Mix and Match Scrapbook Maps: Layout Challenge 1

Map Overview

Number of Possible Pictures: 1-10

Scrapbook Elements Incorporated:

• Journaling
• Ribbon
• Patterned Paper
• Eyelets/Brads

Optional Scrapbook Elements:

• Large Punch Designs
• Stamped Images
• Silk or Paper Flowers
• Inspirational Words
• Stickers

Design Elements:

• Shapes: Squares
• Unity : Repetition
• Alignment/Line : Vertical Lines
• Focal Point : Center Square
• Direction:  Circular

A Closer Look At The Design Elements

Shapes & Unity

The shapes in the layout all come from the same geometric family by being squares and rectangles.  Because the shapes are repeated on the page and because there is no other competing shape , the overall look of the page is nicely balanced.  It is the repetition of the square shape that unifies the entire page making it visually appealing.

Alignment/Line

Visually, the page is divided into three vertical columns.  You need to be careful when working with completely vertical or horizontal alignments such as this layout because it can cause one’s eye to follow down one column and then leave the page instead of continuing to the next column.  Luckily the repetition of the squares in each column helps to draw your eye back onto the page.

Focal Point

The focal point of the page should be the center square.  In order to make this work, there are a few things you can do.

1. Pick your best picture.  If you don’t have one outstanding picture to use, put your title there instead.
2. Mat the picture in either a complimentary color to the rest of the page or the brightest color.
3. Use only a solid colored cardstock for the mat.  Sometimes, the best color to use as a mat for the focal point can be black.  Try it out and see which color makes that picture POP!
4. Don’t use too many colors. This layout works best with a monochromatic or complementary color scheme .
5. Repeat the design elements.  Let’s say you choose to stamp images for each of the five squares in the far right column.  Make sure you repeat the images so you either use the same image or two different images that you alternate.  Repeat the image in the small square on the far left side to bring your eye back around on the page.

Direction

This is the direction your eye moves around a layout.  The picture to the right shows the circular path that this layout has starting at the focal point.

Repeating a color at certain places within this path will also help to draw your eye around the page instead of off of it.

Mix It Up

                 A                                   B                                    C