I know. It seems like all I ever do anymore is make cards.
There would be some truth to that right now. It’s kind of like that new relationship… you know? When you are first together and you simply can’t get enough of each other? That is me. And cards.
But a few weeks back, I had an idea for a layout and I designed a simple digital template. I knew I wanted to create a hybrid page, but the timing had to be right and that time was over the weekend.
I have been loving my new Archie Solid Letter Dies set* and when I created it, I was thinking scrapbook pages all the way. I used the same font in the layered template, but knew I would replace it with die cut and stacked letters. (Note: if you click on Notify Me, you will be emailed when these dies are back in stock!)
The whole stacked and glued together die cut thing has changed the way I think about creating simple embellishments. I learned this from the card making community. Never would have thought about doing it with die cut letters or die cut anythings. You just cut multiples and adhere them together for instant embellishments with dimension.
I think the other thing that is going on right now is there are so many stories I’m not really as comfortable putting into scrapbooks. I don’t mean that to sound like crazy shit is going on in my life. It’s not. It’s just a time of real transition. I have some ideas for a few pages to document my story right now, the story of a middle aged mama whose kids are on the verge of big transitions, too, and how I fit into the picture of our family. I just have to figure out the right way to document all this stuff.
I won’t lie to you. Card making doesn’t require that same thought process and therefore feels a bit lighter. A bit more fun.
I was talking to Dan about how I was feeling more of the card thing and less of the scrapbooking thing, and that I felt bad about that, and he said, “You’ve never created from a place of obligation. You’ve always come at it from a place of inspiration.”
Geez, when did he get so observant? Suffice to say, there’s a story in all of this, and I’m working to figure it all out. The thing is, however, I still LOVE to teach people how design can help their creative process when putting scrapbook pages together. So there’s still that!
For example, the page I’m sharing today works on multiple levels!
We have repetition with the hearts and the bling creating a simple visual triangle to energize the design, as well as give the eye points of connection. We have great contrast with a large, bold title and a small subheading. We have an asymmetrical balance that is framed with a nice white margin of cardstock. That white margin also links with the title, making the design pop a bit more. We have three small photos, all the same size, creating their own pattern of repetition. And we have all that glorious kraft white space! All that open space allows the entire design to breath and feel visually restful.
It took me longer to figure this out that you would think. About two hours, even starting with a template!
And now I have a Pixel to Page video to share with you. The first 11 minutes focus on one digital trick I do (creating custom crop marks in Photoshop) in order to ensure my photos are spot on, size wise. It might seem like overkill, but if you’re curious, check it out. The page build portion starts at roughly 11:30 if you’d just like to see that!
Thanks for watching! And please consider subscribing to my channel!
*ARCHIE DIE SETS AT SIMON SAYS STAMP: I have a handful of dies and stamps based on the Archie font style. The set I used today is a standalone die set of letter dies. I also sell a matching standalone number die set, Archie Solid Numbers. These dies are straight up letter die sets. They do not work with the other Archie stamps, the ones that feature and outlined style of font. That particular stamp set only works with this Archie die set, which is not a standalone letter die, but rather, a coordinating die designed to cut out the outlined, stamped letters. Clear as mud? Hopefully, yes!
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Yolanda says
Thanks so much for that InDesign tip!
Cathy Zielske says
Yolanda, you use ID? That IS my favorite thing about it for hybrid scrapbooking because then I don’t have to worry about what size to trim to. I just design how I want it to look and add those crop marks!
carol ann says
Clean, crisp, so Cathy! Love it! Great design – my eyes know exactly how to travel through it.
Time to bust out my wallet, again. Got some shopping to do from that list of supplies. [wink, wink] 🙂
Cathy Zielske says
Ha! I know I can be an enabler! Thanks for checking out this post today, Carol Ann! Enjoy!
Jeannie says
Ahhh- thanks for the scrapbook layout! I missed these posts. Your cards are cute and sweet, but I really don’t do cute and sweet, so I had strayed from your blog. I am a big follower of your SYY Facebook group, so I haven’t abandoned you! Love the layout.
Cathy Zielske says
Ha! I never thought I’d do cute and sweet either. Crazier things have happened! lol. Glad you stopped by!
Kathy McConnell says
Such a beautiful page! I must admit I forwarded to 11:30, and here’s why: I seem to have a mental block for Photoshop. I own it. I took your class, twice, and still have an awful time. I think it’s the terminology and the ready alternative of Becky Higgins’ idiot-proof Project Life app. I’m ashamed. However, Photoshop is much easier to customize, a fact I know even though I can’t show it. So I will soldier on and figure it out. I will also paraphrase and hand-letter Dan’s brilliant observation to post over my desk! Thanks for sharing.
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks, Kathy. And you know, you gotta do what works for you. Becky’s app is fool proof and I love that! I just am one of those who likes to noodle too much!
Lisa says
Kathy… If you have a smartphone, check into the LetterGlow app, and Cathy’s videos regarding using digital products in letterglow. It was the gateway to photoshop for me 😉
Juanita says
Love this Cathy! Thank you for sharing.
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks for watching!
Jane says
Cathy, question…Elements user. I am stuck after making the square. Simply if greyed out if I right click. Then I also can’t do the blending then the stroke. What am I missing?
Thanks
Jane
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Jane! What version are you in? I am testing out the steps in PSE 13 and it’s working.
Draw a shape using the rectangle tool. The right click on the layer called Shape 1 and choose Simplify.
BUT, the problem is, that PSE does not let you do the blending. So… after you create your shape, then fill it with White. (Edit > Fill Layer… and choose White.)
Let me know what version of PSE you are in! I’m in a meeting all afternoon but will check back! Or just email me at cathy@cathyzielske.com!
Jane says
Hi Cathy,
I am using v. 14. I think I had a blonde moment…I was not using the actual SHAPE icon. I was making a square selection. Jeez…now it lets me simplify. I will continue on!
Thanks
Jane says
I did it!!!! Thanks Cathy! You Da Best! 😉
Cathy Zielske says
WOOT! 🙂
Sandra B. says
I get that you designed (& adore) the alphabet shown, but I’m not sure if you know stacked letters = Thickers. They’ll suck you in too if you’re not careful. Thanks for all the sharing; you’ve got nothin’ to feel bad about!
Cathy Zielske says
Ha! I have a stash of those, but I always hated that if I messed up with a sticker, that sticker was gone, baby! So… this let’s me pick the color, the paper and gives me an endless stream of making my own! 🙂
Karen P says
thanks for the inspiration and the tips; do you subscribe to the whole Adobe CC products? I am so tempted…I have an older version of Lightroom and only PSE…
Cathy Zielske says
I do, but I have to for my business. 🙂
Beth Rose says
Love the layout! I’m a hybrid scrapper too. The 1/8 score tape looks like something I need … in your video it looks like you have it in an easy-to-apply pen-like tool? Where do I get that?
Cathy Zielske says
That tool is called a Pen Blade, and it’s just great for peeling off adhesive backing. It’s listed toward the bottom in the page supplies on this page! Look under Supplies above!
Erika says
I love this layout. I wish I could get my printer to print nicely on card stock. The ink just seems to sit on the surface and eventually kind of dries out. Some day I’ll convince my husband we need a new printer. So I have to use a journaling block or strips, and that causes my eye to go there first. Sad.
As for not knowing how to document this changing time in your life, I use what I call The Backstory. I put all the (sometimes emotional) journaling on the back of the layout, so the details are there, but not visible for everyone to read. My kids aren’t embarrassed about what is seen, and I can write what I feel is needed to tell the story. I’ve even used The Backstory to put lists of party guests and other details that would clog up my layout journaling. I print the text on a sheet of paper, and lightly attach it to the back. If I ever decide there are things I’d like to keep to myself, the page can be easily removed. My family knows the details are there, between the back to back layouts.
I’m glad you’re having such fun with the cards, as simple (and colorful!) joys help us keep our feet under us during difficult times. I’m also very grateful you’re able to keep designing in the industry. I’m inspired by what you create!! Happy Cardiversary!
Cathy Zielske says
The backstory? I LOVE that idea. Wow…. never thought of that!