Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Sketch Week, Part 2

Thank you so much for the get well wishes. I am feeling so much better this morning. And just in time for a sunny layout. Today's version of the sketch shows you how to add a fun, decorative addition to that background piece without taking the focus away from the photos.

The sketch that is the starting point for all five layouts this week.


Layout #2 - Everything About You Brightens My Life


Supply list - Brown alphabets: Doodlebug Designs, everything else is from the American Crafts City Park collection

Variation #1
If you've been reading my blog for awhile you've probably noticed that suns seem to be one of my favorite design elements to use. It's like I challenge myself to find a new way to make them.

On today's layout I made a large sun that stretches across the background block of paper. Adding a large design across a background piece can be done on most pages but there is something you might want to watch out for.

If your pictures are full of lots of bold colors you might want to stay away from such a detailed and busy design on the background. There is a possibility that your pictures will get lost in that design. Of course there are always ways to fix that by framing the photos by either adding a mat or edging the pictures with paint or ink. And, of course, there are always exceptions with certain designs or elements that will work.

On my layout the pictures contain a few colors and the pictures are very similar. The lack of color and similar pictures allowed me to easily add a bold design on the background without the need to frame my pictures or worry about them getting lost in the design.

Tips for making the sun:

• I begin by finding my starting point, which is the circle/body of the sun. Since the sun rays go underneath the circle I traced around it and then set it aside.

• I don't get too technical and worry about perfect measurements for the rays. I use a ruler and trace a slant on the patterned paper and then cut it out.

• I recommend starting with a few bigger rays and attaching them first. Then you can go back and fill in the holes with smaller strips of paper and hand stitching.

• When you are going across two pages you'll need to make two different rays so that the whole design stretches across. I make the largest one first and then lay a ruler next to it extending past the side that I will be extending on the page. You'll do this on both the top and bottom of that side. Then you trace line and cut the ray out.

Variation #2
I had a lot more photos that I wanted to include on this layout than what the sketch called for. An easy fix for that problem is to use multiple smaller photos in place of a large photo. I ended up using two 3 x 4 photos in place of each 6 x 4 photo on the left page. This is the easiest way to use smaller prints for a larger photo, by cutting the large size in half and cropping two smaller photos. The two smaller photos still make up the same 6 x 4 size as the larger photo did.

Variation #3
While I'm on the subject of photos, on the right page I used another smaller photo in place of one of the 4 x 6 photos. Today's reason, however, is different from yesterday's. I only had one vertical 4 x 6 with this group of pictures. If I wanted to include another photo, like on the sketch, then I was going to have to use a horizontal. Using the full horizontal 4 x 6 would have covered more of the paper than I wanted and this photo was a perfect one for cropping down. It had a lot of empty space that I could easily crop out of the photo.

Variation #4
One of the good things about using a smaller photo on the right page is that it left me with more space for my journaling. I used journaling strips instead of journaling directly onto the background as it is on the sketch. With the design (and yesterday's) the journaling would have been lost in all the papers and colors. Journaling strips where an easy solution to make sure my story stood out.

Variation #5
While I did keep one of my embellishments as a circle, the other two are different.

The circle embellishment on the left page acts as the center of my sun. I used an American Crafts felt embellishment for the center and then added circles of patterned paper underneath it.


For the remaining two embellishments on the right page I used more American Crafts felt embellishments and added patterned paper behind them. The hardest part about such a bold design on a page is making sure that everything else on the page stands out against it. The added patterned paper to the felt embellishments helped them to stand out more since I would add ink to the edges of the paper.

Day two means is your second chance for the American Crafts and Sketches for Scrapbooking Giveaway.

160 comments:

Tiffany said...

I love the sun! So great and something I never think about using. Thanks for the ideas.

Jody B. said...

Love that sun. Glad you are feeling better today!

ruth said...

I love how you are creating your background papers this week! :)

dawn said...

Happy to hear your feeling better. Amazing layout and the sun is amazing too. Love the chubby cheeks.

Ginny H said...

I love this happy LO!

Tammy said...

Glad you are feeling better today! I love you "sun" elements! And the hand stitching. I've been pushing myself to do more hand stitching. Love the look! :)

April said...

What a super idea!!! Thanks so much for the great inspiration. :)
- April W

Anonymous said...

Wow, simply amazing! So glad you are feeling better.

Christina Hoffman

Aphra Bolyer said...

LOVE those sun rays! Such a great way to use a variety of patterns. Glad you're feeling more sunny, too!

Sue Althouse said...

Love those chubby cheeks and your paper design! Glad to hear you are feeling better.

nanapatty said...

This layout just brightens my day and makes me smile. Glad you highlighted those sweet cheeks.

Erin said...

I love that you used so many small photos and it doesn't look crowded! Wonderful variation!

Heather K said...

This is a beautiful layout, and I love that you pointed out how you use an element over and over. It is good to know other scrappers have their favorite elements.

Katrina said...

I love the sun background! Looks like a great way to use up left-over paper scraps. Very cute.

kfqamie said...

This is more detailed than I usually do but I've inspired me to try this sun layout!! Cant wait till nap time:)

Nicole said...

I am going to have to try all these handmade creative ideas that you give us. Another great sun!! Love it!

Scrapthat said...

II love how you made the very center of the sun overlap the pics...it adds to the fact that it is a sun...makes it stand out more!
Love those chubby little cheeks and I love your cloud and hot air balloon embellies! TFS...super cute Ali!

Rachel said...

What a gorgeous sun! That baby has the cutest cheeks!

Melissa said...

This layout is adorable! I love to see the variations you do of your own sketches...so inspiring. I own all of your sketch books and absolutely could not live without them! (:

Laura J said...

Love it, the sun is so cute! I really like how you incorporated so many photos of your cute little guy!

tape said...

What a fun page! :)

connie said...

Love the sun and lots of photo's.

Miss Misi said...

Adorable!

Kara said...

I LOVE this, and those photos are just adorable! Cute LO AND kid!

Nicole Michelle Gray said...

What a cute layout love it.

Lu L. said...

Your explanations and instructions are so easy to understand. You have no idea how much that helps!!

Lulo

carissaH said...

Gorgeous. I love it! Your son is adorable too!

MeganL said...

I was so excited that you put in some tips for how to do the sun. I am wanting to try it. Great Layout!!

Tully Family said...

Love to win- thanks!

Steffanie said...

What a fun layout! Love the rays of sunshine!

Robin W. said...

The mix of patterned paper for the sun is perfect; the photos are too cute!!

Megan B said...

LOVE those sun rays you created and glad to hear you are feeling better!

Luv2talk said...

This is neat, but too hard/complicated/involved for me to try to lift. It's a great twist, but just beyond my mad SB skillz. :)

Bev said...

Love how you used the close up pictures. Your boys are so adorable.

Karen Fink said...

So bright and cheerful. Great interpretation of the sketch!

Shelly said...

This sun is awesome. I think I can copy this one. It'll make a great layout for the summer.

Unknown said...

Wow, how amazing is that sun?! Not sure I could make it look as good as you did but I'll definitely give it a try...

Janelle H. said...

Love all your ideas for creating the backgrounds this week!

Anonymous said...

Love the Sun! And your instructions make it sound so easy to do. Would love some American Crafts products to work with.
Thanks.. Lori H.

Anonymous said...

I love the Sun, what a great idea!! Glad you are feeling better today!!

Amy said...

Love that background! I can never coordinate patterned paper like that even when I use the same brand, it always looks like a mess...

LouAnn said...

Glad to hear that you are feeling better today.

What a fun background. Thanks for the tips so I can make my own sun.

Yvonne said...

Thanks for teaching us how to use all those bright beautiful papers without lettin the photos get lost.

Erica Hettwer said...

That sun is awesome! How cool that you can do so much with just that one section behind the photos. :)

Sarah Harwood said...

I really like the felt embelishments. I like how you show different ways to adapt your pictures to the sketch.

kroller said...

Love this layout!!! love mixing the titles and those rays!
Amy

mmspiker said...

It seems so complicated to make the background, yet the whole design seems so clean and simple. Don't know how you do it.

JLC said...

Your variations always enlighten me! Visualizing the subtle alternations is so inspiring.

AmyInKy said...

Oh my...your creativity just amazes me. I am in love with that sun background!!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the how-to for the sun background! Love those felt embellies and those sweet photos. That hot air balloon is perfect beside the photo of the little sweetie being held up in the air!

Crystal said...

Thank you for the awesome tips! Great layout and your pictures are NOT lost that is amazing!

CreativeChretin said...

gotta love those cute chubby checks! I bet you just wanna kiss those all day!

Jen said...

Adorable! Such a fun LO, and I love your sunshine!

Anonymous said...

Love all the yellows......my favorite color!

Carol F

KarlaW said...

Very creative layout!

julie.schellin said...

Your layout is lovely, but your little boy's face just MAKES MY DAY! Thanks for sharing!

Michele Mc said...

Glad you're feeling better. How could that sweet face AND the bright layout not make one happy? Love the various patterns, colors and textures that you used for the rays. You always continue to challenge us (me!) to step out of our comfort zone.

Lovely!

Cindy R. said...

Thanks for the awesome tutorial on making the sun.

Michele's Scrapy Creations said...

love it!

Precious Memories Scrapbooking & More said...

loving the brightness of this lo... your son has the best cheeks!!! I thought my son had edible cheecks but your son has him beat! Gosh is he a doll! Thanks for the tut on the sun, I will have to try it out!

Kelly said...

oh my, I lOVE that sun background! The stitching detail really adds a lot!

Mom2TwoBoys said...

Can't wait to give this a try. Love the design and details. Thanks for sharing!

Christel said...

What a cheerful layout. Love it! Glad to hear you are starting to feel better too. :)

tampatha said...

this is a great layout! I love that the sun spreads its rays through the whole layout!
-Tammy

Unknown said...

I've always wanted to try a page like this. Your step-by-step instructions give me the bosst of confidence I need to do it! I can't wait to try! :)

Laura said...

I am so glad you are explaining how to do the sun! I have wanted to do the sun but did not know how. Thanks!

Joanne said...

What a fabulous way to change up the background! Great layout:)
Joanne xo

Manhattan Mandie said...

This layout is so sweet!

judybob3 said...

cute, cute, cute!! Going to have to do this one!! :)

Jade Cook said...

love how you got so many pics on the LO!

likearose said...

I've admired your sunshine layouts at the store but have been afraid to make one because it looks so fancy. Thanks for all the tips! Now I'm ready to give it a try.

Kapoor's said...

Love how you made the sun! It is one I am going to have to try for sure.

Judith said...

Love your sunshine. The rays are a great way to alter the layout.

lesley said...

I'm always amazed at how adding stitching to a layout jazzes it up so much. A technique I'm dying to try!

Catherine Chiarino said...

Such a neat idea!

Anonymous said...

Love your sun design. May have to scraplift this one since my grandson loves the sun and the moon.

Kathy R

Veronica said...

The sun is great, I always love layouts are done with the "rays", The stiching really brings it out as well.

shelley said...

I love this layout,you also have a layout at the store with a sun using pictures i believe, that I also love.

Wendy said...

Such a fun, bright and happy layout! I've always wanted to do a sun like that but am so intimidated! Thanks for the how to!

D said...

Fabulous sketch. Love how it allows for both vertical and horizontal pictures.

Merri Lynn said...

Cute little guy and great layout. I am liking how you are switching out the backgrounds--not just a big piece of paper.

Scrappy Jean said...

As always an intriguing sketch for inspiration.

Anonymous said...

Too cute! I like all the different patterns mixed together and the hand stitching. I myself am stuck on butterflies and swirls. LOL. :)

dlhfks said...

I think this may be my all time favorite!! Your creativity amazes me.

Kristina said...

Love the button! I have some and always forget to use them! Good job, as always!

Anonymous said...

Great layout! Looks like a lot of work, but super cute! Robin P.

Sharon said...

Wow! Love the layout! The sun looks awesome!

Lisa C. said...

Wow - awesome layout!! What a cutie:)

Mandy said...

Aww this is awesome! Love yours suns!

Mandi said...

Love seeing your sunny layout on a dark and rainy day like this!

*The_Fisher_Family* said...

I love this one and that lil one is so darn cute! Cant wait to see what else you come up with.
Thanks again
fisher05-at-live-dot-com
Megan

Teri said...

Again, great layout! I love seeing the variety of ways you use your sketches. And I'm coveting the American Crafts giveaway!
barrows.t-at-gmail-dot-com

Cindy Leggett said...

You are so creative. Thanks for sharing your talent with the rest of us scrappers.

KarenB said...

Jackson is so adorable! I love how your sketches really highlight your photos.

Holly said...

love the bright colors and all the different fonts!

Jennifer said...

Glad you're feeling better. I love that sunshine and those adorable pics!

Anonymous said...

Love:

title
explanations for variations
the sun
stitching
baby face of little "Jackson"
the layout

Linda from KS

Kim M said...

I love the big sun. I am so glad you posted all your tips for creating them. I have tried before and it didn't come out very well.

Stacy said...

This layout is great! He is too cute!

Anonymous said...

I'm new to your blog. The guest designer, Carolyn, told me about your site. I absolutely /love/ them, and I'm completely hooked on the sketches!

Sunny

AmyBug said...

Oh the rays are great & the added stitching gives it more depth. I love the little cloud & balloon - so cute!!!

MaryBez said...

The sun rays are so cute.....you never cease to surprise me with the variations you come up with.

Michele said...

What a cutie! Very nice LO ... I'm blown away by your creativity!
So bright and sunny!

Michele

Unknown said...

Super cute, bright and fun:-)

Anonymous said...

Wow this LO puts a smile on my face. Not just from the awesome sun background you created but the adorable baby that I just want to squeeze his cheeks.
The sun design is giving me an idea for a LO I am working on. Thanks Allison!

senora_x said...

I recently tried my hand at a layout with sun rays as I was inspired by another similar layout you've done and it is harder than it looks! This is gorgeous!

Marcia said...

Love the colors and the sunny uplifting design.

ScrapyTiff said...

I love the sun rays! Absolutely in my scrap-lift file!

Laura said...

I really love your sun idea and how you mixed pattern paper with cardstock and then stitched too. Looks so good! Thanks for another great layout!

JodyJane said...

Just wonderful! And look at that face! What a sweetie!

Lisa G. said...

I just love how the photo's and the sun fit...they don't take away from each other! Your stitching is just the right touch too! Awesome...again! ;)

Unknown said...

Wow! You put so much detail into your layouts. How long does it take you to do one 2-pager? It would take me forever!

csewy-csescrap13 said...

Love your "Everything about you" layout, the photos are darling!!! Great stitching!

Lynette Jacobs said...

You are such an incredible inspiration. Today I want to sit down and try my hand at this sketch. I love this particular take on your sketch...I love how happy the rays of sunshine make me feel.

Tammy said...

oh my gosh I absolutely love the sun rays, that is awesome! And those baby pics are too stinkin' cute!

Anonymous said...

oh i love the rays! wonderful :)

Hannah Clark said...

Ooooo, I love that sun! I can't wait to try it!

Karina said...

I'm glad that you are feeling better today !!!

LOVE that Sun !!!

Karina

Allison Davis said...

M, on average I would say an hour to three hours. I can usually speed through a layout quickly when I'm using a sketch. Most of the time when I spend a long amount of time on a layout it's because I over think things. :)

Melanie said...

Fantastic layout...love the sun!

cowie28 said...

These pics of your son are soooo cute!! Glad to hear you are feeling better.

scrapinbabygal said...

Wow- 1 to 3 hours thats impressive for all the amazing detail you put into your 2pgers!

Love all the rays here!! Its stunning!

Kate aka stinkydudette said...

Love the details!!

Arjanne said...

Love your title with all the different fonts!

janet said...

what a wonderful layout, just fantastic work. I continue to be inspired! Thanks so much for sharing and all the wonderful instructions!

CodyandTraci said...

I can not wait to try this! Love it. Thank you, Traci

Amy13 said...

Oh, those chubby cheeks are so cute! Love the sun background. I am in awe at how quickly you can produce these layouts! Will you be offering lessons on efficiency anytime soon?

Therese said...

I absolutely love the sun!! I also add suns in any way I can to many layouts. Great sketch to be able to play with.

Linda E said...

I love how you created the sun! It really changes up the sketch!

Rebekah said...

LOve the sun!

debbie susee said...

Love all the detail in your layojts.

Abbey said...

Did my own take last night and will try to share soon.

Jennifer DeWolfe said...

Oh my goodness that sun is too cute and so is your son! I also love the different font and colors of the title it really draws in the eye!

kimmcc69 said...

I think the design of making it look like rays of sunlight is the perfect touch for this layout. Great job.

Unknown said...

i like how you made your own background paper - varied the paper at angels and stitched on it as well. they way you used the the patterned paper gives it new life!!

Laura Stewart said...

love the page!

Scrapgirl3 said...

a sick day is a day to lay in bed and think of layout ideas!

Scrapgirl3 said...

Sorry, I know I can't post twice on the same day, but I wanted to add that the sunshine you do is my favorite thing since I sing the song "You are My Sunshine" to my children every night before bed. I have saved all of your layouts that include it so I can scraplift it for use on their pages!

Barbara Ferguson said...

LOVE, LOVE that sun, all the piecing, and your stitching! Wonderful layout to showcase those darling pics!

Susan said...

What a cute baby! Great layout!

holly b said...

I love your sun and rays!

ScrappinKaren said...

Love, love, love the layout! The combination of papers to make the sun and background are great!

Carolyn Wolff said...

Your background is brilliant!

Christina said...

Glad you are feeling better-love this layout!

Anonymous said...

I would never have thought to make such a bold design like that sun for the background. I'm going to have to give that a try!

wendy said...

Love the mixture of papers that make up the sun!

Michelle said...

Love the collage on the left side page. The colors are perfect and the sun is adorable!

Lara said...

Love how the sun is fit into the square shapes. Very creative and I think I will need to do that on my boating pages.! Thanks as always for your wonderful ideas!

Unknown said...

I really really love the sun burst on this layout, must give this a go

Anonymous said...

Love love love that sunburst! I've seen designs with them before and they seem so intimidating, but with these directions, maybe I'll try 'em out!

Stephanie said...

the sun rays are so, so cool!

Lydia said...

This layout is my favorite of them all. The sun and all its pieces and stitching is so awesome! Thanks for the inspiration!

Vanessa said...

Beautiful layout! So happy to have discovered this blog. Great inspiration!!!

Scrap Adikt said...

I love this lo!! The layering and sun are awesome!!!

Annelies said...

What a work to create that background, but it looks gorgeous!

Arianne said...

Wow, those rays of sun are awesome!

Allison Davis said...

Lisa, I sing that to my boys too. I have since the day Drew was born. Maybe that's why I like making suns so much. :)

Molly said...

I am loving all of the different patterned papers you used! Just genius!

Izzy said...

Love this happy page and pp combo.

Jen said...

Love this sketch!!!