I am hoping you are back, with or without your homework done. There are no grades, so please no distress. I could tell you that there are only 109 days until Christmas and that photobooks make excellent holiday presents, but that might be perceived as pressure, so I will refrain!! heehee!
Thank you for leaving your comments. I am now totally insecure and fearing your expertise! Seriously, I am no photoshop expert, so please know that I will do my best and that I need you to ask all sorts of questions so that I may clear up the confusion that I am certain I will cause! ::nervous giggle:: And for those of you who know a shortcut or a better way, please leave your suggestions so that we may all learn together.
Marnie's Homework Completed
So I am a bit indecisive. Here are my potential albums:
- another cousins album - exactly the same but new photos, and updated info
- addresses I have had - a compilation of the places I have lived
- things I love about you - a digital version of Sara's book from last summer (especially since the Cosmo Cricket Girl Friday line was released, just yesterday. yippee skippee!)
- our love of the pool - featuring all sorts of pool pictures - I have so very very many
How did you do? Did you come up with an idea?
Today's Assignment
It is Tuesday and I promised you that today we would be choosing your paper and embellishments. Now, for those of you who are solely paper scrappers, your world of shopping is about to increase exponentially. Digi shopping is all things delicious. No closing hours. Instant gratification (in the form of instant download. yeehaw!). If I may speak boldly for a minute, I might suggest that you establish a budget for your project. It is amazingly easy to get carried away and there is no shopper's remorse--no returns--in digi land. So be thoughtful.
When I create a photobook, I work with the same routine as when I make a paper mini album. Normally, for layouts, I am a create-as-you-go kind of gal. I usually only reach for sketches when I need to use more than one page (double page layouts are my nemesis) or I am in a rut. But for minialbums, everything is predetermined. (A couple of weeks ago I made an album for Donna's summer week and let loose with wild abandon, letting every page be its own deal. It was fun, but also incredibly boundary pushing for me. Certainly neither my norm nor my comfort zone.)
Using a formula approach for mini-albums helps the album have continuity and helps me to be effective with my time. Think of it as variations on a theme. With repeating elements in the design or papers, standard to each page, the variations come with changing embellishments.
For me, when making a photobook, my strategy is best accomplished with a digital kits. Much like buying a line of coordinated papers, or ordering a coordinated kit, using a digikit for books means everything will be similar in color, design, and purpose.
There are many kit choices available, but here are some of my favorite designers:
- Paislee Press - using Paislee Press makes me feel sophisticated. Their kits lend themselves well to photobooks, as is evidenced by their own templates. With soothing colors and a clean, modern, minimalist feel, the embellishments are spot on for adding that perfect little "je ne sais quoi."
- Libby Weifenbach - Libby's designs are bright, fun and a bit thematic. I find myself reaching for them often for cards, announcements, and tags. Her products are easy to use and mix well.
- Crystal Wilkerson - Crystal is my go-to girl for making pages. Crystal is perfection with dots, stripes, and lightly distressed bright pastels. Her collections have deep selection, and terrific journaling spots, all created with colors and patterns that make my heart stop.
- American Crafts, Echo Park, and Cosmo Cricket - these new digital releases make an easy back and forth between digi and paper. All three are regulars in my paper drawer, so the ease of use for the digi products is remarkable. You can find American Crafts at Daisy Trail, and Echo Park and Cosmo Cricket at Jessica Sprague.
Hints for shopping:
- find a digikit that has the same groove as your favorite paper
- keep the color/mood of your photos and book's purpose in mind
- make sure the package has the kind of elements that you would use in your normal life (if you use buttons and ribbon, find that. if you like border punches, find that. if you use journaling tags, get some. if you have never used a flower in your life, maybe don't buy them now...)
Go forth and shop! Enjoy!
Today's Eyecandy
In May, I completed my first semi-successful attempt at a-photo-a-day. In my effort to also journal every day, I tried to download my photos each morning and then make a daily layout or two. I have all the layouts sitting in chronological order (my preferred storage method for these types of pages) in an album. When the month is finished, I will have it printed. Until then, it will just sit at VioVio and wait for the final pages to add in. Here is the work in progress.
Edited: the link isn't working as the site isn't recognizing it as public. I have asked for some help and will let you know when it comes! Thanks!
Today's Freebie
Today's little giftie was created using all sorts of elements from Libby Weifenbach. There are four sets of cards. Just print, cut in half (along the grey line), fold in half, add a note and send! (Or write it and leave it in the drawer for a year or two like I do... Seriously have mailing issues. Working on it.) I hope you find these cards useful!
Thank you for stopping by. Please leave us word as to what album you decided to make. Or a list, if you are as good as I am at making decisions.
Have fun shopping. The hard part starts tomorrow. Don't forget to drink lots of water, and get lots of rest!! I adore you and you applaud your efforts!
