What was I thinkin?

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 20

 

A couple of weeks ago I showed off my stones. Some how it wouldn't seem fair to leave out the sticks!

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 20

I took this photo of sticks (actually a privacy screen made of sticks) at Busch Gardens in Tampa FL. I loved the texture and knew right away it would be a great addition to my pages.

Example: I used the above sticks on the page below.

 

Thought for the day...

Sticks and Stones might break bones - but, with a snap or two they are a great addition to scrapbook pages. :)

Happy Snappin!

 

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 19

 

Confession: I have a fetish for Bicycles and for the shadows they make.

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 19

I don't remember when I took my "first shot" at a bicycle. There have been so many now - photographing bicycles has grown on me (like flowers) when I see a bicycle I have to stop and take a picture; Especially if it is an interesting bicycle or in an interesting location.

The shot above is one of my favorites. I loved the burnt orange color. I took several shots of this bike because behind it was a big window. In the window there was a man standing on a orange ladder. The scene grabbed my attention. I took some full shots - but, I liked the composition of this one - with the tire cut off in front.

Below: A few of the shots I've taken - at Disney World, in New York City, and in Port Angeles WA (yes, the same Port Angeles as the Twilight movie saga.)

I hope you'll have time to stop and satisfy a fetish this week. :)

Happy Snappin!

 

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 18

I guess it is not a secret that I love to take pictures of "stuff" - things that create texture, color, and most of all add to the memories...

One of my favorite photo taking activities is shopping at the farmers market (my family shops, I take pictures). Farmers markets are filled with so many interesting things: fruit, vegetables, jewelry, honey, plants, flowers...

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 18

Need a Saturday morning activity? May be you'd enjoy a few hours discovering "cool stuff" at your local farmers market.

Don't forget to take your camera!

 

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 17

The song lyrics, "I Saw The Sign" pop into my head a lot when we are traveling. I don't know the rest of the words to the song - so it ends with that - repeated over and over again!

Why do I seem to frequently hear this phrase in my mind? I guess it is because I have a thing for snapping pictures of signs. I take pictures of all kinds of signs; but, I love signs that have character!

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 17

When I see a sign with character I just have to stop and take a picture. Usually I try to go inside the business and take in the full experience. Unfortunately the bakery above was closed - but, I snapped a shot to remind me to return to this adorable place one day.

One of my all time favorite places to take pictures of signs is Disney World - they make the best signs ever!

But there are many other locations with memorable signage:

I love to record an activity/trip with signs that help remind me of the character of the location.

Next time you see a sign...

Happy Snappin'!

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 16

Over the years I have taken many "texture" photos. Some of my all time favorites are photos of rocks. Rocks add character to my scrapbook pages and they help tell the story of "where."

From the barnacle covered rocks in the Puget Sound to the large stones placed outside our cabin at Jackson Lake Lodge (shown below) - many of my favorite pages include a little "rock".

 

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 16

 Here is what I did with the stones above:

It's all about the details. :)

Happy Snappin'!

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 15

One of the best features of the Mosaic Moments™ system is a unique ability to recreate the feeling of being "there".

When I go to a place where the scenery is beautiful, I try to capture a panoramic view with multiple snaps taken in consecutive order. When I put them together on my scrapbook page it takes me back to that beautiful spot, soaking in the surroundings, enjoying the moment.

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Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 15

I wasn't in my usual "photographer" frame of mind when I took the shot above. Someday I think I might go back to the Badlands of South Dakota - for a second chance to capture the amazing scenery there. But, even when you didn't get a multi-snap panoramic view - landscape shots make a wonderful "mosaic" addition to a scrapbook page.

Happy Snappin'!

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 14

 

Trees in bloom are one of my favorite spring photo subjects. May be it is because I am attracted to pink? or may be it is because I am so happy winter is over?

Does it really matter? I just love to snap a few twigs!

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Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 14

 

a few different angles:

Example of photos above (taken near the arch in St Louis) on Mosaic Moments page:

 

"Spring in St. Louis" supplies used: This page was created this month's Paper Tiles™ Trio, Robin's Nest, and Mosaic Moments™ 12x12 Petal Pink grid paper.

 

Snap more photos!

We've adopted a new puppy!

 

This little guy is the new face of Mosaic Moments™ gone digital (coming soon).

We haven't named him yet - we'd love to hear your suggestions!

 

 

 

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 13

 

It's the weekend. Do you have plans? May be a movie with some popcorn? or dinner out with friends?

Whatever you do, don't forget your camera...

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Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 13

because you don't want to miss a photo opportunity - like those coolers filled with cold drinks. A great subject for Mosaic cut photos. :)

Photos above were taken at "the worst Bar-B-Q" place in texas - and I can't wait to go back!

 

Snap more photos!

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 12

 

Jelly Beans, readily available this time of year, make a really great mosaic cut photo subject. :)

The biggest trick is keeping your kids and husband out of the beans while you are trying to take pictures!

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Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 12

I like to try various levels of zoom to get different effects and if you want to take it one step more - Jelly Beans are get for making symbols and letters too. :)

 

Happy Snappin'

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 11

When I was a little girl I was fascinated by Holland. I loved the traditional costumes, the windmills, and wooden shoes… so, I guess it would come as no surprise that I also loved tulips.

I thought I had out grown my "tulip phase" until we moved to Williamsburg and I found myself looking forward to the lovely tulips planted throughout Busch Gardens (aka "the park") each spring.

When the park opens each year you'll find me strolling around with camera in hand. I like to take shots from several angles. I am always looking for the angle that will create a great Mosaic Moments™ cut.

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 11

I am also looking for that angle that will get me the most interesting shots. Lighting plays such a big roll in photo taking. In this case, I loved how the sunlit tulips (below) seemed to glow when viewed against the shadowed back drop.

 

I hope today is a good day for you and your camera to take a walk. You don't want to miss out on those first signs of spring! :)

 

Happy Snappin'

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 10

Spring Soccer Season is about to begin - again. I have a ton of photos from last season; so, this year, I am giving myself a challenge to "change it up." I want to improve my sports photography skills and get a lot more interesting shots.

One thing I will be paying more attention to this year is the "sports accessory" shots. ie rows of parents sitting in folding chairs, team uniforms being passed out, and of course - the balls, in and out of play.

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 10

What are your GOALS for shooting the coming spring activities?

 

 

Happy Snappin'

Secrets Revealed

I've told you before how terrible I am at keeping secrets. I guess I m finally going to park the mystery machine in the drive way!  :)

It has been REALLY hard not to chat about my current project. I've been watching it develop and getting very excited as more and more of the "pieces" come together. Knowing how these things can go (two steps forward, three steps back...) I realize that telling you "what's coming" is really such a tease! I mean, I can't say for sure when... but, have you guessed yet?

Mosaic Moments in Digital™ is on its way!

Just a little hint at the possibilities...

Notice the time stamp under each of the thumbnails. In a little under 1 hour - Nine finished 12x12 designs.

 

Happy Scrappin!

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 9

I can't wait for summer to come back. (I haven't gotten out much lately with all the coughing and sniffling at my house.) I am ready for warm days and outdoor walks. My longing for warmth and sunshine got me thinking about some of my favorite photo subjects...

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 9

I love to take pictures of butterflies. They are sometimes not the most cooperative subjects; but, then again, neither is my 8 year old son! Along with the butterflies I like to take pictures of the flowers they are sitting on. When I put together a page I can feature the butterflies and use the flowers as mosaic cut details.

What have you been longing to take pictures of lately?

 

Happy Snappin'

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Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 8

The Mosaic Moments Design Team has been busy posting their Disney inspired pages and I guess I kind of caught the bug. I walked by a shelf where Cole displays the little cars he's purchased at Disney World. They are such cute little things and he loves to play with them. Sadly many of the cars are missing. I decided it was a good plan to record what remains before they are lost or broken too.

Mosaic Moments pages are a great way to keep a memory record of sentimental items - like childhood toys.

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 8

I have this old side table on wheels that is scratched and worn. I decided it would make a great background for my photos. The photo above is a car that represents one of our favorite rides - Rockin' Roller-coaster. Most of the photos below are from a set of cars sold at DW that represent rides. Can you guess which ride goes with the cars in the top row? (answers at the bottom of the post.)

I won't bore you with all of the shots - I am sure you get the idea (can you tell "Stitch riding in the pink Cadillac" is one of my favorites?)

Paije and I found this little car while shopping at Downtown Disney. It was tucked into a clearance bin. I couldn't leave it there. :)

Have you recorded a piece of nostalgia lately?

 

Happy Snappin'

Rides from left to right: Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain, It's a Small World, Astro Orbiter

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 7

A couple of Friday's ago I was at the beach - a wonderful place to take pictures for Mosaic Moments pages. As always, I had my camera out. I took a few shots of the white sand while I strolled up and down the shore line. That was nice; but, I was more excited when the tide started going out and I was able to collect shells (or shots of them) before they had all been picked up by beach scavengers (aka kiddos).

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 7

What has been under your feet lately?

 

Happy Snappin'

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 6

 

It's Friday!

If you have been counting down you know that Valentine's Day is just six days away. So... here is my Mosaic Moments !nspiration for this week. (If you didn't see this one coming, then clearly you need to stop by for a visit more often!)

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 6

I am not sure if there is an image that can convey Valentine's Day - or create a better Valentine's Day  "photo embellishment" than a shot of conversation hearts. :)

I am still in the planning stages for Valentines Day this year. (I am running a bit behind - darn flu.) I went to the dollar store today for inspiration and found some really fun stuff (including the bag of conversation hearts pictured above.)

The conversation hearts I purchased are going to help me make Kevin a Mosaic Moments inspired card this year. I took additional photos with Cole as my helper.

Above: a little step back shot to show you how I set up - using a bar stool to hold my dish of candy near a favorite daylight window.

 

Hope you are well, happy, and busy making plans for the ones you love. Don't forget to take pictures!

 

Happy Snappin'

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 5

 

I promise that I am not trying to make a habit of this!

I really did mean 52 Fridays - not 52 Mondays. :)

My family came down with the flu this week, myself included. Kevin is still in bed recovering. I am feeling a bit better - at least enough to share a favorite topic. :) 

One of my favorite places to go is a botanical garden - especially when I can wander though one in a different climate zone (like the desert or a warmer climate like Florida.) While we were in Florida we spent one morning strolling through the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo FL (near Tampa.)

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 5

Many botanical gardens include statues, fountains, and other beautiful ornamental and architectural features such a gazebos etc. In the Florida Botanical Gardens I found several mosaic tile features. As soon as I saw this mosaic tile feature I began snapping away! What could be more fun to use as a Mosaic Moments design element than a beautifully designed mosaic?

I took several shots, of course, below you can see one of the mosaic features from a distance, and then a detail shot.

What details have inspired you lately?

 

Happy Snappin'

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 4

Last week, while looking at the calendar, I noticed that my daughter had a 4 day weekend coming up. It took a little work; but, I managed to convince Kevin to be spontaneous and skip town with me & the kids - to Florida - for a few days.

The day we left it was snowing in Virginia - the next day (Friday) we REALLY enjoyed the 73 degree weather in Tampa Fl. I admit, though I was busy taking many Mosaic Moments inspired photos, I enjoyed the day so much that completely forgot to post them! So, I am a few days late...but, here it is:

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 4

One of my favorite subjects is flora and Florida is filled with beautiful and interesting plant life.

I spotted the plant above while waiting for Cole (he was on a ride).

You can see the plant in its location (photo above). It doesn't make a big impression from a distance;  but, taking close up shots offers more memory detail - and brings back the fascination I had when I noticed those "wicked looking" thorns.

 

What made an impression on you this week?

 

Happy Snappin'

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 3

Last fall we started a makeover of our daughters bedroom. At some point I'll be making a page to record the results. I decided to take detail photos of her duvet cover to create mosaic details on the page.

I think fabrics are a great photo subject for Mosaic Moments pages. It is like creating your own patterned paper that also enhances a personal memory.

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 3

I took several shots, of course, as well as a few shots of her bed, walls, and accessories (including her pet Lovebird, Paris.)

 

Wall sticker from Target, a birthday gift from her sister.

Paris, enjoys sitting on the jewelry tree.

 

As a teen I took photos of my own room. It is fun to look at the pictures and remember the old posters, stuffed animals, etc. I am sure Alexis will enjoy looking back at her bedroom too.

 

Happy Snappin'

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 2

We haven't had a lot of show or ice this season so I decided to take photos of some of our winter vegetation.

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 2

What has winter brought your way this year?

 

Happy Snappin'

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 1

A little over a year ago we took a family trip to Disney World and I found an adorable little purse while I was there.

It wasn't an expensive purse - just a simple bag with two pockets on front perfect to carry a camera and a phone.

 

This purse has been a huge surprise to me. I have had more questions and comments about this little bag than any I've ever carried. I thought something that brings so many compliments my way was derserving of a memory page in my scrapbook; so, the Disney illustrations that draw so much attention became the inspiration for my first "Mosaic Moments !nspiration Photo."

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 1

I took several photos of the back side of my purse (it is the largest pattern area - uninterrupted by seams or pockets) This was my favorite shot. It was Minnie's red skirt that sold me on the purse. Can't wait to cut it up and make a mosaic moment!

 

Happy Snappin'

Join me for 52 Fridays!

My 52 Friday's goal is to take 52 Mosaic Moments inspired photos (one per week) to add to my "photo embellishment stash."

I love to take "environment" photos - photos of the things that surround me. It may be grass & sky, or carpet, or wall paper, a plate filled with cookies, the texture of a pillow, a field of flowers...

Adding "environment" photos to my pages is sort of like a sound or the smell - it helps bring me back to that moment in time.

If you want to have a little "Mosaic Fun" this year I hope you will join me for 52 weeks of Mosaic Inspired photos. I'll be posting the photos here on my blog - and the pages I make using the photos on journella.com.

I'd love for you to join me - Share your photos and pages on *Journella.com so we can inspire each other!

Tomorrow is the first FRIDAY of 2013.

Happy Snappin'

 

*Journella.com is a Free online Diary - to Keep, Organize, and Share your Memories

Happy 2013!

It is a brand new year  - and a brand new chance to do "it" right! (I love every excuse to start fresh.)

While I was looking at my Journal I found a message to myself for New Years 2012:

I was just sitting here thinking - these are the last moments of 2011 and what am I doing with them? I've had a sort of 'drab" day. I didn't do any of the things that I would have told you a person should do on New Years Eve.

So my goal for next year:

DO SOMETHING FUN!

spend time with the kids!

DO NOT WORK!

Well, I caught a cold and I've been snuggled in a bed for the past few days taking cold medicine and sleeping a lot but...  

I watched a marathon of the Lord of the Rings trilogy with Alexis during the day on New Years Eve (our preparation to see the Hobbit on New Years Day.)

Most importantly, I DIDN'T WORK! (I guess having the cold was probably a little "goal keeping" blessing in disguise.)

So, even though I didn't stay awake to see the ball drop, I am calling New Years Eve 2012 a success!

Hope you had a wonderful last day of 2012 and that you will enjoy this day and all the days to come in 2013!

 

Happy Memory Making!

It's the most secretive time of year!

I'd give you an excuse about how crazy my life has been over the past few weeks and tell you that is why I haven't picked back up with "Life.in.Lists." but that would only be partially true. The bigger reason has been a BIG distraction.

I had planned on getting back into the "swing" of things after finishing all the Page Kits for Thanksgiving weekend. But, I got an unexpected visit. The Mystery Machine pulled up in my drive way and I could not resist getting in!

 

Can you blame me? I mean really... this thing is kind of fabulous, right?

I am keeping all kinds of Christmas secrets from my kids so why not add one more secret to the bunch - a brand new project that I am very sure will be exciting to my Mosaic Moments friends. We have put much consideration into this project off and on over the past several years but the timing wasn't right - until now. So, I hope you will forgive me for cutting out a couple of months early on Life.In.Lists. and that you will continue making those daily lists to remember all your holiday fun.

We will be working through the holidays with a goal for a BIG reveal in early 2013.

 

Happy Holiday Scrappin!

First Five Memory Prompt: Ice Blue & Penguins - Friday, December 7

There are lots of memories inside our minds - sometimes we just need a little nudge to coax them out.

What are the First Five things that come to mind when you see this:

image source National Geographic

My List:

1. My best Friend Jaime's favorite color is blue.

2. I love to see the penguins at the zoo - but they (actually their dead fish food) sure does small bad!

3. Looking at all the penguins lined up reminds me of taking big groups shots at our family reunions.

4. I had a calendar many years ago that had paintings of penguins on it - I loved that calendar.

5. Mr. Poppers Penguins - that secretary was so funny. I bet the writers had a great time creating her character.

 

What were the first five "Ice Blue Penguin" thoughts that came to your mind?

Breaking for Relief

When I woke up yesterday morning I was so grateful to hear the sound of my fan buzzing. (It meant we had made it through the storm with power still on.) I watched the news throughout the day and my heart ached for all the victims of Sandy who have lost their homes, etc.

Each Thanksgiving weekend we have a page kit sale - we have been busy planning this year's sale and this morning it hit me, how I can help those who were not as fortunate during the storm. So, I am taking a break from LIFE.IN.LISTS to spend the next several days designing more Page Kits. This year's ANNUAL PAGE KIT SALE will also be a HURRICANE RELIEF SALE - with contributions being made to help the victims of Sandy.

A MINIMUM OF 50 cents per page kit and as much as $2.00 per page kit will be contributed to Hurricane Sandy victims immediately after the sale and you know the Thanksgiving/Grateful for our Customers Sale prices are amazingly low so... 

I hope you will SAVE THE DATE - SALE WILL BEGIN Thursday, NOVEMBER 22 at 12:01 AM EST (Thanksgiving Day.)

More details to come - before/during the sale.

 

Happy Scrappin!

CraZy RandOm Life - Tuesday, October 30

Watching the News

I've been at it again - watching the news and of course it has been a crazy news day.

Things I saw:

1. Fires in Queens. (I am so glad the people had been evacuated!)

2. NJ flooding and sand everywhere.

3. NYC tunnel & subway flooded.

4. Oil tanker run up on the beach.

5. A lot of snow in West VA. (It looked so pretty and I am sure the ski resorts are happy about it.)

6. Flooding along the Potomac River.

7. Big waves crashing on Lake Erie.

8. Lots of cancelled flights and a picture of the flooded airport from Jet Blue:

9. Trees on houses in so many places!

10. A rescue caught on film.

 

I hope as the sun sets again all are safe, warm, and fed.

 

What did you see today? Add your list to our comments to be entered in our snapncrop.com drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

Mosaic Monday vs. FrankenStorm

So, it has been CRAZY around here! We are hoping that all goes well and we will continue to have power... but we have learned from past storms that it is much better to be prepared than to hope for the best!

With all the craziness, I totally forgot to create my posts this weekend - and I see life has continued. :)

So, I am going to say Hi and Good-Bye again for the day because the winds are picking up and I really want to have all my laundry washed just in case!

If you have ever been without power for a week after a big storm I believe you are either:

1. Not in the path of the storm.

or

2. Not reading this because you are busy doing your laundry ETC. too!

for those who are not Storm Watching...

If you haven't been by to check out the Page Patterns blog last week. This is what you missed:

 

"Creepy Treats" supplies used: This page was created using 12x12 Black Mosaic Moments™ grid paper and features Tangelo Blast, Huckleberry, Kiwi, and Boysenberry Paper Tiles™. Halloween Stamps were used as embellishments

So have a great day, and a SAFE day, where ever you are and I hope to see you again after SANDY has calmed down.

 

And if the power is out for a few days or a week - I'll get some scrapbook pages done (a great we are out of power activity) and post them when the power is back. :)

Memory Prompt - First Five: Halloween Porch October 26

There are lots of memories inside our minds - sometimes we just need a little nudge to coax them out.

What are the First Five things that come to mind when you see this:

My List:

1. One day I am actually going to buy some pumpkins and carve something cute out of them - but, in the mean time, I need to put new light bulbs in my plug in jack-o-lanterns. :)

2. When I was in 5th grade we lived in a house at the top of a hill with no other houses around. (We'd moved into the house after living in the city.) My parents bought plenty candy to pass out; but, no one came to our door.

3. continued from #2: It was a long way to go to other houses, so I dressed in a costume and rang our own door bell. Then, I went inside, changed to a new costume, went out the backdoor, walked around to the front and rang our door bell again. I did this a few times before my parents made me stop.

4. Even though no children came up our long drive way to trick or treat, some (I am guessing older kids/teens) managed to make it up the driveway to smash our pumpkins.

5. My mom grew a few pumpkins in the same field my Dad planted corn. (Most of them were stolen just before Halloween.)

 

What were the first five "halloween pumpkin porch" thoughts that came to your mind? Add your list to our comments to be entered in our snapncrop.com drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.