It seems like every year, my scrapbooking slows down from Jan through Feb. I don’t know if it’s that I’m in hibernation mode here in our Minnesota winter and therefore lack the creative desire to scrap… or if I’m preoccupied with other things. Probably a combination of both. However, I have had a very productive March, and think I can declare the scrap doldrums are over! I have done a couple day-long scrap days with some girlfriends at a local place here in St. Cloud (Creative Escapes for those of you local). Mostly I used that time to get myself organized and started planning layouts. It’s amazing how just sitting and organizing your photos and supplies helps to spark creativity. It makes me feel excited to scrap again! Even though I set monthly scrap goals for myself, I give myself permission to ignore those goals if I’m just not feeling the spark. This year, my monthly goals are much lower than they have been before so that I can focus on quality and not quantity. Even so, sometimes I need a break from even the easiest of goals.
I spent the last weekend with some girlfriends at a cabin near Alexandria (about an hour drive from here) at this place: Alexandria Lakes Villa. I was able to get 16 pages completed during my stay… putting me well ahead of my goal for the month.
When I scrap socially, I do traditional scrapbooking. Meaning, I haul my paper supplies and photos I have gotten better about not bringing EVERYTHING with me. :) So most of those layouts I created are traditional paper ones, and I don’t usually photograph or scan them to share here, just for the sake of being practical.
But what I can share are two recent digital layouts I’ve done. I’ve been focusing much of my effort lately into improving my photography – especially my post-processing skills. Once in awhile I’ll take that time I’ve spent in Photoshop and create a quick digital layout. That’s how these layouts were created.
This layout was created by blending the photo with the background paper – thus the resulting texture across the image. I like this look once in awhile – it feels more artsy than scrapbooky. It was a very quick and easy layout to create, but it’s also one of my favorites because it really is just about the photo.
Last weekend we got to enjoy not only the first day of daylight savings, but also some BEAUTIFUL spring weather – unusual for so early in March in Minnesota! We were able to get outside and enjoy some time in the sunshine, and Gianna got to ride her new bike outdoors!
Until next time… Happy Scrapping!
