Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Something new for me....



Back in January, I signed up for a sketch swap in a group on the Cricut.com message board. I had not heard whether it was actually happening due to some health and family issues for the organizer, but apparently we are going forward.

So tonight, I did my first "sketch" for a 12 x 12 layout. I usually just do my layouts by sitting down and creating something that "looks good to me" so this was a new approach. I have never created a sketch using the computer, but, once again, my Creative Memories StoryBook software made it fairly easy to do.



I used shapes and shades of gray for the layout and added a swirl from one of the digital overlays I have purchased by download. I did two versions - one with the basic shapes and placement and the second with the actual dimensions added right on the sketch page. This makes it easier to duplicate in actual paper as opposed to using it for a digital layout.



Then I found a few spring photos and actually used my sketch to do a digital page. If you want to give this sketch a try I'd love to see what you do with it!



April 1st, 12:23 p.m. -ETA - I started this post in the evening yesterday but posted it late last night and I did not realize that I had changed the layers in my layout from the sketch. I think that is what sketches are for - to inspire but not necessarily follow exactly, however, I actually meant to make this the same as my sketch (!) - I have corrected the page but I am leaving the "alternate version" here - which do you prefer? Alternate is above and original below...


10 comments:

  1. Diane, I love everything you come up with and this is no exception!!..What a cool sketch and layout!!..

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  2. Beautiful layout. Love the flowers!

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  3. So spring. Your layout is very nice, May I left it?
    --fran--

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  4. Diane,

    your LO turned out beautiful! I have some roses from my garden and I'm going to snatch your idea :)

    You talk about Creative Memories Storybook, what is it and where can I find more info on that? I have Photoshop Elements, but I haven't created any digital LOs - I need a one on one so I can learn.

    Thanks for sharing,

    Carmen

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  5. Diane I love your lo & the sketch. Does the CM software help you to make sketches?

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  6. You are my hero! I always wanted to do a layout from a sketch but my anal retentive qualities would not aloow me to without knowing exact measurements. Thank you!!!

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  7. Hey Diane! I saw your sketch and HAD to try it out! Since I didn't have these pictures printed I decided to do it as a digital layout as well.. and I do plan on doing it as a paper and picture layout eventually... that's hwy I love sketches so much because of their versatility. Anyway, here's the link to see my take on my blog.

    http://wambritascrapcraft.blogspot.com/2009/04/sketch-from-capadia.html

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  8. Fran,

    Go right ahead and "scraplift" - that's what sketches are for! I'd love to see how yours looks when you are done.

    Carmen,

    The Creative Memories StoryBook Creator Plus software is what I use to do many of my projects. You can do layouts, cards, invitations, yearbook pages, and so many more things with it. There is lots of information on my CM personal website - here is the address:

    http://www.mycmsite.com/sites/dianecampbellpayne

    there is a link in the side column of my blog. It is very easy to learn and there is a lot of free help on the site - webinars and tutorials that show you how to do things and, of course, I can help you with any questions. I just hadn't thought of using StoryBook to do sketches since I don't normally work from a sketch.

    I think the Cricut with Design Studio and the StoryBook program are my two favorite "tools."

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  9. Pat,

    The CM software gave me a way to "draw" my sketch - I basically did a "blank" layout using shapes in different shades of gray.

    The software also has hundreds of predesigned templates for pages which can also function as "sketches" since you can change all of the elements to suit your project.

    Digital scrapping and designing is a wonderful way to be creative without making a mess all over the house with your paper scraps - and you never run out of your favorite papers!

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  10. That's a lovely sketch AND layout you made! I think I prefer the "original" layout of the circles...only because the T in "Last" intersects with the salmon strip in the "alternate" version.

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