Thursday, November 11, 2010

Sketch Week, Part 4

There are a lot of changes on my day four layout. It really shows that you can take what you want to use or what you have on hand and make it work.

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


Layout #2 - The Day Before

Supply list - Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned paper: Bella Blvd.; Word stickers: Creative Imaginations; Alphabets: BasicGrey (the), Imaginisce (Day), and American Crafts (before); Jewels: KaiserCraft; Chipboard stars: American Crafts and Scenic Route; Paint: Making Memories

Variation #1
Die cut papers are one of my favorite pieces to use for a large background. They add a fun, decorative touch to the page and can completely change the look of a sketch.

On my layout I didn't have a die cut patterned paper that matched the other patterned papers that I used so I made one myself. My go-to tools for doing that are stencils from Crafters Workshop. Not only is the stencil that I used a big shape but it also has a ton of other stencils and designs in the center.

One thing you might want to watch for when making your own die cut patterned papers is that they can look a little bland and flat. Most die cut patterned papers that you can buy have a frame of some sort around them. Usually it's a pattern in the middle with a solid frame or two around it. To get a similar look and to help the paper from looking flat I like to add a stitched border around the edge. You could also try brads, buttons, Memory Thread, word stickers, or ribbon as a border too.

Variation #2
I had these pictures left over from a frame that I made for Drew's room. When I order wallet prints they come with two so I'm always left with extras. The frame had mostly wallet prints so that was pretty much all I had to work with. I love wallet prints and use them often. They are great for shrinking a layout, similar what I've done with my layout today.

Shrinking a layout is also a great way to take a two-page sketch and turn it into a one-page layout. Wallets can also be a great help with that.

Variation #3
The wallet size worked well with the group of photos on the left page, but I didn't have enough to go all the way to the top and bottom edge of the layout. The problem that causes is a hole above and below the pictures between the two 1/2" strips of patterned paper on the left and right. On the sketch those two strips are arranged so that it appears that the paper goes behind that group of photos, so that was all I had to do fill the holes. Instead of using two small strips, I made a whole piece that goes behind the photos and fills in that hole above and below the pictures.

Variation #4
I had another wallet size photo that I really wanted to include on the layout. I couldn't add it to the large group of wallet photos because it was the only vertical one I had left and I would have needed two to complete that column of pictures.

My solution was to add it to the left by the title. Because I used smaller pictures I had plenty of room without cutting my title area too short.

Variation #5
On the right page I wanted to include more journaling so I used part of the space for one of the 4 x 6 photos. The only adjustment I had to make was moving the embellishment on the top over to the right of the journaling.

Variation #6
Out of all my photos I had one horizontal wallet. I thought it would work well underneath the journaling and overlapped onto the 4 x 6. There weren't any adjustments that I had to make to add that to the page. That's another thing I love about wallets, they are so easy to add to a layout and they are small enough that you can pretty much add them anywhere.

Variation #7
Instead of circles I went with chipboard stars on this layout. I also added stitching around the biggest star on the right page.

Stitching on chipboard is completely doable and really, isn't any more difficult than stitching on paper. I would recommend that when you pierce the holes that you make sure your foam board is on a hard surface. This will keep the chipboard from wrinkling when you push the piercer through.

Day four = the fourth chance to win the American Crafts and Sketches for Scrapbooking giveaway.

132 comments:

Precious Memories Scrapbooking & More said...

I like how you faced the background mat on opposite page in a different direction.... gives it visual appeal!

ScrappinKaren said...

Great ideas for using die cut papers in the background. I see so many of these papers in the stores but am never quite sure how to use them in different ways!

Anonymous said...

Love how you make the sketches work with the photos you have. Love the layout.

Linda from KS

Sue Althouse said...

Love the die cut background paper, and those adorable photos!

Anonymous said...

love the look of you die cut paper :)

Jody B. said...

The die cut paper looks great in the background. Another excellent layout.

Nicole Michelle Gray said...

what a cute layout

Heather K said...

The die cut paper really adds something to the layout, I love it.

tape said...

Love the diecut and the stitching accents!

Erin said...

I love how you used the die cut paper in a slightly different way by cutting it apart. Another great layout!

kroller said...

Love this one the most so far! Love the wallets, they're a great way to add more pics. Love the embellishments too--stitching adds so much to them!

Just Sew Sue said...

Love the stars and the stitching on the homemade die cut paper.

ruth said...

This is fantastic! I love how you did the shaped paper in the back....that in itself has just given me a ton of ideas. Thanks!

Amarilys said...

what a great idea to use the die cut paper! love the wallet size pics too!

Amy said...

Such great ideas! Love that background!

Carolyn Wolff said...

Wow, I love this variation. The background piece is amazing. You subject is pretty cute too!

LauraJ said...

So cute...love the die cut paper! I really like the grid look of the wallet sized photos together.

Mary Bez said...

I love how you used the die cut paper for the back ground, another great idea that I am going use on my own pages.

Scrapthat said...

Super cute Ali! Love your hand cut die cut paper (and of course great work on the stitching! love the color contrast!) I love the pictures, love the wallets! I really like the journal box too...just wish I could read it. Was it the day before the start of school?
So fun! TFS

Lynette Jacobs said...

Wow...this is a stunning twist to the sketch...love the shape of the mat.

Lisa C. said...

I love the die cut on this layout. It really changed up the look! Perfect for little boy layouts. And I love the stars:)

nanapatty said...

I appreciate the tips on how to stitch on chipboard. I will have to try it. Did you adhere the paper first or punch the holes and stitch it down?

Ginny H said...

Love the stitching around your background shape!

Christel said...

Love the die-cut background paper, the stars, and all the stitching. :)

Karen Fink said...

Love the wallet size pictures on this layout! Great way to get more photos on a page.

JLC said...

Wow! Another awesome variation showcasing how flexible the sketch can be.

Katrina Brockway said...

This one is my favorite so far. I love how it is less "block-y" and more organic looking. I'm a big fan of wallet-sized pictures, too, so this one is going to get lifted for sure.

AmyInKy said...

I am loving this layout, too! Great use of the stars. Cool idea to go with a "diecut" background. :)

Christina said...

So many great tips!!! Thank you!

Megan B said...

love the die cut paper and the wallet photos! Another great layout!

connie said...

Love how you did the background! I never thought to stitch on chipboard. thanks for the tips.

Bev said...

Like the stitching around the diecut paper to add a touch of red.

April said...

Wow, this looks great!!
- April W

Unknown said...

I'm always excited about new ways to work with wallet photos -- thanks, Allison!

Kristina said...

Love the die-cut! I always forget about changing up the shape of my layout by using something other than circles and squares. Very cute!

Susan said...

Great tip for stitching on chipboard! Beautiful layout.

Gio said...

This is such a lovelly Lo!!
Congrats!

Anonymous said...

I love using wallet sized photos! Thanks for the idea!

AlanaM said...

Very cute photos!!

Rebecca H. said...

Those are some great pictures!

Jade Cook said...

great LO! Love the die-cut!

Unknown said...

Very cute- I love the stars and die cut paper:-)

Unknown said...

I really like the look of the large background shape. I've always used just straight edges so I think I will try this out soon to add some interest - thanks!

Janelle H. said...

It's great to see this use of wallets - I use them alot to get more pictures on my 8.5x11 pages. I'll have to try the stitching on chipboard - thought it would be too hard but you make it sound doable!!

Miss Misi said...

Nicely done and I like the background.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for all the tips for making our own diecut papers. This one's my favorite so far this week.

Kathy R

LouAnn said...

Another great layout. Love the die cut paper and the stars. Looking forward to seeing what the guest designer has for tomorrow.

Christine said...

I'm lovin' this layout more & more everyday!

Jen said...

Love it! This adaptation seems particularly do-able to me, and I love how you used the homemade diecut paper!

Gretchen Lindsey said...

Love how you keep changing the layouts up. Great job, as usual.

Anonymous said...

Another fabulous take on the sketch. Your faux die cut paper (ie not from a manufacturer) is terrific.

Lisa G. said...

Great LO! Love the diecut. You give good ideas! ;)

debbie susee said...

Love those stripes and your hand stitching.

Anonymous said...

Very cute!!

Carol F

Tiffany said...

I love the shape paper for the background.

Yvonne said...

I love the simplicity of this layout. It is perfect for a boy pictures with vivid colors.

Cheryl said...

Awesome job, Alison! I always love sketch week!

Erica Hettwer said...

Love all the wallets in the vertical strip, very cool!

Bettyann said...

I love the simplicity of this page, and especially appreciate the hint about making your own die cut background paper. Also, the idea of using the wallets is great also. Thanks!

debbi said...

This layout is so simple but it's so appealing. Thanks for the tip about making the die cut and how to stitch on chipboard!

Karina said...

I love how the die cut paper look. Excellent layout!!!

Karina

Anonymous said...

Sure do love the die cut for the background!! I love sketch week!!

Abbey said...

Great brackets. I really should use those I have to create templates and then use them instead of hoarding them. Like how you've done it here.

Lu L. said...

Great tip about sewing on chipboard. You are just a wealth of information.

Lulo

shelley said...

Great layout!!

dawn said...

Hi Allison, this week is going so fast, can't wait to see tomorrow's new guest designer's layout.

This layout is so cute of Drew I love everything you did on it. He looks adorable in the photos too of course.

Could you do something new with this sketch next month and make a layout just like it is on the sketch without any changes. I just want to see how it would look with your papers,pictures and no changes. I hope this isn't too much trouble but sometimes I miss seeing what your photos would look like with the just the sketch. Thanks Allison.

Kelly said...

great tip for stitching on chipboard. Love those little wallet photos!

Judith said...

Love the use of the diecut for the background.

CreativeChretin said...

i love the diecut paper on this one!

Rebekah said...

Such great ideas for die cuts and wallet photos! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I love the die cut paper you used. I really need to use them more often in my LOs. I really think it helps pull everything together.
Janette H.

Laura said...

Thanks for the tip about stitching on chipboard. I was wondering about that. I also love how the journaling is in the middle of the layout - I almost always do mine on the sides and this really changes it up. Great job!

Anonymous said...

I like how you cut the background die cut and made it look longer than it is. Cool idea.

racheT said...

I'm going to have to try to use wallet size photos on my LO's. Thanks!

lesley said...

Favorite part about sketches...versatility! Thanks for sharing another great page!

Jodyjane said...

LOVE the cariatioons in this LO. Thanks for the tips on improving the flat larger patterned papers. Never thought of it. Great job

*The_Fisher_Family* said...

I just love your website and how you make one sketch into several different pages.
~Megan

Anonymous said...

Hey Ali! I just LOVE the background you made! I have not tried stitching on chipboard yet. Thanks for the tip! :)

Sharon said...

Another great layout! Thanks for all the inspiration!

Melanie said...

I like how you separated the die-cut paper! Another fabulous layout!

Tammy said...

Another fabulous variation! I love the row of wallet sizes. So fun.

Cindy Leggett said...

Love this layout. I like that you show how to adapt the sketch to the photos you have.

Unknown said...

i love this variation!

Michele's Scrapy Creations said...

love it!

Mandi said...

Love the variations and the large shaped paper!!!

Mom2TwoBoys said...

Love the layout...it doesn't hurt to have the cutest most photogenic kids either!

senora_x said...

I am totally in awe of how you can take the same sketch and make it fresh again and again! That's talent and I appreciate you sharing that with us!

scrapinbabygal said...

Love the stitched die cut pp!! I would have never thought of that!! Wonderful sketch variation!

Colleen said...

Thanks for writing how you made the background die cuts. Now off to buy a template!

wendy said...

Thanks for sharing the link to Crafters Workshop. I've never heard of them before. And I love the die cut paper you made!

Karen B said...

Thanks for the new resource! Love the layout.

MeganL said...

Love this idea...thank you so much

Merri Lynn said...

Sure wish I had the creativity to switch things up like you do. I sure do like the use of wallet photos--makes me think I need to start getting some of them printed.

Michele said...

Niiicce. Really crisp and clean. It's a tough choice, but I think this one is my fav this week, but wait! I can hardly wait to see Carolyn's layout tomorrow!

Michele

Wendy said...

This layout is so nice! I love your handmade diecut paper and your use of wallets. I like to print out wallets too. A great way to use lots of photos onto one page!

Kim M said...

I just got one of those templates from Crafters Warehouse. My friend gave it to me for my birthday. I haven't even had a chance to use it yet. Thanks for the tip on the stitching to add some dimension so it doesn't look flat. I am sooo gonna try that.

Stacy said...

I love the shape of the background paper along with the wallet size photos. Wallets are a great idea when you have lots of photos you want to use in a layout.

Kapoor's said...

Love the use of wallet size photos. Great layout.

Michelle said...

Another great LO! LOVE the stars! I absolutely LOVE this sketch! Cant wait to use it!

Anonymous said...

I really like the background on this one and aren't wallet photos the best? I can never just pick one or two or even just three pics whenever I do a photo shoot of my daughter or dogs or bunny. Wallets let me display them all in just a two page layout without it being too overwhelming. Love this layout!

Manhattan Mandie said...

Oooh, I love how you used the sketch today!!! So awesome! Love the die cut paper too!

julie.schellin said...

Another winner - thanks for sharing your wonderful layouts!

AmyBug said...

Oh this design is so neat. I like the paper you made & how you split it. The stars are a great addition & I like the stitching on the big one and the word strips on the one star at the top right.

cowie28 said...

Love the pics of Drew!! great layout with the die cut paper!

Michele Mc said...

Great layout! I think the photos are the star of this one. Love the various "poses". And the tip about sticking a border around the homemade die cut is great- would never think to do that.

Unknown said...

Liked how you used the wallet size pics. Great layout!

CodyandTraci said...

Love this version. I almost always make my own die cut paper, not because I am super talented like you, but because I have make my pages very frugal:) Thank you! Traci

Steffanie said...

I am loving this sketch more and more each day! One of my faves, for sure!

holly b said...

Another great layout! You are amazing with that sewing machine! I have a hard time sewing anything but straight lines.

Anonymous said...

I am loving this sketch and this layout. Thanks for the inspirtation
lg Manuela

Jennifer said...

I never would have thought to stitch around the homemade die cut paper like that, but it makes all the difference in the world! Thanks for sharing.

Arjanne said...

I love how you cut up that die-cut paper!

Jingle said...

This looks SO good!

Lara said...

love how you used the die cut paper. Great idea!

Unknown said...

Love how you've got the most out of the die cut paper

Anonymous said...

I love how you used a whole bunch of wallet-sized photos for this project instead of three big ones! I love that variation!

Lydia said...

Oh my! I love this layout!

Jennifer DeWolfe said...

So awesome! I am printing this so I can scraplift it tonight :)

Vanessa said...

The die cut paper looks great with this sketch!

Scrap Adikt said...

Love all those silly faces!

Teri said...

Another great layout - I really love this sketch!

Kate aka stinkydudette said...

This is one of my fave sketches!! Love the background, and stars!!

Annelies said...

Love this layout! Great pictures and you've created a real boyish look with those papers!

Arianne said...

I really {heart} this sketch!
By just changing one thing (the shape of the backgroundpaper) it's a totally different LO!

Allison Davis said...

Dolly, it was the day before kindergarten. :)

nanapatty, I paint the chipboard first, then pierced the holes and added my stitching before I attached it to the layout. :)

dawn, I can't ever predict how the layouts will turn out for Sketch Week. I let my creativity take me wherever it wants to go. I'll keep that in mind though.

Thank you everyone! :)

Penny{scraps} G said...

Super cute use of the bracket paper! Love it!

Molly said...

I, also, love the templates from Crafter's Workshop! They are just perfect! I love this layout and the variation of it with the sketch!

Samantha Taylor said...

Great LO! What adorable kids you have!

Izzy said...

Those pics made me smile. Love that you were able to include all of them.

janet said...

love this layout and how great you are adapting your pics to the sketch..love it!- as always!

Melissa said...

I really like this variation and how you doubled up the photos. It's amazing all that you can do with a sketch and how the creativity can flow.

Jen said...

I love how you used the bracket paper!!