by Tami Taylor

It finally started feeling like winter here in Vegas, and then it started feeling like too much winter!

Even after living here for six years, I am surprised at how cold it gets.  I know it’s not as cold as most places, and it’s not unexpectedly snowy like the recent Washington weather my friend Ami endured, but 40 degree winters after 120 degree summers is cold.

Then, we were surprised with a great weather day on Martin Luther King’s birthday; it hit the mid-sixties and was as sunny as the day was long.  Add in the free entry to all National Parks and it was a win-win!  I took the boys and their new Nikons on a photo walk to Red Rock Canyon and tried to teach them a little about photography.  It was wonderful to get outdoors and I loved that we all had a common goal: get some great photos.

Here’s how my month looked:

Are you ready to get this past month scrapbooked?  Here’s the sketch:

Click here to download the zipped psd file

Click here to download the pdf file

Get Ready for Next Month

Here the “By the numbers” sheet to help you keep track of the month:

Click here to download the By the Numbers pdf.

Want just the “Dozen Things” list?  Click here.

Tami Taylor writes for Get It Scrapped!, teaches at Masterful Scrapbook Design and runs the new site for creative classes Creative Passion. She is the mom of a big family. Her favorite escapes are trying new recipes, scrapbooking, and all things TV and cinema. To learn more about Tami check out her blog, The Taylor Life.

 

Related posts:

1. Scrapbooking Your Photos “One Month at a Time” in 2012
2. One Month at a Time – January 2011
3. One Month at a Time: Prompts for Scrapbooking January

With any pattern combinations try to use: a mix of large and small scale prints, prints that vary in their density (i.e., how closely the motifs are placed), and colors that work together. You're not looking for a 50-50 balance, but, rather, one that goes by the "gallon-quart-pint" rule.

by Debbie Hodge

Since antiquity, patterns have been incorporated into tiles, linens, rugs, wallpaper, dishes, upholstery, clothing, and more. Pattern and texture are wonderful tools for adding interest to scrapbook pages, especially when they’re mixed well.

You’ll find patterned papers for scrapbooking in four types–and these same four types are prevalent in decorating. These are:

• floral,
• geometric
• motif, and
• pictorial

Floral Patterns

With floral patterns, the print contains–you got it: flowers!  Floral patterns come in a wide range of styles that work with many page topics. Four pages with floral prints follow. Notice how different the styling of the floral prints is on each. Notice, also, that three of the pages include two floral prints that contrast in color, scale, or density while still having commonalities in styling.

mix common styling with differences in scale

On “Oh Happy Day” I used two floral patterned papers. Their styling has a tropical feel and they work well with outdoor photos.

The background canvas includes large floral motifs in two tones placed in a seemingly random pattern. A large block of a red-on-white floral print backs up the photo. This print features a smaller motif placed in a repeating pattern. While the prints vary in color, scale, and density, they are united by the tropical flower motif in each.

"Oh Happy Day" by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Collageables No. 04 and No 1, Thin Chip Alphabet: Red, Basic Paper Alphabet: Beige, Basic Paper Alphabet: Yellow, Coastal Element Pack, Flossy Stitches: Red, Journaling Strip Masks, Vintage Photo Frames No. 24 by Katie Pertiet; Summer Sunset Distressed Add-on Paper Pack, Glitter Thread Stitches by Lynn Grieveson

mix colorful florals with tone-on-tone florals

The floral prints on “H” are more formal and remind me of vintage wallpaper. In limited doses, they are great for at-home photos taken in the living room.

The motif on each is a small scale, but the print with yellows and greens is less densely placed that the blue-on-white backing it up. Ledger paper and a damask tone-on-tone print mix well with the eye-catching florals.

"H" by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: 7:30pm, 2:00pm by Amy Wolff; Retrospect 365, Retrospect 365 Tags, Medley Borders 1, Medley Borders 2 by QuirkyTwerp; Mellow by Lynne-Marie; Just Juicy by Lynn Grieveson; Brad Bonanza 3 by Pattie Knox; Flossy Stitches Brown by Katie Pertiet; Goldrush, Traveling Typewriter fonts

mix themed florals

The floral prints on “Fair Day” are bold and holiday-themed, and small blocks complete a blocked composition. One print includes vintage and realistically-styled poinsettias while the other print includes smaller and more playfully styled flowers.

"Fair Day" by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Kitschy Christmas by Sahlin Studio and Jenn Barrette; Stitch Medley Borders by Quirky Twerp; Torn and Tattered Scallop Strips by Anna Aspnes

mix florals with abstract motifs

Florals will mix with any motif when you pay attention to color, scale, and density.

On “Embroider Me,” the title sits on a delicate floral print, and a band of a larger-scale abstract motif print spans the width of the page.

Embroider Me by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Sweet Storytelling by Sahlin Studio; Flair Box 3, Popup Studio Brushes by Paula Kesselring; Antoinnette by Shannon Hegarty; Stitch Medley by Quirky Twerp; In Distress Spring by Lynn Grieveson; Etc by Polka Dot Pixels; Westchester by One Little Bird; Homespun Stitches by Kitschy Digitals; Storytelling Alpha 2 by Amanda Heimann; Just LInens 1 by Maplebrook Studio; Felix Titling, Jane Austen, Traveling Typewriter fonts

Geometric Patterns

Geometric patterns are based upon pure forms of the circle, rectangle, triangle and other basic shapes. Striped, checked, plaid, and polka dot prints are classic patterns that abound and are a part of many coordinated paper collections and are so

Blocked designs offer a great opportunity for using patterned paper. Several of the blocks on “Thanksgiving Moments” are filled with coordinating geometric prints including: circles filled with stripes, a multi-colored vertical stripe, and a tone-on-tone diagonal stripe. The result is a modern and bold page.

"Thanksgiving Moments" by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Oak Tree by Sarah Gleason; Autumn Moon Elements by Sahlin Studios; Journey Back by Vinnie Pearce; Pea Olson font

geometrics are good “mixers”

Because geometrics are usually “meaning neutral,” they mix will with other prints.  On “Our Road” a tone-on-tone stripe patterned is layered with a formal floral print and a map print.

"Our Road" by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Our Road by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Photobooth Kit by Paislee Press; Hinge Pack by Katie Pertiet; Woodgrain Alpha, Color Set 2 Labels by Crystal Wilkerson; Stitched by Anna Borders Brown No 1 by Anna Aspnes; Westover Kit by One Little Bird; Krafted Leaves by Lynn Grieveson; Courier New font.

use geometrics to set tone and evoke mood

While stripes, dots, and checks may be meaning neutral, they are not tone-neutral. Consider how largish white dots on a bright color might look clean and lively, while small white dots on a jewel-toned dark color will look more formal.

The multi-colored pastel dots on the print on “Hello Sweet Boy” are playful and light, perfect for a page about a new baby.

"Hello Sweet Boy" by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Stitched by Anna Cream, Art Palette Play Out, Multilayered Fotoblendz by Anna Aspnes; Between the Lines Alpha, Basic Paper Alpha Teal by Katie Pertiet; Pearl Borders by Pattie Knox; All About Me Kit by The Digichick Collaboration; Ripped and Stitched No 4, In Distress Textured Covers by Lynn Grieveson

use stripes to manipulate space and guide the eye

Vertical stripes will add energy and height (and a formal tone) while horizontal stripes guide the eye across the page horizontally and create a more restful tone.

The radiating (and widening) stripes on “Double-Nickel Birthday” give the page energy and guide the eye right into the page’s focal point photo.

"The Double-Nickel Birthday" by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Lemonade Stand by Taylor Made; Artplay Palette Rockstar by Anna Aspnes; Fall Fun Kit, Vintage Photo Frames No 26 by Katie Pertiet; Epic Kit by One Little Bird, Biograffiti, Paislee Press; Warm October Kit by Lynn Grieveson; Messy Slab Alpha by Cathy Zielske; Kreased Transfers by Anna Aspnes; La Belle Vie Kit, Westover Kit by One Little Bird; Photobooth Kit by Paislee Press

Motif (representational)

In visual arts a motif refers to an image, often repeated but not necessarily. There are two types of motifs: representational and abstract. The image in a representational motif is something that you recognize from the world around you: shells, clouds, stars–even airplanes and words.

Use representational motifs to support page theme and to create overall unity on the page.

straight-forward meaning with representational motif

The sheet-music print on “Jazzed” is a great complement to a page of photos from a band concert. Using themed or obvious images can immediately cue the viewer to the page subject.

"Jazzed" by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Krafty Canvas No 1, Words and Pictures Christmas, Pine Letter Box Brushes and Stamps, Vintage Frames No 1 by Katie Pertiet; December Dawn by Lauren Ried; Just Linens No 1 by Maplebrook Studios; Silver Glitter Alpha Number Set 1 by Anna Aspnes; Rustic Christmas by Fruit Loop Sally; Stitch Medley Borders by Quirky Twerp.

images can evoke abstract associations

I chose the airplane print on “Beauty of Life” to represent the idea of “flying high,” of being happy and moving forward.

"Beauty of Life" by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Hello Beautiful Brushes and Stamps by Ali Edwards; Stitched by Anna White No. 01 Anna Aspnes; Boys Toys Paper Pack, Feeling Good Paper Pack by Jesse Edwards; Brad Bonanza No. 03: Digital Fasteners by Pattie Knox; Gator Crossing Solids Paper Pack, Lil Bit Tags, Be Buttoned: Harvest, Scallop Strip Masks by Katie Pertiet

 text prints are representational motifs

Because the photo on “Pre-Party” wasn’t obviously from Christmas time, I used a text print with Christmas words and motifs.

"Pre-Party" by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Joyful by Cinzia, Edgers 2 by Amy Martin, Holly Plume Overlays 1 by Anna Aspnes; Glitter Thread Stitches, Glitter Thread Stitches 2 by Lynn Grieveson; Christmas Memories Element Pack by Katie Pertiet; Well Read Elements by Sugarplum Paperie

Motif (abstract)

Abstract motif designs are based on geometrically formed shapes, and they’ve been prevalent in carpets, tilework, and architecture for thousands of years.

While “Turn on the Lights” is a page with outdoor photos, the subject is a power outage. The background pattern is abstract motif that reminds me of home decor and that worked well with the chandelier embellishment. Notice the mix with a geometric striped print as accent.

"Turn on the Lights" by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Stitched by Anna White No. 01 by Anna Aspnes; Winter Blues Paper Pack by Jesse Edwards; Home Handyman Element Set by Lynn Grieveson; Chance of Flurries: Glittered Tinsel Snowflakes, Epoxy Extravaganza: Everyday Things, Beaded Directives by Pattie Knox; Eilon Kit, Bling Alphabet: Silver by Michelle Martin; Adalicia Element Pack, Scallop Strip Masks, Classic Cardstock: Winter Park by Katie Pertiet

“Cookie Walk” includes just one patterned paper, an abstract motif resembling a pinwheel or the design you’d find on peppermint candies. Notice the patterns IN the photos: there’s the geometric pattern of the stained glass windows and the floral print of the tablecloths. The three different prints mix well.

"Cookie Walk" by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Christmas Village Kit, Krafty Canvas no 1, Chipboard Alpha White by Katie Pertiet; Masana Script font

Pictorial (scenic)

Oh, how I remember rooms wallpapered with summer country scenes – in blues and whites. My parents’ bedroom and the dining room at my aunt and uncle’s home had such scenes.

The “pictorial” pattern is similar to the representational motif–but scenic.

In interior decorating these scenic papers and textiles can anchor a style to  a particular era and culture.

What about in scrapbooking? I have a large stack of patterned papers with retro images, beach scenes, maps and more that I’ve been collecting for many years. Can’t resist buying them. Can’t seem to use many of them.

On “We Love the Sunny Days of Summer” I used a pictorial print of a tropical beach in very small doses, peeking out from torn corners, to support page theme.

"Sunny Days of Summer" by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Red Beach Kit, Totally Trashed and Windswept Paper Pack, Ashby Kit, Glitter Thread Stitches by Lynn Grieveson; Summer Rocks Brushes and Stamps by Ali Edwards; Artistry de Blanco Element Pack, Rimmed Framers No. 01, Flossy Stitches: White, Library Card Collection: Basics by Katie Pertiet; In the Swim Kit by Pattie Knox; Just Linens Paper Pack No. 01 by Maplebrook Studios

Use motifs as fun decorations, as cues to your subject, and even as triggers for associations that can be used to deepen meaning. At Masterful Scrabook Design scrapbook page designers Amber Ries, Melanie Grimes, Vee Jennings, Francine Clouden and Cindy Liebel share ideas and how-tos for making the most of motifs on your scrapbook pages. $12.50 gets you 5 webinars (with recordings), 40+ page pdf idea book, articles and more. Click here to subscribe and grab it before February 20th, when prices are going up.

Related posts:

1. What’s Your Motif? 10 Ideas for Using Timeless Patterns on Your Scrapbook Pages
2. The 4 Patterns that Make Mixing Scrapbook Papers a Snap
3. Basic supplies for digital scrapbooking

• For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.  ~Judy Garland
• Love is the only game in which two people can play and both can win. ~Eva Gabor

Wordart by Amy Kingsford

 Download PNG file for your use on your digital scrapbook pages

Download PDF to print out and use on your paper scrapbook pages

• Take my hand, take my whole life too, but I can’t help falling in love with you.  ~Elvis Presley
• Do all things with love. ~Og Mandino
• Gravitation s not responsible for people falling in love. ~Albert Einstein
• Love conquers all. ~Virgil
• Tis better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.  ~Alfred Lord Tennyson
• Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a teardrop. ~Anonymous
• All you need is love, love. Love is all you need.  ~The Beatles
• Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye. ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Related posts:

1. Quotations and Word Art for Scrapbooking Spring
2. Quotations and Word Art for Scrapbooking Summer Pages
3. Quotations and Word Art for Scrapbooking Graduation

by Debbie Hodge

What do you do when you want to get lots of photos onto your single-page layout AND you’ve got a good bit of journaling to add? Here are 4 ideas for pulling it off –even when you think there isn’t any room.

1. Use longer text lines

Longer text lines can be harder for your viewer to read — but if you’ve got limited space and a story to tell, go ahead and fill a “strip” on your page with journaling.

In keeping with the shaped cluster design of “As Evening Touched the Leaves,” I tucked a strip of paper with journaling beneath the left edge of the cluster.

As Evening Touched the Leaves by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Contessa Paper Pack by Jesse Edwards; Just Linens Paper Pack No. 01, Aaron Solids Paper Pack, Just Linens Paper Pack No. 02 by Maplebrook Studios; Filed Photo Frames No. 04, Nana’s Buttons No. 02 by Katie Pertiet; Today Mini Stitched Tags by Ali Edwards; Stitched by Anna White No. 01 by Anna Aspnes; Fasten Its! No. 03 by Pattie Knox; Worn Photo Edges. Worn Edges Mixed by Lynn Grieveson; Title is from poem by William Stafford

2. Use shorter text lines

Got a border but don’t want to use long text lines? Don’t want to turn things 90 degrees? Use shorter text lines and fit it in.

Since the border that could house my journaling on “Afternoon on the River” sat to the left on my photoblock, I decided to right-align the journaling. This strengthened the line along the left side of the photoblock, and it avoided a very jagged and long piece of white space between journaling and photo block.

Afternoon on the River by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Interlude, Westover by One Little Bird; Just Juicy by Lynn Grieveson; Treasured Moments by Krista Sahlin & Sugarplum Paperie; Brushed Alpha No 3, Collageables No 4 by Katie Pertiet; Storyteller by One Little Bird and K Wilson

3) Break it up and put it in multiple spots

Journaling doesn’t have to sit in just one spot on your scrapbook page–and multiple journaling spots aren’t just for list journaling.

The story on “Finding Your Way” starts in a right-aligned block within this “casually blocked” design. It continues to an oval journaler and finishes at bottom right of the grouping. The western reader is accustomed to moving from left to right and from top to bottom on a page, and the organization of the three spots is consistent with this expectation.

Finding Your Way by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Around the Corner Paper Pack by Jesse Edwards; Spiced Jewel Elements, Torn N Tattered Scallop Strips by Anna Aspnes; King Me Kit, Thankful Kit, Flossy Stitches Yellow, Cold Springs Element Pack, Double Decker Element Pack, Hung Up Journalers, Naturally Krafty, Art Time Elements, Basci Paper Alpha by Katie Pertiet; Oval Journal Spots by Ali Edwards

 4) Put your journaling on a photo

Think you don’t have room for your journaling? Look around — just maybe your photo has some empty space to accommodate that story.

The sky on my edge-to-edge photo provided that spot on “From Grandpa.”

From Grandpa by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Rimmed Framers No. 01 by Katie Pertiet; Awanui Kit, Backyard Expedition Kit by Lynn Grieveson; Memory Grunge Strips by Ali Edwards; Prelude,Century Schoolbook fonts

The story told in words is an important part of your scrapbook pages. At Masterful Scrapbook Design, we lay out the big picture of scrapbook page journaling from developing content to the actual writing. We cover the ways to render it and how to make sure it’s working to strengthen scrapbook page design. Click here for the Journaling Issue of Masterful Scrapbook Design.

Related posts:

1. 10 ideas for placing scrapbook journaling on your page
2. Scrapbook page parts: journaling
3. 3 Ways to Include Dialogue in your Scrapbook Page Journaling

by Debbie Hodge

Here are two new coordinated scrapbook page sketches with free layered templates for digital scrapbooking. Use one of these singly or, when you’re making a multi-page album, these sketches complement each other well.

You can find all of our sketches in the “Sketches” Category here.

Download zipped file with layered templates for use in Photoshop Elements/CS
Open pdf document that has sketches with measurements. Print or save in your e-reader library.

Includes commercial use shapes and actions from http://atomiccupcake.com and borders made in Photoshop by Debbie Hodge.

This sketch makes a “pretty” page and offers lots of opportunity to have fun with borders and embellishments. On the layout below, three spots are isolated by white space and each of these spots can be treated as a cluster to be embellished individually AND as part of a whole. You can back up the main photo with paint, rub-ons, mist, and the digital equivalents of any of these. I used Katie Pertiet’s From My Bookshelf Blendables No 3 to both create a foundation for my focal point and provide a page title.

Being Happy by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Sweater Weather, Wildflower, Interlude by One Little Bird; Chasing Fireflies by Paislee Press; Collageable No 2, Doodle Do Frames No 2, Paper Frames Kraft No 1, In Text Paper Pack, From my Bookshelf Blendables No 3 by Katie Pertiet; Ransom Words by Vicki Stegall; Thankful for You by Jenn Barrette; Duly Noted by Leora Sanford; Mellow by Lynn Marie; DIY Board Game by ViVa Artistry

Related posts:

1. Scrapbook Page Sketch and Template Bundle (#80)
2. Scrapbook Page Sketch and Template Bundle (#78)
3. Scrapbook Page Sketch and Template Bundle: Jan 14 2010

by Debbie Hodge

A successful scrapbook page captures the viewer’s attention, controls the eye’s movement, conveys information, and evokes emotion.

That first task–capturing the eye’s attention–is the work of making a focal point.

And how to you create a focal point? There are three approaches to making something stand out and catch the eye.

1. Create a focal point with appeal

A subject making eye contact, a stunning floral arrangement, or a must-touch embellishment are the kinds of elements that not only catch the eye but involve the viewer in other ways. They evoke emotion or engage the viewer’s desire to touch.

Celeste Smith has a 1-2-punch of appeal on “Same” with her subject smiling into the camera and a large, touchable flower clustered next to the photo.

Same by Celeste Smith (Masterful Scrapbook Design Focal Points Issue) | Supplies: Digital Supplies: Cool Beans Mixed Buttons, Minestrone Paper Pack, Harvest Felt Flower,Red Polkas Canvas Flowers,Calendar Journaling Sprouts on White - Digital Sprout Pack #1 - all from Jillibean Soup; Font: Another Typewriter

2. Create a focal point with contrast

Contrast is one of the biggest draws of the human eye. By using it properly, it is the most effective way to create a focal point. Contrasts are all about differences — and the bigger the differences, the more noticable and eye-catching. Try contrasts in color, size and values (i.e., lightness or darkness of an element).

The black and white portrait-oriented photo layered over a color version stands out against the color photo and the  tone-on-tone and cream-colored patterned papers.

1 More Time by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Etc by Polka Dot Pixel; Krafty Cuts Leaves, Flossy Stitches Orange, Cold Spring Element Pack, Artistry Del Sol, Krafty Canvas No 1 by Katie Pertiet, Little Bits ALpha; Interlude by One Little Bird; The Daily Details by Digi Chick Collaborative; Metamorphosis by Leora Sanford; Ransom Words by Vicky Stegall; An Additional Very Small Alpha by Allison Pennington; Artplay Palette Chevron Sweet Baby by Anna Aspnes; Build Your Own Borders by Amy Wolff

The black alphas in the title on Kelly Purkey’s “The Beginning” contrast strongly with the light-colored background and immediately grab the eye. Their positioning at center and inside a frame of circles adds to their draw.

The Beginning by Kelly Purkey (Masterful Scrapbook Design Focal Points Issue) | Supplies: Cardstock - American Crafts; Patterned Paper - American Crafts, 7 Gypsies, Studio Calico, Little Yellow Bicycle; Stickers - American Crafts, Sassafras; Buttons - My Mind's Eye, Epiphany Crafts; Stamp - Studio Calico, K&Co; Embossing Powder - American Crafts; Pen - American Crafts; Punches - Fiskars

3. Create a focal point with structure

Another way of drawing the eye to a point is through structure. Specifically:

Line: The human eye (and mind) will follow the natural order of things. The eye will follow: a sequential pattern, the eyes of the people in your photos, a line of perspective, or implied motion in your photo.

White space: Using whitespace is one of the simplest ways to draw the eye to specific area of the page without use of visible elements. See Kelly’s “The Beginning” above. The generous white space surrounding the title contributes to its draw.

Balance: Symmetry can strengthen a focal point, forcing the viewer’s eye to the center. An asymmetrical design can soften or muddy focalization.

On this symmetrical composition, Dina Wakly has placed her photo at page center AND at the intersection of vertical and horizontal bands of patterned paper–cementing its position as page focal point.

My 3 Fellas by Dina Wakley (Masterful Scrapbook Design Canvas Issue) | Supplies: Supply list: Patterned paper: Jenni Bowlin Paint: Liquitex Cardstock: Bazzill Journaling Card: Jenni Bowlin Alphabet: Jenni Bowlin

Related posts:

1. Creating a focal point on scrapbook pages
2. Texture and Dimension on Scrapbook Pages
3. Four Ways to Use Neutral Colors on your Scrapbook Pages

Is your title adding value to the page? Content and design are the keys.

A successful scrapbook page captures the viewer’s attention, controls the eye’s movement, conveys information, and evokes emotion. The title is one of the tools you have for achieving these ends.

Just as every sentence in a story should either deepen character or advance the action, every item on your scrapbook page should be pulling its weight. Every element you add to a scrapbook page should either deepen meaning or advance visual design.

Are you using titles this way? Make sure you’re not just slapping a title on a page because you think you should. Not every page requires a title. Read on for 4 ways you can use titles to make your scrapbook pages better.

1. Use scrapbook page titles to cue subject

There are times when your focal point and or scrapbook page photos don’t immediately help the viewer understand what the page is about.

“10 Things in July” is a text-heavy page with a photo that represents just one part of the topic being covered. The title is what makes it clear from the get-go that this is a list of 10 things on my mind in July, 2011.

10 Things in July | Supplies: Just Linens No 1 by Maplebrook Studios; Flossy Stitches Yellow by Katie Pertiet; Shutterbug Collaboration by The Digi Chick Designers; Yesterday Alpha by Lynn Grieveson; Journey Back Collection, Apple of My Eye Collection by Vinnie Pearce; Artsy Fotoblendz No 1 by Anna Aspnes

2. Use scrapbook page titles to set tone

Both the content of your title as well as the materials and styling you use for rendering it can set page tone, which makes the page more immediately accessible to the viewer.

The title “Coconut Coalition” paired with photos of my sons and mom fooling around at the table and eating cake tells the viewer there’s a story here that goes beyond just eating cake. The brightly colored alphas and casual fonts help the viewer understand that the story is a fun one. The result? The viewer is more likely to enter into the page, its journaling, and photos to understand just what was going on.

Coconut Coalition by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Artistry de Blanco Element Pack, Rubber Alphabet No. 02, Flossy Stitches: Green, Photo Corner Colors No. 02, Notebook Paper Pack No. 03, Oiselet Rouge Element Pack, Scallop Strip Masks, Doodled Block Alpha Brushes and Stamps, Pick Me Up Rub Ons, Labelled Journalers No. 02 by Katie Pertiet; Brad Bonanza No. 03: Digital Fasteners by Pattie Knox; Everyday Sentiment Strips Brushes and Stamps by Ali Edwards

3. Use scrapbook page titles as a path to deeper meaning

Great fiction tells us two stories: the story of the incidents at the surface and the deeper story of why these characters and their situation matters. Scrapbook pages can also tell two stories, and your title is one of the tools you have for getting at the deeper story.

“Here” is the story of a Thanksgiving gathering and of finding out friends are planning to move. It is also the story of why these characters living HERE in this place matters so to the narrator (me!). “Here” as a title, rather than “Thanskgiving 2011,” emphasizes where the real meaning is.

Here by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: The Daily Details by The Digi Chick Collaboration; Restoration by Gina Cabrera; Speech by Paula Kesselring; Flossy Stitches Brown, Journaling Strip Masks, Art Time Elements, In Words Brushes by Katie Pertiet; A Very Small Alpha by Allyson Pennington; Traveling Typewriter font

4. Use scrapbook page titles to strengthen visual design

A well rendered scrapbook page title contributes to the goals of catching and guiding the viewer’s eye in order to convey information and evoke emotions. Consider each of the 6 basic principles of visual design and see how to apply them with your titlework.

The title on “Finally Snow” immediately tells the viewer that there has been a wait for the snow featured on the page. The “snow” part of the title stands out because I’ve used the principles of contrast and emphasis to make sure it catches the eye. Repetitions of white at two other spots create a visual triangle that includes the title and creates flow through the page.

Finally Snow by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: 11:30am, 11:00am by Amy Wolff; Vintage Tickets by Quirky Twerp; Woodgrain Alpha by Crystal Wilkerson; Oh Joy by Paislee Press; Messy Slab ALpha by Cathy Zielske; Handcut Snowflakes by Valerie Wibbins; In the Loop 4 by One Little Bird; Words and Pictures Paper Pack, Woodsy Trees by Katie Pertiet

Related posts:

1. 10 ways to make a scrapbook page title
2. Roundup of Ideas and Tutorials for Scrapbook Page Titles
3. Place embellishments to support scrapbook page flow

Chevrons appear frequently throughout the history of Heraldry, especially throughout France and Switzerland.

by Amy Kingsford

Once a thing of the past, “chevron prints” have made a raging comeback.

Everywhere you turn in today’s fashion, home decorating and scrapbooking industry you will find this lively motif!  Read on for ideas on putting this hot trend to work on your scrapbook pages.

Interesting facts about the chevron

• The chevron design dates back to 1800 BC and was used on pottery and architecture by the ancient Greeks.
• Charles Schulz’s beloved comic character Charlie Brown sported a Chevron design on his sweater for nearly 50 years.
• Chevron gas, whose logo is a nested chevron design, is one of America’s five largest corporations.
• The chevron is used on modern-day military and police uniforms to signify rank, but was seen earlier on Spartan battle shields.
• Chevrons appear frequently throughout the history of Heraldry, especially throughout France and Switzerland.
• The origin of the word chevron comes from the old French word for rafters.
• The chevron was revived in the late 1960s as a part of the Art Deco movement.
• In the late 1960s, fashion designer Pierre Cardin popularized the chevron print in his clothing.

Using chevron prints on your scrapbook pages

Use chevrons to give your layout a fresh,  fashion-forward look

Because chevrons are such a hot style right now they can immediately impart a fresh and fashion-forward feeling.

On “Grow,” Kelly Purkey used a bold chevron pattern to drive the tone of her page, creating an energized and trendy feel that is complimented by her bright and cheery colors and fun embellishment style.

Grow by Kelly Purkey | Supplies: Patterned Paper - My Mind's Eye, Studio Calico, Crate Paper; Stickers - American Crafts; Buttons - My Mind's Eye; Tags - Ormolu; Twine

Take a chance, and use chevron patterned paper as your “white space”

A larger chevron pattern can be perfect for your background when working with a design that incorporates generous white space.

Because all of the elements are in a tight cluster on my “All We Wanted for X-mas,”  using this large-scale chevron becomes a bit less scary–because there is less danger of overcrowding and distraction.

All We Want by Amy Kingsford | Supplies: Baby It’s Cold Outside Kit + Templates by Leora Sanford, Natural Line Papers by Kitty Designs and Retro Holiday Add-On Brush Set by Anna Aspnes Font: CK Ali and Old Block

Create a dynamic chevron border

Vee Jennings created a strong border with paper hand-cut in a chevron shape on “OOTD.” The border sets the stage for her whole layout.  It creates a shelf for Vee’s photo, connects her two embellishment clusters, and establishes an energized flow.

Ootd by Vee Jennings | Supplies: Glee Club kit by Studio Calico

Use ric-rac to mimic the chevron pattern

Using ric-rac to mimic the chevron pattern is a fun way to bring texture and dimension to this trend.

On “What a Hunk,” I made a fun chevron-inspired mat by laying down several strips of white ric-rac across a piece of aqua cardstock.  The trick is to make sure that each strip is lined up so that the peaks are nested inside of the next strip’s valleys. This mat strengthens  the modern feel of my page.

What a Hunk by Amy Kingsford | Supplies:

Use zig-zag stitching to repeat the chevron shape

On “Cowtown Birthday,”  Emily Pitts‘ has combined chevron papers, ric-rac, and zig-zag stitching to repeat the pattern throughout her page.  This not ties all of the other fun patterned papers together on this beautifully pieced two-pager, but it also establishes a nice rhythm within the design.

Cowtown by Emily Pitts (Masterful Scrapbook Design Smorgasbord Issue) | Supplies: Mind the Gap, Flat, and Pint kits by Studio Calico; Zing embossing powder by American Crafts; Ink by Versamark

Create a visual triangle of chevron accents

On “Foodies,” Vee Jennings used three separate pops of the same metallic-embossed chevron stamp to create a triangle of eye-catching spots to guide the viewer’s eye through all of her yummy photos and journaling.

Foodie(s) by Vee Jennings | Supplies: Mind the Gap kit by Studio Calico

Foodies by Vee Jennings

Use chevrons as arrows

On “Where the Heart Is,” I used individual chevrons flipped sideways as arrows that direct the eye outside of my inner canvas to my title and journaling –giving viewers a chance to take in my title and the story behind my page. 

Where the Heart Is by Amy Kingsford | Supplies: Simple Scrapper Premium Collection April 2011 Template No. 1, Photobooth and Oh Joy by Paislee Press, Neutral Lines by Kitty Designs, Scissor-Cut Hearts, Stitched Fall Mix No. 2 and Stitched White. Borders by Anna Aspnes, Airtime and Billet Doux by One Little Bird Designs Fonts: Complete in Him and My Type of Font

Use a chevron design to draw attention and ground

On “I Love You Too Buddy,” Emily Pitts used an embossed chevron stamp to draw focus to her title.  The stamp’s placement grounds her over-sized title while, at the same time, emphasizing it.

I Love You Too Buddy by Emily Pitts | Supplies: Boardwalk, Boogie Board by Studio Calico, circle foam tabs and pewter metallic zing by American Crafts

Fill a wide chevron shape with patterned papers

Celeste Smith cleverly used the chevron band across “Today,” as an opportunity for mixing several charming patterns.  The scalloped edges on her photo and the zig-zag border add repetitons of the pattern throughout the page for a cohesive look.

Today by Celeste Smith | Supplies: Kit: Autumnal Collection by Erica Coombs at Design House Digital, Word Art: Word aRt Today Element by Robyn Meierotto at Design House Digital; Font: Another Typewriter

Fill blocked compartments with chevron print paper

While a bold chevron print can overpower in larger doses, a small block of it makes a great accent.

On “Making Spirits Bright” Debbie Hodge filled one of the compartments in her blocked design with vivid chevron print.  The chevron shape is repeated in the zigzag-edged medallion and even in the intersections of the diagonals on the plaid print paper.

Making Spirits Bright by Debbie Hodge | Supplies: Dashing Papers, Dashing Trimmin’s by Allyson Pennington; Pine Letter Box Collage, Christmas Village, Words and Pictures Christmas Paper Pack, Krafty Canvas No 1 by Katie Pertiet; Christmas Cheer by Lynn Grieveson; Kitschy Christmas by Sahlin Studio and Jen Barrette; Ornamental by CD Muckosky

These are just a few of the fun ways that you can start using chevrons in your layouts!

Use motifs as fun decorations, as cues to your subject, and even as triggers for associations that can be used to deepen meaning. At Masterful Scrabook Design scrapbook page designers Amber Ries, Melanie Grimes, Vee Jennings, Francine Clouden and Cindy Liebel share ideas and how-tos for making the most of motifs on your scrapbook pages. $12.50 gets you 5 webinars (with recordings), 40+ page pdf idea book, articles and more. Click here to subscribe and grab it before February 20th, when prices are going up.

Amy Kingsford is a happy wife and blessed mother from Northern Utah. She teaches at Masterful Scrapbook Design, Creative Passion Classes and also shares ideas, inspiration and instruction on creative approaches to modern scrapbooking and papercrafting at her site AmyKingsford.com

 

Related posts:

1. What’s Your Motif? 10 Ideas for Using Hearts on Your Scrapbook Pages
2. What’s Your Motif? 10 Ideas for Using Timeless Patterns on Your Scrapbook Pages
3. What’s your motif? 10 Ideas for Using Stars on Your Scrapbook Pages

Making a winter page? Use these “quickstarts” to get ideas for your page motifs, embellishments, wordart, titles, and fonts.

Hallmark Images of Winter   |   Winter Sayings and Phrases   |   Fonts for Winter Pages

This series provides “starter” lists for making scrapbook pages on a particular subject. Each post includes a list of hallmark images and motifs associated with the theme as well as phrases and sayings, and fonts well-suited for the subject. Use these “starters” to jumpstart your creative process and come up with layout ideas. It’s all about the quickstart — check it out and see where it takes you. Click here for more themes.

Hallmark Images of Winter

Source: images from iClipart; background paper from ArtPlay Palette Santa's Elf by Anna Aspnes

• Sled
• Snowflakes
• Skates
• Shovel
• Scarf
• Snowman
• Mittens
• Cocoa
• Skis

Look for these images in your paper stash, your stamps, brushes or rubons. Or find a digital product or clip art or magazine photo you could transfer. The idea is to get the process started.

Winter Sayings and Phrases

These are phrases commonly used in the winter. Use them to make titles or embellishments or, again, to spur your ideas. They are shown rendered in fonts that work well on winter pages – the name of each font is below the phrase and links to the fonts are in the next section.

• Baby, it’s cold outside
• Brrrr
• Frosty
• Jack Frost
• Let it snow
• Snow day
• Snowed in
• The Eskimo way
• The snow is so delightful
• Walking in a winter wonderland
• When it snows, ain’t it thrillin’

Fonts for Winter Pages

These fonts would be great for winter titles or embellishments–or to emphasize selected words in the journaling.

• Frosty
• Harrington
• Let It Snow
• Hultog Snowdrift
• 2 Peas Blocks Winter
• Mark

Related posts:

1. Scrapbooking Themes Quickstart: Birthday Images, Sayings and Fonts
2. Scrapbooking Themes Quickstart: Wedding Images, Sayings, and Fonts
3. Scrapbooking Themes Quickstart: Gardening Images, Sayings, and Fonts

Parties come in many flavors: big, small, birthday, holiday, theme, family, friend, community, planned, for a reason or just because.

Making party layouts that convey the spirit of the party, as well as who was there and what went on is immensely rewarding. You get a chance to relive the event, to think back over what really stood out, and to provide family and friends with a tangible remembrance of the event.

With any event for which you have a substantial number of photos, the challenge is to convey what went on without overwhelming and crowding the page. Here are three approaches for organizing photos in order to get lots of them onto two-page spreads.

1. Organize photos logically

One way to bring order to a page with many photos is to organize the shots into logically related groups–which may all go on one page or on several pages. Try these approaches:

• group photos by category within an event. Separate out portraits of the people, activities that went on, food, decorations, and whatever makes sense for your event.
• group photos by different activities within the event: On a trip to the beach, activities in that one outing could include: castle building, wave surfing, and sunning. At a neighborhood picnic, activities could include: tending the grill, games, mingling. At a birthday party, consider grouping by: party games, cake time, gift opening.
• group photos by time/stage. When scrapbooking Easter, you could group by: • coloring Easter eggs, the egg hunt, and dinner. For a wedding, you could group by: rehearsal dinner, getting dressed, the wedding, the party. Again, each subgroup could go onto its own page or it could fill its own area of a page.

The photos on this birthday page are in three logical groupings:

• One framed photo of the birthday party girl and her family is the page focal point.
• The photos running along the bottom of the spread are of the hostess with various friends who attended her party.
• A block of 4 photos on the right side of the spread show the entertainment, toasts, and birthday cake presentation.

2. Organize photos practically

Any time you can organize photos by common size or cropping potential (height, width, or total overall size), you can quickly get order on a page with many photos.

• photos of same height can be organized in a row
• photos of same width can be organized in a column
• photo of same size can make a block

There are 3 practical photo groupings on “Party:”

• Two focal point photos are the same size and double matted on the left side of the spread.
• A series of 3 photos all trimmed to the same width are arranged in column.
• Six same-sized photos are arranged in a block that fills the right side of the layout.

Make groupings clear

You can establish that photos are related to each other logically with your design choices.

Location. Group related photos together in an obviously separate section of the page. In today’s layout there are 3 distinct sections or areas.

Common matting. Place related photos onto a shared mat. Another alternative is to free hand-draw or print a frame around the group.

Margins and gutters.Use common margins, same-sized gutters, and/or abutting edges to signal that photos are grouped together.

Size: As discussed in the previous section, cropping to same height, width, or • overall size can unite a group of photos.

Now it’s time to pull out photos from a party you’ve photographed and make logical and practical groupings that will enable you to pack them onto the page and still keep the story of the event clear.

Want more ideas for scrapbooking events with analysis and creativity? Click here to check out the Events issue of Masterful Scrapbook Design today.

 

 

 

 

Related posts:

1. Scrapbook page parts: photos
2. Scrapbooking Stories on two-page layouts
3. Scrapbooking Travel: how to organize an album for a “Being There” trip