Journal 2015

December 7, 2015 by Debra 2 Comments

Hi, it’s amazing how quick this year has gone by. It’s fun to reminisce as I look through my journal 2015 book. This project was my New Year’s resolution project for 2015. One thing I enjoy about going to my parents home is going downstairs and looking through one of the many family photo albums. Since the digital camera revolution, I have not printed my pictures. Storing them on my computer or phone was and is my standard. I wanted to change that.

With this change, I knew my efforts would need to be simple- very simple. That’s why I chose the 8.5×11 size scrapbook. Printing could be done at home or I could email my file to Kinko’s (my local office printing supply store).

A copy of my 2015 journal is posted below. It can be viewed in full screen or just as it is. Click on the page corner to flip the page. I would enjoy hearing what you think of the journal- did it inspire you to start one for 2016?

The supplies needed for my journal printing project:

1. Post Bound Scrapbook Album and refill pages

Hobby Lobby is my favorite crafting store. I take advantage of the sales whenever possible. The scrapbooks I use are purchased when they are on sale for 40% or 50% off. The post bound style is my preference. The book looks full with 10 or 50 pages! A three ring binder could be used as well.

2. Archival Sheet Protectors from WalMart

3. Print
At home or use a printing service.
FedEx Kinko’s
Office Depot

A one-sided color copy is only 70 cents at my local FedEx Kinko’s. When I am ready to print, it’s as simple as emailing the file. I drive by this location on a daily basis which is very easy and convenient for print pick up. The key is to print as I go- send in my files each month; not waiting til the end of the year!

4. Software to create the pages.
Keep in mind I needed this to be as simple as it could be. For quick pages I use Microsoft Office Word. Another good alternative program is Microsoft Works.

The other program I use and have mentioned several other times throughout my blog is, Lumapix Fotofusion. The Enhanced version was designed for digital enthusiasts and scrapbookers.

5. Fonts
Ok- I know all computers come with fonts. However, different fonts can make your journal more fun and creative. Again I needed simple so I wanted a more personal touch- my own handwriting!
Get your own handwritten font!

Do you scrapbook journal? I would enjoy hearing how you preserve your memories.

Best Wishes,

Journal 2015 Year in Review

Fireplace Picture Display

December 1, 2015 by Debra 1 Comment

Hi, with Thanksgiving past and Christmas/New Year just around the corner and many pictures to follow; have you ever thought how you were going to display them? Or do you just leave them on your phone/camera?

Printing your images can sometimes be a bit overwhelming- how big to print and where to place them may be a few questions you have. I would like to provide inspiration! Here is one example for the living room- above a fireplace. It features two 11×14 wall prints, two 16×20 wall prints and one 10×10 wall print.

Fireplace Picture Display

Pick your favorite images. Don’t stress over this too much. Printing your own images is not as expensive as images taken professionally. And this allows more change outs for the holidays!

For this display, I wanted family images. The first 16×20 is of me and my husband. The next 16×20 is my daughters family. The two 11×14 images are group family pictures. And the 10×10 features four generations of the ladies in my family! After arranging this set of images, I would have liked placing a real close up of my granddaughter in the 10×10. But hey, like I said- printing the images myself is not too expensive to change out the images sooner rather than later.

fireplace picture display — Fireplace Picture Display

Don’t be shy enlarging your own images! Be sure to select matte print finish over glossy giving your images that professional edge. The printing lab you choose will also make a huge difference on the printed image. Mpix is the lab I recommend for your printing needs.

How do you display your images? I would enjoy hearing your ideas.

Best Wishes,

Hobby Lobby Window Shopping

November 26, 2015 by Debra 2 Comments

October, November and December are my most favorite time of the year! And my most busy. I have been photographing families, children and most recently for my employer- products for a catalog. These have taken time away from my blog. I would like to share one of my favorite memories from the past month- window shopping.

Window Shopping

My daughter needed to visit her local Hobby Lobby store. I was delighted that I was carrying my camera that day. So many photo opportunities! Not sure if my daughter was aware that I was taking as many images as I did.

Notice the halloween items in the image above? Well, Hobby Lobby also had their Christmas decor out as well. I live in a small farm house. Not a whole lot of room to decorate- limiting it to primarily the tree. It was a pleasure and delight seeing all of the decorations.

After our Hobby Lobby run, we headed on over to Wal-Mart. Of course we had to check out the toy section for Brie.

My husband and I are expecting our second grand baby here real soon- November 30 is the expected due date. My daughter and her husband have chosen teal as the baby color for the room, car seat and such. So I have been on the search of teal colored scrapbooking elements for an announcement card. I was in luck and found just what I needed at Sweet Shoppe Designs.

baby teal color — Will it be a boy or girl?

Friday- the day after Thanksgiving is the day I will be celebrating with my family. I can certainly relate to the saying, the most important gift I can receive is family time when everyone can be at one place at the same time. Tomorrow will be such the day!

I truly wish your holidays are filled with family cheer and healthy body, mind and soul.

Click here to view the complete image gallery Hobby Lobby Window Shopping

God Bless!