Prize from Inspired to Scrap!

Every once an a while my scrapbooking challenges pay off.  Two weeks ago was one of those times.  My "Adoption Day" layout was the winner over at Sketchy Thursdays.


My prize was a kit from Inspired to Scrap.  I choose the kit called "Storytime," and it included Kit contents: paper, alphas, and phrases from Crate Paper, paper and embellishments from Studio Calico, some Tim Hortz embellishments, and a few other fun things.
  

As adorable and fun as all the papers, alphas, and embellishments are, I think my favorite thing about the kit was "instructions" that they sent along.  Stacy, the owner, created a little guide on how to use four of the papers in four different layouts, with cutting guides, sketches, and pictures.  The frugal side of me loves this, because I know I can get the most bang for my buck with these awesome papers!

Thanks, Sketchy Thursdays and Inspired to Scrap!

Adoption Day Layout

I knew as soon as Suzanne gifted me the Echo Park Little Boy collection for my birthday last month, I would be using it for Levi's Adoption Day layout.

When I saw this layout sketch for Sketchy Thursdays, it was time to craft!



I didn't have room anywhere for all the journaling i had to do, so I just printed it out like a letter to Levi to tell him about his special day, and paper clipped it to the back of page two.

Of course, the layout is much straighter in person.  All the papers, captions, and letters are from Echo Park, except for "Adoption Day," which is Thickers.

Baby Dedication

I guess one layout a week is better than nothing!  This weekend, during Levi's naps, I got this layout finished.  It is about Levi's baby dedication.  It took me extra long to do because I had so much journaling to squeeze in.  I tried out my first journaling envelope.  I think I like it!

The layout is based on this sketch from Page Maps via The Paper Variety.

I must say, the best thing I ever did for Levi's baby book is to BLOG whenever things are fresh in my mind, so then I can go back later and just print out the blog and call it journaling! This kid is going to have the most detailed baby book ever!

Camping is In-Tents

 The Paper Variety challenge this week to to make something having to do with summer.  I usually scrapbook chronologically, and am currently working on Levi's 8 month pictures.  Hold the phone - I jumped ahead to the nine month stack to get these camping pictures!

I used Create a Critter and Opposite Attract.  The paper is one of the DCWV photo stacks.

Splashie!!

Levi LOVES the bathtub.  When I was taking these pictures, I knew exactly what this layout would look like and say (am I officially a nerd now?).  I used this week's Sketchy Thursday layout, and halfway through assembly realized I qualified for the polka dot challenge at The Paper Variety.  Double Challenge Duty!

The tub is from New Arrival and the title is Juice on Sure Cuts A Lot.  The adorable chunko kid is mine!

Two Giveaways!

My pink stamper is hosting a giveaway for a Cricut Expression 2.  I am saving up for one already, but have a LOOOONG way to go. I would LOVE to win this!

Also, I am hosting a book giveaway over at my adoption blog.

Check them out!

His Royal Cuteness

This layout contains two firsts for me:  first time making a "banner" (what's the official name for those things?), first time using "transparency" paper (the crown stuff).  I had a little trouble with the transparency paper - what is the best way to utilize this stuff?  I feel like it just looks like white paper with black print because I had to put white paper behind it.  What's the point, really? 

Oh well, anyway, another layout about my baby, Levi!  This one is for the Sketchy Thursdays challenge.