Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Get It Scrapped:Using Inspiration

Pinterest is a wonderful source of inspiration. Or should I say that it can be a great source. The trick with any inspiration is that you need to use it. When I first started using Pinterest, I randomly pinned items and hoarded ideas. I rarely went back and used what I saw. Over the past year, I have begun to change the way I use it. This means Pinterest is actually a tool and not a means of wasting time.

When I sit down to create a layout, I have one of several starting points. A common starting point for me is often a photo. Another starting point might be a new acquired kit or product. Sometimes I have an idea inspired by a texture or color. Then there are the times I get stuck and just need some direction. Whichever the case, Pinterest helps me find which way to go.

You may have heard terms like vision board or mood board. Those terms can be an apt way to describe how I now regard Pinterest. I begin a board and add a series of pins which include texture, color,patterns, sample layouts, and inspiring images all geared around the present topic I want to scrapbook. I am still moving my Pinterest boards around a bit. However, Over the past several months I have created a variety of boards with more specific topics. I often create the boards during the process of  choosing my supplies. I can look at the board as a whole and create a kit which makes completing the layout a breeze.

Underwater Wave by Christy Strickler |Supplies Cardstock: Colorbok; Patterned Paper: My Mind’s Eye, Jenni Bowlin; Letters: American Crafts; Flair: A Flair for Buttons; Paperclip: Pictome; Ephemera, German Foil: JBS Mercantile; Wood Veneer, Mist: Studio Calico; Enamel Dot: My Mind’s Eye; Embossing Powder: Ranger; Other: Washi Tape, bread tag, sticker, Glossy Accents, DMC floss, chipboard












He Wept by Christy Strickler |Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper: Webster’s Pages, Tim Holtz, Heidi Swapp; Transparency, Flowers: Webster’s Pages; Buttons: Jenni Bowlin; Vellum: Studio Calico; Images: VintagePrintable.com












Botanical and Zoological prints are beautiful but sometimes difficult to incorporate into a scrapbook layout. When I received my assignment for this particular Get It Scrapped article, I initially turned to the GIS Pinterest board and also created my own idea board. I used the boards to explore how the prints were used with colors and other patterns. In the end, I went with a grid composition so that I could separate each step in the butterfly life cycle through my photos.


Currently: A Beautiful Life by Christy Strickler |Supplies Patterned Paper: Studio Calico;Letters: American Crafts; Ribbon: Prima; Jewels: Glitz Designs, Hero Arts; Bird, Flowers: Webster’s Pages;Journal Cards: Kelly Purkey; Metal Charm: Jenni Bowlin Junque Box












Home decor projects often can be used as inspiration for product placement. You can take visual cues from the photos. In some cases, the photo comes with an article with suggestions on how to group items or use colors and patterns. With a little adjustment, you can easily use those suggestions to place products on your layouts. I used suggestions from an article about how to create a gallery wall to make this layout. The photo was inspired by an article about creating a portrait by using only objects


Pinterest is full of inspiration. However, it's only inspiration if you use it to complete something. Organizing your pins into mood or vision boards can help guide your choices in supplies. You can also find ideas for how to place your products. You don't need to use every single pin you find. Identify what you like about the pin. Doing so will help you understand your own sense of style better while at the same time it encourages you to make use of the things you find inspiring.





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3 comments:

  1. Hi Christy! I love your ombre page! The orange and the blue of the water really make an outstanding color combo! And I love the effect of the page swept in the mist a couple of times. Really really cool!!! :)

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  2. Great idea using your Pinterest Boards this way Christy! Really love that ombre effect on your first layout! Such a cool look!

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  3. Well, that's a fine group of layouts. That ombre effect is really eyecatching. I don't spend a lot of time on Pinterest and I am not as good as putting inspiration to use in a timely manner as you are. Thanks for the examples of how it can work so wonderfully.

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