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Using Sketches for Creating Layouts
Scrapbook sketches exploded in popularity with the publication of Becky Higgins’ Creative Sketches for Scrapbooking. Soon more and more scrapbook sketches appeared online and in magazines. Now sketches are a favorite source of inspiration! A sketch is a drawing of a layout design showing photograph, title, and journaling areas. It provides inspiration and a framework for a layout design. A sketch allows you to create either a simple or complicated layout, jumpstarts creativity, saves time and encourages the use of new layout designs. Here’s how I approach finding and using sketches to create layouts: I keep a collection of sketches on hand to browse through when I need quick inspiration. You can copy them from magazines or online sources and even create your own sketches to add to your collection. Sketches can be sorted and divided by number of photos in the sketch and photograph orientation. Pull them out whenever you want to do a layout. - Find an appropriate sketch. I look for the number of photos and their orientation on the sketch to determine whether my photos will fit into the design.
- Look for appeal. When I first look at a sketch, it will usually immediately appeal to me or not. Evaluate the sketch by asking yourself if it fits your personal style. If not, don’t rule it out too quickly. Ask yourself if you can adapt it to your style. I find that if it doesn’t fit my style and isn’t easily adaptable, it will be much more difficult to use.
- Check the paper size. Some sketches work better for different paper sizes. Note the size of the sketch and its elements. Will it work with the paper size I’ll be using?
Scrapjazz introduces a new sketch every month. Here is the July 2005 Scrapjazz sketch: I will use this sketch to create my “example” sketch. Match pictures to the sketch. Examine the size (4”x5”, 5”x7”, etc.) and orientation (horizontal, vertical, and square) of the photographs. Then, look through your stash of photographs for a combination similar to the sketch. - Example: I looked at the July 2005 sketch and I saw space for two photographs and a large area for journaling. I jotted down the basics on a piece of paper. In my example, I would write the following: “2 photos – square or vertical (maybe three vertical photographs) and a large journaling space.” For this sketch I found two vertical 4”x6” photographs of my daughter’s teacher. I knew I wanted to journal about her relationship with him so this seemed like a good match.
- Creative Solutions: The number of photographs does not have to exactly match the sketch. Additional photographs can fit into embellishment or journaling areas. Conversely, a photograph can be removed and memorabilia, an embellishment or journaling added to that spot. If the sketch includes an extra large photograph, have an enlargement made. If the sketch has small photos, either find photographs that can be cropped or resize them before printing. With digital capabilities you can digitally crop and resize photographs before printing them. Also consider rotating the sketch sideways or upside down – you’ll get a whole new sketch!
Get a feel for the sketch’s design elements. Look at a sketch and see the basic patterns and placements. - Example: The July 2005 sketch is divided into three sections – top, middle and bottom. The top and bottom are spacious. The middle section is filled. The middle section consists of journaling in the middle and two sides of photographs and embellishments. It is a very balanced sketch.
- Creative Solutions: Design elements can often be combined and still maintain the sketch’s balance and appeal. Consider combining two sections of a sketch. For example the embellishment and photograph section in the Scrapjazz July 2005 sketch can be combined into one larger photograph area.
Consider the Embellishments. The areas indicating embellishment are open to many options. Examples include sticker quotes, paper flowers, bookplates, monograms, buttons, pockets, and tags. The choices are limitless! - Example: I searched through my supplies for some school-related embellishments. I had laser cut embellishments that fit nicely into the two embellishment areas. I added a third one for continuity in the middle of the journaling area. I also wanted to maintain the colorblocked look so I mounted them on patterned paper.
- Creative Solutions: Consider adding embellishments to areas other than those marked for an embellishment. Be creative! Anything can be used as an embellishment, even patterned paper! Alternatively, consider minimal or no embellishments to keep the layout simple.
Choose papers based on your layout’s color scheme. Often the sketch design will determine how many types of paper are needed. Look at the sketch and get an idea of how many papers to use. - Example: The sketch, broken into three sections, could easily have anywhere from two to four different papers. For interest, I immediately chose to use a rustic-looking patterned paper in the top and bottom sections. I wanted the middle section to be black cardstock to highlight the patterned paper more. I reintroduced the patterned paper in the middle area for the journaling.
- Creative Solutions: Layer patterned papers to create a unique effect. Another option would be to use more than one paper in an area that is dominated by paper. For example, in the Scrapjazz July 2005 sketch, more than one patterned paper or cardstock could be placed on the top and bottom.
Create the layout. With most of the choices made, the layout can be assembled. - Example: I assemble my layouts typically in the following order: Arrange the selected photos on the paper. Crop as necessary. Cut any background papers. Arrange papers and photographs. Arrange journaling, title and embellishments on layout.
- Creative Solutions: Remember to use your favorite techniques when assembling the layout. If you like paper tearing, go ahead and tear. If you like stitching, stitch. If you like painting, paint. Here’s where the different techniques and styles make each sketch very different.
Here is my finished layout using the July 2005 Scrapjazz sketch: Sketches are fun because each individual adds their own creative flair to the sketch design. Each time a sketch is translated into a layout, it can be different even though many of the design elements are the same. Here is another layout I completed using the same sketch. Notice some of the differences. So, take a sketch. You may start with the July 2005 Scrapjazz sketch or another one. Whichever you chose, share it with us here at Scrapjazz. Resources for Sketches
Idea Books:
Creative Sketches for Scrapbooking
Creative Sketches for Scrapbooking 2 - Available October 2005
Scrapbook Shortcuts Using Simple Schemes - Available July 2005
A Scrapbooker's Guide 4 - Floorplans
Magazines:
Creating Keepsakes, Primedia
Simple Scrapbooks, Primedia
On-line:
Scrapjazz Sketches
Creating Keepsake Sketches
Scrapbook Sketches
Queen Geek Sketches
Scrappin Stuff Sketches
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