Happy Little Reader - Quilted Background with Creative Scrappers Cut File

Hello and thanks for stopping by!

Today I have a layout showcasing a quilted background inspired by and used with Kristine Davidson's cut file for Creative Scrappers called Square Space.  Go grab the great cut files from Creative Scrappers, and keep reading to grab a free title cut file.  I also was inspired by my friend Heather while scrapping with her recently - she created a quilt-inspired background too last month.

I decided to use my Simple Stories Bloom & Grow goodies - that collection has such a great combination of colors!! And it went well with photos of my almost-8-year-old son and his nightly reading obsession.  <3  I'm just sorry the little gnomes didn't go with the photos.  ;)

To create the background, I first cut the Square Space background from textured white cardstock.  Next I used the 6x6 paper pad cut many of the patterns into squares a little larger than the openings.  I then cut the squares across diagonally twice to get four triangles from 1 square.  

I then just started piecing together the papers so no two were directly next to each other and adhered them.  I stitched along the background "lattice" to complete the quilted look.  This technique was well worth the time of cutting and piecing.

Because the background was so intricate, I opted for fairly simple for the rest of the layout.

I used leftover 6x6 pieces to layer behind my photos of Paxton.  Some ephemera (how cute is this sun?!), a few New Bradz, and some stickers complete the photo area (along with some 3D foam tape).  Isn't it cute that the photo on the left includes a mark on his chin from sleeping with that book?  It's his very own "bookmark".  ;)  His reading tastes run a little old because of big sister, so he's already reading middle school chapter books.  Did I mention he's been a bookworm from a baby and taught himself to read? 

So next I was going to put a journaling spot, but I came across this fabulous quote that fit perfectly.

I printed it out after matching the ink to the paper collection using a scrappy tip I've shared before.  Then I matted it with more papers, ephemera, and a New Bradz.

For my title, I used Silhouette Studio to type each word in a different font and then welded them together.  I've loaded the cut file to my Google Drive so you can grab it and use it if you'd like! I printed the full title out with white cardstock and then printed it again in the blue polka dot paper to adhere to and help "happy little" stand out from the background a little easier.  Those shadows just can't be avoided when you use 3D foam tape to pop up the words!  

I used some stickers to put the "summer 2016" below the title.  I also scattered some enamel dots at the intersections that didn't already have something on them.

And that's a wrap on today's layout.  I hope it inspires you to create your own quilt-like background - if so, do share with me here or on Instagram.  I'd love to see your creation!

Have a super weekend...hugs and chocolate.

Majken