Once a month learn how to use scrapbook sketches and adapt them to fit different styles, photo sizes, and themes.
Day two of Sketch Week is here with another layout based on the new FREE sketch. If you missed day 1 you can check it out here: Sketch Week #5| Day 1
You can download the full sketch with measurements and placements by clicking here.
For my Day 2 layout I let the cluster of stars in the corners of the background piece take the lead. I really wanted to highlight that element of the sketch for a somewhat different look.
Variation #1 - Changing the photo sizes.
I used six 3 x 5" photos with a small white mat for each individual photo instead of the four 4 x 4" photos with the large photo mat.
I really like using 3 x 5" photos. It's only an inch off of a regular 4 x 6" photo so they are generally easy to crop down from a 4 x 6" print. Anytime I have a bunch of vertical photos, I will use 3 x 5" photos so that I can arrange them across the layout and squeeze in two more (8 total) than I would be able to if I had used 4 x 6" (6 total.)
Because I the sketch has a simple photo block, arranged across the page, I didn't have to make any extra adjustments to accommodate the different photo size.
Variation #2 - Removing backgrounds.
I removed the large background piece for this layout. I wanted everything to be super simple and clean where the pictures are and then have these eye-catching frames of color and texture and interest in the corners.
Removing background pieces is always an easy way to simplify a design. If you like to the more simple and clean look, remove a few pieces.
Variation #3 - Moving elements.
Like I said earlier, I wanted to highlight and play around with those corner clusters. Since I removed my background and I didn't want those clusters to cover up too much of my photos, I opted to move them to the corners of the whole layout.
What I like about this idea was that it allowed me to go bigger and throw in more detail and elements without it overpowering the photos. It's a ton of detail that still allows those photos to shine and take center stage.
I used a combination of patterned paper snowflakes, chipboard and die cut circles, stitching, chipboard snowflakes, Nuvo Drops, word stickers, and a Wink of Stella brush to create all of that layering and detail.
A little tip to help speed up the process of creating those clusters:
Take your time on the first one. (I know, that doesn't sound like speeding up. I promise I'm not crazy! At least not diagnosed...) Get everything positioned and layered exactly as you want it. After you have it done, just flip your paper upside down and copy the same layout of your details on the second page. You can change up the colors of the pieces, but follow the same general design. It makes it go so much faster and you end up with a nicely balanced design.
Check back tomorrow for Day 3!
Supplies Used - Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned paper: Simple Stories "Freezin Season"; Snowflake cut files: Simple Stories; Chipboard and stickers: Simple Stories; Nuvo Drops: Tonic Studios; Embroidery floss: DMC; Computer font: Century Gothic; Wink of Stella Glimmer Brush