Every artist, crafter, scrapbooker, painter, etc. has their own style- a way of creating that is comfortable for them not only because it incorporates what they love, but because it involves techniques and supplies that they understand and have used countless times before. When it comes to scrapbooking, my style has always been rather simple- I use plain cardstock, a few embellishments, my photos, and maybe just a couple extra treats thrown in. This page I finished tonight is a pretty good example of what I’m talking about.
It only took me an hour to put this layout together. It’s simple and pretty (at least I think so!) and was fun to make. As someone who is obsessed with patterned scrapbook paper, however, (and who has drawers full of Bo Bunny and Basic Grey designs) I have to confess that I’d like to develop a new style of scrapbooking.
I worked on two other layouts this week- ones that work with layers of patterned paper. I must admit, I’m fairly disappointed.
This layout just looks off. Oh Masters of the patterned scrapbooking art- what is it about this page that doesn’t work? Perhaps I tried too hard- trying to add paint and texture paste may have been a bad idea, but I worked on this page for 3 days and still can’t quite figure it out. I know that practice makes perfect, but if you all have any tips for me, I would really appreciate it. :)
This one turned out much better, thankfully. So there is some hope that I can teach myself new ways to use the paper I love.
By the way, how do you all takes pictures of your layouts? Do you have a scanner that will fit the pages? A camera? Or something else? A lot of scrapbooking questions, I know, but if you have a question (or 20) you should ask, right? :)
I love your style, every project is unique and just awesome!!! xo
Thank you. :) I get so nervous to share my layouts cause I can be so critical… it’s nice to hear that others like them! :)
Ok, so I finally put my iPad down, got to work, got caught up, and I’m here to share my thoughts on your LOs! I’m with Marci!!! I’m totally in awe of your negative space LO! I wish I could do that, but I always feel like the need to fill the “space”. I’m working on it, but I’m totally in awe of your negative space abilities! I love your other two layouts as well, and find nothing “off” with them as you say. However, the one thing I try to keep in mind when I’m making “pretties” (as I call them), is that we are our own worst critic. What I think might look “off” in my LO might either not even ping your radar or could strike you as “on” rather than “off”. (I hope that last sentence makes sense). As far as picture taking, I would love for someone to help me with mine as well! LOL. Without spending a ton of money on a new camera, I use some type of white background (usually a large box that a scrapbook or materials came in) and my iPhone. I realize that the quality is not the greatest, but I tend to charge my actual camera’s batteries once a year (right before our annual Christmas party) leaving me with only my phone as an option.
Again, I love your LOs! I’m following your blog now! Keep up the great work!
:) Thanks Melody. I’m so glad you like them! And I definitely need to work on my photos too- so tricky get the right kind of light for good quality.
Hi! I think your style on all 3 are great!…I wish I could do the negative space like you did in LO#1-love that! but mine always looks “off”…Youre other 2 are really great…you did a great job with the texture and layering- LOVE the journaling on #2 -seriously like them all!
I use a camera and lay my LO flat right by my sliding glass door for light (sometimes I go outside!)…then stand straight over it and take 3-5 shots and then edit/crop/straighten on my computer before posting.
Thanks Marci! I always feel like I have a hard time balancing elements when the paper I use is more than just plain cardstock. Plus, I always see new supplies that others use and think “oh! If I had that I could make some awesome layouts!” but they’re never quite how I imagine them… I’m glad I’m not the only one who uses their camera to take pics. :) Thanks again for the feedback!