Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Scrapping the Tough Times

I've been debating for a while about whether or not to scrap some of the memories I have of my mother. They were very unpleasant, but it was detrimental to the person I have become. Each of my decisions in my everyday life are a result of how I was treated as a child. (Like why do I refuse to drink alcohol? or why do I freak out when there's dishes in the sink? and why do I panic when the phone rings?) Everything has a cause and an affect. My life isn't perfect and I don't want my future children to look at my albums and think "Mom never had any problems growing up. She was perfect." That's just not true.


I started by looking at Bo Bunny's Timepiece Collection for inspiration. I loved the colors and the dirty look to it. I broke out the white cardstock and misted it with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Cinder. I am really pleased at the look of it and it tied in nicely with the Bo Bunny papers. The letters are just regular chipboard letters that were in my stash. I painted them with Ranger's Inkssentials Enamel Accents in Black. I thought about using the Dabber instead, but I love the glossy look that the Enamel Accents gives.


I wanted my layout to have more dimension, so I attached some brads and wove some ribbon in a criss-cross pattern. The red ribbon is from a local fabric store but it was lightly sprayed with the same Tattered Angels mist. I love the dark shimmer it gave.


Because this is such a personal topic, I decided to use hidden journaling. On my photo in the middle, I adhered it on only 3 sides with Terrifically Tacky Tape. I cut a small piece of cardstock to write on and attached a tab for easy access to it. This was so therapeutic for me. It took a while for me to convince myself to do this layout. I hope by showing people my layout, others will make some of their own. Thank you for looking and I challenge you to scrap a layout about your own hard topics!

9 comments:

nylene said...

Beautifully done. You are very brave. I hope this was a good experience for you.

ScrappnBee said...

This layout is beautiful! The misting really adds alot to it. It is always hard to write about the tough parts of our past. Glad that you have been able too! -Amanda

Anonymous said...

The layout is fantastic! Maybe I should do a similar one. I had similar childhood experiences to yours that have helped define the person I am today and while I was never able to confront my dad about it, maybe scrapping about it will finally put an end to that very long chapter in my life.

liannallama said...

I think it turned out beautifully and I'm glad you were able to get some things out and get some relief. (((HUGS)))

Unknown said...

Beautiful layout! I find scrapbooking therapeutic and scrap the bad along with the good. Thanks for sharing!

GilleyBrook said...

Great job Tiffany. Hoping that it was healing for you. Now its time to do another Great one on your FML!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful layout - by a beautiful woman - clearly you took the bricks made in an unhappy childhood and turned them into a strong, directed adult life.

--LindaBabe

Anonymous said...

Your layout looks wonderful! I really like the design. Thanks for sharing. Becca :-)

Kat said...

Your layout is beautiful. Good for you for doing the hidden journaling. I wouldn't have the guts to put my "stuff" down in writing much less put it in a scrapbook. That took a lot of courage on your part. Congrats!