Challenge 3a - 11

Done with ScRap SiStaZ Challenge 3a!!

In case I haven't mentioned it before, I'm so glad Tina started this group. It really keeps me motivated...AND Scrapping!

Another one of Jordyn's birthday layouts done. Yay! Three down, Ten to go!!

11 - Double:

11 - Left:

11 - Right:
Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. I used Picasa to create the photo collage on the right (including the text ON the photos). One of my favorite bloggers, Ashley Gailey, wrote a post about how easy it was to create photo collages using Picasa. For a frame of reference, she also knows how to use Photoshop, so if she can learn that, she can learn ANYTHING. That should have been my first clue that it wasn't as easy as a "click of a button". But, I did finally end up with my desired result (after much cursing) and I will probably use Picasa again. Besides, it's free.
2. The patterned papers are from Stampin Up! (plug! for Stacey) It's called Outlaw, which goes to show you that you can use "boy" paper for a girl's layout.
3. Plus, I girlied up the "boy" paper with Colorbok's self adhesive metal dots. Gotta have a bit of bling. I also put one on the tab on the right to bring the two pages together.
4. Clearly the inspiration layout is 8 1/2 x 11. However, I did 12x12 because that's the size of the kids' birthday books. The collage on my layout is 8 1/2 x 11, but it doesn't take up the entire right side of the layout like the inspiration. But I think I was able to make it work on the 12x12 by balancing it with a strip of cardstock (ripped to match the ripped cardstock on the left side).
5. Here is a perfect example of how I should have used the Cricut to create the title "11". But no, I was too lazy. So, I free hand cut the two ones from the SU! patterned paper.
6. It's amazing to me about how few details I can recall from an event that happend just two years ago. I am going to try and be a much more current scrapper going forward.