Birthdays are not all about the cake. They are about the birthday boy or girl, the guests, and the presents. So often we forget to take pictures of what is happening at the birthday party. Be creative and take spontaneous pictures of people eating cake or having a discussion by the food table. Lisa’s layout captured a view of all of the guests after they pampered themselves at her daughter’s birthday party. What a cute picture and a great memory to cherish for years to come! Julie captured the birthday boy and guests enjoying their delicious meal at Red Robin.

When it is time to unwrap the gifts, take a few close-up shots of the birthday boy or girl. Try to capture their facial expression, whether they are happy or indifferent, sad or excited. I was able to capture my daughter as she meticulously opened her gifts.

Do you or a family member have a birthday coming up? Why don’t you try out a few of the techniques that were mentioned in order to capture this precious moment in your friend’s or your family’s life.

Unwrapping Bday Presents by Diana Brodeur

Supplies: Paper: Crate Paper, The Girl’s Paperie, Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts, October Afternoon, Pearls: K & Company, Flowers: Sassafras Lass, Die-Cuts: The Girl’s Paperie, Stamp: Studio Calico, Ink: Staz-On (Tsukineko), Chipboard: Crate Paper, Pen: Creative Memories, Other: staples.

Design Notes: Die cuts make a quick and easy additions to your page. They come in varying shapes and sizes. I like to use them to add interest and texture to my page.

Journaling: Aryanna just couldn’t wait to open her presents on her 5th Birthday. I just loved how she meticulously unwrapped each one. March 14, 2010.

Mousin' Around by Lisa Swift

Supplies: Paper: Bella Blvd., Scribble Scrabble, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Chipboard: Sonburn, American Crafts, Alphabet Stickers: Pink Paislee, Rub-Ons: Creative Imaginations, Scenic Route, Die Cuts: My Mind's Eye, Scribble Scrabble, Crate Paper, Journaling Spots: Jillibean Soup, Transparency: Making Memories, My Little Shoebox, Stickers: Imagination Project, October Afternoon, Buttons: Jo-Ann,Pearls: Queen & Co, Brads: Doodlebug Design, Paper Trim: Doodlebug Design, Photo Turn: 7Gypsies, Fonts: Decker (from the Internet), Other: ribbon, thread. Tools: Border Punches: Fiskars, Other: sewing machine.

Design Notes: Showcase a special photo from your child's birthday party rather than feeling you have to scrap the whole event. This page focuses on the games my daughter and her friends played at her ninth birthday party.

Journaling: Your ninth birthday started off with a game of cat and mouse. Each girl (the cat) had to find a hidden monogrammed mouse. You also played “scoop the poop” where you had to scoop Tootsie Roll candies from a litter box of shredded paper. Another game was Swedish Fish toss. In this game you had to toss candy fish into pet food bowls at various distances. We ended the party with a piñata. I think everyone had a great time! I know Daddy and I did.

Red Robin…Yum by Julie Leonhardt

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzil Basics Paper, Alphabet Stickers: American Traditional Designs , Creative Imaginations, Die Cuts: Crate Paper, Tags: The Paper Company, Ink: Martha Stewart Crafts, Specialty Ink: Versamark (Tsukineko), Pens: Creative Memories, Ribbon: BasicGrey, Sketch: inspired by Julie Bonner, Staples: Making Memories, Other: glitter glue, twine. Tools: Cartridges: Celebrations, Die Cut Machine: Cricut Expression(Provo Craft), Circle cutter system: Creative Memories, Punches: Michaels, Stampin’ Up!, Stamps: Stampin’ Up!.

Design Notes: Background stamping with VersaMark and colored ink for a subdued pattern.

Journaling: Another B-Day for the boys! I can’t believe they’re all grown up! This is Joel’s first B-Day as a married man! Jacob is old enough to vote! We are so very proud of the young men they are becoming! (upper right around the circular photo) Our waiter was great…He kept the refills coming!