I smile becasue of you - CSI DT 122

 Thanks for calling in to my blog today.  

I hope you will feel inspired and maybe join in the challenge.

Autumn brights are the colours chosen by Debbi Tehrani, 

our inspirational leader.

along with a sketch from the talented Em Stafrace.

If you'd like to see what the rest of the DT created

CLICK HERE

I'd love to see your layout in the gallery this week.

 

I don't usually work with small photos, so found this sketch a challenge, 

but I'm happy with the way it turned out.

Our twin Grandsons are a delight to have around.

Every time they come we get stoked up on endorphins;

they are great fun.

The orange paper is from an older collection by Echo Park, 

For the record, "Borders"

I used the reverse side.

Chipboard title is by Imaginarium designs

The metal is from Prima - junkyard findings

Spellbinder die created the sprockets

EVIDENCE

Flowers

Leaves

Metal

Cursive font - Title

Circles

Sprig - leaves

JOURNAL

I used the inspiration word "Place" in the journalling and talked about their feelings at our place.

The journalling reads:-

Your Mummy and Daddy like to give you time apart from each other, so that you have individual attention from them and from us.  Sometimes this means you feel territorial about the toys at our place.

It’s amusing watching you both trying to play with two things at once, whilst hiding a third thing behind your back and warding off any take over tactics with a glare.  If a fierce look doesn’t repel the interloper, sometimes rough justice is dispensed and retaliation is needed.

Fortunately after a short time, when the ground rules have been re-established, harmony reigns and you quite happily sit still when I get the camera out.  Here we have signs of a rapprochement.  8 April 2014   Love Granny 

Home - DT challenge 121 CSI

Welcome to my blog, take your time, have a browse, 
leave a comment if you like and maybe even become a follower.
My heart sank when I saw these colours, because I mostly scrap children,

using brighter colours, but I was drawn to journal something about my home.

 I’m always inspired by the way my friend

Heather Jacob uses monochromatic palettes, 

so this page is in honour of her artistry. 

CLICK HERE  

to see what the DT and Special Guests have created. 

With these chilly days, I hope you will tuck yourself up 

somewhere warm and crack the Case File.

I love this patterned paper, just perfect for antique furniture

Kaisercraft - Art of Life collection, “Film strip” 

Lots of beautiful Prima flowers
Chipboard - unknown (I've had it since I wore button up boots!)

 

Tim Holtz die cut - Pediment

Prima- Say it with Crystals

EVIDENCE

Architectural accent - the pediment
Flowers
Book pages - top left
Metal - clock
Twine

TESTIMONY

I chose to write something about my home.  The journalling is on the back of the page.

Let me tell you the story of my treasured Cedar Chiffonier, an antique piece which belonged to my Great Aunt Agnes.  She was the youngest of fourteen children and my maternal Grandmother’s sister.   As a young woman at the turn of last century, her role was to look after her Father until he died aged 90.  His home and contents were then sold, so Aunty had no where to live.

Looking for work, she moved from the country to the city and was engaged as a housekeeper, by a genteel old couple.   In return she was given free board and meals. Aunt Agnes was a thrifty shopper, an good cook and an exceptional gardener. She was also patient and kind; traits she developed when caring for her curmudgeonly Father.

After many years her employers died and having no children or relatives, they left their house and contents to my Aunt.  It was an unexpected and liberating bequest. The house was a tiny bungalow in an inner suburb and Aunt Agnes lived their until her mid nineties.  When she died, her home and belongings were auctioned with the proceeds willed to her nieces, including my Mother.

I used to visit her, when our oldest son was a toddler.  She always baked scones for afternoon tea, which we ate in the dining room, seated on silk covered, balloon backed chairs.   The best china and embroidered napkins were used.  Imagine my nervousness about little sticky fingers and lace tablecloths!   Once, when worried about her bone china, I suggested we have afternoon tea in the garden.  “No my dear, little boys must learn their manners at an early age.”

I always admired her cedar chiffonier, but was away when her estate auction was held.  Imagine my surprise when I returned from holiday, to find the chiffonier in my lounge room.   My Mother had bought it for me as a surprise Birthday Gift.

It holds precious bits of antique china from my family, little keepsakes and photos of the children. Like our home, the furniture has marks and dents but also a wonderful patina that only comes with age.  It has a special place in my home because it links five generations, their lives and their memories.

Despite her lack of opportunity, Agnes made the best of things.  She had a wide circle of friends and appreciated the simple things in life.  It reminds me to be grateful for the life chances I have had; to attend university, to travel, to make my own decisions, to marry and have a family.  Vale Aunt Agnes.

MATERIALS USED

Kaisercraft - Art of Life collection, “Film strip” (Background)
Bazzil cardstock
Prima Hello Pastel collection, “Butter cream” (Grey)
Little Yellow Bicycle - Winterings (Grey stripe)
Simple Stories - Generations (Burgundy floral)
Prima - Say it with crystals
Prima flowers
Kaisercraft pearl
Chipboard - unknown
Stampendous embossing enamel - Aged black
Tim Holtz die cut - Pediment
Cottage Cutz die - Leafy foliage
Spellbinders die cut - Labels 36
Spellbinders die cut - Herloom legacy (sic)
E. K. corner punches
Vintage Brad
Lace
Twine

Fabulous Fun - DT sketch 29 Scrap Africa

Today I’m sharing a layout as DT member at Scrap Africa.
Denise van Deventer has created this fun sketch.  

I hope you will come across and see what the DT have created.

CLICK HERE

You have two weeks to join in the challenge.

I’m still trying to make inroads into my stash 

and had fun combining these papers.

Carta Bella - Tossed letters (reverse) is the blue background

Carta Bella - Rough and tumble collection, “Floating boats” is the large circle

Carta Bella - Rough and tumble collection, “Border Strips” (reverse)

is the checked paper

Echo Park - All about a boy, “Rough and Tuff” (reverse) pale teal

I love these Heidi Swapp titles because they are not meant to be straight!

The wooden stars are from Cosmo Cricket

I painted them with Silks Acrylic - pale gold
The wooden arrows are from Freckled Fawn

The Journalling says:-
I think the look on your face says it all!  You were so excited to be in your big cousin’s pool with your Daddy. You jumped, squealed and splashed around like a little dolphin.  Happy days.   Love Granny   2nd Feb 2013