Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Sketch Week, Part 4

Are you ready for a little Christmas in August? Day four shows a fun way to incorporate the theme of the layout into the design, one of my favorite things to do. :)

The sketch that I'm using as the starting point for all five layouts this week.



Layout #4 - "Merry Christmas"


Supply List - Cardstock; Bazzill; Everything else; My Mind's Eye from both the Holly Jolly and I Believe collections.

You can definitely tell from this layout that I don't scrap in order. We've spent the last month or so in a nasty heat advisory so it was kind of nice to think about cold days while making this layout.

• Variation #1
I followed a similar pattern with the last two layouts and used larger photos in place of the wallet size photos suggested on the sketch. I love the wallet size photos but I'm all about making what I have work and ended up with the same situation as the I did with the layout yesterday. I didn't have enough vertical photos for the wallet size so I replaced them with two horizontal 4 x 6 photos. Plus the cookies with Drew's note to Santa picture was one I didn't want in a smaller size. I love that part of our Christmas day story.

Another change with the pictures on this layout is the two smaller photos in place of the vertical 4 x 6 photo on the sketch. The two photos could also be replaced with one horizontal 4 x 6 photo.

• Variation #2
Since I added two photos in place of the one vertical 4 x 6 I lost most of the space for my journaling since I add two more inches to the width of the photo space. BUT in doing this I also removed two inches from the height. This left me plenty of space for my journaling.

Don't be afraid to remove something on a sketch and put something else in it's place. Variation 2 is a great example of that. Pictures can be substituted with embellishments or patterned papers, journaling spots with pictures, embellishments with journaling or pictures, etc. As long as you are following the general design of the sketch it will all turn out just fine.

• Variation #3
In place of the three patterned paper strips on the left page I created hanging ornaments with chipboard embellishments and hand stitched lines.


You all know how I love to play off the theme of my page and add embellishments like this! One of the first things I do when I start working on the layout is think about what ways I can incorporate the theme into my design. It could be:
• splashes or waves on a water page (like my "Sweet Splashin'" layout)
• fireworks on a 4th of July page
• a Christmas tree or ornaments on a Christmas page (like today's layout)
• a worm, yes, I have actually made a worm out of scrapbooking supplies on a page about Drew playing with worms
• a curvy hose on a page with kids running through a sprinkler
• snowflakes falling down the page on a wintery layout

• Variation #4
Because the ornaments took up a lot more space than the three patterned paper strips on the sketch, I decided not to add the circles that are suggested on the sketch. The ornaments worked to fill in that area without needing to add anymore. I think adding another embellishment in that area would have been too much.

• Variation #5
I know I say it all the time but, just because it is suggested on the sketch doesn't mean you have to do it. You can always substitute what you have on hand. I didn't use a die cut patterned paper as suggested on the sketch but instead used a piece of patterned paper. The paper is the same measurement suggested it just doesn't have the decorative touch to it like a die cut piece does. To make up for the lack of that decorative edge die cut patterned papers have, I added two patterned paper strips to decorated that edge.

• Variation #6
I also added more papers by the striped stripe that goes across the lower section of the layout. Above it I added a small strip and below it a scallop border. This is an easy way to add your own touch to a sketch. Adding extra papers is a breeze. Especially on a layout like this where that area wasn't going to mess with the photo layout design.


Day four is the fourth day for a chance at the My Mind's Eye and Sketches for Scrapbooking giveaway!

166 comments:

scrapinbabygal said...

This is so pretty!!! I just love how you did the stitching- how did you get your holes to be so seamless?? My stitch holes are always so big. I loved the tips on how to rearrange parts of the sketch and really make it work for you. Thanks Ali

Amy from KC said...

Well, I love a Christmas layout any time of the year. Personally, you never know when I might be getting around to my Christmas layouts. And I remember that layout about Drew and the worms from Creating Keepsakes. If I recall, a worm got a ride down a slide... And that garden hose with its water spray was scrapbooking genius!

I love how you changed around the journaling to accomodate those pictures. It is great to have the freedom to step away from the original layout when necessary. Tim Gunn on Project Runway always said, "Make it work." You always make it work, Ali.

Miss Misi said...

Another nice variation and I love the vivid photos!

Barbara Ferguson said...

Those "strings" for the ornaments are fabulous!! Beautiful layout and just lovin' all your samples this week. :-)

Anonymous said...

Another nice layout. I am enjoying the sketch week. It is bad when you go to bed and then wake up and have to check computer to see if a new sketch has been posted!

Linda from KS

Melanie said...

Great layout...I still need to scrapbook last Christmas too and the one before too :)

Anonymous said...

I love the stitching that go with the ornaments and all the variations on this layout. It's good to see that you can use the photos you have and make it work with the sketch.

cowie28 said...

I haven't done my daughter's Christmas pics either. This beautiful layout is an inspiration! Love all the colors!

holly b said...

I love this one too! The ornaments are adorable.

Yvonne said...

I like how you make it work with what you have to work with.

mmspiker said...

Love, love, love the stitching in place of the vertical strips! What a neat variation that totally changes the look of this layout from the others.

Mary Bez said...

Another great layout....thanks so much for the wonderful inspiration.

tape said...

Great variations, and what cute Christmas pics :)

~ Kim ~ said...

Those ornaments are just adorable and I love the papers .... TFS!

Nicole Michelle Gray said...

Love all the hand stitching you do all the time.

jane-e said...

I love looking forward to Christmas and remembering Christmas's past. I need to use more stitching in my layouts. It really gives a nice touch.

Avril Tanner said...

This us such a gorgeous layout! I totally love the ornaments and Title and the way the journaling was incorporated!

lesley said...

Inspiration in a snap! Love it...again! :)

ruth said...

Again it's so cute and I love hearing the thought process through your layout. :) Thank you!

Kelly said...

Love how Drew wrote his name. That's so cute and I love that it is 4x6 so it can be seen easily. LOVE that "Merry Christmas" glittery goodness!!!

Ann McKuin said...

I'm just amazed at how much I love your layouts. I also use many pics on a page, and it's great to see so many ideas that will help me!

Celeste B. said...

The stitching with the ornaments is a lovely touch.

Laura said...

Your Christmas layout is lovely! Makes me think about getting ready for Christmas now that school is started! How long does it take you to come up with these ideas?

KGBELL said...

I love the stitiching! I would love any tips you have to offer for stitching. Thank you for your every flowing creative inspiration!

Laura said...

Another fantastic layout! I have not stitched anything yet, but I need to give it a try. I really like what you have done.

Tiffany G. said...

Oh I just love this page! It looks so classy and fun. I love the ornaments. Too cute!

Sue Althouse said...

Love the Christmas layout! Great colors! Hard to imagine it will ever be cold again, but this heat won't last forever!

Jody B. said...

I love the ornaments down the side in place of the patterned paper. I'm too afraid to stitch on my pages. Yours always looks so beautiful.

Sonya said...

Another great layout! I love the variety of photos here.

nanapatty said...

Showing how you exchanged a die cut patterned paper for a piece of patterned paper and paper strips is a good idea. Thanks.

Susan said...

I think this one is my favorite ~ at least so far! Thanks for the inspiration!

Karen Clarke said...

Beautiful layout! The variation ideas are such a help. Thanks!

Laura J said...

I love the ornaments, they're perfect! I also really like how you took bright, colorful photos and used them with a more muted line of patterned paper...I'd not have thought to do that and it works so well!

Carolyn Wolff said...

Beautiful Allison! My favourite part is the stitching. It is something I do on many of my layouts too.

Anonymous said...

I also love the stitching somethng I wish I could do.
Sandy from Missouri

Marcia S said...

Just beautiful. I love how you fit all those pics and yet it doesn't look crowded. Again, thanks for explainging your thought process. This really helps me.

Heather K said...

This is a wonderful layout. I love the chipboard ornaments and the stitching. Also I love to hear about people who are fine with scrapping out of order. This is really the way I love to scrap cause I can work on what inspires me at the time.

connie said...

This makes me want to scrap Christmas pictures. Beautiful LO and love the stitching for the ornaments.

Anonymous said...

Always on the lookout for 2 page Christmas layouts...and this one is great!

Kathy R

Scrapthat said...

I really like the addition of the scallop and the fatter papers where the stripey paper is supposed to go, and I love how you did the left side with the papers and the addition of the beautiful ornaments!
TFS again...as always I love all the variations! :)

AmyBug said...

I like how you incorporated the hanging ornaments with hand stitching. Thanks for explaining things in such detail. It all makes so much sense and is helping me look at sketches differently now.

CodyandTraci said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Again, another great layout!! I like the ornaments with the stitching. It's a nice touch. Thanks!

JJD

CodyandTraci said...

Love this version. Thanks again for all the time you take to do this. Traci

Sharon said...

So cute! I love the hanging ornaments! Makes me want to pull out all of last Christmas's pictures and start the holidays early!

Jody M. said...

simply wonderful! Would love to have some of that cooler weather here also.

Anonymous said...

those ornaments are wonderful!

Christina said...

Love the ornaments!

Corina Biermaas House Springs, MO said...

This is my first sketch week and I have to say I"M LOVIN' IT! The first thing I do in morning is check in to see what you've done this time! All the layouts are wonderful and I'm learning so much! Thanks!

RacheT said...

Your sketch variations are so helpful - thanks for sharing!

Arjanne said...

I like the Christmas ornaments!

Anonymous said...

I really like how you layer your embellishments on the page. You always seem to add just the right amount.

-Julie V.

Christa Allgood said...

I love the ornaments and the handstitching. You have inspired me to handstitch and I'm doing it more and more on my layouts.

Karen F. said...

I need to learn how to hand-stitch! I love this look on your layout. As always, another great idea.

Melanie said...

This is one of my favourite sketches - again, just amazing with the amount of photos :)

Anonymous said...

Christmas layouts with lots of pictures are so great. Love the hand stitching.
Abby
belizern@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the stitching and the chipboard ornaments. What a clever take on the sketch! Using the scallop border is a beautiful addition too. Thanks for sharing your wonderful layout with us!

K in PA

LeAnne Smith said...

Loved how you changed the strips of paper to the stitched lines of the embellishments!

Gretchen Lindsey said...

The use of ornaments for this layout is great! I love Christmas and take way to many pics. This sketch will old tons of photos. I'd love to see the tools you use for your stitching.

Christy Carlson said...

love the focus on those bright bold photos! great layout again!

Megan B said...

I love the ornaments down the side...very pretty and this sketch is perfect for all those Christmas pictures we all take!

Robin W. said...

I was so happy to see today's layout have a Christmas theme as I had chosen Christmas pictures myself for this sketch! Also thanks to you I have now started hand stitching on my layouts, and I love it!

Sarah Harwood said...

I love the ornaments and the border strips across the bottom. Great touches. Thanks for showing how the rearrange things to make it work for what you've got.

Anonymous said...

Love the cute ornaments and the Christmas cheer that is oozing from this layout!! TFS!!
Megan S.

Cindy Leggett said...

What a great idea to use ornaments instead of strips. Love the stitching. Now I must get brave and give it a try.

Britia said...

Another great layout!

I don't scrap in order either. Instead I choose the pictures I'm in the mood to scrap and scrap them. What I have found is this keeps my albums fresh. My older papers, embellishment and style get blended in with the new and my albums don't seem so aged.

I didn't comment about this on Tuesday but Jackson is gowing up so fast! His little face is slimming down to that of a little boy. What a cutie.

Wendy F said...

Love this layout! I haven't scrapped my Christmas photos from last year either!! :-)

Debbie Cornish said...

What a great layout with cute photo's. I love how you used stitching to hang the oranaments from...great idea!

Lisa G. said...

You LO's never look or feel overdone...that's what I love about your style the most!
Question: in the ornament photo it looks like your photo is inked around the edges....do you ink your photo's sometimes?

AlanaM said...

I like all your different points of view. CUte!

Mary Ann said...

Upon first glance, my eyes went haywire! Took me a second to discover that the theme actually carried its own weight on the lo. And the pictures carried their own weight and made their own statement. But the two worked together! Oh, I need to rethink some things now. You stretched my thinking again today. Mary Ann

P.S. The unsigned anonymous on Monday was by me. Sorry!

AScrappersDelight said...

Absolutely beautiful!

LouAnn said...

Gorgeous papers and I love the stitching you did with the ornaments. I starting working on a layout yesterday with this sketch and am amazed at how quickly it is coming together.

LouAnn

CarissaH said...

Christmas photos are the hardest for me to scrap. You did a fantastic job. I love the handstitching!!
CarissaH

Rebecca H. said...

Absolutely my favorite so far! The ornaments are great and I am having visions of doing a big christmas tree like you did the big star in the layout the other day. Love this one!

Luv2talk said...

I'm hoping that if I see you do it enough, I will start to see the 'substitutions' I can make when I use a sketch. The possibilities are endless but you have to see them first. I think I'm getting better at that. Thanks:)

Amy Powell said...

I love scrapping Christmas!! There's so many fun events and traditions to scrapbook about. It's a good thing there's always so many cute collections to choose for the holidays, like this MME collection!!!

Bettyann said...

This is perfect for me right now! I AM actually working on a Christmas layout, and was thinking about ornaments as part of the layout. Thanks again for the great explanations that accompany your variations from the original layout!

kimmcc69 said...

Another great layout. I just love seeing Christmas layouts. Wonderful coordinating papers.

Unknown said...

Another lovely layout! If all my own layouts could look as clean and interesting as yours I'd be a happy camper. *sigh*

wendy said...

Beautiful layout, Allison! When you're stitching, do you poke the holes first and then stitch, or do you just poke the holes as you go?

Niki Estes said...

How cute! I love the hanging ornaments!

ScrapyTiff said...

Ohhhh, I already have (almost identical) perfect pics, already printed, just begging for a scrap-lift! Thanks for the awesome inspiration, once again!

Jennifer E. said...

I love scrapbooking Christmas, it's always such a happy time. I will definitely be using the hanging ornament ideas.

Jennifer D. said...

Very creative again, Ali! You never disappoint! Love the ornaments with the hand stitching!

Ginny H said...

Great idea for Christmas!

Sandy said...

I always need ideas for Christmas layouts, and I love those ornaments! Thanks!

Leslie said...

Well, just when I think your layouts can't get any better, THIS ONE is awesome. I love the muted papers being used that let your brightly colored pictures pop! I can't wait for tomorrow!

Michele Mc said...

This is so gorgeous and colorful! Any time of year is a good time for a holiday LO, in my book.

I'm thinking that on the back of the downloaded sketch, I will also hand draw all of your variations. I rarely scrap with hands on access to a computer so that will keep all these wonderful ideas close at hand for me.

kroller said...

I love Christmas! We brought our 2nd baby home Christmas day after 8 days in the NICU. The best gift ever that Christmas for sure, I have over a week worth of hospital pics to scrap and this sketch should take care of a lot of them.
Amy

emelyn said...

Woohoo, I LOVE all the Christmas photos. Every year my stack of Holiday photos grows by the inches. This will be a great sketch to tame the pile. THANKS so much for the inspiration!

Megan L said...

Loving sketch week. I was so excited to check the blog for more inspiration. Thanks again.

KarlaW said...

Your hand stitching really makes this page pop. Great sketch = great layout.

Kara said...

I have about 100 Christmas LOs to do, so this is great inspiration! :) Thanks!

AndreaFriebus said...

I love the hanging ornaments! It's all these special details that make your layouts so great!!

Keianna said...

Really great touches to bring the Christmas theme home.

Christel said...

Another great layout! I like the stitching, the extra strips, scallops and the title layered over the Dec calendar.

Anonymous said...

Great Layout Allison! Did an awesome job on it! :).. Love it! :)..

Ashley L.

Manhattan Mandie said...

This layout is gorgeous! I love the hanging ornaments!

debbie susee said...

Love this sketch week. Great sketch!

Samantha Taylor said...

Great LO! Puts me in the Christmas spirit. I did the same thing with those MME chipboard ornaments, they're just asking to hand from stitching!

Valerie said...

Another great page. I am loving these ideas.

Scrappinwendi said...

Thank you for using my favorite piece from that collection...the little Christmas countdown. When I saw this line in person, I fell head over heels. I love seeing it used!

Liz in MO said...

Ok, I think this is my favorite so far. can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Kristina said...

The stitching is so fun! I always said "I'll never..." and now I find myself looking for things to stitch in my layouts!!

Meg said...

Love the colors and the stitching. So much inspiration!!

Cindy said...

This makes me anxious for Christmas! Love it!

Anna said...

Nice use of product. The stitching really makes it special.

Unknown said...

I love this layout & how well you explain/show how to use one sketch in various ways. When I initially looked at the sketch, I thought I won't use this because of the small pics. Now, with your examples, I think, I can't wait to try this one out!!!!

Mandi said...

I love how you changed this one around! Really love the dangling ornaments on the left-hand side of the page!

Misty said...

Your stitching accents make me swoon! They are the perfect touch with the ornaments.

Liz H said...

I want to win, I want to win, I want to win. This layout is perfect for all those Christmas photos I take every year. Beautiful!!!

Jennifer DeWolfe said...

Such an adorable layout! I love christmas layouts :) Those ornaments are such a great idea!

Thanks for the chance to win!

Kirsten said...

Fabulous LO today...love the ornaments and tree embellies.

Heather B. said...

Love it!!

Stacy said...

Love it! Insert into my scraplift file! Another great layout Allison!

Jamie V said...

Looks fantastic!

I say this every time, but it always amazes me how different layouts can look based on the same sketch.

thanks to you (for the inspiration) and MME (for the super generous give-a-way) :)

Anonymous said...

Love the Christmas theme and the ornaments with stitching.
Tracy C

Kim M said...

I love the idea of a variation by adding more papers. I am a patterned paper kind of girl and that would be so easy for me to do. I always just take sketches so literally, it is always hard for me to think outside of the box like that. That is what I love about sketch week, it always gives me great ideas that I would not normally think of.

JLC said...

The vivid pictures visually "pop" against the subtle Christmas hued paper. Using primarily 4x6 photos, I am excited to see how you modified the sketch to incorporate this size of photo. Moving the journal box above the photo is a great tip when altering the photo size and available space.

Tasha said...

This is so cute! I love the hand stitching and ornament details, I'm thinking of incorporating that into my Christmas cards this year.

Bonnie said...

It really does makes us feel cooler looking at layouts of Christmas... LOL Great job again!!! Thanks Allison

Paula said...

Loved the stiching for the ornaments and the way you change the sketch to work with what you have.

Unknown said...

I absolutely love the ornaments and the stitching is a perfect finishing touch!!! I think I have similar ornaments in my stash- so I might have to steal that idea:-) The extra strips of pattern paper really dress up the large peice, giving it a whole new look and feel- I'll have to remember that trick too!

Andi said...

Very cool! I love how you used the ornaments.

Karina said...

The stitches and ornaments give a sweet touch !!!
Thanks again for your ideas !!!

Karina

Precious Memories Scrapbooking & More said...

I love it! The way you stiched the strings to the ornaments is adorable.... great variation on the sketch!!

kathy said...

your sketches are such a welcome aid for jump starting my creativity!

thanks so much!

kathy

Kristine said...

Seeing this layout inspires me to work on my christmas layouts. I'm quite a few years behind. Again, this sketch is great for all themes.

Stella said...

I love the border down the left side and the ornaments dangling down. I'm rather intimidated by Christmas layouts- mine all look so similar. I think maybe I need to dig out some of your sketches and give them a try with those photos. Maybe that would liven them up a bit!

Emily said...

I like how this works even though the photos aren't matted. I always feel compelled to mat mine and it takes up extra space. I need some of your ink!

Anonymous said...

This has become my first stop each morning, even before email! Thanks for sharing your creativity with us!
Trudi

Melissa Bell said...

I'm going to have to scraplift this one. Love it! Loving Sketch Week. Something to look forward to. Thank you!

Jennifer said...

I'm longing for Christmas or at least cooler weather here too. Might have to scrap some cold weather layouts myself this weekend. I especially love the stitching you did and the ornaments. Another great version of the sketch! Thanks for sharing!

Michael, Elizabeth, Vaiden, Whitten, and Mary Katharine said...

Love this layout as well!! You are amazing:)

Colleen said...

Love, love, love the ornaments with the hand stitching. Awesome!

Jacqueline said...

Another great layout! I love the color palette and the cute ornaments you cut out and placed on the layout. Wonderful work!

Dana L Cheney said...

Wow! I don't want this week to end! Love all the layouts, love how you explain the variations of how you used the sketch for each layout. I like the idea someone mentioned of writing on the back of the sketch for each variation. The sketch that is. This is so wonderful. Thankyou!

dlhfks said...

Love a little Christmas in August!

Sharon said...

Pure perfection! This layout really showcases how adorable your boys are. I love this layout.

Abbey said...

Very interesting and a much different feel.

julie.schellin said...

So loving sketch week!! Thanks for all that put into this.

scrapinmo said...

Great layout and such clever ideas. Have we seen the worm layout before? Thanks, Allison!

cmw said...

Yet another wonderful layout! Thank you, again, for sharing such inspiration :)

Steffanie said...

Love all the variations you made to the sketch today---grateful that you detail every one! Thanks, Ali!

Cynthia in Vancouver said...

Ok, I am in awe of your stiching on those adorable ornaments. It is absolutely perfect! Another lovely layout.

Ashley said...

Christmas in August? Might as well get a head start!

April said...

Wow, this is awesome!! Love it...
- April W

Anonymous said...

Wonderful....thanks for sharing all your great ideas & tips with us! You ROCK!
Lori H.

Anonymous said...

Great Christmas layout! Love your sketch week!

Kathy R

M Salazar said...

Now I have a great layout for those 2009 Christmas pics that are waiting to be scrapped. Thanks for the diversity of your pages, you give LOTS of great ideas on your variation explanations.

shelley said...

I don't usually do xmas layout because i never like the way they turn out but i will have to try one now

Kapoor's said...

Love the stitching on the layout!!! It really makes the layout!

dawn said...

I agree with Shelley above, never liked doing Christmas layouts too much pressure to make them perfect like Christmas morning....you make this look so simple and perfect though. I will have to try this layout in the future. So cool how you stitched to hang the ornaments. This has been a fun week to see how you've changed the layout and make it look so simple. I'm loving all this MME product have to win!!

Shannon said...

I just love your Christmas layout!!! Beautiful!

Rebecca K. said...

oh wow! beautiful as always! i can't wait to dig into this sketch and turn it into a 1 pager :-)

Unknown said...

I loved the stitching!

Leanne W said...

Love this LO, my favorite so far.

Melinda AKA medialady said...

Love the stitching on this layout with the ornaments.

Erica Hettwer said...

Love this! I have such a hard time doing Christmas layouts. Right after Christmas I'm just burned out on the holidays and want to scrap other stuff. I've found I only scrap it for challenges. LOL!

lpaigeb1984 said...

LOVE IT!!!! Stitching is pretty!!!

Michelle T said...

I can't wait to use the ornament idea on my own Christmas pages!

Lara said...

love lots in pictures in a layout. This looks so great and not cluttered. Thanks for the tips!

Penny{scraps} G said...

Love the hand-stitching of the ornament lines. Super cute Xmas LO - love it!

lenore said...

Another great version of your sketch! Love the handstitching for the ornaments!

Raimi said...

I am loving this sketch! Thanks for sharing.