A Painting trick with Photo Shop Elements

The last couple of days this was my project: painting my Giffin glamchildren. I used PSE 6 by turning the photos into "cutouts" in the edit system. I then printed them and using transfer paper, outlined the shapes onto 8 by 10 canvas boards.

I was going to paint them in "natural colors" but my daughter wanted them in a monochromatic theme. I found it easier to paint after I printed the photos again in gray tones so that the values were easier to see.

My biggest tip is to keep thinking "I am painting "shapes" not lips, eyes, etc. You can get very lost is you think too much. I think they turned out fun. Brooke plans on hanging then together in a horizontal line in her hall........

My Art Studio Chair

Today, I've been straighting out my art studio and thought I'd show you this wonderful chair. I bought it for $20. It was stained but the upholstery was otherwise in good condition.

So I spray painted it with a satin black paint.
I did have to vacuum off a lot of little fussies and the fabric is just a tad harder to the touch, but I love the lines of this chair and it works great in my studio! Yeah for spray paint!

72 hour emergency kits

So today I finally put together Mr. Fabulous's and my "72 Hour Kits". I have collected the items and the backpacks long ago and never seemed to get enough gumption to put them altogether. I do have to say that I now have a sense of peace about any upcoming emergency if we have to leave the house for a day or two (knock on wood and heaven forbid)... It is just smart to have the stuff ready. I got a list of what to bring from this site, and here is a list from the Red Cross .

PS Does it bother anyone else that the pack of paper towels is upside down in the photo?! I going to go fix that right now. (I'm so weird even I recognise the fact that I'm weird sometimes!!!)

My Kitchen Pantry

Some days are just not all that exciting. Like today as I reorganized the pantry. One cool thing is the old "Jack Links" beef jerky grocery shelf that I bought at a thrift store. It is kind of hard to see in this photo.

Another cool thing is the old First Aid box that I also got at a thrift store. I did paint the big red cross on it though, and sanded it to make it look older.That's it........

Strawberry Shortcake Craft Day

Remi and Ava spent the night last night. Remi brought along a "Strawberry Shortcake Craft Book" so that set the theme. Here they are painting paper plates and bowls to make hats.

They made strawberry Popsicles by sticking sticks into the ends of the strawberries and coating them with sugar and then freezing them. Yum!

We also made strawberry cream cheese and spread it on bagels.

Delicious!

and here the girls are eating strawberry shortcake while wearing the hats that they made. FUN, FUN, FUN!

A Japanese Flower Garden Tea Party

My friend Tami is busily packing for a move to Japan, but that didn't stop her from wanting to make her daughter Camille's birthday party wonderful. Since she's moving, it was going to be too crazy to have the party at her house, so I had the pleasure of hosting the get together of darling little girls. I googled "Happy Birthday Camille" in Chinese and painted these banners. I LOVE that you can "Google" what ever you are in need of knowing!

Tami brought over some decor items and I put this little "pagoda" together. (It was the "Bat Cave" two days ago)...
The girls seemed to have a lot of fun making crafts, sipping lemonade out of tiny china cups and having a swim. It was so much fun getting to watch these cute kids and getting a chance to know them better.

Happy Birthday Camille!

Nash's Birthday Overnighter

I asked Nash what he wanted to do for his birthday overnighter and out of all the opportunities to take numerous outings, all he wanted to do was "Hang Out". So that is what we did....

We went to the video rental store to rent some games, but came home instead with Batman gear.
We made a "Bat Cave" that the boys watched TV in, Slept in and did their Hanging Out in. They seemed to have fun and it was an easy event for me.

Happy Birthday Nash!

July Birthdays

Last night we celebrated Sloan's, Dusty's, Nash's and Grandpa Fabulous's birthdays. (Sloan was the only one who ate cake with her hands, hence the photos)

And the only one who let me take a picture of them bathing...ha-ha.Happy Birthday!

Princess Daisy's Nursery

Finally put together, Daisy's nursery is sooo cute! Kelli bought the crib for $20 at the Rose Bowl Flea Market and Craig painted it, the changing table from Savers ($19) and an old dresser from childhood.

Here is the bedding that I made...
Kelli made the banner at Scrapbooking,

and the curtains for the closet.

What a happy room, don't you think?

Our Boarders...

This Fabulous Quail family lives in our back yard, but they travel to the front from time to time for family outings.

Most of the time, they scurry to a hiding place under a bush when they see us. They were on my front porch as I was opening a shutter to let some light come in the house when I stumbled upon this family adventure. I hurried and got my camera and yeah!

Each time I see them I count the babies and so far so good. The parents are VERY cautious and make sure that all is safe for their babes. It makes my heart swell each time I get to see them.

Our 10th Glamchild is Born!

Daisy was born Wednesday, July 2nd at 11:34 pm by Cesarean Section. Mom, Baby and Dad are doing fine and were all real champs during the whole process. We are blessed indeed!!!! Yeah...