the way, some wanted to take a different road, some were distracted not watching where they went, some ran ahead and I’ll see them soon.  There are beautiful places to rest, cool streams, green grass; safe places, we think, but many were scared of the unknown road ahead, or content to rest here and stay too long.  Feeling safe here is false security.   This road is not our home.    

I am so very thankful for the scenic route, but home is my destination.