Inspiration Station

Hello everyone

This is first series on how to use the sketches. I know many have been using them since the first sketches you saw from Becky Higgins but I want to share there is more to learn from it.

We will be discussing not just how to use the sketch but taking it to another level. One sketch can produce over 10 amazing layouts or cards by rotating, adding and deleting components of the sketch.

One of the most important piece of advice I would give anyone who uses a sketch is work it step by step. A sketch is basically a drawing of a layout showing the positions of where the title, journaling and photos go. It provides inspiration and a groundwork for the design. A sketch allows you to create a simple or complicated layout, spark your creativity, save time and encourages you to use more designs.
Here are some ways to approach the sketch. This will be the concept that I will be using on my sketches.

Check the placement of the pictures in the sketch

• Look at the sketch and see the orientation (horizontal or vertical) of the photographs. Then, look through your stash of photographs for a combination that would go with the sketch. At that moment you can do two things---place the photos exactly how you see it or go to the next level and add more photographs that fit into the sketch. You can also rotate the sketch and make a totally new. The sketch is just the starting foundation of how you want to build it up

Analyze the sketch’s design elements

• Look at a sketch and see the basic patterns and placements. You can add or delete elements in the sketch and still maintain the sketch’s balance. The recipe of the sketch is up to you because at the end, its your creation that puts a smile on your face.

Look at the embellishments and see how they are placed.

• The embellishments are open to many options. There is no limit so you can add or delete the items from the sketch. Anything can be used as an embellishment, even patterned paper!

My sketches are very basic. The reason I prefer basic sketches because it allows more freedom to be creative. It’s simply helping to jump-start your creativity and lays a foundation for you.

Now that you know what the sketches are there for and how to look at them; it’s time to get to the knitty griddy of the sketch.

Here are the Layout Sketches for September 1st.

Here is an example of a layout from one of our designers- Verionica

Let me show you how you can change this sketch in two ways

I took the sketch and rotated the sketch to the right and added some embellishements to it.

Here is an example of what our Inspiration Design Team member Nicole did with the sketch

On the second sketch , I rotated the sketch one more time then added 4 photos and took some stuff out

Here is what our Inspiration Design Team member Kristin did

Here is September 1st Card Sketch

Here is an example from one of our card designers, Cheryl

I took the sketch and rotated to the right

Here is an example of what our Inspiration Design Team member Nicole did with the sketch

On the second sketch, I rotated one more time to the left

Here is what our Inspiration Design Team member Kristin did

I know after seeing this, you will start thinking of other ways of using the sketches. There are many possibilites and whatever you create will be amazing.

Happy Sketching!!

Here are some dates to remember

September 15th- New Sketches

September 20th-Inspiration Station

September 18th- 1 Hour Sketch Challenge 9pm EST- More information click HERE

September 28th- Deadline for Card Conest- Click on link HERE for more information

NOTE: These brand new sketches will be posted in PICASA WEB ALBUM HERE