There is no question that the economy is on everyone’s mind. I would hazard a guess that most people did not know that recessions and times of uncertainty have been historically good times for those in the crafting industry. It is not hard to connect the dots really….people decide to make stuff rather than spend dinero they do not have on bought things. Personally, I think some of the most amazing pieces of art are created in leaner times. Creativity has and always will be about using the stuff we have on hand. To tell a compelling story and document your memories, I encourage people to go shopping through their existing stash to find those lost treasures and use them in new and innovative ways. One of my favorite creativity exercises is to sit at my desk in the studio with a limited number of supplies (an adhesive of some sort, an India Ink or waterproof pen, one or two pieces of paper, and a good picture or two….) and think through all of the ways they can be used to tell different versions of a story based on the pictures in front of me. Not only are you forced to concentrate on the activity and exercise but, you aren’t hampered by too many choices that tend to distract. I liken it to wearing a uniform everyday as opposed to having to decide each morning what you’ll wear. Once you get rid of the variables, you are able to concentrate on the substance or content. Recessions force us to work within our means and get rid of (voluntarily or not) the extras. Through this sifting process, not only do you end up with a distilled and concise piece but, more times than not, a better story with more detail.
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12 Spring Day Scrapbook Layout Ideas
Bike rides are the best on a Spring Day! This pretty page from Conny has lots of flowers and florals, plaid paper, torn and sewn cardstock for texture and fluttering insects. Learn more over at The Cherry on Top blog.
Spring is finally here! The weather is getting warmer, flowers are poking out of the ground and the sun is shinning more, except on those rainy Spring days. So now’s a great time to break out of those winter blues and get some fresh air on a warm Spring day and take some fabulous Springtime photos to scrapbook. I’ve gathered up a bunch of fresh ideas to inspire you to create layouts for some sunny Spring Days.
Below each photo you’ll find a link, click it to learn more about products used, tips and techniques.
Nathalie used a sketch for the design of this beautiful layout. All the flowers, scalloped lacy borders and butterflies just scream “It’s Spring”! Take note of the “flutters” of the butterflies, she stitched them, so clever! Learn more and find the FREE sketch on the Scrapbook and Cards Today blog.
One of the first things to bloom in the Spring are Cherry Blossoms which Stephanie added to this beautiful design. There’s layers of floral and geometric papers, fussy cut Cherry Blossoms, tags, sentiment strips and nods to fun outdoor activities like a scoter and kite. Take a closer look at the Spellbinders blog.
This beautiful layout uses grey tones with pops of yellow along with black and white photos. Flowers and sweet bunny rabbits add just the right Spring touches and cut striped paper straws add some depth. I spotted this idea on the michelle_crela Instagram page.
This amazing layout from Rebeca has loads of texture, layers and dimension with torn pattern papers, popped up title and frames and a stenciled background with rub-ons too. There’s also lots of flowers, butterflies flying around and paper ephemera like tickets. Learn more at the Simple Stories blog.
This monochromatic layout in blues and teals features a dog running through flowers, now’s a great time to take sweet pet photos outside! Claire used products from 49th and Market like pattern papers, printed acetate flowers, laser die cut flowers, thick frames and rub-ons for her page. Take a closer look at the 49th and Market blog.
Here’s another Cherry Blossom inspired design using products from Pinkfresh Studio. There’s a wide row of letterpress “squares” of flowers in the center, gold title, with several sentiment strips and lots of tiny die cut pink Cherry Blossom flowers and leaves. Find out more on the Living an Inspired Life blog.
This couple and their dog are enjoying a Spring outing on this lovely layout. Each photo is backed with striped paper with flower papers on the edges. There’s a beautiful border across the center made with punches and printed images, there’s also a round title and space for journaling. Find instructions on Creative Memories blog.
Phil used several different Springtime digital die cut tag designs for his sweet layout. He added colors to some with watercolor and used plaid paper in coordinating colors for the background. Learn more on the Paige Taylor Evans blog.
Well, it’s not hard to tell what time of year it is on this page, it’s Spring, Spring, Spring! Misty cut the repeat title die from glittery silver paper, adding brightly colored cardstocks to fill in, adding faux stitching to the letters with a marker. Take a closer look at the Cut Card Stock blog.
Yellow, green and blue are the perfect color combo for a Spring layout like this darling design from Gloria! This idea has lots of pattern and clusters of embellishments like daisies, insects and a cute frog. There’s typed journaling, several sentiments and a tag tied with twine too. Learn more on the Bella Blvd. Studio blog.
And lastly here’s a beautiful layout from Alexis with hard and soft features. The background has a blonde woodgrain design with a colorful section of stripes and coordinating flowers and butterflies next to each color down the center for a wonderful rainbow of color. Find directions on the Sizzix blog.
I hope you have a chance to get out and enjoy some nice Spring weather!
-Heather
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