5 Designer Tips with Stacy

Hi everyone!  When it comes to scrapbooking, I’m normally a 1-page layout kind of gal.  However, I sometimes create 2-page layouts for magazine assignments and classes because many scrappers prefer that format.  Here’s a 2-page spread I created using the lovely Park Bench collection :

Park Bench Paper Park Walk / Park Bench Paper Light Post / Park Bench Paper Strips / Park Bench Flower Garden / Park Bench Paper Blanket / Park Bench Paper Pond Fundamentals / Park Bench Flair / Park Bench Label Stickers / Park Bench Decorative Tags / Park Bench Button Set / 

If you’re used to scrapping 1-page layouts, you might find that 2-page spreads are a little more challenging (I certainly do!).  I have 5 tips to share in this regard. 

Tip #1:  Use 8.5” x 11” size pages instead of the standard 12” x 12” size pages.

One of the challenges of creating 2-page layouts (when you’re used to doing 1-pagers) is that the “canvas” is twice as big and therefore you have more space to fill.  Plus, you’re scrapping on a long rectangle shaped canvas rather than a square one.  A couple years ago I switched from 12” x 12” pages to 8.5” x 11” pages for 2-page spreads (thank you, Kim Watson, for this idea!).  I found the smaller paper size to be easier to work with because there’s a smaller space to fill and the overall shape is closer to the square that I’m used to when I scrap 1-page 12” x 12” layouts.   

Tip #2:  Balance, but not necessarily symmetry.

The two page designs don’t have to be -- and in most cases shouldn’t be -- perfectly symmetrical.  But they should be balanced.  As you’ll notice above, there’s a cluster of embellishments on the bottom left of my layout that balances out the cluster of embellishments on the top right side.  Additionally, I balanced out the one large photo on the left side with three smaller photos on the right side.

Tip #3:  Add a unifying element.

To create a cohesive look to the two pages, add at least one unifying element that joins the pages into one integrated layout.  I did this with the chevron patterned paper strip that runs along the bottom of the layout from one side to the other. 

Tip #4:  Use a variety of eye-catching embellishments to anchor the primary photo.

When you have multiple photos on a layout, sometimes the focal photo gets lost in the shuffle.  If you have one prominent photo that you want to highlight, anchor the photo with a large cluster of layered embellishments to make it stand out.

Tip #5:  Add small details and dimension to help draw the eye all around the page.

My layout is pretty simple overall, so I wanted to make sure that there were detailed accents on both sides of the page to draw the eye all around.  To add some detail to my page, I machine-stitched around the background papers.   In addition, I added clusters of dollies and ruler strips (fussy cut from the patterned papers) that I popped up with 3D adhesive.  I topped off the clusters with some small buttons and stickers.

Thanks for stopping by!!

- Stacy

Comments

[izzy anderson]

Beautiful work. I love your style!