Tips for Masculine Layouts by Tonya Gibbs

 

 

Well this is my last post of the month, and I issued everyone a challenge to create masculine  projects. The scrapbooking industry is full of products for feminine designs and it is sometimes a challenge to create for the men in your life. All month Peggy and I have been sharing some great projects, that I hope have inspired you. Today I thought I would recap some tips on how I set out to create Masculine layouts.

 

 

 

1)  Dig around in your stash for items that have a neutral theme and color.   I like to select colors that are blue, red, neutrals (grey, tan, brown, black, white) and green.  Not that there is any kind of rule to sticking to a color, I just find that these colors help my focus stay masculine.

 

2)  Look for embellishments in your stash that are not gender specific, like the Dictionary Tissue Tape from Tim Holtz, Star Sequins, and chevron designs, notebook paper, cameras, arrows, tickets, labels, wood veneers and tags. Metal accents are awesome for Masculine projects.

 

 

3) Select papers that lean more on the masculine side.  Like the Heidi Swapp No Limits papers - which were actually travel papers, but you can't tell after it was used and the Echo Park Note to Self (which has a lot of things you can fussy cut to add interest to your layout).

 

   

 

 Here is a process video of me making the layout!

 

 

Here is the finished layout. 

 

 

My son's girlfriend said to me yesterday "I like that this layout is very masculine, but still has a lot of sparkle!"   Don't be afraid to use sparkle elements or even flowers on a masculine layout - just don't over do it!  

 

 

I hope this post has helped you with ideas on creating masculine projects.

 

Thanks for stopping in today,

 

Tonya Gibbs

http://www.psychomoms.com



Resources: 

Heidi Swapp  - No Limits Paper collection
Heidi Swapp - Confetti Stencil 6x6
7 Gypsies Paddington clear stamp
7 Gypsies - Postale Index Cards7 Gypsies - Naked Index Cards

[PDF] 7 Gypsies - Library Drawer - Tabbed Dividers - Naked Tabs

My Mind's Eye - Everyday Funday kraft - Everyday Fun stamps
My Mind's Eye - Find Your Wings & Fly - Stamps

Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - dictionary tissue tape

Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Tiny Attacher

Sizzix - Tim Holtz - Alterations Frameworks Border Die Chevron

Studio Calico - Wood Veneer Hearts & Arrows

Studio Calico - Wood Veneer School Days Speech Bubbles

Ranger Ink - Archival Ink Vermillion

Cosmo Cricket - Glitter Adhesive Sheets  Red, Blue, Silver

Fiskars Circle Punch - 1.75 Inches

Marvy Circle Punch - 2 Inches

Washi - Red Chevron

Prima Wood Veneer Camera

Black Sharpie

EK-Success-Notebook-Border-Punch
EK Success Zig Writer
Clear Glitter Nail Polish
Star Sequins

Grid Line Index Cards

Labels

Color Box Pigment Stamp Ink Silver

Color Smart Pigment Stamp Ink White

Hampton Art - 7 Gypsies - Clear Acrylic Stamps - Varsity
Hampton Art Rubber Stamp A Day To Remember Numbers
Echo Park  Note to Self



Varsity Layout by Tonya Gibbs - May Challenge

Hi everyone, wow can you believe that school is almost out?  Where did the time go? Seriously It was just fall in my mind.   My son, Brighton, is a Jr. this year and I'm going to spend some time in the next year crying - no seriously - documenting his high school story!   I know it is hard to sometimes create Masculine Layouts so I have a few tips to kick start your creative process.

 

First of all GRUNGE makes masculine layouts come together so easily.  And what better way to get grunge then Mixed Media.  Just like little boys - the messier the better! Texture is my next hint!  I think you can't have too much texture on a boy layout!  

 

 

Second - stick to masculine colors.  Like Blues, Greens, black, browns.  Since my son's high school colors are Blue, White & Red, I decided to use them for my focal color pallet.

 

 

I typically avoid flower clusters and stick to masculine paper elements.  7Gypsies Vintage Varsity line was perfect for this layout - since it offered so many 'sports' themed elements that could be fussy cut and used for layers. 

 

Here is a process video of me making this layout.

 

 

 

 

I challenge you to post some masculine projects this month in the AA Facebook page.  From little boys, to grown me, it is a challenge sometimes to work with their photos, but they deserve to be documented too!    With Father's Day in a few short weeks, this will kick start your brain into thinking masculine!  

 

 

Thanks for stopping in today,

 

Tonya Gibbs

http://www.psychomoms.com

 

 

Layout Supplies:  

• Canvas Corp - White smooth Cardstock
• 7Gypsies - Vintage Varsity 8x8 pad
• Stamper's Anonymous & Tim Holtz - The Ultimate Grunge
• Tattered Angels - Silver Glimmer Mist
• Faber Castell - Design Memory Craft   PITT Big Brush Artist Pens in the following Colors:
• Black,
• White,
• Cold Grey I 230,
• Cold Grey IV 233,
• Phthalo Blue 110,
• Dark Sepia 175,
• Deep Scarlet Red 219
• Faber - Castell Design Memory Craft Gelatos in the following colors:
• Dark Blue
• Silver
• Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Glaze
• The Crafter's Workshop 6x6 stencils in the following Patterns:
• Mini Numbers
• Mini Well Rounded (this is the grunge stencil)
• Mini Wonky Circles
• Liquitex - Full Body Gesso
• Prima - Distress Tool
• Pearl Ex -  Interference Red
• Score Tape
• Scotch - ATG
• Scotch - Mounting Foam
• Idea-ology - Tim Holtz - Grunge Board Numbers
• Idea-ology - Tim Holtz - Sanding Block
• Cosmo Cricket  - Silver Glitter Adhesive Sheets
• Studio Calico - Wood Veneer Speech Bubbles
• Studio Calico - Wood Veneer Abroad Cameras
• Clear Glitter Nail Polish
• EK Success - Square Binding Edge Punch
• Stars - Rhinestone buttons
• Index Card

Washi Inspired Layout by Tonya Gibbs

 

Last week I issued a sketch challenge, and shared with you guys a card that I made using washi tapes.   My card was inspired by this roll of  tape!

 

 

Here is the sketch & card from last week...

 

  

 

Today I wanted to show you a layout that I created using the same washi tapes and the sketch as a layout guide. I  had a 6x6 pad of My Mind's Eye, Spread Your Wings and Fly, paper collection.  It coordinated so well with the washi selection that I decided it would be perfect for my layout. Since the 3D Embellishment that I used as my title reads "You Are My Sunshine, My Only Sunshine", I found a playful photo of my daughter, Brittany.  Side note:  Her Daddy calls her Sunshine!

 

 

Like last week, I sprayed the doilies with the Dylusions Ink Spray in Lemon Zest. Then Spritzed it with Heidi Swapp's Gold Lume color shine.  I thought the sunny pop of yellow, went well with my "You Are My Sunshine" title.

 

 

The 3D embellishment came with the sticker set, but it had a mustard yellow background. I peeled it apart, and placed it onto a piece of blue polka dot scrap from the collection.  I love how it pops against the yellow doily now. 

 

It was a lot of fun working with these vibrant bright colors.  This color pallet is way out of my norm, so it totally stimulated my creative juices.  I hope you try this challenge, along with the bright colors.  Don't forget to link up your blog post to last week's post if you decide to play along. Everyone who links up - will be featured in a May Artsy Addicts Showcase post.  I look forward to seeing how you use the sketch.

Tonya Gibbs
http://www.psychomoms.com

Resources:

My Mind's Eye - Spread Your Wings & Fly 6x6 pad
My Mind's Eye - Spread Your Wings & Fly Brads
My Mind's Eye - Spread Your Wings & Fly 3D embellishments
My Mind's Eye - Spread Your Wings & Fly Stamps
My Mind's Eye - Spread Your Wings & Fly Buttons
Marion Smith Designs - Mad Tea Party 12x12 Paper -
Doily
Dylusions Ink Spray in Lemon Zest
Heidi Swapp - Gold Lume Color Shine
Heidi Swapp - Archival Ink Pink
Heidi Swapp - Archival Ink Teal
Tattered Angels - Tutti Fruity
Tattered Angels - Frozen Lake
Yellow Baker's Twine
Teressa Collins Memorabilia Line Washi Tape (yellow)
Recollections - Random Washi Tape
Maya Road - Heart Shape Chipboard
Sizzix - Tim Holtz Alterations Rosette Strip Die
Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft - Pitt Pen Cadmium Yellow no. 107

Take Flight Layout by Tonya Gibbs

Today is my daughter, Brittany's 20th Birthday.   I'm so proud of her.  She has blossomed into such a beautiful, caring, and happy young woman.   When she enters the room you never know what to expect. She could speak to you in French, or just start singing - you just never know.  I wanted to showcase her fun spirit on a layout this year for her birthday. Teresa Collins' Memorabilia line is so elegant that I thought it would make the perfect backdrop for my formal black and white photos.  During this photo session she was twirling around and singing to me.  It was such a fun day!

 

 

 

The note cards in this line are pefect!  This one says "Always be Ready To Have the Time of Your Life."  This just seemed to be the perfect advice to give a 20 year old.  The only thing missing is "and take lots of photos!"     I wanted to add a little glitz to the layout - so I used the gold sequins from the collection, along with splatters of gold ink from Liquitex.

 

 

 

I used the Stamps from Teresa's Sweet Afternoon collection as additional accents. I loved the saying on the stamp set. Spread Your Wings, Take Flight. I felt that it really conveys the thoughts a mother has for her 20 year old, and the butterfly gave the perfect touch. I stamped it on vellum and layered two on top of each other, so that they have depth.

 

Here is a process video of me putting the layout together...

Do you have this paper collection?  If so, I would love to see them. Please post photos of your projects on the Artsy Addicts Facebook page. Be sure to tag me in the post!

Thanks for stopping in today,

 

Tonya Gibbs

http://www.psychomomscrapbooks.blogspot.com

 

Resources for this layout:

• Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - 12 x 12 Double Sided Paper - Quotes
• Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - 12 x 12 Double Sided Paper - Frames
• Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - 6 x 6 Paper
• Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - Layered Stickers
• Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - Sequins
• Teresa Collins - Sweet Afternoon Collection - Stamps
• Liquitex - Iridescent Bright Gold Ink
• Color Box - SurfaceZ Ink - Caribbean
• Color Box - SurfaceZ Ink - Chocolate
• EK Success Labels Punch
• We R Memory Keepers Angel Punch
• We R Memory Keepers Crop-a-dile
• Twinery - Aqua Twine
• Idea-ology - Tim Holtz - Word Plate
• Idea-ology - Tim Holtz - Crown
• Idea-ology - Tim Holtz - Tiny Attacher
• Velum
• My Favorite Things Stamps - Die-namics First Place Award Ribbon
• Lace

Digital Scrapbooking 101 - Electronic Cutting Files

One of the greatest ways digital has impacted the scrapbooking world in the past few years, is through the introduction of electronic cutting systems such as the Silhouette.  

Cutting files are becoming more and more popular with wholesale brands. Many have started adding a digital section to their stores.  Their intent is not to replace their printed market, but to enhance it with add-ons like titles, ephemera, and masks.  These files are typically under $3 and really give you some flexibility with your paper craft projects. 

Today's layout was based on a sketch that I borrowed from my friend and fellow Artsy Addicts Member, Melissa Williams, at  http://www.simplesketches.blogspot.com. 



Derek Cunningham photo by Tonya A. Gibbs

I had one really dramatic action shot that I took last May of my Nephew, Derek,  that I've been dying to use. I wanted it to be the central focal point of the layout. When I reduced the size to 3.5 x 5 I lost the impact of the shot.  I decided modify my layout a bit from the sketch and just go with a 5x7 photo. Which brings me to a side note - make sketches your own. Use them as a starting point, but don't be afraid to add your own details, and preferences. It is your layout after all!  

For our digi lesson today, I wanted to show how you can use your electronic layouts to build embellishments for your projects.  These cutters are not just for titles!  With the exception of the cardstock, paint and star buttons everything was cut from my Silhouette.    



The sketch had a cheveron pattern in the right margin, and I thought this would be a great opportunity to use my Silhouette.   I cut the cheverons from the base cardstock.   I used soccer balls to represent the circles in the sketch.  Instead of paint splatters, I used a Heidi Swapp's star confetti stencil with some metalic silver paint.  I then substituted reflective star buttons for the butterflies in the sketch.  I used the  font JennaSue to cut out my title.  :::Another side note - all the embellishments were cut from scraps - another bonus!:::

To give the layout a "star" shine I decided to go with metalic accents.  I painted the title with silver distress paint to give it a foil texture.  I added silver metal cardstock to the back of the cheveron's negative space, and added the same metalic cardstock to the base of the soccer ball cuts.  The flag on the photo is also from the Silhouette store. I love how it points to the action in the photo, and serves as a tab for what is underneath....



hidden photos and journaling

 

I decided to make the photo lift to include the team photo and individual shot of my nephew.  The dramatic reds took away from my action shot, so hiding them underneath, allowed me to use them without distractions.

This is probably one of the "simpiliest" layouts that I have created. Although it is simple, it has a lot of dramatic elements with the mirrored cardstock. The monochromatic color scheme and simple design really make my photo take center stage.  Sometimes the simpiliest designs are the hardest to walk away from - but the most rewarding in the end.

Thank you Melissa for allowing me to use the sketch. I love how everything in the sketch gives you a feeling of upward movement. Much like the movement of the soccer ball flying into the air.   For additional sketch ideas, be sure to check out Melissa's blog.

Thanks for stopping in today,

Tonya Gibbs
http://www.psychomomscrapbooks.blogspot.com

 

Resources:

Silhouette Cameo
Silhouette Store Cut Files:   Soccer Ball, Chevron, Chevron Flag
Heidi Swapp: 6x6 Confetti Mask
Plaid: Metalic Paint
Ranger:  Mirror Paper, Distress Paint
Star Buttons
GP - White Cardstock
Geli Roll:  White Gel Pen
Font:  JennaSue - DAFont.com

 

Friday Night Lights

For those who know me - my passion is FOOTBALL. Seriously I even volunteer so that I can stand on the sidelines with my toes in the grass. In my community - I'm known as Psychomom. They dubbed me this years ago. Every child I've ever photographed will tell you the name is well earned. They know if they are playing, I'm on the sidelines for them!  I pace the field with lens in hand, and hold my breath for that perfect SHOT!  I rush home, spend an hour cropping and posting so the kids/parents can see the photos.   It started when my son played his first game as a Pop Warner Mitey-Mite at 7 - he is now 16 and this is his first year at Varsity. 

A few weeks ago,  thanks to a friend who works for a local newspaper, I had a sideline bird's eye view for his first varsity football interception. 

 

That game he had 2 interceptions in the pouring rain.  So I decided to make an 8x10 collage print to hang on his wall.  As you can see I have every single step from before he caught the ball, until he jumped up!  Prints like this are great for sharing a number of pictures with loved ones.  I love making these because at a glance you get the entire story.

This year has been a little different because his stats are not just small talk among family, they are now posted in various newspapers around the state, and broadcast on local news stations.  I'm trying to collect up the stats from the newspapers and Internet highlights to make him a book . I'm so proud of him for giving everything on the field.  He has worked so hard, and it is so rewarding to see him put everything into his passions.  He may not be the largest one on the field, but he plays like he is 10ft tall and bullet proof. 

Thanks for stopping in today,

Tonya Gibbs
http://www.psychomomscrapbooks.blogspot.com

Sunshine - Layout

Kenny has always called Brittany his Sunshine.  When I saw the Sunkiss paper line I knew it would be perfect for a layout of Brittany.

This layout has a lot of mixed media techniques. 

First I distressed the Corrugated Chipboard with Paint, and Crackle Medium. Then I dry brushed over that with the Wild Honey distress stain.

I distressed the sunkiss paper around the edges, and layers lots of prima flowers around the layout.

Brittany's graduation photos were perfect since we took them in my garden. 

Notice the flowers match the flowers in the paper.  To do this, I used Prima's Elina Daisy Flowers, then Vivian Eliza Mini daisies.  I sprayed the Vivian Elizas with a Goldenrod colored shimmer spray, and painted the center with a chocolate shimmer spray.  They made the perfect match for this layout.

Thanks for stopping in today,

Tonya Gibbs

http://www.psychomoms.com

Resources:

• Prima: Eline Daisies, Rose Trim, Sunkiss Paper, Button Vine - Nature's Garden, Vivian Eliza Daisies, Sunkiss Chipboard, Park Bench Shabby Chic Resin, Bird House Shabby Chic Resin, Mask - Brick, 
• Ranger:  Wild Honey Distress Stain, Crackle Medium, Picket Fence Distress Stain, Baby Blue Paint. 
• Sizzix:  Tim Holtz Envelope die
• Buttons
• Jute Twine
• Zutter: Corrugated Chipboard
• Golden: Texture Medium,
• Glimmer Mists:  Tattered Leather, and Sunflower
• Lace.

Prom 2012

Last week I shared with you a layout that I created of my Daughter, Brittany's graduation photos.  Then a few days later - she went to the Prom.  The prom was a Parisian theme. So the first thing I did was pull out the same Printery paper as the grad photo, but this time I created a french inspired them by using a cut from my Cricut's Summer in Paris cartridge and 6" and wide black lace as a mask with Hydrangea Glimmer Mist.

When we were taking photos, she did this flirty pose.  After all the photos were printed, this one ended up on my favs. list.  It was so playful, and captured her personality.  I decided it would be the first to scrap.

I have a youtube video of me making the layout from start to finish...


Thanks for stopping in today,
Tonya Gibbs
http://www.psychomoms.com/

Resources:

• Prima: Printery paper "Negative", Printery 6x6 ledger paper, Printery Chipboard Pieces, Lilac Roses, Sequin Trim
• Lace, Seam Binding, Bloomers,
• Doily
• Tattered Angels: Glitter Glam - Stilletto, Glimmer Mist: Dried Hydrangea
• White Staz-On
• Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Black Soot, Distress Tool
• Music Stamp
• Cricut Cartridge "Summer In Paris"
• Confetti "2012"
• Black Chipboard

My Baby is Graduating

Warning - this post may cause tears. Grab tissues before reading further...
This month has been super emotional for me. Brittany my oldest is graduating from high school on June 1, and there are so many emotions running around inside me. I am so happy with the woman that she has become. She has been taught everything she needs to know to soar, but sad that she will stretch those wings and leave the nest.

Last week I took her Cap & Gown pictures and I believe that was when it hit me. She's growing up she will soon embark on a new beginning. I know she will be around, but she takes that step into adulthood and a step closer to her independence. She's super talented, smart, fun, and dependable so I know the world will embrace her.

Through all of these emotions, I started thinking about creating a layout for the "posed" photos that are often not so fun to play with. I didn't want to use the typical "graduation" theme paper, so I settled on Prima's Printery Collection. It has a lot of elements that you will find in your daily high school life: clocks, keys, script/text, and words like "memories". The neutral colors lend themselves to any direction or theme.

To spruce up the background, I decided to use some stencils and texture paste, I used the brick stencil in the left corner, and a number stencil in the upper right and bottom left, and a Prima Rose stencil to frame the center of the layout. Then I spritzed the layout with Jack Frost Glimmer Mist to add the blue to compliment her cap and gown.

The bridge is symbolic of her cross over into another phase of her life. I found a dictionary page with the word "jazz" and used the Printery chipboard pieces for Song and Chorus - since those words seem to define her high school interests. The clock symbolizes her time of passage. The 2012 is a piece of confetti I got from a party store, and it represents her class year. The Prima sprays offer the softness and purity. The Key is to her future, and I hope she has the faith to unlock her dreams. Her photo was framed in this beautiful ornate frame from Melissa Frances.

The hidden journaling includes a quote from a Mark Harris song - "Find Your Wings" the quote is....
"I'll have tears as you take off, but I'll cheer as you fly."

Thanks for stoppping in today,
Tonya Gibbs
http://www.psychomoms.com


Sources:

• Prima: Printery Paper, Valentine Vine White, Printery Masks, Printery Chipboard, Say It In Pearls & Lace boarder, wooden clock, wooden banner, Printery canvas key, Shabby Chic resin piece - bridge.
• Tattered Angels: Glimmer Mist - Jack Frost
• My Favorite Things: doily die
• Melissa Frances: ornate frame
• Golden: Texture Paste
• Maya Road: wooden ruler
• Misc. Lace, script vellum envelope, 2012 confetti, twine, dictionary page.