Big News - One Page Newspaper Clipping Layout

 Does anybody still get the newspaper? Probably not many get it every day, if at all, anymore. I know we don't. It was a hard sell to my husband to cancel the subscription, but he finally realized he didn't really have the time to read it. 

Back in 2017, our then 4 year old granddaughter made the newspaper!!! It was pretty exciting, of course! This was actually the second time she made the newspaper. She's that awesome!

I wanted to preserve the article for future generations to see, but it was hard to come up with an idea of how to best use it in a my scrapbook album, but I thought this turned out cute. Maybe this will give you an idea, just in case you still have any old newspaper articles waiting to be scrapped. 

This layout was created quite awhile ago. My creative skills have improved since then, but bare with me as I post an oldy but a goody!

Isn't she just adorable?!? The joy on her face makes me smile. And...who wouldn't love to have some of this 76 degree weather right now??

The heart patterned paper made a good backdrop for the article. I matted the article twice, and lined it up with some striped ribbon, and a strip of washi tape below. The puffy clouds were inked around the edges and added above, because that's where clouds belong. 😂 The ribbon flower was purchased by the yard and cut apart for a birthday banner that I made for the same sweet baby girl. I added a few quote strips, pennants, and strips of paper, and boom...this BIG news article was preserved for future generations.

Hope this inspires you to do something crafty with your old news clippings! Good luck!

Honor -Two Page Graduation Layout

Here's another two page layout from our oldest son's graduation from the Police Academy. These photos were taken before the ceremony and it was the first time we saw him in his dress blues! Wow...such a chest-popping experience for his Mom and Dad. Yes there were tears from his Momma, and still are when I look at this layout. He worked so very hard for this and HE DID IT! I love everyone in these pictures!! Sometimes family life can be really hard and heart-breaking. But, I love seeing all of the happy faces here and that is what I will try to dwell on.

It may seem like an odd patterned paper choice, but I am very happy with it. I love how the green pulls the color from my granddaughter's dress and really pops off the blue. Stars are a perfect embellishment for patriotic layouts like this. I just happened to have some little bronze stars to add to the center! I love it when I have the perfect finishing touch hiding right there in my stash. 

Hope you enjoy this super simple layout that holds so much meaning for me. Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog today! 

Masculine Birthday Cards

 Brrrr.....Baby it's cold outside. I wish I could sit home all day, and make stuff. No, really. I'm ready to retire, but my age bracket doesn't quite hit than benchmark yet...Nor does my IRA. Looks like I need to keep my day job. Do you look forward to retirement? The older I get, the more I can't wait!! 

Today, I thought I'd share a few masculine birthday cards with you. I honestly, struggle with cards in general as compared to scrapbooking. Typically I browse my Pinterest boards and find something for a jumping off point. 

I love this city scene. I think it is super cool. This one was created for one of my nephews. I liked the simple black and white color scheme. The stamp of the city is cut out and popped up with foam squares, but it would also work as super quick one layer card.

I can't get enough of tree stamps. Fall is my favorite, so trees, leaves, pumpkins and the like run rampant in my collection. This was a quick card, but it looks classy. You could add additional layers of colored solid cardstock under the patterned paper, or not...you choose.

This is probably my favorite on this post. Striped washi tape, grungy background stamps, a bit of ribbon, a popped up bright red star, and a graphic birthday stamped pennant. The colors give it a masculine look, but it would be fun experimenting for a similar grungy girly look.

This one is my second favorite and so stinkin' simple. If you are like me, you have a ton of patterned scraps. Grab some with coordinating masculine colors/patterns and cut a mustache either by hand, or on your Cricut. Add some grungy dots and you're done. The men in my life all love their facial hair, so it was perfect.

Two Page Scrapbook Layout - "Olmaya Gala"

Our final event in Israel was a Gala where we celebrated our time together. What an amazing venue with a panoramic view of the Old City.

The location, décor, entertainment, food, and our amazing group made it a phenomenal memory for everybody who was there. I felt so blessed to be given the opportunity to help with the planning of this once in a lifetime trip, from start to finish, and then see it all play out in person with all of these amazing coworkers and agents.

 Everybody was taking photos in groups and as couples with the old city in the background while listening to the jazz band on the lawn and enjoying some hors d'oeuvres. Then we went in for an amazing dinner together.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today! I have a few more Israel layout to share so stay tuned!

Two Page Layout - "Super Dad"

Father's Day is here! I hope you are honoring the Dad or Father-figure in your life. If you still have your Dad here in this world with you, that is something to celebrate. I found a layout from Father's Day 2015 that I never posted. Once I found it, I drafted and scheduled a post for today so that I wouldn't forget again!

So much has changed in 4 years since these pictures were taken. Our little grandson is now 5 and nothing babyish about him anymore. Time sure does fly. I know this was one of my hubby's favorite Father's Day because he received this cornhole game made specially for him by our two sons!!! We play this game so much every summer. Our boys put a lot of work into it and it's been a source of joy for all of us. I'm the only one who kind of sucks at playing it, but I play anyway!

I love this license plate paper and the red ruler washi tape. Perfect for the masculine layout.

So proud of the men in my life!! My father is now gone, but my husband is a great role model for manhood for our two boys as they start their families and take care of their wives, children and their homes.

My hubby spoils me rotten and I'm forever grateful to God for helping us find each other!

Enjoy your day!!

Two Page Scrapbook Layout - "Hugs & Kisses"

These two little munchkins have my heart!! I can't believe I haven't shared this one before now. I must have blinked because now they're 4 and 6 years old. 

 These two are the most adorable and precious handful EVER! This Grandma gig is truly a joy!

 This was Valentines Day 2015. I created special treat bags for them both. Scarlet's was an owl and Sawyer's a fox. Sissy seems to like Sawyer's cars in this picture as much as she liked her pink unicorn.

I raised two boys (no girls), so the pink lace, washi and other feminine touches were pretty new to me at that time!! 😍They'll never get old!! Poor Sawyer will just have to deal with it, I guess. And who knew how cute it would be to just fold over some ribbon or ball fringe and attach it randomly to a page.Except for the sweet faces, it may be my favorite part of the layout.

Happy Valentines Day!! Go squeeze somebody you love! Pamper yourself and your loved ones! ❤❤❤

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.

 

Two Page Layout - "Crafty Crop Inn"

Have you ever scrapped a scrapbook event? Once a year, I get together with a close group of friends and rent a retreat house. It's such a great time scrapping together for an extended period of time. We spend a lot of time just catching up, laughing, scrapping, preparing meals, and eating together. What a great time!

 This was our first and only time at this particular retreat house. We had fun, but since then, we tried out a few other retreat houses that ended up being closer and we liked them better.

 We try to get a picture of us all together each year! This summer,  we'll be adding a few more to our annual group retreat weekend. Can't wait!!

That sunset, though!! 😍😎😲

Hope you are able to work in some crafty time this week and thanks for stopping by my blog today!

One Page Layout - "New Family Tradition"

I have just one sibling..an older brother. He lives about 3 hours away in Michigan. Our parents are both gone now, so we only have each other as far as our core immediate family. Last year, my brother and sister-in-law joined us for dinner on Christmas day. We had already celebrated with my kids and their families. We had a great time. They just came for the day, but it was nice to have a quiet day catching up with them.

We were in the process of moving the week after Christmas, so this is one of the last formal photos inside our old dining room. The tree on our table was the only tree we had because it just didn't make sense to put one up as we were in the process of packing. It was a crazy time for our family!! Moving is not my favorite!

Since then, my brother and his wife have separated. I'm not sure how that will turn out. Personally, I think they're a great pair, but I have to trust that God will work that out between them. My brother came for Christmas day again this year and we enjoyed his company. This time he was able to spend the night in our guest room at our new house and spend a little more time with us. We loved having him!! I'm sure I'll be scrapping that event in the near future.

I hope that my brother will come down more often now that we have guest space ready and waiting. We are looking forward to hosting family and friends as much as possible! 

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Two Page Scrapbook Layout - "Cookies"

Do you and your family have the tradition of making Christmas cookies each year? We do! I'm actually surprised how much my grown kids seem to enjoy it and this year, the grands were really enjoying it as well. I love our time together!!

This was the last time making cookies at our old house. Such sweet memories there, all packed in around the dining room table. What a mess, but so much yummy fun! When the cookies were all decorated, of course we had lots of frosting left in the tubes so my youngest boy and his wife decided to take care of it for us. Katie squeezed the tube so hard, the top flew off and frosting went all over her face and jacket!! She took it like a champ. What else can you do, right?

I love my family so much!  We just celebrated our first Christmas with these crazies in our new home. What a blast! I love making all of these new memories in our new place. We made cookies last Saturday together and I can't wait to put together a new cookie decorating layout to share.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today! Hope you are up to your elbows in Christmas festivities!

Two Page Scrapbook Layout - "Happy Halloween"

When our boys were little we didn't do much to celebrate Halloween. They had their school parties, and as they grew up, they celebrated with their friends. Now that we have grandchildren, we celebrate with them. 😊

 This layout is from two years ago. Sawyer was Captain America and Scarlet was, of course, the cutest fox ever. Look how much fun they are having, bringing in their haul of candy!

 I wish the weather today was as nice as it was two years back. It could be a little soggy and chilly as we walk through the neighborhood with the kiddos. Today, a new tradition starts! The littles will trick or treat with their Mom's family in her brother's neighborhood and then come to our new house and trick or treat with us! We are loving our new home and neighborhood and we're excited to show off our sweet grands and get to know our neighbors a little better.

Lots of patterns and colors going on here, but it's kind of like scrapping Christmas...You just have to go with it. I really love this paper and the purple and green title! Hope you like it too. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy a fun and safe Halloween!

Two Page Scrapbook Layout - "All MIne"

Fall is back! We lost it to winter for about a week, but hopefully it's back for awhile now. Just in time for a few more fall layouts. It is my favorite time of year, so I can't help myself.

This man is my rock. He is the most patient and kind man I could ever ask for in my life. He's a wonderful husband, Dad, and PawPaw. I'm a very blessed woman to call him mine! And then there are these crazy, fun-loving, non-stop, beautiful grandchildren of ours! My cup overflows...😻

 I can't get enough of these colors and the blue distressed woodgrain background paper. It really pops the orange in the leaves and in our clothing. The banners are all random paper scraps that I've saved. My scrap container comes in handy for layouts with banners. I love when I find a bunch of patterns and colors that all work together. A little washi tape and ribbon...and done.

I think I have one more fall layout with the whole family to share with you soon...and then next up will be Halloween. :) Thanks for stopping by today.

Two Page Scrapbook Layout - "Happy Life"

This is my oldest son's beautiful family! We are so proud of them!!

 My husband and I are blessed beyond belief with our family. Our hearts our full with our two boys and their beautiful families. They keep us busy, and they keep us young(er).

 I remember well the challenge of raising little ones. Wow...In fact this handsome man right here was my strong willed boy. I'm here to tell you, if you're raising a strong willed child, hang in there! It gets better. All of those characteristics that make them challenging to raise, will (with training) make them strong and confident, but also loving, sympathetic, loyal, and all around great human beings! And...this one keeps me laughing all the time too. He's had some rough patches, but he's still positive and quite entertaining to be around. The saying "behind every strong man is a stronger woman" definitely is true for these two.

Thank you Lord for these beautiful humans that make our hearts sing with joy!

Two Page Scrapbook Layout - "You Color My World"

And now it's time to share one of my fall layouts of my sweet granddaughter. She's definitely sugar and spice and everything nice, maybe with a little extra spice. :)

 Again, I'm loving this fall themed paper. I matted the photos, layered some embellishments and wrapped it with some pretty scalloped crocheted ribbon.

 Ah...I can't believe it's taken me 3 years to get these posted. Looks like it's time for another photo shoot with these sweet, not-so-little babies.

I'm still obsessed with the shot of my granddaughter laying on her belly in the wagon and the one where she's throwing up the leaves! Kudos to our photographer for catching these moments so well. 

Thanks for stopping by today! Enjoy your day! 

One Page Scrapbook Layout - "End of the Road"

Last layout of our trip!! Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. Eventually, you hit your vacation budget, use all of your paid time off work, and have to come home. 😢 It was an awesome anniversary celebration!

Key West is at the southernmost part of the U.S. where Hwy 1 comes to an end. These pics are taken near the iconic landmark at the southernmost point which is 90 miles from Cuba.

The paper is Kaisercraft "Sea Breeze" and Simple Stories wood chevron for the banner arrow that anchors the pictures. I used a couple of different kinds of ribbon down the center and added a little date tag with a touch of ribbon to accentuate the one picture. At the last minute, I added a little slip of ribbon at the top and simply folded it over and topped it with a wood button.  Hope you like this last page of our anniversary trip! If you want to see the rest of the Key West layouts, got to the bottom of this post and type Key West in the search bar. Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Two Page Scrapbook Layout - "Noel"

As I look at these Christmas pictures from a few years back, not only has my grandbaby changed tremendously, but both of my boys have also changed. I'm so proud of them and the choices they are making in their lives.

We all try to make it to church together for Christmas Eve service, so it's fun to snap a few pictures in the foyer while we were all dressed up. I have a beautiful family and my life is truly blessed by each of them!

 This paper is Photo Play's "Dear Santa". I love the plaid flannel look, especially for my burly boys. The noel die cut is from Jolly Holidays with a SU embellishment for the O.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. Definitely more Christmas layouts to come.

Two Page Scrapbook Layout - "Making Merry"

Here's a Christmas Eve 2014 layout of my crazy family. Christmas brings out the "crazies" and the cuties!

 I cut the elf legs from some patterned paper and then popped them up on the page overlapping the pictures a little bit. The paper is Reminisce "Dear Santa" and the ribbon from Tim Holtz.

The title font is from Cricut's Plantin Schoolbook and the journaling tag from WeR "Silver and Gold" collection. The poinsettia is Cricut's Art Philosophy.

 Here's my favorite cuties sitting in front of my Christmas tree all ready for Christmas Eve service at our church. I love them so much!

Be sure to stop back for more Christmas layouts!!

Two Page Scrapbook Layout - "Love You"

This one is for my granddaughter's album from Fall 2014. Right now, I'm only scrapping special mile marker events and ages in my grandkids' albums such a birthdays, special photo shoots, etc. My granddaughter is only 4 and the book is already filling up. I may have to have a couple of books for them. I hate to limit myself too much...lol!

 The paper is from Paper Company and Bo Bunny Safari, with embellies from My Mind's Eye "Cut and Paste". The title is from Cricut's Paisley cartridge.

 This little girl is truly my sunshine! After raising two burly boys, she's all things, pink and purple, ruffles and bows...and both sugar and spice! She bring us such joy!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!!! See you soon.

Two Page Scrapbook Layout - "This is Life"

I'm sharing another layout from a few years back featuring candid photos of an extended family get together. We had such a great time!! It's especially fun to see the littles play together!

 The paper is Cloud 9 with washi from MakingMemories "Boy Crazy" and ribbon from American Crafts.

 I punched a bunch of different circles from scraps and used them as a super simple embellishment. I like the way they looked with the "This is Life" title from Cricut's Graphically Speaking. Can I just say it again...I LOVE this cartridge, and use it all the time for titles! The journaling card is from Doodlebug.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!! Have a happy scrappy weekend!