REVIEW: The Designing with Recipe Book by Autumn Leaves

If you're the type of person who loves to cook with recipes, I'll bet that you'll also love The Designing with Recipe Book by Autumn Leaves. It offers the ingredients and preparation instructions for a great layout EVERY time...no guess work involved here!

The book contains 6 chapters based on the number of photos you wish to include in your entree (aka 'layout'):

Chapter 1 - One Photo Layouts
Chapter 2 - Two Photo Layouts
Chapter 3 - Three Photo Layouts
Chapter 4 - Four Photo Layouts
Chapter 5 - Five Photo Layouts

I bet you caught the pattern there. :-) And for those of you that just love scrapping up a storm with a ton of ingrediants -

Chapter 6 - Multi-Photo Layouts

In the final chapter, there are layouts with as many as 15 photos!!

Throughout each chapter, the examples come with four basic componants:

1. a sketch of the layout
2. a beautiful example from one of the 11 very talented scrap artists featured in this book (see list of artists below)
3. details on any special techniques used on the sample layout
4. and finally, a detailed 'recipe' which acts as a guide in explaining the process of creating the layout in easy to follow steps

At the end of each chapter, there is also a 'bonus' layout with a recipes for two variations. It's always nice to see how the same sketch or recipe can be tweaked and modified in creative ways to have a completely unique look.

The book includes work from the following amazing artists: Cathy Blackstone, Emily Falconbridge, Jackie Bonette, Jennifer McGuire, Kelli Crowe, Leslie Lightfoot, Lisa Russo, Margie Scherschligt, Mellette Berezoski, Robyn Werlich, and Tia Bennett.

In all, there are 93 layouts - some traditional, some hybrid and some entirely digital...and all inspiring!

MY RATING:
4 STARS

YOUR RATING:
??? I am always curious and open to hearing the opinions of others. If you own or have read this book, please feel free to share your opinion of it in the comments below.

WANT TO PURCHASE?
Visit the The Designing with Recipe Book by Autumn Leaves page at Scrapbook.com (not available at Amazon). You can also read more of my reviews for other recommendations.

Upcoming Review:

Scrapbook Page Maps: Sketches For Creative Layouts by Becky Fleck

Quotes to ponder...

Harvey S. Firestone:

"Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself."

e.e. cummings:

“We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside us is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch. Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight or any experience that reveals the human spirit.”

Greta Garbo:

"Every one of us lives this life just once; if we are honest, to live once is enough."

REVIEW: Scrapbook Max! Digital Scrapbooking Software

I was recently asked to review the digital scrapbooking software called "Scrapbook Max!" by Indigo Rose Software Design Corp.

I am not a digital scrapbooker - hybrid certainly, but not digital. I have been collecting beautiful free digital kits from various online sources for a couple years now, but still haven't made the switch to pure digital.

So, even though I'm not a digi scrapper, I am always interested in the software and technology and software available to scrapbookers. I wasn't sure what to expect of Scrapbook Max!, but was pleasantly surprised by its abilities.

The installation was SUPER simple - just put in the CD and within a few minutes the software is installed and a short video tutorial gives you the basics of operation. This software is very user friendly - no big learning curve here.

As I said before, I'm not a digi scrapper, but within 20 minutes of popping in the CD for installation, I had created this layout:

The software comes with numerous pre-designed scrapbook templates and hundreds of additional backgrounds and embellishments. At first glance, I didn't really care for the layout of many of the pre-designed templates, but all elements are fully customizable and require a simple drag-and-drop to move them around to more pleasing arrangements. Elements can also be easily added and deleted to produce truly unique creations.

Another great thing - if you use up the templates and elements provided or just want to try something new, you can use any of your saved digital kit elements by simply dragging them from their file on your computer to the layout window and presto...new backgrounds and elements! I made the following layout in just a few minutes using a free kit called "Echoes of Asia" by Jessica Sprague that I downloaded sometime last year:

Your creations can be shared in numerous ways in just a few clicks by converting scrapbooks to jpeg images, photo CD, PDF documents and more. You can also add music to personalize your scrapbooks even more.

Do I like this software? YES!

Am I likely to switch completely over to digital? Probably not...

Even though I certainly see the benefits of digital scrapbooking (less space required, less mess, easier sharing), for me there is just something about have pictures and product in hand and the act of physically moving them around a page that has yet to lose its attraction and fascination for me.

However, if you're someone who's just getting started with this wonderful hobby or an old paper pro for whom the draw of digital is undeniable (and their are many of you out there), Scrapbook Max! is definitely a great program with which to start! It will have you up and running and creating beautiful layouts and complete scrapbooks within minutes!

If you interested in learning more about Scrapbook Max! or would like to give their free trial a whirl, you can visit their website here.

National Scrapbooking Day Challenge

As with basically every other online scrapbooking community, there are big plans for National Scrapbooking Day (which is tomorrow, by the way...as if you didn't know) on the International Scrapbooking Association website - challenges, games, make-n-takes, prizes and more!! It all starts tonight, so stop on by.

Here is the challenge that I posted for the event:

Jill Marie's "N-S-D" Challenge
Isn't it great that this wonderful hobby of ours has it's very own day?? In honor of that, I decided to present you with a challenge based off the National Scrapbooking Day acronym.

Your challenge:
Create a layout using numbers, products types, and product lines/brands that correspond with each letter of the acronym NSD. Confused??

Here are some examples:

N:
Create a layout using the number Nine in the title.
Create a layout using Nine buttons.
Create a layout using the Narratives line by Karen Russell.

S:
Create a layout about your daughter's Sixteenth birthday.
Create a layout using Staples.
Create a layout using Scenic Route papers.

D:
Create a layout using a Digital kit.
Create a layout using Doodlebug papers.

You only need to have one element for each letter (although you could do more if you're really ambitious)! :-) Remember, these are only examples...there are tons of other possibilities. Get creative and have fun with it with this "N-S-D" Challenge on National Scrapbooking Day!!

If you'd like to participate, head on over to my challenge post in the ISA forum for instructions on where to post your creations.

8 Tips to Better Photo Composition

The International Scrapbooking Association May Newsletter issue went was published today. Like last month, I contributed a photography article to the newsletter.

8 Tips to Better Photo Composition
A huge part of creating a successful scrapbook layout is the photos you choose to use on that page. That’s why photography has become a secondary hobby to most scrapbookers. Last month, I shared with you several tips to improve your photography skills by simply getting to know your camera. This month, we’ll focus on improving your shots through eight composition tricks.

#1 - Use the Rule of Thirds
You’ve probably heard of this principle in reference to designing a scrapbook page (and it’s a great one to follow), but the concept actually began with photography. Imagine a grid, like the one below, dividing your photo. The idea is to have the key elements of your photo off-center and on the lines or, even better, on the intersecting points of the grid…it makes for a much more visually appealing picture.

#2 - Use Leading Lines
You can use many things to create leading lines in your photographs – a road, fence, river…even an airplane wing. If used correctly, these lines help to draw the viewer into the picture and toward the subject. They can also help to create depth in a photo and are often most effective if the leading line begins in a corner of your photo.

#3 - Watch Your Background
We’ve all taken them…the shots of a loved one with a light post sticking out of their head or where the beloved subject is overwhelmed by the clutter of your untidy living room (or maybe that’s just my problem). Try to be always aware of the background when taking photos as these types of problems can generally be easily solved by moving your subject or changing your angle (see #8).

#4 - Fill the Frame
AKA – Get Close…no closer! Whether you do this by physically moving closer to your subject or utilizing a zoom lens, filling the entire frame with your subject can have a stunning effect and allow you to pick up details that would be missed in a full-length shot. Although much of my daughter’s witch costume is not visible in this shot, it is still my favorite from the shoot. There’s enough to get the idea…and just look at those lashes!!

#5 - Frame Your Subject
A fun way to draw attention to your subject is to frame them in a window, doorway, or even elements in nature. In the shot below, my daughter is framed by the overhanging trees. Since I was going for somewhat whimsical, distant look in this photo, she is rather small, so I also used the rule of thirds to help draw the viewer’s eye to her in the photograph.

#6 - Don’t Amputate
When going for a full-length shot, don’t cut someone off at the ankle (or worse yet, the neck)! Always be aware of what you are ‘cutting off’ in your photos and where. Of course, when taken a closer photo, you have to cut of something, right? Of course. The general rule of thumb is to not cut your subject off at a joint, which makes them look unnatural (as if they’ve been amputated). It’s generally best to crop between joints.

#7 - Vary your angle
Any angle can get a little boring if you use it all the time…switch things up a bit by varying the angle from which you take your photos. Try taking shots from above your subject, while lying on the ground, at eye level, or from the side. I shot this picture of my daughter from above and not only is it an interesting angle, but also allowed me to highlight her beautiful dress in a way that no other angle would have. This can also mean varying the angle of your camera itself and giving your photo a tilted effect as in the second example below.


#8 - Go vertical
Just because your camera is built in a horizontal orientation doesn’t mean you can put it on its side and go vertical. Vertical shots can work very well when taking portraits and can really add interest to a shot of something that is generally viewed in a horizontal nature, such as this picture of a quilted American flag that I took at the Air & Space museum in Ashland, NE.

What did I miss? What are your favorite tricks and tips for better photo composition?

A successful class...

Last night was the last session of my scrapbooking class...it went so quickly and it's a little bitter-sweet. The ladies in the class were wonderful and helping them all explore their creative side was SO much fun.

Last Tuesday we discussed the color, the creative process, the various scrapbooking styles as well as ideas for titles and journaling.

Last night the full focus was on photography...something now very near and dear to my heart! I had a lot of fun sharing with them some of my favorite tips in composition and lighting and they seemed really engaged in the presentation as well.

Of course, lots of time for scrapping, too! It was really exciting for me to see them getting excited about certain concepts of design and other items that just 'clicked' with them and turn around and use those concepts in their creations.

They all gave me some very positive feedback on the class and were wondering when I was going to teach another class. Hmmm...I'll have to put my thinking cap on.

Teaching a class of this type was definitely a new experience for me...one that I really enjoyed!

Scrapbooking challenge over at WeScrap

Today was my day to post an April Challenge over at WeScrap:

Did you know that today is Great Poetry Reading Day? To commemorate the day, I challenge you to create a layout commemorating your favorite poem or to use a poem as the journaling for a layout.

Post them to the “Challenge Contest – April” gallery and title your project like this: “Your title – Jillmarie’s Poetry Challenge”. Be sure to link your creations here also so that we can admire them and I can be sure you receive appropriate points. Good luck and have FUN!!

Due: May 2nd at 11:59 pm EST.

Remember, you always get 2 scrap points for uploading to the gallery, here's your chance to earn a few extra!!

Extra Scrap Points:
1 point for completing the challenge, uploading and linking by due date
2 points if you use create a visual triangle on your layout
3 points if you compose your own original poem for use on your layout

You can check it out here.

Here is my example layout:

I wrote the poem included on this layout after a piano performance I attended at the college where I work:

simply something like magic…

there was simply something like magic
about the sound that came
with the sway of his body
as he sat that brought a shiver to mine

there was simply something like magic
about the bounce of the light
off the backs of his hands
that brought tears to my eyes

there was simply something like magic
about the movement of his fingers
that made every hope and
dream I ever had well up inside my chest

there was simply something like magic
about the brush of every ivory key -
no matter gentle or full of force -
that had the power to move my heart

there is simply something like magic
about this man, his piano and passionate notes