All Paper Arts

Today, the family is going to the Stock Show. This is a family tradition we try to do every year. The girls are out of school and my hubby took the day off. It is also a tradition for the weather to be wet, cold, and miserable. There is truly such a thing as “Stock Show Weather” down here. As a matter of fact this year they even had snow! The girls favorite part is looking at all the animals. It is especially fun if we happen to be there when the young kids are showing off their animals. My husband likes to look at all the cattle and talk about which ones we will have once our ship comes in and we have land. I’m usually not talking much during this part because I am trying to focus on where my girls are stepping. So instead of talking I get a kick out of seeing all the little boys and girls dressed in their cowboy wear. It seems no matter how decked out my kiddos are there are always kids with even cuter duds on. I am sure the adults look cute to but they aren’t exactly in my sight when I am checking the ground.

Where am I going with this? I am sure you are wondering what this possibly has to do with paper art. Well, some of my best scrapbook pages have been pictures from the Stock Show or a friends ranch. You can really get some great pics. Like a the back of a little boy in a big black cowboy hat that swallows him holding his Daddys hand. Or the shilouette of a young girl grooming her prized dairy cow right before a show. These are inspiring moments that make memorable pages.

You would be amazed what little bits you have in your paper arts stash that will make one of these pages pop. Sometimes it might not even be in your art stash. It could be some raffia or jute that you can staple in a corner. Or maybe strips of an old torn bandana that you could lace through a few holes along the border of the page or the picture itself. There are endless possibilties. Next time you go out to a special event in your area see what special moments you can spot.

While we are doing my favorite part of the Stock Show….browsing all the vendors… I will be looking for inspiration all over. From the people to the rustic furniture to all the western wear. I can’t wait to share some of the ideas I get.