One day I was shopping at a scrapbook store and came across a sample layout that jumped out at me. It was done in black, cream and red papers with all black and white photos. I have kept that vision in my head for quite some time. I decided to complete one whole year as a seperate album. I started buying little things here and there in preparation. So after awhile I had a substantial stash and was ready to put it all together.
This is the inside cover page: 
I enjoyed planning out the theme almost as much as I enjoyed creating the pages. The process of imagining a layout or design and bringing it together is so fulfilling. Here are a few more pages from the B&W album.
I think the contrast came out wrong on this photo, it’s supposed to be a dark red and black. The background looks almost brown here. that’s what I get for using my phone to take pictures. hmmm…must get Photoshop…
Here are two of my rugrats on ice. We spend so much time with hockey and I was grateful to get some outdoor pics without helmets and jerseys!! Aren’t they cute?
This layout is one of my favorites. It is unique for the following reasons: I have a photo of all five us; I used a new-to-me technique (off center – I actually cut through the pictures *gasp*); and I painted on swirls with a stencil and a sponge. Came out pretty good, don’cha-know.
Look for Part II of this album coming soon… Now that I can use my new camera I’ll be sure to have better images to show you.
Happy crafting!
Amy
