Scrapbook Monday: Sweet Little Turtle Face

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend. We had a lovely weekend outside since the weather was perfect. I'll post some pictures of Addie in her Easter dress in a few days. For now, I wanted to share a recent scrapbook page made with a Studio Calico kit. I absolutely loved the colors in this kit, with the teals, pinks, and greens. My favorite part though? Definitely has to be the little fawn.

I'd been wanting to scrapbook Addie's turtle face for awhile now, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity, since the colors of the papers seemed to match her pajamas nicely. She did this little face a lot when she was 2-3 months old, but we haven't seen it much since then. The combination of her pointy little lip and the crossed eyes made me giggle every time.

The Sweet Little Turtle Face:

I added a bit of zig-zag stitching to the page along the bottom, on either side of the two square cards, and on the upper right. I also added some epoxy hears and circles in coordinating teal, pink and gold colors. "The" and "sweet little" in the title are stickers. 

For "turtle face", I used my Silhouette die cutting machine to created a custom title. I used one of my favorite script fonts, and simply typed it out, and cut around the outside of each letter. The Silhouette is amazing. If you haven't tried one, you should. I used to have a hand-cranked die cutting machine, and this is so much easier! And you don't have to buy $20 dies that you may not use again. Instead, you can go to their online shop and purchase various designs for $0.99. You can also create your own custom titles such as this by simply typing your text in your favorite font. 

For an example of a design I purchased from the Silhouette shop, see the Love You to the Moon and Back post.

After placing the cutout on the page, I realized that using a white patterned card stock made it difficult to see, so I did two things. First (which is more obvious), I placed a darker strip of paper behind it to give it some contrast. Secondly (and more subtle), I used one of my favorite techniques. I used Glossy Accents from Ranger, to create a glossy, raised effect. While it was still wet, I added white glitter, then shook off the extra. I then let it dry. The result is a gelled, epoxy-like accent with a 3D effect, and a shimmery/glittery appearance. So simple. 

Since the letters were quite thin and difficult to glue in place, I used my sewing machine instead, adding another line of zig-zag stitching. 

 

Hope you found an inspirational idea from this page, whether it's the layout or the glossy title. Thanks for stopping by!

Chalkboard and Pink Pig Baby Girl Shower Invitations

I've been meaning to do some more chalkboard invitations for the past few weeks, so I decided to do one in a similar design to my popular pink pig invitations. I used some blush pink and peach garland, and lightened the pig a bit, then placed them on a chalkboard background. I was also able to use my new chalkboard font that I adore. I hope you like the end result as much as I do. I love the peachy-pink color with the black. You can find these, and all other invitations in my Etsy shop.

I love the softness juxtaposed with the black chalkboard background - very classic. In case you're thinking of hosting a pink pig baby shower, or are thinking of doing a pig-themed nursery for your little one, here are some ideas that will hopefully inspire you to think outside of the box.

There are so many adorable pig-themed shower possibilities. See some of the lovely options below:

Flying Pig Stuffed Animal

from MiracleInspiration

This suffer pig would be perfect as a centerpiece at the shower, which the mother-to-be can take home to use in the nursery.

Vintage Piggy Bank

from my3luvbugs

You could start a piggy bank for the new baby, to which guests can contribute.

Pig Cake Pops

from myangelpops

Want cake pops for the shower? How sweet are these pink pig cake pops?!?!

Pink Pig Cake Topper

from MICHELLCUSTOMDESIGNS

Having a cake instead? Try this adorable pink pig cake topper.

Ceramic Pig Planter

from fruitflypie

The possibilities are endless for this pig planter. You could use it to hold candy or favors, and again, the mother-to-be could take it home for the nursery.

Pink Chalkboard with Easel

from ShugabeeLane

This chalkboard frame would be perfect for a sign asking guests to sign a guestbook, or to donate to the piggy bank. And it matches the invitation perfectly!

Pink and Black Polka Dot Straws

from ThePartyFairy

Paper straws are the hottest trend right now for showers. These would fit the theme perfectly!

Light Pink Variety Straws

from TheManicMoose

Looking for some that are a little more subtle? This variety pack would be perfect.

Pink Polka Dot Paper Cups

from skylersparty

These small cups would be great for candy, a fruit salad, nuts, etc.

Now for a few ideas for baby shower party favors:

Pink and Black Striped Favor Bags

from EnchantedFrogEvents

Thise variety pack with light pink and black-striped bags would match the invitations perfectly, and at 6x9 inches, they're large enough to hold most favors.

DIY Pig Pin Cushion Pattern

from trepuntozerocivette

Feeling crafty? These little pink pig pin cushions would be adorable as little party favors.

Mason Jar Baby Powder-Scented Candles

from CastleViewCandles

Although a little pricey, if you're having a small number of guests these would be a lovely shower favor. They're baby powder scented! Or you could try making your own candles if you're up to it.

Last, but certainly not least, here are a few ideas for baby shower gifts for the mommy-to-be if you're having a pink pig shower:

Newborn Pink Pig Hat

from bitOwhimsy

Love this crochet newborn pig hat with the blue bows!

Crochet Pig Hat

from AmiAmigos

And this one is just as cute. Look at that little pig snout!

Pink Washcloth Pig

from PrincessAndThePbaby

I love the little goggly eyes on this washcloth pig.

Pink Pig Face Baby Onesie

from LilBurritos

Looking for a onesie for the little one? How sweet is this little face?

Pig Clock

from LeLuni

This sweet pig clock would be perfect in the little one's nursery. 

* I have the red elephant in my daughter's nursery, and I absolutely adore it.

Pig Nursery Pillow

from CecilClyde

This sweet pillow would be perfect on a rocking chair or daybed in the nursery.

Farm Animal Felt Mobile

from Feltnjoy

Lastly, this adorable mobile includes a little pink pig, as well as other farm animals.

I hope you've found some inspiration for your pig-themed baby shower, including invitations, decorations, party favors, and gifts for the mommy-to-be. Looking for more inspiration, see my pinterest page with more inspiration here.

Have fun planning the shower, and let me know if I can be of any assistance with invitations or matching printables. 

You can find the chalkboard and pink pig baby shower invitations in my shop, here.

Family Photos - Finding Beauty in Life

My goal this year is to do as my blog says....find the beauty in life. And this past Christmas, I did. My mother-in-law set up a photography session with the same photographer that took my maternity photos. She captured some amazing photos of our family. Looking at the photos of my little girl, I am reminded that there is so much beauty in the small, everyday moments.

Adelaide's entire childhood will be documented in photos and videos since we're now carrying out smartphones around everywhere. Hopefully she look back on these snapshots of her childhood years and smile....and probably comment on how young Justin and I look. ;)

My biggest hope, is that she'll look at these snapshots in years to come, and see how loved she was, and how much beauty surrounded her each day of her life.

Kelly Williams Photography

You can find more of Kelly Williams' gorgeous photographs on her website. 

Addie has brought more beauty to my life than I ever thought possible. Everyone tells you that becoming a parent will change you forever, but you can never fully understand, or appreciate the immensity of the love you'll have for a child until they arrive. I am so grateful each and every day for our little angel. 

What are you thankful for? In what have you found beauty today?

Cutest Thing Ever....

So I may be a little biased, but this video gets me every time!  ;)  Love the big head, serious look on her face, and the noises she makes.

This is my happy place.  :)

Scrapbook Monday: Love You to the Moon and Back

I love this recent page. I've bee wanting to use this quote for months now, and finally had an opportunity. I used my Silhouette and cut the title out of a scrap of paper. I decided to use the background with the negative space rather than the actual letters. I saved the letters, however, so I may use the letters in another title later.

While I could have spent 30-45 minutes creating a title with this quote and making it look just right, I decided to go the quicker route and simply purchase the Silhouette cut file. I found this one in the shop which was perfect, and exactly what I was looking for. Since I had a credit, I decided this would be a great shortcut. Anything you can do to save time when you have an infant napping is a great thing!  ;)

I recently purchased this wood panel paper with the stars in the corner, and knew it match the sentiment perfectly. I decided to use the bronze glitter ribbon I received in one of my Studio Calico kits as well. The paper on the right says "I love you". Perfect combination for photos of my little angel.

I added some zig-zag stitching to the bottom and top of the glitter ribbon to give the page some texture, and to make sure it would stay in place. I also stitched along the top photo.

I added pink heart stickers in the center of the O's in the word "Moon", and some glittery pink stars to the bottom. Just enough to finish off the page, while keeping it simple and clean.

Hope you've enjoyed this page and that it has provided a bit of inspiration for your next project. Thanks for stopping by!

Wood Panel Baby, Bridal Shower or Bridesmaids Luncheon Invitations

I love the look of woodgrain. My house is filled with rusty metal and wood - I think I have an obsession.  :)  So of course I had to make some shower invitations with a woodgrain design. I now have some lovely wood panel invitations available in my shop, in various colors from white washed (reminiscent of a beach house), brown, grey, a rose pink, turquoise, and a mint green. Hopefully you can find a color scheme that will work for your next shower, bridesmaids luncheon, engagement party...or any other event you might be hosting.

Here are a few of the options:

As always, these designs are available in my Etsy shop.

Love the woodgrain look? Looking for some matching shower or party decorations? Browse through these great options available from various Etsy shops. 

I love finding beautiful packaging to create unique, one-of-a-kind party favors. These lovely white woodgrain glassine bags are available from SwoonPartyShop.

Or how about these adorable kraft woodgrain pillow boxes with an owl on the corner? These are available from thepaperstash.

Planning to make some cupcakes? Or want to use some adorable liners to hold some nuts, a fruit salad, or candy? Here are two lovely cupcake liner options, available from ButtercreamDreamShop and PaperPartyParade. You could even mix and match the two colors. 

Looking for a unique woodgrain bridal shower gift? Or an engagement present for the happy couple? This beautiful woodgrain platter includes custom initials for the couple. This gorgeous white platter is available from inherwordsceramics.

Lastly, if you're looking a present for the mommy-to-be, this adorable woodland embroidery hoop art features a fox with the cutest pointy nose. You can find this nursery art from TurquoiseAlligator.

I hope you've enjoyed these woodgrain shower and party decorations, and that they've inspired you for your next event. You can find the wood panel invitations here. Let me know if you'd like some in custom colors for your event.