Monday, January 10, 2011

Pecan Pickin' layout

Living in Oklahoma and growing up in the country picking up pecans was always a chore I dreaded when I was a kid but now as an adult I enjoy the task. Usually I go with my Aunt Betty and we go up on the ranch where my cousins husband is the foreman. Some years there are plenty and some years it is slim pickins, this year was a bit slim but at least I got some. I took my camera and was able to get a few good pictures for a layout.


The patterned paper of the trees and words is from Imaginisce Apple Cider collection. The yellow polka dot is something I had that went with it. as are the round chipboard embellishment and clear leaf stickers . *okie hears the gasps at they notice okie has stickers on her layout* OH SHUSH! I don't mind some stickers! I used Country Life for the title and Serenade for the trees.

I got my layout designed in Design Studio. I used Country Life for the title and Serenade for the trees. To cut the trees I put part of the trees off the mat to save paper and since I wasn't using the full tree it just seemed to make more sense to do it that way. I just scissors to clip the areas that needed it.

OH I want ya'll to click the picture and make it bigger and see the picture at the top. Lucy was having a ball trying to keep the cows away from the vehicles and us but she almost got kicked in the head. I couldn't believe I was able to get that shot! Another note about that picture...I had printed it at 5x7 but the photo paper I used messed up in the middle so I couldn't use it. I didn't want to waste ink and paper and do it again so I printed at 4x6 and then just layered on top of the 5x7. I think it gave the picture an interesting effect.

I did a little doodling in the title to help it stand out more against the patterned paper. Okay I admit I also did it because I am a compulsive doodler *okie hates it when her readers make her admit to her vices*. But ya got to admit, it usually looks better when ya do doodle a little diddle *okie suddenly wonders if she has been drinking...but doesn't think she has*.

I didn't want to completely cover the tree so I nestled the picture of Lucy into the branches of the tree and then with the bottom part of the title I put some behind and then left a little to fall on top. I always think layering over like this adds interest to the subjects and makes the photos and elements seem to be more harmonious *okie now thinks she sounds like she is full of crap and wonders if maybe she sniffed way too much ink today*.

I spelled out the PECAN PICKIN' and then welded the letters together. Ya'll know how I am about my shadows and layers and since the font doesn't have a shadow I just cut one in orange and then one in brown and offset the orange. I know I have told you guys before that is how I make my own shadow but figure it is worth repeating.

I wanted different colored leaves so I cut three sets for each tree out of patterned paper. And since it was from the same collection the patterns went well with the paper I was using.

The IN THE COUNTRY was already a phrase available on the cartridge and it seemed to go nicely with this layout so thought I would go ahead and use it. You can also see where I did add some sewing on the layout. I thought about sewing some lines down the middle of the leaves but changed my mind real quick because that just seemed like way too much work!



24 comments:

  1. I love this layout. And, yes, it does look quite harmonious.

    Thank you for sharing. You've given me some ideas.

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  2. Cute layout, Okie! Lucy looks like she had so much fun on her day in the country. Keep on doodling, girl!

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  3. I love that layout, colors, elements, fonts....etc.

    You need a pecan picker upper tool. Not sure what they are called for real. My mom had pecan trees in her yard and she found this device. You don't have to bend over.

    Hugs!!!
    Crystal

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  4. Beautiful LO Shirley ... and so many wonderful details too.

    I don't know why, but for some reason it seems like I've seen something similar before ... have I lost my mind? That pic of Lucy where she is by the bucket of peacons seems familiar. She is so adorable and seems to be smiling and saying ... "look at all the pecans I got Mom!" It makes me laugh!

    Hugz,
    Carol

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  5. This is such a beautiful layout!

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  6. Love your LO Okie, it is just too cute. TFS

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  7. Love your layout Okie! Those trees are my favorite part :)

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  8. My goodness, how long does it take you to make a LO? This one is absolutely gorgeous. You have such an amazing talent. Thank you for sharing it with us.

    Alaina

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  9. Cute cute pictures and a great layout..

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  10. What an awesome layout girlfriend! Isn't it funny how we like things as an adult we hated as kids...for me it's sour cream lol.

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  11. Look! It's Lucy, the cow dog! lol!

    Love the layout!

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  12. Nice job Okie and I love that Lucy is there with you!

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  13. I never had to pick them up. I always had to take them out of their shells. I am so allergic to pecans. It is a wonder I didn't die from it. :)

    VinDeeLoo

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  14. LOVE the Layout Okie! I Also LOVE that paper too! :o) All the details are simply Marvelous!!! :o)

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  15. Yummy Pecans! Glad Lucy didn't get kicked. I too like how some parts over lap. Great job!
    quilt 4 fun 2 at hot mail dot com

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  16. Love it!! I love your paper choices big time. So glad puppy didn't get hurt!!

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  17. I absolutely love this layout. I've been looking for a way to use my Apple Cider paper! This is PERFECT!!

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  18. A fun layout reminding you a a fun outing. Love love love the trees.

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  19. Great layout. I agree with you that is a nice look layering one picture on top of another. Looked like you had a fun day.

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  20. Love this layout. Nice autumn colors. I always liked picking pecans also.
    Shanna

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  21. Oh, how I remember those days of picking up pecans. . . I hated it too. It was always cold and we wondered around following our father who "flayed" the trees with a long cane pole. But God how I miss those days and would not give up one single moment or misery/memory for all the money in the world. Those were the best!!
    Betty
    bml@protocolsolutions.com

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