Where Does the Day Go?

I have the honor of caring for my little granddaughter during the day.  It is really a grandmother's blessing.  Since being a stay-at-home for a long while I WAS able to craft just about anytime I wanted.  Now I'm away from the house most of the day.  The challenge has been to try and crave out that precious time for my art.

I lived by my cropping days.  I love being with friends, learning new techniques, and finding out about new products.  The more detailed my pages have become the harder it is to see far enough to the end of the page to know exactly everything I need.  Other than an occasional special crop I have my studio at home. 

I've come to the conclusion that I have to prep as much as I can before I go and then pack up the cropping bags and pray for a bit of time!  It worked yesterday.  WooHoo!!  The one problem was I didn't have everything I wanted.  Part of the learning process is to learn to be creative with what you have.  So I did.

The Story
I found these photos in my dad's albums.  It's my first tricycle.  I can't remember the day but I must have been having fun.  I do remember with my bikes I always loved the little fringe coming from the handles.  It was like being a big girl.  I really love the late 1950's car in the background.

The Layout

What I Learned

• Graphic 45 paper lends itself to making your own embellishments.  It's easy to take along everything and feel confident you have all the paper you need.
• I used alcohol ink around the edge of the epoxy heart that I made with my Epiphany Crafts tool.  It gives the heart a real finished look and draws it into the design of the page.
• I love cutting out detailed designs.  This is so easy to do while Miss Priss is sleeping.
• I'm in love with Ranger's Enamel Accents, both white and black.  The little white dots around the page were made from their Enamel.  When you squeeze the bottle to put the dot on the paper the consistency of the enamel creates a perfect "pearl."  It is so easy to get carried away.  Enamel Accents are now part of my "regular" stash.
• You do not have to put your photos in a straight row.  I like my planned, unexpected placement of my photos.
• Take more than a few colors of Distress Ink with you on your "crop."  I had only two colors with me.  I'll broaden my choices next time around.
• Any way you put it hardware is always fun.
• I need to plan my titles a bit better.  I only picked up three packs of alaphas which I find out later doesn't have an "E" in the whole pack.  Check your vowels as you pack your alphabets.
• Never, ever go anywhere without your Tim Holtz Ruler.  I don't think I know how to create without it.
• Have fun in the process and take joy in the end product.

Maybe if I get the hang of this once again you might see me at more crops!

Old Business
If you have won a prize from Debby's Dare in the last few weeks I'll be sending them out this week.  It's been crazy learning to redo my schedule to care for my granddaughter.  They are packed and ready to take to the Post Office.  I have several days off this week so I'll be able to get to the mail office.  Thanks for your patience. 

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List
1.  joy from my Jay
2.  my wonderful "in-law" children
3.  Adam, Vanessa, and Lilly who bring much joy into my life
4.  focus
5.  for the sovereignty of God even in the midst of tragedies