Saturday Sketch

This 5-photo, 2-page layout was created using a digital kit. Don't despair if you are a traditional scrapper. This layout is easily duplicated when broken into steps.

1. Start with a solid background paper.
2. Cut large paisleys or crescent moons from patterned paper and adhere to the background paper.
3. Trim the 5-photos to size.
4. Using a large circle punch or Coluzzle circle template, cut a half circle from each of the two end photos as shown.
5. Adhere photos to pages.
6. Adhere ribbon so that it overlaps both the paper and photos.
   
7. Pierce the middle of each felt or paper circles (as well as the paper where the embellishment will go) and insert a large brad (or a button) through all layers and splay the back the back of the brads to secure.
8. On a slightly larger circle of felt or paper, add your layout title and journaling.
   Adhere to layout.
9. The final touch is a coordinating frame adhered over the main photo to highlight your subject.
   

Digital kit: Rainy Day Sunday Add-On, designed and copyrighted by Amy Bleser. See yesterday's Friday Freebie to grab this kit for free.

Please send me your completed layouts. I helps keep me motivated to create these sketches each week.

All the Best,
Colleen

Saturday Sketch

To created your finished layout using this sketch:

1. Start with a dark cardstock.
2. Trim 1" from two sides of an 12x12 light monochromatic patterned paper (one that looks solid when seen at a distance). Using a corner rounder punch, trim each corner. Adhere to the cardstock.
   
3. Cut a circle from patterned paper. Cut the circle in half.
   
4. Trim three photos into diamond shapes of the same size.
   
5. Test placement of photos and half circles on layout. Once happy, adhere to background paper (adhering the half circles first, then the photos.)
6. Add a large title as shown.
7. Place brads, buttons, flowers or other embellishments in each of the four corners.
8. Finish by journaling.
   

Happy Scrapping!,
Colleen

Saturday Sketch

I know I said I was going to only sketch in grey scale from now on and avoid using digital kits, but I couldn't resist this one. 10 photos of varying sizes fit on this double layout.

The two journaling blocks are created through the use of Hand Drawn Journaling Panels acrylic stamps by Autumn Leaves.

Pattern Paper, ribbons and bows all from No Room for Grey kit by retrodiva (Tracy Collins) www.retrodiva.net.

Remember to post your completed layouts at our google group.

Happy Scrapping!
Colleen

The Thursday Review

Thursdays at For the Love of Scrap include reviews of products, books, magazines, stores, and all things related to scrapbooking and papercrafting.

Up for review this week is Scrapbook Page Maps by Becky Fleck.
Let me start out by saying I wish I had written this book. This is the best scrapbooking book I have purchased to date (let's just say I have a few).

So what exactly makes this book so great? First, the book's construction. The book is spiral bond, so it lays flat when open. But, unlike most spiral bound books, the publishers were smart enough to cover the spiral binding with a hard cover. This way when the book is on a shelf, you can still find the book by looking at its spine. Also, unprotected spiral binding tends to snag itself on objects. The books pages are printed full-color on glossy paper.

Second, the books sketches or page maps (60 in total) vary in size and orientation. They include: 12x12 single, 12x12 double, 8 1/2x11 vertical, 8 1/2x11 horizontal and 8 1/2x11 double. In addition, each sketch is accompanied by no less than two full-color sample layouts.

Third, along with the details of how the sample layout was created, each page contains "tip," "give it a try" and/or "eye spy" boxes. The "tip" boxes give advice, such as "For added dimension, double up photo anchors one on top of the other and attach with a brad." The "give it a try" boxes provide step-by-step photos demonstrating a scrapbooking technique, such as how to create a title block that looks like granite. The "eye spy" boxes draw your attention to details contained in the sample layouts that you may not have noticed, such as "Connie used the negative piece left over from popping the 'Y' out of the nested chipboard letter and backed it with patterned paper."

Lastly, the most unique and arguably the best part of this book is the deck of sketch cards that is included. The cards and card box are located at the back of the book. All you do is punch out the cards and box. The box is easily assembled by folding on the pre-scored lines and taping shut one side. The cards, just like the book, are full-color. One side of each card contains the sketch and the other contains a sample layout along with a materials list needed to recreate the layout. The cards are the size of children's playing cards and are coated, thus perfect for bringing to a crop or shopping.

So, is there anything I don't like about this book? Yep. I don't know when or if a sequel will be published.

This book is perfect for the novice scrapper to the seasoned scrapbooker.

Rating: $$$ out of $$$
$ = Not worth the money.
$$ = I wouldn't pay full price, but definitely pick it up when on sale.
$$$ = Don't wait, buy it now!

Happy scrappin',
Colleen

Saturday Sketch - Sketch #32

Saturdays at For the Love of Scrap are for sharing my original sketches.

So, without further ado, here is sketch 32.

Please remember to upload your completed layouts on our Google Group website here.

ttfn,
Colleen

What's New Wednesday

Wednesdays at For the Love of Scrap are for sharing what's new in the world of scrapbooking.

Today's find is a set of acrylic stamps Boy Zahn's Life by Little Yellow Bicycle. This set is targeted at the crafter with boys. This doesn't apply to me. I have all girls. Though, it didn't prevent me from buying this set. I loved the 'Top 10 List' and the large arrow that says 'check this out.' It will work perfectly with my Sketch #29. With the exception of the 'boy' stamp, I think the rest are fairly unisex.

I also love that for those of you who are journalphobic, the 'top 10 list' and circle journal box are perfect. Just stamp the image and write on the lines. No worries that your lines aren't straight or that you don't have enough to say to fill the space. Just write a few quick lines and you're off to your next layout.

It's rare to find a great 'boy' stamp set. But, this is one of them. I'd love to see what you've created using this stamp set. Please feel free to post your creations on our Google Group here.

Happy Scrappin',
Colleen

Sketch #30

Another 2-page layout for you to try. The large photos are 4x6 and the circular photos are roughly 2-inches across.

If you would like the .psd file of this layout, all you have to do is post a comment about this layout and email me at colleen@colleenmulder-seward.com.

Of course, your finished layout is always welcome here. So, email it to me. I love to see what you talented scrappers can do!

All the best,
Colleen

Sketch #28

Here's sketch #28. A 5-photo layout inspired by...dare I say it?...a spam message. Normally, nothing is more annoying to me than junk messages in my email inbox, but one actually gave me pause before I hit the delete key.

Sketches should provide you with inspiration. Feel free to inject your own personality into my design. Turn the stars into flowers, hearts or skulls (whatever you're into). If you can't stand straight lines, then tilt some or all the photos and tear the paper edges. Your scrapbook should be a reflection of who you are.

I welcome your comments. Please send me a .jpg of or link to your completed layout using any of my sketches and I'll be sure to give you the accolades you deserve.

All the best,
Colleen

Sketch #26 Update

I will be the featured SATURDAY SKETCH ARTIST at http://sisterhoodofscrap.blogspot.com on May 10th. So, you'll just have to wait for Sketch #26 until then. I promise it's worth the wait.

Sketch #27

I haven't made a blog entry since November. I can't believe it. I've been teaching myself Photoshop Elements. I've been using digital kits to create the last several sketches. This took me hours to create each sketch. I'm going to try sketching in gray tones going forward. I should be able to give you a sketch a week this way.

As always, if you use my sketch, please send me a link to where it's posted or send me a .jpg file of your creation and I'll post it here. My email address is colleen@colleenmulder-seward.com.

PS You might be wondering why I skipped sketch #26. I've submitted it for consideration at another blog site for their Saturday Sketch. I'll keep you updated.

ttfn,
Colleen

Sketch #24

Believe it or not, this layout was inspired from a scene in Ugly Betty. Like I revealed in my earlier post, my inspiration comes from everywhere.

I think this sketch is reminiscent of a French bulletin board with a file folder tucked under its ribbons.

Please send me your creations. I just love it when you share them with me.

Credits

Papers: ©2005-2006 Atomic Cupcake Springy collection. www.atomiccupcake.com.
Embellishments:
- Brads and tab ©2005-2006 Atomic Cupcake Springy collection. www.atomiccupcake.com.
- Ribbon is my creation.
Font:
The King and Queen

NOTE: All the Atomic Cupcake items are available as a free download on their website.

Until next time,
Colleen

Inspiration Journal

Have you ever wondered what my secret is for creating my unusual sketches? I'm ready to share; but only with you, no telling anyone else. ;o) I keep an inspiration journal.

I'm always on the lookout for scrapbooking ideas. Where do I find inspiration? Everywhere. Magazines, newspapers, catalogs or even junk mail and spam can hold a treasure just waiting to be scraplifted. Also, look at music album covers, video covers and billboards. Advertisements are wonderful to use. Why? They usually include a photo, headline (title) and a blurb (journaling).

But, don't just look for complete layout ideas. Also look for color combinations you like and designs that could be translated to your background paper or embellishments.

I cut the item out and stick it in my journal. So, whenever I need a creative kick-in-the-pants, it's there waiting for me.

Here are the step-by-step instructions to make an inspiration journal just like mine:
1. Buy a spiral notebook or composition book.
2. If using a spiral notebook (like I did) use a permanent marker to color the edges and spine of the notebook.
3. Place white cardstock on your work surface and place your notebook on top. Trace around the notebook with a pencil.
4. Cut the cardstock along the pencil line you drew.
5. Stamp the cardstock using black Colorbox pigment ink using the script writing stamp from Fancy Pants' Bella Brush stamp set.
6. Next, stamp the vine using Fancy Pants' Bella Brush stamp set and red Colorbox pigment ink .
7. Stamp the flowers using both size 8-petal flowers in the Fancy Pants' Bella Brush stamp set and the red Colorbox pigment ink .
8. Outline the vine and each flower using a black pen. Also, use the pen to add a center to each flower.
9. Ink the edges of the background paper with red Colorbox pigment ink .
10. Cut a large circle out of red cardstock using Coluzzle's large circle template. To get just the edge of the circle, you cut the paper using the last channel of the Coluzzle template, then without moving the template, cut a second circle using the template channel that is three channels from the channel you just used.
11. Using white stickers, spell your title for your journal cover (i.e. Inspiration) and place the stickers on an empty sticker backing sheet. Using StazOn ink stamp the stickers using another of the stamps from the Fancy Pants' Bella Brush stamp set.
12. Using the Dots All Around template from The Crafters Workshop, mark every other hole for the spacing of the letter of the title. Place each sticker on the appropriate mark.
13. Glue your stickered circle to the background paper.
14. Glue your cover to the notebook's cover.
15. Tie some ribbon to the spiral spine of the notebook.
16. Start filling your notebook with inspiration!

I hope I have inspired you.

Colleen

Member Layout based on Sketch #23

Kathy posted this layout in the digitalfreebies.com gallery based on my sketch #23 (and gave permission to post it here as well).

The layout looks great, Kathy. Who can resist saying "aww" with this ultra-cute subject? ;o)

You can be like Kathy. Post your layouts using my sketches and send me the link or email me at colleen@colleenmulder-seward.com.

Have a fab weekend,
Colleen

Sketch #21

This sketch holds two 4" x 5 1/2" photos. The top outside corners of the photos should be rounded to match the rounding of the orange paper [I just couldn't figure out how to do it using PhotoShop Elements.]

Credits
Papers: March Free{Pea} Digital Kit
©2006 Anne Langpap
www.twopeasinabucket.com
Embellishments: March Free{Pea} Digital Kit
©2006 Anne Langpap
www.twopeasinabucket.com
Font: New Day

If you use my sketch, please send me the link where you have it posted or email it to me directly. I love seeing your creations.

All the best,
Colleen

Sketch #20

The long wait is over. Here is another new sketch to help kick start your creativity. My design can hold eight photos.

Tip: Did you know that you can substitute multiple smaller photos in place of a large one without sacrificing the integrity of the design? The same goes for converting multiply smaller photos into a larger one. In this sketch, the two wallet-sized photos could become a 4"x6" instead. One of the 4"x6" photos on the bottom, could be changed to two wallet-sized photos.

This sketch was created using Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0.

Credits:

Papers: Evening in the Garden by Lisa Carter www.digitalscrapbookplace.com
Embellishments: Thankful by Janel Kretsch www.thedigishoppe.com
Font: decadence

Please let me know if you post a layout to any other website based on one of my sketches. I love seeing your creations!

All the best,
Colleen
colleen@colleenmulder-seward.com

Sketch #16

This patriotic sketch is just begging for your 4th of July and military photos.

Change the colors to:

• olive green, khaki and tan for an Army layout.
• blue, gray and chrome for an Air Force layout.
• blue and gold for an Navy layout
• scarlet, gray and gold for an Marine layout.

The font I used in this sketch is Bodie MF. You could make this font without the aid of a computer by cutting block letters using Coluzzle Alphabet Template, a small star punch and a ribbon punch. The stars could be made of paper (using a large star punch, a Coluzzle star template, a star embosser), chipboard
or stickers


Stitching and/or journaling belong around the perimeter of the background and the focal photo.

I can't wait to see your work!

Happy scrapping,
Colleen

Member Layout based on Sketch #12

For the Love of Scrap member, Cindy, completed this digital layout based on my sketch #12 and the Verona Gardens digital kit by Rick Evans for Scrapadilly.net. What a fabulous layout! Thanks for sharing it with all of us, Cindy. ^_^

Sketch #15

This 12x12 layout is infused with African design. Two 4"x6" photos are designed to be showcased in this layout. Once the photos are cropped into trapezoidal shape and stacked on to of each other, they resemble an African drum. The font used is African. The sun is easily made using a small circle and 8 small triangles.

This layout would work well with zoo or safari photos. It would also be great with African heritage photos. If you change the colors to bright primary colors, then it could be used for kids eating Popsicles, riding bikes or on-the-go in the summer.

I can't wait to see your completed layouts. ^_^

All the best,
Colleen

Sketch #14

This 2-page, 12x12 sketch's free-form background is created by cutting patterned paper using a flexible curve and an X-Acto knife. Just create a shape that pleases you and cut away.

The font I used for the title and subtitle is glitter. You can create a similar font using large alphabet stickers (Making Memories Chunky Alphabet Letters) and 3 different sized hole punches (1/16", 1/8", and 1/4").

The only embellishments are 6 brads (2 of each color).

Enjoy,
Colleen

Member Layout based on Sketch #4

For the Love of Scrap member, Judy B, completed this layout based on my sketch #4. What a fun and colorful layout Judy has created! Thanks for sharing it with all of us, Judy. :o)