As you likely know, I’m in LOVE with the idea of stacking up memory protectors to create the room you need to incorporate MORE photos and MORE story into (on top of really) a foundation 12 x 12 layout. This approach is something I call Extended Story and the Storyteller products make it EASY.

But, did you know you don’t have to start from scratch with all these layers?

You could use an already completed layout from your albums and simply add to it. And that is precisely what I’m challenging you to do!

The Extend-a-Story Challenge

I created this layout back in 2012 to visually capture the FUN of boys when they were much younger. I adore the simplicity of a grid design and the colorful stickers still make me happy, but there is no journaling and so much more to say!

As I flipped through my albums, I chose this page as my foundation. In the midst of this crazy pandemic, I am realizing how important it is to create FUN at home with the people you love most. I will now be able to add a fun sister to this mix of brothers and bring this story up to date!

And, I’m excited to write from my current perspective and I even have an EXTRA FUN element that I want to add and share with you—a page about FUN should be FUN to discover—right?

Here’s the process video …

Visit the Close to My Heart blog for step-by-step instructions for building out an extended story! And click here to see the products that support one.

Now, before I show you my pages, I want to show you the Happiest Place papers/sticker sheet that I used. I also used some of the newest “mix-in” papers as well—my point being that well-designed themed paper can be used for all kinds of themes!

Now, here’s how my new updated extended story stacks up!

The sizes are as follows: 6 x 6 (front & back) + 8 1/2 x 11 (front & back) + 3 x 4 pockets (front & back) + 4 x 6 pockets (front & back) + 12 x 12 (original) + 12 x 12 (bonus) = very cool new FUN extended story!

In the process video (and the images above), you’ll see how I incorporated FUN emoji journaling in two places in my story. Feel free to borrow this emoji alphabet and the key to cracking it …

IF you made it this far, you deserve a FUN 🎟🌈🍪🍓🎟 (that’s in secret code of course!) May I suggest some FUN Storyteller products from Close To My Heart?! 😀

This is my daughter, Addie cracking the secret emoji code. As I was typing my journaling, I used the insert feature in my word processor and then scrolled down to the Emojis & Symbols menu. From here you can select or search the emoji you need and insert it into your document.

Be sure to print a copy of the emoji code breaker to tuck behind a photo or somewhere else in your pages.

This creates a FUN and interactive way to send a special message and have more FUN!

I can’t wait to SEE what you do with this challenge. Be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook and use the hashtag #storybystacy ❤️