Junior Prom

Another quick and easy layout using pre-printed background paper. I know it looks like that is all I am using lately, but it seems like there are more and more of these type of papers being manufactured. Does it seem like that to you or is it just me?

Any hoo, this layout is a short version of how my daughter found her Prom dress. From a New York magazine, to a little town in Southeast Louisiana, she was very lucky to find her dream dress. And that she is her Daddy's Peanut, because it really was way over budget.

So worth it, thought. I may be a little bias, but I think she is gorgeous. :)

Sorry for the dark photo. Lighting wasn't that great here, today, and I couldn't wait to share.

Crazy Love

This layout started out with this sheet of paper, from 7 Gypsies, which came in one of my kit clubs. When I first saw it, I thought, "What am I a going to do with this?" It was pretty, but so not my style. Still, I hung on to it thinking maybe I could cut the title out for a layout.

Then last March, I was taking photos for Prom of my daughter and her boyfriend. During one of the posing breaks, I caught this tender moment on film, and immediately thought of this paper. I couldn't wait to get this pictures printed! But, life got in the way, and these photos have been sitting on the back shelf just waiting for some attention. That is, until today!

First, doesn't this photo just take you back to your first love? I smile every time I see it. I printed the photo as a 5 x 9 and changed it to sepia tone. I tried b&w, but the photo needed some warmth, so sepia it was.

I took parts and pieces from the kit, added a little bit of lace and stitching, and layered every thing together. I typed the journal tag on scrap paper, then glued the tag on top, and put it back through the printer. I really wanted the focus to be on the photo and I think that I achieved it. Yet again, another layout using pre-printed background paper. I hope you give one a try today.

These Boots Photo Shoot

To know my Mom, would be to know all of her quirks, and still love her. One being, her love of shoes. She has been known to buy the same shoe in four+ different colors. She swears that she wears them all, but I haven't witnessed that yet. lol...

This layout started out from an innocent question asked by my daughter. Maw-Maw, where did you buy your boots? Ha! My Mom's answer was, "I don't know, but you can have these. I have seven pairs." Yes, SEVEN!!!

My daughter was very excited, and couldn't wait to try them on. She came out of her room and said, "Mom, can we take some pictures?" WHAT!!! That easily?! How could I refuse with such a willingly participant?

Once I saw these photos, I knew that I wanted to try my hand at a collage photo. I have seen Nichol Magouirk do these in her series, From Start to Finish, on her blog. I downloaded Picasa, which is a free photo editing software from the web, and easily made a collage from the photos I loved. Being technically challenged, this was a big step for me. And let me say, if I can do it, you can too!  

I combined two of her classes to get the layout shown above. I thought that I was going to use Crate's new Random line, but the Farmhouse collection was better suited to these photos. The corrugated letters were lightly sponged with paint to help them blend in. I typed the journal strips, cut them down and inked the edges before adhering to the page.

While, I had a difficult time using a such a big photo, Nichol did make it easier for me to adjust my thinking. I love the color-blocking on the bottom border, plus, it gave me a reason to use more of the pretty paper in the pack. lol...

So, if you haven't checked out her series yet, go give it a shot. And, let me know if you use some of her ideas, and how.

Three on Thursday

Here are three cards using up the last of my Crate Paper Portrait collection.

The first card is an almost any occasion card with a sentiment tag saying, "It's Your Day". The ribbon is 1/4 inch seam binding that I dyed using Wild Honey Distress Stain. I loosely crinkled it while it was wet and let it air dry. I then glued it a certain points so that it would hold its shape. The side was stitched to resemble a book binding. And the flower is two Martha Stewart flowers stacked on each other.

This wedding card was simply stitched around and the sentiment was pop dotted in the middle. Quick and easy.

And last, but not least, this card was inspired by a Jennifer McGuire card that was from the last Sketch Support. I liked that she used three circles and that she used three butterflies for her embellishments. I punched my butterflies from adhesive backed cork and topped them with pearls. The sentiment is from a Papertrey Ink Signature Series stamp set.

I hope you enjoyed, because now, I am off to play with my new Crate Paper Random collection. Stay tuned!

Cloche Love

I just can't get enough of this Crate Paper Portrait collection. I have used it twice already. This being the third, plus I have plans for one more layout and maybe even a card. If you remember this, from on my desk, a few days ago, you would know why I am trying to use all of this collection before I start into the new stuff. I love Crate and can't wait to bust into my Random pack, but I really want to finish this one first. I know, but I am just trying to be economical.

This layout is simple enough. I inked a pattern background sheet and cut two other pieces down to fit the page. I also inked the edges of those. The little doilies are ones that I crocheted. I added buttons and cute little sticker sayings on top. I have been using those sticker sayings a lot lately.

Like right here. Those cute hearts are punched from adhesive backed cork. I punched a smaller heart, then punched the larger one around it.

Here, I used the larger heart on its own.

And here, is just a small ring tag layered with a small heart button. The month tab was punched from a larger calendar with the EK Success Tab punch.

I was house bound this weekend, due to tropical storm Lee, so I was able to get lots done. Stay tune this week for some more projects. Maybe even something from last weeks goodies.

On My Desk

What a long two days! On Tuesday night, my dd broke out with fever and hives and had to be taken to urgent care. Two shots, two medications, and two rough nights later, we ended up back there this morning. More meds and now she is sleeping, which is probably what I should be doing, but with this sweet goodness lying on my desk, how could I?

This is what showed up at my front door yesterday, thanks to my dh, and all I can think about is playing. (And of course, my daughter)

I bought the Teresa Collins Christmas Home collection for my December Daily. It is beautiful! Now, I just have to decide what format I want to use. I also have two Halloween packs from TC and Echo Park. They are eerily (pun intended) similar in style. If I would have seen them in person, I probably would have just bought one.

As far as the three new Crate Paper collections, I am so in LOVE! They are awesome! My mind is racing so fast with ideas, my body will never be able to catch up.

So, since a 4 day weekend is in my midst, I know what I will be doing. But, maybe a little sleep first. ;)