Wednesday 30 March 2016

Naval Gazing: Scrapbooking With a Sketch

I'm always excited when Get It Scrapped throws me a sketch challenge. I'm usually a paper shuffler: I move everything around

Sian Fair for Get It Scrapped
From a sketch at Get It Scrapped, based on a page by Sue Althouse

until I like the basic shape, and then - more often than not - I move it all round again, and start sticking it down in a completely different design. So working from a sketch gets me thinking in a new way.

When the bones are there in front of me I always take the opportunity to look at how they are put together. What makes this design easy on the eye? How does it pull me round the page? Is there anything about the way the photo is placed which ensures it attracts attention? 

And then, as I start to choose my embellishments, I consider whether I'm enhancing the original design, or whether my additions are simply detracting from it. Will I move my basics round just a touch to make room for the perfect little piece I've been saving? What will I do to make this page one of mine? (A swipe of blue and green on this one, because we all know I'm playing paint-y at the moment, and a ruffle paper edge).


And then, when I'm completely finished, I'll look at the sketch again and imagine how it might work on a smaller canvas, or even as a card. Because a sketch you can stretch is a sketch to keep hold of. You'll find this one, and the matching layered template, over on the Get It Scrapped blog along with links to a huge collection of others. You could fill a sketch book.

16 comments:

Jo said...

I love how you've interpreted the sketch and I love the colours you've used. I like to turn to a sketch when I need to make a quick, no faffing layout :)

Patio Postcards said...

When I first looked at this page, I thought how fresh, how clean in colours. I really like your title. I also like the way your photos lead me around the page to the story.

Karen said...

One reason that your pages are always so wonderful is that you consider all those questions. I'm afraid I'm guilty of scrapping more quickly, and less artistically! I love how the blue paint highlights your journaling, and the whole page just feels clean and airy---not what I might expect when I look at the sketch. You've truly made it your own! (Also love the way you used the red alphas and numbers to make a visual triangle--so cool.)

Beverly said...

I always enjoy seeing what different people do with the same layout. Such a different feel from each person, individuality shines through. I like the light feel of yours with the bold lettering. I agree a sketch that can be used in different mediums is a keeper.

Cheri said...

Regardless of how you start, you always make it work. I love the paint on this one - it really pulls it all together!

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

I'm a fan of the paint-y. Just perfect for the subject matter.

Ruth said...

What a fresh-looking page! And I really like the title!

Mitralee said...

I read all the words first because I always dig your process and then I went back to look at the photos! I do like a good sketch! I must put down the hot glue gun and getting scrapping soon I say...Very much love the colors and layout on this one!

alexandra s.m. said...

Karen is absolutely right, your page is so attractive because you have thought of everything, down to the tiniest detail! The title immediately caught my eyes. I also love the little bit of paint!
Thanks Sian!

Debbie said...

Great title

Ladkyis said...

I am the person that looks at a sketch and then does it EXACTLY as it says in the picture. OCD? me? no I like it alphabetical so CDO please!

Julia said...

Like what you've done with the sketch - I always struggle to go "off piste" with my sketches! I really live the ruffle border edge - it works so well to pull all the colours out of the photos x

Melissa said...

Great job with the sketch! I've been feeling the itch to scrapbook lately and might just have to check out some of the GIS sketches & templates to get me going!

Lou said...

I saw this layout on IG and thought it was very different to your normal layouts. Now i know why. It;s still as lovely though x

Sandra said...

Ohi s O wish I could spend just a few moments in that lovely creative mind of yours

Anonymous said...

Lovely page. I always love sketches as this old brain sometimes just can't think of anything to do. :)

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