Blogging Break- Wedding Time

Hi Everyone! I haven't had a blogging break in ages, but as you can see it is wedding time for my daughter Krissy! I am packing my bags, traveling and then there is all the details and gatherings involved to attend. The big day has arrived! It is hard to believe that time has passed so quickly since her searching for the perfect dress for her~ Both her daughter and my youngest are the flower girls. It will be a very special day for our whole family and of course the groom's family too. PS stay creative while I am away, post your summer inspiration, crafting, art, photography, blog posts... in the Summer in Bloom link up in the post from "Simply Sunday" at my other blog that way I can see what you have been up to while I am gone!
A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.~ Mignon McLaughlin

Fiesta Themed Bridal Shower

It is almost wedding time~ Here is a snapshot of our Fiesta Themed Bridal Shower. It was really a lot of fun. I used fiesta style paper goods and placed them in red woven baskets for grabbing. I got a large bouquet of colorful flowers, colorful textile table runners and colorful sombreros. I pre made large pans of chicken enchiladas and also a ground beef, potato mix for taco meat, so all I had to do was heat them in the oven prior to serving. With a large group I recommend pre made tortilla shells and soft taco shells which are easy to heat up in the oven / microwave. I pre cut all the fixings with the exception of the tomato's, cilantro and jalapeno. I had salsa and sour cream also for the toppings. So I was able to cut those items and decorate for the shower a few hours prior. Her new sister in law made appetizers and I had someone else in charge of making margarita's so I could focus on taking pictures of my daughter and the event~ We placed extra ice in a large ice chest to keep it cold for making drinks. Our non alcoholic beverage was a punch and ice tea. For dessert we served Mexican wedding cookies. I ordered them from a bakery. It was well worth it, they were delicious and served with coffee~
As you can see she is a well loved young lady and I think everyone enjoyed her Fiesta Themed Bridal Shower. I know the bride to be did! Now off for all the wedding festivities and her big day July 24. I promise some pictures and stories to tell. Let me know how your summer is going! Have you gone to any wedding festivities lately? I'll be sharing some scrap book work that I have done for her when I return and more fun, so until next time have a wonderful week or so~
Please excuse my absence as I attend to Krissy~ What a beautiful bride she will make. Don't you think so?

Collage Made Easy

Sorry about the glare~
I wanted to share a simple way to create a wonderful collage very easily. My 8yr old could cut out these images and create collages too~ You can purchase digital collage elements at Paper Whimsy just like this or they have printed paper ones you can purchase too. The advantage to digital is you can print as you need. (The Pre Printed you can not copy via terms of agreement.) They have a wonderful selection of collage choices. They are an angel company so you can use them in your artwork *read their terms. I actually wasn't going to frame this collage. When I made it its size was slightly larger than 5x7 and parts of the collage were cut out by the frame. But I left it in the frame to give you an idea of what you can do. When I make another if I am going to frame it I will mark out the size first and cut the background then build the collage. Things you need * ruler for measuring size. Scrapbook papers, glue stick, scissors, brayer/roller, your printed digital images, satin flowers or embellishments and a frame if you like. Now I hope you are inspired to try making a collage for yourself or as a gift~
Do you like to collage? Do you know of any other places to get good collage materials or images? What have you been crafting lately? Do tell I would love to hear~
I have a list of sites where you can get free images on my other blog. Just look at the top of the blog it is listed on pages as free image links.

Art Card Tutorial Information

I wanted to share with you a project and tutorial that Kim Newberg from Art and Images. Ning has made. I am only showing 1 of the process images and her finished piece. But if you would like step by step instructions on how to make one just like this just hop on over to Kim's site when you are done! She is also having a contest for anyone who makes one with prizes! This is a fun site I came across when looking for images and information about digital art over a year ago. It is a ning site which means you have to have an account to get in but it is really easy. Just sign up and its free~ Kim's site is great she has ongoing contests, access to some free images, and she also sells images. There is also access to groups 10 and growing, other tutorials, ATC cards, and swaps~ Not to mention that you end up finding more friends from all over with similar interests! This is what Kim has about her group posted; Altered art, mixed media, collage, scrap booking, paper, digital, jewelery, fabric & other arts & crafts. Fun, free membership, free images! Well I think that about covers it~ I hope you find the time to make your way over and get some inspiration and access to the tutorial and more! I know I want to make one of these displays after all the wedding things calm down! What is the latest craft you've been working on? Until next time have a wonderful day!

Gilroy Gardens

Click photograph to see it all (larger than blog space)
We had a blast at the Gilroy Gardens. If you are ever near this area you should take your kids. Its rides are geared for the younger kids, under 12yr. and the young at heart. There is plenty to do from rides to play areas with water, a giant maze, paddle boats on a lake and scenery of beautiful botanical areas with six gardens. There are three smaller thrill rides. Right now you can find discount tickets online for during the week at half price and discounts on the weekends. It is their 10th Anniversary. It is one of the cleanest parks I have ever been too! Everyone was very nice too~ We were so busy we missed the few shows they offered through out the day for kids. I have more pictures and will upload them to flickr so you can see them full size but it may take me a few days. I got quite a few pictures of the Circus Trees and some flowers in full bloom that are really great! I can't wait to let you know when they are up for viewing~ Thumbs up to Gilroy Gardens! Hope you are having some summer fun! Have you made it to any theme parks or summer carnivals?

Circus Trees

Images via Donna62
Just a short post~ I have the chance to meet my brother somewhere half way between where he is staying and where we live. His wife has a conference in the bay area so they tagged along. We decided on Gilroy Gardens. My niece just turned 3yr and nephew is 6yr. Sammie and I will drive up tomorrow morning. There are 6 gardens and an amusement park~ There is a lot of history to the Circus Trees on this property. I hope to take lots of photos to share. So in between swim lessons and all we are off to have a long day trip! Have you managed any day trips this summer? Are you planning a vacation or trip? I hope to have more crafty inspiration soon, so please bare with my summer antics~ But you must admit these are some crafty trees!
(arbores t and creator of the Circus Trees Axel N. Erlandson (1884-1964)

Happy 4th of July

1. Apple Pie Filling, 2. Red White & Blue Quilt, 3. DSC04089, 4. Red White and Blue Picnic Quilt

Wishing you all things wonderful on this 4th of July! A little red, white and blue. All things American and nothing short of a picnic with apple pie and viewing fireworks at the end of your day~ Hold fast to your dreams in America the land of opportunity. I have a call for all things related to this post with Mr. Linky up for you to share your creations with in the next two weeks so drop by and see a larger mosaic and add your links here. Do drop by the other link there are some wonderful photography by others to see and inspire you! What does the 4th of July mean to you? What are you doing today or did you do? What red, white and blue inspired crafts have you made? Take a photograph of your pie or picnic and don't forget to share~ I can't wait to hear and see what you've done!

Whats Cooking? Art and a Recipe

Anna Denise

Who doesn't love cooking and art? My latest inspiration has been this web site where artists and illustrators share their recipes with artwork they illustrated~ This is the only one I found via a creative commons sharing. And you can see the full size recipe and art right here at They Draw and Cook. Anna 's recipe is Chicken Pesto~ You will find some great recipes along with great artwork. I will have to challenge myself to illustrate a recipe someday! Doesn't that sound fun? What things you could cook up in your head, on paper and in a pot~ But not all at the same time! I promise to post some photographs of the bridal shower soon and if you would like I can share the recipe for enchiladas I made. They also have salads, dessert recipes, drinks and more at They Draw and Cook~ What things have you been cooking up? Or has it been too hot?