the hybrid chick

My husband loves to have pictures of the kids at work, and he finds it special when I create an actual layout for him to display. Well I am one that wants the layouts protected, but I am also one that really likes to add a lot of dimension to projects. So I have this double 5×7 acrylic frame that stands by itself, and every so often I replace the layout. This is what I used this time:

• double 5×7 acrylic frame (very inexpensive at Walmart)
• Color Me Happy kit by Jennifer Labre Designs available at The Digichick Shop
• HP Everyday Photo Paper (Matte) or you can use any other sturdy “everyday” use photo paper
• Glue Dots
• scissors and paper trimmer

First I designed my layout using a 10 x 7 document in PSE. (10 x 7 because the frame is for 2 5×7 photos sitting vertically.)

I love the fun embellishments that Jenn designed for this kit, and I love the summery feel of the papers. The problem I have with framing layouts made the traditional way is that they never fit! I get them so thick and with all of the layered cardstock, paper and embellishments that they don’t fit in the layout. It is so nice to get the 3-d look using shadows and being able to layer up papers without adding any thickness!

Now… I couldn’t leave it as a simple printed layout! I decided to add some dimension to the outside of the frame!

I created an 8.5×11 blank file and moved the 10×7 file onto it along with 4 copies of a flower from the kit.

I first cut out the entire flower with all layers. Then I cut just around the red one, then the orange, then the white. I pushed up the petals to make them stick out more, and I used glue dots to stick the 4 cut outs together so that the largest was on bottom and smallest on top. I adhered this many layered flower onto the outside of the frame with a glue dot and added a small button as the center. I then added some other traditional elements that I had lying around, and my husband was thrilled with his new desk photo!!

 

Oh… and that is a picture of my husband and I in Mexico! I just had to throw that in! The kids’ pictures is from camping at a family reunion… they did NOT go to Mexico! Aren’t they just too adorable, though!! I love my boys!

Thanks for reading!!

Other Articles by Kristin:

• Pumpkin Patch Hybrid Layout - September 15th, 2010
• Scrap Money... A Place for Saving for Scrappy Items - July 19th, 2010
• Dad, You Goonie! Treasure Chest & Mini-Album - June 22nd, 2010