Distressed Look With BoBunny Gypsy

I had a lot of fun playing with BoBunny's Gypsy (again - it is always fun!), and got a little messy on my cardstock with this layout. It seemed once I had out the paints and inks I couldn't stop myself from putting a little here and there.

A Tip for Your Flourish Stamps
Create borders around layout edges by mixing up flourish stamps and several ink shades. Use scrap paper to mask as needed. BoBunny Stamp & Store Journal corner border design was used, applying Red Brick ink to flourish section of stamp design only. Smaller flourishes in the set were used to add brown and Prussian Blue.

Versatile Chiffon Chipboard
The cream colored alphabets and shapes, known as Chiffon, by BoBunny are extremely easy to color. Using a drybrush method and going light on coverage, the natural color beneath comes through for a great white washed look. This was the intial look of my letters, but I had other paints and mediums on my table and I couldn't stop playing. On top of my initial color I used chalk ink in Prussian Blue, with light Creamy Brown used overall to tone down the brightness. Smidges of Staz-On teal were sparsely added to enhance the distressed look.


Do you ever look at a sticker and wonder what to do with it, or have trouble working in a square or rectangle shape into your layout? Cut it up! I wanted to use the grapevine heart design, but didn't want to add another rectangle to my layout. I used a craft knife and simply cut out the shape I wanted to use.


I added my journaling directly onto the die-cut patterned paper. Masking off the scalloped design and brads, I used teal ink for a tone on tone color. BoBunny does such a great job in creating "faux dimension" to their designs - it appears as though my lines run "under" something, when in fact they do not!

BoBunny Supplies:
Gypsy Collection: Journey Die Cut, Spice, Saffron; Combo Stickers, Flowers, Buttons and Bling, Heart & Homey Cardstock Sticker
Chunky Alphabet in Chiffon, Stamp & Store: Circle This Date, Write On, Journal
Other:
Orange Pearls: Queen & Co.
Paints: Folk Art
Inks: Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink, Staz-on by Tsukineko
Glitter Medium: Glimmer Mist Golden Terra Cotta
Pen: Zig Memory Writer
Brown flower: Petaloo
Tools: Martha Steward and EK Success border punches

As always - thanks for coming by, and happy creating!

Orphan Sunday

Lift the orphans of the world in prayer today please! November is Adoption Awareness Month, and Nov. 8 is designated as Orphan Sunday. For several years now I have had a link in my "Making an Impact" section for Cry of the Orphan. Today, at 4 pm Central there will be a live webcast from Nashville. I hope some of you will get a chance to tune in. Visit the link to find out more, as well as which cable channel you might tune into.

About
The 2009 Cry of the Orphan Awareness Campaign marks the fourth annual unified campaign to heighten awareness of the plight of the millions of orphans around the world. The scope of this problem is too big for any one person or organization to solve. In the midst of this crisis, organizations from around the world are joining forces to make a difference.

The Cry of the Orphan campaign is sponsored by Hope for Orphans (a ministry of FamilyLife), Show Hope, and Focus on the Family. Together, we desire to communicate that “YOU are God’s Plan for the Orphan” – each of us with our own role to play in caring for His children.

The concert will be broadcast LIVE via webcast and satellite, more info below. Also, GospelMusicChannel.com will have the full event available on their site in HD starting Friday evening, Nov 13th.

Through excellent music and the sharing of the heart of God, we hope to give a megaphone to the cries of the millions of orphans around the world. Other guests include Geoff Moore and the Children of the World Choir.

Locations with high speed internet access will be able to view the concert remotely via the web. There is no fee for the webcast or the satellite broadcast. The broadcast will be a mixture of both musical performance and the sharing of the heart of God, and it will be appropriate for all audiences.
-----------

I will never forget how a television concert in 2001 spurned me to start searching the internet for a child to adopt. I don't believe it was "Cry of the Orphan" at that time, but it was a concert during November to promotion adoption. Celine Dion was the host. I had to reach for the tissue a number of times!

One thing led to another, and eight years later I am as blessed as any mother could be with the joyful presence of Abby in our family.

Not everyone is called to adopt, but each and every one of us can make an impact! I firmly believe that. If you are interested in becoming involved, please see other links on my blog - especialy for McKallies Home of Future and Hope. Perhaps you know a family in the process of adopting. I will be honest - it is extremely expensive. Many families desire to adopt but do not because they cannot afford to. If you know of someone in the process, surprise them with a donation to their adoption fund.

Give a little piece of your heart - together we can make a difference, one child at time.

Amazing Starry Night

I wish I could have taken a photo this fabulous, but I didn't - no doubt, my equipment is not near as good as the pro who took the photo above - but I wanted to give you a glimpse of our view looking up tonight.

It is/was a spectacular, clear evening here in southern Wisconsin. I don't think I have seen the stars so bright in a very long time. The entire family went for a late afternoon walk. Jesse had been painting the house all day, and by the time he wrapped it up it was too late to get the grill going to cook the chicken. (I don't do the grill, and pasta alfredo doesn't taste as good unless the chicken is grilled.) With dinner plans rather foiled, we decided to walk to and eat at Culver's, and burn the calories coming home. Kyle was not prepared for the temperature drop after the sun went down. Fortunately friends live not far from Culver's so we knocked on their door to borrow a sweatshirt for him to wear home.

We stopped a couple of times on the way home to just look up - even within the town limits the stars demanded to be noticed. (Didn't hurt that a couple of street lights were out either.) I could clearly make out the Big Dipper and its smaller counterpart, as well as the grouping known as 7 sisters, or Pleiades.

When we all got home we decided to blow up the air mattress and put it on the deck. There Abby and I laid down to gaze up in soft comfort - how nice of the guys to tought it on the hard surface. It was quite chilly and even the blanket on Abby could not keep her out there more than 15 minutes - but it sure was an awesome display of God's wonders.

I could clearly see shapes in the sky, the stars connecting for a divine game of dot to dot. Looking at the "star" book later in the house, I know that I spotted Aquarius, Triangulum, and Pegasus. I sure don't see wings in that one, but I did see a body, arched neck and two hing legs. Never before in my life have I been able to actually pick out constellations. It was also cool to see the two moons near Jupiter, wtih the aid of binoculars.

I hope Sunday is as clear, now that I have my constellation book out star gazing will be more exciting for the kids. We do have an action packed Sunday, however, so we star gazing may not come about. In addition to church, a baby shower, and working on a BoBunny layout, I hope to do a test portrait run at Marv's home. His new grandson from Oklahoma is visiting with his family, and it would be nice to get a three generation photo. It would also be a good test run for the Weds. morn portrait session. Kyle starts Life Group tomorrow evening as well - we're still trying to figure out logistics on that shuffle.

Have you been dazzled by the universe of stars lately? Next time you have a clear night take time to notice - you will be amazed! Speaking of amazement...just wait until you see what some of the BoBunny designers have created for some upcoming November reveals. You WILL be dazzled!

BoBunny Does Bittersweet

I know I sound like a broken record, but I love that BoBunny's collections can be intermixed to create gorgeous layouts. The ACOT color challenge for October was to create a layout using burnt orange and burgundy, with neutrals. I immediately knew I would be reaching for papers from the Gypsy line, and Delilah offered some beautiful papers as well.

A short while ago I shared the photo used in this layout, and asked for tips on its identification. I never just let "anything go". I have a zest to learn about such things - Google is my friend. I typed in "bushes with orange berries in Wisconsin" and found a number of links. Ultimately, I learned a lot about the three types of bittersweet found here. The plant I captured on film happens to be American Bittersweet, which is actually a rare plant these days. I actually feel honored that Jesse and I found some in the wild, and glad I took a photograph.

I was totally inspired by the beauty of the Bittersweet bushes and wanted to replicate them on paper. I love the newest trend of using pearl stickers on projects. I had just happened to pick up orange ones by Queen & Co. and the Scrapbook Superstore in Madison, in anticipation of Halloween layouts. Instead, I used them to create a "berry bush" on paper.


To journal on the nesting bracket shape from Magistical Memories, I scanned in the chipboard shape, brought it into my PS document, and set text over the top of the shape. When I had it just as I wanted, I eliminated the shape image layer, and printed my text on patterned paper. Cutting it out to fit the shape. Another tip - use the pen tool to sketch a rough outline of your shape around the outside edge. After printing you will have a guideline for cutting your shape, to ensure your type is "on straight".


I felt something was needed in the corner, but wanted to be careful not to detract from the photo and "main course" of the layout. I chose a couple of stamps by BoBunny to stamp an accent in the upper corner. I used different inks to layer the branch and leaves, and then used a fine point brown marker to doodle and outline the leaves.


I love using raffia in fall layouts, and especially in this one as it picks up on the dry grasses found in the background of the photo.


Journaling: Every year we look forward to fall. We are awestruck by God’s creation as He paints the landscape in a palette of colors. As Jesse and I hike trails along the Wisconsin River I am struck by the intense color of American Bittersweet, a rare plant we had never seen before.
I capture its rarity in print, and am sweetly reminded of the rare friendship we have with Marv and Carol Knipfer. And, although the season of fall is filled with family celebrations, in 2009 the joy is clouded by the news that Marv’s cancer has returned. We know that each moment spent with Marv is a blessing, and a bittersweet gift from God.

If you would like to learn more about our journey as we walk with Marv to his earthly end, you are welcome to stop by another blog I have resurrected to share about our Monday evenings in bible study with him.

Supplies Used:Cardstock: Bazzill Kraft and burgundy orange peel, The Paper Co. (dark brown)
Papers: BoBunny Kitchen Spice Allspice, Gypsy Spice, Delilah You & Me
Alpha chipboard: BoBunny Chunky Chips in Chocolate and Clover
Acrylic Stamps: BoBunny “Sunburst” and “What Ya Got Cookin’”
Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts
Ribbon: Bo Bunny Orange Citrus Double Dot
Pearl Stickers: Queen & Co.
Glitter Medium: Ranger Distress Stickles
Paint: FolkArt Tangerine
Inks: Brick Red by Tsukineko, Colorbox Fluid Chalk Inks in brown and tan
Other: Thread, raffia

BoB Is In Da House!!!

16 lbs of DELICIOUS new BoBunny arrived today! I am overwhelmed with BoBunny's generousity towards their design team. We received all of the acrylic "stamp and store" sets remaining in stock. WOW! Not to mention a ton of Double Dot, embellies, ribbon, cardstock stickers.


The three new lines are fab in person...but as far as Serenade goes...holy cow! It is the most gorgeous winter line I have ever laid eyes on. I did not realize it had glitter ...oh my, I never want to run out of the stuff. Makes me wish it were snowing right now! (Seriously...I know, sick, aren't I?)

Did I mention how generous BoB was with the Double Dot cardstock? I just love this stuff. Have to show you my favorite of all colors - Kiwi - right on top there for you to see. Don't ya just want to run out and get some?


I've been saving some pictures just for this new arrival. I cannot wait to start scrapping with it. Almost makes me want to sweep my other projects off the table, but hee hee, they're for upcoming BoBunny blog posts, so I better keep moving on them! One is cute, and rather clever, if I don't say so myself...

Ya all come back now - and happy creating! Get yourself some BoBunny - btw - did I mention it is all on sale at A Cherry On Top? Go shop now!!

Treats, Pumpkins and Cuteness

Did you enjoy your last day of October? Abby and I spent some time making little treat bags for friends. I simply cut a piece of Bo Bunny Boo Crew paper to fit inside the bag. I used "Ghoul Friends" - under the M&Ms are glimpses of cool Halloween spooks - as the recipient eats the M&Ms a ghoul friend is revealed. I thought that would be rather fun - a witch, bat, skelaton, ghost? Keep on eating to find out who you have! The back of this paper is black with the doodled skull images. Abby used a white pen to write BOO! from Abby. Very simple, very cute.

These treats were a snap to make with a box of Bagettes on hand. You can find these in most craft stores. I have had these in my stash for putting small class supplies in, such as brads. I decided they made great treat bags as well.

BTW - I so plan to scraplift this for Valentine's Day classroom treats!

More snapshots from our Halloween preparations. We spent Friday gutting pumpkins - this was the first year Abby actually cleaned her own pumpkin, with a spoon however.


Kyle gutting his pumpkin. Note Jesse's expression in the background. I love this shot because of the story it tells. You can almost hear Kyle's disgust at the slimy innards.


After seeing her brother dive into his pumpkin, Abby wanted to be brave and do the same, but not without a glove. I fashioned one out of a baggie, but still...she stared inside that pumpkin for a while, and in the end - could not bring herself to do it. Dad to the rescue!


Kyle drawing his warrior Jack face.


Abby drawing her happy Jack face.


Here are the kid's jack-o-lanterns lit up for Halloween night! I can see the kids personalities/interests in the faces they made.


Kyle ended up sleeping most of his Halloween away, with a case of flu. Abby, however, ventured out for trick-or-treating. She loved the hand-me-down unicorn/Pegasus costume from the neighbors.


A side profile shot - happily getting treats from a friend's dad.


Halloween night air was crisp and cool. Until we turned onto a north/south running street we really did not have wind, but that did our daughter in and she was ready to call it quits for the night. A bit of candy, and one nice treater was good enough to give Abby a full size Butterfinger for her sick brother, which brought a smile to his face today. Fortunately he is feeling a lot better, and he hasn't had a fever - we are past the afternoon spike period as well!

I hope you all had a fun and safe celebration. Get yourself some BoB Boo Crew and happy creating your boo night pictures!

Fall Home Decor - Scrap it!

Do you have a favorite seasonal decoration? I do! It has to be this gorgeous leaf candle grouping by PartyLite. I love it so much I decided to dedicate a page to it. Today I simply want to share the journaling for this layout with you:

Fall - our favorite time of year as a family. We welcome the cooler temperatures, and snuggling under the blankets on the couch. Our home is decorated with leaves...silk leaf garlands are woven in the wooden cafe rods, real leaves adorn the now empty flower pots at our front door, and the hallway, painted and stamped with fall colored leaves, is dressed in season.
Gracing the buffet that belonged to Rita’s grandmother, a favorite collection of PartyLite leaf castings are used to cradle our favorite fall scents of cinnamon, ginger and clove spice candles. Candles are also lit in wall sconces, along the top of the piano, flanking the television, and a large pillar candle is lit in its stand of metallic leaves and beads.
In 2009 Kyle, who had just turned twelve, took the initiative to get the candles burning. He asked if he could light them, and made it a part of his late afternoon ritual before he sat down to do homework. It was so nice to see how much he enjoyed the candles as well, and he also took responsibility to ensure they were snuffed out before going to bed.
Sitting in the glow of candlelight, breathing in the aroma of fall scents...these are just a few of the reasons that make fall a favorite season... filled with warm memories.Now, I did not mention it in my journaling, but with Kyle's eagerness to create a candlelight ambience in our home, I couldn't help but think what a romantic young man he might make some day for a lady friend. At this point in his life, however, he has NO interest in girls. (LOL)

I am so in love with these adorable little stickers from Jenni Bowlin Studio. I found them at A Cherry On Top - thankfully I bought several sets. I am reaching for them over and over - love that they are little round circles - my favorite shape! ACOT is having a Halloween sale, too!


For my title I ran out of the chocolate letter "e"s -we all run out of that one, right? Noting the blush color in the paper design, I chose pink and toned it down with tan chalk inks. I also discovered a new color I love for fall, it is called Brick Red and it is a Brilliance ink - so it has a little shimmer. I used it to distress layout and letters mimic the warm glow of the candles


Supplies Used:
Cardstock: Bazzill Kraft, The Paper Co. (dark brown)
Papers: Kitchen Spice Ginger & Nutmeg, Delilah You & Me
Sticker: Kitchen Spice Combo
Alpha chipboard: BoB Chunky Chips in Chocolate and Blush
Alphabet Stickers: Jenni Bowlin Studios
Ribbon: Bo Bunny Orange Citrus Double Dot
Inks: Brillance Brick Red by Tsukineko, Colorbox Fluid Chalk Inks in brown and tan
Other: Thread

Thanks for coming by to catch a glimpse of fall in our home. Happy creating!