A couple of years ago, my brother moved out of the farmhouse that my family had rented for years up here in Vermont. Even though my parents had moved onto their boat a couple years before that, they still had stuff sitting in the house that they eventually knew they'd have to go through or put into storage.
When the time came for my brother to move out, my parents started sorting through things, figuring out what to keep, what to give away and what to get rid of. My father handed me an envelope of a bunch of pictures that he had put away in the closet. All of the pictures in the envelope had me in them. I brought the envelope home, went through the pictures with the hubby and the kids and had some good laughs over them. I tucked the envelope into my filing cabinet, figuring that one day I would scrapbook them.
The time came and I looked at all these school and studio shots and wondered how in the world I should scrapbook them. Besides the pictures all being of me, the other thing that they had in common was the smile. I knew this common element would be a great way to tie a bunch of pictures together and get them all on one page. I had a recent picture to add to them that would bring it all full circle.
I know that I usually come across as a very optimistic and happy person online. I'm pretty much the same way in person, but I do have my days, just like we all do, when I get a little worried, I stress, I wonder about the future. I get sad just like the rest of you. But one of the things that I always want to be remembered by, even in times of stress and sadness (and this is something I'm still working on), is having a smile on my face.
The pictures may not all be in order, but that wasn't something I was concerned about. Instead, I chose to arrange the pictures by size and so that the coloring in the pictures looked cohesive with the rest of the layout.
I used a textured piece of cardstock for the base and used patterned cardstock in the corners. I cut around some of the flowers on the cardstock for some visual fun.
I chose some prima flowers and brads to add to the page for embellishments, along with some printed chipboard stickers that I found at the dollar store.
The title and journaling were done on vellum so that it didn't cover over the great patterned paper underneath or overstimulate the eyes with an extra pop of color. I like the subtle look of vellum. I used some pink photo turns to anchor the edges of the vellum.
When I was done with this page, I couldn't believe I had actually fit 10 photos on ONE PAGE! Of course, they're smaller photos, but it's still a big accomplishment for me, considering that my large photo is a 5x7 print!
Here's the journaling:
The Girl With the Smile
I want to be known as the girl with the smile. The one that, no matter what life throws her way, always finds the positive. The one that always has a smile to share. It's universal and it's free to give.
"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing." - Mother Theresa
Happy Creating!
-Stampin' Mama
We should all scrap a page about the legacy we envision ourselves to have! What a wonderful idea and such a beautiful layout and BRAVE... I have some awkward moments only parent remember...lol!
Posted by: Tiffany Johnson | August 19, 2008 at 08:28 PM
What a great way to showcase all those photos!...oh and the memories you must have as you look at each one of them! I love your heartfelt journaling and that you let those of us who visit your blog see your true self.
Posted by: Natalie S | August 19, 2008 at 11:05 PM
You amaze and astound me with the pages you create, especially of yourself! This page is pushing me in the direction of doing this very same thing for myself! I've always been hesitant to scrap about me, but I love this!!! TFS such an awesome creation and shedding some light on your true inner self!
Posted by: Carol | August 20, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Oh, Erika -- this is so beautiful. What a wonderful way to group all those photos -- and your smile is fantastic! :)
Posted by: Christina Fischer | August 20, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Beautious Erika!
Posted by: Mary G | August 20, 2008 at 12:28 PM
"A Job..Well Done"
What a Wonderful Layout..
Colors are Beautiful..pictures are Great!!
You've "Nailed" it with your SMILES!!
...and your smiling eyes!!
I enjoyed reading your post..
it made me smile too :)
TFS
Posted by: Dee | August 20, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Hi Erika -
Love your blog, your inspiration is wonderful. I have also been visiting your Mom's blog and realize she is actually just down the street from me!! Hoping to meet up with her.
Your smile is beautiful.
Debi
Posted by: Debi Ryan | August 20, 2008 at 08:47 PM
That is an absolutely beautiful page.
Posted by: Kathi B | August 23, 2008 at 02:15 PM