From the LM Archives
Sketchlift a Friend
By: Franny Lesniak, Design Team Member
It’s still summer, and very likely your scrapping time is at high premium. Did you follow Vickie’s suggestion and tips from her article in last week’s Lifetime Moments newsletter to select a layout or two of your own creation and scraplift it? If so, how did it go? Did the process occur more quickly than the first time around? Are you ready for some more scraplifting tips? Well, stay tuned, as I’m going to give you more pointers to complete layouts while shaving time off of the creation process.
This week, the topic is generating a sketch based on a layout that was created not by you this time, but by a friend or other scrapper whose work you admire.
When you see a layout that especially strikes your fancy, what is it in particular that you like about that layout? Is it the color scheme? Is it a particular use of an embellishment? Did that person make use of a design element that stood out? Or was it the overall basic design - the structural foundation - of the layout that you found appealing? Identifying the specific part of the layout that you might want to emulate will help you in the jotting down and sketching process.
Sometimes all you need to do is to jot down some notes about the color scheme that you liked, while other times you might want to draw a quick sketch of the layout, which may include just the basic bones design, or it may include more detail than that. Whatever the case may be, make sure to always have a notebook or sketchbook nearby so that you can record these inspirations. Some people find it helpful to use graph paper when making sketches. Just remember, you don’t have to be a talented sketch artist to get down the gist of the design elements!
Another point to remember – when perusing the gallery, if a particular layout strikes you, but you feel that it doesn’t really suit your style, don’t be dissuaded from sketching out the design. Focus on the basic bones structure. Keep an eye out for balance. Once you have made your sketch or notes, then all you have to do is fill in the blanks. You get to make the selection of papers and embellishments, which will result in a layout that will reflect your own style and flair.
Don’t forget, a sketch doesn’t tie you to any commitments. If as you create your sketch you think that this round element in the original design would look better in that location on your layout, and maybe as a different shape entirely, don’t hesitate to make the changes that you feel would work better for you. The sketch is only a starting place. You are free to take creative license and make it your own.
Once you get into the habit of sketching, I am willing to wager that you will find that this little bit of effort may make a significant difference in your creative process. You may begin to find inspiration all around you, all the time. But without making sketches and notes of these moments of inspiration, they can easily slip into the part of the universe where uncaptured inspirations go, sad and unused. Don’t contribute to the waste of perfectly good inspirations! Make sketches!
If creating sketches just isn’t your thing, but creating layouts based on sketches does work for you, then be sure to take a look at these books by Becky Higgins (“Creative Sketches for Scrapbooking”, and “Creative Sketches for Scrapbooking2”). Her sketches will certainly provide you with some great inspiration!
On a final note, there is truly nothing like the good feeling that comes from asking a friend if you can scraplift her layout. Just try it, you will see. :wink:
To view all layout ideas and products used, please be sure to visit the Design Team Gallery: Sketchlift a Friend
Or Click each image below to see a larger view!
Sonya
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Scraplifted From
ConnieT
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Scraplifted From
Mestebla
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Scraplifted From
Purplbtrfly
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Franny
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Scraplifted from
Scrappin Jenn
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Scraplifted from
Debbie V
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Susan
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Scraplifted From
Deblew
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Scraplifted From
EdFred
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Scraplifted From
Annalee
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Miranda
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Scraplifted From
RJNetta
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Scraplifted From
Debbie King
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Madeline
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Scraplifted From Joannie
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Scraplifted From
LaLunatique’s
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Nancy
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Scraplifted From
Clairbug
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Scraplifted From
Melissa in SC
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