Spoiled

In my SDU class I teach the use of different elements in the same scrapbook page.  This layout shows the combination of different papers and how single and double mats make the pictures stand out.  The background is created with 2 overlapping scraps over the checkered base.  The lateral edges are lined with paw print ribbon; the dimensional letters of the title and the doghouse sticker offer an element of fun.  The title was placed at the bottom, proving not all titles need to be on top of the page.  Writing on the transparency on top completes the dimensional effect.

Paris

Paris... nothing needs to be said. But lets explain the layout as an example.  Again, this is a double spread I use when teaching.  The background pages are not identical; however, they have the same color hue and this allows for the combination to work well together.  The diagonal and overlapping pictures of the Eiffel Tower are single matted, this emphasizes the fact that ts is the same subject and ties with the printed image on the paper.  The picture on the upper left was taken at night so a double mat was used to isolate it within the arrangement.   The second page shows other scenes, all matted with the same colors.  To create something unexpected, I tore the edges of the focus picture, attached a garter, a charm and slanted the  picture.  Using the Cricut created a tag with 'je t'aime' in black and threaded a street light and flag through it.  To break the vertical lines, it was adhered on a slant with foam squares.  To complete the layout, I used many small embellishments, related stickers, cutouts on pop dots, tied narrow red ribbons here and there... and stamped 'Oooh la-la!' below the garter.  The final touch was to label the scenes with a Dymo in black.  Paris, je voux retourner...

You are my Sister

This is an example I use for the classes I teach; it is a double layout in an asymmetrical composition.  Vibrant colors and many pictures with opposite flourishes touching pictures, enough area for the eyes to rest and a pile of flowers to embellish.  The corner golden squares draw out the golden flecks of the paper.  All the pictures are double matted with coordinating colors, the first layer has decorated paper, the second layer is solid card stock.  The title spans across both a pages and is anchored with the vertical stripe paper on which I adhered letters cut wit the Cricut.

Gauchos en la Doma

Or in a very lose translation to English, we could say Cowboys in a Rodeo.  Except that its not a rodeo, and a Gaucho is not exactly a Cowboy.  Still with me? 

In class I use this layout as an example for a double layout.  When I made it, the store had just received 'wood paper' and I got started.  It punches crisp and clean, it does not curl when glued and it holds ink well as long as it is set, otherwise the ink bleeds.  The grain and coloring of the wood is very appealing.  It was the perfect medium to get a 'nature' theme going.  Pulled the pictures of a Doma and matted those on wood paper with another layer for accent.  Only the picture of the race (I reeeeeally like that picture) got a mat of alcohol inks (lettuce) swirled and air shot to create striations.  I found a background that looks like tooled leather and built my pages on those...  No need for a lot of text because the pictures told the whole story: agility feats.  Highest straight-up jump, fastest horse, etc. giving me the opportunity to use bulleted text on raised tags.  I distressed a bit the smaller journaling block and the tags with Ranger's Vintage Photo Distress ink.  Straight from the pad to the edge of the wood and set.  Great effect!

Explosion book (ok, it looks like a purse)

This was a wonderful project!  My friend and her boyfriend had gotten engaged and came to visit for the weekend in the summer.  The kids are fantastic, the couple a fun pair.  The dinner turned out awesome (and I did not cut myself or burned my hands, how good is that?!).  We took lots of pictures and then I created this explosion book.  Closes up to only 2" wide and is only 5.5" tall.  I built a 'purse' with artist canvas, added feet (painted with crackle paint), beaded wire handles, three dimensional effects, etc.  Some picture editing, special paper, the right embelishments and a couple of weeks to finish it yielded a very good record of the visit.  I mailed it to her for her XX (we shall not disclose the year of the happy event) b-day in October and I was proud of the results.  Here are other pictures of the completed piece. 

The seams are re-inforced in the back to prevent wear and tear as the pages are opened and closed.  There is only a half a quadrant with narrative journaling (seen on the first page) and the rest of the journaling was bulleted in tags.

College Years

There were a lot of giggles in the class when I hung this sample on the board.  Sometimes a title works best when it is placed somewhere other than the top of the page.  In this layout, the words 'College Years' did not have as much appeal as the title I chose.  The fact that it was black and white really added to the feel of vintage 50's.