Greatest View

Melinda Spinks: Today

The Story | It's not really a story, more a theme of bonding! When our little man was born just over 12 months ago, our daughter loved to view him from a distance but holding him was almost taboo as she was scared she'd 'break him'. Gradually she became more confident around him, especially now that he isn't as 'breakable'. The two of them are growing closer and closer each day and forming a beautiful bond.

How you communicated the story | I'm lucky to have snapped this photo of the two of them as it conveys everything I wanted to say in just this single frame. I decided that I would use a black and white version of the pic so that all focus remained on their faces and it remained the prominent feature of the layout.

Photos | Canon G12 and edited in PicMonkey. I've mounted three of the same photo on top of each other to create a softer edge and to add a little bit of dimension for interest.

Techniques or tips to share | I have been dabbling lately in adding applique on my layouts using fabric with a foam backing and lots of stitching to hold it all in place. Although the technique takes a while to accomplish, the results are definitely worth the effort as it adds something just a little different to the overall look of the layout.

Greatest View goodies used | In Style Badges, PetiteDoilies, Triple Pearl Stick Pins - Olive, Sequins.

Relationships! Think about the important relationships you have around you on a day to day basis, whether it's between immediate family, extended family, friends, colleagues, school teachers, even pets.

 

Kim Jeffress: Project Life

The story | I have been recording my families activities each week using the Project Life format.

 

How you communicated the story |  Each day I took photos of each member of my family doing various things I want to remember, I also take simple notes each night so I wont forget. I then print out my photos and arrange them in chronological order across the double page spread and add in my typed journaling.

 

Photos |  Canon 1000D and my iphone

 

Techniques or tips to share |  I like to spread out my photos on top of the pockets and then pull out certain colours that are dominant across the spread I then choose papers and embellishments to match.

 

Greatest View goodies used |  Happy Easter Badges, Chalkboard School Sayings

It's the little moments like drawing that are important as well as the bigger things like Easter that I want to remember!

 

Chantalle McDaniel: Dear Josh

 

The Story | These buttons just 'spoke' to me!

How you communicated the story | My son is getting to an age now, where he is able to test his own theories (and push those boundaries even further!) I feel like I'm talking to the walls at times! He seems to listen more to what I say if I write it down or if I'm desperate, I text him! Lol. I want him to know how important things like manners and perseverance in life are. Perhaps he will see this layout and take it in!

 

 

 

Photos | This shot was taken on my iPhone and edited in Instagram.

 Techniques or tips to share |  I really wanted to let the messages on the flair shine in this layout. I have purposefully kept the colour palette very neutral, only adding a hint of colour here and there to compliment the colour in the sentiments on the flair.

 

 

 

Greatest View goodies used | 'Classroom Rules' badge set

 

 

 

Do you sometimes find it easier to text/write someone something heartfelt rather than say it face to face? Using specific 'journaling' on an embellishment can be an effective way of getting your message across!

 

Guest Designer: Stephanie Howell Part 2

Thank you so much to all our blog visitors over the last couple of days! If you're new to the blog, here's a bit about Greatest View and what we're all about.

Today we have more inspiration from our guest designer Stephanie Howell - a really fun layout with that signature Stephanie feel and another giveaway! Read on for details:

The Story | I get asked ALL the time how it is to have twins.People ask it in an odd way...as if they expect me to say something negative. In reality, it's pretty awesome and really fun. I wanted to do a layout sharing my feelings.

How you communicated the story | Journaling, fun bright embellishments, colors, and patterns.

Photos | iPhone. Using the Pocketbooth app.

 

 

Techniques or tips to share | I printed three photostrips and slipped them into the bags. This way the layout is interactive AND the strips don't dominate the entire layout.

Greatest View goodies used | In Style Badges, Chevron Badges, Petite Doilies, Aqua Chevron Ribbon, Kraft Bag Sampler.

Story-Teller idea | Make a layout about a question you are often ask. Make sure to journal your response!

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For your chance to win the badge sets that Stephanie has used on her layout above, simply leave a comment on this post and I'll draw a random winner on Friday morning (9.00am AEST).

And be sure to pop by Stephanie's blog (if you haven't already) as she will have another chance to win some Greatest View goodies! There may be a bit of a time difference between our posts :)

And I'd also like to give a HUGE thank you to Stephanie for being our guest designer and showcasing my handmade flair badges and goodies - what an honour!

Guest Designer: Stephanie Howell

You guessed it!  I'm so excited today as I get to share our next guest designer: Stephanie Howell! I think I say this about every guest designer but I've been following Stephanie's blog for forever. I'm such a fan of her heartfelt style of scrapbooking and thought it suited perfectly to what we're all about here at Greatest View. Here's a bit more about Stephanie:

1. When and where do you mostly scrapbook?

In fits and starts. Five minutes here, ten there. I have four children under 7, so creative time is scarce. But SO important. 

2. What are 3 of your current favourite products or techniques when scrapbooking?

Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm collection, Jenni Bowlin Gold Feather Rub Ons, Crate Paper chipboard accents 

3. What are you known for on your projects?

Handwritten journaling, doilies

4. What sort of stories inspire you to scrapbook?

Ones that make me laugh and ones that make me cry. The best kinds.

 

Here is Stephanie's first layout using Greatest View goodies:

 

The Story | My husband and I are always saying to the big girls "Stop fighting and competing! You guys need to figure out that you are on the same team!!". Lately they've finally started to get it. I wanted to make a page to commemorate this notion. The cheerleader photo was perfect for the theme!

 How you communicated the story |  I stuck with a black/white/gray theme to compliment the "team" feel. In high school we used to wear team ribbons and badges to football games. the badges/chevron ribbon reminded me of these so i went with the idea. the doilies soften the layout and make it a bit more "girlie".

 Photos | Dslr. 50 mm 1.8 fixed lens

 

Techniques or tips to share | I totally messed up under "team awesome" portion of the layout. I stamped a phrase completely upside down and crooked! no worries. just place chipboard border stickers over mistakes. i do it all the time!

Greatest View goodies used |  Chevron Badges, In Style Badges, Girl Definition Badges, Petite Doilies, Chevron Ribbon - Black & White, Striped Bag Sampler 

Story-Teller idea | Do a page about the day your children started getting along and playing nicely together. Or do a page about what they always fight about. I love documenting the ups and downs in my girls relationship. Sisters are so complicated! 

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For your chance to win the badge sets that Stephanie has used on her layout above, simply leave a comment on this post and I'll draw a random winner on Friday morning (9.00am AEST).

And be sure to pop back on Wednesday as I have another layout from Stephanie to share . . . and another giveaway too!