At 7 Layout by Stacey Michaud

The new Memorabilia collection is perfect for recording everyday moments and big celebrations!  Today, I am going to show you how to add small layers and bits & pieces to build a clean, simple AND interesting layout.

When you have so many options to create with, it is important to choose one or two strong elements as the focal point.  This element should ground the layout and draw the eye in.  Make this element be the boldest pattern, the largest element or something with a pop of color. I tried to accomplish grounding on this page using the chalkboard flag banner going almost all the way across.

I started with the great ledger paper as my base, which is white on the left and the tan on the right.  The black along the top ties both colors together and allows the photos and other random embellishments that are placed horizontally to still be connected, without actually touching.

This sheet of paper called Recorded became a major player on my page.

I used only the top by hand cutting around the banner.  Hand cutting is a great technique for making your pages really original.  Since the banner hangs mostly on the left hand side of the page, it seemed off-balanced.  I added this The Best Day Ever layered sticker to the top right and that problem was solved.  The flag banner under the circle points directly at the photo.

 

I really love the ledger paper and didn't want to add too many other patterns.  I kept the rest of my papers small or skinny.  I incorporated the gray geometric pattern from the B side of Recorded along the side, where white meets tan. I cut around the circles, creating my own scalloped border.

 

 

Since I had two elements that were very long both horizontally and vertically, I went with much shorter pieces on the rest of the layout.  I anchored my photo with the diagonal stripe, gold banner, Favorite die-cut and brad.  Build clusters near your photo to make them stand out.

 

I used die-cuts layered with chipboard around the page, placing them where they felt balanced.  The black Hello sticker was purposefully put directly across from the photo because it is gives balance and makes you look right back at the pictures.  The Notes die-cuts is the perfect way to draw attention to the journaling.

 

So many possibilities to create fantastic designs when using Teresa's collections!  What will you choose to showcase today?