Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Sketch Week, Day 2: with Simple Stories

Today I have a Simple Stories layout and a Simple Stories sponsored giveaway!

Yesterday was download day so if you haven't had a chance yet make sure you go grab the October free sketch at the Scrapbook Generation online store. It's the sketch that I'm using as my starting point for all the layouts this week.

Also, be sure to visit the blog links below to see more Sketch Week layouts!


 Scrapbook Generation's Free October Sketch
*Download by clicking here.


 "Stacey Chaos"


Supplies - Cardstock: Bazzill; Papers, stickers, alphabet stickers: Simple Stories, Sn@P! Everyday; Heart punch: Martha Stewart; Ink: Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink; Embroidery floss: DMC

For day two of Sketch Week I thought it would be fun to throw my Simple Stories style into the mix. As part of the Simple Stories Life Documented Team, my job is to pair the fun Pocket Pages with traditional scrapbooking. I love this way of scrapbooking! It has some very similar benefits to using sketches, I get pages done quickly while still getting to unleash my creative side.

Variation #1 - I used the one-page sketch for the left side of my layout and then a Simple Stories Pocket Page for the right side. I love stretching one-page sketches into two-page layouts and this approach, using the Pocket Pages, is by far the easiest.

Variation #2 - One the left page I eliminated the background papers and centered the grouping of photos. Here's a closer look:


I didn't have a big reason for eliminating the background paper. I just happened to lay the photos and "smile" card on the paper and liked the way it looked. I liked the white space around the photo block and decided to leave it that way, without those background pieces. It's funny how things like that can just come together. I was just sitting the pictures and card on the paper to get them out of the way!

Variation #3 - I changed the strips below the photo block a little. I extended the striped strip so that it stretches a little longer than the photo block and cut a notch at both ends. Instead of using a scallop strip I used a simple 3/4" strip.

Variation #4 - In place of the star I used a cluster of hearts, cameras, and arrows.


Variation #5 - I added a few stitched lines to two corners of the photos block.

Variation #6 - I replaced the journaling block with the "smile" card and moved my journaling to the right page.


Variation #7 - On the right page I used a Pocket Page (Design 2) made up of 4x6 pockets. Here's a closer look at the details on the right page:


Anyone who has visited my blog before knows that I love hand stitching. I love finding ways to incorporate stitching on the Sn@p! cards and do it often! I added a simple stitched border to the heart on the 3x4 card. 


I saw this 4x6 card and instantly knew that I wanted to add some small (1") pictures to it. Usually I don't work with pictures that small but I thought it would be a cute addition to the page. Most of the pictures I used on this layout are not the best quality (a big reason for why I switched them to black and white) so I had a large selection of photos that I could shrink down and use there. With them being so small the quality isn't as noticeable.


On this card I added a photo to the Polaroid and the small heart stickers with the stitched line through it.

Simple Stories Giveaway!

Today I have a special Simple Stories sponsored giveaway! I will be randomly selecting one person to win:

A Simple Stories Album (color and size choice is all yours!)



I am in love with the Faux Leather Albums and use them myself. The quality of both construction and look is fantastic. I especially love the stitching and metal accents.

The winner will also get Pocket Pages to use in their new album! 

You can see the different designs in the variety pack below (my favorite!)


I personally love the choices in the variety pack but you can also find a design you like (you can click here to see them all) and just get that one design. My favorite things about the Pocket Pages is that they are true to size and they have enough room to add dimensional embellishments. This girl loves her foam adhesive!

To be eligible for the Simple Stories giveaway, leave a comment on this post. I will randomly select a winner and announce who that is on Monday, the same day I announce the usual Sketch Week giveaways.


69 comments:

Theresa said...

Maybe I will be lucky #1!!! I love Simple Stories and would LOVE to get a new book for a December Daily!!! I haven't tried their albums yet, but I want to!!

Nancy M in NJ said...

You do such beautiful work, Allison. I love how you always have stitching on your pages, and never realized you hand stitch. Really nice :)

PamSpradlin said...

I love this way of scrapbooking. A person can put together an album so quickly. They make perfect gifts for relatives. Thank you for showing us how you put together your pages.

Ruth said...

I've already made two pages using this month's sketch and they look totally different (which I love!). They'll be appearing on my blog at the weekend.
So glad I discovered your blog!

Lori said...

I love how you paired the sketch with the pocket page - and I love all your little added touches.

Michelle said...

Another great sketch and giveaway!! Thank you!!

stace said...

I love this layout! So glad you are on the Simple Scrapbooks DT, we get the best of both worlds!

dawn said...

Allison, this is soooo cute and colorful!! I love how you mix this with scrapping. LOVE the right side and your special touches!

So happy for you and SS, works so well together!

LouAnn said...

I love all those little stitching details.

Jennifer said...

LOVE the New SS Pocket page designs

Jennifer Cowan said...

I love the SNAP albums...I have used a couple already! I was checking out the new faux leather ones in the shop this weekend, now I just need a project to buy one!

ConnieC said...

Those albums are beautiful colors.

I love that you adapted the sketch by leaving off some layers. It reminds me I don't have to follow a sketch 100%z

HeatherK said...

What a great combination of your sketch and a pocket page. Makes scrapbooking not only easy but fun. Thanks for the inspiration as always.

Joanna said...

I love how these two work together (layout and snap pages). Can't wait to try out the sketch.6

Diane said...

I love your work! Your blog provides such great inspiration. These albums look great. Thanks for the chance to win.

Cynthia Baldwin said...

These albums look fabulous! I think I need to get several teal ones for the last couple of years. :)
Thanks for the chance to win!

Shalini said...

I recently discovered Simple stories and fallen in love with the snap series after my visit at the booth at Scrapfest in Mall of America. I have tried tried their Albums yet but thats next on my list. :-) Pick me!

Lara said...

i love that you are working with SS what a great team! I also love any ideas to use the 3x4 cards outside of the pocket scrapping world. Love all that you do! Thank you!

Julie in Sweden said...

Love the different ways you altered the snap cards. I really like the little pictures added to the grid.

Anonymous said...

Love the layout with Simple Stories. I love how you use the pocket pages with traditional scrapbooking. I'm hoping to do some myself. Thanks.

Jennifer D

Marcia said...

I can't believe you fit so many tiny pictures into that spot. I like how you combined your layout and the pocket page. Bravo.

mmak said...

I love the combination of colors on these pages and I love how you used a multiple amount of photos without in being overwhelming.

Sarah said...

beautiful albums! thanks for the chance to win!

Julie B said...

Love!!

Amy Vandiver said...

I love the colors of their albums. This style of scrapping had scared me a little bit in the beginning but seeing your versions doesn't make it as bad! Love the 12x12 sheets to still add traditional scrapping.

Amy V

Laureen said...

Beautiful pages and love your tip on black and white photo for "not good" picture but still to use it!!!

LauraB said...

Thanks for another Simple Stories layout! I really enjoy seeing how you do traditional scrapbooking with the fun pocket pages that Simple Stories has to offer. I have a lot of their product and I'm slowly starting to make layouts using the pocket pages.

Jennifer said...

Love Simple Stories and your sketches have launched many a scrapbook page for me!

Michele said...

I love this style of scrapping. I need all the help I can get with getting more layouts finished. Simple Stories designs and color combos are always fantastic. Great layout as always, Allison!

dlhfks said...

I love what you do with the divided page protectors. Genius!

wteagon said...

This is so cute!! I like how you paired black and white photos with tan cardstock. That is not something I would have done and I love the look! As always, it looks great.

Unknown said...

Simple Stories just has superior products and these are no exception. Thanks for sharing your inspiring talent with us!

Kimberli said...

I love when you combine a pocket page LO with a traditional LO, it gives me hope that I can use the pocket pages even though I prefer traditional LOs! Thanks for the inspiration!

Barb S said...

What a lovely giveaway! I have been wanting to jump into combination scrapbooking so this layout gives great inspiration. Thanks!

Kris said...

Oh I would love to win and try out the new albums!!! I have been looking at starting the pocket page way of scrapbooking and have not made the move yet. Love how you incorporate the two - 12x12 page scrapbooking and pocket page!

Gina200 said...

Yay! I love simple stories and have just begun. To get into pocketed pages so would love to try this out!

Maddie @ Go Crafty said...

Love the whole idea behind pocket scrapbooking! I'm dying to try it!

KC_Stacy said...

Love the simple creativity you used here. From the "plain" page with photos to the 1" pix because they were not perfect. Great ideas to use! Also really like the variety pack. Would love to have these to put some quick pages together using your great ideas!

carol lumley said...

I am in love with simple stories pocket pages and Albums! So quick and easy and I can still Be Creative!

Unknown said...

This site makes putting a scrapbook together so easy and fun!

Lisa Gundrum said...

Love your layout! And love Simple Stories!

Angela624 said...

I seem to only be buying Simple Stories products the past few months and I'm definitely excited I made the switch. Everything is such bright and beautiful colors and I love their albums and options for page protectors. Pick me!

Juli said...

I love the idea of mixing traditional layouts with pocket pages. It satisfies my need to get things documented more quickly without abandoning the creative process of traditional layouts altogether which is why I fell in love with this hobby!

Melissa S said...

Love Simple Stories and always love what you do with their products! Thanks for the inspiration and chance to win :)

Corrina said...

Simple Stories and your sketches! Two of my must haves for scrapping. Loved when the two came together to collaborate!!

Unknown said...

I would love a chance to win. I have just recently found Simple Stories and it has change my scrapbooking life! I love it!

Jennifer Sheldon said...

I love all your sketches, but I so appreciate how you have used the Simple Stories pocket pages for those multiple picture layouts. It makes conquering those mounds of photos less intimidating! Thanks! :)

Kim M said...

Oh my, what a wonderful prize! Albums are always something that I can use more of, fingers crossed!

kimmcc69 said...

Love what you've done with the sketch to make it 2 pages and using the Sn@p album. I'd love to have one of them.

SueZee Alg said...

Your variations are wonderful. After working on PL for over 2 years, I'm also looking for new ideas to "spiff" up my albums and I will be incorporating some of your ideas right away. What a wonderful giveway. I'm making 3 albums for my DIL as Christmas presents and this giveaway would really come in handy.

Unknown said...

what a great opportunity to win with set up! I love the options you offer for this layout!

JParma said...

I love your layouts and Simple Stories, thanks for the chance to win and all the inspiration!

SarahSmiles said...

I love simple stories.

Diane said...

Beautiful work as always. I finally tried hand stitching at the last "weekends with SG" in September. What a difference it makes! Thankyou! I haven't tried simple stories just yet but would love to win and give it a try. I like the way you combine it with your traditional style.

Unknown said...

Beautiful layout. I just love Simple Stories.

mmak said...

I would absolutely love to try a Simple Stories Album. What a great giveaway!

cedwards said...

I love the stitching. Wish I could figure out how to do it!

Melissa Bell said...

Such a fun giveaway! You have helped me love Simple Stories! Just love what you've done in so many ways! I need to get my hands on this paper ASAP. Ha!

TinaGAle said...

Love happy accidents when things just fall together. You did a great job documenting the relationship and memories your boys will remember forever. Love the stitching on the heart too

ZoezMom said...

I'm such an SG sketch addict, I always look forward to sketch week! Another great sketch and love all the options of how to use it. Thanks for all your inspiration, Allison!

wendy said...

I love how you incorporate pocket pages with traditional scrapping. Thanks for the giveaway!

Janelle H. said...

Love the way you personalize your work with stitching and combine the pocket pages with traditional scrapping. I am hoping to do an album like that for a 2-week trip to Africa I just returned from! Thanks for a chance at the giveaway!

janet said...

What another great layout. I love the way you always make a sketch your 'own' by your fabulous hand stitching. You rock Allison- you truly do, and thanks for a great giveaway. I am SO anxious to see these albums up close and personal. Thanks again for all you do for Sketch Week!!!!

linda said...

I am planning to switch to Simple Stories for next year's scrapbook. I normally scrap traditional 12x12 but am hoping the switch will be less time consuming. Love the stitching on your layouts!

smcl said...

Your LO is great, I really like the camera card with the one inch photos. Thx for the chance to win! I

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