Every so often, we see a photo that captures our eye. Perhaps it’s the wonderful color scheme or a great composition that draws us in. We see it and we want to extract just a little of that photo’s creative magic to sprinkle over our own projects.  Avery Elle has one of those magical type photos on their blog this month. When I saw it, ideas immediately began to churn in my head. You can see the photo inspiration( which is available on sale at Etsy- not an affiliate) here which features photos of colorful cable cars.

Color palettes are often one of the first sources of inspiration derived from a photo.  In a well composed image, colors work well as a team and we can easily see how they  would translate to any project we would want to make. This photo was no exception  to that rule. Striking bright colors against a light turquoise background just beg for  you to use them in paper form.

There is so much more to the photo than just color. Many photos can provide a source of inspiration for textures. Some photos are quite obvious in the way they portray items we may want to touch.  The texture within this photo of the cable cars is hidden. You have to think about the materials that compose the gondolas in this ride. If you were sitting in one of these, you might feel a smooth plastic surface of the seat. It’s also likely that you would be holding onto a metal lap bar to keep you in place. Using these associations as a reference, I decided that I wanted to add something with a smooth or metal texture to my page.

Many photos also provide a basic structure which we can translate to a sketch. It’s not always obvious, but with a little practice, it becomes easy to see. Try to think of the elements in the photo as basic shapes. First, look for a larger structure which can house a photo,then fill in the rest of the sketch with smaller supporting areas. In this photograph, the pole provides the right spot.  The cables with the cars become a supporting element in the main design. Sometimes, photos also provide clues to where we might place the title, journaling and embellishments.  This particular photo doesn’t quite do that. However, with any sketch, we have to remember to be flexible so that the sketch can work for our story. This photo lends itself nicely to a very open ended design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The photo has given us the inspiration for a design layout and a color scheme. It’s now a matter of choosing a picture to document and supplies. We can also take a hint from the photo in our supply choices. The sky is a light color while the gondolas provide small pops of color against it’s mute tone. I chose a blue chevron print paper which is very similar to the color of the sky in the photo. I will then layer on the brighter colors in the other elements of the layout. Let’s take a look at how I built the actual layout.

 

 

Step One After layering my photo onto a rectangular matte, it’s time to begin adding the details. My first step is to build the border that extends on either side of the matte. Avery Elle has a set of free digital stamps on their website. I printed a set of the celebrate stamps in wallet size onto cardstock. These hanging globes remind me of the hanging gondola cars. With a little patience, I fussycut enough to make a border.

As I adhere them to the layout. I make sure to tuck some of the globes under the matte. I always add adhesive to the center of items so that I can gently lift and tuck other embellishments or papers along the way.

I have also allowed the globes to hang off the edge. I’ll trim the excess away.

Step Two Using a paint brush, I spatter a bit of homemade mist onto the globes. It’s a subtle layer that doesn’t add bulk to the layout. The mist is a simple formula. Just add a little bit of a reinker to an empty mist bottle and add water.

Now that the mist is dry, I can come back with a few pens and add details. I learned the technique of adding dots and small circles to mist splatter from Ashi Oliver.

Step Three I cut a thin strip of paper. A scrap would have worked well here too. It’s not necessary for the strip to be evenly cut.

Cutting the scrap into bits then layering them over each other is a great way to add a bit of texture to the design.

Machine stitching isn’t necessary, but it is an easy way to add a bit of extra detail. This stitched border reminds me of the cables the gondolas are suspended from.

Step Four I now have now replicated the basic structure of the design. I am free to add clusters of embellishment to polish the layout. Adding clusters around the photo will help draw the eye to it. I start by tucking this little fox playing card under the photo at an angle. Notice how it overlaps the blue border and the photo map? The embellishment cluster at the junction will give a sense that the photo and matte are anchored to the border.

Layering the wood frame over the card adds dimension. The arrow within the frame is perfectly fine, but I want to add something more to it.

Remember how I mentioned texture earlier? I cut a few chevron style arrows from a soda can. It’s just a small touch of the smooth textures found in the inspiration photo.

I like to use glossy accents or zip dry to add metal pieces to my layouts. The glue dries quickly and keeps them firmly in place. The embellishment cluster looks nice but still needs a bit more.

I stamp the word miss you on a scrap piece of cardstock with red ink.

I can then cut the letters and word I need. A metal flower finishes the cluster off.

Step Five Metal doesn’t have to feel hard or cold. The organic shape of the enamel flower and warm colors of the flair badge prevent this cluster from feeling too hard. They are also a reminder of the fun colors found in the gondolas.

After adding the title and journaling to the layout, I call it done. Notice how the red items on the layout form a visual triangle which accentuate the photo.

 Sly Kitty by Christy Strickler Supplies| Patterned Paper: Glitz Designs, My Mind’s Eye, Jenni Bowlin; Letters, Ephemera,Mist: Jenni Bowlin; Stamp,Die: Avery Elle; Flowers, Wood Veneer, Brad, Flair: Freckled Fawn; Paperclip: Maya Road; Other: vellum

 

 

 

 

Jujubee has a tendency of opening drawers and closet doors. I have never managed to catch her in the act. Though the basic structure of the sketch was simple, the addition of the bright colors and fun elements make it perfect for telling the story of this sly kitty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translate Creative Displays to Scrapbook Designs- A Get It Scrapped Article by Amy Kingsford

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