Monday, January 25, 2010

1 sketch, 4 layouts - Part 1

I strongly believe that sketches are a great tool for any scrapbooker. Beginner or advanced, it doesn't matter. What it all boils down to is that sketches save us time and take out the headache of trying to figure out where to put all the elements. A beginner may follow the sketch down to every single measurement and placement while an advanced scrapbooker might use it as more of a starting point and then add their own touches here and there. Either way, sketches are a tool that everyone can benefit from.

What I'm showing you over the course of this week is how to take one sketch and use it multiple times. By making simple variations you can use the same sketch over and over and each layout will look completely different.

This is the sketch I'll be using as my starting point for all four layouts from Sketches for Scrapbooking, Volume 5.


On this sketch one of the elements that really stands out, aside from the pictures, is the line of embellishments (circles) across the middle. This is where a lot of my variations over the four layouts takes place. This line of elements can easily be altered to fit any theme and would work with virtually any pictures.

Layout #1 - Direct Copy (almost)
"Silly Boy"

Patterned papers (including the cut out design behind the title, the circles, and the journaling block) - KaiserCraft, alphabets - Doodlebug Designs and BasicGrey

Okay, I should probably explain that with a little more detail than just "almost." I always look at a sketch as a suggestion. If there is a 1/2" strip of paper, I might use a scallop strip or a torn strip. If there is a circle embellishment, I might use a star or a flower.

On this particular sketch there is a square underneath the title. I ended up using a large design cut from a piece of patterned paper.


Sure it's a lot bigger than the suggested square but, in my opinion, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that the sketch suggests using an element in that general area of the page to help balance the overall look of layout.

Since this week is all about using sketches I thought it would be fun to do a giveaway! I'll be posting everyday, Monday-Thursday, with a layout based off the same sketch. All week you'll have a chance to leave a comment and on Friday I'll post the winner who gets a copy of Sketches for Scrapbooking (Volume choice is all yours.) You can leave more than one comment through the week to be eligible but not on the same day. :)

Be sure to check back tomorrow for layout #2!

39 comments:

Amy from KC said...

I love sketches because they allow me to spend more time getting my pictures into layouts, and I get more done that way. I can still feel proud of my end results because the choices on paper, embellishments, and how I choose to interpret and tweak the layout makes it uniquely mine! I get more accomplished, but I am still putting a bit of myself on the page to make it mine... :)

Cindy Leggett said...

I am so thrilled that I found you and your sketches. I love sketches. Can't wait to see tomorrow's sketch.

Erica Hettwer said...

Cute layout! I love your style! :)

dawn said...

Allison,

As always I love this layout too. Drew looks like he is having fun. I always scraplift your layouts from the computer or the magazine. The way you do it seems so easy and comes out so awesome. What paper and embellishments did you use on this layout. Thanks for a chance to win especially since I still can't order a sketchbook yet. I can't wait to see a new layout everyday this week. I'm actually having friends over tomorrow to scrap and will leave the computer on to your blog for inspiration for us. Thanks Allison.

Shari Thurman said...

I love the 1 sketch, 4 layouts thing. What a wonderful way to get more pictures scrapbooked at a single event. Just use the same sketch over and over several times and then go to a new sketch. love your style, Shari

Scrappinwendi said...

Just got my first book from yall last week. I LOVE them! I scrapped Saturday night and "flew" through the layouts because of the help from the book! I hope to win another one and if not I will be sure to order more: )

Simply Me said...

I love your scetches and your ideas. Super excited to see what you do with one scetch. I have been seriously thinking about getting one of your scetch books. Just really nervous about buying thing online.

Chris (texiss) said...

So excited to see something from Book 5! I have books 3 & 4 and use them ALL THE TIME :) Ordered 1, 2 and 5 just a week or so ago...can't wait!

Chris (texiss)

Ryan Rules the Summer said...

Love your style! Can't wait to see the rest of the week.

lynnscraps said...

I love sketches and am looking forward to receiving the books. I love the idea of different layouts from one sketch.

kroller said...

i love to see what you come up with on your layouts...it challenges me to think out of my comfort zone. You often use papers I might not buy normally because I don't know how to make them "work" for me. But when you use them...i "get it" and of course, have to run out and buy them too! I find myself changing sketches more frequently now to make it more personal to me but I GREATLY appreciate the beginning sketch to jump off of! So many options/supplies..so little time
:0)

amy from KC said...

Simply Me... if you don't want to buy a sketch book online, then you could just call the store that Allison's fmaily owns. It is called Scrapbook Generation and there is a link over to the right on this blog under "My favorite places." They can run your credit card on their machine while you are on the phone, and just ship it to you. They all come from the same place anyway. (And I am not affiliated with the store at all.)

I'm a member of Allison's kit clubs and they send me stuff every month. I have all of their sketch books and one of the best things about them is that they give really good measurements and tips on things such as stripes, large prints, solids, etc.

Oh, and Allison...I am really looking forward to that new DVD! No rush. :)

Also, I left a comment above already, so I just wanted to mention that I'm not trying to skirt the rules and double enter. ;)

Lisa said...

Love, love, love sketches. Makes me feel productive and creative at the same time. Think I'll go scrapbook right now in fact! Thank you for your inspiration!

Unknown said...

Love your sketches. You've done all the hard work and left the fun to us.

slkooiman said...

I am so glad you are doing this! I actually just bought Volumes 4 and 5, but have yet to attempt an actual layout (I have two small children...you understand), so I am thrilled to see your inspiration! Woohoo!!

Anonymous said...

I also love the sketch books. I am not creative but I can copy!! I am always excited to see layouts on your blog.

Linda from KS

Carolyn Lontin said...

Ohh I love your sketch but your layout is simply darling!

I love using sketches to jump start my creativity!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the sketch, I love it. I am just figuring out how to use sketches and you really inspire me. Thanks, Jody IA

Allison said...

My fave part of these sketches is the paper suggestions. Photos I can usually place OK, but then I'm stuck with paper. These help so much! Great LO!

MarciaD said...

I love sketches like these that are linear and clean! I don't like it much when photos are tilted! Just ordered some books and a monthly kit. So excited to find you!

Tiffany said...

I love this sketch! I am a big fan of circles, so it is great for me. I love how you break it down and make it easy.

Melanie said...

Fantastic layout!
I like how you don't place your photos on the "seam" of the layout...since I don't like cutting my photos.

Allison Davis said...

Dawn, everything on the layout is from Kaisercraft. They've really become one of my favorites lately. They've got a large variety of cute papers and embellishments.

Scrappinwendi, I so know what you mean about flying through the layouts. I actually didn't use the books myself *blush* until about a year ago. I love that I can get the hard part (arranging everything) done quickly and then spend time on the fun stuff!

Simply Me, I know what you mean about ordering online. Like Amy said, (thank you Amy!) you can order by calling us at 417-886-0440 if that would help. Your card number will be ran just like if you were standing there in person. :)

Amy, I'm soooo excited about the DVD too! We've got the hardest part all done and are currently working on the gallery layouts. We're hopeful that what we have ahead of us will go fast, especially since all the gallery layouts are based off of sketches.

Sarah K, I so know what you mean! Sometimes I wonder if I'm even going to be able to squeeze a shower into the day! lol!

Thank you everyone for all the nice comments! It makes me so happy to hear that you all are enjoying the sketch books! :)

Allison Davis said...

Apparently I like to say "I know what you mean..." a lot! :)

Roberta said...

great sketch and I love your layout! I have this paper and embellies- I'm very inspired to break it out and finally use it.

dawn said...

Allison, thanks for answering my question. I really like the paper. This isn't an extra comment, just wanted to say thanks. Hope you are getting some sleep this week.

Jen**SugaredSongbird** said...

I'm awaiting my first sketch books, thanks for the inspiration and I can't wait to see the daily variations!

April Gray said...

I am not sure if I remember how to scrapbook without them.

mthata said...

Just recently heard about you on 2Peas. Liking what I see and just ordered two of your books. Would be cool if I won a 3rd one! :)

mademoisellechitchat said...

The only books that I have left to purchase are 1 and 2. When will the DVD be available?

I am looking forward to using the books to make LOs with the new Basic Grey paper!

Anonymous said...

I'm working on a 2009 Album and the sketches have really helped me. I've been a card maker (love the card sketch book!) but now I'm starting albums (have several ideas in my head for the next albums). The sketches make it so "thoughtless", just have to find coordinating papers. Thanks for the help!

Jackie
Bellflower MO

Tracy said...

Sketches are certainly the answer for me when my MOJO has gone AWOL (far too frequently these days, mind you ... tee hee ...) ...

Would looooove the chance to win one of the Sketch Volumes ...

Love, Tracy G

Scrapthat said...

Such a cute Boy page for a cutie boy!
He sure is getting big Ali!

Christina Hoffman said...

I love this layout for a few reasons-1st: I love the use of colors in the paper cause it matches Drew's hair and shorts; 2nd: You were able to create outside of the box with the use of all different patterned papers. I have learned so much from you and your mom about getting the full use of the paper by simply cutting something out and making it your own embellishment. I just love the design behind the title.

Christina Hoffman

Amy said...

I found your website through a friend and now I'm addicted! I have your books on my wish list and hope to collect them all VERY soon.

Anonymous said...

Love your sketches. Gives me a starting off point even if I don't follow them exactly. It's that basic layout idea that I need to get going. I have all the other volumes of sketch books and would love to have the last one. Robin P.

Anonymous said...

This is an adorable "little boy" layout. Sometimes they aren't as easy to come up with (compared to little girls) LOVE IT!
~Shelby~

Kim M said...

I love your sketches. They are just so detailed and for me, that makes it so much easier to scrap.

Rebecca K. said...

LOVE your sketches!! here's an example that i made of the right side...

http://www.memorableseasons.com/gallery/data/500/medium/DSCN4267.jpg