Today is a big change for a bigger layout. I always enjoy having at least one layout that is far from the same look as the sketch.
Here's a look at the sketch I've used as the starting point for all of my layouts this week:
You can download the full two-page sketch with measurements and placements by clicking here.
I very rarely let a one-page sketch stop me from making a two-page layout. Most of the time it's a really easy process. The way I see it, you have two options:
1. Extending the sketch. When you extend the sketch you are taking the design on the sketch and repeating it to fit on two-pages. For example, if you had a one-page sketch with three 2 x 10" strips, you could add several more 2 x 10" strips to extend the design across two-pages.
2. Stretching the sketch. When you stretch the sketch it is like you are taking the design and pulling it to literally stretch it across the layout. My layout today is an example of stretching the sketch. Let's take a closer look at the variations I used.
Variation #1 - Stretching the design across two pages.
I used a striped paper as a whole in place of the individual strips on the sketch. This is a super easy way to get a similar look without spending so much time putting it together.
I also added a smaller striped strip on the far right of the layout to give the illusion of the design being stretched across the whole layout. I only had one sheet of the striped paper so having it actually stretch across the whole layout wasn't an option. Plus, that striped paper going all the way across the whole layout may have been a little bit of overkill.
Variation #2 - Adding in some extra background papers.
I wanted to mix in some other patterned papers to the two-page design. I really liked the middle patterned paper with all the circles. It seemed like the perfect fit for my circle/bubble themed layout. I also added in some orange strips to help highlight my son with his orange shirt.
Variation #3 - Adding more photos.
The whole reason I wanted to make a two-page layout was to accommodate more photos. I added three 4 x 6" photos going across the layout.
Another way to add more photos could be done by, if you were looking at my two-page layout, removing the orange strips and the circles paper and filling that space with a large photo block. The height of the striped paper is 9" so 3 x 3" photos would be a perfect fit and you would be able to add a ton of photos.
Variation #4 - Changing the embellishments.
I used circles to match the bubble theme of my layout.
I used a combination of cardstock circles, patterned paper circles, chipboard circles, bubble die cuts, stitched circles, Nuvo Dream Drops, Nuvo Jewel Drops, and very light watercolor circles applied with a brush. I also used a Wink of Stella brush on a few of the circles to give them some sparkle.
On the right page I added a few circles to the top right corner, just like the sketch.
Products Used - Patterned paper: Simple Stories "Dream Big"; Foam alphabet: American Crafts; Blue "BOY" alphabet stickers: Pinkfresh Studios; Watercolor: Pinkfresh Studios; Nuvo Dream Drops: Tonic Studios; Nuvo Jewel Drops: Tonic Studios; Wink of Stella Glitter Brush