Helping Hands

Today I'm sharing another of my National Scrapbook Day layouts. This was a recipe challenge at Scrapjazz.com. We had to mix together:

• 1 piece of patterned paper for the background
• 2 photos, any size
• 1 envelope, any size
• 2 different colors of washi tape

Once I clarified that it was ok to include extra pictures, I got right to work. For years, I've been wanting to tell the story of Trevor's volunteer work. Because I wanted the layout to be especially special, I've held off on making it. (Anyone else do that? Just me?) I'm glad I finally scrapped this. It turned out to be just as special as I'd hoped.

I started with four photos from some of Trevor's earliest experiences volunteering. I trimmed three of the photos to fit as a border along the bottom and edged them with two colors of washi tape. I matted the focal photo with a blue envelope. (First I checked that it was acid-free. It passed.) I secured that in place with more washi, then added the title.

Those handprints are actually Trevor's from when he was about 2 months old. I'd traced his hands onto green cardstock (no idea why I chose green), then carefully cut them out and set them aside. I knew I'd eventually want to make a project with his tiny handprints. For nearly 7 years, I've kept them stashed away for just the right purpose. I covered them with black ink and added them to the layout. I'm not usually nervous about journaling directly on the page, but this time I was. I loved the layout so much that I was really scared I'd botch the writing and ruin the layout. Fortunately, no problems.  

I love everything about this layout. I am so grateful that this challenge provided just the right mix of ingredients and inspiration to make this page so special to me.