My Scrapbook Evolution-Blog

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Kitten Cuteness- Scrapbooking my Latest Photo Trend

Right now, one of my favorite subjects to scrapbook about is our new kitten. I have noticed that the topics I document follow trends. I will use photos of the same theme for several layouts in a row. I tend to get inspired by one topic and I come up with ideas for different ways to scrapbook that theme. Sometimes it's all about my son and his homeschool. Sometimes my pets.

Kitten Cuteness:Totally Photogenic by Christy Strickler Supplies| Patterned Paper, Brads,Die Cuts: American Crafts; Alphas: My Little Shoebox, American Crafts; Tape, Doilies: Recollections
Layout created for the Sketch of the week at Scrapbook News and Review Magazine's Blog;
Shared at the Purple Mailbox for Layout linky Love

This method works well for me since I tend to have groups of similar photos over a span of time. Think about how your photos inspire you and use that to your advantage.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Tales of a Craft Class Junkie: Class Schedule for November

It's mid month but I am happy to say that I have two new classes getting underway. I thought I would introduce those and give you a quick recap of current classes.

I have just finished round two of the Guided Study Critique. I will be sharing some layouts and a summary of how the class went for me sometime in the next few weeks.

I am continuing to work through this month's Masterful Scrapbook Design Seminar featuring Old Photos. So far, time has not allowed me to work with my older photos as I have desired. Maybe over Thanksgiving break I will have a little more time.

This week, I am beginning Utee and the Melting pot over at the art studio. I am really hoping to learn more techniques for using my melting pot and UTEE for my layouts. I have only begun to delve into what it can do. Note to self: Order a large container of UTEE.

I love distress ink and markers. I really don't know much about using them. This class begins on November 24th. I really am looking forward to putting more color onto my layouts during this class.

I have to admit, that I am quite tempted to take more classes. There are several more offerings over at the Art Studio that have caught my interest. I am not sure if I can handle more in my schedule. For now though, I'll be sure to fill my time with these awesome classes!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Pizza Party Picnics on the Living Room Floor

Geometric shapes seem to be the rage right now. They have a wonderfully modern edge and are fun to build into a variety of patterns. I recently used some geometric shapes in a symbolic way on a recent layout.

Pizza Party Picnics on the Living Room Floor by Christy Strickler| Supplies: Cardstock: Colorbok; Patterned Paper: Creative Memories, Pink Paislee; Alphas: My Little Shoebox, American Crafts; Chipboard: October Afternoon; Buttons and Brads: Basic Grey; Rosettes: American Crafts

If you look closely, I created a visual triangle using the rosettes in the banner and the button cluster on the lower right. It's like a slice of pizza sitting on top of a picnic blanket. For visual interest, I chose to break up the matte into a series of staggered rectangles. The colors I chose and the use of shapes add energy to the layout which clearly shows how much fun my son and I have together.

Geometric shapes are great for creating patterns. When possible, take things up a notch and use them symbolically on your layout. The right shapes can really support your story well, especially when you use them with wonderful textures or patterns.