Today I am going show you some step-by-step photos from when I created this layout, using the February kit “By the numbers”.

I started out by pressing my stencil against the kraft cardstock, after using it with gesso for another layout, using up the gesso leftovers and sort of stamping with the stencil. This means that I did this when creating the other layout and at that point I had no idea of exactly what I was going to use the kraft sheet for.

I then picked out my photo and decided that I wanted to use my Cherry Lynn doily die together with the turqouise paper from the patterned paper add on. I started building some layers around my photo, adding the doilies and then the ribbon and the banner sticker.

I love building the layers from the top and down, because then I can move around my photo and the things I’ve chosen to go with it over my background, to figure out where I want to place it. I had picked out the cardstock for my background and cut down the kraft sheet.

I then decided that I also wanted to include one of the patterned papers. I added it to my cardstock and did something I don’t do very often these days… but I just loved this patterned paper too much and decided to cut out a part from the middle, which was going to be hidden under the kraft cardstock anyway, to save it for later… I used my sewing machine to stitch my two papers together.

I cut out a part of the zigzag pattern and added to the bottom edge of the kraft cardstock.

And then I stitched my kraft sheet onto the background.

I placed my photo and the layers attached to it on my background, and again I used my sewing machine.

The number 4 was colored with Glimmer mist and Chalkboard Glimmer mist.

To finish off, I added my journaling along the bottom of my page.

I hope you enjoyed this little peek into my process. I often start out without having a plan, and I often build my layers around the photo and work my way down. Thank you so much for stopping by!

Anna