Howdy! My son recently turned four and we celebrated with a cowboy birthday party. Several designs from the Swagger line matched photos from his party perfectly.
Swagger Paper Debonair / Swagger Paper Dependable / Swagger Paper Cool Gray Corrugate /Swagger Sticker Fundamentals / Swagger Button Set / Swagger Patterned Envelopes / Swagger Ephemera Pack
To create this page, I started by making this sketch:
The distressed wood pattern on the Debonair paper made for a perfect rough-and-tumble background. Because I wanted to emphasize my center photograph, I backed it with the gray corrugate paper. I also used the corrugate paper to add page corners. I can't get enough of that texture!
Even though the Swagger line doesn't include any "western" designs, the colors of the chevron on the Dependable paper matched my cowboy's outfit, so I trimmed chevron arrows and used them to line up my pictures. A bit of the same pattern on the very bottom of the layout helps to anchor the design of the page.
I finished the layout with a die-cut title and printed journaling strips. A few threaded buttons and a die-cut "4" were all the embellishments I chose. I wanted that cute face to be the center of attention.
When all was said and done, I wanted to test my sketch by making a card with my leftover pieces.
Instead of a row of photos, I used a rectangular pocket. I plan to slip a gift card inside. I used the alpha stickers to add a sentiment where my title space was, and placed a die-cut where the journaling would be. I used the man die-cut like I used the buttons. I duplicated the corners, chevron arrow and bottom strip. The card came together in just a few minutes, which is great! I usually agonize over cards.
I hope you find this sketch useful for your next layout or card. You might find yourself letting out a "yeehaw!" when you're done!
- Tessa
Great sketch! Your little cowboy is so cute!
Posted by: Diana Brodeur | May 06, 2013 at 06:09 AM
Love this!!
Posted by: Jenny Evans | May 06, 2013 at 11:09 AM
Great sketch and I love your page!! Fantastic!! Your card is fabulous too!!
Posted by: Tracey | May 06, 2013 at 01:53 PM
You have the very cutest cowboy, no doubt! Great idea for a party theme. Love your sketch, page and card! Super.
Posted by: izzy anderson | May 06, 2013 at 02:19 PM
Aww ! Love that Cowboy layout. What a cutie!
Posted by: Pam Sohan | May 06, 2013 at 06:43 PM
What a cutie! Really love the layout and card Tessa.
Posted by: Nicole | May 07, 2013 at 05:31 PM
this little cowboy is so cute :) beautiful page and card!
Posted by: Victoria Freze | May 13, 2013 at 07:07 AM