Double The Fun! Creating Two-Page Layouts From One-Page Sketches

I regularly scrapbook two-page layouts and sometimes it's hard to keep things fresh. I was recently challenged to create a 12" x 24" spread using 12" x 12" sketches. I loved the idea. Not only do I get to resuscitate my old sketches, but the possibilities are endless. This article will also be helpful for those who have a hard time scrapbooking double-page layouts, because the work is done for you.

Pick one sketch and add your own

This is best if you can't find two sketches that match or fit your needs. You start with a sketch that you like and you make up the second side. I started off with a sketch by Becky Fleck for www.pagemaps.com, flipped it, and added nine blocked photos on the right side. This is a great approach because I didn't have to think or embellish much; just cut and glue the photos down!

Mirror image one sketch

Use a mirror image for the second half of the layout. The easiest way to mirror a sketch is to rotate it horizontally in a photo editing program. This technique is really cool considering that you will be creating a perfectly symmetrical project. (Sketch by Becky Fleck)

Pick two different sketches and put them together

This was the hardest for me because it was time consuming. I'm particular about balance, so I just couldn't pick any two sketches to put together. If "getting it done" is your philosophy, you could easily pull sketches from a hat to put together. I enjoyed the challenge and love the results. (Sketches by Becky Fleck.)

Take one sketch and flip it upside down

I probably use this technique the most because I love the balance of it. The weight is evenly distributed between the pages and it's a cinch to do. I used a photo editing software to flip my sketch, but you could easily just rotate the paper instead. Sketches by Becky Fleck

Stretch the sketch

Really stretch your brain and creativity, and change the proportions of some of the sketch elements. Then you can keep the integrity and design of the original sketch, but allow room to add in additional photographs or enlargements.

This process was not only fun, but productive! I scrapbooked 42 photographs and all I had to do was copy what was in front of me. Becky Fleck provides monthly sketches that you can save individually by right-clicking on the image. This will allow you to merge sketches more easy.

Keeping it real: I did journal on my layouts, but only after I scanned them.