Some days, it’s the photos that drive me to create. Other days, it’s product. Today’s layout is definitely product driven. It’s based on a kit I created for the Use Your Stash challenge site. The kit features patterned paper and die cuts in vibrant colors. It’s the perfect kit to document a trip to Busch Garden’s Land of the Dragons.

Riding Dragons by Christy Strickler |Supplies Patterned Paper, Die Cuts, Letters, Stickers: Amy Tangerine for American Crafts; Wood Veneer: Studio Calico; Enamel Dots: My Mind’s Eye 

My son wasn’t exactly the most cooperative subject. I also had a limited time before the ride started to take his photo. I chose the best of the few shots I had. The vibrant neon colors of the freshly squeezed kit contrast well with the dragon. They also serve to add in the action and energy that the photo was lacking.

I began the layout with a 6×6 piece of patterned paper( the navy blue square) as the base of my design. I placed the photo over the 6×6 block, slightly hanging off. I then tucked and layered die cuts over and under the photo and 6×6 square. The layout came together in under 30 minutes. Black stitching adds a finished look to this simple design while adding texture. I have diagonal flow through the photo provided by the orange die cuts (lime green sections). The pops of hot pink in the stickers and the letters form a visual triangle.

The 4×6 photo size works well with 6×6 pieces of paper. You have a solid block to work with and then it’s just a matter of adding in the right embellishments. Now its time to challenge yourself. Grab a 6×6 piece of patterned paper and a 4×6 photo. Pull any stickers or die cuts that coordinate with the patterned paper and simply layer them into your design.