Multiphoto Birthday Layouts

Happy Monday everyone!! Today, I'm sharing 2 birthday layouts that I created about 2 my boys using Cheery Lynn Designs dies and a mix of patterned papers from Bella Blvd and Echo Park Paper Co. I tell you, I can not believe that my older son turned 7 just 3 weeks ago and my baby will be 3 in less than 2 months!! They're getting old...I'm not, just them...LOL!!

Side note: I absolutely love how usable Echo Park's packaging is! I cut a 4" strip from the packaging paper and was able to incorporate 18 different patterns without overwhelming the design of having to cut out each individually! Love that!

OK, back to the layout...

I wanted to add just a touch of texture to my background, so I sandwiched the paper between the Desert Floor Embossing Plate and an embossing pad and used a mallet to bang the texture into the paper since it was too big to send through my embossing machine.

I also added some sparkle by applying droplets of Key Lime Luminarte to the background.

Cheery Lynn Designs has a wonderful array of 2" x 3" layered dies that allow you to create the perfect little embellishment for any project. I used the Index Card here to highlight part of my journaling as well as add another red element to my layout.

I am all about incorporating texture onto my layouts! I love how the Piercing Plates not only add texture, but allow me to add perfect stitching (in the case here, faux stitching). All of the holes are pre-punched for you, all you have to do is stitch! How easy is that?

I created textured journaling border strips by die cutting the smallest of the XL French Flair dies and embossing it with Desert Floor. I cut the piece in half and aligned it next to my photo.

On this next birthday layout, I'll show you how to change up the look of a couple of the dies by using small pieces of them.

I added a fun playful look to the Coved Rectangle dies by making them into "tickets". I achieved this look by cutting them half, inking them and then adding a rub-on and pen work.

The XL French Flair die becomes a journaling spot that houses my title. Again, I cut out the die and trimmed off the piece that I needed and saved the rest for another project.


The Dimensional Star Buttons were used as is, but the addition of some colorful baker's twine help to take these over the top.

A plain black circle cut using the Classic XL Circles is used to mat the bowling ball making it pop right off the page!

I hope this post has inspired you to pullout your die cutting machine a go to work!!

Until next post, have a great day!!

Another Birthday Giveaway

Do you know what today is?!! It's my birthday!!! For those of you who have followed my blog for a while now know how I like to celebrate my day. I give away gifts! Is there a better way to celebrate?

For this birthday giveaway, I have something for EVERYONE!!!! Even non paper crafters have an opportunity to win! And the RAKs are Fabulous!!! I missed giving a RAK for my 500th post, so I am loading up on this one!

OK drum roll please....................


First up, I am giving away, not one, but 2 do-it-yourself projects: one is a 2 page layout and the other is a mini album in a bag!!! Each kit comes complete with all the supplies and full color instructions. All you need to add is adhesive and photos. You can get a glimpse of the completed projects in this blog post.

Next up is an embellishment frenzy RAK!!! Look at all of the goodies here: buttons, ribbon, over 70 Petaloo flowers, bling, acrylic, sequence, adhesive...plus a cute Making Memories apron!

This RAK contains 10 sheets of Bella Blvd papers, including 2 from the brand new Hello Beautiful line, a sheet of alpha stickers, a Maya Road mini, chipboard and fabric pieces from Buzz & Bloom, 2 sheets of rub-ons from Dove of the East, and lots of other goodies. Imagine all of the fun stuff you can make with this!!!

This RAK is for the non paper crafters out there who pop in on my blog from time to time. This is a completed "Best Buddies" mini album created by me and a pink apron. All you have to do is purchase some adhesive and load the album up with your photos and show it off. It's the perfect little brag book. **Just let me know your not a paper crafter in your post.


All winners will be randomly drawn. Anyone who posts a comment here by the end of the giveaway, Friday August 6th 11:59 pm EDT, will be eligible to win.

Of course, you have BONUS opportunities to win!!!

1. Post this giveaway on your blog and leave a separate comment here with a link to your blog post and you will get an additional entry!
2. Tweet this giveaway on twitter or share on Facebook and link it here in a separate post for another opportunity to win!
3. Become a fan of this blog and you'll get yet another chance to win!! Just let me know in a post here. If you're already a fan, you'll still get an additional entry...just shout it out.
   

Good luck and thanks for celebrating with me!!!!!!!!!!!

Birthday Giveaway!!!

Today is August 3, 2009, which means I was born 35 years ago!!! Can you believe it? I can't, although I feel it most days! This year my birthday falls on a Monday (blech), only the most humdrum day of the week. Personally, I don't like humdrum, so I'm livening things up a bit by giving YOU some goodies! It's my party, but I want us all to celebrate!!! Boy do I have some goodies in store...

One person will win this pile of Maya Road goodies: chipboard album and charms, sheer and velvet ribbon, sheer journaling spots plus a ribbon ring good for storing your ton-o-ribbon!




Another lucky reader will win this oh-so-cute slice apron!! It's not one of those flimsy ones either; it covers nicely and has 3 pockets in the front for all of your scrapbooking/cooking needs!

I have one for myself and love it! How cute is that embroidered Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon?

A third person will receive this totally cute canvas bag (and a few scrap goodies) from CHA; it's perfect for all of your shopping needs. I've incorporated some "green" items into my household and canvas bags have become my fave!

And now for the mother load!!!!!! Anyone who is currently a follower of this blog and anyone who becomes a follower before the end of this giveaway will be entered into a random drawing to win My Little Shoebox's new WHOO LOVES YOU? line!!!!! Everything you see here could be yours (6 sheets of double sided paper, 1 scalloped circle paper, 1 package of transparency overlays, the sprinkle glazed alpha, chipboard alpha, the diecuts, and the oh-so-popular mini alpha (we can't keep these bad boys in stock!!

All winners will be randomly drawn. Anyone who posts a comment here by the end of the giveaway will be eligible for one of the first three (3) prizes. Anyone who is on my blog followers list before the end of the giveaway, Thursday August 6th 11:59 pm EDT, will be eligible to win the full line from My Little Shoebox!!!

Of course, you have BONUS opportunities to win!!!

1. Post this giveaway on your blog and leave a separate comment here with a link to your blog post and you will get an additional entry!
2. Tweet this giveaway on twitter and link it here in a separate post for yet another opportunity to win!

Good luck and thanks for celebrating with me!!!!!!!!!!!!