Having successfully dipped my toe in the Project 365/Life waters in 2012, I'm attempting a much larger project this year with the option for a double-page spread when needed and/or desired, as well as more journaling. The larger canvas will enable me to tell more stories in greater detail, something I felt last years album was lacking.
My year 2013 project will incorporate a collection of photos from a single week (my weeks begin on Saturdays and end on Fridays) with story highlights using a collection of supplies designed to support my artsy style. These supplies are available for purchase in the aA store.
Working in Double-Page Format. The templates are delivered in single 12 X 12 format to enable you to mix and match as desired. My preference is to select 2 templates and work in double-page format.
- Create a New File at 24 (width) X 12 (height) inches at 300DPI in Photoshop or Elements.
- Open 2 -12 X 12 template files from the FotoInspired Template Pack No. 2 series. I used templates 3 and 4 from FotoInspired Template Pack No. 2A for the doublepage pictured above.
- Select the Move tool from the Tools palette and click on the first template you want to work with. Select all the layers in the Layers palette by clicking on the first layer, hold SHIFT key on your keyboard and then click on the last layer so that all layers are highlighted.
- Move all the layers onto your New File and position on one side of the canvas to create the first side of your spread.
- Repeat the process with the second template placing the layers in the opposing side of your canvas so that you have both templates as a double-page working file.
- Delete the single template background layers as they are now redundant.
Selecting Photos. I look through my photo folders for the week and select 4-12 photos that I want to use in my page. I create duplicate copies of these images and move them into a photo folder so that I can see what I have to work with. The folder is named according to the dates of the images. This folder is easily deleted after you have created your page but I usually keep them around with my images as a quick reference to the photos I have already incorporated into my scrapbooking. This prevents me from using the same image in other pages.
If you feel you don't have enough photos for your week you can scan bits of memorabilia such as ticket stubs, receipts, mail, children's school work or use screen captures from your computer to pad your project out. I have also been known to ask Ella and Luke to draw me a picture of the best part of their week in some of the projects I have created.
Populating the template. I have a systematic process when working with templates to create a finished layout.
- Select your background. I often leave mine blank or add a solid neutral cardstock style background. I often use the same background throughout my project.
- Clip your photos to the masks first.
- Fill any remaining masks with papers and ArtsyKardz.
- Embellish these papers with brushes and overlays.
- Add dimensional embellishments.
- Complete with a title and your journaling.
I did not make any adjustments to the templates in this week's layout and used the templates as delivered. This will change as I move forward with this project. I antipicate there will be at least 5 packs of these FotoInspired templates, if not more, with additional add-on pieces to ensure there is enough variation to create 52 double-page spreads throughout the year. In addition, I will be sharing tips and techniques in a weekly post that will assist you in making the most of the templates and supplies.
