The Art of “Scraplifting”
Scraplifting is a beautiful thing! For those of you new to this term, it means to borrow or “lift” and idea from another scrapbooker. Whenever I feel like my mojo is running on the low side, I go into the gallery for inspiration. Sometimes all I have to do is look around for a few minutes and then go create something of my own design, other times I am awe struck by a gorgeous composition or a combination of perfect element that speaks to me. Scraplifting is perfectly acceptable…after all isn’t it one of the reasons why we view other layouts?
I would like to show you three different ways to use scraplifting as a design tool.
First, is the traditional scraplift, you see a layout you LOVE everything about it and you want one just like it for your own, you even go an purchase the exact same kit so you can have a carbon copy, only it’s yours!
I loved the FREE blog hop kit that the designers gave away right here at DHD. When the decorators posted their pages created from this kit, I just fell in love with Karen Funk’s “Love” layout.
I scraplifted this layout almost element for element. I did choose different patterned papers from the same kit and colored a few details slightly different. Another bonus of scraplifting: you know you are going to adore the finished layout before you begin. Here is mine. Can you pick out the subtle differences?
Another way to do a scraplift is simply for composition. The placement of photos and elements– think of it as using someone’s layout as a sketch for your own. I loved this classy design by Heather Guenther and chose to scraplift her layout “Passion is contagious”
Here is my scraplift of Heather’s layout:
What I love about scraplifting is that even though you seek out to “copy” a layout of another scrapper’s design, they always seem to come out a little bit different, sometimes a lot differently.
My last method for scraplifitng includes one of my favorite things….shopping! I love to see the “1 kit, 4 ways” blog articles. Usually after viewing the article I feel the need to shop and purchase the same kit the designers were working with and see what I can create. This uses the term scraplifiting very loosly, you can take any detail that inspires you and…CREATE!
Look at this amazing layout by Jenny Bingham titled “Goat Hugger”. I clicked on this layout in the gallery and read which products she used in her credits and saw Jen Allyson’s Vanity Fair Cerulean collection and I was sold!
Jenny’s layout inspired me to create this layout “Preschool Graduation” using the same kit by Jen Allyson.
Next time you find yourself in a scrapping rut…remember to give scraplifiting a try! There’s always the monthly scraplifting challenge here at DHD. Oh and one more tidbit, as a common courtesy you should always give credit to a fellow scrapper when you scraplift their layout, even if you were only inspired by a small portion. It’s the right thing to do, a compliment to share, and flattering to most scrappers that someone else was inspired by their work. Happy scraplifiting!
A few of the kits used to create the layouts in this article:
5 Ways to Use Type in Your Scrapbook Layouts
Type is an important part of your layouts. It gives the viewer a piece of information that they might not otherwise know. It might be a short quote, the name of the person in the photograph, a sentiment, or a date. it might be the thing that explains the photo best. It may give insight to your daily life. These are all things worth capturing! So don’t be afraid to use type in graphic ways! Here’s some of my ways for keeping it fresh:
1. Forget the Drop Shadow. Sure, it’s showy but does it distract from the photos and what the words actually say? Keep it simple. Choose a fun font instead.
2. Make it Big or make it small. This super dynamic duo will bring a lot of interest to your scrapbook layouts.
3. Go For High Contrast. If your background is white, use a darker color for the type.If your background is dark, use a lighter color on your font. If you want others to read what you have to say, high contrast is key!
4. Break Convention. You’re not in school anymore and capitalizing the “J” in July in an artistic layout is no longer something you will get marked down for. Go ahead…all lowercase or all caps are fun!
5. Let Your Letters Fall off Your Page. It’s a graphic way of letting others follow your words until the very edge. Use it wisely though so it doesn’t get out of control! You still want to be able to read the word!
I hope you continue to use type in dynamic ways! Use these little tips for keeping your scrapbook layouts fresh, fun, and readable!
Notes from a Newbie: How to download a digital kit
True confession: I suffer from a technology phobia.
Blame it on being old—I did go to school in the days of big perms and “typing” class. Blame it on being country—I do live at the end of a dirt road with no cell phone service. Blame it on being organic—I do live for sensory experiences and getting down and dirty in the smells, tastes, and touches of life.
I’m not really comfortable with the idea of being a “techie”.
Honestly, I’m more than just a little bit scared to leave my firm and stable desktop for the intangible world of digital downloads. But I’m no shrinking violet! Time to stare the cyberworld right in the face and download a digikit.
Everybody who digi scraps has to have a first download sometime. Here’s mine. And if it’s your first time too, hold my virtual hand, we can do this together.
Let’s go shopping. This is something I’m not new at, especially in the Design House Digital shop. I always check out what’s new first, but then I love to browse by designer. You can also browse by category or price.
But Remember, we’re not window shopping anymore! This is what I’ve picked out… those vintage typewriters are calling to me. So I’ll click on the “add to cart” button. I can keep adding whatever I want, until I’m finished shopping, or out of money.
It’s time to click on the “checkout” button. Checking out is easy. I agreed to the terms of use, confirmed my order, and then paid for my purchase. With a PayPal account I can use a credit card, a checking account, or my PayPal balance. It couldn’t be safer or easier!
Hooray! My purchase was successful and I’m now looking at a page with my download. Since I want to start scrapping right away, I’ll click on the “Download Now” button at the bottom of the page.
Now I need to choose a destination file. This may be the hardest part—deciding how to organize my digital files. Some people organize by store, some by product type, some by designer. Since I’m just getting started, I know I can change my mind once I find a system that works for me. But after talking to my favorite digiscrappers and getting their advice, I’ve decided to start organizing by designer. In “My Documents” I create a “Digital” folder. Inside that folder I create a folder called “Audrey Neal.” Then I click “Save.”
After about a millisecond my download is complete! But remember, these files are still zipped. To use my new kit, I have to unzip it. Your operating system may have file extraction software built in, but if not, you can download Unzip Them All for free. I open my “Unzip Them All” software, click on my “Digital” folder where my zipped file is located, make sure all the zipped files are selected, then click on “Start”.
That’s it! I’m done! And I didn’t even get sucked into some black hole vortex in cyberspace. My bank account is safe, my identity is secure, and my computer isn’t melting into a puddle of sparks and smoke. Here we all sit—my firm and stable desktop, my computer, my new playthings, and me—feeling brave, smart, and just a little more technologically savvy. 
No, I’m not ready to set up the airport for your wireless network (I don’t even know what that means). But I can start using these papers and elements right away in my photo editing software. And thanks to all the great tutorials here at Design House Digital, I know just what to do next.
Now, if I could just figure out how to take my cell phone off of speaker.
Quick Album Tutorial
Here’s a easy 7 minute tutorial if you want to see how to use any of the quick albums here at DHD. This shows you how to drag and drop photos on pre-made quickpages, how to size and crop photos, and shows you some general use instructions for using albums. The video is 7 minutes long and is demonstrated in Photoshop CS3. If you are interested in the products used in this tutorial, the links are here:
I hope this tutorial helps you so that you can make pages quickly when you are in a pinch! Want to watch it bigger? Go here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3VGn8Jlxow
So, I’ve finished my first digital layout…Now what?
So, I’ve finished my first digital layout…Now what?
I know that’s what you’re thinking, don’t even deny it.
Just like with digital scrapbooking, the possibilities are many, so we’ll touch on a few.
1) Print it yourself. This one is pretty obvious, I know, but there are many benefits to printing at home. Instant gratification, anyone?
2) Have it printed, by page. Obviously, a nice feature of our digital age. You can upload, have it printed, and shipped right to your door. Perfect for those hectic times when we get a bit behind. Or those lazy times, when you’re vegging in your pajamas all day.
3) Have it printed, by the book. That’s right. You can upload all of your pages and have them printed in a single, bound book. How cool is that? Again, delivery to home is a nice benefit.
4) Don’t print it. No one says you HAVE to print your layouts. (I have a friend who has never printed a single one, because she likes the way they look in her monitor!) Display them in a digital frame, post them to your blog, or carry them around on your iPod or cell phone. And don’t forget to share them in our Gallery at Design House Digital!
Of course, this can still raise a lot of questions. Can I really print it at home? Do I need a special (super expensive) printer? What company is the best? What if I drop my iPod in a puddle?
Don’t worry, we’ll address all of these (in more detail) in upcoming posts. For now, just realize that one of the coolest things about digital is that you’re not locked into ANYTHING. You can print twenty of the same layout, without having to buy twenty packs of embellishments. You can print it now, and have it printed into a book later. And then blog it.
Ain’t digital grand?
