You’ve Got Personality

Most people enjoy a visit to the shopping mall because they are searching for new shoes or they have discovered a worthwhile sale. Yes, the stores and even the restaurants are great, but the real draw of going to the mall involves the people watching. There is nothing like sitting down with a cup of java and pastry, all with the intention to just look around. You can get an immediate sense of “who” people are by how they interact or carry themselves. The lady wearing the striped leggings and multicolored shirt is usually not the shy type. There are definitive personality types in this world, characterized by common traits. Yet, it never ceases to amaze me how each of us are so different. This month, take the people-watching to the scrapbooking room and create a layout meant to showcase someone’s one-of-a-kind personality.

Personality is what makes or breaks us. It is what defines us and predicts how we will act or react in a given situation. One of my favorite topics involves those personality traits that are bigger than life. I have been known to create one or two layouts about my family member’s strongest personality traits. I want my daughter to remember her feistiness, and hope that my son will learn how kind his great grandmother was. Our family parties are enjoyable because of all the entertaining stories about individual members. Those tales paint a picture of each member’s unique quirks. How important is it to put those stories into words on your next scrapbooking layout?

The talented ladies below thought it necessary to capture the personality markers of people they love. Viewing these wonderfully designed and meaningful layouts shows why.

Miss Bossy by Brenda Hurd

Supplies: Papers, Lace Paper, Stickers, Buttons, Flower, Bling: BasicGrey, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Alphabets: American Crafts, BasicGrey, Pink Paislee, Ribbon: SEI, Specialty Ink: Maya Road, Die-Cut: Jenni Bowlin Studio.

Design Notes: I used the doilie paper as a mask and sprayed the Maya Road mist, then turned it upside down. I also cut up one of the die-cut border stickers and used it in a few different places on the layout.

Journaling: Sometimes I wonder who is in charge at our house - this little girl has taken over. They say it's the terrible two's - but she was so sweet at 2. Then she turned 3 and it all started. She tells you where to sit, what to eat, how fast to go, when to stop talking - but my favorite right now is "give me a kiss!". She doesn't ask nicely either - she walks around giving orders all day long. Hopefully it's a phase and she'll grow out of it - as for now - I guess she's the boss!

Romantic by Camilla Ekman

Supplies: Papers: Pink Paislee, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Flowers: Prima Marketing, Papirloftet, Leaves, Bling: Prima Marketing, Pins: Maya Road, Charm, Letter Stickers: Making Memories, Clip: Tim Holtz.

Design Notes: I wanted to make the layout as romantic as my dear husband. I love to use flowers, bling and lace. The colors of the Pink Paislee paper are so lovely and give a shabby look.

Journaling: You are so romantic. You remember important days, buy flowers and gifts. You often tell me how much you love me and you love to give me a hug.

Here's Looking at You by Jing-Jing Nickel

Supplies: Papers: Graphic 45, Cardstock: Prism Papers, Alphabets: Prima Marketing, American Crafts, Rub-On: BasicGrey, Stamp: Studio Calico, Ink: Ranger, Buckle: Rusty Pickle, Brad: Pink Paislee, Font: HandVetica, Other: vintage trim.

Editor's Notes: Jing-Jing oriented her title at the top of her page to compliment the photos of her daughter, which were taken from above. The clean design leaves plenty of room for journaling.

Journaling: A year ago, I could not have said this about you, that you are a cheerful little girl! Of course, a year is a long time in a 2-years-old’s life and much has changed in the past 12 months! You began daycare full time cold turkey after our return from Shanghai in November. Back then, there was really nothing cheerful about dropping you off at daycare. Now, your disposition overall is cheerful for a two year old. You are in good spirits most of the time. You brighten our days and lives with your smiles, giggles, and laughs. Gone are the days when strangers or even Nainai would induce your tears! Now you have nothing but smiles and pleasantness for those around you. Going to “school” is something you look forward to as you recite the names of your friends there. I hope you continue to be so upbeat, happy, and cheerful in your life. It is a great personality trait, don’t let anyone tell you differently!