Back to School Framed Layout :: Jaime Warren

Hey Everyone! Jaime Warren here with a very simple Back To School project for you!

This is our first year homeschooling and I wanted to have something fun up on one of the walls in our classroom. So, I decided to create this cute little framed layout. It's super simple - just like I like it! To get started you will need:

Photo Frame
Tim Holtz Distress Crackle Paint
Heidi Swapp Edge Distressor
Photo Stickers (or adhesive of your choice)
School Spirit Paper Collection
School Spirit Border Stickers
School Spirit Stickers
Alphabet Stickers (I chose Jenni Bowlin & Sassafras)
3 Photos
Sewing Machine
Foam Pop Dots

The first thing you will need to do for this project is to paint your frame with your base color (I chose white). Once that is dry, paint it again, this time using the Crackle Paint. Then, let it dry. As it dries, the cracks will appear giving it a wonderful aged and weathered look!

As I mentioned in a previous tutorial, I'm inept when it comes to measuring. Instead, I like to use things as templates and score my paper. That is just what I did with this project! I used the backing to the frame as my template - I simply scored the paper and cut it. Easy peasy!

I picked out another sheet from the School Spirit line and then layered it on top of my first sheet. I used the Heidi Swapp Edge Distresser to distress the edges of the paper. After attaching the second sheet I added some stitching along the edges.

Now it's time for the third layer of paper! For this one I tore the bottom to give it some extra texture and to let more of my second layer peek through.

I cut out 3" "report cards" from Crate Paper's "Grade Card" pattern paper and combined them with my photos. I chose to include three photos on my layout - one of each of my girls. I partially attached them to my paper and then tucked beneath them report cards at alternating angles. It gives the layout yet another layer.

Now it's time to start adding some embellishments! I trimmed the cute little school house and bus combination from Crate Paper's "Study Hall" pattern paper and attached it to the left of my photos using foam pop dots.

I love all of the fun stickers that Crate created for this line, so I knew I had to use them on this project! For starters I stuck the fun Pencil Border Sticker behind the photos. Then I placed four of the Subject Stickers in the upper right corner of the layout.

Now, when I start creating I never have a set plan. I just go with the flow, no matter where it might take me. For this particular project, I felt like the right side needed something more to help balance it out. So, I used a star template I had created for another layout and made yet another layer for this layout! I simply placed it on my paper and traced it, then cut the shape out. I tucked it behind my photos, letting half of it hang out.

Now for the title! I used Jenni Bowlin and Sassafras alphabet stickers - I just placed them to the right of my photos, at the bottom.

Once your frame is completely dry, place the glass, layout and frame backing in the frame and viola! A very simple, but cute framed layout! My girls love having it in their school room!

I hope you have enjoyed my tutorial! It would make a great back to school surprise for any child!