an apology + some layouts to share

I wanted to take a moment, before sharing a couple of new layouts with you, to apologize to any scrappers who might have been offended or insulted by my pet peeves post. While I clearly stated that by no means was I trying to imply that my way of scrapping was right and other ways were wrong, much of the post's content implied otherwise, as one commenter pointed out. In looking back at the post, I can easily see what she meant.

I think what happened was that, at some point, while I was writing the post, my intentions shifted. Just making a list of things that bugged me seemed too negative (even too smack-bloggish -- or is that going too far?) so I tried to shift it to something a little more practical and useful. That's where the tips came from. But I didn't intend for them to come across as "Here's why I think your layout sucks, and here's how I think you can fix it." Rather, in my mind, those pet peeves morphed into the kind of issues that I have to frequently deal with on my layouts when I get stuck or get into a scrapping rut. (Well, except for #3, to be honest. That one is one I still have a really big issue with -- but that's because I still have issues with the whole scrapping just to pimp product, which I address below). So I was seeing the whole post more as a "if you find yourself stuck and your layouts look like this, here's what you can do to get UNstuck." I'm just sorry that didn't come through more clearly.

So again, to anyone I might have offended, I apologize. As you can see from the layouts I posted yesterday, there are still a wide variety of styles that I admire -- even layouts that could technically fall within one of my pet peeve categories. :)

Speaking of CT work, I always feel so lucky when a friend or a designer whom I respect asks me to be on their creative team and work with their designs. I've done A LOT of design/creative team work over the past four years, for a number of designers and manufacturers, both paper and digital. I've struggled, time and again, with the balance between creating the types of layouts that are meaningful and authentic to me, and creating the kinds of layouts that my "bosses" need in order to promote their product. Of course, being on a digital CT gives me a little more wiggle room where promotion is concerned, but I'm still always so happy when a particular kit really ties in with a story that I'm just itching to tell. That's what happened with these two layouts.

ETA: So excited! The layout below made the Gallery Standouts blog today!

I've had these photos of Cami's room sitting on my hard drive for a while, and I knew I wanted to do a layout about her bedroom and how she's decorated it. When I saw Leora's kit, The Promise of Tomorrow, I knew it would be a perfect fit, all because of one simple embellishment: that white scroll piece. It looks like some type of antique architectural element, and I just thought it would perfectly accent a page about design and decorating.

Leora's Discover Me kit was another perfect fit, this time for a layout about Cami and her new pen pal. All those little "about me" strips reminded me of the questions Cami and Belle have sent back and forth in their letters as they've learned more about each other.

In both instances, these layouts came from stories that I had jotted down in my notebook. I keep a notebook next to my laptop (and I actually carry it in my purse whenever I leave the house, too) so that when an idea comes to me, I have somewhere to write it. Right now, I have a list of about 15 stories that I really want to get told soon. In addition to that, I have a list of photos that I really want to scrap. Usually when the right kit comes along for a story, I know it. Something -- some element or pattern or piece of word art -- will stand out and there will be a connection between the two. It just clicks. When that happens, I really feel as though there's an extra layer of meaning to my pages and my stories, because everything works together so much better. That's always a good feeling.

Before you go about your day, don't forget to stop by Leora's blog. She's got more great giveaways going on, so don't miss her next generous offer!

Comments

[Lori Potts]

Audrey I dont think you need to apologize. I was certainly not offended. I really enjoy learning form you and to be honest those are 3 of my pet peeves as well. I just reread it and I didnt not find anything offending.

PS Just to let you know you can feel free to offend me anyday! I would not be bothered.

[Lori Potts]

another PS you should not feel bad about pointing out stuff like that cause sometimes people get stuck in those ruts due to what is popular in the community. Hearing that other ways are ok helps some get back to their scrapping roots.

[flowersgal]

I was delighted to see your pet peeve list and was not offended. One of my real pet peeves is a layout using "stuff" from 6 to 12 sources. This is clearly a marketing gimmick designed to cause us to buy more product. I'd love to issue a challenge to see layouts in a gallery made with only ONE kit. That way, perhaps more of us could afford to buy. I also want to see journaling and photos with less "do dads" -- put art projects in a different category.

[aud neal]

Ive gotten into a habit of just using one kit per layout -- thanks for mentioning that. I might have to dedicate a blog post to it. :)