May 2007 Sketch Challenge

Do you like the look of centered designs? Would you like to showcase a single photo, include a title and journaling and still have room for fun embellishments? Consider using Scrapjazz's May sketch! This month's sketch features a simple layout designed for one main vertical photograph. The design gives adequate space for the tile, journaling and embellishments. Two horizontal stripes provide space for embellishments, additional photographs, journaling or title.

I asked five scrapbookers (Kristi Mangan, Stephanie Vetne, Linda Albrecht, Sue Thomas and Susan Wyno) to create layouts using this month's sketch. Each of them used the sketch and between them designed five unique and beautiful layouts! Here are the results:

Kristi Mangan converted the design to fit 8 ½" X 11". She kept the focus on the photograph with a title that directs you to the subject. Her paper embellishments provide an attractive look to her layout.

Stephanie Vetne used the sketch for a digital design. She used the larger box for the journaling and one of the strips at the bottom for the title. Notice how she peppered the background with flowers and swirls and brought them to play in the area overlapping the title.

Linda Albrecht tilted her title to fit into the box located to the right of the photograph and used strips for her journaling. Her embellishments include sewing as well as buttons and stars arranged around the center section of the layout.

Sue Thomas flipped the photograph and the title placement so her photograph faced into the layout. She layered paper to add interest and added a flower and ribbon for embellishment.

Susan Wyno used stitching to give the centered feel to the layout then overlapped it with her papers and photographs. Journaling appears on the large square as well as in the strips of paper underneath.

Although the sketch is shown in a 12" X 12" paper format, it is adaptable. One scrapbooker used an 8 ½" X 11" design and another scrapbooker used a digital design. Several scrapbookers included extensive journaling while others used the space for a large title. Two scrapbookers used stitching to emulate the inner centered design.

Whatever size or format, take a look at this sketch and create your own layout. Have fun with the sketch and remember to post your layouts to the gallery to share with everyone.