"E" - Technique: Hand-cutting & Punching

Specialty papers can cost a lot of money - anywhere up to $5 a sheet. And in reality, we all have the tools and skills to make our own.

In this layout, I used a specialty paper which had a scalloped and punch edge as a template. You can also purchase templates and stencils specifically for this purpose. Firstly, I copied around my paper to the size I wanted. I then hand-cut the scallop edge and randomly punched holes in the scallops. To finish off my "specialty" paper, I inked around the edge.

I then positioned my page by colour-blocking my papers and photos.

I just love floral and patterned papers but have difficulty using them because I don't want to cover up their beautiful design. In this layout, I hand-cut around the flowers and then mounted them on "Magic Mount". This not only makes the flowers stand out as a feature but also gives the page depth.

Finally, the embellishments and journalling are very minimalist and are centrally placed on the page to draw your eye to the photos.

A New Beginning

The last time I "really" scrapped, was almost 2 years ago. At that weekend I found out I was pregnant and have since been blessed with my 3rd beautiful little cherub, Charlotte. However, life since then has been an absolute whirlwind and I don't know where the time has gone.

Last weekend I went on a scrapbooking weekend away and was amazed how easily I fell back into the swing of it. Even though I only completed a couple of pages, I was happy with what I had accomplished and even tried some new techniques.

I didn't realise how much I had missed scrapbooking and how much I needed it. As I scrap each photo, I remember what is important to me. I came away from that weekend feeling re-invigorated, re-focused and very motivated, not just in my scrapping, but also in my role as a wife and mother.

So thank you to all my old and new friends on the weekend. You don't realise how each and everyone of you have shaped me....