I Think I Have Crafty Spring Fever!

Really!  The weather here is wonderful.  Peach trees in bloom.  Sun is shining.  The wind beckons a new kite.  It's beautiful.

Often my inspiration comes from what is around me.  With the sights, sounds, and feel of Spring I went looking through Dad's photo albums for a Spring photo.

The Story
Since I lost my Dad I often go through the albums from the point of view that I miss Dad and want photos of him or of me and Dad.  My beautiful mom is overlooked from time to time when I'm going through the albums.  That's something that is being corrected! 

I ran across this photo.  It was drab and grey-ish.  I put my Photoshop Elements to work and I was able to brighten up the colors, especially on my Mom's dress.  On the bottom of the original photo my dad wrote:  "Mickie Easter 1960."  I looked up what date Easter was on in 1960.  It was April 17th. 

I was born the previous September and my mom looks totally fabulous.  Then Mom always looks fabulous. 

The Layout

What I Learned

• I've changed my approach to creating a layout since I've started this journey this year.  Before I would have in my head what I wanted and start adhering photos then embellishments.  NOW I lay everything out, move it around, add to and take away.  I can walk away and come back in a bit to see if it's really what I like.  I really like this new approach and I think my scrapbook layouts have benefited from it.
• Using my "older" stash works.  This pattern paper is from Basic Grey's Obscure collection.  The patterned ribbon is from Basic Grey.

• Doilies are a great element for your scrapbook page.  I really like using them (bottom left).  BUT I like it better when I I make my doilies (top right).  I used Fiskars Circle Border Punch to make my doily.  You can use your Circle Border Punch to make doilies for different occasions including parties!
• I've learned that you can pop a page, especially one that has a lot of color, with a bit of white.  I enjoy the effect of it bringing out all the colors on the page.

• FYI:  all but one flower is from Prima.  The flower with the Kaiser wooden butterfly is from Webster's Pages.  I love Webster's products.  
• Also the "doilie" looking element on the bottom right is cut from Prima's packaging.
• The crochet lace on the Prima packaging piece was made by my mom!

News

"True Scrap" 
My great friend Sudie Alexander from UnKit and SudieTV will be participating in True Scrap, an online Scrapbooking event featuring 12 classes from 12 different teachers such as Ali Edwards, Kellie Crow, Erin Bassett, Stephanie Ackerman, and more.  UnKit will be doing virtual make-n-takes.  I think it will be an extraordinary event with extraordinary artists.

Giveaway

I am in the mix of planning a fabulous giveaway, well several of them, next week.  It involves you, me, and Copic Pens...more than a few!  Make sure to mark your calender for Monday, March 21st.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List
1.  mom
2.  a sister who is longsuffering
3.  my grandmother, who is my guardian angel
4.  moments of time that brings an inner joy and peace
5.  the path God has guided me on through my life