The sketch for week 2 of our sketch challenge features three photos:  one 4 x 6 and two 3 x 4s. I often like to make layouts that feature one prominent photograph with other smaller detail photos.  I also like to mix-up sizes and orientations. So, for example you'll notice that one of the photographs is a different orientation from the other two.



This week, and in the weeks that follow I will also present an 8.5 x 11 version of the sketch. For this week's sketch, I chose to adapt the design in the portrait orientation. I cropped the photos so that the white space surrounding the trio of photos is maintained. You could however adapt the sketch in the landscape orientation and keep the main photo in the 4 x 6 size. You would lose that cushion of white space from the original sketch, but I think it would make a great adaptation!


 
In the layout that I made based off of this sketch I actually substituted the 4 x 6 with a 3.5 x 5. I wanted a lot of white space on this layout because part of the inspiration for making the layout was to document one of our family's fall traditions. (Mmm, yummy pumpkin scones.  Say, is it fall yet?) But the other was to pay a little homage to one of my favorite (but sadly no longer in business) scrapbooking companies. As I said last week, I like to keep my sketches very simple. I almost never sketch the background elements or the embellishments into my designs. So while the sketch for this layout is very basic I did layer a lot of patterned papers to create the backdrop for my photos (patterned paper is my favorite scrapbooking supply). And in order to make sure my photos stood out I matted them on white cardstock (you can also have them printed with a white border from the photo printer, but I'm sure you all already knew that).
 

 
Feel free to alter or change this sketch to fit your needs. Or, if you want to use it just as it is, that's great too!  There is no wrong or right when using sketches. They are meant to be starting points for your creativity. Keep up the good work this week; I loved seeing all your submissions from last week.
 
Just leave me a comment with a link to your layout, and we'll pick three winners by Thursday, January 28, who will each receive a coupon code for a free eBook. Winners will be posted on Friday or Saturday (January 28-29). If you don't have a blog, just post your layout to our Flickr group. Everyone who participates this week will also get an entry into our Grand Prize drawing five weeks from now. For every week you post a layout, you get one more entry in the drawing.

WE'RE READY TO ANNOUNCE OUR GRAND PRIZE!!!

After all the entries from every week of the contest have been gathered, we'll draw one random winner who will receive a Cricut Expression (MSRP around $300)! Important note: grand prize winner will pay shipping, whether domestic or international. If grand prize winner chooses to decline the prize, we'll pick another random winner to win the Cricut Expression. And we'll expect the winner to create a project or two with the Cricut to be featured on our blog.

Note: The three winning layouts for week 1 will be posted later today or tomorrow (Saturday), because the whole Ella staff is busy at CHA! Each weekly winner will get a coupon code for a free eBook.