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

Masculine Mixed Media Card by Tonya Gibbs

 

I've been sharing a lot of pretty cards lately, and today thought it would be fun to share with you a masculine card.  Lately I've abandoned my art journal for pieces of 4.25 x 5.5 inch sheets of mixed media paper.  I try out new mediums, play with techniques, and then recycle these panels into card backgrounds.  I find that mixed media techniques make masculine cards come together much easier!  And you could always keep the card 1 layer and display your art rather than lots of layers.

 

Here are the steps I took to create the background

 

 

1. Apply modeling paste to your card with stencil of choice (I used Heidi Swapps Honeycomb)
2. Use A Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Pitt Pen to apply color around the image. 
3. Use your finger to smooth out the ink.
4. Select a texture Stamp (I used Marion Smith Designs' Texture Stamp)  Apply ink to the stamp with a contrasting PITT Pen 

 

5. Apply archival ink around the image to give a distressed look. NOTE: you can use distress inks, but if you add water, they will react with that water.  Archival ink is permanent when dry.) 
6. Spray a wet medium onto a pallet.  I used Lindy's Stamp Gang Moon Shadow Mist in Gossamer Gold  
7. Stamp a round object into the ink and apply it to your card
8. You will see a water ring just like it were left from coffee or tea. 

To finish off the background I added pieces of tissue tape with matt medium.   I added the panel to a piece of black cardstock and created this card for my nephew's birthday.

 

 

 

He loves photography, so I took advantage of using up some scraps to create this photo layers.   The Camera and Polaroid Frame were a Spellbinder's Die.  I then added the Tim Holtz Film Strip Ribbon, and Marion Smith's Washi Tape from her Romance Novel Prima line.   Happy Birthday stamp was from Studio G.  My nephew was turning 13 so I added a few school aged elements like notebook paper, music tape, geometrical shapes, tag and paper clip.  

 

Don't forget about the Sketch Challenge through out the month.  You can get details here!

 

 

Thanks for stopping in today,

 

Tonya Gibbs

http://www.psychomoms.com

 

 

Football Layout by Tonya Gibbs

From the first of August until sometime mid December my feet are planted in the grass of one football field after antoher 3 - 4 times a week.  I walk the field taking photos of children between the ages of 6 - 18, and I LOVE IT! This year my Nephew, Cooper, played his first down of tackle football the age of six, and you bet, Aunt Tonya was right there walking the field. 

Photos of my Nephew, Cooper, during his first football game.  Photos by Tonya A. Gibbs.

Today,  I want to give you five prompts for creating a layout. Hopefully these prompts will give you a place to start next time Mojo goes on vacation.  For today's layout, I'm going to use the photos from the above mentioned photo shoot.

Prompt 1 - Select papers that do not fit the theme or color pallet of your photos. 

My photos are clearly football themed, and predominately red, white, and blue. Themed papers are obvious selections, and I'm looking for unexpected. I don't need a football sticker to know this is a football layout. Also, if I chose the colors in the photo then my photos would compete with my background. Since I want the photos to pop, I've selected a neutral color palett of black, taupe, and gold. These colors are neutral which means they go with ANYTHING ANYWHERE!

Teresa Collins Memorabilia Line released summer 2013

Teresa Collins' Memorabilia line was perfect. The colors are neutral and the theme is centered around a family story, rather than a specific event.  The black chalkboard papers give great contrast against my bright sunny day photos.  If your photos are dark - you may want to consider lighter colors for your background.

Prompt 2  - Place Embellishment clusters directly on your photos. 

 

 

This technique will help to anchor the photo to the page, and also give it depth and interest.   This is  a great technique for photos that have a lot of negative space or distracting elements in the background.  

Prompt 3 -  Layer Sequins 

Sequins have become a super trendy embellishment.  I'm noticing that some are metallic and some are flat, they come in different shapes, sizes, and colors.  The sequins in this collection are rather large, and I simply added a wood veneer star from Studio Calico to the centers. Love how these made a cute embellishment, without taking away from my photos.

Technique Tip: Hot glue will melt most sequins.  This is how I placed mine...I placed the glue on the layout in a dot formation. Let it cool for a second until it is more than 50% solid, then add gently place the sequin ontop of the glue without pressing it too hard.  This makes the hot glue more like a pop dot and elevates the sequin off the page. 

Prompt 4 - Use Clear Glitter Nail Polish 

My wood veneers needed a little pop, but I wanted them to stay neutral.  So I reached for clear  gold glitter nail polish and painted them.  When selecting my nail polish - I go for the cheapest with the chunky glitter pieces.  This will give you a nice bokeh look when applied.  You may need several coats to achieve the look you're after, but I love the effect! 

Prompt 5 - Use Ribbon in an unusual way

The ribbon on my page is the only thing that has color found in the photos.  I did this so that your eye finds a base, or weight to the bottom of the photos.  I love how it is just waving across the layout.  You expect to see ribbon as banners, or tied neatly across an element, but squishing it up gives it a fresh look and provides movement and depth. 


and ...drum roll please ...  this brings me to my completed layout.

I know masculine layouts can be challenging.  So, I hope you have been inspired next time Mojo goes away on vacation. 


Thanks for stopping in today,

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

Resources:

Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - 6x6 Paper Pad
Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - 12x12 Double Sided Paper - Chalkboard
Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - 12x12 Die Cut Paper
Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - 12x12 Cardstock Stickers
Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - Border Strips with Glitter Accents
Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - Chipboard Buttons
Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - Decorative Brads
Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - Envelopes
Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - Sequins
Studio Calico - Classic Calico Vol. 2 - Wood Veneer Shapes - Tiny Stars
Studio Calico - Yearbook Collection - Wood Veneer Pieces - Speech Bubbles

First Birthday Layout - Tonya Gibbs

I'm loving the chalk board trend in scrapbooking papers these days.  But I think my favorite one from summer CHA was the Teresa Collins Designs Memorabilia line.  I had to have it all the second that I saw it!  I love that the secondary colors are yellows, and aquas, the embellies are filled with awesome typography, and I'm totally in love with all those flags! 

Today I wanted to share with you a layout that created of my nephew Gage's first birthday party with this collection.

 

 

 

 

Here is a process video showing how I made the layout.

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping in today,

 

Tonya A. Gibbs

http://www.psychomomscrapbooks.blogspot.com

 

Resources for this layout:

• Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - 12 x 12 Double Sided Paper - Snippets
• Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - 12 x 12 Double Sided Paper - Recorded
• Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - 6 x 6 Paper Pad
• Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - 12 x 12 Die Cut Paper
• Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - Envelopes
• Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - Layered Stickers
• Teresa Collins - Memorabilia Collection - Sequins
• Prima - Ingvild Bolme - Chalk Fluid Edger - Pastel Blue
• Sizzix - Tim Holtz - Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die - Alterations Collection - Die Cutting Template - Filmstrip Frames
• Gold Glitter
• Studio Calico - Wood Veneers - Heart & Arrows
• Jenni Bowlin Studio - Fiskars - Squeeze Punch - Large - Blue Ribbon
• My Favorite Things Stamps - Die-namics First Place Award Ribbon

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

 

Portfolio - Layout

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. I'm looking forward to the 2013 year and all the possibilities that it brings.

For Christmas, I took this picture of my nephew and today, I thought I would share with you a masculine layout that I did using the photo.

 

A few months ago, Suzanne from FlamingoScraps.com - also an Artsy Addicts Member - shared with me the Pink Paislee's Portfolio collection and Heidi Swap's Vintage Chic collection. I instantly fell in love and this is the type of paper I HOARD!

 

Last night, I wanted to experiment with negative spaces and thought a "boy" layout was the perfect opportunity.  It was really hard to break away from flowers, bling, and my usual "busy" style.  It was a challenge to keep the layout "clean",  but I'm so happy with the results.  By adding all the layers, It makes the layout look full without being crowded. 

 

I allowed the text in the paper collection to be my title around the picture.  It reads left to right -  "Think Big, Today & Tomorrow and FOREVER - Seriously.   On the right it says "You Are.... so I filled in My Everything."  Kolton has told me I'm his favorite everything since he was able to start talking.  I placed a glassine bag behind the collaged paper and tucked a tag into the bag for my journaling spot.  On this tag, I wrote Kolton a note reminding him to always stay true to his heart, and never be afraid to follow his dreams.  I also hand wrote some things around the frame of the picture and the secondary title reflecting these thoughts as well.

 

I love how clean this layout is, and I'm so happy that I avoided cluttering it up.  If you want more details on how I did this layout, please watch as I recreate it Live on Ustream on January 7 at 8:30 est.   My channel is  http://www.ustream.tv/channel/gibbst

 

I hope everyone has a Blessed 2013. 

 

Thanks for stopping in today,

 

Tonya Gibbs

http://www.psychomomscrapbooks.blogspot.com

 

 

Resources:

• Pink Paislee - Portfolio - Unbelievable.
• Pink Paislee - Vintage Chic - Heidi Swapp, Just Dots paper
• Pink Paislee - Portfolio - Ephemera Pack
• Pink Paislee - Artisan Resist Stars
• Pink Paislee - Artisan Boarders
• Tattered Angels - Frozen Lake, and Silver Sugar Glimmer Mist
• Ranger - Distress Ink - Gathered Twigs and Wild Honey
• Sizzix - Tim Holtz  - Tiny Tags and Tabs Die Cut
• Tim Holtz - Tiny Attacher
• Glassine Bag
• Tag
• Misc. Washi Tape
• Sewing Machine
• EK Success Label Punch

 

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

All Boy!

My nephew Cooper, at 4 years old, was wanting to go hunting with the big boys.  So Brighton, my Son, dressed him in Camo (way too big for him), painted his face, and gave him a BB Gun (with no amo).  He was so stink'n adorable, I had to take pictures of him.

Prima's Sept. BAP contest seemed like the perfect opportunity to scrap this photo.   Here is the final layout that I created.

 

I started with the Prima Script paper as my base, added some molding paste with a Prima Printery mask, then went to town spritzing with copper and bronze shimmering sprays.  I pounced some forest green shimmers in a diagonal across the page to give a hint of green, then finished off with Wheat Fields Glimmer mist.  All these colors remind me of my camo boys in the middle of fall.

 

The Prima Shabby Chic Deer resin was the perfect accent for this layout.  I framed Cooper's picture with corrugated cardboard, a Prima vine, and  Prima large leaves that I cut into palm frown shapes.  I finished off the title with a Nature's Garden Chipboard piece.  

 

Under his picture I tucked in a toy compass that came from a toy machine that Cooper and I had gotten after dinner one night.  I love the addition of one of his toys in the layout. 

 

Here is a look at the Sept. BAP Sketch, designed by Hege Lundquist that was required for the layout design.   For more information on Prima's BAP (Build A Page) Monthly Contests, please visit Prima's blog.

 

 

 

I love how masculine this layout turned out with all Prima products. Prima makes girl layouts a cinch, but I really had to dig into my creative side to achieve this masculine look. I really enjoyed the challenge.

 

Did you participate in the Sept. BAP Challenge?  If so, I would love to see your layout, please tag me in the photo on the Artsy Addicts Facebook page. 

 

Thanks for stopping in today,

 

Tonya Gibbs

http://www.Psychomomscrapbooks.blogspot.com

 

 

Planes Trains & Automobiles

This 4x4 mini of my nephew Cooper was designed using the digi downloads from Garett Smith Designs, available on apieceofcraft.com. His papers are designed to print as 8x8 layouts, and include 12 page designs 3 envelope designs and a journal insert design. The rich colors and distressed looks make it rugged and tough looking. I also love the vintage "transporation" icons of bicycles, trains, cars, and planes. These downloads are perfect for boys as well as travel journals. I love the size, and the elements are perfect for fussy cutting.

Here is a glimpse at the pages of my mini album:

On the cover I fussy cut some of the elements from the ads and popped them up to give the cover depth. I also included a stamped sentiment from the Lost & Found stamp set, and the Old Jalopy, arrow, and bookplate from Tim Holtz.


The pocket was die cut with Tim Holtz' on the edge ornate die, and the button is holding down the booklet that lifts to reveal the journaling.

On this page I printed the hot air balloon twice and then fussy cut the balloon, banner and basket and raised it off the page with pop dots. Cooper's image is inside the pocket and journaling is on the back of the photograph. The "Fun" banner was from the new My Mind's Eye FundDay stamp set.

I used the scraps to create a library style pocket to house some of the ads from the paper collection, journaling has been added to the back of the ads. Again the stamped images are from the My Mind's Eye Fun Day stamp set.


On this page, I reduced the size of the coin envelopes to 50% to make them the perfect size for Tim Holtz' Tiny Tags tag diecut. I also fussy cut around the image of Cooper in the race car to give this spread more interest.


This is a typical view of my living room when Cooper is over. I cut the words from one of the papers to create these banners. The journaling is on the back of the advertisement that is nested inside the pocket.

I had a great time working with these designs and I can't wait to make another project with them. I hope that Garett continues to design some fun masculine designs.

Here is a video walk through of the mini...


Thanks for stopping in today, I hope you have enjoyed this week's post.

Tonya Gibbs
http://www.psychomoms.com