Just a quick post here with a layout I did recently. While we were visiting our daughter recently, she gave us a copy of this photo of our little grandson taken at daycare. The weird blurry spot at bottom right is where I blurred out his name. Too bad you can't see it, though, because I used some really cute letter stickers. They're red with tiny white polka dots. This all came together pretty quickly. Based on the colors in the photo, I knew that the large snowflake would be a great photo mat. The red & white numbered paper strip is cut from a larger piece. The stars I punched out, and I dug all the other embellishments out of my stash. Somehow, no matter how much I try to use up what I've got, it always seems like a drop in the bucket. Do you think it's because I keep bringing things in?

Till next time,

Immi

Curious

For a long time, I've wanted to use this photo in a layout. I get tickled every time I look at it. I love her plump little arms, and her precious bald head. From the expression on her face, it appears that Norah has been "caught" doing something she shouldn't, but she was just idly opening and closing the cabinet door. She didn't even try to get anything inside - what a good girl!

This was one of those occasions when the whole family was together. There was no shortage of people willing to play with and hold the grandkids, and lots of game time and visiting for the grownups.

This page was incredibly easy to do. I found this beautiful paper with the black trim and stitched flourishes, so all I had to do was add the photo, the heart embellishment, and a title. It doesn't get much easier than that!

Till next time :)

We Miss You

This page is from the challenge Sketch of the Week. I have enjoyed picking mostly random photos to use as I've worked my way through the challenges. I like the look of paper layers, although I have a hard time making it work. I decided to use mostly black, which I don't do very often. I like black a lot as a thin, secondary layer behind other papers, but it was something new for me to use quite so much of it.

There's a lot for me to like about this photo! Jenna enjoys experimenting with photography, and this is such a cute idea. I really like the happy, excited expressions on everyone's faces. Aidan has a marker in his hand, as if he's just finished putting the final touches on the message. Norah's arm is draped across the top of the board in a pose that is completely natural and relaxed. Jenna's sunny personality comes through so clearly. I really appreciate that she took the time to set this up - thanks, Jenna!

Scrapbooking is a great way for me to experience emotions again and again. I love this hobby!!

Till next time...

He's Jolly

Here's another layout based on a challenge. You can read the original post here. The challenge was to use only half of your paper, leaving plenty of space for the eye to rest. This has been a popular approach to scrapbook pages for a while, although there are still plenty of pages with multiple photos and little "wasted" space. I also used another popular technique here of clustering accents.

I like this approach for a couple of reasons. It's pleasing to my eye, and allows a single photo to be the focus. Sometimes you want to tell your story with only one photo, as is the case here. I love this photo of Isaac. I think it shows so clearly the resemblance he has to his daddy's side of the family. Something about his expression really makes me think of one of his cousins.

It's so much fun to scrapbook photos of children! They have such cute expressions on their faces. Seeing this just makes me want to squeeze that boy!

Till next time!

Paper: Basic Grey, Bazzil, Cloud 9, Unknown
Alpha: Making Memories
Ink: VersaMagic
Punch: Marvy Uchida
Tape Measure Accent: Somerset Studio

Sugar & Spice

Sometimes a challenge is just what I need to get going. I've really been out of the habit of creating scrapbook pages. I find that the hardest part is getting started. If I wait until I'm "in the mood", it's so easy to put it off.

I came across a challenge on this blog to use stickers from more than one line on the same layout. Stickers have been in and out of popularity with scrapbookers. In the early days of current scrapbooking (people were keeping scrapbooks long before my time), stickers were used with great abandon. I once saw the phrase "sticker sneeze" to describe that approach, and it fits perfectly. I've done many pages that way myself!

I've wanted for some time to create a page around this photo. She has such a sweet expression here, and the backdrop of flowers is perfect. I'll be linking this post to the challenge just for fun, so I will list credits below for the products I used.

It's amazing what fun can be had with a few stickers and some paper!

Till next time!

Products used: Paper by Bazill and Artist paper courtesy of Stampington & Co.; Stickers from Deja Views, K & Company and Creative Imaginations; Metal "bliss" accent from Marcella (K & Company); rub-ons unknown.

Scrapbooking Video

 

I regularly read the blog of a well-known scrapbooker,  Ali Edwards. Ali has a very down-to-earth approach about scrapbooking and is very passionate about telling your story. Most of her work focuses on the every day occurrences of life. I came across this video on her blog today and really enjoyed it. It's somewhat long, but I thought it worth sharing. I think this captures the heart of scrapbooking and creates freedom to enjoy this hobby without pressure. Enjoy!