Scrapbook layout - using scraps

Here's another layout I completed - using scraps.  I was challenged to use designer paper as the background - which is not normal for me.  It was a challenge that sounded easy at first, but once I got working on the layout, I started to struggle with it.  With my clean and simple style, having a pattern all over the page was hard for me to adjust to.  I kept feeling the layout was too busy, and anything I added would just make it more cluttered.  Oh, the struggles of a clean and simple style.  But after using a sketch to help me, I was able to complete the layout, and use some of those scrap strips of paper I've been hoarding.

This  is my first layout of my nephew - born in April of this year.  I used the same monkey stamp for his baby shower invitations - my sister in law wanted monkeys as her theme.  I colored the stamp in with chalk - one of those supplies that I just have sitting around - hardly used.

The journaling sticker was also something new for me to use.  I don't have many of these, so I was glad I was able to use one, finally!  For accents I used these mini button brads and safety pins  from Stampin' Up! that I thought I would have used up by now...but not quite yet.  =)  

I hope you like this layout.  Did you notice my new blog header and buttons?  What do you think?  I'm going to work on my new signature too...stay tuned.  Thanks for stopping by.  Have a great weekend!