Going Up? Inspiration Elevator

You may recall from last month's challenge that the purpose of this challenge group was to take our scrapbooking to the next level, to stretch our creative process and to grow as artists by embracing challenges that make us think, work and grow. 

This month our challenger was the very talented Audrey Yeager. Audrey noticed (as you may have too) that all but one of our members is a single page designer. Our default design is a single 12x12 design! That's why we love IE..so many styles and we all approach it differently! In fact, we have invited a valued guest designer to join us this month; her name is Scarlett Salamone.

Here's a bit of what Audrey had to say in her challenge this month. She even gives us a few tips and a link to a great blog for inspiration! 

" I take a lot of photos.  Right now, I have been using 2 or 3 smaller photos on my layouts.  But truth is, I have a lot of events where I would like to include a lot of photos on a larger spread so that you can see the details in the photos to.  So I print out the photos with the intention of putting them on a 2-page spread...

I just can’t get it.  I feel like I have a certain style, yet when I sit down to create a 2 pager, it feels nothing like “me”. 

SOOOO, your next challenge is to create a double page layout.  And I don’t mean just any double page.  I want you to really think about your style and your design practices for single pagers (the first assignment helped us define our style, so think about those elements).  Then take those ideas and try to apply them to a double pager.   

Here are some ideas:

*Start by thinking of your canvas as a 12x24” size.  Before you even print photos or pick papers, try to envision (or sketch out) a design that feels like “you”.

*Once you have a basic design, think about the techniques that you love and where/how you will incorporate them on your page.

*Choose products that you would use for a single page layout.  If you use white cardstock as a base a lot of times, then use it on your double page.  If you mostly use patterned paper, then use that.  And if you don’t have 2 of the same sheets of patterned paper for your background, I REALLY challenge you to use 2 different 12x12 sheets for the base of your spread!  (Kim Watson does a superb job of using 2 different sheets for her backgrounds…if you have CK magazine, look at some of her pages.) http://kj-starre.blogspot.com/

*Another way to approach this, (which I personally want to experiment with more), is to create 2 single pagers, but use the same papers in the same ratios.  The papers and the photos will help tie your design together.

You might do this challenge and not be happy with your first result, so I challenge you to KEEP TRYING!  Do a 2^nd , double page layout and try to learn from your “mistakes” on the first one.

Also, if you typically DO create 2 pagers, then apply the same ideas to a single page spread instead.

As we create this month, if you have thoughts about your process or are struggling, OR you are loving what you are creating, share some of your ideas with us!!!

I can’t wait to see what you create!"
Okay, you all know that I never, I mean NEVER create two page layouts.  I am just not good at them, I can never make them flow or look like my style!  Even when I had the store and did layout classes, I created coordinating layouts that customers could do one or two page layouts by using collections packs and card stock.  So this was a challenge for me, I struggled with it and then struggled some more.  I muddled my way through it..determined to create something that felt like me.  I had these wonderful photos that Rosie shared with me and I just wanted to do them justice.  They are just too cute and the pictures share such a precious moment!
  
Two pagers really don't fit on the blog, so if you click on it, you should be able to see it up close!  So here it goes:

 What makes it "my style"?

Bazzill Swiss Dot Card stock (love it)

Studio Calico Mister Hueys

My Mind's Eye Papers

A bit of open space,a bit of sewing, some bling and twine!

Do I love it?..not so much..but I am okay with it.  I might even try my hand at a couple more two pagers...might being the key word.  I enjoyed the challenge and I am a bit worried about what Audrey's next challenge for us might be..lol!

Take a peek at what this amazing team has created!

Audrey Yeager 

Lisa Moen 

Laurel Seabrook

Cathy Harper (you are here)

Sue Sykes

Lisa Spiegel

Joanne Burton

Ann Jobes

Christa Uttley

Laura Whitaker 

Scarlett Salamone - July Guest Designer 

I invite you to play along with any of our challenges. You can see the first two challenges: #1 is here and #2 is here. We would love to see what you are inspired to create. Add your comment below with a link, I will be sure to drop by and say hello.