Thursday, August 19, 2010

Sketch Week, Part 5

The last day of August Sketch Week is here. I'm always a little sad when this day rolls around but I'm also already looking forward to the next one.

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



Layout #5 - "Halloween Night"


Everything is from the My Mind's Eye Blackbird collection.

I'll start with the photo variations since there are several.

• Variation #1
Every once in awhile I feel the urge to include an enlargement on a layout and adding one to this sketch is effortless. Most of the time to include a larger photo I just use it in place of two smaller photos. In this case I used the 5 x 7 instead of the two 4 x 6 photos on the left page. It fit perfectly because it's only an inch shorter on both the height and the width. The times that adding an enlargement might get a little tricky is when you have to alter the design of other photos or the papers. The lost inch on the height didn't really alter much other than more space above and below the pictures on the left page. The lost inch on the width ended up leaving me more space for bigger embellishments and it shows more of the patterned paper.

• Variation #2
You might get a little tired of this variation since I've used it several times this week. I'm going to take it as a clue that I need to take more vertical photos! Instead of the two vertical wallet pictures on the left page I used a horizontal 4 x 6 for the simple reason that I didn't have a vertical photo.

• Variation #3
The three 4 x 4 photos on the sketch is an area where you have lots of opportunities to alter it. Like I have mentioned earlier this week, you could use two 4 x 6 photos, make a collage of smaller photos, or use four 3 x 3 photos, or twelve 2 x 2 photos. There are so many combinations you could use. I would try not to go past the 4" width as suggested on the sketch though. When you do that you are taking away from the other photos on that side of the layout. However, if you did you could always substitute smaller photos for those as well.

I went with vertical wallet size photos so the width of my photos in the line ended up shorter than the 4" suggested on the sketch. This works just fine because you are actually leaving more room for your journaling and embellishments.

• Variation #4
I had bigger and more embellishments than the sketch suggested that I wanted to use. One way I could make a little more room for those things was to substitute a 4 x 4 photo for the two wallets. That shortened the width of that photo area and left me plenty of room to add the embellishments that I wanted to use.

• Variation #5
Speaking of embellishments I used the little kids in costumes instead of the circles on the left page and the oval on the right page. It just happened to work out perfectly that we had a super hero, a witch, and a cowboy in our trick or treating bunch. Plus I thought these were just plain cute!


They are a little bigger than the embellishments suggested on the sketch but all you have to do is adjust a few things to fit. For example, the photo sizes I mentioned in the other variations.

Variation #6
This time I used both a die cut patterned paper and a straight cut piece of patterned paper. The die cut patterned paper isn't actually a die cut though. Have you ever wanted to use a die cut patterned paper but the papers you were using didn't have one and you couldn't find one to match? When I'm in this situation I make my own. The one I have is made from a large 12 x 12 template that is shaped like a die cut paper. You could also use a die cut paper as a template.

One thing that I think is kind of vital to making your own is adding some sort of frame around it. On mine I added hand stitching. It helps to define the shape of the paper and adds a finishing touch to it. If you aren't a big fan of stitching you could always use a pen, glitter, buttons, brads, memory thread or craft wire, or word stickers.

• Variation #7
I did go back to the journaling strips as suggested on the sketch but I also added a lot more. I had so many things that I wanted to include in the story and wasn't about to leave anything out. Changing the photos sizes helped a lot with this. Because of the column of wallet size photos I was able to have longer journaling strips.

Today is the last chance to get in for the My Mind's Eye and Sketches for Scrapbooking giveaway!

Be sure to check back on Monday when I'll announce the three winners. I'm excited to see who wins. I know how excited I was when I got all of this stuff to use on the layouts for this week and I can't wait to pass that happiness on to others!

165 comments:

Christine said...

awesome as usual :)

Penny said...

I've especially loved this week's sketch - found it very adaptable, and great to fit in so many photos!

Melanie said...

Oh, I love this! It is really amazing to see how you work each sketch to fit different layouts.

Anonymous said...

Looking back at this week, it is so awesome that there can be so many variations for one sketch!This has helped me to look at the sketch and stretch my creativity. And I love the little superhero, witch and cowboy. Super cute!

Arjanne said...

Love the little costumes of your children! Thanks for this week!

Anonymous said...

Very cute! I love how you made your own die cut. There will be 3 very happy people on Monday when winners of these fabulous products are given away. Thanks for a great week.

My favorite this week: Layout #2 - "Sweet Splashin'"

Linda from KS

mmspiker said...

If I was looking at your layouts in an album, I wouldn't have noticed that they were based on the same sketch. I was focused more on the varying colors, cute embellishments and multitude of photos. It will be a long wait until the next sketch week. Sigh...

Anonymous said...

So cute! All of your pages, as well as the paper from MME, were such a treat to look at all week. Thanks!

- Julie V.

Anonymous said...

Love the variation of the die cut over a solid sheet of paper. All the variations this week were great.
Tracy C.

holly b said...

I'm glad I'm a night owl and got to see your layout before going to bed. This one is really cute too. I have to say that this sketch has been one of my favorites so far.

Yvonne said...

I like all the suggestions for substitutions and explanations on why they will work.

Mary Bez said...

Another adorable layout....said it before and I will say it again, I love your style!! Hope I am one of the lucky winners and I can't wait for your Sketch Support class to start.

Ashley said...

Love the Halloween layout... Can't wait to make my own this year!

debbi said...

Can't believe sketch week is already over. I am already looking forward to the next one! Thanks so much for the new sketch. I plan to use it this weekend on 2 different layouts in which I want to use lots of photos. Thanks for all the wonderful tips and variations that I can incorporate into my own scrapbook pages.

cowie28 said...

Another cute layout!! I love that you showcased two holiday layouts this week! Can't wait to make my own :)

ruth said...

And this one is totally whimsical! Love it!

Michelle Nommensen said...

Your layouts are beautiful and inspiring. Thanks for sharing your sketches!

Sonya said...

Another great layout! I'm sad that sketch week is over...

Anonymous said...

This is sooo cute...love the Halloween theme! This sketch is a real winner!

KGBELL said...

I am in love with My Minds Eye you used this week! You always seem to add just the right amount of detail.

Jennifer said...

I love the die cut paper over the solid. It really makes it stand out and I probably would never have thought to do that. Such awesome layouts this week; I love them all!

Anonymous said...

Another outstanding layout as usual! I so hope I am one of the lucky winners of the giveaway as I would love to make the layouts you have showcased this week. Fingers crossed!

K in PA

Jody B. said...

I like the die cut polka dot paper. And the little trick-or-treaters are super cute.

Tiffany said...

What a cute layout! Love Love Love the little kids in costumes embellishments! I simply will have to have some!

Anonymous said...

What a cute layout! I just love all the different ideas this week.

JJD

Laura said...

Thank you for all your wonderful ideas this week. This was a great sketch uses up a lot of photos! My favorite one was your first one. I've bought the the stuff to do that one, couldn't wait to see if I win it:)

Jody M. said...

so sad the week is over but I love the variety and adaptability of your sketches. Thanks for another great week!

Anonymous said...

wow, i love your Sketch, thanks for all your wonderful ideas!!
lg Manuela smaili

Marcia S said...

I hate to see sketch week end. I like the die cut in today's sketch and little people.

Ginny H said...

Love how you used the enlargement in place of the 2 4x6s! So cute!

Carolyn Wolff said...

Amazing layout! I just love this sketch. Your boys costumes are so sweet. Thanks for a great sketch week, now just to find a little time to create my own version of this!

Bettyann said...

I appreciate the idea about creating your own die cut shape for the left page, and especially about the need to add a border to it. Thanks, again, for the great explanantions!

Kelly said...

Super cute. I love the bigger photo every now and then and I have had no problems adapting your sketches to fit my photos.

Thanks for an inspiring week!

Avril Tanner said...

I totally love how you changed up this sketch to suit both the theme and the photos you had! Thank you so much for all the wonderful insight you have provided us with this week as well as the opportunity for the giveaways! I am going to be waiting very impatiently for the next Sketch week to arrive!

Jennifer D. said...

Oh My Goodness, what a cute Woody and Buzz!! Love how you layered the die cut paper on the PP!! This has been a great week! Thanks!

Sharon said...

I've loved this weeks layouts! I'm so excited that they are being made with all new sketches!

Susan said...

Another great layout!!

AmyBug said...

I really like how you made your own shaped paper & hand stitched around the edges. The embellies are too cute! Cute little spooks too!

Anonymous said...

This one is by far the best one this week! They are all amazing, but this one is my favorite. Love it!

Christina Hoffman

nanapatty said...

Another great week of taking a layout and changing a few of the aspects of it to get a different looking layout. My favorite for the week was Wed. with the 'monster brothers'.

Dana L Cheney said...

Another awesome layout. But i am sad this week is over. :(. Can't wait to see what you have in store next time!

LeAnne Smith said...

Another wonderful week of sketches! I absolutely loved the MME products you chose to use on your layouts and can't wait to get the ones I ordered from SG earlier this week!! (figured my odds were pretty slim and just couldn't wait any longer to get my hands on some new stuff to play with!) hee, hee!

Thanks so much for your inspiration this week! Can't wait for the next round of Sketch Week!

Laura J said...

Awesome layout! So fun! Love the tip on making your own "die-cut" paper...you're right, the tip about stitching the frame on it does make it look very finished.

Megan L said...

This has been a fun week! Thank you for the opportunity for someone to win some great prizes. I will be looking forward to the next Sketch Week.

Anonymous said...

Oh say it's not so. Fall and Halloween all most here. Loved your layout.

Sandy from Missouri

Erin said...

Cute embellishments and another great vertical collage! Love it!

KarlaW said...

I also need to learn to take more vertical photos. I run into that problem alot. However, you are teaching me how to adapt sketches to fit the photos I do have. Thanks and great layout!

Scrapthat said...

You think you're sad?! I get totally bummed...especially on Monday when it's not a new LO on the sketch! Every morning during sketch week I get into my google reader and I read everything except your post...Save the best for last...because otherwise I tend to skip through all the other posts!
Getting a new ink cartridge this weekend and plan on playing!
Thanks for a fabulous week! Oh and Bootiful work on this LO too Ali! :)
Dolly

Beatrice said...

Another great layout- the embellishments and papers are so cute and fun:-)

April said...

Wow, another amazing creation! It's SO cool to see all the different ways to use a sketch. Thanks for the inspiration. ;)
- April W

julie.schellin said...

such a great batch of variety from one sketch - I am impressed!

RacheT said...

so going to "case" this Halloween LO ...if only I had the MME paper...

Liz in MO said...

Ok, I was wrong yesterday. This is my favorite layout. Amazing. . . they all look sooo different and to have come from the same sketch.

Sue Althouse said...

I'm also sorry Sketch Week is coming to an end - I've learned so much! Now if I could only win some free stuff, it would be perfect! :)

Christy Carlson said...

aw this is adorable! And I'm in love with My Mind's Eye...I want it all!!! Can't wait to see who the winners are!

JLC said...

I like the idea of showcasing one photo as a 5x7. Visualizing how you modified the sketch to fit this photo is very helpful. Seeing is believing!! Thanks for your hard work this week. I am so inspired!!

Melanie said...

So cute! Great colours. Loving all the photos you can get with this sketch. Thanks for sharing!

Michele McAdoo said...

I am always sad when sketch week ends. This Monday will be such a downer. Love this variation, especially because of the adorable photos. Love the product too - how cute are those die cut figures!?

As always, thanks for the time and effort that you put into sharing your talents with us. Looking forward to the next!

Christa Allgood said...

Love the hand made die cut paper!! I think this is my favorite of the week!!

Kara said...

I {heart} sketch week! I woke up this at 5 am today & finished a LO with 14 photos, thanks to you! :) You're awesome!

Cindy Leggett said...

Thanks for a great sketch and another week of great ideas. This is my favorite week of the month and look forward to September.

Corina Biermaas House Springs, MO said...

I love the variation using a 5x7! I'm going to have to lift this one as well...it's such great layout. I really appreciate the explanations too, you really have me thinking out of the box! THANKS!!

Lisa G. said...

Great details! I love the embellishments....they are so adorable! I love your photo's too...you seem to always capture your kids in the best way! Sad to see the week end...but now to the scrappy table!

Anonymous said...

what a great sketch week! thanks for sharing!

tkl said...

This is a great sketch! So many possibilities!

Amy13 said...

Oh..love the complimenting costumes! I once had mine dress up as Winnie the Poo and Tigger.

Christel said...

I love today's layout with the big 5x7 photo and smaller wallet-sized ones. Also love how you made the paper into a die-cut shape (I do that now and then too) and the stitching. I'm also really liking this new Halloween line from MME. Thank you for another inspirational sketch week! :)

Debbie Cornish said...

You have shown us 5 great layouts with this one sketch. By altering the photo sizes they all take on a different look. You have shared some great ideas with embellishments as well. Thanks for a great week of inspiration.

Leslie said...

Once again you have proven how versitile these sketches are! As you have been posting all these great layouts, I have been very inspired and have completed many layouts to your sketches. Thanks for all you creativity!

Wendy F said...

Another wonderful layout! The last day of sketch week makes me sad too! But now after seeing all the great variations, I must try some for myself! Thanks for another inspiring sketch week!

Amy said...

Such a cute layout! Love those little diecut kids!

kroller said...

I am sorry this week is over already! can't wait for the next one to start.

Megan B said...

another great layout...thanks for a whole week of awesome inspiration!! :) Can't wait to use this sketch myself!

Miss Misi said...

Adorable!

LouAnn said...

What a great layout to finish the week with. Love the stitching on the polka dot paper.

LouAnn

Priscilla W said...

I love all the layouts with the colorful pics of the kids. Thanks for this week of inspiration.

Donna O'Bryan said...

I really like the layered embellishments on the left side of this Halloween layout. Cute costumes!

Amy from KC said...

What a great Sketch Week this has been! This is one of my favorite sketches ever. I don't know if it is the picture layout, the papers...it's probably a combination of everything that makes this sketch so beautiful and functional at the same time. I sure would love to spend a day with your personal sketch book! :)

Today's layout has a little thing that I am almost ashamed to admit I haven't thought of myself - the light colored journaling strips on a light background. The inked edges really make them work. It's such a little thing. I love this layout. It's really cute. I'm always drawn to Halloween products.

My son, who is also 5, was Buzz last year. We had this costume from the Disney Store. I think he might want to be Woody this year. Your boys are so cute together as the pair.

Thank you for a WONDERFUL Sketch Week, Ali.

Therese said...

What a great week this has been!! I love that you used the paper and embellishments from MME and that you showed us so many variations to your sketch. Great combination!! Would LOVE to Win.

Anonymous said...

Wow...you have covered a lot this week. Love everything! Would also love to win some MME products.
Thanks for all your inspiration.
Lori H.

Anonymous said...

I like that you show how to revise a layout for horizontal vs vertical photos. Great halloween layout.

Kathy R

thearthurz said...

So adorable!! Love the journaling strips!

Valerie said...

I love the Halloween papers! I never take enough vertical pictures, so I was glad you made that work. This is the first time I have checked in for an entire week, but the prize is so great I had to up my chances! Thanks for all the great ideas.

wendy said...

This was a great sketch! So many different ways to put it together!

debbie susee said...

So sad sketch week is over. Can't wait for next month!
Thanks for sharing with us. I'm inspired to do some hand stitching. :)

Wendy Shoemaker said...

Your kids are so cute! I would love to win this!

Gretchen Lindsey said...

Can't wait for halloween this year. The new MME collections are awesome. Another great layout!

Stacy said...

Too cute! I am sad to see sketch week end also! I really liked this weeks sketch! Can't wait for next time!

Scrappinwendi said...

So lifting this layout. I already have this paperpack. I just love the "bugeyed" halloween kids in this layout. Great job! Cant wait until next months sketch week:)

Kristine said...

Sketch week is great. Thank you for doing this each month. I love how your layouts include many photos but still have enough room to include a large tile each time. I look forward to using each and everyone one of your sketches in my scrapbooking.

Niki Estes said...

Such a cute layout (like always)!

Sarah Harwood said...

I really like this. Especially you die cut idea. For some reason Halloween is difficult for me to scrap. You have given me a lot of inspiration this week. Thanks.

Luv2talk said...

A good reminder to us all, to flip that camera around and get lots of shots from both angles. It just gives you more options when you are putting your LO together.

Thanks for a great week!

M Salazar said...

Great idea of using wallet size pics, I'll have to try that out when I want to use lots of pics. Has me thinking about Halloween, and preplanning some cute layouts. Thanks!

Samantha Taylor said...

What a great sketch week! Thanks for all of your beautiful inspiration. As always, this page is amazing!

AndreaFriebus said...

Love the colors of this layout!

AlanaM said...

Awww, they are so cute as a matching pair.

Rebecca H. said...

Ok I think I like this one even more than the Christmas one! Thanks for a great week!

Anonymous said...

Love this layout also, great job.
Abby
Belizern@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

OMG! Love this layout. It's so cute! Can't believe how different each layout looks although you are using the same sketch.

CodyandTraci said...

Yet another great layout. When I saw this sketch on monday I did a halloween layout with it also. Thanks again. Traci

Kristina said...

LOVE the dots paper!! I find myself gravitating towards dots all the time. In fact, I normally have to tell myself no, so that my whole scrapbook album doesn't have dot paper! Once again, very cute layout!! I can't wait to use this one!

Sandy said...

What a great Halloween page. I love the idea about making your own die cuts--I'll definitely be trying that. Thanks!

Manhattan Mandie said...

Love the Halloween theme!!! The trick or treater embellies are super cute....

Meg said...

Great layout. I love all the great ideas this week! Thanks!

shelley said...

Love the layout as always

Cynthia in Vancouver said...

I love Halloween layouts, papers, embellishments so this just made my day! I love the MME line Blackbird, it's so cute for those with little ones! Great layout showing the whole story of Halloween. Thanks for such an inspiring Sketch week!

Kapoor's said...

Love it!!! The halloween paper is so awesome!!!

Linda Gilliam said...

I LOVE Halloween, and what a GREAT layout that is, I would absolutely ADORE getting some of this wonderful stuff!
Thanks for the inspirations Ali!

dawn said...

I can't believe it's Friday, went to fast makes me sad. Can't wait for next month though. I love love this layout since fall/halloween are my ultimate favorite to scrap. Those charcters are so so cute and perfect on this page. I love all the changes you made with the photos it really looks good. It's too hard too pick a favorite this week because they are too cute!! I hope to win a MME prize now that the kids are going back to school I can finally get some serious scrapping done. Have a great weekend and thanks for such a fun week, loved that it came from your own personal sketchbook.

Karina said...

THANKS !!!!! Wonderful pages and awesome week!!!
I'm ready for september already !!!

Karina

Karina said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
tape said...

Thank you for Sketch Week! Fantastic layouts!

Shannon said...

Another amazing layout!! Thank you so much for all the great inspiration! I can't wait to get a layout done this weekend!

Anna said...

Thanks for another awesome sketch week. I think this was my favorite, and I'm looking forward to creating my own variations.

connie said...

Thanks for another great sketch week Allison. I look forward to this week so much. Now that it is the weekend I plan on getting a few LO's done thanks to you!

Nicole Michelle Gray said...

wonderful layout

kimmcc69 said...

Loved all the layouts this week. Thanks for lots of wonderful ideas.

ScrapyTiff said...

Oh, I love the little kids in costume!

Steffanie said...

This Halloween layout is so adorable! I especially love the die-cut patterned paper with the stitching around the edge to help it stand out more. Fabulous, Ali!

Robin W. said...

I have the same problem with not taking enough vertical photos. Again a great week of inspiration--thank you!!

Stella said...

You've done it again! Another Great layout! I love the flow of the various elements.

kathyms said...

Love the sketch...love the Layout:)

Unknown said...

This is my favorite!! I am a sucker for Halloween and bigger embellies!!

scrapinbabygal said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Leanne W said...

Great as usual!

scrapinmo said...

So, so cute! I remember seeing the boys walking up the sidewalk in their costumes to see their grandma. The layout is beautiful, Allison.

Kirsten said...

Wow, I love the chipboard characters - too cute!

scrapinbabygal said...

Such adorable embellies and pps!! Love the wonderful photos that captured the different aspects of the night!

Melinda AKA medialady said...

this is a very eye catching layout! love it!

Karen Clarke said...

I have loved all the variations on the sketch this week and all of the layouts shown. Thanks so much for the great ideas!

Precious Memories Scrapbooking & More said...

OK this is a great variation too! I love how you make the one sketch look so different! Thanks for the inspiration... I got my fingers & toes crossed for this giveaway...it's a fabu one!!!!

Andi said...

This is absolutely adorable!

Kim M said...

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this every month. I know the planning involved takes time, so thanks for taking the time to help us learn to think outside our boxes.

Erica Hettwer said...

So cute! I just love Halloween layouts. :)

KariLynn said...

What an adorable Halloween layout. I am always sad too when the week comes to an end. But every month you just keep getting better. Thanks for sharing with us.

lesley said...

This layout has me itchin' for fall, that's for sure! Another super cute one! :)

Amy Powell said...

Thanks for a great sketch week! I always enjoy coming to get new ideas as well as inspiration to get my stuff out and scrap!

lpaigeb1984 said...

This is the cutest Halloween line I have seen so far! LOVE IT!!! Its my birthday today I would love to win this!!!

AmyInKy said...

OMG I just LOVE those little kids in costume embellishments! How cute are they - love this layout!

Michelle T. said...

I love this layout!

Heather K said...

I am so sad sketch week is over, it is always a great week and as usual, you used a wonderful sketch. Thanks for all your hard work and I can't wait for September.

Colleen said...

Awesome adaptation as always!

Bonnie said...

Another great Layout Allison !!! Thanks for all the great inspiration this week.

Jacqueline said...

Beautiful! I adore Halloween products, and it's great to see such a cute layout using the cute little trick-or-treat characters.

Sharon said...

Very cute! Thank you so much for such a fun and inspiring week. I've really enjoyed seeing your creations.

Lara said...

so great! Thanks for the week your ideas are wonderful!

Liz H said...

I need more layout ideas. This contest can't end. Thank you for the wonderful sketches.

cmw said...

Thank you for all of your inspiration. Yours is a blog I check daily and love absolutely everything you create :)

jane-e said...

Thanks for a great week of ideas Ali! And for giving us a window into your world. Your boys seem so adorable...

Mary Ann said...

You are stretching my mind again. I had never considered that a 5 X 7 is a "lost inch" from 4 X 6's. I love to use 5 X 7's, but I am afraid of them, because I feel like I can't get other pictures on my lo. Also, I love the position of the die cut and that you made your own die cut. You certainly have two cute little boys to make such beautiful pages with and you capture them in just the best poses for just the best story. In case you are unaware, I think there is a talent to taking the right pictures to tell the story you want to tell. Thank you. I am so fortunate to live near Scrapbook Generation and all of your talent. Mary Ann

Tasha said...

So very cute! I've been wanting to see a layout using that line, it's adorable!

Jamie V said...

Thanks for sharing your talent with us... I am feeling so inspired after this week.

Jennifer E. said...

Love the layout. How lucky for you to have embellishments with the same costumes as the kids...too cute!! Thanks for the tips this week. It will be a long month until Septembers Sketch Week.

Penny{scraps} G said...

I always have a fave out of your weeks and this is it! I think it's the larger photos - but it's so stinking cute! Great LO!

~ Kim ~ said...

Thanks for another fun sketch week!!

Cindy said...

Another adorable layout. Thanks for sharing.

lenore said...

So cute and thanks for another variation on the sketch and another chance to win!

Emily said...

Aww... your kids are so adorable! This is a great layout-- it's like those embellies were custom made for you.

dlhfks said...

I think this may be my favorite! I love the trick or treaters. Yours and the embellishments.

Michele's Scrapy Creations said...

so adorable!

AScrappersDelight said...

absolutely.freaking.adorable!

Melanie said...

Love this! Such a sweet Halloween page! (We are Toy Story fans too)

Raimi said...

super cute...love the Halloween line.

csewy-csescrap13 said...

Another darling layout...I love the little Halloween characters, too cute!!