The Hybrid Experiment: Lesson Learned!

There are times when I want a specific theme or element for my layouts. In recent months, I have learned that going hybrid is a great solution for me. I can download a digital kit with the click of a button, print, and be ready to scrap in a short span of time.

Though it’s easy to acquire the digital kits, there are a few challenges to consider. I don’t have a 12×12 printer. I also don’t want to waste printer ink or paper. I learned a few things the hard way about printing and planning my hybrid layouts.

Supplies

Photo(s)

Digital Scrapbook kit

Printer

Cardstock

Embellishments such as ribbon, buttons, brads, etc.

Glossy Accents ( Optional)

Last year, my son and his friends were talking with fake British accents. Though I am not sure why they think this is hysterical, I do know it’s not easy to document. I chose a photo of my son skyping with a friend to capture the moment. The photo on its own would not tell the story. Maya De Groot’s Cheerio kit was perfectly themed to set the scene.

After careful consideration, I chose several papers and embellishments from the kit. My Epson printer will create several size documents from thumbnail size to 8 ½ x 11. I found out the hard way that it is important to make sure the setting to “fit picture to frame” is not selected when you are printing embellishments. If you have selected this, parts of the embellishments may be cut off. This is however, a good setting to use for some patterned papers.

I created a kit which consisted of 2 sheets of 8 ½ x 11 patterned paper, one 5×7 map of the United Kingdom, one 5×7 piece of patterned paper, one 4×6 print of a banner, the title letters and a variety of embellishments. I used the wallet size option for some of the embellishments. As you can see, they were a little too large. I printed the title letters using the thumbnail size option. I should have combined the embellishments with the letters. I was forced to reprint some of the embellishments to the thumbnail size setting.

The craft knife really is the best tool for cutting out the letters and embellishments.

After removing the letters and shapes, you have an additional die cuts which can be used on a future project. I cut down any leftover cardstock into 4×6 cards for future hybrid projects. Smaller scraps will be used for journal strips.

After all of the items had been cut out, I was ready to assemble my layout. I knew I wanted a large patterned paper background. I cut a strip from one of the 8 ½ x 11 sheets of paper and placed it next to the full size sheet. Upon further thought, I realized I could have used a blue houndstooth patterned paper from my supplies rather than printing one from the kit. I recommend looking in your supplies first before printing any of the papers from a digital kit.

I used a red ribbon to hide the seam between the two papers. It was then merely a matter of layering on the embellishments and adding the title.

I did make one smart choice. I chose doilies from my supplies rather than printing off the set found in the kit.

When purchasing a digital kit, make sure you choose one that offers unique items unavailable in your supplies. Plan out what size you need to print of each patterned paper and embellishment. Then consider whether or not you can combine items to print it all out onto one sheet of cardstock. Look to the kit for inspiration when gathering materials from your stash of supplies. You may have papers or embellishments that will work well with the digital kit while helping to add more dimension to the layout.

Cheerio! By Christy Strickler |Supplies Cardstock: Colorbok; Credits: Cheerio by Maya De Groot; Doilies, Recollections; Jewels: Queen and Company; Other: Ribbon, Glossy Accents