Pins Galore!

Okay I admit that I have a small addiction. I am addicted to pins! I love how pretty the pins look on layouts; they add elegance and style. Knowing this, you would think that I would be motivated to use them on my layouts instead of keeping them stored on my desk, but I just can't bring myself to do it! I just hate the thought of using them, because to be honest, I have no idea what to do with them.

This month, I had the honor of reviewing many beautiful layouts with a pin or two on them. A simple pin can add much more detail to your layout. Look at how Jenni Hufford decorated the butterfly with a pin. Another one of my personal favorites is Kimberly Archer's layout; I love how she used soft colors, and added a pin through the flower for that elegant touch.

With the growing popularity of this trend, I want to jump on the band wagon! Scrappers create some really unique touches by adding pins to their flowers, ribbons and other embellishments. I hope these beautiful layouts give you some ideas on how to use the decorative stick pins on your projects. They did for me. Hope you enjoy creating too!

You Make Me Smile by Kimberly Archer

Supplies: Papers: Collage Press, File Folder: Staples, Foam Bird: American Crafts, Pin: Maya Road, Date Stamp: Heidi Swapp, Other: lace, ribbon.

Design Notes: I wanted to really show off the beautiful papers with my daughter's picture. The simple sentiment kept my layout clean and the cluster of embellishments was just enough to add that special touch. White space is a challenge for me as I always want to add more...but in this case, less was more.

So Loved by Jenni Hufford

Supplies: Papers: Lily Bee Design, The Paper Studio, Die-Cuts: Lily Bee Design, Rub-Ons: Pink Paislee, K & Company, Rhinestone: K & Company, Chipboard, Cork: Chatterbox, Heart Pin: Making Memories, Alphabet: American Crafts, Ink: Tim Holtz, Punch: Fiskars.

Design Notes: I used a lot of layering in this layout- from the die cuts and patterned paper all the way to the rub-ons and embellishments so that the large photo would remain the focus of the layout.

Journaling: 6 months...A year ago I was pregnant with you and still in shock that you were coming. Not that I didn't want a 2nd baby, I did, however, you came a little earlier than we planned. I have come to realize (many times over) that God's plans are better than my plans. He knew you were meant for our family. He knew everything about you before you were born. I am so thankful He chose me to be your mama. I promise to dedicate my days to teach you about His love for you, and to show you how much your daddy and I love you. You are such a blessing Jordan Nicole. Love, Mommy

Grateful by Nicole Martel

Supplies: Paper, Tag: Pink Paislee, Flower: Prima Marketing, Ribbon: Making Memories, Pin: Maya Road, Adhesive: Beacon.

Design Notes: Notice how I decorated the flowers by adding a ribbon with two pins. I think it adds a nice touch!

Journaling: As the months go by, you have become more and more real to me. These past four months have been amazing and I can not wait to find out what you will be. Will I call you Edward Zane Martel or Isabella Ann Martel? We will find out within a few months my sweet little baby!