A trip to the apple orchard
The lingering smell of hot apple cider and apple mini donuts welcomed us as we arrived at "Apple Junction". It was our first time visiting the Apple Junction. We'd visited other apple orchards in our area years past, but this year, my sister thought it might be fun to check out some of the smaller, more charming apple orchards. I wasn't sure what to expect, but turns out, the small orchards are just as great, if not better, than the larger, more popular orchards. Both the places we visited had a nice selection of fresh apples & activities for the kids. I ended purchasing a medium size bag of Honey Crisp apples, homemade apple cider, cider spices, and apple crisp mix. Ethan spent a lot of time running around, climbing on pumpkins, and mingled with the local farm animals on display. We dedicated the entire afternoon to the trip and by the time we got back, we were totally exhausted. It was soooo worth it though :) With the apples already almost gone, we'll be due for another trip to the apple orchard in the very near future. I love this time of year in Minnesota.
I've been very conservative with purchasing scrapbook product lately. For the first time in months, I placed an order with A Million Little Things. Since the their original debut, I've been anticipating the release of Collage Press's newest products; Clear stamps and paper lines "Camden" & " Jackson Lodge". Last week, while strolling the world wide web, and by some mere crazy accident, I ran into the newest Collage Press product at A Million Little Things. I picked up a few of the stamp sets and all of the papers. Believe it or not, the stamp sets are bigger than they appear online. Each set is 6" wide x 8" tall. The stamp sizes are proportional to the needs of a traditional scrapbook 12" x 12" layout. They're not so small that they get left behind in a layout design. They're actually quite large (the largest ring from the Charleston Ring collection is 5" wide) and highly noticeable on a 12" x 12" page. They're obviously made with the scrapbooker in mind. I love that. I also like the image designs, especially the rings. They're practical and can be used on any type of layout.
I also purchased a few other misc. items, including these cool, simple sticker labels from Luxe Designs. Again, it's all about practicality for me right now. These stickers will definitely find a place on my layouts/projects:
Prima Marketing came out with these 4-way vintage article transparencies. I added two of them (I believe there are 4 total transparencies available in this style) to my order. They're a great option for experimenting with new techniques and ideas. For example, how about including these in a mini album (as pages)? What about painting the background of one of the sections and including it on a layout? Layer the section with photos, journaling, miscellaneous stickers, papers, etc. There's an infinite number of possibilities using these beautiful, new transparencies.
Ethan remains interested in all things mechanical, including this nifty cool toy he took home a month or two ago. It's a plane on rails! With the touch of a button, it takes off into the "sky" and rotates through the air all by itself. It's an ingenious display of toy technology at it's finest. I still can't believe how well it works considering how often it gets used at my mom's place..I've transferred it there, which is where Ethan spends his afternoons while I work from home. I haven't done a lot of documenting of Ethan's toys. After Ali E. mentioned something about scrapbooking her son's toys, I knew I needed to do the same. It's an easy subject to forget when scrapbooking, though ironically, it's a subject we often reminisce about as adults (who doesn't think about the kinds of toys they played with as a kid?) I'm tempted to create more layouts on this subject. It's refreshing and oh'so fun.
*Lastly, I'm currently setting up a class schedule for 2009. If interested in having me teach in your area (or store), please contact me via email. Thanks!
Do you think you could come to australia, we would love to see you.
Great layouts. Just love them
Posted by: Shelby | September 29, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Oh that Apple Orchard looked like an awesome place to visit.Man, Ethan seems to have grown a whole head of hair overnight...LOL.So cute!
I love that paper line you purchased,and I can't wait to see how you use it.
Your layout is super awesome.Love all the layering.
If I didn't live in no mans land,you could come here any day and teach.
Posted by: Julie | September 30, 2008 at 02:58 AM
That layout is amazing! And the collage press collection looks SO yummy! Thanks!
Posted by: Jingle | September 30, 2008 at 04:37 AM
A new time, your stuff is so fabulous !
Posted by: Fifine51 | September 30, 2008 at 05:27 AM
What fun the Apple Orchard! I love your layout!
Posted by: VickiF | September 30, 2008 at 05:32 AM
Christine, you take such great shots. I really love the one of Ethan peeking his head out from the yellow car. How cute is that!
I think that's a fabulous layout. I love those chipboard letters. Who is the manufacturer, or did you just alter the pieces?? love it.
Wish I had half the stuff my kids have when I was young - I remember GI Joe and Barbie, and lots of homemade toys, like butterfly nets to keep ourselves entertained!!! And man, yes do I wish I had photos of those...
Have a happy autumn day!
Francesca
Posted by: Francesca Di Leo | September 30, 2008 at 09:57 AM
Love the layout and those stamps look yummy.
Sure looks like you had a wonderful time at the apple orchard.
Posted by: Laura T. | September 30, 2008 at 10:22 AM
how I love the pic of Ethan + all the pumpkins.........so green jelly here that we don't have anything like that here!!
I can't wait to see the Apple Orchard pics scrapped!!
Fantastic LO!!
enjoy those new goodies!!
Posted by: Rach | September 30, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Love the apple orchard photos- especially the ones of Ethan with the goats and new calf- and the chicken close up!
I bought three Honey Crisp apples at the store today- they are the best!
Happy Fall :)
(btw- if you get a teaching assignment in WI, esp. the southern half, please let me know!!!)
Posted by: Kelly | September 30, 2008 at 05:43 PM
I just find your work simply amazing. You have truly inspired me and it's been a while since I felt inspired. So thanks. Quick question. I see you use a lot of the black rimmed labels for your journaling. Can you tell me what brand they are? Thanks again!
Posted by: Rhonda P | September 30, 2008 at 05:57 PM
Oh my gosh...please come to Massachuseets to teach....I'd love to be inspired by you in person!!! Love the toy layout...and you're right that it is definitely something we all think back on fondly as adults.
Posted by: Donna | September 30, 2008 at 06:11 PM
LOVE the photos! He's so adorable! And awesome work as usual. Your detail work is so inspiring :)
Posted by: Alexis | October 01, 2008 at 07:34 AM
Cette page est très belle, bravo!!!
Posted by: Baba | November 12, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Cette page est très belle, bravo!!!
Posted by: Baba | November 12, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Cette page est très belle, bravo!!!
Posted by: Baba | November 12, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Cette page est très belle, bravo!!!
Posted by: Baba | November 12, 2008 at 11:17 AM