“Rx prescription – strength PhotoPLAY,” by Lain Ehmann in the March/April 2009 issue of Simple Scrapbooks p. 57-63.
(Everything in quotes is from the article)
We have all experienced Photo DysFUNction, or PDF, from time to time. What is PDF you might ask? And yes this is different from the document viewer computer program by Adobe. PDF is commonly seen in scrapbookers of any age. Lain describes PDF as “typically characterized by acute feelings of anxiety when contemplating craft materials and unscrapped photos” (p. 57). Lain prescribes a “three-part photo play” to cure the sufferers of PDF.
“Kindergarten” layout by Sharon Hill
“Rx Photo Prescription: build on it!”(p. 58)
Why is it that when we make a page, we think the title must go at the top of the layout? That is not true any more. The title can go anywhere on the page and it can be any size or font you want it to be. Just as long as it stands out on the page to draw the viewer in and give them an idea of what the layout is about. Lain mentions in the article, some tips to try with the title:
1) “Place your title on top of your photos and journaling block to unify your design.” (p.58). As you can see in the above layout, I have the word “kindergarten” going across the layout and on top of the photo. It isn’t going on the journaling block, but by having it do that creates a flow for the viewer’s eye to follow.
2) “Fill your photo’s white space with a digital title.” (p. 59). By doing this, you balance out the layout, especially if you use the same color cardstock as the lettering of the title. If you don’t know how to add the title digitally, you can achieve this by using rub-on letters/words or letter stickers.
3) “Skip the white space—place your title in the middle of all the action.” (p. 59). Add the title with a wash of color digitally to photo. If you don’t know how, you can use vellum or a transparency to achieve a similar look.
“Laugh” layout by Sharon Hill
“Rx Photo Prescription: frame it!” (p. 60)
Adding frames on photos can be done for fun, touch of whimsy, or for the face to get attention. Frames can be any size or shape. Lain mentions some tips to try with frames:
1) “Forget blah and boring square frames—go for shapes that pack a punch.” (p.60). On the above layout, I painted the chipboard frame with paint and then glitter and placed it around us. (FYI: the frame I used is by Scenic Route and is still available from MemoryWorks in the “Spring Cleaning Sale.”)
2) “Use your favorite punch to create a frame around your photo>” (p. 61). By doing this, the frame creates a fashionable touch and/or draws the viewer’s eye to the photo.
3) “Use a transparent photo overlay for an elegant page addition.” (p. 61). This will add to your layout that little “something” that you are trying to achieve by enhancing the page.
“Alice in Wonderland” layout by Sharon Hill
“Rx Photo Prescription: accessorize it!” (p. 62)
Adding embellishments to a page is like adding an accessory to an outfit. It completes the look you are trying to achieve. Embellishments add fun texture, color, and can hide a flaw on your photo. Lain mentions some tips for adding embellishments to a page:
1) “Decorate the perimeter of a photo with assorted rub-ons, stickers, tags, and more.” (p.62). In the above layout, I cut out paper strips and added them to the sides of the photo. I then added brackets and some bling to the sides as well. The letters are above and below the photo.
2) “Get right to the point by adding an arrow or two (or three or four!) to your photo.” (p. 63). The eye can be lead across the page from a minimal embellishment that is chosen carefully.
3) “Dress up your photo subject by adding angel’s wings, a party hat, a crown, or another embellishment.” (p. 63). In the photo below, I added a bling crown on my cat’s head on a layout I did. (FYI: the bling crown is by Heidi Swapp and is still available at MemoryWorks in the “Spring Cleaning Sale.”)
“Crowned Marvin” by Sharon Hill
So that ends it with this weeks article & product review. I hope that you picked up a few more tips. You can view the above layouts and many others in the Idea Gallery at
www.memory-works.com under “Inspiration.” And you can check out the sample layouts in the article or by going onto Simple Scrapbooks website.
Happy Scrappin’!
