Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Sketch Week - A Peek into the Process

Wanna see how Sketch Week comes together? I thought it might be fun to show you. Plus I'll be spilling a few of the secrets I had in store for next week.

First up, the sponsor for August Sketch Week is...My Mind's Eye! I was thrilled that they wanted to sponsor and was beyond shocked at what they are giving away. Take a look at this!


And you can't even see everything! This prize package includes one of everything from their newest collections debuted at CHA this past July. There are beautiful papers, stamps, brads, buttons, ribbon, die cuts, stickers, chipboard... Believe me it's a ton of stuff. I've been debating over this giveaway and thought that I would ask you to give your opinion. Would you like it all to be one big giveaway, or maybe split into three medium giveaways?

The first thing I do when it comes to Sketch Week preparation is pick a sketch. I know this might sound a little backwards since most people start with their pictures and then find a sketch to fit the number of photos they have. However, have you ever tried to pick out five sets of photos that fit one sketch. It would take forever! I find for this circumstance it's a lot easier to pick the sketch first and then find the photos to fit them.

Picking the sketch is probably the hardest part of Sketch Week. Especially this week. Since I have used a sketch out of each volume of Sketches for Scrapbooking I won't be using the books anymore. Starting this month Sketch Week will be a new, never before seen sketch. Before, I would know which volume I was going to use and had 30 sketches to choose from. This month, since I'm using my personal sketch book, I had about 200 to choose from.


It was so hard to narrow it down!

After I have the sketch picked I sit down in front of the computer and start picking out my pictures.


Like I said earlier, this might sound a little backwards to you. I encourage you to try it! You might be surprised at how easy it is. The beauty of sketches is that you can adapt them to fit the photos you have. Since the purpose of sketch week is to show you how to add variations to a sketch and to get multiple uses out of them, this is an easy part. I couldn't image how long it would take if I were trying to find the exact pictures on the sketch for all five layouts.

After I have my photos picked and printed I pick out the papers and embellishments that I might use and package them into "kits". This way when I finish one layout I can clean up my mess and then immediately start in on the next layout.


This week was a little different though. Since My Mind's Eye was so generous I'm using their papers and embellishments on each layout.

When it comes to creating the layout I start first by laying the photos out on the page without adhering them.


This is so I can get an idea of where I want certain pictures to go. Usually I have a favorite photo of the bunch that I want to be the focal photo. I try to make sure and have it somewhere in the center of the layout.

Once I have my photo placement figured out I start cutting papers and laying them out where I want them to go. I'm one of those scrapbookers that will not adhere anything down until I am positive that I like how it is all arranged. Sometimes this can take a while but most times since the sketch has done all the hard work this is a quick process.

Some things I do watch for during this part of the layout is the colors arrangement. I'm careful, and sometimes a little OCD, about have a variety of colors and patterns. I don't place a red pattern next to another red pattern and try to get a good variety of colors from the patterned papers. Or I might not I use two of similar patterns next to each other. Of course this doesn't happen on every layout, it's not a rule for myself, just a suggestion. Wow, I didn't realize just how OCD that makes me sound until I read it again.

The last step of the layout, at this point, is adding all the details. This is my favorite part.


I find three areas on the layout, the sketch usually already has these areas, for my embellishments. I'm sure you've heard about creating a visual triangle on your layout. Doing this helps to balance the layout and I usually place the embellishments in a way to kind of frame my layout to keep the focus on everything within that triangle.

I had to share this set of ribbon.


I was so excited to see that along the top there is embroidery floss! And it's multi-colored with black and cream. Of course I had to use it!

After I've added the embellishments I move on to the title and the journaling. Sometimes, if I'm struggling with that part, I set it aside and come back to it later. This layout was easy since I used a die cut from My Mind's Eye for the title and I already knew the direction I wanted my journaling to take.

The very last thing is to sit back and look at the layout as a whole. I love that feeling of a completed layout! Of course with Sketch Week I don't have much time to soak that feeling up because as soon as I'm done with one I move onto the next. Don't take that last sentence as disappointment, I love every second of the process!

Don't forget to tell me which you would like, one big giveaway or three medium giveaways. :)

102 comments:

AndreaFriebus said...

Really interesting to see your process!! I think I'd prefer 3 medium giveaways (make 3 people happy instead of one) and that giveaway is just awesome!!

Sue Althouse said...

Great post! I love to read and see how others scrapbook. I think I'd go with the 3 medium giveaways. No need to be greedy! :)

Aubree said...

If I win, I want one big giveaway LOL --- since I can't be assured that, I vote for 3 medium giveaways. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Allison, this is my first post but I've been lurking around for the past few weeks (not in a creepy way, tho'LOL!). 3 giveaways would be nice but since I'm new, I'd rather leave that up to the regulars. I just think it's so cool that you have a give away. Love, love, love your blog. You are so freakin' talented!

ruth said...

I agree.....3 giveaways sounds like a better option.

BTW.......I'm lovin' book #6! :)

Erica Hettwer said...

I think splitting them up is more fun. :)

Lara said...

Wowza Thanks to MME for being so generous. I think 3 give aways would be great more chance to win.

AmyInKy said...

Although I'd love to win one big package, my chances of winning would be greater with three prizes. So, I vote for 3!

Heather said...

I vote for 3- gives more people to enjoy those beautiful products.
And a new never before seen sketch- can't wait for that.
Heather

Scrapthat said...

Less work for you and more prize for the person would probably be easiest for you at least, would be all in one shot.
I would hope to have horseshoes up my kilt on this one since I LOVE MME but unlikely. :(
Still I can't wait to see what you do with them and when they eventually show up here in Canada I will have some ideas! :)
Can't wait for the week to begin!! :)
Dolly

Tiffany G. said...

I would love 3 medium giveaways! It would be so great for three people to get their hand on that awesome prize!

Sheila said...

I say SHARE THE LOVE! 3 giveaways and I hope I'm 1 Winner! ☺

Christel said...

Thank you for sharing your sketch week process. I look forward to sketch week using your personal sketches. I agree with everyone else that 3 giveaways would be more fun. :)

Marcia S said...

Interesting to read about your thought process. I vote for 3 medium prizes to share the wealth.

julie.schellin said...

3 medium...share the love! :)It's fun to get a peek into your process.

Mary Bez said...

Thanks for sharing your process! I agree with everyone else, 3 medium prizes....more chances to win....some day I will be lucky.

Amy Powell said...

Since MME is one of my faves, I vote for 3 giveaways...better chances of winning!!!

Christa Allgood said...

3 medium....better chances to win!

Unknown said...

I enjoyed seeing your process:)
And, can I just say "HOLY MOLY" at the amount of goodies! I personally would like to see it split up for selfish reasons(more chances to perhaps win:)

AmyBug said...

As soon as I read one of every collection I thought to myself - each collection would be awesome to win. I say split it up for more winners. MME is my favorite! I'm so happy they sponsored you. I can't wait to see what you have done with it & have a chance to win. Formerly Amy in TX (finally got a google account!)

Carmen Hall said...

I love your explanation on how you do your sketch week. I pretty much do the same but I alter my skech to to fit my photos, and yes it does take a little longer sometimes ;) I would be so happy to win this givaway and MME is my absolute fav!! So I say One BIG givaway! Due to have my baby anyday now so I hope I don't forget about monday. I've been waiting on this!! LOL

CodyandTraci said...

I love love LOVE My Minds Eye. With that in mind, my answer is a bit selfish. If I knew that I was going to win I would say one big give away, But because I do not know for sure, I would say 3 fabulous give aways would be best.(more chances for me to win at least one.)

shelley said...

I vote for 3 giveaways. Thanks for all the info on your process to making great layouts

reen said...

Thanks for the "peek". I'm looking forward to seeing your layouts. And, I have to say, "I WANT IT!" The peek at MME makes me want to shop!

Unknown said...

I vote for 3 as well- more chances and more winners:-)

Anonymous said...

thanks for the little peek :) ... i think everyone so far wants 3, so i think you have it alread!

Precious Memories Scrapbooking & More said...

You way doesn't sound weird at all, I do the same thing. I file my fav pics according to the # in a grouping. I pic a sketch and depending on the # of photos that sketch calls for I go to my little filing system and pick a group of photos that I want to scrap. My problem is picking colors and patterns that match each other. It takes me forever to scrap one page...UGH thats why I am so far behing.

As for the giveaway, I say three smaller giveaways, better odds for me LOL! Thanks for the chance to win. Great sketches, tips & techniques that you share. I just found your blog a like a week ago & have not had a chance to really look around yet, but I will. :0)

Kelly said...

Thanks for sharing your process! I love MME! It's one of my all-time favorites! I have always loved their little frames!

I agree with other posters, share the booty and give out smaller prizes. (;

Amy from KC said...

I'm a big fan of MME, have been since before the giveaway news. I love how they have changed up their web site so that it is easier to view their collections.

I think that there are plenty of goodies to share between 3 people. More happiness to pass around. It would be a thrilling treat to get just one collection!

LOVE reading about your process, and LOVE LOVE getting a tiny glimpse into your personal sketch book. Wow and amazing sum it up, I guess. Happy Wednesday!

nanapatty said...

I am looking forward to next week's new sketch and also love MME. Add me to the long list of those who choose 3 goody bags instead of just 1. Thanks.

dawn said...

Hi allison,

i'm so excited aobut everything here. i love love these pictures of drew. sorry for any misspells i have to hurry only have 15 mts on the computer at this library kids are waiting their turn. i had to read this so fast so i think you want to know to divide the prize i say yes make more people happy. thank you for showing us your process will read again when more time. have to miss sketch week next week compter still down could be ahwile to fix no extra money to fix because of school but desperatly want to take that class but with no computer at home for now i can't take is there any way i can take it later when computer up and working and i have the money maybe a extension on the time limit. just cheking because i would love to learn more. ok my times up two boys waiting right behind me. i so miss my computer and can't even get emails on this comptuer either. hope to talk soon. tell your mom i love all her posts for the SG blog, i read them fast too.

Anonymous said...

oh definately split 3 ways...gotta spread the love lol

I think i lay out my pages and photos like you Allison...glad to see that i am not the only "OCD type" person when it comes to this.

I have really enjoyed seeing your monthly layouts.
theresa loewen
taber,AB , Canada

Scrapbook Generation said...

I've seen all the stuff, and I wouldn't call it three medium prizes, I'd call it three LARGE prizes! It's a ton of products! -- MOM

Colleen said...

Wow, the sponsor this month is awesome. I agree that you should do three.

Carolyn Wolff said...

Thanks for sharing your creative process with us Allison! It is always nice to get into the head of a designer.

I vote for 3 'large' prizes, as MOM said! Share the love, spread the goodies around.

Can't wait to see your creations.

wendy said...

Oh, split up the My Minds Eye fun for three lucky people! Can't wait for sketch week!

Berta said...

OK, if I were to win, I would like to win all three of course ;)
But splitting it in to three makes for three happy scrappers! :)

Berta said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tasha said...

Definitely split the giveaway into three. The more people you can make happy the better.
Thanks for the peek into your process. And especially the peek into your personal sketches. They are awesome!

Kim M said...

Ugh, this is third time I have tried to leave a comment. My computer hates me, lol..

Anyway, I would go with three mediums, share the love. Thanks for showing us your creative process.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing how you prepare your layouts. I can't wait to see the finished layout. I still think embellishments are hard.

I vote for 3 winners.

Linda from KS

Unknown said...

I vote for 3 medium giveaways so 3 people will be happy instead of just 1. Plus it gives me more chances to win....ha! Thanks for even doing sketch week - with as much as you've had going on lately I was worried you would cancel it!

Michelle Dorland said...

I say three giveaways! :) But what do I know.

Anonymous said...

What a great giveaway! How about splitting the super stash into the various collections and giving it away that way? The more winners, the merrier!

Looking forward to seeing your completed layout. Thanks for sharing your process!

K in PA

Anonymous said...

Ali, thanks for sharing your process with all of us. I look forward to checking your blog for any new ideas that might be helpful to me. You just amaze me with all the little details that you put into your layouts. I love all of your work and the fact that you're nice enough to share your ideas with all of us. I'm so excited to try it out your process and to see the final layout of Drew in Sketch Week!

P.S. Whomever wins is going to be one lucky lady or guy! I would go crazy with all of those MME products.


Thanks again Ali,

Christina Hoffman

Anonymous said...

I love the sketch weeks. Thanks for the peek into your creative process. I vote for three winners. Share the love.

Laura said...

I think 3 would be great!It looks like there is plenty to share and make 3 very happy scrappers! Thank you for sharing your sketches and how you prepare.

Allison Davis said...

So it looks like we are going with three. I'm glad! It is such a huge giveaway that I'm all about spreadin' the MME love around! :)

Theresa Grdina said...

I like the idea of 3 medium giveaways!! Share the LOVE!!!!! Thanks Ali AND MME!!!!

Theresa Grdina
TJGRDINA3@aol.com

Precious Memories Scrapbooking & More said...

I had to come back and tell you I had a chance to poke around your blog I went as far back as 1/09... your blog is great, there is alot of great info on how to change up the same sketch to get different looks, but I have to say I think my fav post is when your son said that he was going to ask for scrapbooking stuff & that he was sure to get it because you don't share - I almost pee'd my pants. "Out of the mouths of babes"!!! Sounds just like my 5 year old daughter. too funny!
ps: Jackson has the most delish looking cheeks ~ I would munch on them all the time.
You have beautiful children.
Are your sketch books going to make it into the big craft stores, such as AC Moore, Michaels or Joannes? (those are the ones around me) I don't have many small scrap stores around me ~ central/south NJ. Thanks for all you share. ~ Staci

Anonymous said...

3 medium giveaway!

Ashley L.

Anonymous said...

I have to agree...3 medium giveaways.

~Julie V.

Barbara Ferguson said...

Three sounds like a fabulous number!!

Anonymous said...

When you select photos, do you print them yourself or have them printed? I know there are 2x2 and 3x3 photos. Most of my photos are close up so I am wondering how you get the different sizes?

Sonya said...

Spread the joy... 3 medium giveaways!

Anonymous said...

i think 3 giveaways would be fun!
lOri R

Kristina said...

3 giveaways would be great ... share the wealth! I would love to see your personal sketch book! Just from what I can see in your picture ... it looks amazing! I wish I was that creative!

CathQuillScrap said...

Oh it's so nice to see how someone else approaches their sketches.... I tend to do it either way.... sometimes it's photos first then sketch and other times it's sketch first and then photos (especially for the DT work I do)... can't wait to see what you've done this month.
Also think 3 giveaways is nice... spread it all around.

Wendy said...

I agree, 3 giveaways to spread the wealth! I can't wait to see your new sketch!

Amy13 said...

Three!

aroller said...

Ali,
I love love the sneak peek into how you do your layouts..you are so creative, it makes me just want to run to my scrap room right now! The page your working on looks so good can't wait to see it on MON. Your sketch book is also so professional...loved the peek at that too. I can't wait for the MME giveaway!!!I would love to have all that in my stash but agree that we all have a better chance at it w/3 giveaways. Thank you and MME soo much!!

Anonymous said...

I love the 3 giveaway idea! 3 people will be thrilled!

Michele Mc said...

First things first - I would say 3 separate prizes. Share the fun!

Thanks for sharing your thought proceses. Since using your sketches, I have found that it is actually easier for me to start with the sketch (with a general idea of how many photos I want to use) and then pick the photos. This means I am scrapping a little more randomly, but I'm having fun with that. Scrapping what I feel like, when I feel like it. You mention OCD - I think the nice thing about using the sketches is that it allows for more time to obsess over the really fun stuff - like which products to use and where. So I say the only therapy needed for this disorder, is scrap therapy! OCD is good in this case. :)

Looking forward to Sketch Week! I was away last week so if it had been this week, I probably wouldn't have been able to spend as much time poring over the details as I normally like to.

anet said...

I found this post so helpful! Thanks for the insight.
I agree, 3 prizes.

Debbie. Cornish said...

I like how you walk through your process. I have tried a few to start with a sketch but I keep falling back to my old process. I just need to keep watching your site and trying more.
3 prizes would be great and thanks to My Mind's Eye for being so generous.

Ginny H said...

Beautiful stuff! I vote for 3 prizes.

Anonymous said...

Although winning one big giant prize would be fun, I think three medium prizes makes three people happy instead of one. Share the fun!

Paula M

laterg8r said...

3 med giveaways :D

love to hear how others scrap, tfs your process :D

Robin W. said...

I think it would be nice to split it up and give more people a chance to win. I loved hearing about your process; thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

3 people would be lucky if you do 3 medium giveaways!! I say share the wealth!!
Shannon W.

Steffanie said...

Love sketch week! And so exciting that you will be using never-before-seen sketches! Yay! Thanks for sharing your creative process. I think 3 giveaways gives more people a chance to win. Have a great week!

Melanie said...

I love sketch and I'm excited that you are continuing to do it...plus a never seen before sketch!!!!

My vote is split the prize so there are 3 lucky people :)

Unknown said...

I vote for three! Gee...I hope it's me! :)

Luv2talk said...

I vote for 3, if you're still even taking votes. LOL

Thanks for a peek into the 'process'. I'm sorta hoping that's what the DVD will do too:)

Looking forward to the week and the MME! LOVE THEM BOTH!

Raimi said...

I love to see how others create.
My vote is for 3 medium give aways. It might better my odds :-).

Marla said...

Loved to see your creative process. I would like 3 medium giveaways so there is more winners and chances!!

melissa said...

oh definitely big!! bigger is better, right??

dawn said...

Hi Allison,

I'm back at the library again and reading your post again. I agree with the 3 prize giveaway. That's is so nice of them do so much for us fans. I love all their papers. Can't wait for sketch week but can only see it whenever I make it too library. My computer will be at least $100 to repair so we will have to wait awhile. It's going to drive me crazy on Monday morning when I can't see your sketch which looks good so far. Thanks again for showing us your process. I love that you showed us your sketchbook and really like them. Have a great weekend.

Jennifer said...

How nice of MME to donate so much stuff! Love seeing your process and can't wait to see the whole layout. I'd split up the goodies and have 3 winners.

cowie28 said...

I have never won before...so having 3 giveaways will increase my chances :)

LeAnne Smith said...

Hi Allison! Thanks so much for letting us behind the scenes. I especially loved reading your thought process...so many times I over think it all and it can become a chore to make a page. Glad to see that you struggle to at times & just come back to it.

Thanks for sharing the MME goodies! I totally think it should be split between three winners to increase (my) odds of winning but just in case...I'm calling the store today to order some of these beautiful products! LOL!!

Anonymous said...

You are so kind to share your process with us. It was a very interesting and informative read. As to the split of the goodies, well your wonderful readers are clearly telling you exactly what I would say too: split the prize into 3, and thanks to MME for their generosity.
Janice

Penny said...

I vote for 3 give aways - share the love! Enjoyed reading how you do lay-outs. Now, if I just had your brain!

Cheryl said...

Regardless of what you choose to do with the prize(s), I just wanted to let you know that your blog is awesome. I love how you share your creative process with your readers and give all of us so many great ideas! Thank you!

Melanie said...

Love to see your process. I think a 3-way split would be fun so there were more winners :)

EmmaJ said...

I think it is always better when you can make more people smile at once- 3 giveaways.

Stella said...

I love that you shared your "creative process" with us! It makes me think about how I can use something similar to streamline my scrapbooking.

I agree- 3 giveaways makes more people smile!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your process! I sometimes find a sketch first and then pick the pictures, if I love the sketch! I say 3 giveaways so everyone can have some scrappy love!!

Samantha Taylor said...

ooh, I LOVE MME, it's going to be a GREAT sketch week!

Stacy said...

Wow! Thats a lot of stuff! I think 3 winners would be more fun!

Manhattan Mandie said...

Wow! What a fantastic prize!!! MME is awesome!!!! I'm going to have to play along this week for sure! Since it seems to be the minority I will give a vote to ONE BIG PRIZE! That's motivation enough for me to play :)

chebella designs said...

I love MME! 3 prizes sounds good to me! Love your sketches!

Linda Gilliam said...

SUPER sketch Ali, I love the fact that you are sharing with us how you set up and DO the layouts!
I think (3)medium giveaways would be more fun, more people can share the wealth!
Thank you SO much for the opportunity to win, I love the new goodies!

Roberta said...

Great tips that I'm going to try. Love MME too.

Sassy said...

Three medium giveaways sound the best way to give more of us a chance to win. It was great of MME to donate as much as they did.
Thanks for all the tips!

csewy-csescrap13 said...

Thanks for all of the wonderful tips!! Three medium giveaways sounds good to me!! Thanks!!

cropinsue said...

I love your sketch books! The new Mind's Eye collections if fantastic!

Allison Davis said...

Precious Memories Scrapbooking & More, that is one of my favorite posts too! Kids say the funniest things! Right now our books aren't available in any of the large chain stores you mentioned. That doesn't mean they won't be in the future since we are in talks with a few you mentioned. :)

Anonymous, I always have my photos printed. I do have a photo printer but just find it's easier for me to let someone else to that part. As far as the smaller prints I usually order a few wallet prints to use for small photos like 2 x 2s. Wallet prints are a great way to use smaller sized photos without cropping out too much of the photo. I'm like you, I take a lot of my photos up close. With wallets it's like a mini 4 x 6! :)

Michele Mc, I couldn't agree with you more about OCD and sketches! :)

Cheryl, thank you so much! :)

Manhattan Mandie, your comment reminds me of my husband...you've got to bet big if you want to win big. :)

Dawn, I hope you get the computer issues fixed soon. It's never fun to have something we rely on broken. :)

Mary Pat Siehl said...

i love the idea of 3 winners. love your layout. always interesting to see the process from other people.

Alana M said...

I love all the red and the goodies look wonderful.

Celeste B. said...

Thanks for sharing your creative process.

Any kind of giveaway would be awesome.

dlhfks said...

You never disappoint!! I love this sketch!!