Midsummer’s Dream

There is nothing like a relaxing day at the beach getting lost in your thoughts. You don’t agree? Perhaps a calming hike in the woods is the way you prefer to clear your head. How about a midday swing in the hammock under tall oak trees? Summer is full of activities aimed at helping you to relax and enjoy life. It is often in these moments that you are centered enough to dream your dreams. When things get quiet for you, what is it you ponder?

It is easy to get wrapped up in a busy life and forget to take small moments to let your imagination run wild. I want you to stop today and spend some time being your very own fortune teller. Let you mind begin to wonder. Who do you think of? Is it a family member, yourself or a long-lost friend? Do you dream of faraway places you hope to visit or the renovations you want to make in your own backyard? Maybe you have a career in mind or a hobby you want to pursue?

Each lady below took some time to share their thoughts, wishes or musings about the future. The pages are full of meaning and reflection.

My Wish by Patricia Roebuck

Supplies: Paper: Crate Paper, My Mind’s Eye, Jenni Bowlin Studio, Lily Bee Designs, Wood Veneers: Studio Calico, Alphabet Stickers: Crate Paper, American Crafts, Stickers: October Afternoon, Buttons: Crate Paper, Brads: Basic Grey, Specialty Paint: Viva, Ink: Prima Chalk, Mists: Studio Calico, Pens: Sakura Microperm 05, Twine: Divine Twine, Doily. Software: Photoshop Elements,Tools: Electronic Cutter Silhouette, Stamps: Studio Calico, American Crafts.

Journaling: My wish is...to be healthy and still around by the time Emma is older. I want to see her successes, be there for support, and love her as much as I can. Emma is the youngest of all our family, and I hope she can have a relationship with all of her Aunts and Uncles, as well as cousins, so that just in case...well, that she would have the love and support she will need. So I cherish this time with her, and make it the best it can be. I am so curious to see how she will be as a woman, but I have to remember I am not getting younger - so no rush, Chickadee, to grow up. I want as much time with you - xoxo Mom.

Design Notes: Mask and mist the background with a background cut from the Silhouette. Then use some of the positive cuttings on the background, clustering around the photos. Use more mist watered down to paint around the masked area to make it stand out a little more, and more for splatters and drops. Use travel stamps to go along with “life” instead of traveling. I am the one taking the photos, so iPhone photos are the only ones I have of me and my daughter. They are not the best, but they are cherished moments. Journal around the entire layout for a border and keep the photos as the focus.

Finally Our Own House by Marianne Sjøberg

Supplies: Paper: Maya Design, Alphabet: Prima Marketing, Die Cuts: Fence, Kort&Godt, Tags: Kort&Godt, Alphabet Stickers, Transparency, Journaling Spots: Glitz Design, Stickers: 7Gypsies, Doilies: We R Memory Keepers, Ink: Wooden Flourishes: Kaiser Kraft, Applique: Melissa Frances, PopDots: Papirdesign, Other: Sewing Machine.

Editor's Note: I love the white picket fence that makes you think of home sweet home and the row of hearts that reinforces the heartfelt journaling.

Journaling: These are exciting days!! After living in this town for 7 years, not able to decide if we are staying or not, we will finally have our own place. First of July this year we will move from the horrific apartment we are renting in to this house…our own house! Now I am wondering how we will like it here. For how long this will be our home? Will I still feel like my life is on hold, that this is only temporary, or will I finally be able to settle here in Northern Norway? And will I finally be able to make my home my own?

Wishin' and Hopin' by Melissa Elsner

Supplies: Paper, Flower: Prima Marketing, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, American Crafts, Alphabet: American Crafts, Bling: Webster’s Pages, Leaves: Queen & Co, Chipboard: Maya Road, Paint: Jenni Bowlin Studio (Ranger Industries), Other: stick pin,Tools: Electronic Cutter: Silhouette Cameo, Kit: Scrapbooking from the Inside Out.

Design Notes: To symbolize the thought of dreams and daydreams, I used my Cameo to cut out though clouds. The idea was to place my journaling in each cloud above my head so it looks like I'm daydreaming.

Journaling: Having dreams, hopes & wishes is what keeps me motivated to move along & persevere in life! They are good to have around. Hoping for Mr. Right to come along... Wishing I could cut back hours & focus on designing... Have a larger creative space... Would love to be back at my high school weight... Hope to live in Chicago...