One of the things I love best about paper crafting, is the freedom to be creative. There’s so much in our daily lives that becomes routine – we have errands to run, groceries to buy, mouths to feed, rooms to clean, laundry to wash, drop-offs, pick-ups, extracurricular activities to get to, and on and on.

But when I craft, especially during Layout a Day (LOAD), I get to focus on photos I want to highlight, a story I want to share, and products I want to use! The cute little Bella Blvd mustache paper I have on this layout and card was screaming to be used with photos from my sister’s baby gender revealing party. There were mustaches for those who thought she was having a boy, pink lips for those who thought she was having a girl. Perfect for this paper!

Usually when I scrapbook, I start with photos or story as my launching pad. Sometimes (rarely) I start with the product I want to use. During LOAD, a prompt will lead my mind. In this case, it all came together serendipitously! Today’s prompt was “Who?” and who else to scrapbook about than our newest (coming) family member! Working with the browns and pinks, I wanted it to be playful, but refined; trendy, but timeless; layered, but not overwhelming. The patterned papers add lots of energy, so I decided to make the journaling hidden on the tag behind the pink masked hearts.

One of my favorite new stamps is the distressed chevron by The Sweet Stamp Shop. I made this great little Polaroid-ish frame for a 3×3 photo. Using VersaMark watermark stamp on 4×6 piece of Ranger’s glossy paper, I stamped the chevron stamp, added clear embossing powder and heat set the embossing powder. Then using a blending tool and Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Picked Raspberry, I added my color. 

I always end up with bits and pieces of scraps that usually end up in my scrap bins. But this time I decided I wanted to use those pieces and not forget about them. So staying with the same color family and overall look with the banners, I decided to make a birthday card. I also decided to add a little banner made with washi tape and bakers twine. Love how it came out!

Thanks for stopping by and have a joyful, creative, blessing filled day!
Live creatively!
xoxo,
/c

PS. If you want to try any of these ideas, feel free to Pin or Share this post!