Patriotic Scrapbook Layout: Land of the Free Because of the Brave

Hello everyone, I'm here today with a patriotic layout and free cutting file.  With Memorial Day coming up here in the USA, this idea can serve many purposes. Before I go any further, thanks to all who serve or have served and sacrificed for our freedom!

Land of the Free, Because of the Brave Patriotic Layout

I find inspiration from so many things -- television ads, magazines, art posters, quilts, etc. but the inspiration for today's layout came directly from the photo.  My daughter's shirt, which she wore during a Veteran's Day celebration at her school that her grandfather (United States Navy) was invited to attend, was the muse behind the layout.

I created the peace flag design with curved text using my Silhouette software.  I like to draw everything in the software when I am working with files, so that I know it will all fit perfectly on the page.  This is the design I created, sized to include a 3" x 4" photo.  You can download it free HERE.

Peace flag patriotic layout tutorial

Step 1: Remove grey photo block
Step 2: Ungroup the words from the peace flag and set aside

Step 3: Without moving the peace flag (it's centered perfectly on the page), cut a template of the peace flag using 12" x 12" scrap paper. I've placed my template over text patterned paper so you can easily see, but I actually used white cardstock as my background.

Step 4: Ungroup the peace flag. Cut the blue section and red stripes out of whatever paper you choose.

Step 5: Ungroup the words and arrange them on the page to cut them from your paper of choice.

Step 6: Place your cut pieces inside the template, careful not to glue the template to the paper pieces. Remove the template. Now you have a perfectly spaced and centered peace flag for your patriotic layout.

OPTIONAL: Machine or hand stitch around the sections of the peace sign. You can see my stitching below.

Step 7: Add your words around the circle flag. Make sure your photo will fit before you adhere your title to the page.

Step 8: Add mist splatters around the page and embellishments according to your preference.

Add your photo and journaling. You patriotic layout is now complete! Wishing you a good Memorial Day, spent with family and friends as you honor those who have served their country.

Supplies: JEN HADFIELD SIMPLE LIFE DOUBLE-SIDED CARDSTOCK 12″X12″ BOTANICAL DIAGRAM(733469), JEN HADFIELD SIMPLE LIFE DOUBLE-SIDED CARDSTOCK 12″X12″SIMPLE GREETINGS (733475), JEN HADFIELD SIMPLE LIFE DOUBLE-SIDED CARDSTOCK 12"X12" TIN (733484), JEN HADFIELD SIMPLE LIFE CARDSTOCK STICKERS 5.5"X11" 2/PKG ICONS & ACCENTS (733487), JEN HADFIELD SIMPLE LIFE EPHEMERA CARDSTOCK DIE-CUTS (733489)

DIY Mother's Day Bath Salt Recipe

Hello lovely friends.  I'm here today to share a pampering DIY Mother's Day idea. This is a perfect way to treat any guests you welcome to your home for this weekend's celebration, or any time for that matter. It's also a sweet idea for those moms who may be a bit hard to buy for.  Or, maybe you just want some time to yourself. Either way, this DIY project is sure to please!

Not only do these DIY Mother's Day bath salts add an extra spa-like element to your bathroom, they are also fun and easy to make!

Supplies:

• small jar(s) to hold the salts
• twine or ribbon
• Patterned paper for decor
• 1 Cups Epsom salt (unscented)
• 1/2 Cup Coarse Sea Salt - if you don't have this, add another 1/2 C Epsom Salt
• 1/2 Cup Kosher Salt
• 6 - 8 drops of your favorite essential oils - consider lavender, peppermint, citrus, geranium, frankincense, chamomile, or your favorite blends.
• Food coloring (optional) If you do not add food coloring, the bath salts will be white in color.

Begin making your DIY Mother's Day gift by adding all ingredients together in a medium mixing bowl; stir together until well blended.  If you choose to use multiple scents, mix everything but the oils together. Split the mixture into separate smaller bowls.

Add the oil or oil blend of your choice.

Add a few drops of food coloring if you choose to add color to your salts.

Once dry, add the salt mix to your containers. Store in airtight container for up to 6 months.

Lastly, add a little note and pretty bow to make them pretty. I used these from the Tealightful collection. Display in your bath and you're all set to relax!  Just turn on your favorite spa music and get ready to tune out the rest of the world for the next 30 minutes.

Fill the bath with warm water and add 2 - 3 scoops (approx. 1/4 C.) to the warm bath. Enjoy pampering yourself!

Supplies: Tealightful Tea Party Sentiments 12" x 12" patterned paper (733536), Tealightful Puffy Stickers Puffy Icons (733542)

DIY Decoupage Succulent Planter Teacher Gift

Hello everyone. Today I am going to walk you through creating a cute decoupage succulent planter as a teacher gift. I want to say thank you to all the teachers out there! As the school year is winding down, I'm thinking about ways to show my daughters' teachers some appreciation. Since they are an integral part of my daughters' development and growth, I thought it only fitting to create a one-of-a-kind teacher gift. See how to create this cute teacher gift to show your appreciation for all your kids' teachers do.

Begin by selecting a patterned paper from the Simple Life collection.  I wanted something that was neutral colored but also nature-themed, so this page was perfect for my vision!

Cut your chosen patterned paper in various pieces.  Here's just a sample of how I cut it.  I ended up using the entire sheet for the project.

Apply a liberal amount of decoupage mixture and adhere the paper to the clay pot. I worked all the way around the pot like this, ensuring there was enough overlapping the top and bottom of the pot.

I covered the entire pot, then went back over the top with more decoupage mixture to really seal the paper.  Repeat this step a few times, especially on the inside.

Next, fill your new planter with your favorite flowers or succulents. Finish off the gift with a couple small signs to insert into the pot.  I chose a sentiment and a butterfly from the Simple Life collection.

Do you think my daughter's teacher will like it? I'll add a coordinating gift card, but in all honesty I kind of want to keep it for myself! This project is the perfect gift for a teacher of friend who needs a cute gift for their kitchen or desktop.

Supplies: JEN HADFIELD SIMPLE LIFE DOUBLE-SIDED CARDSTOCK 12"X12" (733469), JEN HADFIELD SIMPLE LIFE DOUBLE-SIDED CARDSTOCK 12"X12"SIMPLE GREETINGS (733475)