Everywhere you look these days there are more and more people using sketches. There has been an increase in sketch sites online and a vast array of books and magazines devoted to sketches.
Why sketches? What is a sketch?
A sketch is a drawing of a perspective layout complete with certain elements. It encompasses photographs, title and journaling spots. It provides the foundation of a scrapbook layout. It can be simple providing the basics mentioned or it can be elaborate with embellishments.
It is just the thing to jumpstart your layout, feed your creativity and inspire when you need a boost. We all do from time to time. It is a wonderful way to start your scrapping Mojo!
You can create your own sketch by hand or on the computer. You can access many wonderful sketch sites online or from various books and magazines. They are abounding.
Once you have a sketch in hand you have a few decisions to make. First of all you need your photos and check to make sure the size will fit your sketch. If not… just crop them or print them to the size you require. Pay close attention to the orientation of the pictures. Are they horizontal or vertical? Also note that you can place additional photos in journaling or embellishment spots.
How many papers will you need for your layout will be determined by the sketch? Draw your colors from your photos.
The same goes for embellishments. You can use so many different embellishments such as flowers, bookplates, monograms, tags, buttons and so much more.
If you find the idea of journaling too scary you can cheat and fill the spot with your favorite quotes, music lyrics or even another photo.
Once you have decided on all the above elements then it’s time to put your layout together. You can do this in any order than you like. I usually start with my papers and then my photos. Embellishments are generally the last thing I put on my page.
It is important to note that a sketch is just a basic foundation on which to build your layout. It is up to you to create the layout that best conveys what you have in mind. You have free reign as to how you create your layout. Turn your sketch on its side or upside down. If you have a two page sketch and only like the right side, then just use the right side.
Remember also to use what techniques you are comfortable with. Do you like to sew on your layout and the sketch has no sewing on it. Then just sew on your layout. If you like to distress, ink, tear or paint, then do it. A sketch is a starting point to your layout…
One of the things I most like about sketches is that you can give the same sketch to five different people and each person will create something totally unique and different from each other.