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!

Katrina Hunt

Jennifer Larson

Ashley Horton

 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.