The Funkie Junkie Boutique's Inspiration Ave... It's Ideal! (Tim Holtz 2024 IdeaOlogy)... Photographically Ideal!

 

What a month May has been; sometimes a person can be almost "too busy" just living daily life. When you're handicapped, it nearly doubles the time it takes for a "normal" person to do the same things. What makes it hard to get the time to do what I love (inside the house) seems unimportant to those around me. I end up late in everything and going everywhere, and when I took the time to really look at why... it was because I think of others. Really; when you do something, it's because YOU love others- not because THEY love you. And quite often, I feel the need to do everything the very best I can do. That takes time because I'm perfectionist and I don't like letting anyone down. Now here's the thing: GOD always comes first in everything, right? I mean; even scrubbing the tub is for HIM. Truth! We're supposed to do ALL things as best we can because we're doing EVERYTHING for HIM. So, when you think about that; any less than our very best is letting HIM down. We're all going to have days when our very best falls extremely short in everyone else's opinion. But, I'm hopeful because all that matters is that The LORD sees everything, knows everything, and is in all places at once... pleasing HIM and letting HIM justly Judge my "very best" is all that matters. And that goes for each and every one of us. So the next time someone is late (even perpetually late like myself), instead of judging their lateness, be thankful they showed up. When I die, my tombstone will more than likely say "Here lies Lyla- you could depend on her to always be late!", but I'd like to add a but... "But, you could always DEPEND on her!" It'd be nice if the support was reciprocated once in a while, and if it wasn't always just me following everyone else's timelines so that I could make the deadlines I feel are important. I've struggled each time because an artist has to have the ideas and feel the need to work and those times have been put on the wayside for what others want me to do. I've been overly tired and that hasn't helped, but I hoped people would understand. Being a DT for The Funkie Junkie Boutique is one of the best, fun, and greatest learning experiences I've ever had. I wish others could see how important it is to me. And how important the PEOPLE have been to me- especially Linda Coughlin ( TFJB Owner) who has taken time to teach me so much and has given me grace while I've been strugglng with time issues this 6 month term. Here's a HUGE SHOUTOUT for those who have kept coming back to read; you've been my biggest supporters... THANK YOU !!!

The Older Grandbabies are out of school for the summer, after a busy month of May. We watched "the greatest spectacle in racing" during Peanut's Kindy 500 on the 15th. Every kid in that Kindergarten Class just had the most AWESOME cardboard car!! The work that each parent and the Teachers helped the kids put in was nothing short of FANTASTIC! Signs all over saying "WELCOME Race Fans!" The best part- as you can imagine- was watching the heats of races as 4 to 5 of them lined up and raced as fast, and as best as they could... Hilarious and absolutely heroic as everyone clapped for every single student. The top winner overall had everything the Indy 500 is famous for: the huge trophy, the wreath for his body, and center stage! I noticed that they only forgot the MILK!! Of all things to forget for a KINDY 500!! was very blessed to be able to attend their "graduation events" both from Kindergarten and Preschool. Princess Chloe was up first; her Sing and Diploma program was on Monday evening, the 20th- she's always excited about what's next around the corner! The next day, it was our pleasure to take her to her school's "Pond Day" for family fishing. Papaw just happened to know the pond owners (another set of Grandparents) who also just retired from SIA. Princess had fun with her Bestie, Theresa, while Papaw and I caught the same Blue Gill- at least he was a HUGE one! That afternoon, I got a message from younger Son (up in NY) that had me laughing for DAYS- seriously! I posted earlier about our Grandbabies being "total characters" and the things they all think up and say are just TOO CUTE!! 

Little Princess Rose discovered she likes wearing a bycicle helmet- whether she's cycling on her tricycle- or getting ready for bed, lol! Next up, was Cole again; the oldest leads the way for what the others are sure to follow: we knew ahead of time that Peanut was going to be surprised with an award, but we had no idea what it would be. When they called out for kids who were Cougar of the Month, we proudly watched as Cole was among about a dozen and a half kids from K, 1st, and 2nd Grades, who stood up to be recognized. He'd gotten that award in September- being the first of his grade to be awarded so since it was September. Then they began calling names for different awards, and finally got to the last part- which we knew had to be COLE: Citizenship Award. He was surprised, and a bit embarrassed (lol!) to see all of us come down to greet him afterwards. What a treat it was for this Memaw, having worked programs at school and enjoyed watching our Sons get so many awards, to see it come full circle... and it's only beginning!! After sending both older Grands their small Graduation Hat cakes (yes, I fully intend to make one for each one of them!), we took off with a set of Besties to Kentucky for our first time seeing The ARK Encounter, and The Creation Museum! I am simply AWED by The ARK and all there was to see and do there. There is not enough space, nor time, to describe it all, but EVERYONE should go see it. Yes, EVERYONE: Believers and nonbelievers of The BIBLE and Creation. It gives BOTH sides- the scientific views and what The BIBLE says-  and allows the person to decide for themselves. Worth every minute of reading and seeing! Then it was Memorial Day Weekend and I was finally able to get a chance to talk to the younger Kids and Grandbabies after they got back home to NY after spending the holiday in Canada with her Sister's family. It's weird to think I was finally (after so much rain and storming) opening our pool this month "down here" while they were already swimming in theirs "up there".

I'm absolutely thrilled to lead off this newest, most fun, and most looked forward to, of all the Tim Holtz releases: IdeaOlogy 2024! Of course, DT Leader and Owner of The Funkie Junkie Boutique, Linda Coughlin, came up with the cutest title; "It's Ideal!" and I'm all in! I've gotten my goodies and I'm running late (as usual) but I just couldn't help myself: I was struggling with time and yet; still adding to my make on Memorial Day, when I should have been blogging it by then. There were too many ideas coming to me- and it was too exciting!  I've even made up a set of videos, so grab some popcorn and join me for a picturesque scroll!

Here's my Happy Mail from The Funkie Junkie Boutique!

I had to add a second package of the Salavaged Hearts... these are SOOO overdue from Tim!!

Here's a List of LINKS:

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Booklet Folio

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Collage Strips Large

Tim Holtz Idea-ology File Cards 2

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Folio Folders 

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Pocket Folio

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Pocket Folio

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Layers Photo Studio

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Paper Dolls Poses

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Salvaged Hearts

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Screw Heads

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Stitched Scraps Basics

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Transparent Things 2

Various Distress Crayons- too many to list separately!

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Paint - Black Soot

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Pad - Ground Espresso

Ranger Tim Holtz Oxide Ink Pad - Scorched Timber

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Pad - Vintage Photo

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Sprayer

Tim Holtz Distress Sanding Disks

Ranger Inkssentials Ink Blending Tool + 2 Blending Foams

Scor-Pal Scor-Tape 1/4" x 27 Yards

Ranger Inkssentials Glossy Accents

Tim Holtz Tonic Studios Kushgrip Snip w/Non-Stick Blade & Cap 7"-Small

Tim Holtz Tonic Studios Black Kushgrip Snip w/Non-Stick Blade & Cap 5"

It was a tough choice: I went with the Pocket Folio (at the top and right).

Distress Inking all the front and back along all the creases and edges.

It was much easier when I discovered the covers can be removed: they fell off on me, lol!

I wanted the edges to match somewhat in tone/shades to the other IdeaOlogy paperie, 

so I chose Scorched Timber Oxide for the edges into the middle area

and then went over all the creased edges again with Ground Espresso Oxide. 

I am SO loving that Scorched Timber!!!

Here's where it fell apart and that made it easier to do the covers.

In the video (below), you'll note how I mentioned you can rearrange these Folios.

I cut some of the Backdrops (from Vol 1,  Vol 4,  and Vol 5) scraps for making pockets

out of 2 of the fold-out bottoms. The third would still fold downward.

Some of the IdeaOlogy (older versions) and other stash items.

Some I colored... and some I left plain.

I love the metal IdeaOlogy Findings and Fasteners just as they are!!

Here, I probably had the worst time: choosing from all the new things to go into the Folio!

You can see I started making photographs- "the Grandbabies" were the first to grace one!

There always seem to be perfect little look-alikes in every Paper Dolls package- or maybe it's just me?

Oh my: HOUSES and CARS in the newest of the Paper Dolls!!

Here, I am covering the new File Cards 2 with last year's (hardly used but once)

Collage Paper just because it matched my photographic theme here!

You'll see more of this explained in the video(s).

I'm adding some older Remnant Rubs to make my own "ViewMaster" 

from the (retired) TH Picture Wheel Bigz Die- one of my fave dies!

All the "pages" are done, and the surprises all tucked inside.

Time to do the outside covers...

... first; making use of a rarely-used TH older Stamp Set that I absolutely ADORE!!

If you want to see one of the only other times I've used it:

(CLICK HERE to see "TFJB Challenge: Documented"). 

Old and new IdeaOlogy- for the mix to a great looking cover!

I scratched the Salvaged Heart with my very old TH Scratcher (wire scratcher)

that I still use now and then.

To get the hemp tied around the heart: I used a bit of Score Tape on the back

and it held onto the string while I wrap and tied it,

then adhered it to the cover top Backdrop page with Glossy Accents

and a tiny bit of hot glue from the hot glue gun- just for good measure.

Here's the picture-perfect Photographically Ideal Booklet...

FRONT- with some of my collection of old cameras.

*NOTE* In order to view any of the foldout pages and surprise tucked items,

you'll need to watch the 2 videos! ;)

Closeup FRONT

PAGES 1 & 2

PAGES 3 & 4

PAGES 5 & 6

PAGES 7 & 8

BACK

VIDEOS!!

Part 1 of 2: "It's Ideal; Photographically Ideal!"

Part 2 of 2: "It's Ideal... Photographically Ideal!"

Thanks so very much for joining me on this photographic journey!

I hope you've not only enjoyed the views, but I also hope you're inspired to create your own!

If you're looking for help to get started- there's no better deals to be found than at

The Funkie Junkie Boutique!

Make sure you check back in here at Inspiration Ave every few days as you won't want to miss

more inspirational makes as the rest of TFJB Design team shares their take on our latest theme;

"It's Ideal!"

Until next time...

Stay Safe &

HAPPY BLOGGING!!

The Funkie Junkie Boutique's Inspiration Ave #10; Stencil Sensation... Wedding to Anniversary!

Here's hoping this posting finds you've been safe from all the storms- and tornados- that have been tearing through the States these past weeks! While we heard a tornado hit close to our Florida hometown, none (so far) have ripped through here, thankfully. I've been kept busy picking up the branches that keep breaking off of all the trees that surround us out here, and it's kept us from having the time to open the pool- until this past Monday, finally! You'd think I'd have lost weight with all the running back and forth I do. :(  Shrooming ended here and went north, as it always does, without anything overly large found. No big "motherlode" this year, but I found a good number of them for both eating right away and freezing so the younger set of kids can have some when they come down next month for all the Family Reunions. The flowers finally were found, purchased, and planted.... around midnight by flashlight by the time I was finishing the job. I cannot leave things undone- it's the bane of my slow existence. I wasn't aware of the Northern Lights showing up all the way down to our backyard; I was so concentrated on the planting/mulching job that I didn't even look up at the stars. So, I was happily surprised to find it was only the first night of two when the Northern Lights could be seen. What a treat to cross off my BucketList: doubly so because it was from my own backyard! The next day was Mother's Day on Sunday, and getting to hear from all my Kids just melts my heart! The older ones brought my fave stuffed crust pizza and Turtles chocolates out after Church, then we ended up taking the older 2 Grandbabies down to the Lake to fish. I was re-baiting my hook when Princess Chloe tapped on my back and swung her pole around to show a good-sized Bluegill on her hook! Just one second later, Peanut lifts his up- with another Bluegill on his line: entirely both done one their own! After 3 for Peanut and 2 for Chloe, they were both hooked, too... on fishing! We went down to look for crawdads below the dam, but they had more interest in hooking more of the baby Large Mouth Bass that grow up in there. This was their first time actually doing their own real fishing and it will take time for the younger 2 Grandbabies to get that old and want to try also. While down there, I got photos from the younger Kids up in New York; they were taking Little Pecan and Princess Rose to the Ice Show in Syracuse. From the look on Jamie's face, I can tell he was having fun! We'll see in a bit how Jude did with it; she's an easy-going baby who loves to laugh. But she's still just little yet! My Grandbabies are all four getting big now: Cole went on his first "big" school trip to the Indy Zoo, and I got a good laugh when they told me "He found out other Moms could go and now I'm gonna hafta go on the next one" since he was calling out his "Rents" for not going, lol!! I pretty much went on every single trip my boys ever took. Brett had to have a breathing machine for most of those years, so it was required. For Brian's class, most of his mate's parents either worked full time or were Teachers that had to stay behind for other classes. I ended up with a LOT of kids and getting to know them on those trips... and sports... and Scouts... and Church.... and being a Mom at home where they could come over anytime. I only miss it when I think of the FUN times- not keeping up physically now that I am getting older!

 I'm starting you off with an early idea you can put together for those weddings and anniversary celebrations that will likely come your way in these next weeks. Linda Coughlin, Owner of The Funkie Junkie Boutique set out to challenge her Design Team by asking us to use one of Tim Holtz's new Stencils from Stampers Anonymous to bring out some "STENCIL SENSATIONS"! I've gone a bit further with a few other new TH products and included some cute elements for these two Mini Books from Eileen Hull's newest Bigz Die. 

Come join the celebration: do a little dancing along with me to see what I've done...

Firstly, let's talk shop! Namely: shop at The Funkie Junkie Boutique! ;)

HUGE TIM HOLTZ INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE!

I scored quite a few items I've wanted for a long time, and also caught a few new ones.

But I actually SAVED a TON of $$ it would cost anywhere else.

So, RUN & get yours while they last! The list is HUUUUUGE!

Here's what I planned on using for STENCIL SENSATION.

 Secondly: That handy List of LINKS:

Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Stamp Set Forgotten Garden

Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 15PK – Vault Boutique by Tim Holtz

Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Layering Stencil Deco Feather

Sizzix Scoreboards Die - Mini Book by Eileen Hull

Sizzix Scoreboards XL Die - Field Notes & Specimen Card by Eileen Hull

Sizzix ScoreBoards XL Die - Skinny Mini Book Box by Eileen Hull

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Pad - Antique Linen

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Pad - Salvaged Patina

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Pad - Vintage Photo

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Sprayer
Ranger Inkssentials Ink Blending Tool + 2 Blending Foams

Ranger Inkssentials Glossy Accents

Tim Holtz Tonic Studios Kushgrip Snip w/Non-Stick Blade & Cap 7"-Small

I began by die cutting some basic cardstock for the extra middle layer (for stiffness) in the cover,

as well as for the pages of the book.

I used some TH Memoranda (older stack) Cardstock for the outside of the cover.

Cover cuts: 2 Memoranda Cardstock 

1 Basic Cardstock

Inside Pages: 2 Cuts of Basic Cardstock for each Page (Front and Back with Ribbon in middle).

I added some Distress Oxide in Vintage Photo to all the edges and creases of the cardstock cuts.

And used the same DO Vintage Photo with some DO Antique Linen with my TH water Spritzer

onto the Glass Media Mat to smoosh TWO long (rayon or single seam binding) ribbons into.

I crushed up both ribbons and held them into tightly wadded balls with my tweezers

while I heat dried them, so they would both crinkle up and stay that way.

Here, I am forming the Mini Book's cover

by adhering one ribbon with its halfway mark between the BACK(OUTSIDE) LAYER

and the MIDDLE LAYER of the cover. This will be the books enclosure tie.

Next, I adhered one end of the other ribbon in between the MIDDLE LAYER and 

the FRONT (INSIDE) LAYER. This will be the ribbon that unfurls with pages glued onto it.

 

Above, you can see this book will have 2 pages in it.

I wanted to try to make each book a bit different, so one book has 2 pages and the other has 3.

I die cut 2 of the Doilies to use for the outside covers, 

and hoped to put in some frame cuts but the frame was just a bit too wide.

I took one extra die cut and made them half-sheet pockets.

TIP: I always use a Sharpie Permanent Marker and color HARD onto 

the bottom numbers, then wipe off the excess with a tissue.

This makes it easier for me to store them in order, as well as check off Inventory on Tim's app.

For the very first Stencils (that didn't have these indented numbers), the Permie Maker

stays up at the top with the number from the TH Inventory List.

It was a bit tricky to get the Stencil to fit in where I wanted it, but it was doable since the

design was the same all over it. 

I did get a bit antsy and heat-dried the Paste to get it going faster...

...in the meantime, I worked on the flowers for the front of the covers.

After chopping down the original Iris to a smaller version, I came up with a way to add all

the colors Larry and Cathy used for their wedding on Saturday; May 11th.

A little Salvaged Patina Distress Oxide went a long way to brighten up the page!

I inked the edges of each ChitChat Word with DO Antique Linen and pasted it onto each Flower's note.

Here's "Wedding to Anniversary"...

 We attended the Wedding of one set in our group of Besties. Both were widowed/widower, and I was very happy to see them both find someone to grow older with! Another set out of our group is very close to them and helped get everything ready these last few months. That couple will celebrate their 40th Anniversary in June- just a few weeks before ours (and married by the same Preacher as us)!

Closeup of the TH Deco Feather Stencil- as used with TH Ranger Transparent Crackle Paste.

Salvaged Patina Distress Oxide helps give it some "pop" without adding too much blue.

The TH Stamp Set, Forgotten Garden, had just the perfect stamp for these Mini Books!

Packaged up with my signature Gift Tags.

A Wedding is the start of a new life and 

an Anniversary is the continued celebration of that new life together.

My hope for both these sets of our Family

will enjoy the blessings of many more years to come!

As for YOU, my readers; I send out my heartfelt THANKS!

for scrolling down through these celebrations along with me-

sharing such happy, and creative, events of life!

Remember that the rest of the fabulous TFJB Design Team will be posting their take on

Inspiration Ave's "STENCIL SENSATION"

every few days. Pop back in often; you won't want to miss even one!

Stop by The Funkie Junkie Boutique

and check out all the BRAND NEW PRODUCTS... as well as the CLEARANCE!

The HUGE $AVING$ are waiting on you... but not for long!

Until next time...

Stay Safe &

HAPPY BLOGGING!!