Sweet Joy

Scrapbook Layout - Sweet Joy -

A close up of the layout...

Hello everyone,

I have been putting my creativity to good use this week.   I have so many beautiful pictures to document, and not enough time in the day...  

This particular picture is a favorite of my entire family, as it is my youngest sister (she has autism, so she socializes differently than the average teenager) leaning on my husband shoulder and actually smiling for the camera - A miracle on both sides!!-.  

 I have been meaning to dust off my mixed media skills, so I channeled my inner artist for this layout.  I started by adding splashes of shimmering pink and mint watercolor on some white cardstock. I was drawn to  a cross pattern for all the splashes of color.

the lack of gesso caused the paper to buckle a bit during the process.

Once the color splashes had dried, I added a few stamped hearts -i used black ink to create some contrast-.  To add texture,  I use a polka dot stencil with white shimmer paste just on the outer corners of the cross pattern.

A close-up of  the mixed media details.

While the paste dried, I went ahead and started working on building the layers for the picture.  I used papers from Craft Smith's Mint and Pink collection from Michaels. 

I added a gold acetate 6x4 card as the mat for the paper layers.

Another look at the layers  of  the layout...

Using staples adds dimension to the layers

For part of my title i used some water color paper to cut a banner using my Silhouette Cameo.  The Joy banner comes from Paper Issues.  Once I cut it, I used gold acrylic paint to add shine to the banner.

I chose to enlarge the banner to be the same size as the paper cluster...

Once all the  parts were ready,  I went ahead and printed the picture in black and white ( this way it creates a lot of contrast to the rest of the layout).  And started assembling the page.

A side look of the paper cluster

To complete the title I used a cut-out from All Gold Things collection from MME at the top of the picture.  This also helps to balance the  large banner at the bottom of the page, and frames the picture at the same time.

A scalloped tag on the background softens the straight edges of the paper cluster.

Finally  I added a few sequins and some star shaped confetti to complete the piece..

I am so pleased with the end result. I hope you like it, too.

See you soon

P.S.  Remember April is Autism Awareness Month, i would invite you to get some information on how this chromosomal disability can affect kids and adults and their families.  We love our little sister, and her disability -autism- is one of the biggest blessings our family ever received.

The completed layout...

Materials used:

Cut file -Joy Banner-,  Paper Issues.com

Banner cut-out,  water color paper

Gold Acrylic paint, Heidi Swapp Marquee Collection

Patterned Paper,  Mint and Pink collection, Craft Smith, Michaels

Ephemera and title, All things gold collection, My Mind's Eye

Shimmer water color,  Artist Loft, Michaels

Mint and Pink Color shine, Heidi Swapp

Heart stamp, Recollections, Michaels

White screen paste, Heidi Swapp collection

Polka dot Stencil, Heidi Swapp Collection

Tag,  Recollections,  Michaels

Unique Spirit

Scrapbook Layout - Unique Spirit -

Hello Everyone!,

April is  Autism Awareness month, this is a cause very close to our hearts as my youngest sister was diagnosed with autism at age 2.  After many years of therapy, patience and much love she is able to communicate with us and live a "normal life".  I have to say that my dad and his wife have done a tremendous job trying to make sure she enjoys life to the fullest; she is now turning 19 in a couple weeks, and is ready to go on her high school graduation trip to New York for  her b-day.

To us, Michelle radiates innocence, sincerity and much, much love.    So how do you capture that in a layout?  My answer color... Since the sign for autism is a puzzle piece, i opted for using a puzzle background  cut-file from the Silhouette Store, and backing every puzzle piece in a different colorful paper from the Jubilee collection from My MInd's Eye.

The details of the top right corner of the layout...

I printed the picture in black and white to make sure it was highlighted in this sea of color...  I used some of the same papers to mat and layer the picture.  A few pieces of ephemera and stickers were all that was needed to bring some attention to the piece

I introduced wood details to add more texture to the layout.

I added my journal lines inside one of the puzzle pieces, and added a few details along the layout in order to balance the layout.  I love the results, but most of all I enjoyed seeing the piece come together.  I am sure she will love it, as she loves color...

The finished layout...

Before I leave, I would like to invite you all to read about autism, and how these children interact with the world.  Autism can present differently in each child it affects, as it has a very wide behavioral spectrum.  Once you inform yourself about autism, you will understand that these souls are just like you and me, the only difference is how they process information and relate it back to you.  In our case, Michelle is a blessing in disguise that teaches us all about unconditional love, patience and the power of GOD's love.

See you soon...

Material Used:

Cut file, Silhouette store

Patterned paper, Jubilee Collection, My Mind's Eye

Ephemera, Stitched collection, Amy Tangerine

Chipboard stickers,  Jubilee Collection, My Mind's Eye

Title - foam letters-, Thickers

Wood veneer shapes and words,  Recollection, Michaels