Back to Basics

I am coming back to my first love in scrapbooking . The wonderful world of pens, papers, scissors, glues, tapes, stamps, and the list just keeps going. I thought to myself, “I have been focusing on the digital side of things for quite some time. It is time to have a little fun and get a little messy. Okay, maybe I do not have to get messy, but use my hands a little.”

I receive an interesting email the other day that got me thinking about what it really takes to make a great layout. And I guess, now that I am thinking about, this applies to both traditional and digital scrapbooking. I thought that maybe for the next few posts I would focus on these things.

Today’s focus is going to be color. The colors of your layout are so important. How they compliment your picture (most important), how they compliment each other, and how they generally just making your layout appeal to the person viewing it, all of these things are important.

I went looking for some more information that will guide us in this area. I know I have definitely been challenged in this area at times. I will go to the store, pick up the papers, and will think to myself “this looks beautiful and I know it will compliment my picture.” Then when I get home, I think “this is definitely not beautiful and it does not fit with my picture.” I do not know how many times I have done this to myself. Enough times that I have a very healthy supply of extra paper.

I found some articles that I think will help all of us. And like I said, this does not just apply to actually paper, but digital papers you will be using also.

Check out these articles and then let me know if they have helped.

One Scrappy Site!: Color Basics

PixelPaintPapers: Review on ColorCache

everyday digital scrapbooking

ScrapJazz

More Ideas For You:

This wonderful double page Autumn spread features a large photo with a few embellishments on one side and pocket pages with photos and journaling on the other. Take a closer look on the Scrapbook and Cards Today blog.

Autumn is officially here and it’s the perfect time to head outdoors during the nicer weather and spend time at the pumpkin patch, go to a Fall Festival, rake up some colorful leaves, go for a walk in the woods or spend time indoors with family and friends eating, cooking, canning and decorating during this bountiful Harvest season. And of course don’t forget to take lots of photos for scrapbooking those wonderful Fall memories. I’ve gathered together a bushel of Autumn Scrapbooking layout ideas to get you started.

Beneath each pic you’ll find a link, click on it to learn more like what products were used, tips and tricks.

I love the vantage point of these photos, looking down at boots in the Fall leaves. Around the photos are layers of pattern papers, loads of leaves and critters with a chunky title. Find a process video for this design and 4 more Autumn layout ideas on the Bramble Fox blog.

This wonderful layout has lots of rustic charm from the torn paper with rough edges, tags tied with twine, warm fall colors, cozy sentiments and tons of movement from the “falling” leaves. I spotted this idea on Jessica Michaels’ Instagram page.

Here’s another idea for tearing paper, this time Vicki torn a triangle from the white background cardstock, adding tiny leaf pattern paper behind. Around the photos are some larger leaves, sweet birds and handwritten journaling. Take a closer peek at the Simple Stories blog.

Woodgrain pattern paper takes center stage on this lovely layout. The black and white vintage photo is surrounded by sunflowers, a rustic red truck and the paper is tied twine for a down on the farm during Autumn feel. I came across this layout by Rachel Kent on The Cherry on Top Gallery.

Kelly Baxter- Fitzgerald is offering an on-line class featuring Gnomes for Autumn with products by Close to My Hearts. You’ll be creating 10 different pages that will give you lots of ideas for all those Fall photos. Learn more at the Snips by Kelly blog.

Marci has a fun Fall idea, to list her Top Ten for the season. It’s a great way to keep track of what you’d like to do or did accomplished during this time. Her handwritten list on a journaling card is surrounded by leaves and a die cut title. I came across her design on Citrus Twist Kits Instagram.

You can find sketches, cutting template and directions for making these fun double Fall pages with punched borders and frames over on Meggan Jacks’ Blog.

These two tall skinny pages work side by side to form a single design with layers of pattern paper, clusters of leaves, the title on one side and the photo on the other. I spotted this sweet double layout on the Echo Park Papers Instagram page.

This page features a cascade of pretty Fall Florals fussy cut from pattern paper and then colored and below are more flowers that have been stenciled and colored too. Tied tags and torn paper add great texture to this pretty design. Visit the Shimmerz Paints blog for all the details.

This wonderful Fall Layout uses lots of strips of patterns paper and layers of squares behind the large photo, it’s a great way to use up scraps! I love the little pocket also created with pattern paper, there’s a pull out tag inside for a fun interactive element. Learn more about this design on Scrapbooking QC Instagram.

This layout captures everything great about fall, from warm orange and green colors, plaid patterns and playing in the changing leaves. I came across this sweet layout on Granny JV’s Scrapbook.com Gallery.

I hope you’ve been inspired by all these wonderful Autumn scrapbook layouts! Happy Scrapping!

-Heather

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