Trees, Pictures....HO,HO,HO

DD#2 doing her yearly Christmas duty.. Lights on the tree/s. (she hates it when I snap shots of her..but these are the precious moments that don't happen everyday)

We are ready for the Holiday.. And Christmas Eve we will be opening our presents.. This is an all adult household with fur babies x 5.( 2 dogs and 3 cats.) Hanging the stockings is alot of fun since we have to do it everyday.. there is a culprit who UNhangs them and plays with them thru the night. I find one particular sock in the kitchen , on the stairs or across the room every day. I think it is Smucge- She just can't leave it hang.... "Its furry and dark, so maybe she thinks it's her baby".

We are scheduled to have more snow..after 5 / 6 inches last week. It did do the icy rain on top of it all this past monday. The roads are all cleaned off so I reckon we can take more snow. I like the nice gentle snow on Christmas Eve.. then it can all go away. I'm ready for the sunshine and Spring Storms.

Will leave ya with wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I'm not creating much these days with a health problem.. Just did a proceedure yesterday to place a monitor in the GI tract. It's all about the Gerd problem and finding out why I have so much pain all the time.

Hoping it all clears up soon...this is no fun!! GRANNY JUDY

This week's photo

I generally don't like pictures of myself. But we are all very critical and don't like our own mugs. But like my Mother told me.. (she never let us take pictures of her) She regreted not having photos of herself thru the years. And said that it was selfish on her part.. even her worst pictures were treasured by others. And I had a darn hard time snapping her when she wasn't looking.

So for better or worse, I try to get a "mug" shot of me as I travel thru life. This is one of me and DD#2.. this past Thanksgiving Feast Day with her In Laws. A great family!!

I look at this and really see the years I've lived. The wrinkles don't hurt unless I look in a mirror. I don't "feel" any different than I did when I was in my 30's...but I am a whole lot wizer!!

In the attic

Well we got down all the Halloween decor, boxed & packed them away in the attic, but while in there--- DD#2 decided to get out all the Christmas decorations & tree. I mean why 2 trips?? She likes to economize her energies and volunteered John's knees and back. So here is the "stash" waiting for ME to drag out and decorate the 'halls'. AND I haven't had my turkey & dressing yet!!



I did make 2 Door hanger's for the Christmas Season.. that is one in the above photo..and the other is hanging on our door, already!!

I went with the Jingle bell theme this year.. and made a dash to Hobby Lobby while their "greenery" was at 1/2 off prices. even the ribbons and many other Holiday goodies were on sale with 1/2 off prices all over the place.

with the aid of florist wire and wire cutters, I wrapped the goodies together and got this baby finished in minutes..I've had those snowmen bells since last year, but didn't get to use them since I was in Tx. for the Winter. ( I missed my crafts) So I started getting lots of goodies put together for the coming holiday.







We are headed out to dinner for Thanksgiving this year, so No Home Cooking,,,,,and NO MESSES to clean up afterwards. And hoping I will feel more like Christmas Decorating after I have a full tummy of Turkey.

Got your plans made for the Holidays?? Granny

Hummie Did IT...

I have PSE8 and I think Hummie works with PSE9.. not sure, but I've finally got Stripes!! I love 'em, but couldn't figure out on my own how to get straight lines.. So simple once you see how the Pros Do It. THANK YOU Hummie!!

Over at Hummies Blog she is doing a 30 day of Gratitude teaching and give away of her patterns.. now gals this is alot of work making up those patterns, sorting to give you progressive downloads and getting it all posted for you to grab _ All for FREE Then to download all her patterns to Flickr for permanent access!! I don't know where that gal gets all her energy!! (and she even used a joke I shared with ya last year that I found in my grandmother's recipe book!!)


Go HERE to see the video and learn the use of your Pattern tool and all you can do. I know it works in PSE8.. here's my first try. Will plug in the laptop later and do a trial in PSE6 just to see if I need an upgrade there.


I turned my first page (first try) 90 degrees because I like my strips tall and thin.
I love to make my own papers, so this is gonna expand my file for patterned pages.

Sorry about the interuption..we had to go vote!! And it is so painless! Well, the wind was a blowing and the temp was 40F. brrrr. but worth it. That is why I got out my hat, gloves and big thick coat, yesterday!! I knew it would come in handy soon..just not so soon.

Do You watch the signs of Mama Nature?? Well, I am from the generation who remembers her parents & grand parents talking about the butterflys, the willie worms, the corn silk, the crickets and the moon. "also, grannys predictions of a storm= "corns" hurting." And you know they are right on!!! I don't need TV to know that Storms of the equinox coupled with these predictions are just as accurate as our local meteorologist. It will be a cold, dry winter here in my area...according to the "signs" I observed.. Top that Mr. Meteorgist.!!

Carvers Extra-ordinaire

Quite the artist's touch... That's my kids! They are finally old enough to play with sharp objects!!!

Are ya ready?

For the Freeze that is coming our way? Darn it was only 22 degrees F here this morning and I've been froze all day.. Now tomorrow is another day..suppose to get sun and 72. I'll take it!! and hope for a few more. But Winters here in Ill. are very unpredictable. Mean while I can't wait to work on a couple pumpkins....well get the kids to work on them. Here is the before picture...

Basket ball size pumpkins..and they are clean & ready for the carvers.

Lets, see what else have I puttered around doing... well I did work out a couple Christmas ornaments Ideas. Clusters of green, red and gold with snowman bell at the bottom. Kinda Cute and easy. Just gotta have the right wire: get the florist light wire (20gage), put pieces together and wrap with the wire to hold it all together. I didn't do any steps of photos for these.. so play around and see what you can make. *the ribbon is the wire on sides kind with glitter and bling* And the folage I got on sale in the silk flower department.


OK, so I'm rushing the season, but I had to do something with my hands and the parts were just laying there looking at me. There..put them all together and what do ya got!! Pretty for the season.... I'm sure I'll be doing lots more before Santa comes a calling.

I'll be setting up my portable table and getting the yO yO angels done tomorrow... Their Hair is here!! No more bald sweeties!! And I can finish up the photos for step by step- show N tell.

Hope your week end is full of fun stuff.... Granny.

Freebie kit_ disco crop

Click Here for download.

Despite what the name says, it's not that large a kit.. it's just the Extra things I made to finish off pages for the Disco Crop at Scrapadilly.com this past week. Monday announcements will be made as to the winners. Paper and Digital. I was able to complete all 10 challenges..woo-hoo!

Use and enjoy...No CU.

Still getting those Angels lined up and ready to finish.. just have the Hair to glue on with a thread for hanging. Then I have four BELLs to make over into an ornament. One bell for each ornament on a bed of tree & flowers. Yes, I'll show you a picture of all when I finish.

It's rainy again today here in my area. Not too cold as yet, but we had "frost" yesterday morning...so Fall has Fallen.

I'm trying to catch up on all the political candidates here in our area... There is no way to tell who will do the Best job..for US. I just want to get those out who have caused our economic poverty. Yes, POVERTY. I don't care if they call it a resession. To most of the american populace..we find ourselves in POVERTY. Years of saving, planning and faith that our golden years would be financially sound---went out the window with the first bail out... Why Can't our politicians take the same blow as we have??

Crafty Me...

Getting ready for Christmas now that the Halloween decorations are up and I found some Christmas stuff mixed in with it. Funny how one little thing out of place can start a whole new train of thought and activity.. So I got my goodies all together at Hobby Lobby and went thru my fabric stash to make this year's Tree Ornament to hand out at the office. (DD#2's office since I am retired) And photos will follow later on after I start the "assembly" process. It's just in the planning stage for now. Think Angels and hold that thought til I get them done or documenting a how to?? Just a thought for now.








A question asked by a member at Scrapadilly got me started on template making in PSE8. I haven't done one of these in ages..and I have it offered up to you for FREE.. A one photo, 2 borders, a frame, 1 scalloped mat and journal lines.. it is in psd type file so that all the layers are there..even the hidden ones..LOL. Do I check my work?? Well, not always..I just create and let the chips fall where they may.. I do look over the presentation carefully as I make a preview, but Did I TELL ya, It's FREE.





DownLoad HERE... **click**

It's happening

Yup, the construction is in full swing just down the road a piece! Widening and putting in a sidewalk that will allow me to head down to BIG LOTS on my own..with my tricycle and shop til I drop!! It will take awhile for it all to get done, but At least the WORK is in progress.

And here is a mini kit to celebrate: The Basics....

Click on the image or the name . Let me know if there is a problem with the link and getting your download..by leaving a comment here on the blog.

Credits are in the download file..but isn't that Beagle the cutest?? TY GrannyArt. My oldest DD & son have a beagle and it sure keeps them busy. I made the string of pearls and papers myself.. Enjoy & LMK where you used them..like a link to your page/image.

Now back to decorating for the FALL.. I love the changing colors, but not the cold that follows. Brrrr....

Photo challenge information

Here is the page with my inspiration and attempts to Shoot the Moon. I offer the challenge to anyone..with a point & shoot camera. I have digital cameras..but they only zoom in so far. Not like DD#1's camera with her special lens ... Hope it gives ya some ideas for future photo shoots ..and if you want other challenges head over to Scrapadilly and join in the fun.

Pages 4 vegas

ok, this beasty web site won't take anymore of my FABulous Pages..but there was 10 in all.

to get that freebie...you have to go down to the NEXT POST. Don't forget to head over to Scrapadilly to see ALL the Challenges..offer still good til Sunday!!

Scraplift.

More shots

Ad challenge

bad photo-

Card challenge

What happens---stays in

Bling/glitz challenge

gambling items challenge

Creations 4 Vegas

That is the name of the Crop being held til Sunday Night -Sept26th. You still have time to join in the fun over at Scrapadilly. I went all digital this time and found I needed to "make" a few items to finish up a page or 2.. so I put all these goodies in a FREE file for you to grab if you want: including the background paper - Just click on the image and it should take you to the download... leave a comment here on my blog if the link isn't working.

Photo fun fix

Do you ever get photos like this one?? Aww, come on now--tell Ol'Granny the truth now...

This happens to me quite frequently..I never think much or plan my Shots.. I just snap away with my digi camera!! I'm from the film generation and It is so liberating to have all the photos I want without the waste or cost of developing them. And I get to "fix" or "delete" the ones I really mess up.

Ok Lets jump right into fixing the "dark" photo.. I used PSE6 to first crop, lighten, and adjust the hue. I still wasn't happy with the results; Couldn't see that handsome fellows face.. So on a whim I turned it to B&W... Walla- It's a KEEPER!!

Free mini-digital

Click on Image for Download.

I purchased some tubes last year while my MOJO was raging and running wild. When I finally came down from that rush, I found the misplaced file of halloween CU's. My thanks to the creators.. (who are on another computer and I'll have to grab the Thumb drive to catch the names., but they should be in the tou's inside the file. If not, contact me and I'll get the names to you) Mostly I use the stamps and textures that came with the PSE program;And, my Genius Mouse Pen Tablet to make the embellishments and papers.

Also I am using a different site to store & down load from. Just click on the IMAGE above to go to the download page. TY for visiting and say a hellow while there... I'll do a test drive, but feel free to let me know if the link dosn't work for you. GRANNY

MIX & MATCH-photographs

I got into that box of photos thats been taking up room on my table and did work out some problem photos that were important to me. I am NOT a great photographer- I'm a snap now and fix later since digital cameras and programs have entered my life. My DD#2 likes to "help" and will often print stuff right out of the camera before I see them- she did and I finally solved how to use some of those "Oh Hum" photos that should have been deleted.


This is an important person at the Graduation of My G/daughter. He wouldn't let me get too close with the camera, so I just shot & snapped away with little thought of what I was getting. But it turned out ok..since I combined 2 into 1 really good subject. And with little journaling It is ready for the scrapbook album.

I am NOT good at seeing what surrounds my subject nor pay attention to my light source when I have camera in hand. I'm too emotional to be behind the camera, so I have to get creative with my photos. My grand daughter graduated High School and her other Grandmother held a wonderful party. I couldn't get the other GMa out of the kitchen where that window was streaming sunlight behind her, so I snap away and hoped I could rework it digitally...which I did, but paper scrapping with the prints right out of my camera made me solve and use each & every important print..

Ya just gotta get "CREATIVE"-- don't pitch it, til I've seen it. GRANNY

I survived

Endoscopy went well.. biopsy taken and another wait.. increase of meds and I'm left with time on my hands.. so back to the "recycle this".

Using the left-over 2 bottom pieces I used my stamps, punches & glaze for a few "embellishments".

There are other uses, if you want an unfinished look, just use the unprinted side.. grab some "punches" or stamps and PLay!!

New Computer Stuff

My older computer just couldn't keep up with me and the internet..freezing, stalling and spinning in place.. I am fortunate in having great children. My DS#1 sent me a brand new uptodate-computer. Windows 7 & in my favorite Color!! Red.

It is so fast, but having to get the new wireless gear has held me up with creating and using it. o I went shopping and purchased PSE-8. They are on their way...Meanwhile, I've been relegated to the laptop.

I went looking for some "how-tos" for PSE-8.. and found a place I really l like- www.scrappersworkshop.com

Love the Tuesday Tips.. for knowing what the "tools" are all about.

I've been neglecting my camera and working with close up shots.. not as easy as it seems. I must have the "old lady shakey hands" since most of my shots are blurry. back to the use of camera stand (bean bag) and retaking some shots.

Friday the 3rd of Sept I'll be going thru some surgery/endoscopy to fix my GERD & check out a possible bile duct obstruction. I really like this Dr Trainer and can see why He is booked up to the end of the year. I was fortunate to get in as quickly as 2 weeks. He must see that I'm in trouble/pain. So bear (LOL) with me. I'll get caught up one of these days.

Recycle this!!

I love these little kleenex boxes and I buy several each month.. they are little bits of art that I hate to just throw into the garbage.. (actually recycle bin for papers).

I am a stamper, scrapbooker & recycle Queen.. so what do I want/need with these little beauties?? What could one do/remake with these?

First let's take one apart and see what inspiration comes to me..

OK!! a light bulb went off.. and I could use the top 2 portions..for:

I can perch this on a shelf since I left a little stand at the bottom.. or trim & flatten for a wall..*need several since they are small*. Or just the top with the oval opening for a scrapbook page!! Hey, lets look at some stamps for the bottom section..

How's that for RECYCLING!! Give ya any ideas?? If so, let me know.... I have a couple more boxes I can play with.

Gathering

Here I go again.. gathering items/material for some projects I've been talking & thinking about.

First of all a "tribal belt".

This one has alot of movement.. and in a triangle shape at the back. Long tan fringe all around!! I'm sure I won't be that detailed.. but I have, beads, yarn and material... (see the blue brocade at the top I plan to make a Belt from a goodwill dress I found for $8.00).

I gathered the necessary images/tubes/shapes to do a few digi scrap pages, I just hope my eyeballs will allow me to get something done in that area this week. Thinking of using this photo as color inspiration.. I didn't say THEME... Just colors.. PSE6 lets me pick colors out of a photo to use..I make a bunch of little boxes of color on one sheet & save it in a file for future referrence.

So My week has been "planned". let's just see if it all works out. GRANNY

costumes

Did ya notice those wonderful costumes each of the dancers wore?? Can you guess how many "layers" of clothing they had on? I betcha can't.. I'm still trying to figure it out, so here is my answer on this subject. Let's take a close look at Amanda from ATS-flyin skirts in her basic outfit.

Top: head, she isn't wearing the optional hair pieces, turban/hat or flowers, but she certainly could and still be tribal. Add long hair!! It's a must!

Bust: that cover is called a Choli.. it is basic wardrobe item and everyone should have a "good" choli . Choli's can have long or short sleeves and they come in so many colors and fabrics.. So spend some cash on a good one that you feel comfortable wearing. Now you can add on top or beneath such things as a "coin Bra", jewelry that include Cowrie beeds/shells or what ever at arm, necklace, or wrist. Dangle goodies or use a shear cover up over your belly.. You're still "tribal". (You want a good bra under your Choli for support, esp you well endowed ladies- you know whatcha need-just make sure the choli covers it.)

Waist/hip: Starting from unders.. harem pants or loose flowing pants in any color you like!!

Next a skirt or two--if one is see thru all the better. Here you want "flowing fabrics". (the image has one cotton skirt with RED border at bottom over harem pants). On top of the skirt, ADD a scarf with tassels..or coins!! Or both!!or Add a shorter colorful "square" skirt. (Tribal is more about tassels & fabric flowing while the Cabaret style is more about Noise & glitter)

BELTS: this is a separate catagory..and you can really spend alot of time, money & effort on Tribal Belts.. There are coin belts.. tiny intricate belts to large glittering noisey belts, or cloth belts with lots of flowing fringe, tassels & flashy items.... the image has long light brown yarn & tassel belt.. A good belt will cover your bottom and tie in front/side with long ends that hang down.

We are showing bellys, All belly's. You don't have to have a flat belly or tooth pick bod to dress up and DANCE.. But if you are self conscious about your belly, use a shear cover up. Just some chiffon fabric sewn to your bra and tucked into your waist/hips ..but it has to be SHEAR!!

FEET: you can wear slippers or go bare foot.. I have a thin pair of house slippers in black that I use..but mostly I am bare foot. Ankles can have bells, bobbles or jingles. Toes can have RInGS.. HOW fun!! but that is getting back into the cabaret style costuming.

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Search and learn, there are so many great costumes, that you may want them all...so here is the trifty way to get outfited.. SEW- Make those Harem Pants..*they are under everything so don't have to be perfect..just elastic at the waist & ankles!! The large flowing skirts has elastic at the waist, and your belt covers all that..Make a belt with yarn and bits N bobs from your sewing stash...Loop, chrochey long strands of yarn, and make lots of large tassels!! add your own style of fabrics ..remember colorful!! and you are good to go!!

OK, Now I am hooked. I sew and I have this stash of YARN.. great for making TASSELS..

I think I can make a darn good "belt"!! Gotta check my fabric stash....Hmmm

Tribal Dancing-YouTube

ok, the code doesn't wanna work for me here. So I just added the link. Hope it shows ya what I recently got hooked on. Awaiting a skirt & pant set so I can at least dress the part. I love the American Tribal dances. There are the Caberet style which the MEN really go crazy for, but I like to look and dress "my age" and it is a bit Renni Faire lookin'. Hope to get an hour or two's practise in later today.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYKqH8xIaaw&feature=PlayList&p=6B196A4C54FF1710&index=1&playnext=2


I found some new CU tubes that I may have to Clusterize for ya.. Just thinking it is a tad late for flowery stuff.. so maybe Halloweeny??

I'm here...Whaz Up!!

I'm just lazy...with this blogging thing. Esp since I had to give up designing digital kits. The ol' eyeballs are not co operating and my screen keeps fading away on me. I will try to continue doing some scrapping..more paper now than digi with the eyes giving me trouble.. Glasses DO NOT help or improve the condition. So I have to slow down and give up some things.

Other News. Working up the courage to have some surgery done to "fix" the Gastric Reflux problems. Getting a BAND to prevent the "juices" from coming up instead of going DOWN. I tell ya, Old age is not for the weak or faint of heart. Gotta have courage and be prepared for anything!! Like insomnia! (keep some good audio books on hand).

Had a bunch of Fluid Retention..but got rid of 6 lbs with some meds and careful dieting. .. And if that wouldn't keep ya watching your diet...then a bout of constipation should put you on guard to the amount of Roughage you need. LOL. Life is good!! NOT!!

50 years & counting

It's such fun to look back.. way back in this case! I got this tiny 2x3 image of me when I started high school. (A friend was doing the 50 yr class reunion "news" booklet for the class of 1960) and I got access to a couple of goodies..

So what do I do with those tiny but precious images. Well, look out Photoshop E. 6.0 You are gonna get a work out!.

on the right>> is the scanned image..8.5x11 - I'm the 3rd one down from the top.. one image of me has a wet spot on the chin.. the other is pretty grainy. I went with grainy.. crop, straighten and play with the extra features in the "tool" menu!! You may get something you really want to KEEP and SCRAP.

It's still pretty grainy.. I did scan it at 600dpi.. reduced that to 300. but still lots of pixel to work with. the far right is "pinlight" and I really like that look.. I'll add a Hue to match my background page and scrap it!! I'm 14 in this photo..