Those adorable little grandsons have grown into young adults since I have last posted on my blog.  I have designed photo albums for them filled with precious memories and now it is time to develop a new hobby.  I was born into a family of artists and felt like I could never live up to their talent.  Once I figured out that it was not a competition, I surprised myself and discovered that I actually enjoyed painting with watercolors.  Since several friends have asked if my paintings could be viewed online, I decided to add a new dimension to my blog.  So here you are to those who requested a sampling . . .

 

Recently I have been practicing painting a looser style.

It's actually far more difficult!

Here are a few examples.

Storybooks for Nick and Nate

Instead of making photo books for the boys, I have been creating storybooks about our shared adventures.  These two are the most recent books, told in a rhythmic format.  They may be viewed here Two Llamas and a Treehouse and here Happiness Is.

I'm moving right along . . . I wish!  Here is Nicholas at 5-6-7 months of age.  At this point, I have decided to combine Nick's and Nate's albums. I am also going to need to be more selective of how many photos I scrap.  Oh, but they are all so cute and the memories are all so wonderful.  HERE is the album if you care to have a peek

This little project has kept me busy for awhile.  I presented this book to Nicholas during our second round at the beach this winter.  We have read it so many times together that he can now read it to me!  He claims that it is the best book ever and certainly his favorite.  Ah, the rewards of being a grandmother.

It may be viewed HERE

I have been keeping busy over at ScrapGirls but managed to find a little extra time to complete Baby Nate's second album.  His first birthday is only a couple of weeks off so you can see that I'm falling behind!  The entire album may be viewed HERE.

My Quiet Place

Everyone needs a quiet place.  Here is mine.

Twiggy Alpha may be found HERE.

My not-so-quiet place in the summer.  Crowds gather for early morning services.

Curves template may be found HERE.

Free Template

The photos were taken in December, low tide, while walking the Carmel beach.  And I quote Robert Louis Stevenson, “The world’s most beautiful meeting of land and sea.”  I tried to create energy, life and movement to the waves by using curves and swirls in the design.  If you would like the swirl template that I designed using filters in Adobe Photoshop CS3, you may download HERE.  You can apply your own style or paper to compliment your layout.  I erased parts of the swirl template to create a frame for the smaller photos.

Watercolor Sketch Technique

Want to take your photograph to another level?  Here's a fun technique to experiment with.  We all have a little "artist" in us especially when using the computer to assist us with our limited talents!  You will find the tutorial HERE.  Products used are all from the Scrap Girls Boutique.

Little Nathan's laugh is truly contagious.  Just take a look at the video below. 

Products used are from Brandy Murry's_Basic Linens Paper, Actions Mirror Reflections,  Zoomba,  Grandparents, and Paper Edgers.

Baby Nate took Grandma to the Zoo to thank her for taking care of him while he was so sick.  His expressions were priceless as he viewed so many strange animals for the first time in his wee little life. You will find a TUTORIAL under the Scrapbooking tab that gives a tip on how to make believable shadows.  It's all in the details.  Product used is Pebble Jones'_Wild Safari.

My Mother

It seems that all I scrap are my two precious grandsons but that’s because I have so many photographs to scrap.  Whereas, my mother who is so very precious to me also, does not like to have her picture taken because the camera makes her look old!  At 91 years of age, she is anything but old.  My mother is beyond incredible.  She has not only maintained a youthful appearance but she makes us all feel young by just being in her presence!  She has become a role model to many because of her passion for life, demonstrating grace and abundant love.  Yes, she is a very special lady and I am so proud to call her my mother.  I was in a hurry to make a card to get in the mail for Mother’s Day so I scraplifted Brandy’s lovely page of Lily from her Grandparents Collection.  I recommend that you take a close look at this Collection.  It contains treasures beyond beautiful!

When Baby Nate came home from the hospital with salmonella poisoning, my stay in Florida was extended until he was able to return to day care.  You bet, I loved every minute of caring for him 24-7!  I truly took several hundred photos during my stay and I'm anxious to get them all scrapped while the memories are fresh.  The journaling on the layout can be read by clicking on it.  This moment was also captured on video which you will find below.  I giggle every time I see Nicholas in motion.  I wanted to make some frog elements for the layout so experimented with selecting the color range in Adobe Photoshop CS3.  I've included a tutorial that you can find HERE.  Just scroll down a bit.

I was really missing my grandbabies after being home for only 2 weeks and hoping that I could see them again real soon.  Well, here I am back in Florida, but not how I envisioned!  Little Nate was admitted to the hospital last Tuesday with a second round of RSV.  I was able to catch a flight that very day so I could assist with his care.  He is home now, still not feeling well, but Grandma is giving plenty of doses of love.  I won't be posting any new entries for a couple of weeks but I will have plenty to share once I'm home and back into a routine.  

I was inspired by a layout created by Shalae Tippets to give this technique a try.  You will find the instructions in the Scrapbooking section of my blog.  It's really quite easy and fun to do.

Intrigued?  Find out more by checking out my new tab called Crafting.  I have been busy knitting and creating fun things for my grandsons.  There's always something in progress on the drawing board which I will share with you upon completion.  Crafting is just another "Dot" in the life of this grandmother.

Mouth-watering, or "nummy" (as Nick would say), little taste treats.  Add a drop of green food coloring for St Patrick's Day or substitute lemon for lime for an Easter delicacy.  You will find a recipe card to download HERE.

 

While removing layers upon layers of leaves in my garden this past week, I was marveled by the abundance of life poking through the earth.  It has been such a cold, long winter and yet life continues, seemingly stronger than ever.   I am reminded, even amidst the doom and gloom of disasters and wars occurring around the world, there is hope, there is a new day.  The poem is titled Kiss of Spring by Quail.  I only used a portion of the lovely poem on this LO.  Products used:  Tender by Butterflies and Bluebells, BMU_Love Honor Cherish Collection, BMU_BrushSet_Swirlicious, BMU_Ballard Collection and Easter by Lily Designs.

Nate's First Photo Album

I've completed Nathan's first photo album and it has been sent off for printing.  I chose Brandy's Children's Classic Collection because it seemed to suit his colorful little personality so well.  His second album is in the finishing stages and reflects a more typical baby color scheme.  I hope he likes both!  To view the entire album click here.  Be sure to hit the Full-screen button for viewing and then the forward arrow will turn the pages.

Baby Nate has Arrived

On November 15th, our family was blessed with yet another precious child.  Indeed, he is as sweet as he looks.  I took a series of photos of Nathan while caring for him over the past four months.  He has been very obliging to pose for me so it has been a delight to be able to create layouts using these photos.  This page was inspired by a poem that one of my very favorite designer's, Brandy Murry,  put on her blog.  The products used are Bee's Knees and Potpourri.