February 6, 2012

All Because Two People Fell In Love


Hi!  Lori here from ScrappinMyStressAway!

I am so happy that my mojo came back!!!  January was a rough month for me.  We made the decision not to go on our annual family vacation with my two brothers and their families.  My brother has a work conflict.  We have been going for 13 years and this year was going to be our last one.  Not meant to be.  

Then my Uncle passed away.  He lives alone and was home by himself when he passed.  His good friends went looking for him a few days later.  Uncle Howie was the black sheep of our family ~ different from us.  He lived by himself on the river.  He had a simple life and as we went through his things it seemed to me that he had a great life.  I never really felt that way when he was alive because I kept comparing him to his siblings.

My mom (his oldest sister) died 23 years ago next month.  I was 20.  It was awful and I was angry for a long time.  She would have been an awesome grandma, but it was not meant to be.....  I grieved for over 5 years before it seemed to get better.  That scab was ripped open a bit when we went through Uncle Howie's photos and momentos.  I put together a board for his memorial which was held Saturday at his favorite watering hole ~ perfect place if you ask me!  

As I went through the photos, I came across one of a young couple and thought the man was my Uncle Mark (mom's other brother).  It was my grandpa and grandma.  They were sitting at a picnic table with a music box (their version of an ipod with speakers) and it looks like my grandma is playfully biting my grandpa's ear.  Not at all how she acted when I was around!!!  This got me thinking that if they had never met at the cafe where she worked as a waitress, I would not be here!!!  And just like that my mojo came back and the scab started to heal once again!

I started with the photo and some paper.


I saw a card on Pinterest that had the word LOVE on a mini banner and liked that idea.  I made a 2 Layer banner from Birthday Bash sized at 1.77 inches.  I got the font for "all because" from Art Philosophy and sized the letters to .85 inches.  I got the font for "two people fell in" from Nursery Rhyme and sized it to 1.15 inches.  I got the font for "Love" from Calligraphy Collection and sized it to 1.35 inches.

I cut out the scalloped flag in burgundy patterned cardstock, the top flag layer and "all because" in gold metallic paper, and the rest in black cardstock.


I used this shape from Lacy Labels at 10.38 inches.  I cut this out with sheet music paper that I found at Michaels.  This shape can also be found on many other cartridges.


I cut out a lacy mat for my photo that I found on Sophie (my grandma's name) at 4 inches.  The lace border is from Sophisticated.  I welded two together and sized them to .88 inches.  The swirls are from Heritage sized at .88.

Here is one of the mats with the cuts on it.

In order to make my title look straight and evenly spaced, I use the negative piece from my cuts as a template.

I adhere the letters and then slowly peel back the template ~ perfect every time!

Here is a close up of the burgundy patterned cardstock.  I punched out three circles, crinkled and inked them up and created a flower.  

I stuck a pearl to the center and used some black glittered chipboard flowers to accent it.

Here is my Love Banner all put together.

I curved the "all because" around the burgundy circle I added to the background.

Here is my completed layout of my Grandparents when they were young and first in love.  I am grateful they were!!  I am also grateful they jump started my mojo!!

Thanks for having me over today Sheila!!!  I am so honored to be a designer here!

17 comments:

Brenda said...

What a beautiful lo! I think your mojo is back in a big way!!! So sorry for your loss but happy that it got your mojo reved back up.

Carolyn/MamaC said...

What a wonderful layout! Love all the elements...esp the music score! Wonderful!
Carolyn
http://cccscraproom.blogspot.com

Charlotte C said...

beautiful story, beautiful layout. Love the tip to line up letters using the negative as a template. Thanks for sharing.

Sheila aka SassyLady said...

Wonderful - Wonderful layout. And what a wonderful story about your grandparents..... guess we never do see them as being in love in that way and this really does make a special page...
Sorry about your loss also.
Thank you for your great tutorial and reminding us to scrap those special moment because that is what life is about.... those little moments that make our lives special to us.

bird said...

Very beautiful layout. I love the colors and the flower.

Suzanne cricutcraftingrammyblogspot.com said...

I am so sorry about the loss of your uncle. The board you made was wonderful. I love your layout of your grandparents and ll the different elements.
I did that phrase in vinyl and put it over one of my granddaughters cribs. So I love it! I lost my mom 5 years ago and miss her everyday. So sorry you had to lose your mom at such a young age. Big hugs!

Unknown said...

Your layout page is gorgeous!

Angi Barrs said...

What a fabulous page and tribute to your uncle. So sorry for your loss.

Bunnyfreak said...

Great layout and I love the memorial board you made for your uncle.

GabyCreates.com said...

Hi Lori! what a mixed-emotions-beautiful story all at the same time...and great layout!

SherriC. said...

Great LO Lori,
I am so sorry for your loss,
and thank you for sharing that beautiful story, as I wipe my tears,
I love the phrase you used in your LO,

MelodyR aka Ry&MysMom said...

So sorry for your loss, Lori. The memorial poster looked amazing - a lot of love went to making that. I also adore the LO of your grandparents and the wonderful story behind it - almost brought tears to my eyes ---the happy kind! Thanks for sharing!

mfc.melissamade2 said...

Ah Lori - this is beautiful! I love the layout and I so love that you were inspired by a picture of your grandparents having fun! Beautiful in every way!
Hugs,
M

papillon digital design said...

What a lovely layout and a great great memory. TFS

Anonymous said...

Pretty LO! TFS your grandparents story.

Jeannie said...

Love this! I'm so glad your mojo came back, too!

Cindy@ Scrap-obsessed.blogspot.com said...

Beautiful layout. I'm sorry for your loss, but love your story and the background info. Also the healing process and having so many wonderful photos.