Studio Calico

Sunday Sketch

This week we are once again offering you TWO sketches...one for cards and one for layouts!! The card sketch is from Amber Kemp-Gerstel's Front Row gallery:



And the layout sketch is from Marcy Penner's Front Row Gallery:



We invited member Melanie (MelBlackburn) to choose one of these to use as a starting point this week, and were thrilled that she made both a layout AND a card!! Check out the fun details on her layout...

And also on this card:

Supplies: 34^th Street, Murray Hill and Kris Kringle Kits; Sundrifter Wood Veneer; Mister Huey Gold and Duey/Studio Calico Sequins/Amy Tangerine Date Stamper.

Here is what Mel had to say about using the sketches:

"I was immediately inspired by the layout sketch, I love the white space design and I knew this would be  a fun sketch use. The single element on the left side of the sketch was my inspiration for the title work, which I embellished with stitching, sequins and mists. Instead of using 2 vertical pictures, I used one small horizontal picture, this was just a better fit for my layout. I created depth and dimension by adding lots of layers and repeating the triangle clusters. I love the end result and was so very inspired that I decided to create a quick card and by quick I mean less than 10 minutes start to finish. I again used the same design pattern and the picture was replaced by the greeting. This is perfect way to use up leftovers from a layout project. I hope you will play along, these 2 sketches are so very inspiring and the possibilities are endless. Thank you Studio Calico for inviting me to play along."

So many good ideas here from Mel: adapting a sketch to the numbers of photos you have on hand, using up your scraps from the layout to make a card and even finding inspiration to make the card from the layout sketch. Thanks for joining us this week, Mel!! You can see more of Mel's work in her gallery at SC, and make sure to stop by her blog!

How will YOU use this sketch? Whether it's a layout, a card or something else, link us up to your project by March 4th for a chance to win a $5 gift card to the Studio Calico shop. (Please remember, your project must be loaded into our gallery to qualify...and your comment has to link back to it in the SC Gallery)

Sunday Sketch

 

This week we are offering you TWO sketches, and each one has our 'heart'...one for cards and one for layouts!! The card sketch is from Ashley Cannon Newell's Front Row gallery:

And the layout sketch is from Robyn Werlich's Front Row Gallery:

We invited member Allison (AllisonLP) to choose one of these to use as a starting point this week, and we love what she came up with!

Supplies: Patterned papers: October Afternoon 9 to 5; Boardroom, Studio Calico Take Note; Executive, G Silk glitter cardstock in silver; Washi tapes: Freckled Fawn, October Afternoon and My Mind's Eye; Die cut heart: Silhouette Cameo; Heart punch: Studio G; Craftworkcards Cani Dots in silver; Alphas: AC Thickers in Jewelery Box, October Afternoon; Front Porch; American Crafts Glitter Tape in white; Heidi Swap Color Shine in Tinsel

When I first saw the sketch, my first thought was "You gotta be kidding!"  I don't own ANY Valentine's Day papers, and I don't do girly layouts.  How in the world was I going to pull this off? Since heart paper wasn't an option, I turned to my Cameo.  I found tons of heart images.  I put quite a few of them in my cart but ultimately decided on this one.  

I recently acquired some glitter paper, and knew that it would be perfect for the heart.  I then had to find a background that the heart wouldn't be lost on.  I decided on a light woodgrain, and matted it on a darker woodgrain. I wanted to bring in more silver so the heart wouldn't be the only silver element on the page, so i used some silver washi and some silver mist which I splattered on a diagonal. I printed my pictures in wallet size in black and white, and matted them on a dark woodgrain patterned paper. Instead of using patterned paper for layering I decided to get some use out of my washi tapes, and created a base to add the matted photos to.   Even with the huge heart cut from glitter paper, I don't think the layout is girly at all.

We love how Allison interpreted the sketches, as well as sharing her tips on how to adapt them to fit her needs. Thanks for joining us this week, Allison! 

How will YOU use this sketch? Whether it's a layout, a card or something else, link us up to your project by February 18th for a chance to win a $5 gift card to the Studio Calico shop. (Please remember, your project must be loaded into our gallery to qualify...and your comment has to link back to it in the SC Gallery)

Sunday Sketch

This week we are offering you TWO sketches...one for cards and one for layouts!! The card sketch is from Dani Flanders' Block Party gallery:

And the layout sketch is from Sasha Farina's Block Party gallery:

We invited member Anabelle (agomalley) to choose one of these to use as a starting point this week, and she chose the card sketch...we adore this layout she designed!

Supplies: Block Party Kit, Block Party Printables, Chipboard Hearts from Wildberry Court add on

Here are Anabelle's thoughts on the sketch:

I had so much fun using Dani's card as my inspiration this week. I decided to use diagonal strips of paper on my page, as she did on her card. Since I love adding texture to my layouts, I included the chipboard on two of my strips. This gave the page an extra pop of color, as well. Instead of the hanging star, I decided to add my photo on the bottom right hand side.  This photo of my friends, my husband and me is from the Mummer's Parade in Philadephia.  It's one of my favorites from that day, so I wanted to highlight it on the layout.  I balanced the picture with a small cluster on the top left corner. I love the printables this month, so I used the small circle for my journaling.  Using cards as design inspiration is something I love to do. I probably wouldn't have chosen to do a page with an angled feature on it, so using the sketch really pushed me creatively!

We fell in love with the mix of patterns and rows of chipboard detail on this layout, how fun that she adapted the card sketch to make this awesome layout. Thank you for sharing your work with us, Anabelle!

Please check out Anabelle's gallery and blog for more inspiration!

How will YOU use this sketch?  Whether it's a layout, a card or something else, link us up to your project by January 28th for a chance to win a $5 gift card to the Studio Calico shop. (Please remember, your project must be loaded into our gallery to qualify...and your comment has to link back to it in the SC Gallery)

 

Sunday Sketch

This week we are offering you TWO sketches...one for cards and one for layouts!! The card sketch is from Dana Fleckenstein's Block Party gallery:



And the layout sketch is from Gillian Nelson's Block Party gallery:



We invited member Martha (MarthaBonneau) to choose one of these to use as a starting point this week, and she chose the card sketch...we adore this layout she designed!



Supply list:

PP: October Afternoon Tilt A Whirl, AC Amy Tangerine Surrounded

Martha Stewart vellum, MME The Sweetest Thing Tangerine label, October Afternoon Midway & Cakewalk Tidbits, Amy Tangerine Good Times Accent & Phrases stickers

Font: Lavanderia Sturdy

Here are Martha's thoughts on working with this sketch:

I was immediately drawn to the card sketch as I cannot resist clusters of embellishments, layering, and banners!  This was an easy sketch to translate from a card to a layout...I used my Cameo to cut out the circle & banner shapes from the Amy Tangerine and October Afternoon pp and layered them in the center of the page taking my cue from the sketch.  Knowing that I was going to use bright colors, I chose a b&w photo of my daughter and added a little chevron washi to pull the color up and around the picture.  I balanced out the design with a large title cut from vellum with my Cameo and finished the LO off with an arrow and hearts Cameo cut.  I love the subtle arrows on the card the sketch is based off of, so I knew I wanted to pull that element into my layout as well.

I loved working with this sketch and can definitely see myself using it again.  Now that I have so many pictures of our daughter to scrap plus I am working on Project Life this year, it is wonderful to have a prompt like this sketch to help move the creative process along when time is at a premium!

We couldn't agree more with Martha's thoughts on using a sketch like this for quick inspiration...and we love that she used a card sketch to fit her layout. Thank you for sharing your work with us, Martha!

Please check out Martha's gallery and blog for more inspiration!

How will YOU use this sketch?  Whether it's a layout, a card or something else, link us up to your project by January 21st for a chance to win a $5 gift card to the Studio Calico shop. (Please remember, your project must be loaded into our gallery to qualify...and your comment has to link back to it in the SC Gallery)

Sunday Sketch

This week we are offering you TWO sketches...one for cards and one for layouts!! The card sketch is from Lisa Spangler's Block Party gallery:



And the layout sketch is from Kinsey Wilson's Block Party gallery:



We invited member Ingunn (smultringunn) to choose one of these to use as a starting point this week, and she chose the card sketch...we adore this layout she designed!



Supply list: Kris Kringle add-on, Basic Grey Micro Alphabet (from Roller Rink kit), white woodgrain cardstock

Here are some of Ingunn's thoughts on working with this sketch:

I was having a hard time picking out my favorite photos from this New Year's hike, so when I saw the card sketch, I jumped at the chance to use a whole bunch of pics on my layout. By using photos instead of embellishments as the small boxes in the design, I was able to fit three vertical and three horizontal photos all on one page! 

I moved the banner from the top to the bottom of the design so that the title would be snuggled next to my journaling. Bonus - I finally got to use one of those gorgeous glitter stickers from the Kris Kringle add-on! It works perfectly, since it brings to mind the beautiful, glittering snow that afternoon. It was also freezing out there, so the North Pole paper seemed appropriate. 

This is definitely the kind of sketch I'll use again; it's fast, simple, pretty, and perfect for an 'event'-type page where I just can't seem to pare down my photos.

We couldn't agree more with Ingunn's thoughts on using a sketch like this to include lots of photos...and the simplicity of her design lets them shine front and center. Thank you for sharing your work with us, Ingunn!

Please check out Ingunn's gallery and blog for more inspiration!

How will YOU use this sketch?  Whether it's a layout, a card or something else, link us up to your project by January 14th for a chance to win a $5 gift card to the Studio Calico shop. (Please remember, your project must be loaded into our gallery to qualify...and your comment has to link back to it in the SC Gallery)

Sunday Sketch

This week we are offering you TWO sketches...one for cards and one for layouts!! The card sketch is from Stephanie Washburn's Block Party gallery:


And the layout sketch is from Celeste Vermeend's Block Party gallery:

We asked longtime member Allison (scrapally) to choose one of these to use as a starting point this week, and she chose the card sketch...we adore this layout she designed!

(Supplies: Leather Jacket Add On from Sock Hop, Six String Add On from Summer of '69, Jenni Bowlin Weather Vane ink, Calico V.3 Wood Veneer Circles, Silhouette Cameo, EK Success border punch)

Here's what Allison had to say about her process:

I consider myself an old school, simple lines kind of scrapper. So, when I saw the sketch for Stephanie's card, I was immediately drawn to its easy, graphic design. Because I received the sketches before reveal, I could only guess what Stephanie had used on either side of her ampersand. But being a card, I assumed they were dies with words. I decided to use the sketch for a layout though, and I knew right away that I wanted to use photos cut in circles on either side of the large symbol. As I started out, I was thinking that I'd use the sketch quite literally. But once I gathered my photos and supplies, I realized that I wasn't going to be able to make the large ampersand work between my chosen pictures. Since I also like to "use what I have," and the photos were just too big, and my ampersands were just too small (I had precut two), I had to adjust. I still wanted the look of the larger ampersand though, so I moved it to act as my accent in the corner instead. Ah, that worked! I also loved the way my two kits, Leather Jacket from Sock Hop and Six String from Summer of '69 played well together. I had recently combined the two kits into one storage sleeve thinking they would complement each other, and I love the results. A little calico wood veneer to finish it off, and I'm excited to share this layout with my friend, Bernadette (who is featured here). I love working with sketches because they give me a great jumping off point, but I often switch gears in the middle of creating as happened here a little. Thanks Stephanie for the great inspiration! 

We love Allison's use of clean & simple lines, as well as the kind words that depict a beautiful friendship. She followed the sketch fairly closely, yet swapped a few elements out to switch things up a bit...thanks for sharing this with us, Allison!!

Please check out Allison's gallery and blog for more inspiration!You can also find her on Twitter @scrapally.

How will YOU use this sketch?  Whether it's a layout, a card or something else, link us up to your project by January 7th for a chance to win a $5 gift card to the Studio Calico shop. (Please remember, your project must be loaded into our gallery to qualify...and your comment has to link back to it in the SC Gallery)

Sunday Sketch

This week's sketch comes from Jen Jockisch's 34th Street Gallery - and is based on her layout titled "Chicago."



We were excited to see how Toni (supertoni) interpreted the sketch to make her layout, and love how it turned out!

Here is what Toni had to say about using this sketch:

I simply adore Jen's original layout! I knew right away what photos I wanted to use with this sketch and could not wait to begin. I love how Jen's layout has a graphic quality and the large font really draw you into the focal subject-her gorgeous photos. She is such a talented designer and this particular sketch is super simple to follow and can be mixed up to fit anyone's needs. For my layout, I used her graphic block concept as a block of 5 images (one being a journaling block, ) instead of using 4 photos like Jen did. For my background paper, I chose one of my favorites from Studio Calico Wonderland Collection: Tree Farm. I love this dark woodgrain paper and it is so perfect for holiday photos! Because my background paper was a 12 x 12 inch square I wanted to mix up the photo block with a rectangular shape, and 5 images worked perfectly to achieve that. I just adhered all of my photos and journaling block to a white piece of cardstock. Additionally, I ran the title along the bottom portion of the photo block (on top of my American Crafts silver glitter tape,) oh how I love this product. I also had an absolute blast doing some different stamping on this layout. I used the wood veneer snowflakes as a stamp using white ink. This was so delightful and something I will be recreating in the future with my kiddos. (Tip: The veneer work really great as a stamp if you first apply adhesive to one side and stick that to your hand. Then just dip into ink and put on paper, super simple, and a fun project.) I love how Jen's sketch really allowed the photos and journaling about my children to really take center stage. This was such a great day and this layout is one that I will display throughout the Christmas Season. Thanks Jen for the great idea!!!

We love all of the ideas you shared with us Toni...this turned out great, and we thank you for sharing your work with us!

Please check out Toni's gallery and blog for more inspiration!

How will YOU use this sketch?  Whether it's a layout, a card or something else, link us up to your project by December 24th for a chance to win a $5 gift card to the Studio Calico shop. (Please remember, your project must be loaded into our gallery to qualify...and your comment has to link back to it in the SC Gallery)

Sunday Sketch

This week's sketch comes from Maggie Holmes' 34th Street Gallery - and is based on her card titled "Why Hello There."



We were excited to see how April (lifeinprint) interpreted the sketch to make a layout, and it looks fabulous!



Here is what April had to say about using the sketch:

When I saw this sketch I knew this one would be perfect for these pictures of my oldest daughter.  I like how the banners and sentiment provided a base for the pictures to rest on.  I added a few more banners for depth and then tucked the pictures under a banner and used diecuts to create the title, turning them all slightly, so they would sit as silly as she is in the pictures. I also really liked Maggie's doodle around the edge of the card and her arrows, but instead of using just a pen since this is a bigger scale I decided to cut one of the patter papers from the kit into to strips and then I mitered the edges together, to give it a little extra detail, then sewed around the whole thing and did a zig zag stitch on all the mitered corners.  I added the chevron pieces that I cut from another sheet of the pattern paper to follow along with her arrows that she had hand drawn.  Instead of doing the three stars like the sketch I decided to change it up a bit and use some of the brads, sequins and rhinestone stars that came in the kit to make three small clusters instead.

Supplies: Sock Hop, Leather Jacket & Penny Loafers kits

What a great take on twisting a sketch to fit your needs...this looks awesome April!!

Please check out April's gallery and blog for more inspiration! She can also be found on Twitter: @lifeinprint

How will YOU use this sketch?  Whether it's a layout, a card or something else, link us up to your project by December 17th for a chance to win a $5 gift card to the Studio Calico shop. (Please remember, your project must be loaded into our gallery to qualify...and your comment has to link back to it in the SC Gallery)

Sunday Sketch

This week's sketch comes from Susan Weinroth's 34th Street gallery - and is based on her layout titled "Happiness Here."



We were excited to see how Tracy (mercytiara) interpreted the sketch for herself, and it looks fabulous!



Here is what Tracy had to say about using the sketch:

One of the things I love about this sketch is that it uses 2 vertical photos, but I couldn’t find any pairs of vertical photos in my recent pics, so I decided to switch it up and use one horizontal picture instead.  Other than that I kept to the sketch fairly closely.  I used the Sock Hop kit with the Poodle Skirt and Penny Loafers add-ons, along with a few Studio Calico die cuts from previous kits, Mister Huey’s, Thickers, and October Afternoon Mini Market stickers from my stash.  The colours in this kit are so fun to work with, and I am really loving this combination of yellow, turquoise, and red!

We love all of the pops of color too, Tracy...this looks great!!

Please check out Tracy's gallery and blog for more inspiration!

How will YOU use this sketch?  Whether it's a layout, a card or something else, link us up to your project by December 10th for a chance to win a $5 gift card to the Studio Calico shop. (Please remember, your project must be loaded into our gallery to qualify...and your comment has to link back to it in the SC Gallery)

 

Sunday Sketch

This week's sketch comes from Geralyn Sy's SOCK HOP gallery - and is based on her layout titled "Paper Love."

We were excited to see how Julie (juleshollis) interpreted the sketch for herself, and it looks fabulous!

Supplies: Sock Hop, Poodle Skirt, Penny Loafers

Here is what Julie had to say about this particular sketch:

I love playing with sketches and approach them as recipe for a project. For this sketch, I really wanted to use a favorite picture. The picture that I chose of my husband and son is vertical, so I decided to turn the sketch sideways. I didn't stray too far away from the sketch in terms of design. I used the November kit - Sock Hop with two papers from Penny Loafers (the red hearts) and from Poodle Skirt (the yellow triangles). My favorite way to make little banner pieces is to fold washi tape in half and then snip the end piece at angle. I love how this sketch helped me create lots of layers.

We love that all of Julie's elements draw your attention to the beautiful photo of her family, and the repetition of the 'flags'...what a great idea to use washi tape!

Please check out the rest of Julie's work in her SC Gallery and on her blog.

How will YOU use this sketch?  Whether it's a layout, a card or something else, link us up to your project by December 3rd for a chance to win a $5 gift card to the Studio Calico shop. (Please remember, your project must be loaded into our gallery to qualify...and your comment has to link back to it in the SC Gallery)