all smiles - three takes on one layout

i wanted to share one of my recent assignments with you. the following three layouts were featured in the october issue of creating keepsakes magazine. the challenge issued to me, was to create a 10 minute layout. and then to step it up, to a 15 minute layout. and then again, to a 20 minute layout.

 
as seen in the October 2010 issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine. copyright creative crafts group. posted with prior permission from the publisher.

you might think a 10 minute layout is impossible. but it's not. granted, i may have put more than 10 minutes into creating this layout, given that i was creating it for publication and wanted it to be just right. the truth is, my layouts and my process DO take me more time to come up with and put together. but at the same time, i think my layouts come off very do-able. i've been told that by numerous people, and i know exactly what they're saying. i'm not an overly complicated scrapper. sure, i have my moments where i like to do some techniques or use a bunch of goodies on one page. but i think my layouts are easy enough to duplicate, with your own photos and supplies that you have on hand.

you can totally create this layout in 10 minutes.  don't believe me? try it and see. take out 2 4x6 photos, a piece of cardstock, 2 strips of pattern paper or die cut paper, a journaling page, a piece of ribbon, 2 stickers, and a pen. what's that? you want instructions? no problem, they're right HERE. throw it all down, and it just might end up looking like my layout above. and then high-tail it back here, and show it to me ;)

 
as seen in the October 2010 issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine. copyright creative crafts group. posted with prior permission from the publisher.

maybe you have more than 10 minutes. if you do, i'm extremely jealous. lol! maybe you have 15 minutes, and want to step up the layout a little bit. in addition to what i listed above, you also need one more sheet of cardstock, a few jewels, another sticker, and a stapler. instructions? sure, they're right HERE.

 
as seen in the October 2010 issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine. copyright creative crafts group. posted with prior permission from the publisher.

say you're just all full of time, and have 20 whole minutes, and want to step it up even more than the last version. then simply add a full strand of jewels, an epoxy sticker, and some letter stickers. instructions are HERE.

if you do try out this little challenge, and find that it takes you a bit longer than 10, 15, or 20 minutes, then please don't hold it against me. lol! i really do believe that layouts can be quick and simple. and still look really cute. and i honestly believe these can be done in that amount of time. and if designers can do a little bit of the thinking part for you, use it to your advantage. take a layout, or an idea, or an element. and use it to create your own layout, with whatever you have on hand, and personalize it however you want :)

supplies: free spirit sunshine/purple peace dots pattern paper by little yellow bicycle, free spirit lace cut cardstock by little yellow bicycle ,free spirit journal tablet by little yellow bicycle, free spirit fabric favorite embellishments by little yellow bicycle, free spirit alpha & numbers cardstock stickers, free spirit fresh verse cardstock stickers, free spirit epoxy stickers by little yellow bicycle, 5 color polka ribbon by jillibean soup, pink crystals by zva creative

Comments

[wendy myers]

We call that power scrapping and it is an awesome way to get caught up FAST!!! Thanks for the tips, love the Free Spirit Line that you used.

[Helen Tilbury]

Problem is I always like the most complicated one LOL. I just can't seem to do quick & simple. My best ever is 45 minutes & I was super-pleased with that ;-D

[dawn]

Great layouts Laura love the free spirit line also. I will try this challenge today and let you know how I do. My promblem is being indecisive about everything so my pages sometimes take an hour or more. Thanks for the challenge and for the directions.

I noticed your add on the below post, pattern paper is very popular and would love to hear your fave products.

[Janet]

you are right. layouts can be done in a 'fast' manner, if need be-but who wants to rush? ha! I can be a suer scrapper if need be, and that usually means a 2page layout per day. That is about my speed.
It is the process before the scrapping takes places is my time killer. Picking the pictures, printing the pictures, finding a sketch or inspiration...see what I mean. But over the years, I have came up with a system and it truy helps when you wanna it that speed scrapping stride..Thanks for sharing Laura, and I am really enjoying your layouts in CK the past few months!

[dawn]

Hi Laura,

I just finished a layout using your layout today. It was tough to find the right supplies ( I really don't have much) and the colors I wanted and it's done. You can take a look at it at http://everydaymemorieswithprojectlife.blogspot.com

Thank you for the challenge and I will try again and hope to get it done in 10mts.

To your commenter above Janet I can so so relate to you. My promblem is all the choices before I even sit down to scrap then I'm too tired or frustrated to start. I've been known to take a couple days on a layout. That's why I like it when laura gives us this challenges to make me think outside the box and get me started on a idea. Check out my layout too if you want.

[Brenda H]

great layouts Laura - i wish i could do a layout in 20 or less - but it takes me that long just to figure out what pictures to use!! Hope all is well!!

[Kathy (krolski)]

Super cute! 10 mins would be pushing it for me. I usually take a day for one page. LOL!

[Carla]

I love this LO!!! And I love the easy-ness of it. I agree that your LOs are "do-able" but you still come up with the most creative projects and most of us couldn't do :)
I may have to do this challenge. I have a few unfinished projects from my trip.

[Sara Rossi]

This post cracked me up!! "Instructions? right here!" ;) I completely agree your LO's are very "do-able". Cute LO...and I see you scrapped with PURPLE!! ;) YAY!!