• Art - Blog - Creativity

    AJJ: Memories

    July 21, 2026 - By 

    This page was inspired by the souvenir photo I came across in my stash. My parents loved to roadtrip and would buy postcards or photo booklets from the places we visited. I have vivid memories of Yellowstone although I had not seen this particular geothermal feature until my last trip to the park in 2019.

    I used a bit of vintage wallpaper and a length of ribbon over top of the woodgrain scrapbook paper to frame out the photo. After I layered a washi sticker to join the layers.

    Just that little bit of ribbon wasn’t enough texture for me so I grabbed a bulb pin and created a little dangle of layered fabrics and a scrap of burlap as well as a tiny bead for good measure.

    Since this whole page was inspired by a memory this leather tag fit the bill.

    I hope you’ll join in on the fun and create a page or several for my theme of Fabric, lace and trims…oh my! over at Art Journal Journey.

    Art Journal Journey
  • Art - Blog - Creativity

    AJJ: library notes

    July 16, 2026 - By 

    Today’s page began with the cover of a travel book I had torn apart. It was a great weight but I didn’t think I’d ever use the image as is. I used an old credit card to scrape a bit of acrylic paint loosely over the page.

    This left just enough image peeking through for some interesting background texture.

    Next I added a bit of shorthand page and a bit of tissue paper that had a book theme.

    The layers continued with a salvage edge of fabric, some ribbon and the image from a university library bookmark.

    The page didn’t quite seem complete. I decided to add a dangle with a tag and some fibers on a bulb pin. Having just one eyelet seemed insufficient, so I used three.

    Please hop on over to Art Journal Journey and check out my July theme of Fabric, lace and trims…oh my!

    Art Journal Journey
  • Around home - Blog - Outdoors

    Project complete

    July 13, 2026 - By 

    In my garden tour 2 weeks ago I mentioned I had a new project…moving the compost tumbler. Lucky for me Mini-me came for a visit so I tackled the project with a helper.

    It was so hot that morning that we only got the new spot prepped and the rock removed before we had to call it quits.

    Here it is…moved to its new spot. It’s not perfect but it’ll do. We ran into the issue of tree roots when trying to pound in the stakes that hold the edging.

    The next day I added soil to bring the space back up to grade, planted lots of wildflower seeds…all perennial. I covered the soil with Alfalfa’s Secret. (not being sponsored or anything…just a happy customer) I also used it as ground cover in my shed garden. If I happen upon any discounted plants I’ll likely add them as I’m not sure any plant will have time to establish itself enough before winter arrives. Seems silly talking about winter when we are under an extreme heat warning but it comes really fast.

    I noticed my first sunflower is beginning to open. I have both “cutting” sunflowers and Mammoth varieties.

    I can’t believe how much the garden has grown in 2 weeks…

    June 29

    July 13

    Despite the heat, I had to take Marvin for a his perimeter patrol or “walkabout” as we like to call it. He is my shadow and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

    After mowing the lawn this morning and showering…again…I’m sitting in the lower level at our game table while blogging trying to stay cool. Yes, we have air conditioning…thank goodness… but it’s always nicer on the lower levels.

    T stands for Tuesday

    What are you doing today?