Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Lakeside Western Days - Part 1 The Breakfast




Welcome back to the blog!  This week I am scrapping some of the activities that happen during our town's "Western Days".

I am using this fabulous "Breakfast" 2 page Kit from Hearts-N-Crafts, and adding a few elements from my stash to fit my personal style.





This kit could easily be adapted for different occasions - - Mothers Day breakfast in bed, a Bridesmaid breakfast or even your favorite breakfast recipes.  I knew the red and white checks of the tablecloth would be perfect for my western breakfast layout.

Page Journaling:

"As the dust kicks up with the arrival of the annual Lakeside Rodeo, our town celebrates “Western Days”.  The weekend begins early Saturday morning at the Lakeside Historical Society.  They host a genuine “cowboy breakfast” for just $5 - a hearty, honest start to the day that tastes like a throwback to simpler times.  What makes this morning special isn't just the live country music or the smell of coffee in the crisp air; it’s the sense of community and tradition. Lakeside’s Western roots run deep. It’s a moment where the town slows down to honor its history before the parade whistles blow and the rodeo gates fly open."

What I used:

To Start:

  • Trim Patterned Pages 1/4" on each side, mount to white cardstock
  • Using white pen, draw faux stitching 1/2" from outer edge of white cardstock on 3 sides of each page



What I did (Page 1):

Photos:  (2) 4x6 with borders, mounted on black cardstock

I followed the example layout for this page pretty close - - I did move all the elements down since I wanted to add to the title.



My rule of thumb for layered die cut images - - first image is glued flat, second image layered slightly and lifted using foam dimensional tape or pop dots. Sometimes I go crazy and foam tape ALL the elements - but for the most part, a flat layer and a popped layer.

My title "Western" is cardstock stickers from Echo Park - I deactivated the stickiness and added pop dots with liquid glue for good adhesion.




After all my elements were glued down, I added brown sequins for some sparkle and wrapped a little twine around title for texture and of course that iconic vintage rodeo chipboard!





What I did (Page 2):

I really changed up page 2 from kit example!  

Photos:

(3) 3-1/2 x 5: (1 used as journaling) printed with border, mounted on black cardstock
(1) 4x4 collage printed with border, mounted on black cardstock

Journaling is such an important part of my scrapbooking! I will always opt to use a space for journaling rather than a photo.  It is so important for people to hear your voice!

This may be a "No-No" from the early days of scrapbooking, but I have no qualms about adding stickers, journaling, or other elements right on top of photos! In this layout, I wanted to highlight the adorable place settings made by the ladies at the Historical Society! 


For those that are interested- I use the Epson Picture PM-400 to print my photos and create collages to use on my layouts.  The apps for printing and collage making are so easy!

This is currently my favorite layout! Please feel welcome to reach out and ask any questions about photo printing, products I use - I am always happy to share (with no ulterior motive!)

Thanks for stopping by today!




Saturday, March 21, 2026

Dearest Gentle Eater.... a Bridgerton Scrapbook Layout

 

Dearest Gentle Eater…..

I couldn’t resist a cheesy pun for this fun layout about my love of Bridgerton and fancy desserts!

I am using the “Bon Appetit kit from Hearts N Crafts 

  

I enjoy these kits for a number of reasons - - they have so many fun themes, they can be used just as they come for an adorable layout, or can be adapted to fit your own personal style.

The kits are made with high quality paper and come with solid cardstock.  The elements are all pre-cut. 

While this kit has a very French/Paris feel at first glance, I knew I wanted to change it up to do a layout about Bridgerton and fancy desserts! To add to the Bridgerton vibe – I added elements from my stash in Bridgerton blue.

How I created this layout:

  • Trim patterned background papers 1/4” on each side, adhere to black cardstock to give a nice border

I knew the photos I wanted to use, and that I would have a lot of journaling – so I decided to go with 3 x 5 photos and journaling area

*Designer tip - - I have a bunch of scrap copy paper cut into 3x5, 4x6 and 5x7 sizes so I can try different layout configurations – just because a kit shows you a 4x6 photo, you can still change it up!

Page 1:

  • Print (3) 3-1/2 x 5 photos with border
  • Mat on pink cardstock
  • Adhere matted photos – about 3” from top of page – arranging them evenly across page
  • Using pop dots or foam tape, mount “Bon Appetit” title die cut above center
  • Using pop dots or foam tape, mount cafĂ© table on lower half of page
  • Sequins and Dew Drops randomly added for a little sparkle! Along with some crocheted flowers (thanks, Colleen Lovette!) to bring in the “Bridgerton Blue”



Page 2:

  • Print (2) 3-1/2 x 5 photos with border
  • Print or write journaling on 3-1/2 x 5 cardstock
  • Mat photos and journaling tag on pink cardstock
  • Attached matted photos and journaling tag to layout (I did play around with placement quite a bit to make sure the chandelier die cut hit in just the right place!)
  • I used Slim Alphabet dies from Photo Play to create my title
  • Attach chandelier die cut at top center of page, overlapping photos
  • Using pop dots or foam tape, adhere L’Amour and poodle die cuts to lower left bottom of page
  • Finish off with sequins and Dew Drops
  • I again added a crochet flower to bring in that “Bridgerton Blue”




I did leave out the Eiffel Tower die cut -- that will be used on a future layout or card.


Thanks for stopping by today – I hope you are inspired to make a scrapbook kit your own!

Shelly