Write. Click. Scrapbook.

In Review

Hard to believe, but it is the fourth Saturday already. Which means we get to look back at the month and all that we have seen. 

Erin began the month with an honest assessment of Project Life and some terrific suggestions for how to make our 2013 efforts more successful. Amy wrote our journaling column this month, listing three resolutions that she made to improve her journaling this year. (And if Amy needs to improve, the rest of use are in trouble!! heehee!)

Sarah's week kept us all in stitches and helped remind us to let our funny bones show in our albums. Lisa finished the week with her photography article, and several good ideas for improving our self portraits--hopefully inspiring us to get out from behind the lens to be in our own photos.

Next, Diane offered us ideas for getting the men in our lives into our photos and onto our photos. Diane also provided the sketch from our gallery this month, with Marnie adding in a color scheme and a trendalert.

Lastly, Valerie built upon Lisa's suggestions for taking more self portraits by inspiring us to create self-pages. (That's a good term, no? Self pages? I suppose it doesn't matter what we call them as long as we make them, right?)

 

Before the calender turns its page, let's look one more time back at our gallery. The sneaks for next month's gallery are on the Facebook page, which means we are close to a new theme! Speaking of Facebook, if you haven't added us as an interest, please remember to do so. Without it, you won't see all our lovely posts! As a reminder, click open the "like button" so that it opens the drop down menu. From there, you have to choose "add to interests list." If you haven't a particular interest group yet defined, you can do so now (we might suggest "awesome scrapbooking sites"). Remember, once you do this, our posts will show up on your wall. Otherwise, the powers that be at Facebook want us to pay for you to receive our content. And well, that's just silly now.

 

As we walk together through the gallery, let's look for successful and inspirational elements. Things we can use to help make our pages better.

Look how Francine combines a font oft used in sports for a layout filled with soft hues and flowery elements. The juxtaposition is fantastic!

The little elephant in Aliza's title is the perfect example of how her pages are layered with details that need to be discovered by looking at them again and again.

Celeste is the master of shading. No one would ever believe this layout was digital. Never.

Marnie's layout celebrates the happiness of the moment with color, and cheerful elements. All working together to tell the story.

Francine's layout talks about making making the most of the mundane moments, which is brought to life by her use of the bright yellow. Such a little thing to help tell her story so well.

Did you notice all the little bits tucked under the middle of Celeste's layout? Helping to tell the story of her needing notes? Again, using tiny elements to help tell the story.

The new small size of Lisa's layout is awesome! The grey is the perfect backdrop for the red of the flowers, too, helping them pop off the page.

How many of you took photos on 10.10.10 or 11.11.11 or 12.12.12? Let Katie's layout inspire you to get them scrapbooked! And perhaps string up a few sequins like she did. They are so pretty. Clever embellishment idea.

Jenny's layout is a splendid journaling example. Such a tremendous idea! Emily's has a similar theme, listing advice for a former self. Christa focused hers on her 18 year old self. All of them are equally amazing. These are the kind of layouts that you will treasure for years to come. 

Kathy's layout has such a fantastic pairing of stark black and vellum elements. Each makes the other stand out more.

Do you see the same date stamp on Deb's layout as Katie's? While you are looking, notice all the arrows. They are so subtle, yet so effective en masse.

Valerie's layout is so tender. Perhaps made all the moreso by her not having used a photo. It just goes to show that you really don't have to have a photo to create a heartfelt, meaningful layout.

Did you read that Jennie used a photo that sits on her dresser? What terrific inspiration for us to do the same.

All the little wooden elements on Amy's pages help provide a warm coziness to her otherwise bright layout. It brings in the perfect bit of homeyness, especially when paired with the little houses. (And did you see that cute little face on her baby? Mmm!)

The bits of cloud, sky, and butterflies are so perfect for Diane's photo. Have you ever had a photo that so helped to guide your layout??

Christine's layout is filled with loveliness. The airmail edge helps give it the feel of a letter. The backwards staple and the hand drawn arrows give it a personal sense. Which goes well with the personal journaling! Unified layouts have such peaceful balance.

Paula's layout has a funny funny story. If you haven't read it yet, go now. We'll wait... Sweet, no? Have you had something old pop into your head lately? Perhaps the next time you do, you can hurry and make a page like Paula did.

Erin's layout is a reminder to take a moment and write about motherhood. Or something else equally important to you right now. Written with real heartfelt journaling. The kind Amy would be proud of.

Speaking of Amy, her layout begins as a letter to her daughter, but really is a chance for her to express herself. A nice way to let your feelings show.

Kelly's layout is a simple acknowledgment of a lovely characteristic of her daughter. Sometimes pages really can just be so sweet and simple.

Marnie's layout uses a font that is reminiscent of a Sharpie. What a perfect thing for a note one leaves one's self. Sometimes there really is a perfect font for a layout.

Lisa repurposed some old jewelry for her flower embellishment. What a terrific way to maintain a budget and be good to Mother Earth!

Thank you to the collective for some wonderful inspiration this month! And thank you, dear readers, for your loyal visits!

Those Were the Days

Let's dust off that shoebox you have stored somewhere in your home that is full of old photos. Today I challenge you to take a walk down memory lane and scrapbook a photo or two from your childhood. I LOVE looking at photos from my childhood, and despite the color cast and poor image quality, they still deserve a spot in my scrapbooks. I often don't have the exact year or much of any journaling to go with the earliest ones, but look at that little girl! That's me! It's part of my story.

So I end the week with some inspiring layouts from the collective. Let's ooh and ahh over all these cute photos of our much younger selves. Thanks for spending the week with me!

Here's me on my first birthday. I love the all the white space and the simplicity of this layout. 

 

Nice saddle shoes! Maybe those will be the next big fashion trend? Another layout by me, Valerie.

 

Deb is such a pro at using numerous patterned papers on one page. 

 

And here's another Birthday celebration. Layout by Deb Duty.

 

Don't forget about Halloween! Isn't Katie the cutest as the Wonder Woman! Love how she did the title on this layout.

 

Less is more on this layout by Kelly Jeppson about how her mom used to make most of her clothes.

 

Christine shares a memorable story about fourth grade. Don't let not having a photo stop you from telling a story.

 

A great multiple photo layout by Jennifer.

 

Don't forget about those sometimes awkward teenage years. Love how Diane worked the strips of paper.

 

This evolution of Diane's hairstyles layout is so inspiring! I wonder if I could find enough photos to try this concept?

Advice for Layouts About Your Childhood

• Don't get hung up on the details. Don't stress if you don't know how old you are or the location of the photo. Don't let anything stop you from scrapping those photos.
• Don't get hung up on picture quality. You can always try scanning the photo and making adjustments with your photo editing software.
• Do try an evolution/comparison type layout like Diane's Mane Event layout above.
• Do try telling a memorable moment without any photos.
• Do have fun creating layouts with your old photos!

Designing the Manly Way

Hopefully you enjoyed the collective's inspirational manly layouts from yesterday.  Today we're going to tackle the design of those pages we create for the men and boys in our lives.  I find it easy to splash a page with flowers, frills and butterflies for my girls and I on a page, but that isn't an easy decision when tackling the pages about my husband, friends and nephews on a page! However, never fear, there are many, many other options the collective is going to show you today to incorporate in your manly designs!

STARS

Because I'm married to the military, my first go to design element on my pages are stars.  Stars and stripes have been in my daily life for over 16 years now so it's no wonder I tend to gravitate to them!  In this layout I used not only small star elements, but also created a central/large star element in the design for added punch.

Celeste used arrows in this layout as well as simply an accent piece in her digital layout.  The stapled gold star is just the right touch to finish off this layout.

ARROWS

Arrows are a trend that have been around for a while, but seem to be making a big debut again recently. I love them as an accent, as a focal point and as they were originally intended - to point to something.

I used a Silhouette chevron/arrow cut for this layout about my husband taking over as a commander.  I wanted the arrows to be pointing down to the photos, but added a pop of color behind each strip.

Aliza used arrow strips in her layout to point to the photo as well.  I love the leading lines above and below the photo to draw your eye in to what's important-the boys in the photos.

Jennie took it a step further and incorporated not only an arrow embellishment, but arrow paper as well layered with other papers, photos and embellishments.  I also love the small layer of embellishments in the right corner that also incorporates a subtle arrow.

I love how Katie included not only arrow embellishments and papers on her layout, but also threw in a handful of hearts to go with those as well!  It's hard to get hearts on a boy page and I love how she incorporated both on this page.

SHAPES

There are all kinds of shapes, big and small, that can be used on boy and male layouts.  Whether it's a large central element like we've already discussed or repeating patterns, it's a fun way to add color, dimension and punch to a layout.

Amy uses large stitched circles, paired with smaller circles (the sequins) to embellish her layout.  It pairs so well with the layered papers and the photos in her layout.

Christine paired lots of different sizes and colors of circles on her layout.  I love the way the photos are in the center and the circles draw your eye to them.

Celeste went a different route with shapes and incorporated lots and lots of hexagons in her layout.  I love the repeating pattern and different colors she used throughout her layout.  She used the hexagons for not only an embellishment, but to house her title and journaling as well!

Finally, we're bringing it back full circle (slight pun intended!) from the stars we began with and looking at how Valerie incorporated stripes in her layout.  Like the other layouts using repeating shapes, she is repeating her stripes up and down her layout.  What draws you in is the way she uses various colors and patterns behind her already established pattern.  It complements so well.

This new line from My Mind's Eye CHA 2013 would be extremely helpful in getting those designs started for your next layout. 

What are some of your go to design tips and tricks for the layouts about men and boys in your life?

WCS is Getting Masculine Week

That's right, the mama of 2 girls and grew up in a house of girls is taking on masculinity in layouts! Everyone needs a good challenge, right? For some it might be 2 page layouts, for others it might be multi photo layouts, and for me it's bringing some masculinity to pages about the men and boys in my life!

So this week we will be looking at design, color (both masculine and feminine), and how to get those stubborn men and boys into those photos for pages.  The collective have some great examples of all of these topics to include in your pages and cards even.

I've also been scouring the sneaks and photos this week from CHA in Anaheim to look at some fabulous news papers and product lines available for your masculine layouts.

Without further adieu, today I bring you some in general, inspirational layouts about the men and boys we all know and love!

I made it a priority to get the man of our house in more layouts and started with this one:

It's ok to dig out some older photos too and scrap about that time period, or how your life has grown, etc.

I love everything about Jennie's layout about her son and his favorite jam! The stars, the stripes, the tags-awesome layout!

Celeste knows a thing or two about scrapping the men in her life since she is surrounded by them!  As the lone female in her house she has years of male scrapbooking under her belt.  And just FYI you will be seeing A LOT of Celeste this week!

I love this mix of fonts and colors in Amy's layout:

Valerie combined a great large title, paired with a smaller title along the side for her boy layout:

As a child of the 70's, I simply adore the viewmaster embellishment on Aliza's layout!

I think this starts us off in the right direction this week, don't you?!  I'll be back tomorrow with even more manly inspiration for you!

Before heading off today though, here is a look at one of my favorite new lines from Simple Stories - Urban Traveler

Welcome, January!

Happy New Year!!

We hope that you all had a safe and a happy celebration as we watched the ball drop and the year change from 12 to 13. (Y2K seems like a distant memory as we move into the thirteenth year since we waited and paused wondering if our computers woul still turn on. While some of you won't remember the panic, for those that do, have you scrapbooked it? Hmm. Note to self: make a Y2K page.)

As we begin a new year, we want to tell you that we have some fun things in store for this next few months. Watch for some fun changes and additions! That's all we are saying for now... the excitement, the anticipation... (Note to self: write. click. scrapbook. is awesome!)

Did you all get signed up for Jessica Sprague's new Project Life class? If you haven't yet, click on over and check it out. It is a sure way to help you get off to a good start with your PL goals. (Note to self: take a moment and write out my 2013 goals.)

Are you excited for a new gallery? Goodness, it is a lovely one. Come see! (Note to self: get a sketchpad for jotting down ideas as inspiration strikes whilst looking through the gallery!)

 

This month, our theme is Note to Self. (Heehee! Did you see all the clues up above?) We were inspired by the Note To Self stamps we have been seeing and thought it would make a perfect theme for starting out our new year. We hope you enjoy our gallery filled with resolutions, understandings, and random thoughts. We hope you love it as much as we do!

As a reminder, if you would like to see the layouts in full size with the journaling provided, click over the photo album using the link in the column to the left! 

 

-ING Words | Francine Clouden

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Pink Paislee) + chipboard letters (American Crafts) + letter stickers (October Afternoon) + phrase stickers (Glitz Design) + journaling spots (Glitz Design) + die cuts (Anna Griffin) + vintage button + fabric yo-yo

A Note from Francine
This page was based on a blog post about all the action words at that particular time in my life. It's a great reminder to me all all that I do and enjoy.

 

Hey, You! | Aliza Deutsch

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Studio Calico, American Crafts, My Mind’s Eye, October Afternoon, Crate Paper) + embellishments (Elle’s Studio, Evalicious, Studio Calico, October Afternoon, Pebbles, Cocoa Daisy) + stickers (Lily Bee Design, American Crafts, Jillibean Soup)

A Note from Aliza
This layout is a bit more frenetic than I am used to making. I even used three exclamation points! My, goodness, that’s a lot. But it’s a fun and playful layout, so it feels right here. This really is an ongoing goal for me, though; getting over (or just owning up to) “looking bad” in pictures, but also being assertive enough to hand over the camera and to give instructions.

January Fun Fact
I do hope it snows around here sometime this winter. I detest feeling cold, but I love winter weather. I just wear lots and lots of clothes. (Really, absurd amounts of layers.)

 

Everyday Adventures | Francine Clouden

z

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Studio Calico, Crate Paper) + stickers (Authentique, Glitz Design) + chipboard stickers (Crate Paper) + acrylic stamp (Jenni Bowlin) + stamping ink (Ranger) + acrylic paint + ribbon

A Note from Francine
To make the painted background I used an expired gift card as a sort of palette knife to scrape acrylic paint on the page.

January Fun Fact
This year I do solemnly promise that I will get all my layouts into albums. Really!

 

read | Celeste Smith

12 x12 | materials stitching (Stitches and Pieces by The Doodle Queen ) + tape (Fabric Tape by Valorie Wibbens) + template (Transformers 14 by Lauren Reid at One Story Down) + kit (Mila's Spare Time by Peeps & Milo at One Story Down)

A Note from Celeste
This layout ,while not written like a note to myself, is a good reminder that once in awhile I need to just slow down and curl up with a good book!

January Fun Fact
Season 3 of Downton Abbey starts in a few days and I am beside myself with anticipation!

 

We Love Daddy | Marnie Flores

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper, elements (Echo Park) + frame (Crystal Wilkerson) + fonts (Century Gothic, Janda Silly Monkey, JB Cursive)

A Note from Marnie
I hit the jackpot on husbands. Truly. Oh, we have our troubles, please don't think me plastic, but I feel incredibly blessed to know what a wonderful father he is. This page is about my good fortune, as you never truly know how a young man will be as a father until he becomes one.

January Fun Fact
We have already had more snow that all of last year. This month, I am hoping to find a good sledding hill for my littles to learn the thrill of the whoosh!

 

quirk #47 | Celeste Smith

12 x 12 | materials Amy Jaz Jingle All the Way paper and elements at The Lilypad, Gina Miller Elf paper at The Lilypad, Amy Wolff Winter Washed paper at The Lilypad, Sahlin Studio Jolly Ole paper & elements, Sahlin Studio Trimming the Tree elements at The Lilypad, Little Butterfly Wings New Start elements at The Lilypad, Emily Merritt Big Number Week Cards at The Lilypad, Laurie Ann Reflecting Elements at The Lilypad

A Note from Celeste
This layout sprang out of one of the photos from my November 12 on the 12th photo collection. My lists are really my little notes to myself. I keep them everywhere and have no idea how I would function without them!

January Fun Fact
This year I'm resolving not to resolve!

 

Note to Self | Lisa Ottosson

A5 | materials patterned paper (Art Deco alpha with graph (here) +chevron printable/digital papers (here) + Peppermint Twist (here) + stickers (Pink Paislee) + accent (Printable Mason Jar here)

A Note from Lisa
This layout is going in my 2013 Project Life album as one of the start pages. I want to have it in there to remind me that I shouldn´t take anything for granted. After a year of losses (both my grandfather and grandmother) and other personal events, I need a reminder that life is fragile.

January Fun Fact
The A5 size is about half of a 8.5x11” paper and is my new size for the new year!

 

Joy Everyday | Katie Ehmann

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (American Crafts, KI Memories, Authentique) + embellishments (Simple Stories, Studio Calico, Darice, Inc) + stickers (Pebbles) + stamps (Studio Calico, American Crafts) + ink (Hero Arts) + die cutting machine (Silhouette Cameo)

A Note from Katie
This layout is all about me on 12/12/12. I took this photo at exactly 12:12pm and knew that I wanted to use it in my note to me layout. I love the touch of sparkle American Crafts POW papers and the sequins add, and it complemented my theme of joy.

January Fun Fact
I love snow for Christmas. But after Christmas, I’d be perfectly happy if it was 70 and sunny everyday. Too bad for me, though, because I live in the great white tundra that is Michigan, where winter lasts half the year!

 

Note to Self | Jennifer Larson

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Echo Park, Basic Grey, Studio Calico, October Afternoon) + cardstock (Stampin’ Up!, Bazzill) + embellishments (Studio Calico, Basic Grey, Pink Paislee, Queen & Company) + stickers (Basic Grey, Jenni Bowlin, October Afternoon) + punches (EK Successs) + sandpaper (Basic Grey) + floss (DMC) + templates (Bazzill, Stampin’ Up!)

A Note from Jennifer
My mother recently gave me a box filled with photos of myself as a child. I scanned them, so now when I want to do a layout about my childhood, I edit and print one of those photos to use. Here I reflect more on my life since my childhood, reflecting on some of my insecurities when I was a child as well as some of the things I wish I’d done differently or known when I was younger.

January Fun Fact
I love the month of January, even though it’s super cold here in Minnesota. It’s my birthday month!

 

Sushi | Kathy Martin

12 x 12 | < b>materials patterned paper (October Afternoon) + alphabet stickers (American Crafts) + accents (Maya Road)

A Note from Kathy
Note to self, if you don’t like something the first time you try it, don’t wait 25 years to try it again!

January Fun Fact
Surprisingly, even the hubs, who doesn’t like cooked fish and seafood, likes sushi! Go figure?!?!

 

Remember | Deb Duty

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (My Mind's Eye, Studio Calico, Basic Grey) + embellishments (Studio Calico, American Crafts) + stickers (Pebbles) + alpha (Basic Grey, Studio Calico, Cosmo Cricket) + stamps (Studio Calico)

A Note from Deb
This layout is about a very recent photo of my boys. When I was thinking about the theme for this month, I thought about this photo that I captured with phone. When I took the photo I was thinking about how I wanted to remember how much fun they were having together playing basketball and joking around.

January Fun Fact
I'm very excited to be attending my first CHA show this month!

 

Thoughts From Today | Valerie O'Neall

8.5 x 11 | materials cardstock (Wausau) + patterned paper (Crate Paper, My Mind's Eye, October Afternoon) + stamp (American Crafts) + flair (Ormolu) + wood veneer (Studio Calico) + enamel dots (My Mind's Eye) + chalk ink (Prima) + pen (Copic Multiliner) + Silhouette SD (fonts: Matchbook & Novocento Wide)

A Note from Valerie
I planned this layout in Silhouette Studio, loaded an 8.5 x 11 sheet into my Silhouette SD to cut out the title and phrase and built the layout around those two elements. I threw around the idea of adding photos, but decided to leave them out this time and make the layout completely about the journaling.

January Fun Fact
I'm so proud of my mom. She lost almost 70 pounds last year! Way to go, mom!

 

You Will Be | Jennie McGarvey

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Glitz Designs, KI Memories, American Crafts) + cardstock (Bazzill and American Crafts) + glitter paper (American Crafts) + embellishments (American Crafts, Studio Calico and Cosmo Cricket) + Washi Tape (Glitz Design)

A Note from Jennie
This layout features a photo of me when I was 2 years old with my Grandpa. This photo sits on my dresser and I look at it daily, and have, for basically all of my life. I have done a bit of deeper journaling (not too much!) and have hidden it in the glassine bag.

January Fun Fact
I do not drink warm beverages. Very, very occasionally a hot latte or hot chocolate, but that is rare!

 

Note to Self | Amy Coose

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Echo Park, Basic Grey, Studio Calico) + embellishments (Studio Calico, Silhouette Cameo, Prima) + tags (Chic Tags) + stickers (Washi from Freckled Fawn) + twine (The Twinery)

A Note from Amy
This layout was built around our Christmas card picture from this year. Seeing us all together reminded me how important it is to enjoy each and every moment we have together.

January Fun Fact
We always set New Year resolutions as a family, and promptly forget about them by the next week. I am hoping that posting it here on the wcs blog will help hold me accountable this year. :)

 

I am Brave | Diane Payne

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (American Crafts, Glitz, My Mind's Eye) + embellishments (American Crafts, A Flair for Buttons, My Mind's Eye) + stickers (Glitz, American Crafts) + stamps (American Crafts)

A Note from Diane
I love quotes so I thought it would be fun to feature a favorite one for the theme this month. It is a quote that I try to remember when I'm faced with doing something that I resist, simply because I'm afraid of the unknown. The title was inspired by the quote.

January Fun Fact
January always puts me in the mood to purge! Purging and organizing the things that make the cut always makes me feel so good.

 

Know This | Emily Spahn

8.5 x 11 | materials Gossamer Blue January kit: cardstock (American Crafts) + patterned paper (My Mind’s Eye, October Afternoon) + brads (My Mind’s Eye) + stickers (My Mind’s Eye) + chipboard (My Mind’s Eye, Studio Calico) + die cut (October Afternoon) + washi tape (My Mind’s Eye) + doily (Gossamer Blue)

A Note from Emily
It’s crazy to me that as of last month, it’s been 10 years since I graduated from college. Time has truly flown! I wanted to make a layout that included some things I’ve learned in the past ten years, as well as a bit of advice to my younger self!

January Fun Fact
We are the family that is busy, busy, busy every weekend from about June until December. We are constantly on the move. I LOVE January, because for the first time in ages, I can just relax on the weekends!

 

Remember This | Christine Newman

12 x 12 | materials "Happy Gram" digital kit (One Little Bird) + "Note To Self" digital kit (Echo Park) + fonts (Bebas, Lobster 2.0, Covered By Your Grace) + phone app (Incredibooth)

A Note from Christine
I love mixing things up with scrapbooking. I like doing all paper layouts, hybrid layouts, or all digital layouts. Since my last two gallery layouts were paper layouts, I decided to go with a digital one this time!

January Fun Fact
In January of 2011, I started a project called "New 52". I did at least one new thing each week and documented it on my blog. At the end of the year I had 52 blog posts of photos and stories of new adventures. It was fantastic!

 

Note to Self | Paula Gilarde

12 x 12 | materials LayerWorks No. 154 (Studio DD) +Alison kit (Maplebrook Studios) + Curled Journal Spots No. 6 (Katie Pertiet) + Readymade Journalers Note to Self (Studio DD) + Simple Collage Frames No. 1 (Katie Pertiet)

A Note from Paula
An emergency necessitating a call to the fire department resulted in me reverting back to my childhood - I called the number for emergency services in Ireland (999) instead of 911! I quickly discovered my mistake and dialed the correct number. The fire was out before the fire department got there.

January Fun Fact
I'm hoping to learn how to cross-country ski this year.

 

Eighteen Year Old Me | Christa Paustenbaugh

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (American Crafts) + patterned papers (Studio Calico, Simple Stories, Scenic Route) + die cuts (Elle’s Studio, Ormolu, Simple Stories, Evalicious for Cocoa Daisy) + stickers (Pebbles, Simple Stories) + button (American Crafts) + twine (Ormolu) + flair (Ormolu) + wood veneer (Studio Calico) + mist (Studio Calico)

A Note from Christa
As soon as I saw this month’s theme I knew exactly what I would do. Amazing how much you think you know at 18 when actually you know nothing! When I look at that photo from nearly 22 years ago I almost don’t remember her. Things definitely change and in my circumstance the change is good and a learning process too.

January Fun Fact
It’s a big month in our household – a Grandma is making the big journey across the Pacific to come visit us in Japan and while she’s here we get to celebrate my youngest daughter’s birthday. She rarely has anyone visit for her birthday since weather is so unpredictable so she is beside herself that grandma will be here!

 

Note to Self | Erin Sweeney

 8.5 x 11 materials patterned paper (Amy Tangerine/American Crafts, My Mind’s Eye) + embellishments (Ormolu) + stickers (American Crafts) + punch (EK Success) 

A Note from Erin
For me, it’s easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of day-to-day life: cleaning the house, running errands, making dinner, laundry, homework, activities and more before you know it bedtime is here and another day is gone. While those things are necessary, they’re not the important things, they can wait. The important thing is spending time with my family –p laying with my kids, being with my husband, all of us being together. And I know this. Yet it’s easy to forget it while doing all the aforementioned things. So my note to self is to remember what’s important, to put my family first, and to enjoy being with them.

 

Memories Shimmer | Amy Sorenson

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Basic Grey, Echo Park, My Mind's Eye) + alphabet stickers (Studio Calico) + alphabet stamps (Studio Calico) + stamping ink (ColorBox) + fonts (KG Ways to Say Goodbye, LD Remington Portable)

A Note from Amy
The idea for this layout's journaling came from a conversation I had with my mom last month, when I was feeling anxious about my Christmas-making efforts. By reminding me that it would all turn out OK, she helped me put things back into perspective and calmed my nerves. I hope I can do the same sort of things for my kids as they turn into adults---but now it's written down just in case!

January Fun Fact
Last January was fairly pathetic, snow-wise, around here. I am SO hoping for lots of snow this year!

 

Note | Kelly Jeppson

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper, felt snowflake (Stampin' Up) + crepe paper + book page + felt embellishment (K&Company) + letter stickers (American Crafts)

A Note From Kelly
Sometimes I have to be more like my daughter, Josie, who always has something to celebrate. This is my little reminder that "There's always something to celebrate."

January Fun Fact
I got a new computer for Christmas! And a root canal. One of them is more fun than the other.

 

Note to Self | Marnie Flores

12 x 12 | materials paper, notecards (Crystal Wilkerson) + fonts (TwoPeas Magic Marker, Jenna Sue, KG Ray of Sunshine)

A Note from Marnie
I'm so aghast that I have been missing from my photo albums. I used to teach CKCs and my biggest mantra was be in more photos. Be in more photos. And yet... Sheesh. The good news is that my 8 year old got a camera for Christmas so now there are two of us taking pictures!

January Fun Fact
Today we begin a new 52 books in 52 weeks! I began the effort two years ago, and haven't made it all the way there yet, so maybe this will be the year!

 

just remember | Lisa Ottosson

8.5 x 11 | materials patterned paper (American Crafts) + font (Blackout) + stickers (Panduro Hobby)

A Note from Lisa
This layout came to be the very last one I did 2012. My life forever changed just before Christmas and I felt like I needed to do another “Note to self” page. This time with a message that all will be ok, eventually.

I added a small journaling tag to the page with some hidden journaling behind the photo. I went looking for something to bling out the tag with and happened upon a pair of vintage earrings I thrifted a while ago. I simply attached it like I would a brad and cut of the stem on the back, preventing it from poking holes in my album.

January Fun Fact
I am so ready to start a new year!!!

 

Thank you for stopping by! Happy New Year!!

Countdown to 2013

Hey there. Can you believe it's almost 2013 already?   

My husband and I are homebodies, we like hanging around our house with our kids. And New Year's Eve is no different. If we're not hanging out at home or a friend's house, then we're doing a family-friendly activity. Tonight, we'll be doing just that, watching the children run around with their friends while the adults play some games. It's the perfect New Year's Eve for us. 

Last year, we went bowling and then to dinner. We started at 4pm and were home by 8. I'm not even sure we both made it to midnight to watch the ball drop!

 

Here's how Katie rang in 2012.

No matter where you're spending your evening - home watching one of the New Year's Eve shows or out on the town - take some pictures! I know it might seem like just one more thing to scrapbook on top of all the holiday pictures, but it's a great memory to record.

And to help you out, here's a sketch.

You may download it as a layered template here. Please enjoy!

 

Goodbye, 2012 and Welcome, 2013!

In Review

Hey everyone, I am thrilled to be posting the in review post for December.  Our theme for December was favorite photos, and it was really fun seeing each designer's take on the theme.

There were so many amazing photos!  Sit back and let's take a look at our amazing Favorite Photos Gallery!

Aliza's layout contains not only powerful pictures, but a powerful subject as well.  The photos really hit home along with her journaling as she shared her feelings about surviving Hurricane Sandy.

Did you see the precious photo on Vivian's layout?  She did an amazing job using the layout design to frame her photo, and went on to embellish it perfectly.

There was so much I loved about Christa's layout! First, the photo was amazing, she balanced her design with such fun embellishments across from the photo, and I loved the title placement!

I don't think it's possible for Celeste's boys to be any cuter!  I loved that she used a black and white photo which just pops with the gorgeous colors she picked for her layout.

Monika's layout was so soft and beautiful.  It was obvious that this photo is special, and all the details she included make for one amazing layout.

I love that Lisa picked her favorite recent photo, and she highlighted it perfectly.  I love the softness of the doily and the grounding of the fun patterned paper strips.

Diane's layout was just full of fun, special details.  I loved the layering, the twine, the flair, the wood stars, but I have to say that the photos were definitely my favorite part.

Jennie's favorite photo was one great shot!  The colors match the photo perfectly, and her handwriting...it's just WOW!

I adored Kathy's sweet photo!  Her layout was just so much fun, with great patterns and I really loved how she added the machine sewing.

I thought Francine's photo was just precious.  I loved the smile on her and her little one's face.  The black and white photo just pops against that gorgeous green background.

My layout is next, and I knew I wanted to use this picture of my husband and I as my favorite photo. We don't have many photos of us together, so it was an easy choice for me, and it turned out to be one of my favorite layouts I've ever made.

Talk about an amazing photo-Valerie's layout is perfect for this priceless photo.  I love how she covered her journaling with vellum creating softness, and she kept her embellishments to a minimum, which highlights the photo even more.

Sarah's layout was amazing, and her photo was gorgeous.  I couldn't get over how many amazing details she added, and the dreamy colors with pops of red made quite a spectacular layout!

I just love Katie's photos so much!  I love that she recreated such a great photo, and included them both on the layout. The title work and fun patterns she included really worked perfectly with the photos.

Christine used such a fun photo, and I loved the banner she created for her layout. Using the brown as her background really works well with the purples and blues in the photo and patterned paper she used.

Jenny's amazing layout design really draws me in to the fabulous photos of her boys.  I really like how she added her embellishments in a cluster above the photos, leaving the photos to shine on their own.

Amy's layout reminded me that what we do is important.  Taking photos capture special moments and memories, just like this photo of Amy with her mom and sister did.  I love the quote she added, and the gorgeous font she used for her journaling.

Deb's layout was so much fun, just like her photo!  I loved the subtle stamps, and the way she added the date to the flag at the bottom of the layout.

Paula's photo was so sweet.  The banner she used along the bottom of the photo was amazing, and putting the title on top of the star really made it pop.  What a fun, fun, layout!

Emily's photo of her sweet puppy was heart-wrenching. I thought it was a great tribute to her amazing family pet.  The layering, fun stamping, and wood chips really draw your eye to the photo, and you can tell Maddie was something special.

You can't help but to love Erin's photos!  She did a great job of making those photos pop by her choice of color, her design, and wonderful journaling.

Emily's layout is design perfection.  I was immediately drawn to the photo with that cool arrow, and I loved the way she added hand stitching to her journaling.

Marnie's layout was the perfect fit for all the personality in her favorite photo.  I love that she used such bold colors, but on a smaller scale so they don't overwhelm the photo.  

Walking through the gallery again, I realized that I really missed so many of the special details each designer included in their layout.  I hope you enjoyed our walk as much as I did!

 

Before I go, we have our monthly freebie to help you create a favorite photographs page as well. Here it is

You may download it here if you would like. Thank you, always for your kind comments and daily visits!

December Daily Album

Hi Everyone! Katie here with you today and I'm excited to share my December Daily album. This is my first time completing a December Daily and I am loving it! I love pretty much everything about Christmas and have, for the past few years, gone on a total craft-a-palooza before the holiday. A December Daily album helps me to get some of that crafty energy out, and to use all the gorgeous, sparkly, shiny, beautiful Christmas themed supplies!

 

 

Supplies

For my album, I am using the sold out Studio Calico kit, the beautiful Sleighride line from Crate Paper, the vintagey-lovely Make it Merry line from October Afternoon, as well as various items from my stash. I was going for the vintage-sparkly-eclectic look, and I'm pretty sure I have acheived it so far! For the album, I chose Studio Calico's Handbook and divided page protectors. I love the 6x8 size, although I have made so many pages already it is nearly filled! Here's my cover, which I painted with gesso and pearl paint and then embellished.

I organized my supplies onto a tray with small bowls and a wooden crate for easy access.

Planning and Ideas

In planning my album, I turned to my trusty sources of inspiration: Pinterest and online scrapbooking galleries. By searching "December Daily" on Pinterest, I found a bunch of beautiful albums in a variety of styles. Since I was going for eclectic, I took bits and pieces from lots of different albums and put them together with my own ideas and what worked best with my photos. Each day of December, I've been making sure I am taking lots of photos of a variety of activities, from special things like Santa visits and chopping down the tree, to everyday things like coffee cups, holiday movies and decorations. I also made sure to plan a few special Christmas events with my girls, like seeing the holiday lights and hosting a North Pole Party. On the days that we haven't had an event, I've used vintage photos or instagram shots I've captured on my phone.

Pages

I created some of my foundation pages before Thanksgiving in order to make things go a little more smoothly once December began. I only got through day 17, so I'm planning on flying by the seat of my pants until Christmas. I realize this may not be wise, considering how busy that week before Christmas tends to be, but since it is the 17th today and I have no other foundation pages prepared, it'll have to do! Here are some examples of my completed pages so far. My favorite elements are the confetti pockets, the photo collages and the extra little details that add interest to each page.

As you can see, I've been busy enjoying this festive album! You may check out the entire album so far here. So, tell me, are you creating a December Daily this month? I'd love to see it! Leave me a comment with a link to your project!

Click.

In November 2010 our gallery contained layouts with the theme Young me Now me. The idea for the theme came from the site with the same name where anyone can share photos that are recreating a scene from childhood as an adult. If you have a hard time understanding what I mean, here are few examples.

link

 

link

link

It got me thinking that it would be so much fun to do one of these now that the Holidays are coming up and many families see each other. Go check out the site to get some inspiration for more creative photos. Or why not just take a group photo infront of the tree with the same people. 

Lisa Ottosson

WCS alumni Elizabeth Dillow

Katie Ehmann shared this layout in the December gallery this year and I love her photos! 

So, my inspiration for you is to look through your old photos and perhaps you´ll find a fun photo to recreate! If you do, please share in the comments and in our Flickr group!

 

Welcome, December!

It's December. Which means more good food, family gatherings, and a break from school for the kids. December also has a tendency to bring madness, and chaos, if you let it. Which we will not, right?? 

This month we return to December Dailies with each day a new author. We will have layouts, cards, home decor and more. All to help you through your holiday scrapbooking and preparation. It begins Monday with Celeste and a printable. You loved it last year, so don't miss it this year!! 

But for now, today is a new gallery! Did you see our new countdown banner? Do you love it? We do, too! And the countdown has ended which means it is time for you to see some new layouts!

This month, we are scrapbooking Our Favorite Photos. December can be very busy but those photos that we love seem to draw us in, no matter what the todo list, no? We hope you enjoy seeing some of our most favorite photos turned into favorite layouts!

As always, if you would like the see the layouts a bit bigger and to have the journaling to read, click over the photo album! Enjoy! And we always love your comments telling us how much you love us!

 

NYC After the Storm| Aliza Deutsch

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Basic Grey, Studio Calico, Echo Park, Lawn Fawn) + embellishments (Crate Paper, Amy Tangerine, A Flair for Buttons, Paper Source, My Mind’s Eye ) + stickers (American Crafts)

A Note from Aliza
In the days following hurricane Sandy, while we went a few days without some basic amenities, I was overwhelmed by feelings of gratitude for all that we usually have. I knew the experience would find its way into some layouts. So, you know, I made sure to photograph it.

December Fun Fact
It’s my birthday this month! 

 

Cherish | Vivian Masket

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (Bazzill Basics) + patterned paper (Crate Paper) + wood embellishments (Crate Paper) + ribbon (May Arts) + die cutting machine (Silhouette) + fonts (Pacifico, AL Uncle Charles)

A Note from Vivian
I really wanted to use this gorgeous baby-themed patterned paper with my photo but it didn’t match. A simple fix – I converted the photo to black and white, which enabled me to use these papers.

December Fun Fact
Is it wrong that I am already thinking about Christmas cookies when there’s still Halloween candy left?

 

A New Favorite I Christa Paustenbaugh

12 X 12 | materials cardstock (American Crafts) + patterned papers (Crate Paper, Echo Park) + stickers (Jillibean Soup, October Afternoon, American Crafts) + wood veneer (Studio Calico) + brads (Crate Paper, SEI) + die cuts (Maya Road, Banana Fish Studio) + chipboard (American Crafts) + flair (Ormolu) + buttons (Crate Paper) + tape (Bella Blvd.) + twine (The Twinery) + stamp (Banana Fish Studio) + embossing powder (American Crafts)

A Note from Christa
Since our move in May I have been making a conscious effort to put myself in front of the camera more often instead of hiding behind it. Even on those days that I don’t feel like I look pretty or have make up on or my hair done. My kids and family don’t care and just want to see me in those photos. This is one of my new favorites from a recent spur of the moment photo shoot. I treasure this photo!

December Fun Fact
Many people can’t imagine Christmas/the holidays without cold and/or snow. I’m luckily not one of those people! I’m looking forward to enjoying Christmas outside in my shorts and possibly a light sweater if I get cold. 

You're My Ocean & Stars | Celeste Smith

12 x 12 | materials digital kit (Ahoy Love by Audrey Neal, Retired) + tags (Toolbox Tags vol 1 by Gennifer Bursett, retired) + template edges (Beautiful Memories by Erica Coombs, retired)

A Note from Celeste
My favorite photos are typically staged photos that include both boys looking at the camera and smiling. It is rare to get the two of them in the same place, sitting still, and in a mood to cooperate! By converting my photo to black and white, I was able to make it work with the colors in this kit. My older son's orange shirt would have clashed terribly!

December Fun Fact
Christmas break is coming! 11 days to just veg out and re-read the entire Harry Potter series for the sixth time!

 

Joy | Monika Wright

8.5 x 11 | materials patterned paper, embellishments, stickers, twine (My Mind’s Eye) + paper doily (craft supply)

A Note from Monika
Even though I’ve scrapped this photo before, it just speaks to me. Even though we have tried to have more children since this photo was taken, this is our first official family photo as a family of five. My son is now taller than all of us and no longer lives at home, but we remain a family of five.

December Fun Fact
This photo was taken 6 weeks after our youngest was born and she just turned 7!

 

My Current Favorite | Lisa Ottosson

8.5 x 11 | materials patterned paper (Panduro Hobby) + embellishments (Dear Lizzy) + stickers (Websters pages, Pink Paislee)

A Note from Lisa
I went with my current favorite photo. First I thought that I might do a page about what I think are the most important photos, but I came to the conclusion that all my photos are important for different reasons. This one is important because it is my favorite right now.

December Fun Fact
I love photos! I do. I love taking them. I love looking at them. I love to play with them. I love finding them in thrift stores. I love photos!

 

Joy | Diane Payne

8.5 x 11 | materials patterned paper (Studio Calico) + embellishments (Studio Calico) + stickers (Studio Calico)

A Note from Diane
I've scrapped this photo before with a series of other photos but I love it so much I wanted it to be the main focal point of a page. From a technical standpoint, this photo isn't fabulous but I captured the excitement of the moment in this candid shot and I smile every I look at it.

December Fun Fact
Christmas is my favorite time of year. I enjoy spending more time at home with my family and always put up the Christmas tree right after Thanksgiving so we can enjoy the lights and decorations for several weeks.

 

These Moments | Jennie McGarvey

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (Bazzill), patterned paper (Lily Bee Designs, Echo Park) banners (Elle's Studio) stickers (American Crafts) stamps (Cocoa Daisy) Embossing Powder (American Crafts)

A Note from Jennie
I was holding onto this photo because I love it. It's not a masterpiece, as it was just taken with my iPhone, but it's the boys and I -- with true expressions in a lovely setting. I'm happy to have it and it's definitely a current favorite.

December Fun Fact
I am absolutely not a fan of the cold. Bad for a girl living in the midwest.

 

Oreo | Kathy Martin

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Pebbles) + alphabet stickers (American Crafts) + accents (Pebbles)

A Note from Kathy
My favorite kind of photo is the everyday kind that capture the little moments of our lives. While posed pictures are beautiful and there are so many great photographers today, I still prefer the shots we take at home. They aren’t always the best quality, but they are the real deal.

December Fun Fact
We currently have three cats, two parrots and two sugar gliders.

 

I've Grown | Francine Clouden

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Making Memories) + die cut butterflies (Making Memories) + glitter letter stickers (Making Memories) + journaling spots (Making Memories)

A Note from Francine
Since Kieran came along I take way less photos of myself. I know it's really important for me to be present on the scrapbook pages, so photos of the two of us are really special to me. I just need to try to take more like this!

December Fun Fact
I'm currently obsessed with Instagram. I know, I am late to this party, but better late than never right?

 

Love You | Amy Coose

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (Bazzill) + patterned paper (My Mind's Eye, October Afternoon, Lawn Fawn) + embellishments (Simple Stories, October Afternoon, Kaiser Craft) + stickers (Simple Stories) + Silhouette Cameo

A Note from Amy 
I don't have many pictures of my hubby and I so when I get one, it's very special. We snapped this one before a party and it's one of my favorite photos that we have together.

December Fun Fact 
I am a homebody by nature, so winter is one of my favorite seasons. I love having an excuse to stay in my warm clothes, snuggled by a fire, drinking coffee all day.

 

So Tiny | Valerie O'Neall

8.5 x 11 | materials kit (Studio Calico Poodle Skirt) + patterned paper (American Crafts) + die cut shape (American Crafts) + alpha stickers (Pink Paislee) + stamp (Studio Calico + Hero Arts) + vellum (Office Depot) + ink (Staz On) + other (striped washi, sewing machine, thread) + font (St. Marie)

A Note from Valerie
So tiny! Look at that perfect tiny, little hand! I thought it would be cool to use vellum as my background, so I printed out my journaling on a sheet and went from there. Everything is from Studio Calico's Poodle Skirt kit except for the washi and the vellum.

December Fun Fact
We always get a real Christmas tree every year. I think it's such a great tradition, and it's one less thing we have to store the rest of the year.

 

Captured | Sarah Pendergrast

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (American Crafts, Studio Calico, Basic Grey) + embellishments (Studio Calico, Sodalicious, Basic Grey, American Crafts, My Minds Eye) + stickers (Jenni Bowlin, American Crafts)

A Note from Sarah
This month's theme was photos that matter. I chose this photo because I think it captured the love between these two in a natural unforced way.

 

 

30 Years Later | Katie Ehmann

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Studio Calico, Bazzill Basics, American Crafts) + embellishments (Studio Calico) + stickers (Studio Calico) + stamps (Studio Calico) + ink (Hero Arts)

A Note from Katie
This layout means a lot to me because last Christmas my sister, cousins and I re-created a photo that was taken 30 years ago. The idea that 30 years went by so quickly is both fascinating and frightening to me! I used my Silhouette Cameo for the title and backed it with POW paper to give it a little punch. All patterned papers and embellishments are from Studio Calico's Darling Dear line. I love how it works with the colors and vintage feel of my photo! I tucked some hidden journaling on the tag that says "pull".

December Fun Fact
I love December! Family traditions, holiday crafts, Christmas movies, Christmas presents, Christmas songs, Christmas cookies...you get the idea ;-)

 

You're My Favorite | Christine Newman

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (American Crafts) + patterned papers (October Afternoon, BasicGrey, Studio Calico, American Crafts, Echo Park) + vellum paper (Strathmore) + embellishments (Freckled Fawn, BasicGrey, My Mind's Eye, American Crafts, October Afternoon, Studio Calico) + twine (The Twinery) + stamps (Studio Calico, American Crafts, Freshed Baked Paper Goods on Etsy) + ink (Momento, Prima) + digital graphics (Lauren Grier, Elle's Studio) + die-cut machine (Silhouette) + font (Blackout) + Photoshop Actions (Totally Rad)

A Note from Christine
This layout has one of my very favorite photos of my husband Todd. He just looks so handsome. Plus, he was standing in front of Ghirardelli chocolate store in San Francisco. Which makes two of my very favorites in the same photo! :) This also might be the first time I've used a dark background for a layout. I would love to do more of them.

December Fun Fact
I hate shopping in the crowded stores in December, so I do almost all my holiday gift shopping online, or I make handmade gifts.

 

Brickmasters | Jennifer Larson

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (Stampin’ Up!) + patterned paper (My Mind’s Eye, Simple Stories, Pebbles, Jillibean Soup) + embellishments (Simple Stories, American Crafts, October Afternoon, Lego Club, Stampin’ Up!) + punch (EK Success) + chipboard (American Crafts) + ink (Stampin’ Up!, Jenni Bowlin) + stamps (Studio Calico) + fonts (Gill Sans)

A Note from Jennifer
The journaling says it all: I’ve taken the boys to Lego Club for the past three years, but these two photos are my favorites. I took them on my iPhone with Instagram, and I love them because of how grown up they look. And for the first time ever, I’ve used one of their Lego Club stickers they get but never use. Stolen for a good cause!

December Fun Fact
I always make a Lego advent calendar for Christmas. I buy two small Lego sets, about 250 pieces each, one for each boy. I made a Karen Foster drawer calendar for this, and every day I insert a clue into the day’s drawer. (My boys trade off days: my older boy gets odd days because his birthday is odd, my younger boy gets evens because his birthday is even.) When the boys figure out the clue and go to where the clue leads them, that boy finds a few Lego pieces. That lasts until Christmas, and on Christmas morning each boy finds the directions for the Lego set he’s been collecting under the tree. It’s so much fun for them, though they’re getting better at figuring out which set they’re getting.

 

Beauty is a Light | Amy Sorensen

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (My Mind's Eye, Basic Grey) + large alphabet stamp (Close to My Heart) + small alphabet stamp (Studio Calico) + ink (Close to My Heart) + Sunshine in my Soul font

A Note from Amy
I read a challenge somewhere on someone's blog recently to let your children hear you compliment yourself. This layout grew out of that challenge—it really is something I need to work on. The photo has me, my mom, and my younger sister Becky; my daughter Haley took it for us. It's a photo that matters for several reasons to me, but mostly because I don't have enough pictures with me and the people I love. I need to work on that too!

December Fun Fact
I think dark chocolate Lindt truffle balls are one of mankind's best creations!

 

Sock Monkey Joy | Deb Duty

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Basic Grey) + stickers (Basic Grey) + stamps (Basic Grey, Technique Tuesday)

A Note from Deb
This layout is about one of my favorite photos from last Christmas. I love how Mason is smiling proudly with his sock monkey and Alec is still looking his over trying to decide whether or not he likes it.

December Fun Fact
I'll be finishing up my third year of Project Life soon. I'm excited to start again in January!

 

My Boys | Paula Gilarde

12 x 12 | materials Alison Solids (Maplebrook Studios) + Messy Stitched Borders Green No. 1 (Katie Pertiet) + Splatters No. 3 (Katie Pertiet) + Readymade Banners For Dad (Studio DD) + Essential Words No. 2 (Ali Edwards) + Wooden Alpha No. 5 (Katie Pertiet) + Doodle Do Frames No. 1 (Katie Pertiet) + Staple Its (Pattie Knox)

A Note from Paula
We had a photo shoot with a local photographer earlier in the year - this is one of my favorite shots, of my two boys.

December Fun Fact
I'm a big fan of advent calendars. One year we had 5 going at one time - I think that might have been a few too many though!

 

Every Single Day | Emily Spahn

8.5 x 11 | materials patterned paper (Pink Paislee) + chipboard alphabet (Basic Grey) + wood stars (Studio Calico) + stamps (Sodalicious, Becky Higgins) + pin (Maya Road) + tab (October Afternoon) + wash tape (MT) + sticker (Authentique) + mist (Studio Calico)

A Note from Emily
This is one of the hardest layouts I’ve ever made. This is my dog Maddie, who we lost this past January to Lymphoma. She was six years old. This photo was taken two days before she passed, exactly three months after she was diagnosed. She was suddenly so sick and weak. Her eyes were filled with sadness. It still breaks my heart to look at these photos, and this is the first time I have scrapbooked a layout about her since she’s been gone. She was so much more than a dog. She was our family…our baby. And, like the layout says, I miss her every single day.

December Fun Fact
December is a month of traditions! One of our favorite December traditions is going as a family downtown (Chicago), having breakfast, and visiting the Christkindlmarket. This year will be our sixth (or maybe seventh!!) year! I can’t wait!

 

Live Out Loud | Erin Sweeney

8.5 x 11 | materials patterned paper (My Mind's Eye, Basic Grey) + stickers (7 Gypsies) 

A Note from Erin
This layout is not new. In fact, it’s been posted here on wcs before. But I love it. And when I saw the theme was favorite photos I knew I had to use it again. I LOVE these pictures of my daughter Mackenzie. They are so her. They capture her spirit, her personality. And these pictures perfectly accompany the journaling, describing who Mackenzie was when these were taken. She’s five now, and still just as spunky!

December Fun Fact
Today I’m running a 5K with jingle bells on my shoes and reindeer antlers on my head. Merry Christmas!

 

Twenty Years | Emily Pitts

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (American Crafts) + patterned paper (My Mind’s Eye, October Afternoon) + journaling card, stickers, green alphabet stickers (Simple Stories) + chipboard alphabet (American Crafts) stamp (Kelly Purkey for Cocoa Daisy, Cocoa Daisy) + washi tape (My Mind’s Eye) + adhesive (Glue Arts, Recollections) + embossing powder (American Crafts) + pen (EK Success) + floss (DMC)

A Note from Emily
I was going to scrap a very old photo, but then I took this one and it captures the relationship my husband and I have so well that I had to scrap it instead.

December Fun Fact
My scrap loft is finally clean! It only took me a year, but it’s all cleaned and organized in a huge IKEA cabinet. I got rid of about 50 pounds of stuff in the process, donating and recycling it. I’m a much happier person. Over Christmas break, we are going to pull the white carpet out and install hardwood. I’m so excited!

 

Happiness | Marnie Flores

12 x 12 | materials banner (Michelle Underwood) + tape (Michelle Underwood) + ribbon (Michelle Underwood) + word strip (Lori Whitlock) + fonts (KG Ray of Sunshine, Letter Gothic)

A Note from Marnie
Favorite photos for me are often the last ones taken. I'm incredibly fickle that way. So when I went hunting for one that was more that just the most recent favorite, I remembered about this one. I love that it captures emotion. I realized as I was picking favorites that most are the ones that capture my kids just as I see them. A face, or a muted sound, or a look--just a little something that gets it right. I love that.

December Fun Fact
My kids have never ever ever wanted to sit on Santa's lap. Instead, we go to the mall with the second floor, and wave to him from upstairs. One year he waved back. They were five hundred and sixteen times more excited than I could have imagined. The write letters for the real Santa and feel no need to sit upon a strange impersonator's lap. Why sit when you can wave from afar? Silly mites.