"Memories" scrapbook layout ///Doodlebug Designs "Hello" collection

Happy Tuesday, crafty friends!
It's Heather and I am so excited to be sharing my first design team project with you!

When I saw the Hello collection from Doodlebug, I knew it was just perfect for the photos I had of my mother celebrating her most recent birthday...(no, mom, I won't tell everyone how old you are!)

Most of my layouts have only one photo, but I couldn't possibly choose between them...she looks so happy! I decided a grid format was the best way to go which is the easiest way to get incorporate many of the beautiful patterned papers.  Plus, I was able to use one of the large chipboard words from Dear Lizzy perfectly in between.  I had initially thought I would paint them in some way...but I love the way the white title contrasts with all of the colors!

I started with a piece of American crafts white cardstock....And, at this time, Butterfly Reflections Ink does not offer 12x12 papers, but what goes on that piece of cardstock is soo much more important.., right?? You can get the background anywhere...its the layers and embellishments that make a layout awesome!!

After adding a layer of clear gesso, I used matching colors of Tim Holtz distress inks to create my colorful background by "smooshing" the ink with plastic packaging...so easy to do...anyone can be an artist with this technique!

Next, I matted each photo with a couple of pretty papers from the 6 x 6 paper pad as well as pulled papers to create the other sections of the grid design....these will house my journaling and lots of gorgeous embellishments!  There were so many beautiful pieces to work with, I had a hard time deciding what to use...I would probably put it all on one project if I knew I wouldn't be sad once they were gone...scrapbooking dilemmas, am I right???
I do like layering embellishments to create interest and each section was like a little mini canvas waiting for die cuts and stickers... I even used the teeny tiny enamel bow for my itty bitty birdhouse from the shape sprinkles.  They are too cute!!

Once all of the papers were layered as I wanted them, I used foam adhesive to pop up my photos and added messy stitching to a few of the papers with my sewing machine for texture.  I also used a border punch from my stash....yes, I said punch!!  The notebook edge style punch is one of my favorites and I like to pull them out once in a while...you will also notice pink and blue thread peeking through a couple of the clusters...I like the texture and pops of color thread adds...



I love all of the flowers included in the Odds and End's embellishment pack and decided for one the sections, I would layer a bunch and pop up a few with foam adhesive...I love the way it turned out!! 

I stitched the papers on the bottom right section in a way that it would flip up and I could add my journaling underneath ...I am not a big fan of journaling....yes, I am a scrapbooker and I know that's a little odd...but I tend to write crooked or miss a word...so I am always trying creative ways to conceal it and avoid it detracting from the overall design.
If you don't have a sewing machine, you could create this same effect with washi tape or score a line on the top of the patterned paper...



Lastly, I scattered several adorable tiny heart sprinkles and sparkly sequins from Pretty Pink Posh around the page to finish it up..it's all about the details! 

Thanks so much for sticking with me through this long post, but there are so many gorgeous pieces in this collection that needed to be shared! 

What do you think about this layout?  Please feel free to leave comments and/or questions and I will get back to you.  

 I hope you found some inspiration of your own and will check out the store over at Butterfly Reflections Ink....I am sure you will find a ton that you fall in love with !

Have a great week!