You & Me Layout

Surprise, surprise...I'm back with another layout to share! :-)


This layout showcases three pictures taken by photographer Mindy Newton.

Last year, I decided to splurge and hire a professional photographer to take pictures of us.

Mindy did such a great job, and I was thrilled with the way the photographs turned out.

So thrilled, in fact, that I used one of the pictures on our Christmas card, three on our adoption website, and still another on our adoption pass-along cards.

I also wanted to include a few of the photographs in a scrapbook layout celebrating six years of marriage.




The journaling reads:
Brian and I have been married for six years! We're genuinely happy and in love. But our marriage isn't perfect. We don't always see eye to eye. Still, the good times outnumber the difficult ones. Life is good.

J

Segway Layout

As you've probably noticed, I'm on quite a scrapbooking kick lately.

Why?

Well, you see, I have this list. (Shocker, I know!)

It's a list of layouts I want to do + stories I want to tell.

And this summer, I'm determined to check-off as many as I can.

Our experience on Segways in Chicago has been sitting in the number five spot on the list for months now.

But I'm happy to report that the layout is finished, and I've placed a check in the box.


Our tour guide, Segway Sarah, snapped the top photograph of Brian and me. I wanted to include a few more photos of Segways and Chicago, so I cut the three smaller pictures right out of the City Segway Tour brochure.


A good portion of the journaling came from this blog post. However, I wanted to include more details about our Segway tour, so I went back and reread my travel journal and incorporated some additional tidbits.


The journaling reads: When Brian and I visited Notre Dame in November 2010, we flew in and out of Chicago. We'd flown in and out of Chicago before, but never traveled beyond the airport. Eager to see the Windy City, we signed up for a 2-hour Segway tour. What is a Segway? It's a self-balancing, personal transportation device. After watching an instructional video at City Segway Tours and snapping on our helmets, we practiced riding in a nearby park. Segway Sarah, our tour guide, showed us the ropes. Being rather uncoordinated, I was nervous when I first stepped onto the Segway. I was afraid that I'd get going too fast (and lose control), so initially I only leaned into the handle slightly. Then, as my confidence grew, I started moving faster. I practiced turning around, too, by leaning to one side or the other. After ten minutes, I was ready to take to the streets. With a group of 12 people, we "segwayed" our way to Buckingham Fountain, continued onto Soldier Field where the Chicago Bears play, and looked out at Lake Michigan. The weather was gorgeous--sunny with temperatures in the 70s. Before completing our tour, we stopped off and feasted on hot dogs (from a real hot dog stand like in the movie While You Were Sleeping). I absolutely loved cruising around Chicago on a Segway! In fact, I had so much fun that I didn't want to give the Segway back. Brian, on the other hand, said he felt like he was going to crash at any moment. According to one of the tour guides, taller folks--particularly gangly men--have a harder time riding Segways. (For once, being vertically-challenged is advantageous!) I don't think Brian will climb on another Segway, but I'm game to do it again. In fact, when I get old, I don't want a wheelchair, I want a Segway.

J

Instagram Love Layout

Last week, while perusing Facebook, I learned that Cathy Zielske--one of my favorite scrapbooking gurus--had designed a FREE 8.5 x 11 layered template to showcase a collection of Instagram photos.

How awesome is that? I thought. I was so excited in fact, that I immediately set aside the project I was working on, and jumped head first into creating my own instaLOVE layout.

Thirty minutes later, my layout was finished (I just dropped in six photos, changed the color of the title, and added some journaling). Then, I uploaded the layout to Costco for printing.

And here it is:


Journaling: The same day I bought my iPhone 4, I downloaded the free application, Instagram. And I can honestly say: It was instaLOVE at first edit. For three months now, I've had so much fun snapping pictures with my phone, and changing their appearances by applying different filters. Left to right, top to bottom: Mom's birthday celebration at Chevy's; Rudy, our 6-year-old Lab mix, at the vet; Lucy, our 8-year-old Lab, at the vet; A rainbow in Williamsburg, Virginia; Me and Tori; Eating at The Counter, a hamburger joint in Roseville, with family. Here's to more picture taking and filter fun! Summer 2011

In addition to this template, Cathy also created two 12 x 12 layered templates specifically designed for camera phone photos. Both would work well for documenting a day in your life or a week in your life.

Speaking of week in the life...are any of you planning to participate in Ali Edwards' Week in the Life project beginning on July 25?

I participated last year, and while I enjoyed taking pictures and documenting my life through words, putting together the album was quite time-consuming. My plan this year is to take photographs and write down what's going on in our lives, but instead of housing the documentation in an album, I'm going to post the pictures and journaling here on my blog.

J

Yesterday & Today: One More Layout

A few weeks ago, right before we left on vacation, I finished this layout for Ali Edwards' Yesterday & Today class.

This was one of the more time-consuming layouts in the class (because I had to track down old family photographs, scan, and print them), but it is also one of my favorites.


Because many of my blog readers are family members, I want to take a moment to identify the people in the photographs above.

Top row (left to right): My maternal great-great grandmother; my paternal grandmother + her daughter, Kathy; my maternal grandfather (who was captain of the football team at the University of Maine); my dad and his siblings (my dad is the tall one in the middle); my mom and her siblings (my mom is on the left).

Middle row (left to right): My paternal grandmother (flanked by her parents); my maternal great-grandmother; my mom and dad on their wedding day; my paternal great-great grandmothers; my maternal great-grandfather.

Bottom row (left to right): My dad at age 2 (so adorable); my mom and dad (before I came along).


Here is a close-up shot of the left page, filled mostly with older family photographs...


...and a close-up of the right page, which contains newer pictures--all of which are in color. Check out the picture of my mom and aunt Susie sporting bikini tops and cut-off jean shorts in the top left corner. Every time I see that picture, I smile!


And last, but not least, here is the journaling:

As I gaze at this collection of family photographs, I stop to admire the facial expressions, the physical traits, the clothing of the people. We are related by blood and marriage; their stories are woven into my story. I know some of these people very well. Others, I have heard stories about, but never met personally. I am grateful to all of my ancestors, for I am alive today because of the choices they made. As I stare into the eyes of these people, I try to imagine what life was like for them. My mind is flooded with questions like: What were their dreams? What struggles did they endure? Whom did they love? Studying old photographs forces me to think about the passage of time. How time never stops. How life goes on. How we are only on this earth for a short period of time. Reflecting on the past helps me cherish the present all the more.

Hope you had a great weekend.

J

McKayla's Visit--February 2011

My niece, McKayla, lives in Southern California with her dad. Every month or so, she flies up to visit her mom (my sister), my parents, and Brian and me. I always look forward to spending time with her.

Late last month, McKayla spent the weekend up in Northern California with our family. As we all hung out with McKayla at my parent's house, I paid close attention to what she said, the games she played, the clothing she was wearing, etc.--mindful that such information would prove to be valuable when creating a layout. I also snapped some photos (of course!) and quickly jotted down a few notes.


After rereading my notes, I hand wrote some of McKayla's current interests/likes/favorites on the green, pink, and white paper circles. For instance, McKayla's been struck by Bieber fever; she loves wearing her Day of the Week socks (but only on the correct day!); and she's excited that her teacher is back at school after being out with a broken arm for many months.

In terms of the layout itself, I wanted the viewer's eye to be drawn first to the b + w photo of McKayla and then rove over the page perusing the circles and reading the text.

The flower ribbon helped frame the collection of white boxes.


I had so much fun pulling together this layout about McKayla. It came together quickly and best of all, I didn't rely on a sketch.

J

P.S. Happy birthday to my dear friend, Noah!

Pig Bowl 2010 Layout

In 2010, I wrote this blog post about the Pig Bowl, where the Dogs defeated the Hogs.


In addition to the blog post, I decided to create this scrapbook layout, highlighting four of my favorite pictures from game day.


It was such an exciting game, and I wanted to celebrate the victory, the ensuing joy, and the supportive friendships.


And given that this will likely be the last time Brian plays in the Pig Bowl, I thought documenting it--both on my blog and in my scrapbook--was important.

J

Yesterday & Today: Six Childhood Memories

I just completed my second layout in Ali Edwards' Yesterday & Today class. (Click here to see my introductory layout.)

It's been a work-in-progress for several weeks now; little-by-little it came together.


Choosing six photos was the easy part. In fact, as I sifted through boxes of pictures, I pulled out at least a dozen photos I wanted to write about. But I had to narrow it down to just six. (It's very likely that I'll do another six stories this summer.)

The six photos I ended up including in this layout were pictures that instantly brought memories, feelings, and thoughts to mind. They were also the ones that made me laugh or smile.


Crafting stories to go along with the six photos proved to be more difficult. I had no problem jotting down notes; the details that I could remember off the top of my head.

I also showed the photos to my mom and sister, eliciting their recollections of the events and time periods.

But actually taking those phrases and stringing them into sentences and then organizing them into a coherent story (six times over) became a challenge.

Writing is tough.

But for me, it's important; it's worthwhile.

That doesn't mean I don't procrastinate every now and again, though.

I'd like to share one of the six memories from this layout: Childhood Memory #5.


Nichole and I loved to sing and dance. It didn't matter if we were inside or outside; whether we were in shorts, pink silk pajamas or leotards and leg warmers. On this particular day, the tunes came from our silver boom box sitting on the driveway. We'd pop in a tape, push play, and sing away. Sometimes, we'd have to hold down the fast forward button to get to our favorite song. Other times, we'd rewind the tape, so we could listen to a song once more. Some of our favorite songs included: I Think We're Alone Now (by Tiffany), I Wanna Dance With Somebody (by Whitney Houston), and Papa Don't Preach (by Madonna). And as you can see, taper candles worked perfectly as microphones.

I'm so glad these photos + stories now have a home. No doubt, this will be a layout I enjoy for years to come. I think my sisters and parents will like reading the vignettes and looking at the pictures, too.

For me, that's what scrapbooking is all about--telling the stories of your life and those you love.

J

Kids Again Layout

Happy Friday!

I know all I've been sharing lately is layouts and more layouts, but it's what I'm passionate about right now, and what brings my heart {joy}. So, I hope you don't mind if I share another one of my creations...




Journaling: Chomp. Whoosh. Pop. Snap. Click. These sounds, accompanied by peals of laughter, filled our Honda Pilot last Sunday as we drove home from church. After Mass, we purchased four packs of Hubba Bubba bubble gum at Bel-Air, with the intent of using them in an upcoming writing lesson. Luckily, I only needed 35 pieces, leaving a few for us to enjoy. It's been years since either one of us blew bubbles with real bubble gum. We really felt like kids again! January 2011

Have a great weekend!

J

San Diego Layout

Recently, I discovered an old binder with a clear page protector inside stuffed full of photos, handwritten notes, brochures and other ephemera from our trip to San Diego in 2000.

Yep, you read that right: 2000.

It's clear I had every intention of scrapbooking this trip years ago, but for one reason or another, never followed through.

Surely, now is as good a time as any--even if it is eleven years later.


For this layout, I relied on a Cathy Zielske digital template as the basis for the design. In other words, while this is NOT a digital layout--it's a traditional scrapbook page--I used one of CZ's templates to help me arrange the photos and text on an 11" x 8.5" piece of white cardstock.


I've also found that magazines such as Real Simple and Martha Stewart Living often provide me with inspiration for scrapbooking layouts.


Journaling: In July 2000, Brian and I ventured down to San Diego for a week. While there, we experienced all of the touristy attractions...Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and the Wild Animal Park. Brian loved attending a Padres game and visiting Kansas City BBQ (the spot where a scene from Top Gun was filmed). I adored dining at George's in La Jolla and then watching a wedding take place on the beach. It was seven days of being together--having fun and growing in love.

J

Notre Dame Superfan Layout

Earlier this month, I wrote about Brian's healthy obsession with Notre Dame football.

Then, using this layered template, I paired my thoughts with eight photos taken in and around our house.

{I love how scrapbooking affords me the opportunity to marry my love of words and my love of photography.}

Here's the finished layout:



I'll be back soon with photos from our trip to Notre Dame.

J

Fun at the Fair Layout

In August, Brian and I visited the Nevada County Fair. While ambling around the wooded grounds, I spotted a group of photo booths...and you know how much I {love} photo booths. After coaxing Brian into one, we posed for four snapshots. (Color photo booths were also available, but I opted for black and white pictures. Why? Well, it's cheaper and I just love their old-fashioned look.)

Since then, I've been eager to create a home for this special strip of images.


This layout features papers, stickers, and embellishments from the September Scrapbook Circle kit. The only thing I had to pull from my existing scrapbooking stash was a piece of 12 x 12 black card stock.


Aren't these papers whimsical and fun?! I love their bright and cheerful colors and patterns. But using so many different patterned papers together made me nervous. I threw caution to the wind, however, and just went for it.


I love the stark contrast between the colorful patterned papers and the black and white photographs. Hopefully, it aids in drawing your eye right to the strip of images.


The scrapbook page above from Scrapbooks Etc. Page Planner magazine provided the framework for my layout. With it as my inspiration and the kit supplies at the ready, I quickly and easily created this "Fun at the Fair" scrapbook page.

J

i {heart} switzerland

I got this crazy scrapbooking idea in my head a few weeks back.

Maybe I could create a 2-page layout for each of the seven stops on our 2006 European trip?!

I'd need layouts of: London, Paris, Interlaken, Cinque Terre, Venice, Florence, and Rome.


Mulling over this ambitious project in my head while shopping in Beverly's recently, I came across Scrapbooks Etc. Page Planner, a magazine chalk full of sketches for easy scrapping. It was exactly what I needed!


As you can see, the magazine has lots of layout sketches with photo dimensions.

I wasn't ready to commit to seven layouts, but wanted to create a 2-page Switzerland layout since Switzerland was my favorite stop on the trip!

After perusing the magazine sketches, I selected a photo-heavy layout, I "Heart" Christmas, because I wanted to include as many pictures as possible. For six of the pictures, I ordered wallet-sized; the picture of us in the ice palace started out as a 4 x 6. I cropped the wallet-sized pictures down to 2 x 2 and the 4 x 6 picture down to 4 x 2.

I mounted the pictures on kraft cardstock, laid the picture blocks on the layout...and discovered that the sketch dimensions were NOT so accurate! I had an itty-bitty picture gathering and LOTS of white cardstock space around it. Ugh!

Well I thought, "Do I want it to be perfect or done?"

"Done."

So, I added a dark brown mat to the pictures. I did this for two reasons: to cover more white cardstock and bring some more brown into the layout to coordinate with the chestnut brown sticker letters. Next, I placed the title, year, and journaling brackets (American Crafts Chit Chat letter stickers) on the layout.


Last, but not least...the journaling reads:
"I loved Switzerland! The snow-capped mountains, tall green trees, green-blue lakes and rivers--sheer alpine serenity! We traveled by gondola to Gimmelwald, a tiny town high up on a mountain with gorgeous views. In addition, we visited the top of Europe, Jungfrau (which is 11,000+ feet up) and toured the ice palace. Back in Interlaken, we feasted on yummy Rosti rolls and fondue. What a treat!"


Although this layout didn't come together the way I thought it would, I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out. And thanks to the sketch, it didn't take nearly as long as I thought it would. Next time, I'll just include larger pictures!

Coming soon: A layout of Brian & Jennie at 30 -OR- a layout of London.