Spring Ahead

If you are stuck about which spring topic to choose, start with a brain dump. Make a list of all things such as rain, flowers, Easter, bubbles, and sunshine. Let one idea bring you to the other. Rain is associated with the bright pink rain boots my daughter loves to wear. Fresh air reminds me of opening the windows and having morning coffee. When you journal, share not only the Who, What, Where, and When, but also How you feel in the spring. Using visualization is always a powerful technique when writing. Close your eyes and replay a spring moment as if it is happening in slow motion. Start writing all the sensory details including sights and sounds.

If you don’t want to take this challenge literally, then scrap about the ideas behind spring. Think…rebirth, renewal, growth, and rejuvenation. Share what helps you regroup any season of the year. Let the thought of spring be the springboard to ideas. It helps you to engage in a reflective process.

There are so many possibilities. Quite like spring itself, stopping and recording these types of observations will make you feel refreshed and reborn. So spring ahead and make your page today.

Relax O'clock by Donna Goar

Digital Supplies: Paper, Transfers, Brushes, Flower Buttons, Pearl Brads, Alpha Brads: ArtPlay, Palette Forget Me Not, Fotblendz, Transfers Find My Way No. 2 , WordART ArtPlay, WordLabels, Overlays by Textured Overlays No. 6: all by Anna Aspnes (Oscraps), Software: PSE 10.0, Fonts: TIA, CAPITAL idea.

Design Note: The page was created with the idea of 'rebirth' and 'rejuvenate' and to me that means some quiet and alone time to recharge and this is my place to do just that. I included brushes, elements and word art that conveyed my message and thoughts. The two alpha brads spell 'me.' The blending modes are always my best tip or trick on a page. I simply play and see what unfolds.

Journaling: Sometimes even as adults (especially as adults) we just need a 'time out' and this is my time out place. This little corner of my bedroom is where I shed the layers of the day and all those 'to do' lists and obligations. This is the place I quiet my head and calm my fears and worries. This is the place where I review my thoughts and I renew my spirit. This is the place where the time is all about ME and rejuvenating my soul and finding my balance once again.

Personal Trainers by Sherri Funk

Supplies: Paper, Wood Veneer Shapes, Specialty Ink: Studio Calico, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts, Cardstock Stickers: Crate Paper, Studio Calico, Tags, Jute: Jillibean Soup, Die Cuts: Amy Tangerine (American Crafts), Badge: Hello Love, Twine: My Mind's Eye, Doilies: Wilton, Butterfly, Ink: Jenni Bowlin Studio, Adhesive: Tombow, Pens: Sharpie, Font: Thorndale AMT, Sewing Machine: Brother, Other: thread, envelope.

Design Note: I started by removing the cap from my bottle of white mist and let the ink drip from the plastic tube by gently flicking it in sweeping motion. Once the ink was dried I layered 1.5 inch strips, in various lengths one on top of the other. After that, I began layering the different elements of my layout, sticking things down as I went. I knew I wanted a lot of journaling on this layout but because of the design it would have to be hidden so as not to create too heavy a layout visually. I chose to print my journaling on both sides of a cardstock tag using my printer, and slid it into a glassine envelope, tucked behind my photos.

Journaling: When I get bogged down in the routine, mundane tasks of the day I lose a sense of who I am outside of a mother, and a wife, employee, and a homemaker. Meeting with these wonderful women from time to time is like a boost of energy, and sometimes even the kick in the butt I need to see the blessings of my life; all that I have, all that I've contributed to, and all that I mean to them. Almost like working out with a personal trainer, being re-energized and cheered on, to bigger and better things, a renewed me. They help me to bust out of the one dimensional mold I've created for myself. Time with them leaves me feeing renewed, and filled up with loving reinforcement to continue to dream and discover all this life has in store for me. They are my very own personal trainers for life.

Ready for Planting by Jill Williams

Digital Supplies: Digital Kits: Record of the Day Elements by Nicole Young, Photo Diary Page Kit by Meryl Bartho, Maskee Large Quick Bits by Marcee Duggar (all from Digital Scrapbook Place), Software: Software: Corel PSP X4, Fonts: Pea Kate, Acid Label.

Design Note: I usually wait until Mother's Day to plant flowers, but I purchase them a few weeks prior because I can find the best selection then. Figuring out what the color scheme will be and which plants I will use is so much fun to me! It is definitely something I look forward to after the long Northern Illinois winters! Even though the page was about beautiful flowers, I wanted to give it a grungy feeling. I created that look by using the grunge mask on the photo and by using a grungy font for the title.

Journaling: Last fall Dennis moved the shed and made the patio twice the size it was and added some privacy fence. We bought new patio furniture from Village Green in Rockford and a fountain from Brenda's Blumenladen in New Glarus. Moving the shed meant that I no longer had a flower bed, so I will be planting flowers in planters. I usually purchase and plant flowers over Mother's Day weekend but will be in Florida with Mom, Judy, Dan, Renee and Nathan - so I bought flowers today and will plant them after vacation. I am anxious to get the flowers done and for the nice weather to come and stay so we can sit outside and enjoy the birds and the serene sound of the fountain.