Merry Christmas - Two Page Scrapbook Layout

 Here's another Christmas layout from 2018. Actually, we didn't celebrate Christmas with the extended family until January 2019. Do you struggle to scrapbook Christmas photos? I really struggle... I think it has to do with each year's pictures looking similar, multiple colors on groups of people all in the same layouts. I'm not sure, but they are definitely not my favorite pics to scrap.

The weird thing is I usually like the layouts when I'm done agonizing over them. One thing that helps me is using a pack of matching Christmas paper. When I can mix and match it all together, then at least the paper decision is easier. For this one, I chose a predominantly black background poinsettia paper. It seemed like there was a lot of black in the photos, so that helped tie it all together.

I used my border punch to cut some ivory trim for the edges, and cut a tone on tone green paper for the sides. My StampinUp! five point flower is my "go to" punch for quick flowers. I used two layers of red with a button. The leaves are punched with the same punch out of green cardstock and then cut into leaves. Simple... Strip journaling briefly tells the story of our extended family shenanigans.

We love each other so much, and enjoy being together for an entire weekend. My husband's siblings and nephew stay over with us, and my kids who live in town, sleep at their homes, then come back in the morning. It's exhausting but so much fun!! We can't wait until January so we can be together again!

Come back in a few days for some more Christmas layouts!! I really need to get at my Christmas cards! Did you make cards this year? I hope I still have time...Why don't I craft like it's Christmas in July??

Have a great week!!

Two Page Scrapbook Layout - "Ancient Fishing Boat"

Here's my third layout from my completed Israel album.

 The remains of this ancient fishing boat were found along the shore of the Sea of Galilee in 1986. It was painstakingly uncovered, restored and put on display. There were many amazing pieces of history on display at the museum.

I tried to keep my embellishments to a minimum throughout this album. The point is for the photos of our wonderful trip to be the spotlight and tell the story.

 I hope these layouts will spark ideas for your future travel layouts or any kind of layout, actually. When I look at layouts others have created I'm usually trying to find the best way to arrange my photos on the page, where to put the title, journaling, embellishments, etc. I get a lot of ideas from Pinterest, but many times I just start laying out my photos to see what works. I tend to use a lot of photographs on each layout. Especially with this album, since I had so many great photos to choose form.

Thanks for following! Have a crafty week!! It's starting to look a bit like spring here in northeast Indiana. Thunderstorms are on their way later tonight.

Two Page Scrapbook Layout - "Wild About You"

You would never know that I'm fairly caught up in my scrapbooking. The problem is the posting...I seem to struggle to keep up with it. I'll get on a roll and them just forget to post!

So, here's a layout from a few summers back when our family went to the zoo here in Fort Wayne. If you've never been to our zoo, you definitely to come and visit!

 This is one of my favorite zoo layouts. I love the paper and the animal silhouettes. I feel like if the animals were layered in color, the layout would just be too busy.

 And the beautiful humans in these pictures are my favorite! Family times are the best. We sure do have fun together...well most of the time. ;)

 The grandkids had a great time too. :)

Two Page Scrapbook Layout - "Beautiful Cambria"

After following the beautiful Big Sur (Pacific Coast Hwy 1) we landed in Cambria for the night. I found the FogCatcher Inn on line and fell in love with it. I couldn't wait to see it in person. It didn't disappoint!! Nothing fancy, but a very relaxing and beautiful room with a view and a fireplace.

 The view out the window was amazing. We walked on the boardwalk along the beach for awhile and just listened to the waves roll in. It was truly a destination in and of itself.
 I wish I could say I added all of the beautiful shells and coral on this page, but it was all printed on the paper when I bought it. After adding my pictures, journaling and title, I didn't feel like I needed to add anything else. I could have stamped and embossed some shells, cut them out and popped them up, but I liked the simplicity and decided that "done" is good. :)

The paper is from Sandy Lion "Coral Reef" and the title is from Art Philosophy and Lyrical Letters. Thanks for stopping by my blog today! More California Dreamin' pictures coming soon.