DIY

I am so excited to be bringing you today's Geek Lab post because I am using one of my favorite new papers from Simple Stories DIY Boutique.  The colors and patterns in this collection are so fun and just remind me of all things awesome and happy!  I only had a few sheets of the collection to work with and none of the embellishments but that did not stop me from creating my own  DIY embellishments!  I had a great piece from the DIY Collection that was going to be perfect to use to create my own embellishments for my layout. 

I loved all the elements on the grid side of the pattern paper.  I pulled out one of my favorite tools and that is punches!  You can never have enough punches and they are perfect to create your own embellishments.  I cut and punched out all the elements on this page and then also pulled out a few stamps from my stash to add a little something extra to a few of the elements!

Another great thing I love is the strips along the bottom of the 12x12 papers.  They make great layering pieces to add to your layouts!  You can see here I have punched out the elements and have some of my stamped images ready to go.  All I need to is start building up my layout.

One of the great things I love about Simple Stories is that a lot of their collections work well together!  This 3x4 grid card shown above with the heart comes from the Daily Grind Collection and I think it fits will with my layout for a layering piece.  Once I have my layers placed where I think I want them I add my photo and start placing my embellishments around my layout.

This photo is of one of my younger brothers and my daughter on her 8th birthday.  They have an amazing bond that just melts my heart and I am so grateful for!  They both dislike to have their photos taken but he is always up for it when it is with his niece!  I love to document their moments together and one day will pass along this book of memories to her.  To finish up my layout I added a few elements from my stash and added my journaling all around the layout.   I thought I would try something different since I am  not a huge fan of my handwriting but Lacey's post yesterday really inspired me.  If you missed her post make sure to check it out here.  I want to thank you for stopping today and I leave you with photos of my finished layout!  I hope you enjoy them and be on the look out for the DIY Boutiuqe in the Clique Kits Shop.