Bright Ideas
Quick, what do you think of when I say “summer”? Fun. Food. Family. Friends. Photos. Lots and lots of photos! So what is one to do with all that abundance?
Let’s get one thing straight: you don’t need to scrap all your summer photos.
Pick the best ones, the ones that really speak to you. The ones that make you go, “Awww,” or “Oooh,” or “Hahaha!” The ones that make you want to tell a story. Take the rest, put them in a photo-safe box, and label it with a few details—like who, where, why, or what. Or, leave them in labeled files on your computer. Done with those!
With that out of the way, a few of my scrappy friends and I have some tips for what to do with those favorite shots. Enjoy!
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Supplies: patterned paper, large letter stickers, die-cuts (Basic Grey) ⋄ small letter stickers (EK success) • photo turn (7Gypsies) • brad (Making Memories) • rubber stamp (Purple Onion Designs) • 8 x 8 layout by Barb Wong |
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Candid Shots + Coordinated Products
The look on Thomas’ face is priceless! His mom Barb was at the ready with her camera, just waiting for that perfect moment. Note the falling bucket, and the way his body is turning to run away! To capture great moments like this, get your camera ready, set it to a fast shutter speed (if you have a DSLR). Stand as far away as you can, zoom in, and be ready to snap multiple shots.
Tip: Streamline the process by using coordinating products. Why wear yourself out trying to match stuff? Most manufacturers have matching patterned paper, embellishments, and alphas. Use that to your advantage.
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Supplies:
alpha stickers, brads (American Crafts) • patterned paper, die-cuts (October Afternoon) ⋄ adhesive (3L) • 12 x 12 layout by Katrina Simeck |
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Integrated Title + Neutral Background
Note how Katrina made her title part of her journaling (clever!). She kept the page very simple, choosing a neutral background, a small strip of patterned paper, and a strawberry to highlight the picnic theme. Those three little brads in the corner help balance out a bottom-heavy design.
Tip: Summer themed papers tend to have very bright colors. Keep the page from getting too busy with some neutral and/or solid backgrounds. Or in other words, leave some “white” space.
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Supplies: patterned paper (Cosmo Cricket) • paper embellishments (Cosmo Cricket, Creative Imaginations, Art Warehouse) • jelly stickers (Me & My Big Ideas) • 12 x 12 layout by Monica McNeil |
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Visual Repetition + Visual Triangle
Monica took a close up shot of her son Garrett learning how to blow bubbles under water. She mimicked the water bubbles in the patterned papers she chose and also repeated the shape in the scalloped border at the top. Three flowers create a nice visual triangle and tie it all up.
Tip: Quite often, the best photos for summer layouts are candids—photos that show you and your friends and family enjoying the season. Photos that remind you of a trip, a meal, a friend, or a special moment.
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Supplies: letter sticker • flower (American Crafts) • 8½ x 11 layout by Melanie Louette |
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Multiple Photos + Minimal Embellishments
Sometimes the colors in the photos are enough, and there is no need for patterned paper. On this linear layout, Melanie chose to keep all the focus on her beautiful photos, arranging them on two layers of pristine cardstock. A single orange flower accent is all she needed to dress up her page.
Tip: Remember, as with any art form, there are no real rules in scrapbooking! Sit down when you have a few quiet moments, revisit your summer memories, and indulge in the joys of this meaningful craft.