A New Publication
I picked up the new Autumn Leaves publication, "The Designing with Recipe Book", about a week ago at my local scrapbook store. I'm a big fan of Autumn Leaves publications. I love the photography and all the colorful imagery that goes into their books. They're always beautiful and inspiring. I think most of the credit though has to go to their designers. They've always had a very talented design team on board. Some of my faves include Margie Scherschligt (p.91 in the new book, showcases the layout that inspired me to create the layout above), Danielle Thompson, Ashley Calder, and so many more. I'm all about the details. The more, the better. I'm constantly looking for new ways to "create details" on my layouts. Every time I refer to my Autumn Leaves book collection, I always run across a small something I didn't see before...whether it be a handmade flower made of pattern paper or a rippled border made with stitching and glue, I'm all over it. These are the sorts of things I usually seek out when I buy a scrapbook publication. Not all publications focus on details, but Autumn Leaves does and that's what I love about their books. Now if only they would release Rhonna Farrer's new book, "Enjoy the Process". It was suppose to be released in December of '07...give or take 6 Months. Smile.
Here's a few close-ups along with a few new ideas:
I have a knack for cutting up small pieces of paper and recombining them to create something new. A mini collage sort of obsession. It's all part of that "detail" habit I can't seem to shed. One of the things I really liked about creating this layout was having these "mini palettes" to play around with. Irregular Rectangular spaces to turn into mini works of art. These are the light green border areas. There are four of them. Note how different each one of them looks. At the same time, to keep them feeling connected, I used the same paper and color combination with each one. I then embellished each one differently with stickers, die-cuts, rub-ons, etc. It provided me opportunity to experiment and try new ideas. I didn't feel like I was risking "ruining a layout" by trying something new, which I know all of us worry about when we're creating a layout. I would create the mini collage before adhering it to my layout. I really enjoyed the process. No pressure. Here's a few more of those "mini collages" from the above layout:
Of course, I can't create a layout without some doodling. It's the ol'quilter in me...I used to make these funky, eclectic hand dyed contemporary wall quilts. I would draw a quilt design before implementing it on fabric. I was into scenic imagery; birds, trees, houses, small towns, etc. I've carried this over into my scrapbooking. I'll take a few pics of my quilts to show you what I was doing two years ago...they're very me. Lot's of color and detail, but with fabric.
Have a good night everyone. Take care.
I just ordered that book, now I'm looking forward to it even more!
Don't shed that detail habit - it is so cool to look at your layouts and discover all these little bits and pieces..
Posted by: Ingunn | January 30, 2008 at 07:51 PM
I love your layout with all the mini collages! I just would love to know how you store all those bits and pieces and then have them available to work with each time! do tell your secrets lol :)
Posted by: amy | January 30, 2008 at 09:57 PM
I love all the detail!!!!! i just wish i was a good at it as you.But i am learning as you make a good teacher!!! keep posting !!!
Posted by: Wendy McKee | January 30, 2008 at 11:58 PM
Wow - you can layer like no one's business! I'm constantly inspired by your LOs and outlook on life. Thanks for sharing your beautiful work with us!
Posted by: Samantha | January 31, 2008 at 02:17 AM
This is just gorgeous! You truly are the master at layering and combining the unexpected in the most lovely way!
Posted by: Laura | January 31, 2008 at 02:56 AM
YOU are THE QUEEN of DETAIL!!!
I LOVE IT!!
Wendy
Posted by: Wendy Vecchi | January 31, 2008 at 05:15 AM
love all your details! so glad i found you b/c you give me a whole new world of inspiration!
xo
Posted by: paige | January 31, 2008 at 06:29 AM
Once again I am blown away by your layout! Each time I look at it, I find something new! You are such an amazing talent and I enjoy your work so much that I signed up for the Studio Calico kit club and I can't wait to get my first one and I look forward to seeing what you do with them each month!
You and your beautiful little boy are still in my prayers as you continue to heal and I wish you only the best!
Posted by: suzec | January 31, 2008 at 07:53 AM
Would you be interested in teaching??!! I love your designs and the depth of the original details you create. Maybe a 2 day workshop using kits from Studio Calico?? I'm sure there are a lot of other women out there that would love to spend a few days in your neck of the woods learning new things. I know you have lots going on in your life right now, but maybe in the future!I would definitely make the trip! Just a thought. Thanks for being so giving and sharing your world with us. I appreciate it greatly.
Posted by: lisa | January 31, 2008 at 07:56 AM
I love your layouts! It is the small details that I love the most about your work. The small pieces of paper and the oodles of goodies you use to layer to create something so magical. I am inspired everytime I see one of your layouts. You have easily become one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Tiffany | January 31, 2008 at 09:04 AM
I have come by your blog via nitty.gritty. and love everything about your layouts and ideas. You are bookmarked under my faves! It's a small world as I grew up in the Cities as well! Thank you for sharing your talents for all to see!
Posted by: Lisa | January 31, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Your work is just so gorgeous, I love the bright colours and the detail just astounds me. I would love to see those pics of your quilts, you are just so creative!
Posted by: Roxanne | January 31, 2008 at 09:30 AM
wow! what an amazing page! you just keep doign more and more wonderful work! i just happen to have that paper with the bird on it too! i think i am going to do a bit of 'scraplifting!' keep up the incredible work!
Posted by: naomi coker | January 31, 2008 at 10:10 AM
This is gorgeous! love your style!
Posted by: Gaby | January 31, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Love this layout--love your new room!
Have fun creating....
Posted by: Erin M | January 31, 2008 at 11:50 AM
I completely agree about the ALeaves books. I too am normally not an idea book kind of girl. However it's the details..you have that too. The details just draw me in..make me want to do more..find more..this layout is simply beautiful!! TFS
Posted by: Julia S | January 31, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Believe us, you have more than just a knack for putting these mini collages together, you are so incredibly talented. Your layouts always seem to actually have 3 or 4 minis on each and that's amazing! Makes me want to scrap!
Posted by: helen | January 31, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Have tried out your idea of mini collages, although not as good as yours, have really enjoyed this idea, and loved the final LO
lisa x thanks for your great ideas and keep stong
Posted by: lisa bond | January 31, 2008 at 03:20 PM
I agree about you teaching a class or retreat in the future. I'd drive up your way just to meet you!!
Thanks for sharing your talents, tips and thoughts with us.
Posted by: Kelly | January 31, 2008 at 05:23 PM
Georgous Christine!
I love the variation between the bright colours of the photos and embellishments and the simplicity of the birds.
Posted by: Greta | January 31, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Which end of SSP do you live?? If you don't mind sharing! I'd love an e-mail from you.
Love your lay-outs! So creative!!
Posted by: MSL | January 31, 2008 at 08:04 PM
Wow! Beautiful- I always love your work!
Posted by: Tina | February 01, 2008 at 05:53 AM
Love, Love, Love it! Thanks for sharing your techniques and pages. They are inspiring!
Posted by: Cyndi Hoehn | February 01, 2008 at 07:30 AM
LOVE this, the colous, the details, your talent...thanks so much for sharing and the inspiration.
Posted by: ElisabethC | February 01, 2008 at 05:25 PM
You are the Master Layer'er, you never cease to amaze me, such a cool layout Christine!
Posted by: casey boyd | February 01, 2008 at 07:45 PM