It's day one of my challenge. Today we'll build the foundation for our page.
1) Begin with your
photo--please only pick one. I know this is sometimes hard, but choose a favorite, something that speaks to you and has a story to tell.
2) Now chose 4 coordinating
patterned papers to go with your photo. They can be subtle patterns. A good rule of thumb when mixing patterns is to vary the scale of your prints. I also like to combine stripes with polkadots with florals with geometrics. Be careful about choosing patterns that are too busy--you don't want them to compete with your photo or embellishments. You'll also need a
background paper (this can be a solid if you would like).
3) Trim your chosen 4 papers down so that they create a square or rectangle when laid two by two. Try to make the total shape more than 8" and less than 11". They don't all have to be the same size--it's up to you. Here'a a little visual in case everything I just said makes absolutely no sense!

Now stick them down onto your background paper. You can do it smack dab in the center, or skew it towards one of the sides--again, totally up to you.
4) Are you with me so far? We're almost done with day 1--you're doing great! OK, so stick with me here. I want you to
stitch around the edge of the shape you just made. I can hear you moaning! If you have a machine--it's simple, give it a go. If not, grab a needle and some embroidery floss and start stitching. Any kind of stitch will do, even the little x's. And you don't have to stitch all the way around, just as long as we can see some sort of stitching around the border of your patterned papers.
5) This last one will be optional; I don't want this to be too torturous! See that background border around your pretty patterned papers? It might need a little somethin' somethin'. Try dripping a little paint, or sponging a little ink, or maybe do a squirt of mist.
A peek at mine at this point:

Yay! You're done with day one! Doesn't that feel great!?!
For those of you following along each day, the Day One Progress shot is due tomorrow at 6:00pm EDT. The completed layout is due Monday, April 9th at midnight.