Easter Blessings 12x12 Layout -- Don Juan, Cindy Loo

This may be my last Easter layout/project for the year...  Since Easter was so late this year, I feel like I've worked on many layouts, cards, and projects (though admittedly, I did have a blast making the Easter Basket Explosion Box-- found HERE, if you haven't seen it yet)...  I may change my mind in a day or two when I'm inspired to create something with a rabbit, but for now....  :)

This layout was created for Challenge #34 - Easter Theme over at Lasting Memories Layout Challenges...  I recently discovered that they were having a DT call there...  To apply for the DT, you had to complete all four challenges from this month (due today at noon)...  I suppose I would have benefited from learning about the DT call earlier in the month, but even one of my favorite bloggie buddies (Girlia) can tell ya that I thrive on doing things 'in a dash'!!  LOL!!  :)  I've only entered one or two of their challenges previously, but I would love the opportunity to work on more layouts on a regular basis -- And sometimes it seems like I need that commitment to get it done!! :)  I've really enjoyed seeing all of the layouts and inspiration posted over there...  Please pop on over there to check out the amazing DT creations and to see what everyone else created too!!  :)

For my layout, I used the BRAND NEW 'Fabulous' Power Palette from Creative Memories...  The 'lace' background (cut from a 12x12 piece of white cardstock) can be found on the Cindy Loo Cricut Cartridge.  I used my Gypsy to cut it as large as possible (about 11.5").

The title was cut at 1.75" with the Don Juan Cricut Cartridge using the base font plus the shadow feature.  I topped the title with some wide ivory ribbon and added some punched flowers with pearl centers...

Easter certainly was a blessing this year...  Not just the day either, but the whole season of Easter...  It's so easy to get caught up in certain moments and forget what the rest of the moments are made up of...  I sometimes find myself complaining about the one bad thing that happened in the day when the rest of the day was absolutely fantastic...  This was my inspiration for my 'Easter Blessings' layout this morning...  The-Girl-Child and I spent Easter Sunday afternoon with The-Grandparents...  My parents generously offered to take us to see Mamma Mia (as part of the Broadway Across America tour) for Easter...  We love musicals.  I'd choose a day at the theater over a ham dinner any day, even on Easter!!  We had already had an amazing morning -- The-Boy-Child was home for the weekend (after thinking that he wouldn't be able to with his track schedule) so we had a HUGE breakfast with cinnamon waffles, eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast, and orange juice!!  We had no traffic and great parking when we arrived in Pittsburgh!!  My mom and I danced in the aisle during the musical!!  But ya know what didn't go just right???  I didn't take a single picture all day long.  Can ya believe that???

So when I learned that one of the four challenge requirements to apply for the DT at Lasting Memories Layout Challenges was to create an Easter layout, I went on a hunt for Easter pictures left over from ANY other year...  Nothing.  Apparently I really enjoy finishing the pages with colored eggs and Easter dresses right away!!  Despite the fact that (until today) I don't post layouts complete with pictures, I DO actually like to create my layouts with pictures in mind...  Since I use Creative Memories software to edit and crop my photos, I never worry about needing a certain size for a certain page -- I know that I can edit any picture to fit exactly where I need it...  This allows me to finish layouts before actually having the pictures in hand...  It also allows me to scrapbook what inspires me instead of feeling like everything has to be finished chronologically (um, sorry, I run out of mojo to plan another track, cross country, or fun run layout after about 5 or 6 or 1 in a row!!  I know they'll get done, but I'd like to work on some pretty pictures with bright dresses and flowers in between all the rainy, muddy track meets from this year!!)...

Anyhoo...  Although the layout didn't have to specifically be Easter pictures, I was inspired to create a true Easter layout because I wanted to remember the blessings of Easter...  Any 4x6 photo of my kiddos will do...  Or perhaps a photo that includes The-Grandparents too...  I mean, those four people are Easter blessing enough...  I could continue to count my blessings for you, but I'll go do that on my own now. :)

Until next time, may all your moments be a blessing...