As more details emerge of the tragedy that happened here in Nova Scotia on Sunday it’s easy to become overwhelmed. We all want to know what happened and why someone would do something like this. But sometimes we simply need to take a step back and just breathe. The answers will come in time.

Today’s project isn’t at all what I had planned. It’s a pocket photo album that I will now fill with photos showing the beauty and serenity of my part of Nova Scotia. While healing will take time, we must not be defined by the actions of one man. This album will be something I can look to when everything else seems so bleak.

SARAN WRAP BACKGROUND

I began this project with a cheap pocket photo album that I’d purchased some months ago from the Dollar Store. I removed the uninspiring covers from the front and back pockets and discarded them. Then using my Paper Trimmer I cut two new cover pieces from Whisper White Card.

I left one of the card pieces plain and simply inserted it into the back pocket of the album. The second piece would be the base layer for the front cover so I set that aside.

Next I cut another piece of Whisper White Card 1/2″ smaller than the cover piece. Then I scrunched up some Saran Wrap and tapped it onto a Balmy Blue ink pad. Using a very gentle tapping motion I then used the Saran Wrap to transfer the ink to the Whisper White Card. I repeated the process until I had covered about 3/4 of the layer. Then with some fresh Saran Wrap I filled in the remaining section of the card with Pear Pizzazz ink.

JUST BREATHE

I found the large “just breathe” sentiment in the Colorful Seasons Stamp Set. Using Early Espresso ink I stamped the sentiment onto the background. Then with Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I attached the piece to a layer of Early Espresso Card. With that done I mounted the layers onto the Whisper White cover piece.

At this point I had planned to add a die-cut chair to the design. However when I looked in the case with my Seasonal Layers Dies I found a large sponged maple leaf.

I’d created the leaf on Very Vanilla Card using pieces of Stampin’ Sponge to apply layers of ink and blend them together. The ink colours used were Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze and Soft Suede. Then I’d cut out the piece using the large maple leaf die from the Seasonal Layers Dies.

I’d obviously cut more leaves than I needed at the time and had simply left this one with the dies for another project. All I had to do now was attach it to the background with liquid glue. Then I slid the completed piece into the front of the pocket photo album and I was finished.

Although very simple to make, my “just breathe” album has a calmness to it. It’s just what I need right now.

PRODUCT LIST