It's All About the Polka Dots Layout

This little grandson guy never ceases to bring a smile to my face. In fact, yesterday as I was watching him while his big sister, Livvi was at chemo with her mom and dad, we were watching the Olympics together. I'm telling you, this little 14 1/2 month old was into it!  We were watching the men's 200 meter qualifying heats and whenever they got into the starting blocks he would yell, "GO!" So cute.

Anyway, back to the artwork.  This layout showcases both the Rustic Home and Uptown Fundamentals paper packs. All I added was a bit of Poppy Cardstock, Black Cardstock and White Daisy Cardstock.  This month, when you purchase the Whimsy, Adventure and Enchantment Fundamentals packs, you get to choose either the Rustic Home or the Uptown pack for FREE!  You can do this easily, with one little click here.

The little detail I wanted to point out on this layout is the Poppy Cardstock polka dots. The black and white polka dot print paper is from the Uptown Fundamentals pack.  When creating this layout I thought it would be cute to add a few Poppy polka dots to tie in the accent color I used on this layout. The polka dots on the paper are just larger than 1/2" so I pulled out my 1/2" punch and punched a few Poppy Cardstock circles and added them strategically to the layout.  I love that they are just a tad but smaller than the white ones printed on the paper because it makes for a nice little edge around the Poppy ones.  It was a simple but fun way to add a bit of color detail to this layout. 

I used my Tuxedo Black stamp pad and  trusty watercolor paints and brushes to create the little boy and balloons from the True Love Stamp Set (you can find this set on the back cover of our Annual Inspirations Idea Book. It is the set that is dedicated to helping Operation Smile. When you purchase this set, $7 of your purchase price goes straight to Operation Smile!).  And, how about that dreamy font I used for Stade's name? I'll bet you thought I hand lettered it. NOPE!  It is a brand new alphabet stamp set called Bistro Script that has become one of my new obsessions.  Tip: when stamping this alphabet, you won't want to line those letters up on a long block. I suggest you stamp them one at a time so it's easy to connect them and make it look like it's hand lettered.  Easy, peasy, but it makes all the difference! Also, notice the wood grain on the brown paper is actually embossed. Fancy, schmancy!  I didn't emboss it. It came that way in the Rustic Home Fundamentals paper pack. Yes, please!

Here's another fun tip.When using twine, tie your knot and then take your piercing tool (I think it should be called the pokey tool because I use it for so much more than piercing) and with the pokey end, carefully unwind the twine ends. It creates a fun, frayed look.  I do it all the time and I love that look.

Never fear! I have included a handy list of all the products I used on this layout, complete with links and photos at the very end of this post. 

Rustic Home Fundamentals	Uptown Fundamentals	12" X 12" Black Cardstock	Enchantment Cardstock Combo Pack
12" X 12" White Daisy Cardstock	Watercolor Paper	True Love	Bistro Script
Pen Pal Alphabet	Black Memento� Ink Pad	Watercolor Paints	Waterbrush�Small Round
You & Me Complements	White Twine	Rustic Home Ribbon Pack	Surecut� Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer
Non-Stick Micro-Tip Scissors	Piercing & Embossing Tool Kit	3" X 3" My Acrylix® Block	3-D Foam Tape
3L® E-Z Dots® Adhesive

InLinkz.com

One Page Layout with the March Stamp of the Month

I used the March Stamp of the Month (Sunshine Birdies) to create this one-page gem.  That little Stade and his happy disposition get me every time! I love being a grandma!  I saw a layout similar to this on Pinterest, made by a very talented girl named Els Brige.  Her stuff is beautiful. Thanks for the inspiration, Els! Here is her layout:

Anyway, back to the Stamp of the Month.  It is only available in March and is yours for only $5 ($12.95 savings) with every $50 you spend (before shipping and tax).  Order $100, get 2...and so on.  When ordering on my website, you'll be prompted to add your Stmap of the Month set(s) before checking out.

March Stamp of the Month - Sunshine Birdies

Ordering quite a bit this month is easy to do because of Stampaganza! For every 2 stamp sets you order in March, you get a third of equal or lesser value for FREE!  SERIOUSLY!  Oh, baby!

Here are a few detail shots of my layout. I used my watercolor paints to color in all of my images, as well as to get the ombre look on my "STADE" title. I SO love watercolors!  Be sure to check out the products used list, complete with photos and links, at the very end of this post.   The Smoothie Striped washi tape that I used around the border of the layout is on clearance for only $3.20 a roll (15 yds).  The Coral Reef Sequins are also on clearance for only $1.55 a package (144 adhesive backed sequins per package). Many of the little words (like "WOWZA!", "HELLO there", " LOVE THIS PHOTO" and "My Fave")  you see in the collage come from another Washi Tape called Boardwalk. It is a package of 3 different rolls and is also in clearance for only $2!  Bargains, people!  Major bargains!

Sunshine Birdies�March 2016 Stamp of the Month	12" X 12" White Daisy Cardstock	12" X 12" Glacier Cardstock	Paper Fundamentals Whimsy
Watercolor Paper	Fundamental Stickers Whimsy Pack	Paintbrush Set	Watercolor Paints
Oceanside Sequins	Coral Reef Sequins	Smoothie Striped Washi Tape	Boardwalk Washi Tape Pack
Surecut� Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer	Non-Stick Micro-Tip Scissors	3L® E-Z Dots® Adhesive	2" X 3 1/2" My Acrylix® Block
2" X 2" My Acrylix® Block

InLinkz.com

Stade Justus Roberts, Our Newest Grandson

Seconds after Stade was born

Stade Justus Roberts entered the world, Saturday, June 6 at 10:56 pm, weighing 7.15.2 oz. and measuring 20" long. He's a handsome little munch with lots of dark hair.  He already has my heart.  Oh, and did I mention I LOVE his name?

I was honored to be asked to be in the delivery room with our daughter, Kori and her hubby, Rick as Kori gave birth. I will never cease to wonder and be in awe of this miracle of life. 

hanging out with Kori in the early stages of labor

Grandpa Dan-the-Man is smitten!

Being a grandparent is one of the BEST things I've ever experienced in life. Stade brings our grandchildren number to 5, and we have another one on the way, set to debut his/her little self in January.