My Scrapbook Evolution-Blog

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Get It Scrapped: August Photo A Day Challenge

I have always liked the premise behind the various Photo A Day challenges available throughout the internet. Each days prompt inspires you to try taking a photo from a fresh perspective. Sometimes I sign up, but rarely ever do I make it through the full month. Following the prompts requires you to make it a habit. I am in the habit of shooting photos daily and of carrying a camera with me almost everywhere I go. It's not like I don't shoot a lot of photos. I just tend to forget the prompts.

When Doris challenged us to a photo a day over at Get It Scrapped, I once again signed on. The difference this time, is that we all sort of just disregarded the photo a day part. The list has a lot of good prompts. Part way through, many of us just started taking photos and checking off the list. We are jumping around to the prompts that inspire us and for once, I know I have been using the list a whole lot more than I have in other challenges.

We are planing a list for September too. Meanwhile, I thought I would get on the bandwagon and share some of my shots.

Blue Skies Smiling at Me- It's been hot and rainy here. We don't get rainbows often, so this was a welcome sight.

Looking Up- You can definitely say that things are looking up. Another morning taking my husband to work and a 2nd rainbow was sighted.

Shrimp on the Barbie- We went to Outback for dinner and had this for dessert.

Gobbledygook- This silly show definitely fits that category. We are all enjoying it and hoping they don't stop making it any time soon. What's not to love about silly looking rabbits doing funny things?

Architecture- One of the many old churches here in Nassau.

Grow- Over the past few weeks, we have been observing several bird families. If you search around, there are 5 sparrows visible on the branches. We have been feeding mom and dad while watching them go back and forth to the nest. When I snapped this photo, mom and dad had brought their babies along for a meal. It was nice to see so many successful fledglings.

I'll be posting more challenge photos soon. The Get It Scrapped team would love for you to join us in the challenge. Just pop on over to the forums for the complete list.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Get It Scrapped: Take an Inventory

I wish it was something I had done sooner. Taking an inventory is an easy way to capture a snippet of time. The journaling doesn't need to be elaborate. A simple list creates a snapshot of the here and now, providing clear insight into the details of that moment.

My son's wardrobe has changed over the years. Until a recent assignment for Get It Scrapped, I had never really thought to document it. Clothing is often documented in the everyday photos we take. It's not something we necessarily concentrate on though. In our everyday photos, it can give clues about the event captured as well as the time period. You know immediately if the event is a formal one, what the weather might be and, if trendy clothing is worn, you will have an idea of when the photo was taken. All of this information is generally absorbed subconsciously as we look for the main topic of the layout's story. We don't really focus on what these things mean. We simply accept them for supporting details.

Capturing a wardrobe with an inventory provides a few more details that might otherwise be overlooked on a scrapbook layout. The clothing becomes the main topic. We become aware of the person's current style, their age, and how their age affects the choice in clothing. We may even have clues about where the person currently lives.

Closet Cache by Christy Strickler |Supplies Patterned Paper, Ephemera: Jenni Bowlin;Other: sewing pattern, paper clip, flair badges, wood veneer, label maker

My son's wardrobe tells me where he is right now based on the clothing choices he has made. His wardrobe is very casual and he has no need of formal clothing right now.I know this is a summer inventory of his clothes, but it also reminds me that we live in a very warm climate zone. I never took an inventory of his clothing when he was younger. It's not too late. I can easily use photos from earlier time periods, changing the focus of the story to the clothing rather than the event.

Inventories yield small details that can tell a story in a big way. They aren't just for clothing though. Think about taking an inventory of your next vacation, a family outing, your purse, or perhaps, your refrigerator. All of those details will tell you about the now, providing you with the ability to really focus on what things change and how other things stay the same. You can create a full layout or use your inventory for a quick Project Life insert.

What will an inventory reveal about you right now? Share with us over at Get It Scrapped.

Friday, August 9, 2013

JBS Mercantile: July Kit Fun

Despite not being as creative as usual, I did manage to pull off a few layouts using my July JBS Mercantile kits. I just checked, and as of the time I am writing this post, a few of those kits are still available.

Earlier this week, I wrote about being in a bit of a creative rut. I talked about going to sources that inspire you to help get you back in your creative habit. Photos are another source of inspiration for me. I often shuffle through my stacks( both on the PC and through the box of old photos) to see if anything perks my interest. If this doesn't work, I might take a few photos. I did exactly that to inspire this layout.

My cat was watching the birds in the backyard. I noticed his reflection in the glass and I decided to see if I could capture it. I loved the photos I took of him so much so, that I was inspired to grab my July kit to document them. I did print off a few sheets of bird themed paper from some JBS Mercantile Digital kits. Having digital kits available means that I can easily add just the right paper when I need it.

I found some photos of a family day trip to the beach. They made me laugh a bit. Some of the photos have sun flares. Back then, I would have considered this a poor quality shot. Now, with so many apps featuring the ability to add solar flares or age pictures, I really cherish the photos created with real film. This shot was taken using a disposable waterproof camera. I love disposable cameras like these for trips to the beach. I can shoot real film, get some interesting photos, and leave my good camera at home safe and sound.

Yes, I do see that the corner of the photo looks bent. It isn't that way in real life. Photos taken of flat objects such as layouts may warp or bend a little at the edges. I have heard someone refer to this as the keyhole effect, though I am not sure that's the official term. I find it very challenging to photograph layouts with page elements that create a framed look around the edges. If you notice, many layouts in design teams shots or magazines are single page and don't feature framed elements near the edge. I wouldn't use this layout for one of my DT submissions. Someday,I might have a 12x12 scanner. Meanwhile, I still love this layout and wanted to share it today.

Friday is here and I hope to continue my creative streak through the weekend. I know many of you will have plans to scrapbook. I hope you have a nice creative streak of your own.

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