Photo-focused Scrapbooking

The sun is out this afternoon and I'm really feeling the urge to hit the beach. Living in Florida that was an easy thing to do, but here in Japan it's still a bit too cold for beaching it. So, this afternoon I'm going to get my beach fix by sharing my Beach Mosaic layout with you.

A mosaic layout really makes the photos the focus of your page, and making mosaics is such a great way to scrapbook if you are on a budget. All you need are a few photos, a mat with one-inch grids and a good ruler, preferably one with a cork backing so it does not slip.

Cut your photos into one-inch squares. Just use caution when cutting a photo that depicts people; always be sure that you do not cut through someone's face. When making a mosaic, you do not have to use every bit of each photo you choose. You can use only the squares that feature something you would like to showcase in your finished page. Beach Mosaic uses 9 photos from different beach scenes, including the larger picture of my husband which I matted and used whole.

For the best results in arranging your one-inch squares, I recommend Wish in the Wind (http://www.wishinthewind.com/) grid paper. Now the only other item you need is your glue stick. Arrange your photos on the grid, glue them down --Wha-lah!

I love using the mosaic technique for photos with lush scenery, but I've also used this technique for zoo photos and my layout came out amazing. I would love to see what you come up with using the mosaic technique. Drop me a line with a link to your blog and let me peek.

And don't forget to sign up for my blog candy (post below) to receive a great gift from Japan, courtesy of me!

Once Upon A Time

I could not resist using this pretty Sea Glass paper from K and Company for one of my beach photos. I guess I am missing the Florida beach this winter. It was 60 degrees here today -warm for February in Tokyo, but cooler than it usually is in Florida. You can see the date in the heart is from December 2007.

I used stickles to bring shine and sparkle to the big blossom and the little silver starfish are from Nunn Designs. I found those in a stationery store in Tokyo in their scrapbook section and just had to have them.

The line of crystals under the shadow photo are actually cell phone decorations!

I love my fairy tale story that goes with the photo:

Once upon a time there was a really cute princess who was walking along a California beach all alone when she heard a voice calling, “Hey, Really Cute Princess!”
She looked around and saw a handsome man with chocolate-colored eyes and holes in his pockets. She started to carry on her way but the man called again. “Hey, Really Cute Princess, if you marry me I will take you to far off lands and show you many more beautiful beaches.”
It had been a very boring day and the cute princess liked to travel, so she decided to date the chocolate-eyed man, though she was not sure she believed him at all.
In no time at all the princess discovered that the man was really a Handsome, Strong, Hardworking Prince. They were soon married under a canopy of brilliant fuchsias.
Not long after, the Handsome Prince arrived home from work and made a Royal Announcement. “It is time to move to another beautiful land,” he proclaimed. The Princess excitedly packed all their things for the move. Through the years, the Prince and Princess honed their packing skills to perfection as the Handsome Prince moved them from one beautiful land to another – every 3 to 5 years.
True to his promise, the Prince took the Princess to set up house along many beautiful beaches and river banks.