Thursday, November 3, 2011

Working the Paper or Letting the Paper Work for You

I'm still working on scrapping my Christmas pictures from last year, with a little help from Shimelle's Pretty Paper Party class. This prompt was about using kraft cardstock, paired with various shades of one color.  I chose five different red patterned papers, plus red cardstock to use on this layout of my son Henry and his cousin Cristina (who loves him but refuses to call him by his name - she refers to him as "the boy").  I really like how it turned out. It's a bit different for me - it's a one page layout and is not as simple as my typical page. It also took a fairly long time to complete.  I really had to work the paper to get it how I wanted it.
When I was done, I made this layout in about five minutes:
I scrapped the (few) pictures I took on Christmas Eve with Paul's family.  And I like this layout, too!  For this layout, I let the paper do the work for me because of the finished or complete nature of its pattern.  I don't use papers like this very often, but maybe I will look for more of them in the future. 
What about you? Do you work your papers or let your papers work for you?
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Today I am grateful for some new parents on the soccer team who are stepping up to help out and a goofy dog who makes me smile (as Paul says, "every circus needs a clown).

8 comments:

Amy said...

Only recetly Alison and were talking about papers that were themed or heavily patterned in one area and how they were restrictive, even though some are just lovely or simply very handy. You've used this one well and completely to your advantage - so, what's not to love? :-)

laurie said...

all the reds on that first page are festive and really highlight your niece in her holiday dress.

Alison said...

Love the reds on the first LO..and how you've used the paper in the second one!
Alison xx

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

They look great!
I tend to let the papers work for me. I'm not good with big or bold patterned papers

Lauren said...

I don't think I 'let the papers work for me' very much. LOL - but this is lovely!

And to answer your question on my blog, I haven't really considered branching out. I don't know why. Years ago I did some basic knitting. And I've made a few wreaths (one was actually published) and i really like making crafts, I just can't decide what to do. that said, almost a year ago I bought some stuff to do some canvases and altered book projects and I had to wait so long for the stupid gesso to dry that I never did anything with them. hmmm...

Sian said...

A bit of both I think. I do like to cut patterns from papers and pleat strips of paper and punch borders. But If I like a sheet just the way it is I'm happy to add nothing more than a photo

Julie Ann Rachelle Interior Design said...

God bless you for finishing your 2010 Christmas album!!! Wow, I'm so impressed. This is amazing too. Love it all.

Anonymous said...

Both! Recently I've made several cards by letting the paper work for me, and wish I had more papers like that. They were quick and easy, but don't look that way. Love both your pages here. The first one was definitely worth your time and effort! (I'm a huge fan of kraft and red.)