Inspire then Crate w/Christine Middlecamp

Engaging digital scrapbook galleries are just a few of the places that I habitually glance at when out and about on the world wide web. Easily overlooked, digital galleries are a hidden gem for out-of-the-ordinary techniques and layout composition discoveries. What appears from the forefront to be infinitely different from that of traditional scrapbooking is actually quite similar and can be a huge source of inspiration when contemplating the next great idea for a future, upcoming project. I've three or four gallery favorites that I visit at least once a week. If I find a layout I really love and think it might convert well to paper, I stash it away for quick future reference. The digital layout I'm about to show you is one I found at O'Scraps a week or two ago, and is the focus and inspiration for today's "Inspire than Crate" paper layout!

Project Location & Credit :: O'Scraps

What ultimately captured my attention about this layout is the mismatched rectangular paper collage just beneath the photo. It's simplistic arrangement and array patterns is astonishing beautiful. It echoes a gentle calling of sweetness that so easily lends itself to the young girl in the photo too - now, would it create the same feel on actual paper? Just maybe...

I began my layout with a similar set-up of overlapping, hand-trimmed papers {A blend of both old and new Crate Paper patterns!}, though I brought on a few bulkier embellishments and brighter colors to give the layout some additional depth. The real key to combining papers this way is to not adhere the paper pieces down until you're entirely happy with the final arrangement. This may involve the use of a pencil as the paper pieces tend to move around quite a bit. Also, keep in the mind the location of your photo and build around it as needed - mark it's location as well onto the neutral background paper.

Being the kind of scrapbooker that I am, I couldn't help but tack on the layers. I did so mostly along the outside borders of the photo and by following the direction of my pattern paper set-up. Notice how it ultimately takes you around the layout in a circular fashion and keeps the focus on the photo still - not too much, not to little. It's a balance of both worlds.

I hadn't the writing to my disposal to include beneath the layers of my pattern paper, so instead, I reverted to a highly detailed floral stamp and embossed it with clear embossing powder. It's look is subtle and delicate-to-the-touch.

Crate has an abundance of small title stickers included with each of their collections and I often do my best to make use of them because they're extra convenient and match well with nearly everything! Typically, I use them "as is" or trim them appropriately to fit the area in which they're to be housed on. Here, I let it serve as a substitute for the blue florals to the left of the photo.

A dusting of glitter, multi-directional swirls, specks of paint - you name it and it can be done with the help of photoshop! Paper is quite a bit of a different story though..it calls for alternatives when relaying the tiniest of tiny details. This is when misting & alternative mediums come in extra handy!! I carefully applied clear dimensional dots via a pre-planned vertical route - this can be done with either dimensional adhesive or Viva Glass Effect Gel.

A final detail; Crate Paper's "Emma Shoppe" yellow chipboard flower hiding just below a large yellow rose found at a local craft retail chain store. Tucked beneath the two items is Emma Shoppe's cotton pink ribbon that's been folded multiple times and adhered into position with small glue dots. I trim the tails for a more finished feel and roughed them up a teeny tiny amount.

So tell us, does digi inspire you? Where do you go to find your favorite digi galleries? I'm guessing that most of you have at least one or two you visit on occasion..if so, maybe it's time you try Crate Paper out on a digi-wanna-be layout! I recommend giving it a go to see what happens...you might surprise yourself in the end! ~ Christine M.