Thursday, August 13, 2009

Summer Looks Like Reading

It's week # 2 at Dixie Pieces and this week's challenge involved a blue, green, white color scheme and handcutting (aka fussy cutting).
I used a digital template to create my photo collage, but had to print them on 4x6 paper because I have yet to order more toner for the wide format printer. It actually worked out quite well, and the individual photos allowed me to pop dot a couple off the page for added dimension. I also improvised when it came to printing the journaling and part of the title (summer looks like). I cut the green BG at a place where the seam would be covered by the turquoise paper and ran it through the manual feed of a regular 8 1/2 x 11 printer. Worked like a charm!

Here's how I created the handcut title. Type text (reading) in word with a block style font. Flip it horizontally to create a mirror image. Change font color to a light color. Print onto cardstock. Type a bunch of text (I used some quotes about books and reading that I found online). Run a test print to be sure it will cover all areas of your word from first step. Run cardstock back through the printer to add text to the back side of your word (this will actually become the front). Use an Xacto knife to cut out the letters. Voila! Custom made letters for very little cost!

Now, to be perfectly honest here, I did let my layout get a little out of hand. There are secret items associated with each week of this contest. Items that no one knows about, but if you include them on your page you get extra points. So in the back of my head I kept thinking that each thing I add to my layout could be a secret item (ie. chipboard, the paint on the roof, the glittery accents, ribbon, metal staples, jumbo eyelet). I got a bit carried away in the embellishment department, ending up with a layout that's a bit busier than I am used to . I like a bit of a breather when I look at a layout--a little spot to rest your eye and take a break. This page doesn't have that, but it sure was fun to glob it on thick!

12 comments:

  1. I just love the title on this LO! It is all gorgeous - but the title cut from print is just perfect!!

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  2. Are you a STAMPIN' UPer? I totally need to order some stuff from you. After I had my second baby and went into the classroom full time, I stopped selling STAMPIN' UP! :( So my supplies are dwindling. I found your blog through Dixie Pieces. I will be visiting again. I love your LO, btw.

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  3. I remember those days when my boys' were little. Sweet, sweet memories!!

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  4. Your layout ROCKS!! I love your house and way you did your title.

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  5. Love your layout...you did a really great job. Can't wait for the next challenge.

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  6. I loved your layout! My favorite part was the title on the text paper, very creative!

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  7. Thanks for stopping by my blog & WOYWW was an idea I picked up from Christine @ http://changeofheart56.blogspot.com/ Pop over & check out her blog too!

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  8. Awesome design...love the little house!!

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  9. Wonderful page and I love how you did the title.

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  10. I love your fussy cutting! it takes a lot of time to cut flourishes! Great job@!

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  11. I love your layout. I wish we did more reading in summer. Now summer is almost over.

    I hadn't noticed that a coupole of your photos were raised, and I love that.

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