Okblues Designs Blog

My heart still breaks for Gina DeLude over the loss of her son Nicolas. Words simply cannot express my heartfelt sympathy for her and her family. It is awesome though, how the scrapbooking community has pulled together to create a benefit kit on her behalf. The benefit kit is available now at Scrapbook-Bytes. There are six coordinated kits available for a donation of $5.00 each and the Collection kit of all six for a donation of $20.00. Here is a preview. Click on it to view full size.

There were over 40 designers who contributed. The kits are available as downloads or on CD. Go check it out at Scrapbook-Bytes.

Is anyone else out there having sinus trouble? Mine are terrible, quite unusual for this time of year for me. I awoke this morning feeling like someone hit me in the middle of the forehead with a really big hammer. Here's another layout of Doris with her many expressions. Not the usual sweet smile though.

Credits: Serendipity by Michaela Ferkul (Microferk Designs), available at Scrapbook-Bytes. Fonts: Take Five Plain, PC Diva. I was just offered a spot on the creative team for Microferk Designs and I gleefully accepted. The designs are so beautiful, with a wide array of elements in each. Thank you Miki! You can find her designs at Scrapbook-Elements, Scrap Outside The Box and Scrapbook-Bytes.

I made it to Round 2 of the ScrapArtist Apprentice Challenge! I'm just thankful I didn't have to do the judging. I still am in awe of all the amazing submissions. Congratulations to all of those continuing on in Round 2. To those who didn't make it, don't lose hope. All of the entries were beautiful and creative and you should be proud of your talent.

Yesterday afternoon was so beautiful here. Warm and sunny, with a slight cool breeze. We finished schoolwork a little early, so dh took Daniel & Doris out in the boat fishing for a little while. JoAnn & I went on a little nature walk on our property. I don't get to spend much time with just one child at a time, so this walk was special to both of us. Much to hubby's dismay, I have convinced him to leave some areas untouched, to let the weeds and wildflowers grow. There are several in bloom now & I had the opportunity to play with the macro mode on my camera. Then we went to the back pasture to check on some of the horses. Here is a layout to remember our walk and the wildflowers in bloom.

Credits: Garden Club by Ashley Bailey at Digital Divas Designs; Ribbon from Amazing Nature by Heather Roselli at DigiChick; Wire Heart from the Welcome Kit at Digital Scrapbook Place; Doodles from Digital Graffiti CD (Fancypants) by Dani B. at Scrapbook-Bytes. Fonts: Duvall SmallCaps, CD Heritage.

Last year, my dh purchased this horse named Rooster for Doris. He was supposed to be this fantastic kid's horse, shown by an eight year old, etc. Hubby rode him, he was fine, so he brought him home. Rooster isn't a bad horse, he just has a bit of an attitude. Doris is a little intimidated by him at times and prefers to ride one of the older mares. But not JoAnn! She shakes her finger at him, talks to him, tells him how it's going to be. And the amazing thing is, he seems to actually listen to her. I have to laugh each time they have one of their heart to heart talks.

Credits: Rustic Grunge by Denise Bailey Designs; Flowers from July Breeze by Tracey Lee at DigiChick; Doodle by Angie Briggs at ScrapArtist. Fonts: GE Greenway Caps, LD Diary

I learn to appreciate so much from my children. The little things I take for granted are all important and amazing to them. This must be God's way of grounding me, of pointing me back in the right direction. Of telling me to slow down, look around and appreciate what He has created. I found this quote recently and it seemed perfect for this page.

Journaling: This was the first time you had been to Lake Michigan. You were amazed by the expanse of water, stretching as far as you could see. You took off running as fast as you could to the edge of the water, then just stood there, looking around in wonder.

Credits: Blue papers and frame from Rustic Grunge by Denise Bailey Designs; Tan paper from Brownie Mud Pie Addon by Angela Sharrow at Digital Freebies; Layer Stitches by Mandy Steward and Doodle Stitch by Shalae Tippets, both at ScrapGirls; Shell from public domain image; PS Actions by Atomic Cupcake. Fonts: Porcelain (for doodles), Caslon Antique, TK Doodle, GE Arabesque Script.

My dh Randy had a rather extensive cardiac workup today and left with a great report. I was very pleased that the cardiologist was present during the stress test and the echocardiogram. The cardiologist told him that his heart was in great health and that the bradycardia was to be expected in someone in his condition. He didn't think the chest pain was cardiac in origin, but suspects it may be esophageal spasm from reflux. He started him on some medication for that & we will see if things improve. Thanks to all who have kept us in their thoughts and prayers. And thanks to our Lord for keeping watch over us.

Today would have been my Mom's 71st birthday. It seems hard to believe that 12 years have passed since we lost her. It is a bittersweet day for me, filled with so many memories, and tinged with sadness that she isn't here with us. I take comfort in knowing that we will be together again one day. I wanted to scrap a page in her memory and I started digging through what few photos I have of my family. Almost all of them were lost in a house fire. These two seemed to capture her personality and devotion. And yes, that's me with the chubby cheeks.

Credits: Tranquility by Denise Bailey Designs; Pressed Flowers by Denise Bailey Designs; Doodles from Digital Graffiti CD (Fancypants) by Dani B. at Scrapbook-Bytes. Fonts: NevisonCasD, LHF Monogram English.

And now, the news.... I've been accepted by Denise Bailey for her Creative Team. This is my first CT and I am excited to be working with Denise's designs. Tranquility was a dream to work with for this page and the pressed flowers were just perfect. She has several lovely and versatile kits in the store. I feel like a kid turned loose in the proverbial candy shoppe, lol.

On a more personal note, later today my dh goes for his first cardiologist appointment and a stress test. Keep us in your prayers that all goes well. He has been having bradycardia, an abnormally slow heart rate.

Most of you already know about the ScrapArtist Apprentice Challenge. However, some of you may not, lol. There have been a lot of amazing entries with incredible talent showcased thus far. Unfortunately, they had to take the gallery with the Apprentice Freebie submissions off-line due to excessive bandwidth usage. There's been a lot of talk about piracy and hotlinking today, and some complaining and bickering.

They will be putting the Apprentice Freebie Gallery back online sometime tomorrow, but only ten at a time. Here is a preview of my submission.

I am still in awe of all the beautiful and creative submissions. And I would like to wish each and every one of the talented designers the very best of luck! Even if I never make it past the next round of design challenges, I am still thankful for the opportunity.

Updated Sunday 9/24/06: The entire gallery is back online now.

Here's a layout I did last night. I am trying to scrap some of the older photos of the children and it sure does bring back memories.

Daniel was looking through the viewer at the baby giraffe while we were at the Brookfield Zoo. The giraffe kept ducking his head and looking back toward us. It was hilarious, and all I could think of was that silly song.

Credits: Sandalwood Freebie by Lisa Howell at ScrapArtist; Brads from Bubblegum Machine by Angie Briggs at ScrapArtist (colorized); Arrow by Amy Martin; Chipboard action by Atomic Cupcake. Fonts: 2 Peas Billboard, NoteThis and ErasLight.

Download zipfile here
Please leave a comment if you download.

Thank you for all the nice comments about the Enchanted Mesa kit!

I had several nice comments about the layout I did for the Digi-Dare-Ya Dare #1, so I cleaned up the sketch I made & thought some of you might like it. Click on the preview & the full size image will open up in a new window. Right click to save.

You can see the layout here.

Today is going to be another busy day. The usual speech & occupational therapy appointments for 2 of the children and a zillion errands to run. And I have a doctor's visit scheduled, regular checkup & labwork. I probably won't get much pc playtime today. :(

Here are the remaining elements for the "Enchanted Mesa" kit. If you scrap using this kit, please send me the link so I can check it out. I love looking at everyone's creations.

The elements are resized to 35% in the preview. No dropshadows on the actual elements. Zipfile includes:

3 photo mats

3 journaling strips

3 plain tags

5 round tags

Download zipfile here.
If you download, please leave a comment.

I did this layout for a challenge at Butternug Squash Designs and I really like the way it turned out. Credits: "Jam-Tastic" by Christy Sturm at Butternug Squash Designs; Staples from the Collaberation Kit by the Digi-Dare-Ya design team; Sketch by Becky Fleck; Title and tag by me using Christy's papers and PS actions by Atomic Cupcake. Fonts: Trajan Pro and LD Tillie. I love Christy's papers, the textures are terrific & look so realistic.

On another note, I am undecided what to offer as a freebie after "Enchanted Mesa" is finished. (Only one download remaining.) So, if you have any suggestions or ideas you would like to share, please leave a comment. Do you want another kit, a paper pack, some element packs to use with different kits, another alpha???

jburkhart posted a pie quiz on her blog a few days ago & there were so many tasty pies discussed, it spurred me to dig through my pie recipes.

Apple pie is always a favorite in our family. This particular apple pie is absolutely delicious! The recipe for Southern Ambrosia Apple Pie is by Linda Hunter of Drummond, Oklahoma. Our electric cooperative organized a benefit bake-off last year to raise funds for the JD McCarty Center for Children with developemental disabilities. This was the grand prize winner and after baking it, I can see why. It was published in the Oklahoma Living magazine for cooperative members. They no longer have it online in their archives, so I will put it here for those interested.

Southern Ambrosia Apple Pie

1 pastry shell, 9"

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup apple juice

2 T butter or margarine

2 T cornstarch

1/4 tsp salt

4 cups thinly sliced, peeled baking apples

2 tsp lemon juice

1 egg

2/3 cup evaporated milk

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup flaked coconut

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line pastry shell with foil. Bake at 450 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove from oven, remove foil and cool. In a sauce pan over medium heat, bring sugar, apple juice, butter, cornstarch and salt to a boil. stir in apples and lemon juice; cook and stir until apples are crisp-tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Pour into pastry shell. In a smal bowl, beat eggs, milk, sugar, coconut, vanilla and cinnamon; mix well. Pour over apple mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack.

Pecan Cream Topping

1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 carton frozen whipped topping, thawed

Whole pecans, toasted

For topping, beat cream cheese and sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir in pecans and vanilla. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over cooled pie. Garnish with toasted whole pecans by making a row of pecans about 1 1/2 inches from crust and placing one in center. Chill 4 to 6 hours.

My notes: I find it better in a 10" deep dish pastry shell. And we seldom get to let it chill for 4 to 6 hours. Hubby prefers it at room temperature.

Here is the download link for the next set of the elements for the "Enchanted Mesa" kit. I didn't do an alpha with this kit, just the metal edged text. The metal looks much better full size than it does in the preview. It just didn't retain the clarity in resizing.

The elements are resized to 35% in the preview.

No dropshadows on the actual elements. Zipfile includes:

1 slideframe

5 buttons

1 brad, 1 eyelet

1 staple, 1 plain paperclip

6 decorated paperclips

6 sets of photo corners

5 metal edged transparent words

Download elements here.

Please leave a comment if you download. :)

As promised, here is the next installment of the "Enchanted Mesa" kit. This download is for the ribbons and fibers, including the yarn ties for the tags. The patterned border is sized so that it can be used layered over the ribbons or as a page border. Thanks to those who have left such kind comments!

The ribbons are resized to 25% in the preview.

Zipfile includes:
3 grossgrain ribbons
3 patterned borders
3 yarn fibers
3 yarn tag ties

Download ribbons here.

If you download, a comment would be greatly appreciated!

Please join me in remembrance of all those who lost their lives or lost their loved ones during the 9/11 attacks five years ago. I can remember watching the breaking news on CNN as the twin towers were devastated and thinking how many were suffering. My prayers are with the survivors, and with all the honorable men and women who serve to protect our nation and prevent future acts of terrorism.

World Trade Center photo courtesy of stockxchng; flag and eagle public domain.

We took a journey through the southwest last year and the soft pastels of the sunsets over the mesas inspired this kit. Here are the download links for the papers. I will post links for the elements over the next few days.

Papers01 and Papers02
I divided the papers into two zipfiles, to make it easier for those on dialup.

Font is A&S Black Swan. Sketch by Becky Fleck.
If you download, please leave a comment.

We were in the Chicago area & spent a day at the Brookfield Zoo. Daniel wouldn't take no for an answer. He had to have his picture taken on this statue with Dad. Credits: "September MegaKit" from Digital Divas Designs; ribbon from "Torn Memories Extras" by Lauren Bavin at Digital Scrapbook Place; buckle & staples by me. Fonts: Ld Typeset, LD Take A Note. Sketch by Becky Fleck.

The "September MegaKit" was huge! Here is a preview of my contribution:

And that is just a small part of the total kit! So, go check it out. Ashley has several other nice freebies to download also.

Our blessings from God, my reason for living.

This was my entry for the Sketch Challenge at Butternug Squash Designs yesterday. Kit used is "Modern Elegance" by ConnyB. Fonts:2 Peas Blessings; Adobe Caslon Pro. Sketch by Melany Groves at Butternug Squash Designs.

I just found out I won the Photography Celebration Challenge at Butternug Squash Designs. Oh, I know it's not an Emmy or anything, lol, but I'm am just surprised to win. I recently found this site & they had some great, fun challenges this weekend. Here is my winning entry.

This is the view looking over one of the horse pastures at our home. The hot weather in Oklahoma often brings sudden thunderbursts with beautiful cloud formations such as this. Photo taken with Canon EOS Rebel. Frame & mat created in Photoshop Elements.

There were some lovely and creative entries to the challenges, so go check them out in the Butternug Squash Gallery.

It has been a busy, but fun weekend. We bought a fish/ski boat on Friday, the first boat we have owned. Of course, we had to get it wet. Problem was, both of our farm employees had the weekend off, so we had to work. Saturday, we went to a boat landing a few miles from the farm and played on the river a little while. The kids loved it! It was only the second time they had been in a boat and the first time it was a smaller, much slower one. I was worried they would be scared. Boy, was I wrong.

Here is a layout of our dd JoAnn with some photos taken Saturday.

Papers & burlap tag from "Fishing" by Lauren Bavin at Digital Scrapbook Place; Torn paper, brads & charm by me; Main photo frame by Jackie Eckles at Designer Digitals; Oval frames by Kellie Mize at Designer Digitals and Photoshop actions by Atomic Cupcake. Fonts are CK Academia and LD Fine Print 5.

Also on Friday, we bought a new desktop pc, complete with a new 20" monitor and a very nice all-in-one photo quality printer. My notebook is about 3 years old & I have just outgrown it. I'm still in the process of migrating files and installing. I haven't tackled the wireless network setup yet. I want to do that when I won't have a lot of distractions. One thing I didn't realize was how dull my screen was becoming on the notebook.....I thought it was my eyes all this time.

I hope you all have been enjoying the holiday weekend! I better get to work.