Monster Birthday Collection and the Simple Stories Birthday

Hello, creative friends! I am Sarah Millerhouse, and I loved creating these layouts combining the beautiful Spellbinders Monster Birthday Collection and the Simple Stories Birthday Collection!

For this grid design, I started by cutting nine 2 ¾ inch squares of patterned paper from the Simple Stories collection. I then cut nine 3-inch squares of solid cardstock in coordinating colors. I layered a patterned paper square on top of a solid cardstock color. I placed these on the layout where I wanted them to go and traced the placement lightly with a pencil.

I then added mixed media to the background in coordinating colors with the cardstock color. I placed the mixed media on the background just outside of my traced squares and kept it tight around that square. I just wanted each of the blocks on my grid to have a light glow. All of the paint and ink colors I used are listed below!

I added my photos to the top left and bottom left squares. I used the Birthday Balloons Dies to add the birthday numbers to my photos. I love the detailing these numbers have around each bend, making them look like real balloons!

I created super cute creatures using the Birthday Dinosaur Dies and the Dancin’ Birthday Dragon Dies! These little creatures add the perfect amount of whimsy to my page!

I finished off the page by adding decorative elements from the Simple Stories Birthday collection to embellish the remaining squares and add the title across the center of the page. I used the Monster Birthday Sentiments Stamp set to add the birthday phrases next to my title. I also added Simple Stories enamel dots and Pops of Color (colors listed below) to increase the visual interest around the page!

For this layout, I started by cutting the three arches using the Make a Wish Arch Labels Dies. I cut one arch using the patterned paper from the Simple Stories Birthday collection, and I used the next size up to cut the same arch using a solid cardstock color from my stash.

Behind the arches, I added mixed media in contrasting colors (colors listed below)! While the paint was wet, I also added in a few splatters of white acrylic paint to give some color variation.

I added my photos layered on the bottom half of the middle arch. I then cut a cute monster to add to each arch, using the Birthday Dinosaur Dies,  Dancin’ Birthday Dragon Dies, and Dancin’ Birthday Monsters Dies.

I added decorative elements from the Simple Stories Birthday collection to embellish my page. I also used a stamp from the Monster Birthday Sentiments Stamp set  to add to my title. I finished off the page with Simple Stories enamel dots and Pops of Color (colors listed below) to add a few extra details!

Have a beautiful day! XO- Sarah Millerhouse

Spellbinders Supplies:

Other Supplies

Shimmerz Paints: Color Splash – Flashy Flamingo, Shimmerz – Carrot Top, Shimmerz – Bumbly Bee, Vibez – Frogget Me Not, Color Splash – Sea Breeze; Distress Oxides – Picked Raspberry, Spiced Marmalade, Mustard Seed, Mowed Lawn, Broken China; Pops of Color – Raspberry Kiss, Orange Squeeze, Lemon Chiffon, Green Apple, Turquoise Waters