Scrapbook Layout Challenge | Becky Novacek

Just over a year ago, I shared a challenge here on the Studio Calico blog. It’s a challenge that I give myself every winter. In January, my photography business slows down, and I like to dig in with a few creative challenges. For the past few years, I’ve challenged myself to create a layout with a message to each of my ten grandchildren. I make one layout and then use this one layout as a sort of sketch to create the next nine layouts.

You can read more about my philosophy, thoughts, ways to adapt the challenge for your life and plan for organizing albums long-term on my blog post from a year ago here.

So here’s how I approach this challenge:

I decide on something important that I want to convey to each of my grandchildren. It could be a phrase, a verse, or a lyric that resounds with me.

I gather all of my supplies and photos. I like to have everything within reach, so once I start, I can let the creativity flow. Sidenote on the supplies this year: I made 6 layouts with the Studio Calico March Odyssey kit and add-ons before I started this challenge. I proceeded to use more of these kits for the challenge and also added product from previous kits that I had left over. I could probably make an additional 6-10 layouts with what I have left from the March kits, no joke.

I create the first layout, usually based on something in my sketchbook or even a layout I’ve created previously.

After creating the first layout, I twist it a little and create a second layout, and continue until I have ten layouts. It’s fun to see how it changes and morphs with each one.

A couple of other thoughts on this process: I like to use up product that I’ve been saving/hoarding. Since I’m creating more layouts in this one exercise, than I typically do in a month, I like to have a no holds barred approach. It’s such a gratifying way to use product that I love.

Since I rarely buy product outside of what I get through SC kits, it’s fun to try to kill the bits and pieces I have left from previous kits.

The first layout I created this year was for David:

I handcut the title and typed the journaling right on the photo.

The second layout I made based on the first is Alexis’ page:

I moved the pattern paper to the right side rather than the top, changed the title to the top and added typed strip journaling.

Grey’s page is up next:

I changed the background to a simple pattern paper, kept the right side block of paper with the photo centered on the block. I also changed the title to run vertically with a handcut title. The journaling below the photo is typed.

Addison’s page is next up:

I moved the block of pattern paper to the other side, added the journaling with a white pen handwritten directly on the photo and added a plethora of flowers that I was dying to use in mass.

Here’s Harper’s page:

I had been saving the pleated background paper and finally used it for Harper and Addie’s layouts. I kept the title on the top and extended it for this one. Also moved the photo to the bottom of the layout and added typed strip journaling.

Molly is up next:

I had another sheet of pattern paper that I had been “saving.” I moved the block of paper back to the top of the page and typed the journaling at the bottom of the block. I still love the SC glitter pennants.

Jake’s page:

For each of the older boys, I like to keep the pages VERY simple and classic. No cutesy anything! I cut the title at the top with my silhouette. I I used my very favorite medium gray tag for the typed journaling.

Eli’s page is next:

I used the same papers that I used for Jake (above) and just switched. I do love that with this process I can use all different size photos to make them look a little different and unique. Eli’s photo was perfect for the awesome frame from the Penelope Add-on Kit. Center oriented design like Jake’s.

Next up is Griffin’s page:

I kept a pattern paper background and cut the block at the bottom super wonky for a little twist. Super simple again. Typed and stitched journaling.

Lastly, Payton’s layout:

I LOVE this one. I have been wanting to do a super simple black and white layout. You can see how it follows the design of Griff’s page and yet it really doesn’t look much at all like the original layout of David’s.

I absolutely love what this challenge does for me creatively and I hope you’ll give it a shot too! It’s creatively freeing and often stirs up my mojo. Hoping it does the same for you.

I would love to see your take on this challenge, so please link to your pages!

Thanks for checking it out!

Supplies: (All consumable products used are from Studio Calico kits including the latest kits, as well as past kits and many digital labels.) Glue Dot Runner; Chipboard Stars Woodgrain; White Shipping Tag; Cork Circle Sticker; Gray Shipping Tag; Glitter Chipboard Sticker; Watercolor Brush; Mister Huey’s Watercolor Set; Gold Zig Marker; Precision Scissors; Mini Badges; Silhouette Cameo Bundle