Rosemary Thyme

Remedy in a jar

2012-02-20T13:05:00.016-07:00

I have dry itchy skin; wait, I used to have dry itchy skin. After years of scratching my arms and legs, it was apparent that some ingredient in commercial soap was the culprit. After searching the web for remedies, I found a recipe for a liquid soap. Starting using it for my bath and immediately, stopped itching. Then it became my face soap; now my face is as soft as...well you know.

Here's the recipe:

1 cup liquid Castile soap ( I use

Dr. Bronner's unscented Baby Mild soap)

1 cup water

1 tsp. vinegar ( I use cider vinegar)

1 tsp olive oil.

Pour into a container and shake before each use.

That's it...couldn't be simpler. Only problem is that the vinegar and oil kinda congeal on the top so between uses it looks sick.

Enter my jar.

Using a pint Mason Jar and some Old Violet chalk paint and wax, my redesigned jar now holds the soap that I love so much. In case you're interested in getting one, I bought the foaming soap dispenser from Heather at her Post Road Vintage Etsy shop.

If you try the soap, let me know how you like it.

He brings me roses

2012-02-04T12:43:00.015-07:00

Every year on our anniversary, Mr. RT sends me flowers from ProFlowers - he's such a sweetie.

Last year it was so cold that the flowers froze on the delivery truck before ever getting to our door and ProFlowers graciously replaced them with fresh flowers. This year a big snowstorm was forecast for our anniversary day, so they

arrived a day early beating the snow.

I added some of the gorgeous red roses to my gurgle pot that was a gift from eldest daughter.

Doesn't the turquoise color of the pot accentuate the red roses...I love the color combination.

Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction.
~Antoine de Saint-Exupery~

Beauty in the eyes of the beholder

2012-02-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

Have to admit, I'm a stalker. Yep, I stalk my local Goodwill, ReStore, and other thrift shops looking for things I can love. Several months ago, I happened to be in Goodwill when it was half price day. As I was looking at furniture, I saw this beauty that apparently no one else wanted. Heart pounding, I grabbed the sticker and got in the lo-o-o-ng line to check out before anyone else could claim her. Probably there were other items I might have wanted that day, but Beauty was calling me. After loading her in the truck and storing her in the garage until the time was right, I finally got around bringing her indoors.

After a little cleaning up, the wood veneer gleamed but the chips and cracks were more apparent. Research on the web makes me think the veneer is Mahogany Burl which costs hundreds of dollars to buy one sheet. Too rich for me.

I think she looks just fine with her Beauty Marks. By the way, the print over Beauty is another Goodwill find, but that's a story for another day.

A Fantastic Read

2012-01-22T14:31:00.009-07:00

The book The Lost Wife by Alison Richman was on my request list at the local library for months. Finally it became available and I checked it out yesterday, started reading and couldn't put it down until finishing about 2AM this morning. The book tells the story of two Prague students who meet, fall in love and marry before the German invasion of Czechoslovakia only to lose each other shortly afterward. The book spans sixty years taking place in Europe and the US.

It's a book I won't soon forget. I recommend it...

Till later - Sondra

Lamp Light

2012-01-10T12:35:00.001-07:00

A little family history here...bear with me. My Dad died from cancer in 1992; four days later my mother had a massive stroke which she barely survived. After weeks in the hospital, I (being an only child) had to put her in a nursing home in my hometown in Missouri. Then began the task of clearing out their home. Everything I wanted to keep - furniture, dishes, household items, etc., were moved to a locked room in the basement for security when I rented the house. When Mother died in 1995 from stroke related health issues, hubby and I loaded up a U-Haul truck and brought the contents of that storage room back to Colorado.

Almost all of the items here on my blog came from that move.

When I first discovered Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, I remember an old brass lamp complete with dings and scrapes hidden away in our basement. I figured even if the paint didn't stick or looked bad, nothing was lost since this old lamp hadn't been used in 20 or more years. Aubusson Blue was applied in two coats, then clear and dark wax to highlight the features.

The paint job looked great, but there was no lampshade to go with it. On the next trip to a local craft store, I found a lampshade that could be covered with fabric. Since I often buy fabric without any purpose in mind, I have a fabric cabinet full of goodies waiting for the perfect project. This great blue toile was just waiting...

Well...wadda ya think?

See ya later!

Sondra

linked to:
Domestically Speaking power of paint party

Books I've loved in 2011

2011-12-30T11:49:00.002-07:00

What can I say...I love books. This year I bought myself a Kindle, but that doesn't mean that I no longer buy used books or get books from the public library...I do. I try to keep track of what I've read on the site Goodreads.com. So far I've listed 544 books that I've read - not all this year tho. When I say I've read all of that author's books, that means I'm anxiously awaiting their next one. Also, I tend to read mostly mysteries.

Here are some that I loved.
Death Along the Spirit Road
Hoof Prints: More Stories from Proud Spirit
The Horses of Proud Spirit
Cold Wind - I've read all of C.J. Box's books
The Scent of Rain and Lightning
Rain Water
Sarah's Key
The King of Lies
Heaven's Keep - I've read all of Wm. Kent Krueger's books
A Fortunate Life - I was lucky to find this book on a swapping site, otherwise it's very expensive
The Help
Feathers Brush My Heart
The Story Teller - I've read all of Margaret Coel's books
A Maiden's Grave
The Dry Grass of August
A Cold Day in Paradise - I've read all of Steve Hamilton's books
Look Again
The Soldier's Wife
Beyond Reach - I've read all of Karin Slaughter's books
The Misremembered Man

These are just a few of the books that kept me awake at night. Hope you enjoy some of them too.

Thanks for dropping by...

Sondra

Only 15 Years

2011-12-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

We've been in our home for over 15 years and I finally got curtains put up in our family room. No, the single window in the room wasn't totally bare all those years as blinds and a valance with my favorite Waverly fabric (that's followed me from house to house) provided privacy. On a routine stop at Denver Fabrics, I found the perfect material for my curtains - a red check with a delicate green border. Loved it so much that I bought what was left on the roll - about 9 yards. Who know, there may be a chair slipcover in the future.

These were the easiest curtains to make - just used fusible webbing tape and my iron. So much faster and better than lugging the sewing machine out of the fabric cabinet. And no stray threads to pick up!

To make it even easier, I left the selvage edge so there wasn't any hemming on the sides. I like the rustic look the edge gives.

Cozy is how I'd describe the room now...just love my new curtains paired with my grandfather's old rocker and my basket of pillows.

They say it's your birthday

2011-12-18T17:26:00.003-07:00

Today is the 4th birthday of my grandson, Dylan. I hope you had a very special day, sweetie. XOXOXO

supplies - Birthday Bash collab by Memory Scraps

One of my favorite places is...

2011-12-17T13:34:00.003-07:00

Pickity Place, located near Mason, NH. Lunch there features delectable food make with fresh herbs from the herb garden. My daughter, Jen, and I have lunched there several times.

On the property is Grandmother's Cottage, a red Cape Cod cottage that was featured in the 1948 Golden Books edition of Little Red Riding Hood by Elizabeth Orton Jones. Grandmother's bedroom is full of Little Red Riding Hood memorabilia. The grounds of Pickity Place are a photographer's dream - full of building, nooks and crannies, and of course the herb garden itself.

Just thinking of the great food served there makes me hungry. On Amazon I found a cookbook Country Herb Cooking: Four Seasons of Recipes from Pickity Place by Judy Walter that I promptly ordered. Can't wait for it to get here. Here are samples of what's served.

If you're in the New England area, think about visiting this jewel of a place. I'm not connected to Pickity Place in any way, just wanted to share one of my favorite places.

See ya later...
Sondra

Breakfront Beauty

2011-12-12T12:41:00.002-07:00

This old breakfront has been in my family for some time. My mother loved to go to farm auctions - back then, auctions were usually held when a family died off as opposed to these days when foreclosure is usually the reason. (I digress, as usual)

Anyway, Mother bought this old piece and lugged it home, much to my Dad's dismay. She and I applied a fake golden oak grain finish to the thing probably 50 years ago. It was in her house until she died nearly 20 years ago when I moved it to Colorado. Its finish wasn't a bad match for oak, but over the years my house filled up with wood finishes and I wanted COLOR. Just like those in some gorgeous material I found a few years ago and made into drapes.

Enter my passion for Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. I figured painting the breakfront's inside with Cream and the outside with Versailles over Primer Red would be perfect. Well, the inside looked great but the Versailles just wasn't quite right. Next I put Chateau Grey over the front and finished with a mixture of clear and dark wax. Voila - just what I wanted.

Now some of my favorite things reside inside. I love it!

Almost forgot...this label was on the breakfront's back. Anyone have any information about the company?

Redoux Friday Link Up Party
Miss Mustard Seed Furniture Friday Favorites Linkup
Shades of Amber link party

Vintage

2011-12-11T12:01:00.000-07:00

Nate Berkus has a design personality quiz on his website here. There were no surprises for me...I'm Vintage!

"You like decor that's one of a kind. You're a garage and thrift sale shopper who likes things with some age and you know you’re a vintage personality, you can shop in places with items that have an aged look to create rooms that feel assembled over time. You don’t go to the new modern stores and waste your time buying items that you know you’re not going to love!"

Grandma's gate leg table

2011-10-28T16:53:00.001-06:00

One of my most prized possessions is the gate leg table that came to me from my Grandma. Called Bobo by everyone who knew her, she had this table in her living room for as far back as I can remember...where it originated, whether from a family member or not, I don't know. This table was painted brown until it came to me about 20 years when I painted it two tone green with a crackle finish. Over the years it got scuffed and stained so this year, chalk paint came to the rescue.

Hubby and I sanded the top and used a cherry stain with many coats of varnish to get the look I wanted. Not sure what the wood is, but it had a green tone which according to the internet could be sassafras.

Duck Egg Blue was painted on the legs with accents of Aubusson followed by light wax. Here's how the final result.

Quite a difference from that old brown table. Bobo would be proud.

Shades of Amber Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Linky Party

Domestically Speaking 106th-power of paint party

Bookaholic...

2011-10-26T12:31:00.000-06:00

Bookworm, book lover, bibliophile, reader...what do these words mean to me.

They mean stacks and stacks of books waiting to be read, traded, given away or returned to the library. When will I ever find the time to read them all? Books make me happy, content, and relaxed so I'm not bothered by all the books laying around the house. This stack of books on my night stand include the top three paperbacks that were just waiting for me at the local Goodwill store. Yes, that's a Kindle you see. The convenience it offers is wonderful but...there's still something about holding a book.

It saddens me to hear children say they hate to read and books are a waste of time. Oh the adventures they will miss! Some of my favorite books are those I read as a child; I'm so happy that my children are sharing the same books with their own children and their niece and nephews that I shared with them so many years ago.

Chalk paint x2

2011-10-20T12:32:00.020-06:00

Several months ago, I discovered Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint through several of the blogs that I follow. Knowing that this paint was something I had to try, I found a stockist, Shades of Amber, located in Monument, Colorado which is about 50 miles from my home. My daughter, 2 grandbabies and I were planning a visit to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs so I made arrangements to pick up some paint from Brad and Amber. My first try was this mirror inherited from my mother; it was originally my grandmother's mirror that was hung over a beautiful quarter sawn oak dresser. Through the years some wear and tear had occurred.

Before

My first attempt to paint the mirror with Old White went fine until I applied the dark wax much too heavy. The wax made the curliques and swirls on the mirror look dusty and dingy; the mirror was placed over the table in my entry hall until I decided what to do next.

version 1

Enter a new mini-stockist located close to my home...Little Black Chair. Going to their storefront to pay for a beginning Chalk Paint class, I spied a beautiful night stand painted in Chateau Grey with accents done in Paris Grey...gorgeous, simply gorgeous.

That color combination was so lovely that my mirror called for a change. Using Chateau Grey as a base with accents of Duck Egg Blue and a grey I mixed, I know my mom and grandma would be proud.

version 2

Lovely, don't you think? I'm as proud as punch...

linked to: Miss Mustard Seed, Shades of Amber, Remodelaholic

The Colors of October - My camera is always ready

2011-10-08T12:23:00.003-06:00

I’m so glad I like in a world where there are Octobers.

~ L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables ~

“Autumn the year’s last and loveliest smile.” ~William Cullen Bryant~

“Oh Autumn how I have missed you. Cool nights, sunny days, school starts and summer fades.” ~Caroline Glen

"The chile, it seems to me, is one of the few foods that has its own goddess." - Diana Kennedy, cookbook author

I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree
by Joyce Kilmer

Thank you Miss Reed, my 8th grade teacher, for making your classes memorize this poem.

All photos by little ole me

Blueberries, Queen Anne's Lace and wooden bridges

2011-01-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

I love to visit New England and photograph all the beauty there. The fact that I have two grandsons there doesn't figure into it of course.

One blistering hot summer day, we went to a truck farm to pick blueberries 'cause Grandma (me) had never done that. We got lots of berries and summer vegies, but I also got beautiful photos from there.

Julie from Sherwood Studio at thedigichick.com has a new kit coming out called "Quite Contrary". I used it
for this layout.

A Moment in Time...

2011-01-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

that's how I think of my photography. Many years ago as a little girl I started out with a Brownie camera and flash (with those awful flash bulbs); I loves the idea of taking photo, but hated the terrible ones that came from that little camera - more expensive cameras were out of the question for our family finances. Back then I knew nothing of composition, angle, rule of three, etc. so I got discouraged and quit.

Then life intervened. College, marriage, 3 little ones, jobs...you know the routine. I barely had time for anything, much less documenting my life. Now that I'm a "senior" it seems that with age comes the freedom to rediscover old loves; I first found the point and shoot cameras, then digital SLRs. Now it thrills me to see my 7 year old granddaughter use her mother's DSLR.

I'm still not the photographer I want to be nor the one I dream of being but what the heck. Let's enjoy the journey.

I found some old favorites of mine taken with that little point & shoot. They're grainy, out of focus, but they're my memories. Taken from a trip to Santa Fe about 10 years ago, the photos have been edited with photoshop art filters.

Chilly Cheeks

2011-01-21T10:51:00.000-07:00

Today is Baby Max's first birthday...that year sure has passed quickly. Last Sunday he enjoyed the family sledding outing until he fell off the sled and got cold. He's not very happy in this photo.

supplies used

WinterKiss template 4 by Jenn CK
Idea Notebook Jan. 2011 by Digital Design Essentials

Dylan's big day

2011-01-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

With all the big snowstorms in the Northeast, my grandson had a big sledding day last weekend. Dylan, Mommy, Daddy and little brother Max went to a big hill close to their house in suburban Boston and enjoyed the day before the big football games started. My son and daughter in law are huge football fans so they had to get home in time to watch their favorite teams. The day went well until both boys took face plants and then they were pretty unhappy, cold and tired.

supplies used: Summer template 15 by Tiffany Tillman
Bella Joy and Bella Natale kits by Randi Oh

Winter in Colorado

2011-01-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

Julie from Sherwood Studio has some new kits in her shop at The Digichick. I've kinda lost my scrapping mojo lately so I spent today making two layouts for Julie. The first one is called Winter - original, eh?

Winter Solitude by Sherwood Studio
Clean It Up by Sherwood Studio (staples)
Template 117 by Lindsay J Designs

Winter Solitude by Sherwood Studio

Brigadoon

2011-01-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

When I visit family in New England - which is frequently to see my grandbabies - we always spend one day on a photoshoot. My son Chris, daughter Jen and son-in-law Bob and I go to various places in New Hampshire and Maine. Some time ago we were driving down a two lane road when we passed a reconstructed village alongside an antique store. Quickly turning around, we headed back to photograph this great find. It was sleeting and snowing so we couldn't spend too much time there, but did manage to get some great shots.

By the way, we call it Brigadoon because we've gone up and down that same highway and never found the place again.

sweetie

2010-12-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

One of my grandsons in profile.

credits
Ooh La Lolliopop collab by Digiridoo Scraps

Playing Catch Up

2010-12-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted in a while...December is such a busy month for all of us. Here are a few LOs I've made recently.

"Sparkle"

supplies used: Damask kit, Christmas Wish 2 kit, and Christmas Wishes Glow paper all by Sherwood Studio and available at The Digichick.

"Vintage"

supplies used: After 5 Designs - Prairie Morning, Rosey Posey Studio - Fragments 101, and Roben Marie Smith - Vintage Frames

"Max and Me"

supplies used: Home is where the Heart Is page kit, and Captivated by Jacqueline template by Captivated Visions

"Seven"

supplies used: Hopscotch kit by The Shabby Princess

It's the Smile

2010-11-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

My youngest grandbaby, Max, is a charmer.

supplies:
Mister Wonderful kit and Wordart by Connie Prince

Black Friday

2010-11-25T03:22:00.000-07:00

Ready, Set, Go...get all those scrapping goodies. I'll be checking my favorite shops for bargains but I've got a Sneak Peak for you from one of my favs.
Digital Designer Shop has a whopper of a holiday kit called Days of December. It's a beauty, full of luscious elements and gorgeous papers. Here are two examples of how this kit can be used.

Supplies -
Days of December by Cilenia Curtis and available at Digital Designer Shop
Piled Sparks template by Cilenia Curtis at Digital Designer Shop

Supplies -
Days of December by Cilenia Curtis and available at Digital Designer Shop
Days of December Glitter Styles and Papers 2 by Honey Scraps available at Digital Designer Shop
Template 46 by Cindy Schneider

Camera Family

2010-11-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

We all share a love for photography; finally we all have Nikon cameras. One daughter and I live in Colorado; my other daughter and son live in New England. You can bet we all have our cameras when we get together.

supplies:
nostalgia alpha by Sherwood Studio
Beautiful Life Collab by Wendy Page Designs and MKC
Scraplift of I LOVE WATCHING YOUR BROTHERLY LOVE by Karenika

Dreamer

2010-11-20T05:19:00.000-07:00

My granddaughter wants to play the violin but between her twice weekly gymnastics classes, school, her brother's sports activities and the fact that there is no teacher available without a long drive, she pretends to play.

Supplies used: Blue Winter kit, Blue Winter Frames and Blue Winter Lace all by Cilenia Curtis @ Digital Designer Shop
Newsletter Freebie Template 1 by Karla Dudley

Sneak Peak

2010-11-17T03:09:00.000-07:00

Julie of Sherwood Studio - sold exclusively at The Digichick - has two holiday kits being released Thursday, Nov. 18. I got to play with them and here's a sneak peak.

The first two feature Fireside Christmas by Sherwood Studio

additional supplies: Background Stacks 2 by JB Designs

additional supplies: Negative version 6 template by WM Squared

Razzle Dazzle Reindeer by Sherwood Studio features a slightly less traditional look at Christmas.

additional supplies: New Dawn Templates by AE Designs

Our Breakfast at Hangar 8

2010-11-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

supplies
Aviator kit by Jenn CK Designs and Stolen Moments
Template 117 by Lindsay Jane designs

Thankful for You

2010-11-08T01:33:00.000-07:00

As Thanksgiving approaches we all think about what we're thankful for. I have so many people, memories, etc., but one thing I'm especially thankful for are my grandchildren.

supplies
Many Thanks kit by Scrap Matters Design Team
The Digichick November Template

Pumpkin Farm

2010-11-07T02:00:00.000-07:00

Max enjoyed his first trip to pick out a pumpkin. Moments like these are meant to be remembered.

supplies
Awaiting Autumn by Teresa Digi Designs @ Digital Designer Shop
Orange Alpha by Paste Optional Designs

Brothers

2010-11-06T15:45:00.000-06:00

I've had such fun today on National Scrapbook Day. Spent too much money and time, but then what's new. I found these two great kits today and couldn't wait to use them. These two little guys are my youngest grandbabies. They live 1500 miles from me so I treasure each photo I get.

supplies used
November Boys by River Rose
Got Curves template by WM Squared

Halloween

2010-11-06T10:04:00.000-06:00

My granddaughter was Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz for Halloween. Don't ya think she looks just like Dorothy in the movie. My daughter found most of costume on Etsy and Ebay. Cute, huh?

Supplies
Smooth Sailing - Hearts & Flowers
Sherrie JD - Classic Red
gingham by Sherwood Studio
Amy Wolff - Old Glory Papers
Fiddle Dee Dee templates - Fuss Free

New Releases

2010-11-04T10:41:00.000-06:00

Cilenia Curtis at Digital Designer Shop has been busy designing two gorgeous new kits. "Within" bundled kit contains beautiful neutral colors perfect for masculine layouts.

The second kit "Blue Winter" will be available Friday, November 5. Although this kit is designed for winter layouts, I used it for a different purpose.

Isle of Shoals

2010-10-25T09:37:00.000-06:00

One of the items on my bucket list was a visit to the Isle of Shoals. Located off the coasts of New Hampshire and Maine, seven island comprise the Isle of Shoals. Most are privately owned, but two are open to the public - Star Island and Appledore Island. Last September we visited Star Island by boat; it was a great photo op and a wonderful adventure.

supplies used:

Potting Shed by Cilenia Curtis @ Digital Designer Shop
Dainty Edges by Honey Scraps @ Digital Designer Shop
25 days of Summer templates by Tiffany Tillman

In honor of

2010-10-24T04:32:00.000-06:00

Breast Cancer Month

My good friend Karen died in August 2009 after a valiant 9 year struggle with breast cancer. I miss our phone conversations and lunches that we had regularly. Rest in Peace, dear friend.

supplies: Artist Palette 2 by Cilenia Curtis @ Digital Designer Shop

Stay Tuned

2010-10-24T04:13:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite digital scrapbook designers, Julie.It.Is, is moving to a new store and changing her name. Can't say where just yet, but her new name will be Sherwood Studio. She's redesigned some kits and I've recycled some LOs to meet her deadline. Stay tuned for the big reveal on Oct. 28th.

supplies used: Colorado Cliff by Sherwood Studio

supplies used:

Licorice Parfait by Sherwood Studio

Nostalgia alpha by Sherwood StudioFuss

Free Angled template by Fiddle Dee Dee designs

supplies: Vivre by Sherwood Studio

Grandbabies

2010-10-21T01:58:00.000-06:00

My two youngest grandbabies live in New England and I don't see them nearly enough. So...I take photos the entire time I'm with them. I'm the grandma with the camera.

All boy

2010-10-19T14:41:00.000-06:00

My youngest grandbaby, Max.

supplies:

For the Boys by Karla Dudley
FreeToWander 5 template by ehstudios

Blogtoberfest!

2010-10-17T03:59:00.000-06:00

Plain Digital Wrapper is having a Blogtoberfest and I'm excited to be part of it. Click on the trick or treat bag to get your freebie. That's it; easy as pie.

If you make a layout with some of the goodies you pick up, and post it in the gallery, you will have an opportunity to WIN a $15.00 Gift Certificate to the store! A winner will be picked on Halloween.

Now, on to the next!

1. PDW Blog

2. PDW Facebook page

3. Southern Creek Designs blog

4. Donna

5. Lori

6. Susie

7. Jemy

8. Katers

9. Lynn

10. Marla

11. Kimeric

12. Becki

13. Vicki

14. Sondra You are here

15. ScrapDZines

Family

2010-10-12T05:52:00.000-06:00

In my office closet are boxes of old photos that my mother and grandmother saved over the years. Slowly, these pix are being scanned into my computer before they fade so future generations can see them. The photo used here is one of my oldest ones, but not the oldest. I called the layout "Family in 1905", but I'm sure all these folks are not all family.

supplies used
Falling Melody by MS Scraps
template by The Daily Digi #11
stitching by Libby Weifenbach

Snap!

2010-10-10T07:26:00.000-06:00

It's been so long since I've had a picture of me, I have to keep using it. :)

supplies
Capture - Designs by Helly

A bit about me

2010-10-09T07:18:00.000-06:00

Supplies: Breathings of my heart (retired) by Cilenia Curtis

They steal your heart away

2010-10-08T11:01:00.000-06:00

Last July we lost our beloved corgi, Max. He lived a good life for 14 years until he became gravely ill. We were so heartbroken that we found another corgi puppy, not to replace Max but to fill the emptiness in our hearts. Teddy is so full of vim and vigor - he makes us laugh all the time.

Max and the Rainbow Bridge

supplies:
Beautiful Life - Wendy Page Designs and Mari Koegelenberg
My Dad My Best Friend (hearts) - Anita Designs and Scooty Design
Zinnias and Swallowtails (template)- Plant Your Story Quoted

Teddy at 4 months

San Juan River in Utah

2010-10-06T05:08:00.000-06:00

On a road trip to Sedona, AZ several years ago, I took this photo along the San Juan River in Utah.

supplies used
Colorado Cliff kit and Autumn Whisper Kit by Julie.It.Is @ Plain Digital Wrapper
Template Collection 12 by Tiffany Tillman

Hold on to your hat!

2010-10-06T04:06:00.000-06:00

Get ready for lots of autumn photos and scrap pages as it is my favorite season. I've been reviewing photos from years past and have found several that I just have to scrap.

"Pumpkin Farm" features my youngest grandson in New England. He's such a sweet boy who smiles almost all the time. Grandma wishes she could spend lots more time with him and his big brother.

supplies used
Awaiting Autumn kit by Teresa Digi Designs @ Digital Designer Shop
Orange Alpha by Paste Optional Designs

The view from the sunroom

2010-10-05T02:48:00.000-06:00

On a recent New England visit , I stayed with Chris and Kristin and the boys in Mass. While there I spent a lot of time in their sunroom facing Lake Attitash. I'm sure nothing else would get done if I lived there and could watch the lake all day. One day was dark and overcast - fantastic light for photos.

Guess it's because I live in the sunny Southwest that I love rainy days so much.

Second Time Around

2010-10-02T02:33:00.000-06:00

Hubby and I have been together since we met 17 years ago. I had 3 teens and he had 2 older sons; now our jumbled family includes grandkids, former spouses and former daughters-in-law and their significant others, and friends.

I took this photo of my wedding ring for a 1st anniversary card that I gave him.

Supplies used: ABC series of Follow Me kit by Cilenia Curtis @ Digital Designer Shop

Vacation

2010-09-29T14:46:00.000-06:00

We just returned from a visit to New England where my oldest daughter, her husband, and my son, his wife and our two youngest grandsons live. The boys are eight months and 2 1/2 years old. The older one goes to music class on Wednesday mornings and I'll sing "Hello, everybody...so glad to see you" for a long time.

Of course, the first thing I did was start scrapping my photos of our trip. These are memories to keep forever and the pages are a way for me to feel connected to them.

Credits - Vintage Beach kit and Stories in Hand Journal Set by Cilenia Curtis @ Digital Designer Shop

credits
Autumn Whisper by Julie.It.Is @ Plain Digital Wrapper

Our new Teddy Bear

2010-09-12T04:59:00.000-06:00

Grandbabies

2010-09-12T04:54:00.000-06:00

Lavender Moon and Peaceful Meadow kits by Alexis Designs @ Plain Digital Wrapper
http://www.plaindigitalwrapper.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=5371&cat=0&page=1
http://www.plaindigitalwrapper.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=5372&cat=0&page=1

Love you forevah template - Connie Prince

Elegant

2010-09-12T04:50:00.000-06:00

my DD and granddaughter

Peaceful Meadows kit by Alexis Designs
http://www.plaindigitalwrapper.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=5372&cat=0&page=1

I love your smile template by Anita Designs

Seacoast Wedding

2010-09-12T04:35:00.000-06:00

my oldest daughter and son-in-law

Cameo Kit by Alexis Designs @ Plain Digital Wrapper

http://www.plaindigitalwrapper.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=5107&cat=0&page=1

Second week of template class

2010-06-09T14:43:00.000-06:00

I've completed all five of the templates for Tiffany Tillman's "25 Days of Summer Templates" class @ www.reneepearson.com . This week was more fun because the templates are less linear-graphic and now more my style. I'm learning a lot.

credits:
Ruby Rhynne - Bloomsbury kit
Tiffany Tillman - template 10
Cilena Curtis @ Digital Designers Shop - Breathings of MY
Heart,
Lily Designs - White Rose

Credits:
Bella Gypsy - Sundress kit
Captivated Visions - Pink Lemonade kit
Genia Beana - Just Peachy kit
Charlize Creations - Bloomy
Tiffany Tillman - template 8

credits:
Cilenia Curtis @Digital Designers Shop - Dream Big 2 (background papers)
Durbin Eberhardt - Vista Montana (elements)
Viva Artistry - Tuscan Orchard (metal/rope frame)
Tiffany Tillman - template 9

credits
Julie.It.Is - Vivre, Sunset Valley kits
Karla Dudley - 25 Days of Summer
Tiffany Tillman - template 10

credits:
Karla Dudley - 25 Days of Summer
Tiffany Tillman - Template 6

credits:
Cilenia Curtis @Digital Designers Shop - Dream Big2 (background papers)
Durbin Eberhardt - Vista Montana (elements)
Viva Artistry - Tuscan Orchard (metal/rope frame)
Tiffany Tillman - template 9

Template Class

2010-06-05T08:48:00.000-06:00

This week was the first 5 days of Tiffany Tillman's "25 Days of Templates" class at reneepearson.com. It was a tough week for me because the assignments featured a linear-graphic style that just doesn't fit for me. However, I got my first 5 templates completed so here they are.

credits
One Little Bird - Boardwalk kit
Tiffany Tillman - Template 1
Taylormade - Lemonade kit (circle & heart ring)

credits
Karla Dudley - Summer (papers)
Paisley Press/Taylormade - Lemonade
Tiffany Tillman - Template 2

credits:
Celenia Curtis Designs @Digital Designers Shop - SW GardenBlue, Breathings of my Heart, Kara’s Garden
Tiffany Tillman - template 4
font - Myriad Pro

credits:

Songbird Avenue - June 2010 kit

Tiffany Tillman - template 2

fonts - Dakota Handwriting, Olive Oil

credits:

Paisley Press/Taylormade - Lemonade kit

Tiffany Tillman - template 5

Lisa Carter - On the Border Curves3

New Blog

2010-06-05T06:21:00.000-06:00

Digital scrapbooker, photographer, gardener...all words to describe my creative passions. I'll share those passions with you in this blog starting with my most popular photo on Flickr.com - since I have nearly 40 rosebushes in my garden...and my Flickr name is Roselover, it's no surprise that it's a rose photos.

In honor of Memorial Day

2010-05-29T17:31:00.001-06:00

I grew up in the upper South where it is the custom to visit family graves every Memorial Day with flowers, flags, trinkets, etc. If the graves needed weeding, we did that too. Since I no longer live close enough to visit, I'm adding some recent scrapbook pages to my blog in honor of my Mother and Grandmother.

They, along with my father and grandpa, are buried side-by-side. Years ago I bought a
shepherd's hook to hang flower baskets from.
On my last visit, to my surprise, the hook was still there...this was after 4 years. A lot can be said for small towns.

Never Forgotten

2010-04-20T11:13:00.000-06:00

I've lived in the Columbine community for almost 30 years. Love it here - guess that's a given or I'd move. However April 20 is a day that still hurts our hearts...the day of the Columbine Massacre. One part of me

wants the media to leave us alone; the other part wants this day to never be forgotten. My 3 (now grown) kids all graduated from there. Anyway, I made this scrapbook page to remember those who lost their lives that day.

Sparkle

2010-01-28T14:01:00.002-07:00

credits:

teresabelle designs - Emma

Cafe J - Finishing Touches Glitter 7

What are the odds?

2010-01-26T21:22:00.001-07:00

My grandson...

credits:
Julie Marie Designs - Planes, Trains, & Cars
Jenna Desai - Mod Frame
Karah Fredricks - Mr. Personality
Bella Gypsy - Ur hard drive wants me template

Relaxation

2010-01-23T12:10:00.001-07:00

JennCK designs - Vintage Meadow

Syrin - Spicy Delights

Miss Tina - Whimsy Borders

Viva Artistry - Unbreakable, Reflection

font - Gabrielle

At last, a chair that fits...

2009-12-30T10:58:00.001-07:00

Because I'm short, it's always difficult to find furniture that is comfy. A couple of months ago, I was headed into our local Ace Hardware when I instead went in the Goodwill store next door. There's where I found my $17 chair. It fit me, was structurally sound...all it needed was a new "do". After painting with Ace's Royal paint in Banana Peel and making cushion covers with fabric I already had, my chair cost about $20. Not bad, I'd say...

New card designs

2009-10-31T11:43:00.003-06:00

Here are some designs I've been working on ... please tell me what you think.

What a great day

2009-10-13T12:00:00.002-06:00

Two of my children, Jen and Chris, live in New Hampshire and I try to visit as often as possible. Jen and her hubby Bob, and Chris and his wife Kristin are all artists with unique styles. Jen is a photographer, Bob ties beautiful fishing ties, Chris and Kristin enjoy photographing my grandson Dylan and they also own a screen printing business.

Whenever I visit, we try to spend at least one day going to different places to take photos. On this visit, Bob drew the short stick for driving duty.

I love New England for all its history; I've visited in every season and it's always beautiful...well... maybe the weather is a bit harsh in winter. This particular mill is one that we tried to see on my previous visits, but never made it. I can only imagine how beautiful it must be with all the fall colors.

Journaling on this scrapbook page reads:

August 16, 2009

What a great day to remember. Bob, (our driver), Jen, Chris, and I (the photographers) spent the

day shooting historic sites in New Hampshire and Maine. This photo was taken from the lawn of what we discovered was a private home in South Berwick Maine across the river from the mill. The owners came out to see what we were doing and were very gracious to let us stay on their property. They even took us to their 3rd floor balcony to get some different shots of the mill. It turned out they they had both worked for National Geographic before retirement so we talked photography for a while.

Credits:

Joyce Paul - Family Ties, Simplicity

Fei Fei’s Stuff - Plum Autumn, Serendipity

My newest treasure

2009-10-09T12:44:00.001-06:00

I just bought this beauty from Isa at www.vintagecrossbottles.blogspot.com - they are having a special sale for readers of The Lettered Cottage blog through tonight. Check out that blog if this is something you'd like too.

This bottles features dogwood flowers - the dogwood tree is my very favorite tree - and I just loved the shape of the bottle. Their website description read's "A tumbled agate is framed by silver-hued dogwood blooms and vinery that have been oxidized to bring out the beautiful details. A vintage, thin glass bottle with a slight patina serves as the perfect base for this lovely cross."

A Walking tour of Denver

2009-10-07T17:49:00.000-06:00

Ever take a guided walking tour of your town or city? I did that this past Sunday.

We started our tour at Union Station and ended at the Tattered Cover bookstore; in between those two sites we learned about places that are unique to Denve

r and the West. Being a history buff, I learned more about early Denver history in those 2 hours than in 30+ years of living in Denver. We heard about banks and stagecoach offices, bakeries and mercantile stores, fires and floods, hotels and spice companies. Probably the highlight of the tour for the men was seeing the antique MGTD roadster that was on display in one company’s window.

Did you know that at 17th & Wynkoop is the building that house the old Denver City Railway - a cable car company that used horses and mules to pull the cars. That’s not too unusual, but the fact that the animals were stabled on the third floor of the four story building is unusual. Imagine the poor office workers who worked on the second floor beneath all those animals. Our guide said that when the building was renovated the construction workers were nearly overcome with the "animal" odor when removing the floors of the stables.

Denver has an Elephant Corral on Wazee St. It was a livery stable where miners sold oxen used to cross the plains and bought pack animals for use in walking treacherous trails to reach Colorado mines.

Now I wonder why it took so many years to take this tour. I'm already searching for others that I can enjoy.

You Are a Banana Smoothie

2009-07-05T17:19:00.001-06:00

You are friendly and popular without even trying to be. People just like you.
You are easy to be around and never offend everyone. You're quite mild.

You have a warm demeanor, and many people find you to be inviting.
You are sympathetic and kind. You have a soft spot in your heart for everyone.

My Fairy Name

2009-07-01T09:42:00.000-06:00

Your fairy is called Feather Rainbowglitter

She is a fortune bringer.

She lives in high places where the clouds meet the earth.

She is only seen in the light of a shooting star.

She wears pale blue like the sky. She has multicoloured wings like a butterfly.

Get your free fairy name here!

Land of the Ancients

2009-04-07T09:33:00.001-06:00

I love the colors of the Southwest - I guess that's why two rooms in my house are painted a green turquoise color! Using two of my photos (the adobe house and the pot) plus my horse stamp made from one of my photos, I created this page. Kits used are "Southwest Celebration" by Elizabeth Weaver and "Southern Life" by Cari Lopez.

Salmon Falls Mill

2009-04-05T08:49:00.001-06:00

This once abandoned textile mill is now home to artists in eastern New Hampshire. My son and daughter and their spouses have artists' studios there. I love to imagine the hundreds of young women who climbed the stairs to their jobs.

Credits:

Lorie Davison - Rough to the Touch

Birgit Kerr - In Dreams

Her smile

2009-04-01T14:08:00.001-06:00

Sleepy time

2009-03-15T18:55:00.000-06:00

This page uses elements from my favorite scrapbook designer, Lori Davison. The page was ready made - I just added pix and a few extra elements.

Getting Started

2009-03-10T16:09:00.001-06:00

Wanted to share some of the latest pages - this time using photo masks...