The Summer of Dads and Grads

If you’re like me, then during the summer months you’re thinking of beaches, pools, lemonade and lazy days. Unfortunately, in the midst of all that summer fun and relaxation, sometimes honoring dear old Dad goes by the wayside. I feel like when Mother’s Day comes around each May we are inundated with commercials and mailers to remember mom, but it’s much less so when June and Father’s Day rolls around. So this month we are going to do just that: Celebrate Dad!

We will celebrate him in his dedication, pride, work ethic and silliness. Dad teaches us how to ride our bikes, throw a ball, build a fort and quite possibly burp your ABCs! This month we’re going to celebrate him through layouts and memories. I really love heritage layouts featuring dads and Rene and Maria did not disappoint in honoring the men from their lives.

Grandpa by Maria Brennan

Digital Supplies: Kit: A Moment to Treasure by Teresa Loman (Digital Scrapbook Place), Software: Corel Paint Shop Pro X2, Fonts: CK Maternal, DSP Lauren, Mom's Typewriter.

Design Notes: I used simple materials to ensure the photo was the main focus and helped achieve this through layering of background papers with neutral colors to give both a masculine and heritage feel.

Journaling: I know very little about my dad's father, I remember him as a very quiet man. His parents were born in Ireland and he was born in Victor, Colorado in 1899. He was a coal miner and later retired from truck driving. He worked hard and was devoted to his wife and four children. He passed away at the age of 70, when I was 8 years old.

Mother’s Hero by Rene Tibbets

Digital Supplies: Papers: Essential Heritage and Essential Heritage Two by Meryl Bartho (Digital Scrapbook Place), Elements: Flower, leaf and string bow from Essential Heritage, Layered strips and aged photomount from Essential Heritage Two, both by Meryl Bartho (Digital Scrapbook Place), Software: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Fonts: Vivaldi and Bookman Old Style.

Editor's Note: Using digitally distressed and torn papers in neutral shades gives a superb background for vintage photos, whist adding small vivid pops of color brings warmth and breathes life into the layout.

Journaling: This photo of Daddy taken in his dress army uniform sat framed on my mother's nightstand from the time she received it when he was in World War II, until she passed away in 2005. She always said she slept beside him every night of her life, even when he was physically away from home because his photo was there on her nightstand when she went to sleep. Now the photo is in my home. Daddy was my mother's hero and he was my hero too.

Fun Papa by Christa Paustenbaugh

Supplies: Paper: Creative Memories, Cardstock: Creative Memories, Stickers: Creative Memories, Die Cuts: Creative Memories. Tools: Punches: Creative Memories.

Design Notes: I wanted to make a grid and using the paper frames and title blocks, it made it easy to embellish with the title and journaling about my father-in-law.

Journaling: You girls are so lucky to have such a great grandpa. He really listens and likes to be goofy too. He teaches you about cabin nature, wood working and math!