From This Moment Layout

I wasn't able to be at my sister-in-law's wedding, but I was able to capture a little bit of this meaningful time through the photos my hubby took. I used lots of die-cuts, stamping, and embossing to create this layout, and achieving a feminine look without drowning it in pink was an enjoyable challenge. Hopefully you think I succeeded in that aim!

Recipe:
Pen Pal Alphabet, Love This & Express Postage stamp sets
Bonnie Bell Wedding papers (MAMBI)
Daydream papers
Hollyhock, Blush & White Daisy cardstock
Hollyhock & Versamark ink
Blush & Gold Metallix markers
White gel pen (Sakura)
Gold embossing powder
Autumn Terracotta conchos
White embroidery floss
Gold ribbon (from my stash, source unknown)
Small heart punch (EK Success)
Cricut Artbooking cartridge: Always & Forever
Cricut Artiste cartridge: large hearts
Cricut Wall Decor & More cartridge: family
Challenges: 2 Crafty Critter Crazies #43 (I was inspired to add a stamped, heat embossed, fussy-cut butterfly to my layout); Tic Tac Toe Challenges #86 (I did the diagonal with die-cut, circle, and stitching, AND the column with stitching, ribbon, and designer paper. I also used gold embossed paper and added gold embossing, so that kinda works for the other diagonal).

Making Mom Proud Layout

There was a challenge I wanted to participate in at Scrapbook.com that required the use of the word "mom," so I pulled out some photos for my youngest kiddo's school scrapbook and used the opportunity to reflect on how proud this mom was of her son. I kept my journaling basic, but this kiddo went from being malnourished and having a diagnosis of mild mental retardation (erroneous, IMHO) when he first came to live with us, to a healthy, happy, and extremely curious and smart kindergartner just two years later. It's been a blessing to see him flourish and become a permanent part of our family!

My son is the handsome guy in the suit in the top photo!

Recipe:

Blue Ribbon, Victory & Love This stamp sets

Tickled Pink papers

Crystal Blue, Blush, Sweet Leaf & White Daisy cardstock

Crystal Blue, Blush, Sweet Leaf, Twilight & Bamboo ink

Twilight marker

White gel pen (Sakura)

Crystal Blue, Blush & Twilight brads

Sweet Leaf craft button

White Daisy embroidery floss
Blush ribbon

Lagoon Check washi tape
Clothespin
Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge: tag, tickets, hearts
Cricut Design Space: title (used Class of . . . image set plus Chloe font)
Spellbinders flower die

Pattern: Sketch-n-Scrap Birthday Bash sketch (rotated right)

Challenges: Heart 2 Heart Angel Mother challenge (this was doubly appropriate because my son's name is Angel!); Use Your Stuff #398 Patterns (I chose to use two patterned papers); The Paper Girls #200 All About Boys (there are lots of other kids on the layout, but the focus is my little boy)

Thankful Layout

For the second Lasting Memories plants challenge, we were asked to show off some flowers on our layouts. I had this lovely floral paper that I thought made a great complement to my photos, so I paired it with some stamped, colored, and fussy-cut flower images and a few paper flowers. Lasting Memories' August challenges are open until the end of the month, so feel free to pop on over and join in the fun!

Recipe:
Love This stamp set
Brushed papers
Pear & White Daisy cardstock
Canary, Creme Brulee, Pixie, Hollyhock, Juniper & Tuxedo Black ink
Black marker
ShinHan Touch Twin markers
Black tulle ribbon
Canary baker's twine
Thankful sticker (CM)
Field Notes Ephemera (American Crafts)
Color Kaleidoscope sticker book & Thickers
Paper flowers (American Crafts)
Flutter Just Blooms paper shapes
Cocoa & White Daisy brads
3-D foam tape
Pattern: Sketches in Thyme #383

St. James Park Layout

I already did one layout on St. James park, wherein I featured the many species of birds we saw, but this is my overview layout that shows some of the flowers and the lake. For the October scraplift challenge at Splitcoast Stampers (I know, I'm a little behind on this), I scraplifted a layout from Elizabeth G, who had actually scraplifted Wendella247, so it was fun to keep the love going! I was inspired to add the smile button and stamp the phrase "This makes me smile" because of  Stacy's song inspiration challenge (loved the line "my world it smiles" from Led Zeppelin's Thank You).

Recipe:
Enjoy the little Things & Love This stamp sets
Beautiful Friendship & Fresh Air papers
Sapphire, Smoothie & White Daisy cardstock
Sapphire, Smoothie & Canary ink
Moonstruck marker
Golden Yellow ShinHan Touch Twin marker
Enamel & Glitter Duos - blue dots
Outdoor Denim brads
Hopscotch assortment badge button
Paradise Just Blooms paper flowers
Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge: title, heart, scalloped border, photo corner
Challenges: Heart 2 Heart Inspired by Nature