Hi there my Crafty Peeps!! In my last post I told you that my brother-in-law had been in a terrible car accident just before Christmas and was critically injured. Early yesterday morning, January 15, my brother-in-law passed away. He leaves behind two great adult children and his "little" brother, my husband Jim. Funeral services won't be until the 27th, which gives the family time to make arrangements to come home. We are a bit spread out across the country. It will be a very simple mass and celebration of life. That is how Bob would have wanted it. We are thankful that he is now resting and at peace.
I would like to thank all of you for your outpouring of love and support during this time. Many of you knew Bob had been critically injured and prayed for him and our family. My family is lucky to have so many prayer warriors out there. So many good friends that just lent a shoulder. It meant the world to us, thank you. And we thank you for your continued prayers and support, especially for Jim, as he grieves the loss of his brother.
Hugs to everyone, and remember, be nice, it's really not that hard!!
Always,
Leslie
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
#Ginabahrensdesigns Design Team Project for January 2018
Hi there all my crafty peeps!! I did not forget about you... promise!!! Life has a really bad habit of getting crazy when you least expect it to. And my family is no exception to that rule. 2017 has not treated this family very kind. To make a long story short, my 2 yr. old niece was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma earlier this summer, my 16 yr. old nephew passed away suddenly in July, I lost my job (but had a new one with in days hmmmm....) my grandaughter was still having some seizure issues (she stopped breathing on me), and of course the family drama that comes with all of this emotional upheaval. This all happened in about a 6 week period. So needless to say, I needed to take a step back and just regroup and catch my breath. I have a really great support team who totally had my back and a few who didn't. That's ok, it's their loss. I hope they never have to go through what my family has this past year. And, now to just add a little more fuel to the fire, my brother in law was in a terrible car accident just before Christmas and still remains in ICU at a hospital in Cleveland. Mind you, we are 5 hours away in Indianapolis!!
So, no matter what comes our way in 2018, I will face it with grace, strength and a smile. So on a VERY positive note, I wanted to let you all know that I am now on Gina B. Ahrens design team. Some of you may know her from her YouTube channel, but Gina also designs stamps, stencils and digi downloads. They are all available over on her Etsy shop!! AND, as a bonus, you can use the coupon code LESLIE15 and receive a 15% discount on any purchases you make at her store!! She has also written a book and it is also available there!! Really, go check it out!! You will LOVE it!! Here is the link to her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/GinaBAhrens
So, (drumroll please lol), here is my first project as a design team member for Gina!! I hope you enjoy!! I hope that it inspires you to go out and do something creative. And as always, BE NICE, it's really not that hard!!!
Here's to a fresh, new, creative 2018!!
Always,
Leslie
So, no matter what comes our way in 2018, I will face it with grace, strength and a smile. So on a VERY positive note, I wanted to let you all know that I am now on Gina B. Ahrens design team. Some of you may know her from her YouTube channel, but Gina also designs stamps, stencils and digi downloads. They are all available over on her Etsy shop!! AND, as a bonus, you can use the coupon code LESLIE15 and receive a 15% discount on any purchases you make at her store!! She has also written a book and it is also available there!! Really, go check it out!! You will LOVE it!! Here is the link to her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/GinaBAhrens
So, (drumroll please lol), here is my first project as a design team member for Gina!! I hope you enjoy!! I hope that it inspires you to go out and do something creative. And as always, BE NICE, it's really not that hard!!!
Here's to a fresh, new, creative 2018!!
Always,
Leslie
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Announcement Coming!!
Due to some technical difficulties (ie my son playing video games loudly in the background and a sick hubby) my special announcement will come Friday evening or on Saturday!! But stay tuned!! It's a good one!! Take care my crafty peeps!! And remember, Be Nice!!! It's not that hard!!!
Always, Leslie
Always, Leslie
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
New Design Team!!! Explorations Of Me!!!
Hello my crafty peeps!!! A few years ago I started to follow a woman on YouTube by the name of Cindy Sines Utter. Her creativity both inspired and spoke to my heart. And over the past year or so we have also created a wonderful friendship and sisterhood. Something that I am very thankful for!!
Each month Cindy gives out a journal prompt/question and then her team, as well as those who follow her YouTube channel will then create based on what the prompt/question is for that month!! It's a great way to explore yourself and explore your journey in art!! This is called, Explorations of Me.
I am so excited to finally be able to let the world know that I will be on the team for Explorations of Me!! Along with my co-design team members, Anne Manzari Williamson, Gina Bronzini Ahrens and of course Cindy Sines Utter. And I have to admit, all three of these ladies are my sisters in creativity!! We are going to have a fantastic and fun 2018!!
I have used journaling for many years to deal with both good and some not so good issues in my life. And to be honest, I have usually destroyed them, it was my "process" of documenting, and then moving past what I had journaled about. But then I began to journal not to just document and heal, but journal for joy as well. I know, what a concept right!!! It has become my greatest joy in life, to share the good and the bad, to keep the good and deal with the bad and create some really cool art in the process!!
So, begining in January of 2018, I will start my journey as part of the Explorations Of Me team!! I will also be sharing here the creations of my team sisters!! I will also post links to their channels/groups below!! I would love for you to follow along with me on this journey and post your pictures or videos over on my facebook group (link provided below as well)!!
Remember, there are no rules in creating!! So come create with us!! Oh wait, there is one rule!! BE NICE TO ONE ANOTHER!!!
And last and certainly not least, I wish all of you, from my family to yours, a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!!
Always,
Leslie
PS: Look for some more exciting news TOMORROW!!!
Cindy Sines Utter:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYxjVJwr0XYjYD-jg_30zCA
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAmAJournalingJourney/
Gina Bronzini Ahrens:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ginabahrens
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alifeofartandselfexpression/
Anne Manzari Williamson:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfKwb1Jzher6sgtMxxuLe1w
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anneliesesmmeverything/
Leslie McGrath:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ScrapnLifeAway
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/678705795570057/
Each month Cindy gives out a journal prompt/question and then her team, as well as those who follow her YouTube channel will then create based on what the prompt/question is for that month!! It's a great way to explore yourself and explore your journey in art!! This is called, Explorations of Me.
I am so excited to finally be able to let the world know that I will be on the team for Explorations of Me!! Along with my co-design team members, Anne Manzari Williamson, Gina Bronzini Ahrens and of course Cindy Sines Utter. And I have to admit, all three of these ladies are my sisters in creativity!! We are going to have a fantastic and fun 2018!!
I have used journaling for many years to deal with both good and some not so good issues in my life. And to be honest, I have usually destroyed them, it was my "process" of documenting, and then moving past what I had journaled about. But then I began to journal not to just document and heal, but journal for joy as well. I know, what a concept right!!! It has become my greatest joy in life, to share the good and the bad, to keep the good and deal with the bad and create some really cool art in the process!!
So, begining in January of 2018, I will start my journey as part of the Explorations Of Me team!! I will also be sharing here the creations of my team sisters!! I will also post links to their channels/groups below!! I would love for you to follow along with me on this journey and post your pictures or videos over on my facebook group (link provided below as well)!!
Remember, there are no rules in creating!! So come create with us!! Oh wait, there is one rule!! BE NICE TO ONE ANOTHER!!!
And last and certainly not least, I wish all of you, from my family to yours, a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!!
Always,
Leslie
PS: Look for some more exciting news TOMORROW!!!
Cindy Sines Utter:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYxjVJwr0XYjYD-jg_30zCA
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAmAJournalingJourney/
Gina Bronzini Ahrens:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ginabahrens
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alifeofartandselfexpression/
Anne Manzari Williamson:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfKwb1Jzher6sgtMxxuLe1w
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anneliesesmmeverything/
Leslie McGrath:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ScrapnLifeAway
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/678705795570057/
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Steampunk Mixed Media Art Journal Page
I hope you enjoy my video tutorial on how I created this art journal page!!
Thanks for watching!!
Always,
Leslie
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Hi There!! A Little Bit Of This And That!!
Well hello there my crafty friends!!! This blog is in some serious need of TLC and TLC it will get!! There have been so many changes in my life since I last sat down to write, some things really great and some things really not great.
I will start off with what is very near and dear to my heart and that is my great niece Briana. Back in the beginning of summer Bri was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma. Now mind you, she is only 2 years old, and she is one of the bravest 2 year olds I know. She has just finished what we hope will be her last round of chemo. She still has a long road ahead, so please keep her in your prayers!!
In July we lost my nephew Joey. He was 16. His passing was unexpected and has left a huge hole in our hearts. Joey's parents are really hurting right now, so please keep my brother and his ex-wife in your prayers. No parent is meant to bury a child. I remember the day he was born, holding him in my arms when he was just hours old, and then having to say good bye to him. It is just not fair.
I have also had a change in my job situation. I no longer work at the local high school here. The kiddo that was my main responsibility turned 22 and "aged out". So that left me with out a job. I was able to secure another position within the same school corporation, but now I am with little kiddos and not high school kiddos. This also meant that I lost my full time hours, which meant I also lost my health care benefits, which were really good. So I was able to get on my husband's health care plan, which really sucks. Chasing these little ones is much different than high school students and there is only one word to describe it.... EXHAUSTING!!!
With all the stress on our family, there is bound to be drama, and there has been a lot of it. It is unfortunate and it saddens me that people who are supposed to be grown adults refuse to take responsibility for some of their actions. They are more than willing to shout from the roof tops (or hide behind an email) and spout off on all the wrong doings of others with out taking some responsibility for their own part in the drama. But, I have stood up, because I can, and reached out to those family members who are hurting right now, and for that I have been chastised and called evil. But that's ok, because I can get up in the morning, look myself in the mirror, and with honesty say, I've done good. You see, you can lie to all those around you, but you can't lie to the face looking back at you in the mirror.
My grandbabies are growing like weeds!! Khloe is in 1st grade, Liam is in Kindergarten and Penelope turned 2 in July!! Penelope did have another pretty hard seizure that required me to call 911 because she decided to stop breathing on me. Shortly after that incident, Penelope was attacked by a dog at the baby sitter's requiring 6 stitches on her face, and still has major bruising weeks later. Needless to say, the dog is no longer there.
I really need to thank my friends, those who live here locally and those who are part of my online crafty community. This has been a very difficult few months for my family and most of you stood by and supported me through all of this. There were many events that I missed, but our family needed time to disconnect and heal. To spend some quality time together because we are not promised tomorrow. A few people didn't understand and took things personally and for that I am sorry. It is my sincere hope that they never have to suffer through what our family has had to endure these past months.
On a happier note, I have been on the design team for 7 Gypsies and Tattered Angels, which is owned by a company named Canvas Corp Brands. I have had a lot of fun working with their products! I may also have a surprise announcement for you all later in October!!
But my grown up kids are doing great, Kevin and Katrina are doing great, Kevin is still teaching and Katrina is still working for a physical therapist. Samantha is still working as a social worker in Columbus and........ Donnie moved back home from Evansville!! So, we are no longer empty nesters again, kinda!! He is never home, so we don't really see him!! Jim is still working hard as a retail manager and I am arting up a storm!!! My mom's house down in Florida survived hurricane Irma with minimal damage, and for that we are very thankful. That is her little piece of paradise and it would of been heartbreaking for her to have lost that.
I was watching a video the other day, and for the life of me I can't remember who it was. But they said something to me that just grabbed me. So often I hear people say, (even myself) I can't do that! Well I am here to say yes you can, you need to BEGIN, BELIEVE and BECOME!!! I think you are going to hear that a lot from me!!! So be on the look out!!
And before I sign off here, I just have one thing left to say, and I've seen this sign all over my neighborhood, and it says: Just Be Nice..... so to all of you, go out and do something crafty and JUST BE NICE!!! It's really not that hard!!!
Always,
Leslie
I will start off with what is very near and dear to my heart and that is my great niece Briana. Back in the beginning of summer Bri was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma. Now mind you, she is only 2 years old, and she is one of the bravest 2 year olds I know. She has just finished what we hope will be her last round of chemo. She still has a long road ahead, so please keep her in your prayers!!
In July we lost my nephew Joey. He was 16. His passing was unexpected and has left a huge hole in our hearts. Joey's parents are really hurting right now, so please keep my brother and his ex-wife in your prayers. No parent is meant to bury a child. I remember the day he was born, holding him in my arms when he was just hours old, and then having to say good bye to him. It is just not fair.
I have also had a change in my job situation. I no longer work at the local high school here. The kiddo that was my main responsibility turned 22 and "aged out". So that left me with out a job. I was able to secure another position within the same school corporation, but now I am with little kiddos and not high school kiddos. This also meant that I lost my full time hours, which meant I also lost my health care benefits, which were really good. So I was able to get on my husband's health care plan, which really sucks. Chasing these little ones is much different than high school students and there is only one word to describe it.... EXHAUSTING!!!
With all the stress on our family, there is bound to be drama, and there has been a lot of it. It is unfortunate and it saddens me that people who are supposed to be grown adults refuse to take responsibility for some of their actions. They are more than willing to shout from the roof tops (or hide behind an email) and spout off on all the wrong doings of others with out taking some responsibility for their own part in the drama. But, I have stood up, because I can, and reached out to those family members who are hurting right now, and for that I have been chastised and called evil. But that's ok, because I can get up in the morning, look myself in the mirror, and with honesty say, I've done good. You see, you can lie to all those around you, but you can't lie to the face looking back at you in the mirror.
My grandbabies are growing like weeds!! Khloe is in 1st grade, Liam is in Kindergarten and Penelope turned 2 in July!! Penelope did have another pretty hard seizure that required me to call 911 because she decided to stop breathing on me. Shortly after that incident, Penelope was attacked by a dog at the baby sitter's requiring 6 stitches on her face, and still has major bruising weeks later. Needless to say, the dog is no longer there.
I really need to thank my friends, those who live here locally and those who are part of my online crafty community. This has been a very difficult few months for my family and most of you stood by and supported me through all of this. There were many events that I missed, but our family needed time to disconnect and heal. To spend some quality time together because we are not promised tomorrow. A few people didn't understand and took things personally and for that I am sorry. It is my sincere hope that they never have to suffer through what our family has had to endure these past months.
On a happier note, I have been on the design team for 7 Gypsies and Tattered Angels, which is owned by a company named Canvas Corp Brands. I have had a lot of fun working with their products! I may also have a surprise announcement for you all later in October!!
But my grown up kids are doing great, Kevin and Katrina are doing great, Kevin is still teaching and Katrina is still working for a physical therapist. Samantha is still working as a social worker in Columbus and........ Donnie moved back home from Evansville!! So, we are no longer empty nesters again, kinda!! He is never home, so we don't really see him!! Jim is still working hard as a retail manager and I am arting up a storm!!! My mom's house down in Florida survived hurricane Irma with minimal damage, and for that we are very thankful. That is her little piece of paradise and it would of been heartbreaking for her to have lost that.
I was watching a video the other day, and for the life of me I can't remember who it was. But they said something to me that just grabbed me. So often I hear people say, (even myself) I can't do that! Well I am here to say yes you can, you need to BEGIN, BELIEVE and BECOME!!! I think you are going to hear that a lot from me!!! So be on the look out!!
And before I sign off here, I just have one thing left to say, and I've seen this sign all over my neighborhood, and it says: Just Be Nice..... so to all of you, go out and do something crafty and JUST BE NICE!!! It's really not that hard!!!
Always,
Leslie
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Steampunk Pocket & Tag
This is a start to finish process video of steampunk pocket & tag that I did for a challenge!! So go grab a beverage & your favorite snack and enjoy! I hope that it inspires you to create something beautiful in your life!
Friday, October 23, 2015
It's a Haul Y'all!!!
Hi there!! Well I have never done a "haul" video!! So, after spending a day down in Brown County (Nashville Indiana) with my best friend, we stopped by a scrapbook shop that I had heard about from another friend! The shop is called Papertrix and it was so awesome! The owners are very friendly and the shop had a very welcoming atmosphere!! I will definitely be stopping back in there the next time I am down that way!!
Since I really enjoyed my visit to her shop and I loved the products that she carried, I thought I would do a haul video showing you what I purchased!!
Have a great day my friends!! I hope that these stamps inspire you to do something creative!!
Since I really enjoyed my visit to her shop and I loved the products that she carried, I thought I would do a haul video showing you what I purchased!!
Have a great day my friends!! I hope that these stamps inspire you to do something creative!!
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Home Made Gesso - Process Video
Hello there!! Gesso is such a versatile medium, but can be a bit pricey! But I would be lost if I did not have my gesso while creating! So, here is a video that I did on how to make your own gesso, using inexpensive items!! Enjoy my crafty friends!!
Friday, October 16, 2015
DIY Mixed Media Junk Journal
This girl is on fire LOL!!! So I've been working on this project while on my fall break from school and thought I would share the process with all of you!! Please don't forget to like, subscribe and leave me a comment!! I love to hear from you!!
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Journaling by 5's - Free Play
Well friends, this is the final video in this series!! I have learned so much about myself, what I like, what I don't like, but most of all, I learned that the only one I have to please is myself! My art is my own!! I want to thank Shannon Green for hatching this idea and it has just taken off!! You can check out her process video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0ohBQFKqus Once again, thanks for watching and I hope I have inspired you to be creative!!
Journaling By 5's Step 5
I told you I was playing catch up!! I really hope you are enjoying this as much as I am and I hope that it is inspiring you to do something creative!!
Journaling by 5's - Step 4
Wow!! I'm on a roll LOL!! I am trying to play catch up here on the blog tonight!! I hope you enoy step 4 in my Journaling by 5's process!!
Journaling by 5's - Step 3
I hope that you enjoy step 3 in my Journaling by 5's process video!! I know I am a wee bit behind in posting these here to the blog, but they are all up and live on my youtube channel!!
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Journaling by 5's - Step 2
Hi Friends!! Here is my video of step 2 in my Journaling by 5's journey!! I hope that you enjoy!!
Monday, May 25, 2015
Journaling By 5's - Step 1
Well friends, here is the video of my first step in the Journaling by 5's process!! I hope you enjoy my insane journey!! Here is the link to the Youtube video that I made:
https://youtu.be/7rKPNrufHi4
Have a great night (morning!!) everybody
https://youtu.be/7rKPNrufHi4
Have a great night (morning!!) everybody
Sunday, May 24, 2015
A New Challenge
Hello friends!! I hope that you all are enjoying Memorial Day weekend!! Here in Indy, that means hide!! With the Indy 500 going on this weekend, that usually means alot of craziness going on, and everybody drives around like they think they are on the racetrack!! I've been once, not sure I will go again, but I've learned to never say never!!
I wanted to share will you all that I am going to do a challenge called Journaling by 5's (JB5). The reason I am doing this is because it will force me to think out of the box, and it is a TIMED challenge!! (insert laughter!) There are a total of 5 sessions, 10 different medias (2 per session), 15 minutes per session, and 20 pages!! I've already made my own 20 page journal to do this and I will be video taping my progress and sharing it here with you! Aren't you excited about that!! Ha!!
Here is what will be in each session:
Session 1: Background - paint, ink
Session 2: Texture - collage/craft, recycled
Session 3: Pattern - stamps, stencils
Session 4: Focal Point - words, images
Session 5: Details - pen, pencil
So you all who know me, know that I can take 1 day to complete just 1 page!! With this challenge I will have to get each session done on all 20 pages in 15 minutes!! Gulp!!! Shannon Green is the person who created this challenge and here is a link to her YouTube video explaining the process:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0ohBQFKqus&feature=youtube She is extremely funny and I am looking forward to seeing if I can really do this!! Shannon also has a facebook page dedicated to the JB5 process where we can share our journey, ask questions, and most importantly, laugh!! Here is a link to her facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/journalingby5s/ I hope that I will bring you all laughter and smiles on your faces as I embark on this challenge!! It is my goal to start the first challenge today and be done by Friday, especially since I leave for Ohio on Saturday to FINALLY go see my new great niece!! Wish me luck and let the fun begin!!
I wanted to share will you all that I am going to do a challenge called Journaling by 5's (JB5). The reason I am doing this is because it will force me to think out of the box, and it is a TIMED challenge!! (insert laughter!) There are a total of 5 sessions, 10 different medias (2 per session), 15 minutes per session, and 20 pages!! I've already made my own 20 page journal to do this and I will be video taping my progress and sharing it here with you! Aren't you excited about that!! Ha!!
Here is what will be in each session:
Session 1: Background - paint, ink
Session 2: Texture - collage/craft, recycled
Session 3: Pattern - stamps, stencils
Session 4: Focal Point - words, images
Session 5: Details - pen, pencil
So you all who know me, know that I can take 1 day to complete just 1 page!! With this challenge I will have to get each session done on all 20 pages in 15 minutes!! Gulp!!! Shannon Green is the person who created this challenge and here is a link to her YouTube video explaining the process:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0ohBQFKqus&feature=youtube She is extremely funny and I am looking forward to seeing if I can really do this!! Shannon also has a facebook page dedicated to the JB5 process where we can share our journey, ask questions, and most importantly, laugh!! Here is a link to her facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/journalingby5s/ I hope that I will bring you all laughter and smiles on your faces as I embark on this challenge!! It is my goal to start the first challenge today and be done by Friday, especially since I leave for Ohio on Saturday to FINALLY go see my new great niece!! Wish me luck and let the fun begin!!
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Monday, March 16, 2015
Butterfly Mixed Media Page
Hello everyone!! I had an opportunity to do some crafting this past weekend and this is what I created!! It was def a work in progress and almost gave up on it, but after walking away and sleeping on it, wala!! It all came together!!
I really enjoyed getting my hands dirty as I created this!! Spring is almost here!! Time for butterflies and flowers!! The product list (to the best of my recollection) will be posted in the comment section!! Please be sure to leave me a comment and follow me!!
I really enjoyed getting my hands dirty as I created this!! Spring is almost here!! Time for butterflies and flowers!! The product list (to the best of my recollection) will be posted in the comment section!! Please be sure to leave me a comment and follow me!!
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Home Made Gesso
Hi there friends! I have also been asked for my recipe for my home made gesso. I use gesso on just about everything! It's great as a primer for a canvas or as a base coat on a mixed media page. I also use it to tone down colors if I've painted something too bright or to add texture to an element I've used on a page.
1/4 Cup Baby Powder
1/4 Cup Water
1/2 Cup White Craft Paint
1/4 Cup White Craft Glue
Now because I use so much gesso, I will double the recipe!! I store this in a cleaned up salsa jar, that way I can seal it up good with the lid! It is also tintable with acrylic paints. I've also tinted mine with embossing powders and gelatos by Faber Castelle.
The fun is endless!! I really get a feeling of satisfaction when I not only create something, but part of my creation began with a hand made base!!
1/4 Cup Baby Powder
1/2 Cup White Craft Paint
1/4 Cup White Craft Glue
Now because I use so much gesso, I will double the recipe!! I store this in a cleaned up salsa jar, that way I can seal it up good with the lid! It is also tintable with acrylic paints. I've also tinted mine with embossing powders and gelatos by Faber Castelle.
The fun is endless!! I really get a feeling of satisfaction when I not only create something, but part of my creation began with a hand made base!!
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