5 Ways to use a scrapbook layout sketch

I must admit that sketches have not always been my cup of tea. In my mind they narrowed my creativity : I limited myself to precisely follow the design and it did not necessarily match with my scrapbooking style. Despite this, I continued to observe them from afar and especially I analyzed the beautiful rendering that ensued. I then realized that sketches were real tanks for inspiration and that there were many ways to interpret them.

For this example I used the Sahin Designs March 2018 template available in the shop.

1. Follow the sketch precisely

This is the fastest and easiest way to make a scrapbooking page, whether digital or hybrid. You follow the sketch both in the dimensions and in the proposed areas. Your creativity only speaks in the choice of photos, papers, color combo but you are certain that the final result will be successful: focus points, alignments, white space, everything has already been thought for your page to be a success.

2. Take a few liberties

The sketch is a model with 2 photos but you want to keep only one? You begin to interpret the sketch. You keep the general layout but you replace the two areas of the photos with a large one, or vice versa. You can also decide that the heart area will be replaced by a flower one. In this example I chose to have a longer green solid paper.

3. Rotate the sketch

In addition to the first two ways to use a sketch, you can rotate your sketch by 90 or 180 degrees. Here you are with a new perspective that will perhaps better highlight your photo or make the page more harmonious if you use in an album. It also allows to reuse the same sketch many times : 1 sketch allows 4 layouts. What an amazing news!

4. Take one element or add many more

A single element of the sketch may have caught your attention: a strip of paper on one side, the arrangement of photos, a large empty space. To create your page start with this element and build your layout around. Conversely you can decide to multiply an element of the basic sketch to give a completely different final look. Then you completely move away from the sketch but it allowed you to inspire yourself and let your creativity speak.

5. Adapt the size

The sketch that you spotted is in a 12×12 size but you only swear by TN format? It does not matter, it is quite possible to adapt it so that the elements fit your size.

Sketches really save time when you lack inspiration and help you to use your favorite embellishments rather than looking for the perfect design to enhance your memories. So do not hesitate, go see the sketches offered in the shop and let yourself be guided.

Once you have a chance to read the article I’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic in the comments section below.

Do you find layout sketches/templates helpful for your design process and how? What are some other methods you use to customize pre-made templates for scrapbooking?