Slowing Down

I have been catching up on entries in my #LittleSummerJOY midori project this week. I decided to divide the book up into six sections and fill it in when the mood strikes. There are six lessons (the last one just came out here). I allowed for 3 to 4 two-page spreads per session. Any left-over pages will go to #SummerBucketList items!

This spread goes with Lesson 5, (contributor is the awesome Bonita Rose) which was all about "Slowing Down" and enjoying the simple things of summer. The first thing that popped into my head was my gardening adventure this summer. Now, when I say gardening, I mean my planters and pots on my small back deck. See those gelatos?! I just got a few to try out and love them.

I used a few items from the July Take 10 Kits from Sara Mitchell Co. (some glam bags left here and pocket kits without stamp here) This morning, my youngest and I were alone (rare in the summer) so we headed up north to a wonderful garden center that I always ogle (safely) when driving by. We were surrounded by colorful lush options.

I used a stamp that was included in the July Take 10 Pocket Kit and my pink & purple gelatos to creat a pattern at the top of the right page and bottom of the left page. FUN! I just stamped it slightly wet and then brushed over it with a slightly wet paintbrush, then smudged some with my finger.

I used the rose pattern card from the July Take 10 Pocket Kit as a backdrop for the smaller photos and the gold foil arrow washi to accent both pages.

Holly of www.paintedladiesjournal.com
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Below are some affiliate links to items I am using for this project. Clicking through and purchasing sends a few cents my way, and doesn't cost the purchasers any extra. Thanks!

My favorite apps for editing photos and creating collages for cutting up for this midori project:

PICTAPGO for editing. The lighten is awesome on any photo.
PicTapGo - Totally Rad! Inc.

 

PICSTITCH (paid version is needed to create thicker white borders - so worth it) for collages.
Pic Stitch - #1 Photo and Video Collage Maker - Big Blue Clip, LLC




Midori Traveler's Notebook (refill 003) blank

Zig Memory System Calligraphy Dual Tip Marker, Carded, Pure Black




Faber Castell Mix & Match Color Gelatos Tropical 4 Piece Set


  CANON MG7520 Wireless Color Cloud Printer with Scanner and Copier, White (Discontinued By Manufacturer)


 
  Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy II, 4 x 6 Inches, 400 Sheets (2311B031)

Hometown Tourist in my MIdori Project #LittleSummerJOY

I'm working on my #LittleSummerJOY midori project again! I've been busy the last two weeks making lots of family memories and now it's time to get documenting. This project has been a fun new way to document our memories and still use my scrapbook supplies.

I got out my shiny new July Take 10 Kits (the pocket kit is sold out but there are some reduced sets that don't include the stamp here and got to work making 3 spreads of our day playing the role of "hometown tourist." I actually squealed when I read this prompt on www.littlepaperprojects.com (It was Lesson 2: Hometown Tourist) because we had just done this. Riding the Chicago Double Decker Bus was on our Summer Bucket List. And really, how perfect is the July Take 10 Kit for this prompt about being a tourist in your own city?? That skyline stamp! Yes!

There were so many fun photos from this adventure, so per typical for my midori books, I chose to make a bunch of collages with the PicStitch App and then cut them all apart to create mini layouts.

This page was a lot of fun to create. My mother and son were sitting across from me doing some dot art while I was working on this. I picked up the stencil from the July Take 10 Glam Bag and ask for that blue and yellow paint when they were done. (yeah, probably not archival, but I was in the moment) I made opposing patterns on each page to create a fun background. I outlined the skyline stamp that was showing through from the backside. If you can't cover it, go with it. I cut out simple strips of cardstock to create titles that would pop on this background. I think it's my fave.

Page 3 of this prompt! I cut up that "Home Sweet Home" Card and used more of the stamp set from the July Pocket Kit. I also had some stickers left from the June Take 10 Glam Bag that are on each of these spreads. I imagine I will end up using that whole set in this book.

Thanks for following along in my #LittleSummerJOY book. Are you participating? Go here for more information on it: www.littlepaperprojects.com

Midori Mini Album Part II

Hi everyone, back again to share my second part of my mini album that I completed in my Midori travelers notebook insert. I was so excited about being able to capture a snapshot of our long weekend getaway with my hubby to Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.

One question I had was was how to really capture the details. I took way more photos of course so I will also probably complete a photo book but I am very happy to have this documented so close to when we got back! It makes reliving the memories that much more powerful. 

I love the Midori insert because I am able to include the memorabilia that I always collect but often times don't use. To be honest I am a great collector of stuff when I travel so I LOVED being able to include the cards, brochure cut outs and maps I gathered on our trip. 

Without much further ado here is Part II. 

I was able to use some more watercolors, photos and maps. This fold out map came from our wonderful hotel. I forgot to get a clean copy so I ended up having to iron this one ( yes I know a little OCD, but I'm an architect so it is part of the profession!)

I love how the map fold out I was able to include the history of San Miguel de Allende. 

I love these Spanish word wood veneers from Lora Bailora. She's from Spain- I wish I would have know about her before I traveled in 2014. Amy Tan went to teach a class with her in Barcelona.. Now that would have been my nirvana!!

See what I said about using memorabilia in my Midori  - this is a sheet from the note pad from the hotel! I cut out a number of words from the 

Anniversary Trip in my Midori

I've been so inspired by all the lovely Midori traveler's notebooks that I have been seeing out there in blog land that I knew it would be perfect to document my anniversary get away with my hubby! I've been working on a project in Mexico City since Jan of 2009 traveling about every month to 6 weeks to Mexico City or DF (Distrito Federal) as they call it. It's been a marvelous experience but that will have to wait for a separate post...I've become good friends with many of my counterparts in DF especially one gal and her hubby (who she met and married since the time I've known her). We were able to plan a last minute get away and she even graciously allowed us to hang out at her apartment! We enjoyed several  days as tourists in Mexico City and then headed out of town for the weekend to San Miguel de Allende, which was recently voted best tourist destination ( my Travel & Leisure mag came with the honor right after we arrived home!). I chose a khaki colored insert because I thought it would go the best with my photos. I used a combination of iPhone 6S plus photos but I also brought my Canon 60D which also made me super happy.

I have some large photos of my hubby (my best subject....) still trying to decide if I am using or not.

I loved this view of the Palacio de Bellas Artes in the center of the City. What I cut off in the picture was a giant line of police that where blocking the entrance to this whole area.  Never did figure out why this happened - this is a little cafeteria on the top floor of the Sears (yes that same Sears) that I just found out about! It was a wonderful little spot to end our day of adventure!

I finally got to take my hubby to Zocalo and got to see some great sites that were new to him. We actually hired a local guide when we were entering the Palacio Nacional. It was a great idea- he was so knowledgeable and even though he really only spoke Spanish- my hubby understands it very well and our guide understood any questions my hubby had in English! He guided us through the Palacio and also through the Templo Mayor - which is a very major archeological museum and amazing that it's located right in the center of the city. 

We also spent some great time in Coyoacan which is at the south end of the city. It used to be its own neighborhood now part of the greater Metro area. We went to the Frida Kahlo museum- I had been before but my hubby had not been. He loved it and the whole neighborhood was amazing. We went to a craft bazaar, had  a wonderful outdoor lunch

A couple of fun flip out - still trying to decide what I will put on the back of this page. I also used the pic stitch app to make some great collages for the album. I always have a hard time deciding on which photos... I always take a lot and I am not very good at purging them when I am done.

I'll be back later this week with my wrap up if this project and what I would do differently for my next Midori!

Have a great Tuesday!