Sketch Week, Part 5

I am so very excited to introduce to you all today, Guest Designer Carolyn Wolff!

I don't think Carolyn even knows this but, she is one of the reasons why I started doing the Around the World post on my blog. I was looking through the gallery at Two Peas in a Bucket and saw a page of hers that used one of our sketches. It was so eye catching, detailed, and just all around great. How could I not share it with others? I know that you will instantly fall in love with her style, just like I did.

How long have you been scrapbooking?
I have been scrapbooking for about 9 years. I knew the minute I finished my first page that this was going to be a life long hobby for me.

Why did you start scrapbooking?
I have 3 children and I wanted to make memory albums for them. I thought when I first started that I would just do things like Christmas, birthdays, school photos, etc. I realized that each of my children did so many things that I wanted to capture. Let's just say that they have very thick albums.

What is your favorite "go-to" scrapbooking supply?
Wow, that is a tough one. I would have to say that my Vintage Photo Distress Ink is probably something I grab for each and every page. I also really like to add stitching so my needle and embroidery floss is a close second.

How often do you use sketches?
Since I discovered them I would say that I don't do a layout without them. They are the perfect starting point!

What do you love most about Scrapbook Generation's sketches?
I would have to say that my favourite part of these sketches is how they draw everything to the center of the page. I also love how they incorporate lots of photos but never make the pages feel cluttered.

What else can you tell us about yourself?
I have a soft spot in my heart for each one of my kids. They are the center of my life and they make me laugh every day. I have a super supportive husband that loves me, no matter what crazy things I get myself into. I LOVE hockey! My son Jason is a goalie and I never miss a game. We also have seasons tickets for our local OHL team and my hubby and I have a standing 'date' every Friday to attend the games.

The sketch that has been used as the starting point for all five layouts this week.

Layout #5 - This is so Cool Dude by Carolyn Wolff

Products used: Pattern papers, stickers, die-cuts - Bella Blvd; Cardstock - Bazzill; Alpha stickers - Basic Grey; Chipboard - Scrap FX & Technique Tuesday; Mist - Tattered Angels; Brads - Making Memories; Buttons - unknown; Brown ink - Ranger; Sanding tools - Basic Grey

Layout details:

• To create the patterned paper background sheet, I hand cut the border from the paper.

• I used my sewing machine to add blue stitching to the pattern paper. It helps to define the space and pop it off the white background

• I arranged the photos very similar to the sketch. I added 2 smaller prints to the 4x6 spot on page 2. I also sanded the edges of each photo to help them stand out on the dark blue background. I always mat my photos.

• For the title, I used a variety of products......chipboard, stickers, pattern papers, etc. This creates a focal point on the page that helps to describe how Jason was feeling when we were on this trip. The arrow points to the photo of the artist doing his work. Jason was so fascinated by this.

• For the other embellishment areas, I added some buttons, die-cuts, stickers etc to tie in the theme of the page. I used foam adhesive on the stickers in the lower right corner of page 2 to create some dimension on my page and help balance out the title.

• I wanted my journaling to be present, but not stand out. I chose to used white for the journaling strips, but I added the square brads to help pull some of the yellow from the photos on page 1 over to page 2.

• I applied Vintage Photo Distress Ink to all of my pattern papers, cardstock (not the dark blue), stickers, die-cuts etc. I love how it softens the entire layout and pulls everything together.

Thank you, Carolyn, for sharing your layout with us today!

Today is the fifth chance for the American Crafts and Sketches for Scrapbooking giveaway.

And...don't forget, the deadline for the December Guest Designer is Monday, November 15 and the deadline for the Scrapbook Generation Publishing Creative Team is Monday, November 22. You can read all about the Creative Team requirements here.

Have a great weekend!