This is my happy place layout

Today I'm sharing another favorite layout. I'm loving cut files right now for several reasons. I can use so many colorful papers on one layout. I can simplify the process because I use my Cricut to cut the outline and the inner pieces. Finally, I can quickly finish a layout on a smaller canvas. For this page, I decided to cut the title with black cardstock. This paper is from Simple Stories, called Just Beachy, and it has a bold, happy color palette. I felt that the black would stand out more with the beach background paper.

I decided to replace the A's with photos. After tracing and hand cutting these pictures, I used liquid adhesive to assemble the cut file. As I've shared before, I love using a paint splatter stamp to make a distressed background. For me, it's controlled mess with a great end result. I used a teal ink to coordinate with the beachy color vibe.

I had just enough room for two smaller photos, matted with another patterned paper. I added journal blocks and tags to the top right of the layout. Then I had fun with die cuts and foam adhesive! I love our time at the beach every year, and I love this colorful layout that documents this special time.

Supplies Used:

My Happy Place Cut File

Simple Stories Just Beachy Collector's Essentials

Simple Stories Just Beachy Enamel Dots

Catherine Pooler All that Jazz Ink

Close to my Heart Stamp (discontinued)

Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L

 

Fussy Cutting Layout: Feeling Thankful Grateful and Blessed

 

What inspires you most when deciding what to create? The default answer should probably be photos, but for me it is always PAPER. I am inspired by the color, the pattern, the weight, the texture, even the smell! This is a very simple layout that I created because I needed to keep my hands busy while watching tv. Do you ever have one of those nights where you just want to munch? I was craving popcorn and M&Ms. Insert a better decision (at least for one night;)...I grabbed my fussy cutting scissors and started trimming flowers. I had a Garden Shoppe paper pad by Paige Evans for American Crafts. She has some of the best floral papers that are great for fussy cutting!

I ended up with a very nice pile of flower clusters. I left a small white border. Nothing is perfect, but it will look just fine on a layout. I also didn't worry about how many single flowers versus clusters of flowers. I even cut half flowers from the edges of the paper. Every flower can be trimmed again or hidden once I start adhering them to my layout.

I used a second sheet of paper that featured letter boards with fall sayings. As I was trimming, I had a photo in mind, so I focused on frames that were in shades of blue and green. The next day, I decided to do something with my pile of flowers and frames. I chose a background paper and printed my photos. Then I selected a few accent papers that would tie together all of my color choices, and add a photo block for the eye to be drawn to. I typed and printed my journaling through the project life app. The only embellishment that I added was enamel dots (my favorite accessory!) from my "yellow" drawer of random bits and pieces. I truly played with the flowers, moving them, tucking them, etc. until I got the layers right. I knew I wanted them to cover the majority of the layout. Some have foam adhesive; some are flat. After adhering everything, I fold some of the flower petals up to give added dimension.

It's important to remember that creating is therapy. I had fun cutting and playing with flowers. Is it my most favorite layout ever? Nope. But I'm happy with the end result, and it served its purpose, keeping my hands busy and my creative juices flowing. I find that Paige's collections and paper pads are perfect for keeping near the couch or in the pick up line at school. I can fussy cut and listen to music or television. I'll link products below. I hope you find some time to create today!

Paige Evans Garden Shoppe Paper Pad

My favorite scissors

Adore-able Cut File and Layout

Today, I'm sharing a layout that utilizes a cut file from PearTree Cut Files. While I am known for my two page layouts, I love the impact that a cut file can have on a single page. Because I have a Cricut machine, I'm able to simplify the cutting process for a great end result. First, I cut the file on my machine. I chose to use black cardstock to make the outline really stand out. I wanted to ink behind the file, so I placed the cut file on my background paper and made small pencil marks, indicating where the file would be adhered. This made my ink placement easier. 

I used a variety of Catherine Pooler inks and my Gina K blending brushes. Is my background perfect? Not even close! But once the cut file goes in place, it really wont matter one bit. Next, I shifted back to the cut file to assemble it. I had cut the colorful insides of the letters on my Cricut. But I still needed to trace the heart shape onto my photos. I used the inner black cardstock piece as my template.

To adhere the cut file, I used Nuvo liquid adhesive. It tends to be forgiving as you are shifting things around. I also added the inner outlines for most letters, knowing that I may embellish over a few of them.

Now, it's time for the finishing touches! I added some coordinating Bella Blvd patterned paper along the left edge of my background paper. It helps tie all of the colors and embellishments together. I used foam adhesive for most of the die cuts, as well as some puffy hearts. I adore the end result almost as much as I adore our three guinea pigs.

Supplies Used in this Project:

Adore Cut File

Bella Besties Papers

Catherine Pooler Inks

Cricut Explore

Gina K Blending Brushes

Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive