One+Sun=Fun

A few weeks ago, I came across a monthly challenge hosted by DCWV (Die Cuts with a View). I love challenges because they often give me that extra little push to get a layout or card finished, and often even challenge me to try something new!

In this case, I have had a layout sitting partially finished for over a year now!  Actually, if I’m being completely honest, “partially” is a bit of an overstatement.  The truth is that I had my paper pack chosen, my pictures mounted on white paper, and…well…that was about it!  Since the paper I had picked out was the super bright and cheerful Cotton Bloom Stack from DCWV, I used this as the little (???) kick in the rear that I needed!

So I grabbed the sketch that was provided for the challenge, and went for it!  Although the sketch was great as is, I decided to have a little fun and try turning it 90 degree clockwise!  It actually worked a bit better with my pictures (the emphasis changed a bit), to I stuck with it! This is actually a great tip if you are working with a sketch that just doesn’t quite fit for the project you are working on – try rotating or even flipping it and see what happens!  It took my brain a few minutes to comprehend where all the embellishments would be, but the fun thing about sketches is that anything goes – they really are just designed to be an inspirtation, not necessarily a specific map that cannot be changed or altered!

So with the help of some buttons, the Flower Shoppe Cricut cartridge, some Trendy Twine in Kraft,  and my handy-dandy- scissors for some fun fussy cutting (need some tips and tricks for handling fussy cutting???  Have I got a post for you!), One+Sun=Fun was created!

This was T on her first birthday enjoying some fun in the sun with her Oma and Opa!

Now, it kind of feels like a layout isn’t complete right now unless there is a little hidden element somewhere in there, so let’s see if you can spot the difference:

Oh wait, I’m not quite finished:

So, a little hidden spot to place some jounraling and an extra hidden tab for another picture and I was ready to clean up my scrappy space…just remember, clean is in the eye of the beholder!! 😉  My goal was to try to create as much dimension as possible without having the elements stick up, and I think it was pretty successful!!  Oh, and I think I finally understand why banners seem to be all the rage right now – what an easy way to use up scraps and tie all of the colours together on your layout!  I think I see more banners in my future!

As for other things in my future, I think I will take on the July DCWV challenge as well for another layout I have had on the backburner for awhile!  How about you?  Care to join me?