Sketch Support #43 | Learn How to Use and Adapt Scrapbook Sketches | Day 1
- Allison
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Once a month learn how to use scrapbook sketches and adapt them to fit different styles, photo sizes, and themes. Sketches = endless scrapbooking ideas with little effort. Sketches do all the heavy lifting allowing you to have all the fun!
It's been a long time coming! The first Sketch Support of 2026 starts today! (My, oh my, have I missed this series!!) That means a new free sketch, three new layouts based on the sketch, a YouTube video, and of course the bonus sketch examples!
This new sketch is a fun one! It features a large stitched swirl design with lots of snowflakes arranged around it. Don't worry if you aren't a fan of stitching! I'll show you a few ways to create this design without the stitching! And there are two new cut files that I designed to go with this sketch that definitely makes things a little easier if you have an electronic die cutting machine.
Here is the one-page sketch that I'll be using this week:
You can also grab the Sketch Support #43 Bonus Sketch Examples!
This month it is a 3-page PDF of 23 different sketch options. That makes 24 sketches for this month of Sketch Support. There are options that show how to change up the papers, use more photos, use less photos, there are four two-page options, and then an 8-1/2 x 11" option. The fun part is that you could use each option as a layout on its own, but you could also mix and match different options for endless possibilities!
There are also two new cut files that are made specifically to go with this sketch.
When I say the stitching with this one REALLY got away from me, I really, REALLY mean it!
Variation #1 - Adapting the swirl to a different element
The sketch design features three overlapped stitched swirls with snowflakes layered on top, but I opted to go with the Snowflake Swirl 2 cut file that is a swirl made up of larger snowflakes.
This shows an easy way you can adapt this sketch design to any element you want! You can create a swirl with any shape or embellishment you have on hand - die cuts, punched shapes, etc. I kind of think of it like a wreath design - start with some larger shapes to build the base and then add some smaller pieces to fill it out and add more detail and dimension.
Variation #2 - Using one larger photo in place of the two photos.
I had just one 6 x 4" photo so I cropped it down to 4 x 4" and used it in place of the two photos. One of the easiest ways to adapt a sketch to your needs is finding ways to make the photos you have work. Using a larger photo in place of two smaller photos is always a super easy way to make different photo sizes work in that same space!
Variation #3 - Adding more detail to the swirl design.
Since I used white cardstock for the large snowflake swirl design I thought I would add some color in with a few smaller die cut and punched snowflakes. I turned to my photo for inspiration and used orange, gray, black, and dark blue papers.
I also added lots of jewels, sequins, and pearls to add even more detail throughout the design.
Variation #4 - Adding a large background piece.
The stitching really started out to be just a small accent. I did the chain link rows first with the intent to mimic the knit-style of the hat Drew is wearing. But then, I thought let's do some of the thinner lines with a back stitch. And then, that rolled into lets do more lines with a back stitch. Next thing I know I've spent 5 days, yes 5 WHOLE DAYS, stitching this.
The funny part is, I kind of wish I had just kept it to the chain link stitching and nothing else. I never thought that I would ever say that the stitching might be a little bit too much! Oh well! What's done is done!
That's all for today! Be sure to check back tomorrow to see another layout based on this sketch.
Shop all sketches here: Allison Davis SketchesÂ
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