One of the best ways to jump start a layout is to begin with a sketch or a template.  Take a look at this gorgeous page by Kim Buzan called “Sisters”:

Now check out this totally fun page by Terri Davenport called “cocoa”:

Both layouts began at the same starting point; a sketch by Becky Higgins of Creating Keepsakes magazine.  Come check out this week’s challenge at the IdeaBooks4u blog to see the sketch.  We’re showcasing Becky Higgins’ new book, Best of Becky Higgins Sketches for Scrapbooking.  We hope you’ll play along.  If you do, we’d love to see your layout posted on the IdeaBooks4u Inspiration Gallery at Designer Digitals.  Have fun with this!

Less than two hours to go until Thursday, so I’m still good for your Wednesday “Just My Type” challenge for this week! *wink* And, either I’m getting lazy or I’m being really nice to y’all… this one could be construed as being pretty easy. Maybe… maybe not!

CHALLENGE: Use a font that came PRE-LOADED on your computer... you know, some of the fonts that you’ve never heard of, never use. Some are a little strange, some are only characters, some you think are boring… you know, the ones you just whoosh over in your quest to load up your favorite fonts! Fonts like Verdana, Vrinda, Constantia, Edwardian Script ITC… Berylium, Bondi... even ones we “know” but rarely use: Courier, Lucida, Comic Sans. (I have Vista and, man… there are TONS of “unknown” fonts pre-loaded!)

For this week’s layout, I used Pattie Knox’s new “Fanciful Felt Ribbons-Countdown” on my layout and wanted to use a font that was similar. Even the old standby Times New Roman wasn’t quite right, so I tried a pre-loaded font, Georgia. It worked perfectly… coordinating w/the font Pattie used in the felt ribbon.

So, instead of searching the web for new fonts, search your computer and see what font gems you can find! And, then USE one (or more!) on a layout! And, remember to post your layout in the “Just My Type” gallery at Designer Digitals! Enjoy the hunt!
Debi

Hello Everybody and thanks for stopping by
This week I found a page that does a great job documenting an Event, something I really struggle with - I end up with tons of not so great pictures that usually never make it on a page. Elena’s page Lincoln Marsh Field trip showcases pictures of her son’s trip.

I love her color Scheme and how she arranged the elements and photos - look at those Footprints and the corner brush!

Elena, would you please head over to the Message Board and answer a couple of questions for us ?

Thank you,
Dagmar

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