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Tuesday 14 February 2012

Feeling the Love (for once)

Really, it's all a bit coincidental, but as these things seem to go, I have a scrapbook layout to share, which is fitting for the date I'm posting it on. In normal respects, neither Nick or I bother with St. Valentine's day. In fact, tonight's special dinner for two will be cold chicken leftovers from yesterday's (delayed) roast and brocoli. Which doesn't mean the day isn't special or involves the giving of cards etc. Oh no!

That's because it is also my parent's wedding anniversary. Note to any young lovers reading this, 14th February is the worst day to choose to get married on. Your anniversary for evermore will be at the same time that flowers and gifts etc will cost an arm and leg and restaurants will serve up below par, set menus, to cater for the mass influx of diners. Oh yes, & when your children hit their teens, they will be mortified to have to go out to dinner with their parents on that night ( I speak from bitter experience).

Anyhoo...here's the layout






As it happens, our own anniversary falls on 4th February. This time around, we have knocked up 14 years together and I'm not sure either of us can quite believe it. Partly because it seems like yesterday but also because neither of us saw in our futures the kind of long term, stable relationship that we have found with each other.

The reason for producing a scrapbook layout however has come from a variety of inspirations. The photo has come from the fact that I'm in the middle of taking an online photography course with Kirsty Wiseman and for once I managed to cajole Nick into standing still for an aperture assignment.

The itch to make a layout instead of a card or tag, came from visiting a newly discovered blog by the uber talented Frank Garcia, Haus of W. His vintage chic style is absolutely stunning and flawless. He is one very creative individual. I've not yet managed to translate my style fully into scrapbooking yet, but hopefully, I can learn a lot from Frank.

Finally, the sketch has come from another guy who crafts and creates scrapbooks and whose blog, Scrapiverse, is a new discovery for me. He's one witty blogger and has the craft shopping bug bad haha.

After years of CAS designs and digital based scrapbooks, I've returned here, to more of a mixed media affair. There's patterned paper, lace, chipboard, paint, crackle, burlap, wool, seam binding, grungeboard and even Sinamay (a material used in millinery). All the flowers are handmade but not specifically for this project. I have a box of them which I keep handy for just such a creative occasion.

So I hope you all enjoy this romantic day and receive bunches of perfumed flowers and boxes of select confectionary delights. And I trust you'll be sampling something better than me for dinner this evening  (well, maybe we'll eat it by candlelight to compensate haha) Pxx

17 comments:

Scrappi Sandi said...

Hi Paul & Happy St Valentines Day to you & Nick! Thank you so much for the Tag which is absolutely gorgeous & will most definitely be featured in my next blog post!! I've had fun exploring the links in your post today, especially Kori's sketches...will be revisiting him for sure!! I'm loving your LO to commemorate your 14th anniversary...great photo, beautifully showcased. You should open an Etsy shop for your handmade flowers Methinks!! :)

Kory K said...

Happy Anniversary!!

Your layout is great- and also, thanks for mentioning me and the kind words!

Isn't Frank amazing?! I wish he would teach a class- I would definitely want to go!

later!

-kory

TonyR said...

i got a lump in my throat reading this mister ....

have a great evening

love the project - quite stunning as always
x

Ann B said...

Love obviously crept up on the both of you by the sound of it Paul and here you are happily still together 14 years later - Happy Anniversary.
Beautiful layout as well and very, very 'Paulish'

Jeanne J. said...

Paul and Nick CONGRATULATIONS! Many many many more! Your layout will be treasured for years to come!

Unknown said...

Happened upon your blog after seeing you comment on Kory's blog. Love your layout and happy to stumble upon your blog. Am now a follower. Feel free to check out my blog as well, have some amazing giveaways this month! Happy crafting!

kjjc said...

Lovely layout Paul and a fitting tribute to such a long relationship. Hope you both have a lovely evening. Well at least your other half isn't at the football like mine!!

JoZart Designs said...

Happy Anniversary Paul & Nick! A fab LO and lovely post with special thoughts from you and I'm sure your Valentines meal will be all you want as it doesn't have to be a big show to be special. Every day can be special.
Thanks so much for your lovely comment and also for your suggestion last week on my wedding shoes,on which I will take your advice.
Jo x

Anne Jagger said...

That's lovely Paul and congratulations on 14 years together xxxx

alexa said...

Lots of things to celebrate here! with ones and fours in ... and I love your witty remarks about the 14th. Your page is lovely - soft (how did you get him to stand still and smile?) and textured. Many congratulations. xxx

Neet said...

Belated congratulations on your anniversary - love to you and Nick from us.
That is a lovely special LO which I am sure Nick was pleased with as much as you. Well maybe!
Love this but hope we are still going to see the tags.
Hugs, Neet xx

Unknown said...

Awesome layout! My parents and grandparents both got married on Valentines Day. My ex proposed to me on Valentines Day and ruined the whole holiday for me.

alexa said...

I'm feeling a bit of love myself, having opened your lovely card today - so sweet of you to remember. :) Hoping all is well with you, and thank-you so much! xxx

Frank Garcia said...

Paul what a beautiful layout my friend!! Happy Valentine's day to you and I am so happy for you, 14th anniversary, what an amazing celebration!!! The LO is perfection, the butterflies, the heart, so special!!! Thank You for sharing it, and thank you for the mention I truly appreciate it. Hoping to see some more of your layouts as well!

Hugs! Frank xoxo

Dotpat said...

Happy belated Happy Anniversary Paul and Nick, the layout is lovely and I hope Nick liked it. I just love your flowers

Andrea Ewen said...

Oh, you're so brave! I'm not ready for a layout yet, it just seems to need so much stuff to fill it up! (Wait, did I just say that?!!) Well, 12 X 12 is much more intimidating than 5 1/2 square anyday...anyway, you make it look so easy~! Love those burlap flowers and the flitting butterflies! Great work!

Scrapbook Joe said...

Wow an amazing LO! I love your work and congrats on your aniversary! I am right behind you with my better half with 12 amazing years this past December.

Happy crafting!

Joe