Technology.... and Bllogging

I've been having a wonderfully creative and fun break.

The reason you aren't reading much about it here is that I can't figure out what to do about photos and my new Mac.

On my PC I had cascades of nested file photos for my pictures.  However, iPhoto doesn't work like that.  (I thought Windows was bad for "No, do it MY WAY" but Apple is way worse.  Supposedly the efficiently and all-around coolness will make up for the bossy attitude.)

I blog via my camera.  Looking through my pictures tells what I've posted, what I'd planned to post, etc.  But I'm still spinning my wheels about organizing the Mac way on iPhoto.  My uber-organized friend Anne swears I will like it better.  In the meantime, I'm creating lots that will get posted... just as soon I as get a system in place for dealing with photos....

Here's a sneak peak.....

Quotables: Happiness

All who joy would win must share it -- happiness was born a Twin.

~ Lord Byron

Happily, this doesn't require a sweetheart.  Just someone who needs joy will do.... and there are plenty of those folks around.  

Don't Throw Away....Used Christmas Cards

I'll take 'em!

I'll make art out of them....

Free 2015 Calendar Template

Need to keep kids usefully busy?

Want an excuse to make some art yourself?

Need a last-minute mostly free gift?

Make a 2015 calendar with an MS Word template you can download here.  One month per 8 1/2 x 11 page -- easy!  Just a warning, though, this template was originally made on an old PC and modified on a Mac, so it's probably not going to behave if you try to tweak it.  Just hit print... or plan to be patient.  Next year, I'll do .pdfs.  If you can't get to the file, email me jpariodesigns[at]gmail.com.

The calendar pages themselves are thin cardboard/thick cardstock, the consistency of cereal boxes.  These pics are from an old calendar I made for my Mom.  Here I used ribbons, but my more recent ones are make with book rings.

You need:
13 sheets of cardstock, poster board, or cereal boxes at least 8 1/2 x 11 inches
paint
template (download here)
paper punch
ribbons or book rings
probably more time that you think.  (However, if you've got 3 kids and each one does four pages...)

TIP: punch the holes before you paint

A very Grandma-filled Christmas!

These lovely ladies helped make my season bright!

Merry Christmas!

Blessings and hugs to all my dear readers!

Christmas Caroling!