Lab Exercise 28: A Fast Layout with Blocks and Layers- Scrapbook Sketch

Block designs are often one of my go to foundations for making a quick scrapbook page. Though the image of a block may seem simple and boring, it is a design that can be easily adjusted to create something unique. I based this scrapbook sketch on a recent hybrid page that I created for Traci Reed Designs. Currently, I find myself on quite a time crunch when it comes to creating pages as I am in the middle of coordinating an international move. Simple page foundations with subtle tweaks allow me to fit in some creative play while getting my assignments done. Whatever your current life situation, quick designs can help you create fast scrapbook layouts with visual appeal. Just follow the cutting instructions for this scrapbook sketch and assemble your layout. It really is that easy.

Cut your paper to the following sizes ( color indicates the placement in the sketch):

Light Blue: 8.5 x 8.5 inches Green: 5 x 5 inches Pink: 5 x 5 inches

Assemble the layout:

Optional: ink or stitch the edges for added definition prior to placing the block on your page. Adhere the blocks to a 12 x 12 sheet or cardstock or patterned paper starting with the light blue block and ending with the pink block. Add your photo. I used a 4×6 size print but you can easily vary the look of the page by using a larger size picture or several photos. Cluster your embellishment around the photo as depicted by the circles in the sketch. Keep in mind that you want layers and texture in the clusters. My embellishments were all hybrid die cuts. I adhered chipboard layers behind some of them to give the die cuts varied height. You can do the same with paper supplies. Also consider adding buttons, jewels stickers or doilies. Add your journaling and title to complete the page. I cut journal strips from paper scraps then outlined them with pen. This is both budget friendly as well as environmentally friendly. The pen outline is quick and easy to do. It can help the journal strip to look more finished. I was short of time, so I used a small block sticker with word art on it as the title.

Choosing to offset the two smaller blocks of patterned paper in the upper left corner keeps the design from feeling too blocky. If you want more layers, try adding a few more 5 x5 blocks, clustering them in subtle layers around the two existing blocks from the scrapbook sketch. As another variation, try using pieces of a 6 x 6 paper pad. Using the paper pad will eliminate the need to cut down the blocks saving you even more time while allowing you to use up your stash.