In The Cat Cave

Well, I have a number of things on my list and I am slowly knocking them off!! (Go me!)

I had planned to do a "sun rays" type layout at the scrapbook retreat a couple weeks ago.  This scrapbooksteals sketch gave me the push to get it done. I literally grabbed the closest picture to me.  I don't know if any of you are like me but my inspiration comes from everywhere. Sometimes its the picture itself, other times it's the paper or embellishment and many other times its the sketch or design that's been sitting in my brain from the last time I was up rocking Mister J in his chair. This time it was the sketch.  So it didn't matter what picture - I knew I had paper to match.

I grabbed Simple Stories Snap Life (can't get enough of this) but I wanted more solid pink so I grabbed the mambo melon Cheerful Treat paper from Stampin' Up.  I also grabbed the AC Amy Tan Sketchbook collection.

First I cut the three pages that I narrowed down and but to 7 inches.  Then I cut it in half and started making random cuts.  I thought I could just use these papers but I wasn't happy with the design on the back so that didn't work out.  In other words, you could cut your three papers (or however many you want in your rays), piece together what you want to work.  Then you'll have enough for two more "blocks".  If you flip to the reverse of the paper then you can have enough for the other side. But I didn't like the back.  So I ended up playing with the paper and trimming the excess off.
Supplies used: Bazzill cardstock, Simple Stories Snap life paper & stickers, Stampin Up Cheerful treat paper, Stampin Up Play Date paper, Studio Calico wooden veneers (stars), Freckled Fawn wooden veneers (words & bubble words), Ditto tags and American Crafts Amy Tangerine Sketchbook paper.

My favorite part of this layout is the stitching that holds the rays together.  Its such a fun layout, which totally brings out my Aunt Darleen's personality.  You'll notice I have a hidden tag under the photo.  (See picture below on the stocky strip I used to make this happen. This is an Aunt that was a big part of my childhood but she has moved away to the States so she doesn't get to see my children as much as she'd like. On the tag, I explained to Jane how much she loved her and how she thinks of her all the time.  It should help later down the road when she hears Aunt Darleen's name.  She should know exactly who she is.

Because I did that hidden journal tag, it was considered interactive.  So I thought I would play along with my local scrapbooking store's Monday Mojo challenge.  Its probably past the deadline now but it was fun to play along!!

Have a great day!
Cathy