I've been thinking some more about pages without pictures. Most of us have a story or two missing a photo, but that doesn't mean the story isn't worth telling. It might actually mean it needs more telling because you have to describe what we can't see. Making room for a big chunk of journaling on a layout can be hard, though, so I decided to come up with a simple basic design I could use over and over again. On the days when all my thought had gone into the story.
Here it is:
It's a simple speech bubble shape trimmed from a piece of lined patterned paper and then placed on a brightly contrasting background using the paper applique technique.
- It's fast to do
- The line of black stitching (that's just me - why not pen or paint?) seems to help two different patterns sit well with each other
- The speech bubble shows you've got plenty to say..
- ...though I have an idea that my Christmas album this year might be pages of simple appliqued festive shapes
What do you think? It's half term round here and time is tight - but if I can fit in another couple of these, I'm ready to get writing.
Today I'm Loving...an old Irish saying I was reminded of recently. "If I did it yesterday, I can do it today, and if I did it today I can do it tomorrow" It's a good one when you have a lot to be getting on with.
That's a great idea Sian :-) I've made a photoless page today, they are great every now and then.
ReplyDeleteBest you get on with doing what you did yesterday :-)
loving the speech bubble oin the dots sian. hope ur having a gr8 half term so far. its raining here and chilly so no doubt parents will be going stircrazy!!!!
ReplyDeletepoppy sends a woof
Jo xxx
Fabulous! I never know what to do when there isn't a photograph to go with a memory or a story. I also struggle wth the idea of blog posts with no pictures. Great idea :-) x
ReplyDeleteI agree - make way for the writing. As ever, I'm looking forward to reading your next words. x
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea, it's something we use in Publisher for the booklet that goes out to the new Year 7 at work. One statement in the middle of the page, like 'I wonder if ...' and then several large speech bubbles around it with FAQs that new girls have when they arrive at the school. Had never thought of using the idea in scrapbooking!
ReplyDeleteVery cool giant speech bubble. I love the paper applique technique again too. I'll look forward to seeing the story that you fill the page with! xx
ReplyDeleteAh! It's just so cute, Sian. I love the simplicity of this page, as well as that adorable red paper in the back. :o)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great little page and what a great idea. Looking forward to hearing some of the stories that fill those pages :o) x
ReplyDeleteGood idea, Sian! And, of course, you can add embellishments and even souvenirs of an event - just because there's no photo, doesn't mean it has to be totally plain and have no decoration. Like your "photoless" page the other day, there can be plenty of interest without a photo.
ReplyDeleteI have thought of making scrap pages with no photos, but somehow I've always chickened out. I think now that the problem has been how to present the words. I should take a leaf out of your book and make the words the Focus of the layout - rather than just an "oh by the way" sort of afterthought.
Thank you for the good ideas and thought that you put into presenting them for us! By all means write more - I'm always keen to read what you have to say.
Enjoy your half term with your family.
nice idea Sian. I like photoless layouts too, but can never find it in me to dedicate a whole 12 x 12 to them. 8.5 x 11 is always fine though, strange hey?!
ReplyDeleteI love the speech bubble. I enjoy non-photo layouts (lots of journaling and word stickers!) it's like a big, pretty journal! So fun. I'll have to make some speech bubbles and have them ready to go.
ReplyDeleteYou're such a great writer - this is perfect for you! I've made pages without photos, but only when I've incorporated memorabilia or something else. Never just the writing . . . scary for me, I think.
ReplyDeleteRinda
Very striking idea, Sian, that big speech bubble - there's something about the oversized that just pulls our attention to it. I like the dark edge which defines it so well. I like the saying too. although in my case it might go: "If I didn't do it yesterday, the chances are I won't do it today either, and if I don't do it today, I'll be too dispirited to even try by tomorrow!"
ReplyDeleteOoh that's a great idea! It looks very inviting and pretty!! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute & creative design!
ReplyDeleteOh, super! Love the idea :-) Totally going to let that inspire me in a couple of layouts! xx
ReplyDeleteI love this idea too and will be trying to remember it for when I have a lot to say, but nothing to show. Thank you for the inspiration x
ReplyDeletewhat a great idea. having a template for this type of scrapbooking will free you up to concentrate on the story to be told. i can't wait to see what appears on these...
ReplyDeletethat is so cool!
ReplyDeleteNever thought of that!
Thank you for sharing:)
I've linked to this post in my post today http://buttongarden.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-many-times-do-i-have-to-tell-you.html
ReplyDeleteI hope that's ok?
Having looked at your LO again, I could have saved myself a lot of faffing in photoshop - your speech bubble would have been a perfect way to style my LO! :-) x
brilliant idea Sian... and perfect for true stories x
ReplyDeleteLove the simplicity of this idea,Sian.
ReplyDeletethat quote was exactly what I needed to hear today! THANK YOU!!!!
ReplyDeleteHaven't been around for a bit, just want to let you know I love the new look!
So simple indeed but BAM what an impact!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea...and I love your quote!!
ReplyDelete