Perspective

Quite a few years ago, I went to a Creative Memories party for the first time. I had known a little bit about scrapbooking, and I had done my own version of it for years. I bought several "essential' pieces at that party... my first album, my first oval cutter (a system!), a cutting board, some archival markers (fine tip and calligraphy), a bag. Yeah, I laid out some cash at that one. But Ignatius was growing, and I had tons of photos of him that needed a home.

Enter stamping. Shortly after the Creative Memories party, I attended my first Stampin' Up! party. It was all downhill from there. I went the stamping and cardmaking route for a while. A close friend became a demo, and I was sucked in for good.

I had plenty of excuses for not scrapbooking, including a lack of time. I still bought supplies knowing that, one day, I would need them. I subscribed to scrapbook magazines and the whole nine yards. I got the occasional gift mini-album done, which is no small task. I knew when I sat down and did it, it didn't really take too much time.

In the past year and a half, I have gotten in to the scrapbook groove. I think it feeds a part of me that wants to work with graphic art. It's funny, though, with all I have learned, and how styles have changed, when I look at my earlier layouts and compare them to some I have done recently.

So, without further adieu, the slide show below shows a birthday album that I have been making for Ignatius. It starts on the day of his birth (birthday #1), and continues through birthday #12. I am going to end this book at birthday #13 and start a new one for his teenage years. Who am I kidding? I also hate working with the Creative Memories scrapbook I have because the pages are not 12 x 12. Since I don't want to make the pages on the white background that comes with the album, and I am sick of having to cut my 12 x 12 paper, I am opting to start a new one at a time that makes sense. I also might opt for a different size album.

I started this one a few years ago. You'll notice some changes in my style over the past few years. Enjoy!