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For a while now I’ve really been missing getting together with crafty friends and had been wanting start up again. My thoughts were that I could host it in my new craft room but alas that is much to messy still and I couldn’t really fit many friends in there. So I put the idea on the back burner and let life move forward. My sister introduced me a few months ago to Bible Journaling. When I checked out the photos of what people are doing I was so impressed and knew that is exactly what I had been wanting to do. It turns out in the 3 fellowships in our branch there were some other believing ladies who were interested in the whole bible journaling idea and were interested in getting together. So far our group has met twice and and have been so inspired and have done a few entries outside of our meetups. We are meeting at a local coffee shop here in Duluth called Espresso Theory I really love getting out of the house and meeting new people and being in an environment that is easy to spread out and work on our works of heART.
Here are some of my pages I’ve done, along with pictures of others in our groups pages.
I thought I’d put together a little bit of a list of what we’ve been using and how one might need to get started, as well as links to resources available online.
I’m not an Artist? Can I do this?
YES!!! Yes you absolutely can. First off I am also far from an “artist” but I have found out some ways to get away around that.First is TRACING!!
Since there was nothing on the other side of my page I was able to just stick my printed lettering and patterns under my page where the blank is and trace it using my markers i bought. (Linda traced an image right off her phone!!! like a portable light box). I am going to try and use my Ipad to trace off of next time. A cool thing about my print out is that mom was able to trace it to her page next, so bonus of multiple uses!! You could also print off images from the internet or use coloring books or other art books to trace from.
Another option is STICKERS!
I’ve actually designed a couple layouts that fit in the margins and printed them out on sticker paper then cut them out to fit right in my bible. My comfort zone is definitely on the computer designing and this lets me incorporate that into my bible journaling.
I have some of these designs available in my etsy shop right now.
Freehand
If you are an artist, doodler, enjoy creative lettering you can easily take all the mediums and methods you currently do your art in and apply them to your bible. There are some amazing artists out there doing lots of great work free hand. My friends Beth & Fran do amazing freehand work.
Mixed Media
In this page I did I used a bunch of different media. Washi tape, cardstock, clear paper, and markers. For me I still like to be able to read all the text in my bible so for the flowers and the clouds I actually doodled and colored on white cardstock and then glued them in at just one point so I could bend them back or to the side and read the text. I also allowed parts of it to go outside the page kind of like a tab when my bible is closed. You could easily add layers of ephemera, stamps, stickers, tapes, paints etc on one page really layering the look. Again there are many examples of mixed media styled pages when you do an image search of bible journaling.
Bible
You can use any bible you might have on hand or you could invest a little bit of money (approx $10+). A bible with a super wide outside margin works really well for bible journaling, especially if you don’t want to cover up any text with your art. When looking, you might find them called Note Taker or Journal Bibles.My Recommendations:
The bible that checked all the items on my list is: the Mid Size Note Taker Black Vinyl by Local Church Bible Publishers. I really like the 2.5” side margins as well as the large print. It does make for a thicker bible but that works just fine for me. I also love that it is KJV (my preferred version) as well as the price point as a group we ordered a case and with shipping it worked out to be about $13/bible
Things you might want to keep in mind:
The bigger the margins, either the text gets smaller or the bible gets larger.
Paper thickness, thinner papers more bleed through or ghosting.
Do you want to be able to read and use the bible regularly
Art Supplies
Much of what you already have will work in your bible. People are using colored pencils, paints, markers, stamps, watercolors, washi tape, and more.My Recommendations:
Here are some product either I have used or friends in my group have/are using:
Things you might want to keep in mind:
Markers and inks may bleed through but there are page primers that will help block bleed through. Colored pencils of any quality are producing amazing art in bibles.
More Online Resources, Tips, Tutorials and more!
A bunch of people are sharing their processes and tutorials via Youtube. I even have a video of how I use my tool caddy for to store my bible journaling supplies.
Someone also started a group for kids here. I have a bible journaling group on facebook called Bible Journaling Down South you're welcome to join.
If you enjoy searching pinterest for inspiration my sister and I have a great pinterest board:
Over the last few years I've either been pregnant or have been toting around an infant, and the latest baby gear and trends have been on my radar. This year I have a bunch of friends and relatives having babies.
One of my favorite Atlanta events is the Baby & Child Expo. If you're a new to be mom it is certainly not to be missed. If you're a seasoned mom and love keeping up on the latest and greatest offerings in the baby products and services you definitely want to attend this event.
Desiree the event organizer always finds the best brands and local businesses available in Atlanta. Not to mention there are TONS of prizes to be won.
If you're contemplating the VIP ticket...DO IT! It is worth the $$ and there are so many perks that go along with that ticket.
The Info:
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Atlanta Baby and Child Expo
What: THE premier event for expecting and new parents in the Southeast.
We bring in the ultimate in parenting and baby products and professionals.
It’s an elite experience, intimate in setting and not overwhelming. It’s
a party for YOU, the expectant, the new parent, the grandparent and the
supporting cast of family and friends.
When: May 11th, 11am-3pm (VIP ticket holders get early entry, starting at
10:30am)
Where: Fox Theatre Ballrooms, 660 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Tickets: www.atlantababyandchildexpo.
This event features a Maternity Fashion Show, Red Carpet Photos of
attendees as they enter, a Stroller Trial Track, Cravings Corner and so
much more!
Last Thursday night I had the opportunity to gather with local Atlanta Mom Bloggers down in Buckhead for a party with Graco. The party was hosted by Meghan of JaMonkey.com. I had so much fun meeting other area blogging mommies (and some of their adorable babies) and chatting all about our kids, blogging, and car seats!
Photo courtesy of party hostess Meghan
Meghan shared with us the all new Graco SnugRide® Click Connect™ 40 car seat. I was super excited to learn more about the only rear facing car seat on the market that is designed for newborn up to two years old (4lbs – 40lbs). I was mostly curious how a two year old could sit rear facing and still have room for their legs.
Graco did an amazing job addressing that issue. Their 8 reclining positions allow you to adjust the seat to best fit your child and allow them to comfortably sit rear facing without their legs being cramped. Adjusting the position of the car seat is super simple just press the buttons on each side and slide to the seat position you want. When their feet do touch the seat they have designed a handy kick plate that pulls up to protect your seat. (This is my husband’s favorite feature!)
That isn’t the only cool feature that I really loved. The harness system, ‘The Simply Safe Adjust ™’, makes it super easy to adjust the height of the shoulder straps and head padding section as your child grows. No more rethreading the straps!! WOOT WOOT I love that it makes it easy to ensure you’re keeping your child as safe as possible at all times! No excuses!
Having two young kids, a 20 month old and a 1 month old, this car seat is amazing. If I’m traveling with only one of my young ones I can easily adjust it to fit either child with the super simple seat & strap adjustments. For that purpose this would be a terrific car seat for my husband’s car, additional bases can be purchased too.
The car seat is exclusively available at Babies R Us and retails for $219.99.
The Graco SnugRide® Click Connect™ 40 – the first and only newborn to two-year infant car seat that actually grows with your baby from four pounds all the way up to 40 pounds. The car seat is designed for a parent on the go. The infant car seat can be easily removed from the base and used as a carrier when the infant is small, providing portability and convenience so you can easily move your infant in and out of the car without disturbing them.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently made the recommendation to keep all children in rear-facing car seats until the age of 2. Graco set out to make this product so parents can keep infants rear facing longer while still keeping them comfortable.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Graco. The opinions and text are all mine.
Being six months pregnant I’ve definitely have baby on the brain. I’m always interested in seeing what the latest and greatest baby trends, gadgets and must haves. The expo is featuring lots of exciting vendors and sponsors. There are even more exhibitors where you can get the latest baby info. One of the exhibitors, Atlanta Diaper Relief will be having a huge diaper party. Be sure to stop by and support this fantastic organization which provides diapers to low income parents in Metro Atlanta. Dr. Oz and his wife will be speaking on Sunday. How exciting is that!
Oh and since the event is at the Gwinnett Center there is FREE PARKING!! An added bonus for me is that the Gwinnett Center is almost in my backyard so my travel time is super short too!
WHERE?
Gwinnett Convention Center (map it)
WHEN IS THE EVENT?
June 9-10,2012
Sat. 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sun. 11:00 am- 5:00 pm
WHAT IS THE SHOW ABOUT?
This giant baby shower combines shopping, information and celebration all in one amazing event.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Expectant Parents, New Parents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Friends who are planning a baby shower or have your baby shower with us!
Here is your opportunity to attend the Baby Shower Expo along with 3 guests. I have been giving 2 sets of 4 tickets to give away. This is a super quick give away so tell your friends!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Is there anything more Atlanta than our favorite musical family at our favorite family destination?
That’s right Laughing Pizza is hosting a film premiere event at the Georgia Aquarium!!! My five year old and almost one year old love to dance and Laughing Pizza’s songs come on in between their favorite pbs kids shows, it is adorable to watch them jump up and down and shake to the music.
A little bit about the band:
Laughing Pizza is a real family band who write and perform all original pop-music for families. This mom, dad, and daughter trio travel across the nation performing at theatres, museums, music festivals, nightclubs, schools, and other venues. Lisa and Billy (the mom and dad) are both classically trained musicians and former music teachers with a history of success in the grown-up music business. Emily, their 15-year-old daughter, plays multiple instruments including flute, drums, guitar, piano, and bass – and co-writes all of the Laughing Pizza songs with her parents – all while attending school online and crafting the new Laughing Pizza clothing line!
A little bit about the event:
Atlanta's family-favorite musical group, Laughing Pizza, invites families to the grand Oceans Ballroom at Georgia Aquarium for a one-time, VIP family film premiere Saturday, Feb. 4 at 11:00 a.m. The award-winning band and world’s largest aquarium are teaming up for the world premiere of Laughing Pizza: The Concert Movie as well as a live performance by Laughing Pizza after the screening.
Beginning at 11:00 a.m., guests will get the “red carpet treatment” with photographs, spectacular views into the world’s largest aquatic habitat, Ocean Voyager, as well as views into the charismatic beluga whale habitat from within the grand Oceans Ballroom. There will also be entertainment by Atlanta's own Circus Camp and more. The VIP screening of Laughing Pizza: The Concert Movie, will begin at 12:00 p.m. (The film has already won 5 out of 5 Doves from the Dove Foundation, and was endorsed by the Parents Television Council.) After the screening, Laughing Pizza will perform a few of their hits, and guests will have the opportunity to meet Billy, Lisa and Emily, up close and in person!
Laughing Pizza is a real family band that writes and performs all original pop-music for families. Their music videos can be seen every day in more than 18 million homes on PBS stations and TV On-Demand channels around the country. This mom, dad and daughter trio (from right here in Smyrna!) travel across the nation performing at theatres, museums, music festivals, nightclubs, schools, and other venues – including the White House (with Miley Cyrus and The Jonas Brothers). Their live performances are energetic, interactive, dance-filled shows that get kids and parents up and moving, and they have a loyal following all across the country.
When:
February 4 at 11:00am
Where:
Georgia Aquarium in the Grand Oceans Ballroom
How to get tickets:
VIP Red Carpet Premiere tickets include admission to the film, live performance by Laughing Pizza, meet and greet with the band, and red carpet festivities. VIP Red Carpet Premiere tickets are $15 (Children under 1 years old are free).
For an even more spectacular experience, guests can upgrade their tickets to the VIP Red Carpet Premiere Plus ticket, which includes admission to the premiere and its events, as well as admission to the Aquarium and the 3:30 p.m. showing of AT&T Dolphin Tales. VIP Red Carpet Premiere Plus tickets are $34.95 for adults and $28.95 for children. Children ages 1-3 years old need only a film pass, as they are admitted to the Aquarium for free. Premiere Plus Combo tickets are ONLY available until Feb. 2nd ($10 per ticket savings).
Online ticket purchases for the show event itself are through Feb. 3rd online, then tickets must be purchased at the door only.
For more information and to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE. The event is sponsored by Shumate and B-98.5FM. A portion of all proceeds will go to The Georgia Aquarium’s SEA Program.
The VIP Red Carpet Premiere Plus ticket is a fantastic deal you get the whole aquarium experience after a super family show.
