I've been watching my girls read a ton... I listen to audio books mostly... I read a ton that way... I have to admit that I love Children's and Young adult novels... I love when they are a series! I just finished the Underland Chronicles. Loved it. I have devoured all of the Stefanie Meyer books... and and dying for Brisinger to be released! I'm getting ready for the Charlie Bone series... but am waiting for School to start (when I will have more consolidated time at home) since the library only has cassette tapes for the first few books and I only have a CD player in my car. You might be asking WHY I like such a younger genre of literature? I like that almost all of them are "clean" (almost is still a key word there), I like that there is no/very minimal profanity...I like that they usually teach good moral lessons or intrigue me into innocent fantasy... I'm very much a fiction gal! I never listen to the radio any more... I'm so far out of it in that area of the world... and, I have found that Ella, even though she is only 5, will listen to them with me...and I enjoy talking to her about the stories! (She loved listening to Eragon and Gregor) I have tried to venture into more adult literature but am usually dissapointed by "f" bombs and turn the book off. If any of you have any great, clean adult reading suggestions, please let me know!
Ok... I'm yadda yadda-ing here....moving on... I rarely create anything for myself and thought I would make a bookmark, using my Remember stamp set, for my scriptures!
I'm challenging myself to some serious scripture reading this fall... I'm hoping that I will be reminded and motivated by this bookmark. It's Physically harder for my to look down at a book for a long period of time.... silly neck of mine.... but I'm setting time goals. This little pretty will hold that place for me... I could easily make a ton of these too... for friends!
Notice I have no button? :( It pained me not to add one... but I knew it would cause some issues in my scriptures... and they are more precious to me than I can say. Here is a close up...
I used Copic Markers to color everything in... I LOVE coloring... and these are so therapeutic to use. *Sigh* I love just sitting there coloring! I can't imagine how it will feel when I get a few more hours of practice under my belt and I feel less insecure about using them. What's really cool to me is the ability to shade...It brings back some of the painting concepts I used to use... such as establishing a fulcrum (Using your non drawing fingers to stabilize your hand making it easier to pivot in small areas.) while detailing ...and floating the colors for a blended feel. It amazes me how my past can overflow my work today!
Wow... I'm sorta long winded today, sorry about that... I'm enjoying the down time while I write I think. Ella has kept me hoppin' today... We went to the mall in Burlington and she chose what stores to go into... think Candy and smelly lotions, LOL! We snagged a quick bite before seeing "The Journey to the Center of the Earth" ...which I was glad wasn't in 3D... I would have jumped out of my seat, it was more intense than I thought... but VERY cool.... Ella loved it! The next stop was to Micheal's, my suggestion of course, where we found a TON of craft kits for kids marked down to between 20 and 40 cents each! Can you say Birthday party favors? Yep... I stocked up BIG TIME! she was pretty excited too! :) Finally we went dinner,Teriyaki. Now I just want to melt into bed... she tired me out! LOL!
Have a great rest of the weekend...Relax on Sunday. As Steven R. Covey would say... "sharpen your saw". I plan on doing just that! (and taking a nap!) Then... onto a week of fun!
That is beautiful...and what a wonderful idea. I need motivation and that might just do the trick!
Posted by: Denise ~ Paper Ponderings | August 23, 2008 at 09:51 PM
Hi Lisa! My husband is into audio books too... some of the YA ones he's listened to are the Harry Potter series, Lemony Snicket, Golden Compass series (may have religous overtones), and the eragon/eldest series.
Posted by: tracy | August 23, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Great bookmark! Now we need a matching card so it can become a gift !! :) Glad you enjoyed your one on one day! Hope your Sunday is special too.
Posted by: Stefanie | August 24, 2008 at 05:43 AM
This is gorgeous and is just the inspiration I need to make my own and get motivated myself!!!
Posted by: Marie | August 24, 2008 at 05:44 AM
What a wonderful bookmark Lisa!! So very pretty! I need to make a bookmark and stop turning my pages down!! Great inspiration:)
Posted by: Dawn (stampinscotsgirl) | August 24, 2008 at 07:08 AM
I love the Charlie Bone books. My Grandson and I read them together!!
Posted by: Zoe | August 24, 2008 at 07:40 AM
I'm a huge audio book listener too. If it weren't for being able to listen to books I wouldn't be able to read all the new books that I want to! They keep me entertained in the car and while doing housework or cooking dinner. I can highly suggest audible.com!
But I still love your book mark!
Posted by: Holly | August 24, 2008 at 07:42 AM
I too love young adult books...I am so intrigued by the entire Harry Potter series and I'm planning to reread them soon...this book mark will be perfect for that task. I will have to get some of your other suggestions and give them a try. Some adult authors that I love are Maeve Binchy and Marian Keyes...both Irish authors...stories are mostly set in Ireland...but a great read...there may be a few f bombs here and there...but the stories are humorous...or have meaning.
Charmaine
Posted by: Charmaine | August 24, 2008 at 08:10 AM
Absolutely gorgeous bookmark! My son is going into 5th grade at the Christian school and I will be doing some memorization with him this year. Should be interesting.
May I ask what color copics you used to color with? It is truly beautiful!
Posted by: Lorie | August 24, 2008 at 08:11 AM
Love the bookmark. That Remember set is perfect for scripture bookmarks. I'll add it to my list.
Posted by: Wendy Peatross | August 24, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Love the bookmark. That Remember set is perfect for scripture bookmarks. I'll add it to my list, but I wish I could get it to make for the YW class I teach next week.
Posted by: Wendy Peatross | August 24, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Some of my favorite series that you haven't mentioned are:
Anne of Green Gable
Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites
Both are regular reads for me every year or two. Just finished all the Tennis Shoes books earlier this month--a very fun summer project!
Posted by: Teryl | August 24, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Hi Lisa, I listen to a LOT of audio books. Here are some of my favorite authors/series:
Jan Karon - Mitford series (I love just about anything John McDonough narrates); Jennifer Chiaverini - Quilt series; Alexander McCall Smith - Ladies Detective Agency series. I'm lucky that our library system has a lot of audio books.
Posted by: Nancy Fair | August 24, 2008 at 11:16 AM
I just got this stamp set and wanted you to know how much I truly LOVE it! Your style is so nice. The "doodle" looking flower overlay is my absolute FAV!
Posted by: Robin Orewiler | August 24, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Hi Lisa! I'm one who checks your blog everyday because I always love the work you do. When you were asking for good books on cd, I had to give a recomendation. A few years ago I read the Mitford series by Jan Karon and just loved it. All the books center around an episcapalian priest in the small town of Mitford, NC. Great stories, in a series, lots of humor, a little romance (in a very sweet way), and even some mystery at times. I think there are 7 or 8 books total. I loved reading them and loved listening to the audio books just as much. Hope that gives you an idea!
Posted by: Shannan | August 24, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Darling bookmark!
As for "clean" adult books, I loved "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers (she has others I hear are very good too, though I haven't read them myself); and there are two very good series of books, one by Joel Rosenberg and the other by Randy Alcorn -- they each have other books, but the series are the ones I'm referring to (very action-packed). Happy reading! ;)
Posted by: stampmonkey | August 24, 2008 at 05:16 PM
love your bookmark!
As a school librarian, I preview the books I buy for our school collection. I enjoy the children's literature too.
For adult reading, I enjoy reading fiction,
lots of mysteries, cozies, and some women/family issues (luanne rice, nora roberts, debbie macomber); also there are series of books about quilters;
thanks for your inspiration.
Posted by: gail | August 24, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Hi, Lisa, I just needed to tell you that the sets you create are phenonminal. You put your entire being into it and it shows. Your passion is catchy. You never dissappoint and this last set with the poppies is no exception. Love it.
Some excellent reading is by Lynn Austin...I especially have loved her "king" series. They are historical fiction beginning with King Hezekiah and they are totally incredible. Another fab author is Francine Rivers. I have read several of hers and they have all been excellent. Some authors are predictible...her books are never predictible making them great reading.
Thanks again for your inspiration and enthusiasm.
Posted by: Kristyn Sinnott | August 24, 2008 at 08:54 PM
I love your bookmark and we loved Journey to the Center of the Earth, too ~ NOT in 3D!
For good clean grownup reading, and mystery to boot, try looking for "cozy" mysteries. My two favorite series are the Sr. Mary Helen mysteries by Sr. Carol Anne O'Marie, and the Aunt Dimity stories by Nancy Atherton. No gore, no profanity. Just good stories, really well written and characters you'll wish you knew!
Posted by: Nancy | August 25, 2008 at 08:01 AM
Pretty bookmark! You've probaly already read them but how about the Left Behind Books. I love those! I could reread them myself.
Posted by: Carrie | August 25, 2008 at 08:05 AM
Try listening to the Bible on CD while you are stamping & crafting. I've been listening to it for years that way and it's amazing how much you absorb.
Very pretty bookmark!
Posted by: Ann C. | August 25, 2008 at 11:04 AM
One of my favorite adult series to read is The Cat Who... by Lilian Jackson Braun. These are murder mysteries with no gory details, and the most sex is the main character and his lady friend holding hands after a date. The cats are very adventurous! Love the bookmark too!
Posted by: Paula G | August 25, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Love the bookmark! One of my favorite authors is Karen Kingsbury. I think you'd love her Baxter family series. If you want more info just email me. I also loved "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers that someone else recommended.
Posted by: kim | August 25, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Lisa, I just LOVE your bookmark! What a beautiful piece to look at each day when you open your book.
I'm reading the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer right now....you've just inspired me to create my own bookmark!
Posted by: Melissa Bickford | August 25, 2008 at 05:26 PM
gorgeous bookmark - I always need extras so thanks for the inspiration
if you've never read Jane Austen's books - definitely start there! Pride & Prejudice is the best, but Sense & Sensibility and Persuasion are also really good reads. TOTALLY G-rated and the dialogue is witty and hilarious.
Posted by: Karen Sullivan | August 25, 2008 at 08:19 PM
I love Young Adult books too! Check out Tamora Pierce as an author. Her main characters are females and I love her books!
Posted by: jen w | August 26, 2008 at 05:18 AM
Lisa,
It sounds like we have the same taste in books for the same reasons! Let me add to your reading list...
The Shadow Children series by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
Fablehaven series and Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull
Leven Thumps series by Obert Skye
Serpent Tide series by K.L. Fogg
Princess Academy, and Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Peter and the Starcatchers series by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. The audio books are read by Jim Dale, the same man that read the Harry Potter books.
For more grown up reading...I love books by Claire Poulson, Betsy Brannon Green, Lynn Austin, Beverly Lewis,Mary Higgins Clark...Can you tell I LOVE to read?!!!
Keep sharing your favorite finds, and your beautiful artwork!
Posted by: Jana | August 26, 2008 at 07:46 AM
I don't have any book suggestions for you, but just wanted to give you a shout out. I have never posted a comment but check your blog every day to see if you have a new post. LOVE your work!
A fellow sister in the Lord,
Lynette
Posted by: Lynette | August 26, 2008 at 08:28 AM
I also love audio books and esp Children's/ young adult fiction.
I second the plug for Audible.com - best customer service ever and amazing selection.
Some of my favorite authors are:
Tamora Pierce (All of them but esp the Alanna series - Song of the Lioness Quartet)
Terry Pratchett - he writes adult & kids books the kids books include the Wee Free Men and for the adult books I would recommend starting with Guards Guards - British satirical humour, but no/very very few swears/sex.
Jonathan Stroud - Bartimaeus Trilogy - amazing narator.
Others that I loved but I'm not sure if they're available in audio are:
Madeliene L'Engle - Many Waters (one of her less known books but I remember loving it as a tween)
Diane Duane - So you want to be a Wizard series.
Patricia C. Wrede - Talking to Dragons series (SOO funny!)
.... I could go on :)
I mostly lurk enjoying your beautiful work but today I just had to post - Books!!!
Posted by: Heather | August 26, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Have been enjoying your posts - wanted to say that I also enjoy YA books, and I am an audio-book fan. I download mine from Audible. I am listening to Twilight now, but wanted to let you know that you will love Charlie Bone!! They are really interesting - I was captivated! I also recommend the Sisters Grimm series - they are great! (My mom and I love them - 55 and 34 respectively!) :)
Posted by: Tracy | August 26, 2008 at 09:24 PM
I just read through all the comments to get some audio book ideas for myself :) I highly recommend Karen Kingsbury and the Harry Potter series. My kids (9, 7, 6, 5) and I are on the 5th HP book now -- they now would rather listen to these CDs then watch a movie on our long 300 mile trips "home"! Thanks for all the inspiration in your posts. Love your style.
Posted by: jennibell | August 27, 2008 at 06:59 PM
I love this idea. I want to memorize more scripture too. I have decided to teach with two other women for my Bible study. they asked me to teach after one of our teachers moved away, and I felt God leading me to do this. I think somehting as simple as a bookmark will help keep me focussed. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
Beck
Posted by: Becky | August 27, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Lisa, always enjoy your work. I've nominated you for an award on my blog. Check it out when you get a chance!
Posted by: Jeani | August 28, 2008 at 01:59 PM
Love your blog . . . I've given you an award on my blog! Check it out!
Posted by: Jeani | August 28, 2008 at 02:00 PM
well two of my favorites are already mentioned Jan Karon The Mitford series and Lynn Austin. Another favorite is author is Penelope J Stokes, "The Blue Bottle Club" and "The Amethist Heart" see a link on my blog under "Books & Music" that I like.
Another that I read almost every christmas is "'Twas the night before, A Love Story" Jerry B Jenkins
Also "Hope Rising" Kim Meeder.
Not sure if any of these except Mitford are on CD.
I am sure that you are my new fav designer but then I've already mentioned that.
peggyann
Posted by: peggyann | August 28, 2008 at 04:30 PM
I love that, Lisa!
I've nominated you for an award, check my blog. =)
Posted by: Amber | August 29, 2008 at 10:44 AM
This is beautiful! Anything to encourage reading!
Posted by: Bonnie Sharp | August 29, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Gorgeous creation Lisa, love the coloring.
Posted by: Linda Beeson | August 29, 2008 at 07:26 PM
I'm a first time visitor...great work!
Posted by: Charleen | August 30, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Thanks for this post! I love the bookmark. I enjoy making them as well. What a great idea for good reads (or listens, I listen to books all the time too!). Now I have a great list to choose from too. My suggestions? Alexander McCall Smith...he has written many series and I love them all. They are clean, clever and amusing. I also love Bodie Thoene. She has written many series as well, but I know that two of her series are on audio, the Daughters of Zion and the Zion Chronicals. Both of these are historical fiction. You will learn alot and also be entertained. I could go on and on, but I won't. Thanks for your blog!
Posted by: Rebecca | September 02, 2008 at 12:33 PM
I had to add a couple more books to your already long list of must reads. Have you tried Uglies, Pretties and Specials? They are books by Scott Westerfeld and Rodrigo Corral. Fun, funny, life lessons, all in one!
Posted by: Kristy | September 03, 2008 at 04:32 PM