The Popcorn Farmer Storybook

The Popcorn Farmer is the second family history paper children’s storybook I created. It is in honor of my maternal grandparents, Vern and Sybil Bryson. I grew up on their farm and loved it. Well, loved most of it. 😉 I knew the next generation really wouldn’t remember “Great Nana/Grand Nan” and Grandpa died before any of them were born. I really wanted them to be able to know a little about these wonderful and generous people.

The title comes from a beautiful tribute to Grandpa written by a family friend. Grandpa was an actual genius and did a lot of amazing things in his life, yet he found meaning and fulfillment being a farmer/rancher and growing produce, especially corn (soooo much corn!), that he and Nana shared with the community. Hence, he became “The Popcorn Farmer.”

The Story

Some fun facts about this book

• The plane featured on Page 3-4 (with Europe) is actually one of the planes he flew. I used the trace feature in the Silhouette Design Studio program to create the cut file.
• A photo of the actual medal that Vern received is shown on his uniform on page 6. I used the Print and Cut feature of the Silhouette Design Studio to cut this out. I also recreated his uniform insignias on his cap and uniform. Did you notice his little wings? So cute. 🙂
• The diagram on Page 9 is actually a simplified diagram of a nuclear engine. The one Vern helped design! I used the pen adapter to have my Silhouette Cameo draw it. Such a fun detail to include.
• The animals and fruits and vegetables depicted in the story were all actually grown and raised on the farm, but our barn was not red–it was boring metal gray ;).
• Grandpa really did wear a straw cowboy hat and denim overalls almost every day of my childhood, usually with a white t-shirt.
• The cover has several large popped popcorn kernels in the center photo spot.
• My grandma, after seeing the book, heaved a sigh of relief and said, “I’m so glad that part of my life is over and I don’t have to can anymore.” Hahaha. Thanks, Nana? 😂😂

Supplies Used

• Silhouette Cameo
• Silhouette Design Studio, Business Edition
• Silhouette Design Store shapes
• Silhouette Pen Holder
• Paper background: DCWV Linen Closet with Foil
• Adhesive: Scotch ATG (looove it!)
• Fiskers 12″ Rotary Paper Trimmer
• Tsukineko Inks
• Tim Holtz Distress Inks
• Tim Holtz Washi Tape
• Similar Alphabet Thickers: Here, Here, and Here
• Stickles Glitter Glue
• Similar 8×8″ Scrapbook Album
• Tiny Button Brads for Vern’s Uniform (these are white, but I used silver)
• My printer: HP 8600Pro
• The font used for the text: Traveling Typewriter

I had so so much fun making “The Popcorn Farmer.” It meant so much to tell this story and share it with my family, especially my sweet Nana. And I love to read it to my sweet nieces and nephews.

Do you have a favorite family story? How can you share it with your family in a meaningful way?

Thanks for reading! xoxo

Check out two other stories I’ve written: “Margaret’s Butterflies” & “The Golden Ship“