Love is in the Air

“At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet.” Words spoken by Plato, a sentiment grounded in sweetness. Love is the opposite of hate. It is a topic that is discussed a hundred times a day. The use of the word “love” gives validation to a friend when she is trying on a new outfit, and conveys how much you adore a peppermint latte from Starbucks. We each love many people, places and things in our lives. So why not shout your adoration from the rooftops and spread the word about all things that make your heart happy?

Everyone has a love story to share, a time where Cupid shot his arrow. Think about the first time you met your childhood crush. My crush’s name was Kenny and I thought he was so cute and funny. How about the day you found your significant other? Do you have a unique engagement story worth telling? I always enjoy hearing the tale of how my parents met and fell in love. It would make for a fantastic page with a heritage photo. When scrapping a love story, be sure to share those little details that will bring you back in time. Maybe a certain friend was with you or you remember a particular song playing in the background. Flash forward to your first or your tenth anniversary and share your love story as it stands now, after bends and curves in the road. Record what you have learned and what you want to always hold on to.

The artists below communicated their love on beautiful layouts. Look carefully and notice how the words come straight from the heart.

You and Me by Nicole Martel

Supplies: Paper: Cosmo Cricket, Pink Paislee, My Mind's Eye, Chipboard Alphabet: American Crafts, Baker's Twine: Studio Calico, Foam Squares: Creative Memories, Specialty Ink: Tattered Angels, Black Pen: Signo (Uni-ball. Tools: Punch, Rotary Blade, Corner Rounder: Creative Memories.

Design Note: Use baker's twine to decorate your die cuts!

Journaling: Sometimes I wonder how I fell in love with Pete because we are completely opposite from one another. He loves comedies, I love drama movies. He likes it hot, I like it cool. He loves playing computer games, I like to read and scrapbook. He has to have matching socks, I don't care. He loves junk food, I love raw veggies and dip. He likes 1% milk, I need whole milk. He's funny, I'm more serious (more mature). He likes to stay up late and sleep in till the afternoons, I like to go to bed early and wake up early. I say no, he says yes. Yes, we are very different but in the end, it works for us and he still adores me after almost 12 years. We might not live a fairy tale life, but what we have is real and solid.

The Story by Rachel Hawkins

Supplies: Paper, Rub-Ons: Lily Bee Design, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Pens: ZIG Memory System (Kuretake), Software: Microsoft Word, Font: Cochin.

Design Notes: To create the journaling, I typed it up in a word document and printed it straight onto my cardstock. I find it much simpler and cleaner than writing out long journaling.

Journaling: We both attended Appalachian State University. We had the same friends and hung out in the same places, but we never met. In the fall of 2008 we both decided to purchase season tickets to Appalachian Football. We both missed the first game of the season, but soon met at the next home game. It took several games for me to work up the nerve to speak to you. I was so nervous and had no idea if you had even noticed me. At the Halloween game, Wes interviewed you since I was too nervous to speak to you myself. Luckily we had a connection that I knew nothing about! You work with Lori, who I danced with in college and soon we were Facebook friends. Through messages we began to get to get to know each other better. I missed another game due to bad weather and a horrible cold and I was worried that I might have missed my chance. At the first playoff game, I had some liquid courage and so did you and we ended up chatting for a while and you asked me to come with you to the second round of playoffs. Not wanting to seem desperate I said, “Maybe, we’ll see” when I really meant “YES!” We met before the game and sat through the sleet, snow, and freezing cold to see our team lose. It was an ideal first date (minus the loss). I’m so happy that I now share season tickets with you. ASU Football changed my life for the better.

Ebb and Flow by Stacey Michaud

Supplies: Paper, Chipboard, Brads, Rub-On, Stickers: Crate Paper, Alphabet Stickers: BasicGrey, Chipboard Alphabet: Cosmo Cricket, Pins: Maya Road, Font: Felt Marker.

Design Notes: I used the chipboard frame to create a focal point. My journaling was split and placed on different sections of the layout to keep the eye moving.

Journaling: I think that when two people make the decision to be a part of each other’s lives, they need to expect that things will ebb and flow. It is natural. It doesn’t have to be scary. Just anticipated. Regardless, there is forward movement. And, for us, there is unconditional and very strong love. No matter what…