My Greats

My Greats

Journaling reads:  Standing in the back is my Great Aunt Lula.

Great Aunts Mary and Myrtle are seated with Great Grandma Whiteis in between.

The only beautiful woman I have no recollection of from this photo is Great Grandma Whiteis.  She is the mother of these three Great Aunts.  We used to visit the Aunts quite often when we lived in Indiana.  We moved to Kentucky in 1965 and did not see them very much.  I do not know if they were god-fearing women or not.  But, they were kind, decent women who were hard workers who took great care of their families, and I am thankful for that heritage!

Aunt Lula Holliday 2/4/1897 - ?

Aunt Mary Grist 11/1889 - 3/16/1969

Grandma Whiteis 3/15/1865 - 1957

Aunt Myrtle Muskopf 6/1892 - 1/2/74

Credits list

All products by Xuxper:

Work in Between Kit

Work in Between Embellishments

Work in Between Clusters

Work in Between Accents

Work in Between Edges

Work in Between Papers 2

Work in Between Cardstock

Fonts are Arial Narrow and Arakunda Regular

Photo is mine

 

Natural Beauty

Natural Beauty

Poem:

The beech is dipped in wine;
The shower is burnished;
On the swinging flower   
The latest bee doth sit.
The low sun stares
Through dust of gold.
And o'er the darkened
Heath and wold
The large ghost-
Moth doth flit.
In every orchard
Autumn stands,
With apples in
His golden hands.

–Alexander Smith, Scottish poet (1829–67)

Journaling reads:  While Mark took care of Jen’s animals, I walked up her country lane to take some pictures of these gorgeous wild flowers I spotted on the way in.  Can you see the bee?  His yellow body makes him almost invisible to the eyes.  I love God’s design in nature!  Nothing in nature is an accident but purposefully designed!  How awesome and good God is!       9/16/22

Credits list

All by Regina Falango

SUMMER GOLD THE KIT

SUMMER GOLD ADD ON

SUMMER GOLD CLUSTERS

SUMMER GOLD ACCENTS

SUMMER GOLD WORD ART

NEW BIRTH CLUSTERS & MASK

Fonts are Arial Narrow and Arakunda Regular

Photo is mine

  

I Remember

I Remember

Journaling reads:  I can remember spending the night with Aunt Mary and Uncle Forrest Grist.  I slept in a huge bed that I used a step stool to climb into.  Aunt Mary was always busy.  Uncle Forrest always walked with his hands clasped together behind his back.  I loved to visit them.

Uncle Forrest 9/22/1887 - 3/24/1978

Aunt Mary 11/12/1889 - 3/16/1969

I used different blend modes on the transfers in the background texture.

Credits list:

ArtPlay MiniPalette Oisau by Anna Aspnes

Font is Arial Narrow and Arakunda Regular

Photo is mine

 

Memories Captured

Memories Captured

Journaling reads:  Christmas 1956 - I am sitting on my Great Grandma Whiteis’ lap at Aunt Mary’s house.  Aunt Mary was my Grandpa Brandenburg’s sister.  Great Grandma Whiteis married James W. Brandenburg in 1880.  They had 11 children, the youngest one being born in 1901, which was William, my Grandpa.  Great Grandpa Brandenburg died in 1914.  In 1925 Great Grandma married again.  His name was Dr. John N. Whiteis, a chiropractor.  He died 3 years later.  Great Grandma Whiteis died in 1957.

Credits list:

All by Manu Design Studio:

Gentle Dawn - Printable Papers

Gentle Dawn - Clusters

Gentle Dawn - Overlays

Gentle Dawn - Papers

Gentle Dawn - Elements

Font is Arial Narrow

Photo is mine

 

National Daughter's Day

My Beautiful Daughters

Journaling reads:  I love being able to spend time with my daughters, even if only for a short time.  They are more precious than gold to me.  I love you both dearly and forever!

Credits list

HIVERNALES BUNDLE by Regina Falango

NEW BIRTH CLUSTERS & MASK by Regina Falango

Font is Being Nice Regular

Photo is mine

 

BFF and Faith Pages

Be Angry Sin Not

Journaling reads:  Be ye angry and sin not:  let not the sun go down upon your wrath:  neither give place to the devil.  Ephesians 4:26-27

Credits list

Inspiration from Time Warped Wife

Echoes Page Kit by Daydream Designs

Fonts used:  Arial Narrow, Better Carmel Serif Regular, Bookman Old Style Regular

 

 

 

Light is Shed

Journaling reads:  Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.  Ps. 97:11

 

The elements used have a Screen blending mode added.

Credits list

Inspiration from the web

Echoes Page Kit by Daydream Designs

Font used:  Better Carmel Regular

Joyful, Patient, Faithful

Credits list

All Products by Palvinka Designs:

Always Laugh Overlays and WA
Always Laugh Collection (includes Addon)

Always Laugh Clusters
Always Laugh Kit
Fonts:  Better Caramel Regular, All American Girl Sans Serif

 

 

BFF

Journaling reads:  After spending three weeks in West Virginia, my good friend, Ilene and I had to get together!  And, of course, we had to eat lunch at one of our favorite spots, Olive Garden!

Credits list

Always Laugh QP by Palvinka Designs

Font is Being Nice Regular

 

Echoes of the Past

Echoes of the Past

Journaling reads:  Dad was stationed in California during his time in the Army.  That is how we ended up going to California on vacation in 1964.  He always talked about liking his time out there.  I don’t know where this picture was taken or when.  I know he graduated and turned 18 on 10/31/46.  But whether he enlisted right away, I do not know.

Credits list

Echoes Page Kit by Daydream Designs

Echoes Clusters by Daydream Designs

Echoes Frames by Daydream Designs

Echoes WordArt by Daydream Designs

Echoes Solid Papers by Daydream Designs

Photo is mine

 

Beautiful Autumn

Beautiful Autumn

Anna Lift found here:  https://oscraps.com/community/threads/annalift-challenge-09-16-22-09-30-22.36273/

Journaling reads:  One last family trip before the winter set in; we took a day and went to Natural Bridge State Park in Slade, Kentucky to do some hiking to the Bridge and had a picnic lunch and some time to enjoy being out in God’s wonderful, lovely autumn weather!  Nathanael found a pile of leaves to enjoy.  I don’t remember why he was unhappy in the family photo, but he was happy to be hitching a ride in the tot carrier on his dad’s back!  It is quite a trek to the top of the Bridge, but what a view once you are there!   Fall 1987

 

Credits list

Inspiration from: Autumn Princesses by Applechick for the challenge.
My inspiration was the mask extending across the page horizontally and the autumn colors
All of the products I used are by Anna Aspnes:

MultiMedia Leaves No. 3

MultiMedia Leaves No. 4

MultiMedia Leaves No. 7

Wild Autumn FotoBlendz No. 1

Autumn WordART Mix No. 1

Artsy Layered Template No. 278

BeadedThreadz No. 1

ArtPlay Palette Caducous

ArtsyKardz Caducous

ArtsyTransfers Caducous

Caducous Artsy Layered Template

Photos are mine

 

A Crazy Little Thing Called LOVE

A Crazy Little Thing Called LOVE

Vicki Robinson’s Creative Challenge found here:  https://oscraps.com/community/threads/2022-09-vicki-robinson-september-get-creative-monthly-challenge.36180/

Journaling reads:  Mom and Dad got married in a fever hotter than a pepper sprout!  After only a 3 month whirlwind romance they said their I Do’s on 12/20/1954.  It must have been true love because Dad ended up taking care of Mom when she developed Alzheimer’s disease.  What an awful disease, even worse than cancer.  He eventually had to put her in a special care facility.  Even then he went to spend most of his day there with her.  He fed her meals to her and bought his meals there.  He took naps with her in the afternoon curled up on her hospital bed with her.  He would leave for a few hours to do volunteer work at his church and then return.  It broke his heart when he realized he could no longer care for her at home.  He cried like a baby, but he knew it was what the Lord wanted because of how He worked things out for Dad to be able to bring her to the facility immediately instead of being on a waiting list forever!  His health was declining, too, so he knew it was the right thing to do.  As it turned out, Dad died on 03/03/03, almost 3 years before Mom passed away.  I miss him a lot!  But, the good news is that I know I will see him again someday!  Thank You, LORD, for the hope of heaven!

 

Credits list

Heartfelt Add-on Kit by Vicki Robinson

Fonts:  Rushlove Regular and Century Regular

Photo is mine

 

AJ Challenge

Vicki Robinson’s Art Journaling Challenge found here:  https://oscraps.com/community/threads/2022-09-vicki-robinson-september-challenge.36183/

Journaling reads:  “If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.”  Albert Einstein

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:13 ESV

Credits list

All products by Vicki Robinson:

Story Starter 09 – available at link above for the challenge

Artful Expressions 03 Word Prompts

Artful Expressions 03 Frames

Artful Expressions 03 Torn Papers

Artful Expressions 03 Kit

Artful Expressions 03 Collection

Fonts:  Agustina-Signature and Century Regular

 

Beautiful Life

Beautiful Life

Journaling reads:  We took advantage of the beautiful weather and rode the bike to Dodge City to eat supper after Mark got home from work.  Then we rode to Jenifer’s house to let the dogs out.  Great ride!

Credits list

This Beautiful Fantastic by Fiddlette Designs

Font is Arial Narrow

Photo is mine

 

Believe

Believe

Journaling reads:  “It took Him just a week to hang the moon and the stars, the sun and the Earth and Jupiter and Mars.  How loving and patient He must be, ‘cause He’s still working on me!”

 

These lyrics are taken from a child’s song sung back in the 80’s, “He’s Still Working on Me.”  This song was written by Joel Hemphill, and was first recorded by the Hemphills in 1980.  I believe we used to listen to Sandi Patty sing it with some children when the kids were little.  In any case, when I started putting this layout together, I didn’t really know where I was going with it.  I started with the background and one of the harvest moon pictures I took on Sept. 9th.  I blended my picture into the background using the screen blending mode.  Since the kit had a moon and stars as some of the elements, I knew I would have to incorporate those (the stars have a screen blend mode).  And then the numbers in the kit made me think of the days of creation.  And my thoughts turned to how faithful and good God has been to me in my 60+ years…..and He still hasn’t given up on me!  And, He will still be working on me until my dying days, I have no doubt!  Bible References -- Genesis 1,2; Romans 12:1,2; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 1:6.

 

Credits list

Bright Star by Fiddlette Designs

Font Better Carmel Serif Reg

Photo of moon in background is mine

 

Family

Momma O’s (Vicki Stegall) Challenge found here:  https://oscraps.com/community/threads/vicki-stegalls-designs-momma-os-september-challenge.36133/

Journaling reads:  In front are my dad’s twin brothers, Hubert and Herbert Brandenburg, maybe 10-12 years old.  Back row, left to right, Grover Tharp, Nicholas and Nannie Bess Tharp, Sally Snowden.  My maternal grandmother was a Tharp, so these are some of her relation.  I do not know who Sally Snowden might have been.  ~1943-45

 

If I have interpreted the information I have been given correctly, Nicholas and Nannie Bess Tharp are my paternal great grandparents, my dad’s mom’s parents.  I think Grover Tharp was Grandma Brandenburg’s brother, which would make him my great uncle.

 

Credits list

All by Vicki Stegall:

Let's Play With Templates No 16

Let's Play 17 Digiscrap Papers

Let's Play 18 Mixed Media Digiscrap Elements

Let's Play 19 Digiscrap Papers

Let's Play 20 Digiscrap Elements

Fonts Arial Narrow and Arlington Script

Photo is mine

 

Every Day is a Gift

Every Day is a Gift

“Every day without exception is a Gift from God entrusted to us to use for His glory.”  Billy Graham

Credits list

Prairie Page Kit by Daydream Designs

Prairie Accents Brushes by Daydream Designs

Prairie Clusters by Daydream Designs

Fonts Better Carmel Serif Reg and Bookman Old Style Reg

 

Our Family

Our Family

Anna Lift Challenge found here:  https://oscraps.com/community/threads/annalift-challenge-09-02-22-09-16-22.36201/

Journaling reads:  My paternal grandparents, William and Hazel Tharp Brandenburg.  My dad is the oldest child standing in the middle of the crowd, maybe 4 or 5 years old.  I believe the babies are his twin brothers, Herbert and Hubert and the seated girl is his sister, Opal.    ~1933

 

Credits list

Family WordART Mix No. 3 by Anna Aspnes

ArtPlay Palette Classico by Anna Aspnes

Photo is mine

 

 

Play Hard and Be Grateful

Play Hard

Journaling reads:  Ryan plays soccer for the Chargers at the Christian school where he attends.  For a relatively new team (I think this is the second year for them to play together) they played well today....at least in the first half.  They quickly pulled out in the lead, ending the first half 3 or 4 points ahead.  Not sure what happened between the first and second half but they would have likely lost the game, had it not been for the whistle to end the game with a score of 5 to 4! 

 

Credits list

All products by Anna Aspnes:

Sports WordART No. 4

Memories WordART Mix No. 1

Memories WordART Mix No. 2

MultiMedia Branches No. 11

ArtPlay Palette Sonoma

ArtsyTransfers Sonoma

ArtsyLayered Template No. 277

Warping Frames No. 1

Photos are mine

Be Grateful Hebrews 12:28

Credits list

Prairie Page Kit by Daydream Designs

Fonts for word art are Bookman and Ameliya

 

Simply Wonderful Natural Beauty

Credits list

Prairie Page Kit by Daydream Designs

Prairie Accents Brushes by Daydream Designs

Prairie Clusters by Daydream Designs

Prairie WordArt by Daydream Designs

Prairie Photomasks by Daydream Designs

Prairie Solid Papers by Daydream Designs

Photos are mine

 

Epic Cosmic Stuff

Rachel Jefferies Mixed Media Challenge found here:  https://oscraps.com/community/threads/2022-09-rachel-jefferies-september-mixed-media-challenge.36178/

I wanted to capture a shot of the harvest moon as it became full on Sept. 10th.  As it turned out, I took this picture on the 9th.  If it is not a full moon, I certainly cannot tell!  As it turned out, I’m glad I took this picture when I did because we were completely cloud-covered on the 10th and I would have missed getting a picture of the harvest moon at all!

My process:

I opened the solid black paper in PSE15.

I added the patterned paper and added blend mode Luminosity.

I used the invert filter to make the flowers in the patterned paper appear as stars in the night sky.

I added my moon photo and added blend mode Exclusion.

I cut out (erased) a circle in the patterned paper behind the moon to get rid of the flowers showing through the moon using a hard round brush at 100%.

From this point, I duplicated the photo, returned it to Normal blend mode, and added the required elements around the original copy of the photo.

 

Credits list

True and Free | The Complete Mixed Media Collection by Rachel Jefferies

Epic, Cosmic stuff | The Complete Mixed Media Collection by Rachel Jefferies

Be Kind | Mixed Media Kit by Rachel Jefferies

And So Here I Stand | Mixed Media Kit by Rachel Jefferies

Font used is Vintage Letterpress Blocks Regular

Photo is mine

 

Harvest Love

Karen Schulz Use It All Challenge found here:  https://oscraps.com/community/threads/use-it-all-challenge-with-karen-schulz-september-2022.36156/

Journaling reads:  Mom was 20 when she and dad married.  Dad was 26.  They married on Dec. 20, 1954 and I was born 9 months and 18 days later.  I am one year 2 months and 18 days old in this photo.  Little did I know I would be a big sister in about 3 1/2 months!  12-26-56

 

I clipped one of the papers provided to the mask that was provided.  The leaves from the kit, shown in the background on the right, were changed with one of the watercolor styles.  Beautiful styles!

 

Credits list

All items by Karen Schulz

Use it all Freebie found at link above

Harvest Sunset II Kit

Harvest Sunset II Accents

Harvest Sunset II Word Art

Harvest Sunset II Framed Masks

Harvest Sunset II Watercolor Styles

Font is Vani Regular for journaling

Photo is mine

 

Feeling Incredibly Nostalgic

Designer Challenges

Anna Color Challenge found here:  https://oscraps.com/community/threads/annacolor-challenge-09-09-2022-09-23-2022.36231/

Journaling reads:  I was about one year old in this photo.  I was looking at myself in the mirror.  Not seen here, but my pregnant mother was standing in the background watching me.  I’m not sure if I was looking at myself, really, or if I was looking at her.  I wish I had asked her about the details of the old photos I now have in my possession before she passed.  Now most of her family and most of dad’s family are gone, so the details will remain a mystery until it won’t really matter anymore as the things of this life vanish away like a vapor (James 4:14).  Autumn 1956

 

Credits list

All by Anna Aspnes

Artsy Layered Template No. 296 https://www.oscraps.com/shop/Artsy-Layered-Template-No.-296.html
ArtPlay Palette Ochre https://www.oscraps.com/shop/ArtPlay-Palette-Ochre.html
MultiMedia Branches No. 5 https://www.oscraps.com/shop/MultiMedia-Branches-No.-5.html
Autumn WordART Mix No. 5 https://www.oscraps.com/shop/Autumn-WordART-Mix-No.-5.html
Hinge FotoBlendz No. 1 https://www.oscraps.com/shop/Hinge-FotoBlendz-No.-1.html
ArtPlay MiniPalette Deciduous https://www.oscraps.com/shop/ArtPlay-MiniPalette-Deciduous.html
ArtPlay Palette Autumn Cheer https://www.oscraps.com/shop/ArtPlay-Palette-Autumn-Cheer.html

Fonts Vani Regular and Arial Narrow

Photo is mine

 

Spread Your Wings

Artsy/Mixed Media Challenge #7 found here:  https://oscraps.com/community/threads/september-challenge-7-artsy-mixed-media.36145/

Journaling reads: 

I’ll spread my wings

       and I’ll learn how to fly

I’ll do what it takes

       till I touch the sky

~Quotesgram.com

Hannah is a senior this year and is already beginning to spread her wings!  Best wishes for a wonderful year!  Praying you follow the LORD wherever He leads you!

Credits list

All by Xuxper

Together Again Kit

Together Again Overlays

A Vol d'Ailes Accents

Fonts for journaling and word art – Arial Narrow and Ameliya Script Regular (I gave the script a slanted lean)

Extraction from a photo of mine

 

Summer's Gold

Seasonal Challenge #6 found here:  https://oscraps.com/community/threads/september-challenge-6-seasonal.36165/

Journaling reads:  It is early for the leaves to be changing color, but we have had cooler temperatures earlier than usual.  It’s been said that our winter will be colder than usual this year, too.  While I don’t like the cold of winter, I do love the colors of fall!  It is my favorite season.  It will be most enjoyable this year after the hot summer we’ve had!  Maybe since the leaves are already beginning to change we will have a long and pleasant fall!  I’m so ready for it!

 

I used one of the clusters as my photomask.  I duplicated a portion of the string on the tag and used it to look like the button and butterfly are sewn to the tag.

 

Credits list

All by Regina Falango

SUMMER GOLD THE KIT

SUMMER GOLD ADD ON

SUMMER GOLD CLUSTERS

SUMMER GOLD ACCENTS

SUMMER GOLD WORD ART

Font for title is Ameliya Script Reg

Font for journaling is Arial Narrow

Photo is mine

 

Abigail Joy

Journaling reads:  Abigail means "cause of joy" or "father's joy" in Hebrew. In the Bible, Abigail is described as a beautiful and intelligent woman. When her foolish husband offended King David and was about to bring disaster on their household, Abigail took action to prevent bloodshed by approaching King David with sound judgment and diplomacy. She was praised for her intelligence and loyalty.

Abby’s name suits her well!  She is a joy!

I used one of the clusters as the beginning of my photo mask for the background photo and edited it as needed using a soft round brush at 62%.

Credits list

All by Regina Falango

SUMMER GOLD THE KIT

SUMMER GOLD ADD ON

SUMMER GOLD CLUSTERS

SUMMER GOLD ACCENTS

SUMMER GOLD WORD ART

Font for title is Amarilis Regular

Journaling font is Arial Narrow

Photos taken by my daughter, Elisabeth Palmer

 

Drink the Elixir

Storybook Fantasy Challenge #5 found here:  https://oscraps.com/community/threads/september-challenge-5-storybook-fantasy.36092/

Journaling reads:   Are they brave enough to drink the elixir in order to make a complete transformation from beast to man and gain the right of passage into the human world?

Joy, Bobby, Mark and I went to Dan Nicholas Park on Labor Day, September 4th.  We enjoyed the ducks around the lake, the wild animals in the mini nature reserve, riding the carousel and sticking our heads into the holes of painted scenery!  What a fun day!

Credits list

All by Lorie Davison

Before The First Snow Freebie by Lorie Davison FREEBIE

Turning Leaf Apothecary Natural Elements

Turning Leaf Apothecary Countryside Papers

Turning Leaf Apothecary Frames

Elixir Bottle Alpha

Journaling fonts:  Almost Lonely script and Arial Narrow

Photo is mine

 

Let's Ride

Tic Tac Toe Challenge 4 found here:  https://oscraps.com/community/threads/september-challenge-4-tic-tac-toe.36172/

Journaling reads:  I’m not certain what could have happened between the time I was perfectly OK sitting behind dad, holding onto his belt loops, ready for the adventure, and the time I’m not happy at all sitting on the seat by myself.  Was it just one of those days?  Was it nap time?  Or did I just want my daddy to be sharing the seat with me?  OR did I change my mind about ever riding as soon as the engine was revved?  Whatever the problem was, it’s not a problem now when hubby and I are riding!  LET’S RIDE!!  1956 – 2022

Credits list

All by Anna Aspnes

ArtPlay Palette Wildflower

MultiMedia Flowers No. 12

Artsy Layered Template

Motorcycles No. 1

AnnaBlendz Artsy No. 4

Photos mine

 

Morning Glory

White Space Challenge #2 found here:  https://oscraps.com/community/threads/september-challenge-2-white-space-clean.36166/

 

I used blend mode Multiply on photo to blend it into the brush.  I “stroked” the words for the sticker effect.

The end of summer Brushes by natali designs

The end of summer by natali designs

GREENHOUSE ELEMENTS by Regina Falango

Fonts:  Agency and Alinggate Signature

Photo is mine

Fair Weather

Color Play Challenge #1 found here:  https://oscraps.com/community/threads/september-challenge-1-color-play.36170/

Journaling reads: 

Fair on September first,

Fair for the month.

–Weather folklore

I hope this is true because today was a beautiful day all the way around.  Mark and I ate lunch at Cagney’s.  The chicken and dumplings special was good, but Ilene would have called the dumplings “sad,” meaning they were chewy.  I like them better fluffy.  When she first told me that was how her husband liked them I had no idea what she was talking about!  I think it is a WV thing! 

All products by natali designs:

The end of summer

The end of summer Overlays

The end of summer Brushes

Papers by Joyful Heart Designs

Color Crush 63 (shabby gradients)

Color Crush 63 (shabby solids)

Fonts Amarilis Script and Arial Narrow

Photo is mine

 

Time and Good Friends

Quote It Challenge #3 found here:  https://oscraps.com/community/threads/september-challenge-3-quote-it.35746/

“Time and good friends are two things that get more valuable as you get older.” – Oprah Winfrey

This is the perfect quote for the three of us.  Carolyn, Ilene and I love going out to eat and, on this particular day, we went to a new-to-them thrift store before going to Ilene’s house to spend the day talking and teasing while we play games.  We are like-minded in every way.  Thank You, LORD, for my good friends! 

I used one of the paint elements from Phenomenal Woman Paints and WordArt as my photo mask and touched it up in the areas of our faces.  The frame is actually a paint element that I copied 3 times and changed the sizes to create the frame. 

All products by Vicki Stegall:

Phenomenal Woman Digital Scrapbooking Paints and WordArt

Phenomenal Woman Digital Scrapbook Flowers

Phenomenal Woman Solid Scrapbook Papers

Magic in the Mess Elements (bow and heart charm)

Fonts:  Amarilis Script and Times New Roman

Photo is mine