January 2009 Sketch Challenge

After the holidays, I seem to slow down a bit with my picture taking. So, for January's sketch, I chose a one-photo layout. You could use a favorite photo from the past months, or create a special page listing your resolutions for 2009. I asked some girls from the message boards to create some projects using my sketch for inspiration. I'm totally pleased with the results and I hope you'll find that this sketch is easy to adapt too.

Chicky6363 created a layout titled Long Ride about an unexpected bout of traffic. Haven't we all been there, but how creative to document the event while encouraging the kids on their good behavior. Nilsa stayed close to the sketch but used a journaling diecut as opposed to a second sheet of patterned paper. Her large square has different patterned squares on it, which gives the illusion of layering. Decorative ribbon ties the layout together and guides the eye to read her journaling.

Monika tilted her elements on her layout, Madi. As a linear scrapbooker myself, I find her choice fascinating. Adding much more layering than the original sketch, she gives her layout a warm and worn feel to it. She created a visual triangle with her embellishments and chose to journal directly on her striped patterned paper. Beautiful gemstone swirls and sewing machine stitching take this beautiful layout over the top.

NancyK went all out on her layout. Staying close to the sketch, the overall look feels the same, but if you look closely you will see that Nancy made the sketch work for her! Her layout, Flower Girl, is definitely what little girls are made of. Lace cardstock, ribbon trim, silk flowers and girlie fonts are all beautiful like her little girl. She stayed true to the soft rounded edges with her flower, title block, and oval journaling block. The result is so pretty and delicate, like a flower.

Amy Chomas' layout Royalty is almost identical to the original sketch. I love it! I feel like she was reading my mind when she created her layout. I really had the idea to showcase a an extra special photograph and make it shine. As you can see, that's what she did. Her photo is just beautiful and her layout really helps it shine. Notice Amy's eye for details: the little gems on the edge of her journaling block, and the ricrac used to anchor her title. A contrasting white line frames this layout as if it's being displayed on a wall.

RedSquirrel went above and beyond with her card set. She truly is inspirational. First of all, how clever is it to use definitions on the card? This is perfect for those of us short on words, yet would like to bless somebody with a card. Each card follows the sketch closely but Rosey's details keep them different from the others. Whether it be a color change or innovative use of embellishments, these cards are sure to make everybody smile.

For my layout Merry & Bright, I really wanted to use one of my recent favorite photos. No journaling was needed, because the title says it all. I used Doodlebug's new velvet paper to create my poinsettia. I individually cut each petal and taped them together to make a flower. I added Doodlebug's bling to the center to cover where my petals came together.

Although most of us stayed true to the sketch, why not challenge yourself to tilt it on its side for a vertical photograph? I know I will next time. The sketch is so simple to copy and really helps our favorite photos shine.

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