Pages

Saturday, February 2, 2013

I'll take one layout...hold the photos.

That was the order we were given for the first assignment at Counterfeit Kit Challenge.  That's right...a layout  with no photos...only journaling detailing something we love.  Now, I am not scared of journaling.  I love to write and always have something to say, but I also really enjoy having photos to support my story.  For me, the biggest challenge would not be writing, but filling up all that real estate on my page.  How would I make it visually appealing?  What kind of techniques would I use?  How would my embellishments support my story since I didn't have photos to do that job.  Here's what I came up with:


I had considered creating an 8.5x11 page to cut down on my ground to cover, but the October Afternoon chipboard pieces and some DCWV polaroid pics (thanks, Leslie) came to the rescue to help support the theme of my page.  And what luck that the film strip had exactly 6 spaces to fit the word "camera".  Love when it all works out like that!

In case you can't make out the journaling, here is a close-up:


I placed it front and center, as you might do with a photo, and highlighted it with some strips of patterned paper.  I'm so glad I have this story down as my camera is such an important tool in my memory keeping and I am so grateful to my grandparents to be able to own it.  I hope they are watching down and smiling as I record our family's stories.

Well, I finished this layout a few days ago and submitted the photo to CKC for their blog post.  While I was very pleased with the overall results, I thought something was missing.  I felt the stitching I had done around the denim block just didn't set it off against the manila ledger paper as I had hoped.  It then hit me as to what it needed.  Take a look and let me know what you think:


There, that's better.  The black and white chevron washi really livens up the whole layout and brings out the black in the camera.  Sometimes you just have to step back from your layout a bit and get some perspective.  I wasn't unhappy before, but I am much happier now!

So, don't be intimidated by a journaling-rich layout.  Find some embellishments that fit your topic and let them and your story take center stage.

Say Cheese!




11 comments:

  1. I loved the first one, then when you added the Washi, it was like POP!!! Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Funny how that one little detail of the washi frame added so much to the overall page! Wonderful story to have down on paper, so artfully done :~D

    ReplyDelete
  3. You did a fantastic job with this challenge! I love the story in your journaling and your layout supports it perfectly!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow it is amazing what a little washi can do. Your embellishments suit the story beautifully. Fantastic page.

    ReplyDelete
  5. fabulous page and embellishing. The 2nd version is definitely more striking.

    ReplyDelete
  6. you've rocked this... what a wonderful lot of journaling, I struggled with that in mine!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is gorgeous!!! I love how you used the papers as photo replacements! Awesome page!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow, the washi really pops off the page! Great addition. I often tinker with a page before I finally put it away; Something about walking away and looking again with fresh eyes seems to make a difference :).

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ooh, I do like the addition of the washi tape! And the title in the filmstrip looks fantastic! Great take on the challenge, it's a wonderful story to record. x

    ReplyDelete
  10. what a difference! Great save! This is an awesome layout Lynette - the journalling is so heartfelt. I'm collecting no photo ideas for myself for the blog hop at the end of the month - love this idea of making your story take centre stage

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is so clever that I literally just sat here and grinned at the computer screen like a weirdo! But I couldn't help it-- to journal where a photo should be was unexpected and delightful! You've given me a whole new way to think about journaling!

    ReplyDelete