Out on a limb

This week's sketch challenge at Scrapbook Steals was perfect for some photos from our summer adventures.  I combined some of my favorite papers from American Crafts and Imaginisce and added a journaling spot from Simple Stories.

These pictures were taken during one of our camping trips.  We were on a family hike when the boys saw a big tree that had recently fallen in a storm.  The boys wanted to walk out on the fallen tree that extended out over a drop-off.  Against my better judgement, I told them they could, but cautioned them to be careful.  Jacob was doing great until it was time to turn around and walk back.  In what seemed like slow motion, we watched him lose his footing and fall to the ground 5-6 feet below.  Caleb immediately burst into tears, thinking his brother was seriously hurt. I immediately regretted letting Jacob go out on the log, but was relieved to see him pop right up and proclaim "That was awesome!"  He landed on his rump and somehow managed to avoid all of the other logs and brush that were on the ground. 

This is the sketch by Brittany Allred that inspired my layout:

Thistleberry Farm

This week's sketch at Scrapbook Steals was another great one.  What I loved was how well it lent itself to being stretched into a two page layout.  I love lots of photos on my layouts and this layout was no exception!

I made my own banner, using pieces of patterned paper from Imaginisce and some die cut leaves.  A few stickers and a little doodling on the border and I called it complete.  It's a simple layout, but perfect for my busy pictures.  Here's the original one page sketch by Kristy Lee:

U rule

Today at Practical Scrappers, layouts using baker's twine are being featured.  Here's what I created for the design team:

I started with one of my favorite Imaginisce collections, Geek is Chic, and kept this layout clean and simple.  I cut out several diamonds on my Cricut machine using the George cartridge, then traced my diagonal lines using a ruler and a pencil.  I pierced the paper at the corners and the center and stitched over my pencil lines using red twine from the Twinery.  I added some mini buttons to the centers of the diamonds and layered some punched paper before adding the die cut title.  Thanks for looking!

1st day of 1st grade

Today at Practical Scrappers, they are featuring layouts using tags.   Here's my design team contribution:

I pulled out one of my favorite school themed collections, Geek is Chic by Imaginisce.  I cut tags of several sizes using my Cricut machine and started layering them into a grid type arrangement.  The group of three red tags behind my son's photo are actually 2" tags.  I simply cut them in half and tucked the pieces behind each side of the photo.  I added some cute embellishments, the die cut title and tied some of the tags with twine. It was a fun way to use lots of fun patterns from this collection.  Thanks for stopping by!

Layout contest round 2

I'm playing along with a layout contest at Practical Scrappers.  I started by submitting a recent layout.  It was chosen as one of 80 to be a finalist.  The top 25 with the most votes advanced to round 2.   I had to create a layout based on a great sketch by Liz Chidester for this round.  I used Geek is Chic papers from Imaginisce to create this layout:

If my layout gets enough votes in this round, I will advance to round 3! I've worked ahead and already created my layout for round 3.  I'd love for it to be featured!  Voting is open until Friday.  If you haven't already voted, please go HERE to check it out and vote for me at the poll found at the end of the blog post.

Christmas layout

This week at Scrapbook Steals, I expanded the one page sketch to include more photos.  Truth be told, I love the simplicity of one page layouts, but I have way too many pictures to get away with that very often.  So I modified and added a second page.  One of my favorite things was including lists for each of the boys that told some of their presents.  It will be a good way to remember what was on their most wanted list when we look back years from now.

November Imaginisce Challenge

This month's sketch challenge at Imaginisce is by Cari Locken and looks something like this:

A few months back, I was lucky enough to win a Geek is Chic prize package from Imaginisce.  I loved the fun colors and the whimsical designs.  When my son pulled out a pair of silly glasses, I knew I had to snap some photos just so I'd have a good excuse to use some of this collection.  I snapped photos of my sons and husband as they tried on the silly glasses, and before long, we were all laughing and snorting.  Of course, they had no idea that I planned to use these photos on a layout and post them for all of the scrappy world to see! 

This title says it all!  Being a self proclaimed nerd, I relish my days participating in marching band, orchestra, academic quiz bowl, spell bowl, and otherwise "nerdy" activities.  I embraced my nerdiness, was Salutatorian of my class, and was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" by my high school classmates.  No matter what I do, I always try to do my best.  If that makes me a nerd, then so be it! 

Imaginisce December challenge

I'm always up for a challenge.  Especially if it involves scrapbooking.  Having recently entered the "blog world" I am finding all kinds of inspiration. I came across a monthly challenge on the Imaginisce blog and I had to give it a try.  Here's what I came up with for my own version:

Now I just have to cross my fingers and wait to see if I can win the $75 prize package!  Who knew scrapbooking could be so suspenceful!