One Template, Tons of Possibilities...

Hey Scrap Fans!! I've been having a lot of fun lately working with templates, and I just love them.  First, they eliminate the "blank page paralysis" you may experience when facing a completely blank space when starting a layout.  Simply pick a layout that accommodates the number of photos you want to use, start placing the photos and you're on your way. I purchased this template as a set of four from Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs by Cheryl Ashcroft at Scrap Orchard.  It is from her Fuss Free collection and is called Play it Again 18. 

Second, I love that one template provides you with limited possibilities.  You can use the provided embellishments as place markers for your own, clip paper to them or use actions to customize, or remove them completely.  You can move them around the page, or rotate the page completely.  The options are as endless as your imagination.  Here or some examples of layouts I made starting with the template above:

On this page, I kept a lot of the original embellishment flowers and used glitter actions from Just Jaimee at The Lily Pad to bling them to match my photos.  I eliminated some of the labels and added some others from various kits.

On this layout, I needed more room for journaling, so I eliminated most of the embellishments and labels and journaled directly on my background.

This template is one of my favorites from the Get It Scrapped membership.

On this layout about a recent trip to Atlantic city, I used the template pretty much as is, even using some of the included embellishments or substituting similar ones.  I removed the journaling from the template and put mine at the top of my photo where I had a lot of white space.

Here is another layout with the same template in a different color scheme.

On this layout, I started with the same template, and rotated it 90 degrees counterclockwise.  I moved around some of the embellishments, moved the title to the top and added some paint spatter to create a diagonal line.  I loved how it turned out, and how easy it was to create a very different look with the same template.

Here is a quick template I made to plan the placement of my photos.  I saved it so I could use it again later.  Here is the resulting layout:

So whether you are using templates to digitally scrap or sketches to paper scrap, there are always more than one way to use them.  Play around with the placement of embellishments, titles and journaling and make them your own.

I hope I've inspired you to have some fun with templates.  Until next time, Happy Scrappin'!!

Style Actions

Hey Scrap Fans!  A great way to stretch your digital stash is to use Style Actions.  Actions are simply a series of editing steps that have been pre-recorded to save time.  You can record Photoshop steps to create your own Actions, or you can purchase them. Style Actions are layer effects that allow you to gain realistic looks with the one click.  

On  the layout below, I started with a template from Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs by Cheryl Ashcraft at Scrap Orchard.  Next, I used Style Actions on some of the shapes in the template.   I used some of the Super Glitter Style Actions from Just Jaimee at The Lily Pad to change the flat flowers and doily to glittered elements.  I also used the Essential Styles from Mommyish at The Digital Press to make the buttons look enamel.  I love using actions to give dimension and interest to simple shapes and flat elements, and this set from Mommyish is one of my favorite.  Style Actions can really expand your digital possibilities. 

This pics are from Libby's second Halloween when we dressed as Cruella de Vil and a Dalmatian.  Libby wasn't too happy about it, but I guess that fit the character pretty well.  

Until next time, Happy Scrappin'!!