Sketch #19

I've been teaching myself how to create layouts and sketches using Photoshop Elements 5.0.

This 2 page layout can display 7 photos, ranging in size from wallet-size to 4x6. The embellishments needed are 7 buttons and patterned ribbon. The tile is made by using the digital font, A Damn Mess. To recreate this title in traditional scrapbooking:

1. Place stickers on your background paper
2. Next use acrylic paint to paint over top of the stickers
3. Then before the paint dries, remove the stickers.
   

Tip: Try adding the thread to your buttons and adhering them to your layout using glue dots. It's much easier than sewing the buttons directly onto your layout.

If you use my sketch, please send me your layout for posting here. I really love to see your creations.

Happy scrappin'
Colleen

Sketch #18

3 photos fit on this 12x12 layout - the largest is 8 x 10.

Share your completed layouts; email them to me and I will post them for you.

Enjoy,
Colleen

Sketch #17

This 5-photo, 12x12 sketch takes advantage of the latest trend in embellishments - washers. Washers come in a wide variety
of sizes and can be customized by using acrylic paint, ink, rub-ons, or adhering paper.

The font I used for the title of this sketch is ball.

When I designed this layout, I had photos that feature water or bubbles in mind.

Happy 4th of July!

Colleen

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

Getting Your Work Published

If you want to have your work published, there are some tricks that can tip the scales in your favor.

1. Start with a great design (one that matches the magazine's or website's style).
2. Pick only the best photos to include in your layout.
3. Create a layout based on the publication's current call(s). There's a big list available here.
   
4. As you create your layout; keep a list of all tools, templates, supplies and techniques used. The publishers usually will not publish layouts without this information.
   
5. Take a really great photo of your layout. Using a Portable Lighting Studio is a great option. It's low cost and when paired with a digital camera, it makes online submission a snap. The alternative is to scan your layout then submit it.
6. Finally, have a good attitude. The publishers may really like your layout, but want you to redo the layout before they'll use it. A change in colors, use of a specific paper line or less/more embellishments are just some of the changes that may be requested.

ttfn,
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