I remember when I was a little girl, my grandmother would sit me in front of the TV to watch “The Price is Right”, while she sat at her wooden desk with her sewing machine tapping away. I loved the sound of the sewing machine. There was something calming about those moments when I watched my grandmother sew little dresses for me. I could see that she truly enjoyed sewing as her hobby.

When I was in my early teens, I remember asking my grandmother why she didn’t sew anymore. I noticed that she never sewed and was curious. She had told me that the hobby became too expensive and that she couldn’t buy the materials and supplies needed. Years later, I realize how sad that must have been for my grandmother. I can not imagine giving up my scrapbooking for anything. If the time came to where I couldn’t afford to buy scrapbook supplies, it would break my heart.

Wild Flowers by Vicki Canning

Supplies: Papers: Crate Paper, Grunge Board: Tim Holtz, Alphabet, Buttons: BasicGrey, Other: pizza box scrap, fabric.

Design Notes: I made the flower from a cushion cover I had in the house, and used a piece of cardboard for the ripped underlay.

Walking Softly by Frances A. Sylvia

Supplies: Papers: Cosmo Cricket, Jenni Bowlin Studio, Floss: DMC, Bling: Kaisercraft, Ink: Stampabilities, Alphabet: Sassafras Lass, Jenni Bowlin Studio, Other: buttons.

Design Notes: I love to hand stitch. I incorporate into almost all of my layouts these days. I did a straight stitch to complete the circle. Once the layout was completed, the stems of the flowers looked a bit boring, so I stitched those to make them pop!

Beautiful by Nicole Martel

Supplies: Papers: Crate Paper, BasicGrey, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Brads: Making Memories, Flowers: Prima Marketing, Making Memories, Butterfly: Prima Marketing, Rub-Ons: Cosmo Cricket, Bling: Creative Imaginations, Bird: Two Girlz Stuff, Stamp: Catslife Press, Ink: Clearsnap, Pen: Uni-Ball.

Design Notes: I used stitched rub-ons above and below my cluster of photos since I do not own a sewing machine.

Journaling: In May, momom planted a butterfly plant in my garden and I have yet to see a butterfly!