I {Heart} You

A few months ago, I traced each of the children's hands for a special project for my bedroom. (No, I haven't started yet. Almost though!) When I had finished, D asked me to trace her hands one more time making heart shape with her thumbs and first fingers. I knew immediately that I needed to use that tracing in a layout.

And so I did.

Here's the journaling.


I used all Luxe pattern papers from the new Lovey line, Bazzil cardstock, Making Memories paint, wall tape, Sharpie pen, uniball signo pen and Heidi Swapp letters.

A close-up of the heart and picture.


TIP: What do you do when you have a photo with a distracting background. (Like the one above.) Maybe you don't want to remove the background completely, but you want your focal point to stand out more? What I like to do is apply Distress inks (walnut stain or black soot) to the background so that it darkens it up. Leaving the focal point in the lighter area. (I use a sponge to apply the ink.) If you look closely at my picture, you can see that I did this. D looks like she's standing in a glow of light and your eye is drawn to her more.

I love this layout. It captures exactly where D is at this time in life. Isn't that what scrapbooking is all about?

On a personal note, I've been really focused lately on getting my family and home in order after almost a year of chaos. With moving, gestating, having Q, hurting my knee, having surgery, and intense physical therapy, the house and the family took a hit and the disorganization took a toll on all of us. I did my best, but...

Finally, I feel like I'm getting a hold on it again. What a great feeling. Even though this week has been really tiring, I go to bed feeling accomplished. Like I'm finally back in the saddle. On a horse with 4 working legs. With the wind trailing behind me.

Ahhh...yes.