Thursday, June 18, 2009

For you, bro... (and a RAK, too!)

I have always looked up to and admired my brother. Ok, well, maybe not *always* ;-) I mean, afterall, there were many years during our childhood when we fought and couldn't really stand each other, lol. But, my big bro is 5 1/2 years older then me, so when he moved out of the house for college, I was only 12. And at that point, once he was no longer my partner in crime against the parental units, I realized how much I missed having him around. And we continued to get closer as we got older. Finally, when I was in college, I reached true "cool enough" status when he started letting me come to his parties and crash his tailgate parties at his alma mater (which was my college, too!). My brother is a kind-hearted, funny, sports-addicted, awesome guy, and i'm so proud of the person he is and all his successes and accomplishments in life! I truly hope that my children will nurture the sibling bond like my brother and I have! And I'm also thankful that he gave me one darned cool sister-in-law and the cutest and coolest niece and nephew ever!

(Don't forget you can click on the photos to see them larger)


I made this layout using all Fancy Pants products, and I used one of the pages from the On A Whimsy notebook to frame my photos. I stitched a paper ruffle along the outside of the notebook page, and I used a page from the Delight notebook (I loooooove those FP notebooks!), cut in half, underneath my photo mat. Oh, and to make those circles on the background pp, I stamped paint on an empty toilet paper roll - it was so much fun :-)

Journaling reads: I pulled your hair when I was little, and you still stuck by me all these years! You've always been my protector, my support, and most importantly, my friend. Despite the "fighting years" when "all I did was talk on the phone" (your words, not mine!), I have the fondest memories of growing up with you. I knew then, and I still know now, that if I needed anything, you'd be there. I hope you know how much that has always meant to me, and I really hope you know that i'm always here for you, as well. Thanks for being an amazing big brother... thanks for always being there!

Finally, if you have read this far, lol, you get rewarded by a chance to win this new Stamping issue by Scrapbook Trends which is on newstands now. There is lots of great inspiration inside! Just leave me a comment on this thread, and i'll pick a name on Sunday.
Hope everyone is having a great week!



22 comments:

Jocelyn said...

What a perfect LO and I love the journaling!!!! What a wonderful tribute to the two of you!!!! Just love the look of this LO!!! Great colors and I love the frame!!!! Have a wonderful day.....and did you see something in our sky...is that the sun? :)

doris sander said...

total awesomeness! you are the coolest!

Aphra Bolyer said...

I love so many things about this layout...the colors, the ruffled paper, the journaling, the FP notebook pages. Great job! I was planning to say that even before I saw the part about the stamping book...great giveaway!

meganklauer said...

Love your layout! What a great tribute to your brother!

Michelle said...

Very pretty layout and it's nice to see that there are still siblings out there that do get along and do love each other. You did great with the journaling as well.

Jennifer said...

I love the ruffled paper frame! OH MY! Thank you for sharing!

Jenn in Vancouver

Erica Hettwer said...

What a lovely layout. It reminds me that I need to do another layout about my little bro and I!

Amy said...

What a wonderful layout!! Okay I am loving the ruffle!? How in the world did you do it? I think you need to do a little blog post with directions on just how you made that,its awesome!
I also love the way you used the staple's on the title,its little details like that ,that really make a layout GREAT!
LOVE the RAK too!!You are so sweet!!Take care
amy

P.s. Now I think I NEED the FP notebook paper after seeing your layout!

Audrey Pettit said...

What a gorgeous, gorgeous page, Staci! I love that ruffled paper edge! And love that you have such a wonderful brother in your life. I need to do a page like this!

Tara Powell said...

That is the sweetest layout, the journaling brought tears to my eyes! Your scrapping style rocks, Staci ;)
Awesome RAK too!

Jesi said...

WOWWW what a great LO!! I love the details!!!

MelB said...

Staci, what an awesome lo of you and your bro. The ribbon pleating is fabulous. I have a younger brother and we are very close too. They was a time that he would annoy the heck out me but that has passed and we are now great friends. :)

Lisa said...

Awwww! I always wanted a big brother and the way you describe your relationship with your brother is exactly how I dreamed it would be. I'm jealous! LOL! Actually, I glad for you. I'm the big sister in the family and it creates a different dynamic. Still special, just different.

Love that LO! You and Lucy Edson have the same effect on me. I just sit soaking up all the details. You both blow me away!

Hope you have yourself a wonderful weekend! I'm actually staying home with my kiddos and trying to get some projects done. Wish me luck...I fear I will just revel in the down time and do nothing! LOL!

Alex said...

What a gorgeous layout!!! LOVE the journaling, girl!!! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex

Domestic Diva said...

I have the same type of scenerio with my brother....it is so cool to have that!

I love fancy pants stuff!

Bethany said...

I just found your blog and can't wait to check it out! It looks beautiful.

Jennifer Hansen said...

I have a brother about 5 years apart too. I can totally relate!

Trisha said...

Adorable layout!

~*~ Stephanie ~*~ said...

I LOVE that pleated ribbon!!

Very nice layout! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

You know how much I love this LO!!! You're stuff just inspires me so. (:

Stacey Michaud said...

Staci, my friend. Thank you so much for your recent thoughts and prayers regarding my family tradegy. I truly appreciate the support and know that it all helped to guide us through this time.

Diana said...

What a wonderful tribute to your brother; I am sure he loved it as much as I did. I so love this picture of the two of you.

Mom