Thanks Living #3 (March 2012 - Erika H)

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Erika H Posted: Thu, Mar 1 2012 10:06 AM

GOOD Morning my friends!

I want to express my gratitude for all the people that are working through this challenge with me.  SO thank you!  I am just so blessed to have everyone taking part in this grand undertaking of thankful living.  How are your Thanks Living statements coming along?  Is there anything more I can do to encourage you?

I am so eager to share with you a great design concept.  This concept is very popular in scrapbooking and for good reason.  This month, we are going to adventure into layering including effective embellishment clustering.

Before we begin, I would like to give a description of the word plane as I will be using it.  A plane is a space that can be occupied by one or more elements (I hope that makes sense). In this tutorial, we will discuss the large plane (the foundation many times cardstock) and a smaller plane, any area on the larger plane that is being occupied by some other element (such as embellishments or photos).  OK now let's move on to the fun...

Layering and clustering hold remarkable properties. This element of design, much like the arch line is simply irresistible to the human mind.  Let me ask you a question, do movie goers pay extra to see a movie in 3-D?  Yes, they do!  Why? Simply, our brains are fascinated by dimension - because dimension brings a sense of order.  Items make more sense when we can place them on the appropriate "plane" of existence.

 This month we are going to investigate how to create layers effectively.  Layers are overlapping components occurring at the same time in different planes.  Layers are inspired by the physical world.  We look at layers as different levels of information.  When a scrapbook artist adds layers, she/he is entering into a virtual space and creating a dimensional atmosphere that is appealing and piques the curiosity of the reader.

Layering with pattern paper is a great way to start a scrapbook page.  I would like to consider a few aspects of effective layering.

Patterns (especially in our paper) and contrast-Dots and Stripes work very well together as well as high and low contrast. Luckily, many manufacturers create lines that are meant to complement each other and remove some of the guesswork.  While this is a tremendous time saver for the scrapbook artist, there are some potential areas of concern to be aware of even when and artist is solely using one brand or line of pattern papers. 

• One concern to be on the lookout for would be using too much of the same color in your layering. When using the same color too often, the layers begin to bleed together and remove the illusion of dimension.
• A second consideration is contrast. Placing like-colored items in a layer and cluster are effective to set a mood it is important to ensure the colors differ enough to maintain the different planes. Think of it this way, if one uses grey cardstock, grey pattern paper and matching grey embellishments, all in the same tone, the layout would most likely appear somewhat flat. However, if you were to add black to the grey or yellow or red, the reader's brain can distinguish where one element ends and the next begins. Color can be vital in establishing layers.

Shape-when layering papers it is also important to consider your use of shape.  Working with rounded papers, such as large die-cut papers, may seem more difficult when attempting to layer more than one sheet.  Do you recall that the arch/circular line is very powerful?  It is like LOVE POTION. The reader's brain cannot resist.  If you consider that, then we can deduce that too many large circular objects (or arched lines) will cause confusion.  This is especially true when the arches are large and overlapping in the same plane (in this case a 12x12or 8.5x11 sheet of cardstock serves as our large plane).  

When working in a smaller plane, such as clusters, one is working within a confined area on the larger plane and the issue of arches lines and circular element causing confusion is lessened. You may actually find that more arched lines and circles are better in a cluster. You are directing the reader to the focal point. However, when working with pattern paper one may choose to avoid using several rounded papers as the line may draw the reader away from the cluster/focal point.

 Let's look at that smaller plane now-clusters

Embellishment clustering is a fun technique that can really bring a layout to life.  Clustering is about layering and details when a designer is considering using a cluster of elements, the designer will want to consider three important things:

• Depth-creating an effective cluster, is a matter of defining the depth. When building layers the artist will want all the layers to be visible. To achieve good depth one will begin with a strong foundational layer. It is best to work with something large and flat that is placed directly on one's layout. For example, a large contrasting color of pattern paper or cardstock will serve as a strong base for the cluster. With each subsequent layer, more elements may be included with literal space separating the items from the foundational piece. Using dimensional adhesive is effective way to create that space; as well as adding thicker elements such as chipboard onto the subsequent layers. Recall, our discussion on Visual Hierarchy this may remind you that small element that has been raised above the other layers can become a dominate item.
• Texture-one reason clusters on layouts are so appealing is the textural qualities they hold. Visual textures provide a virtual playground for the eyes. Using felt, rhinestones, canvas, or other textures will create very clear levels within your cluster, those textures and defined layers will draw in the reader's eye quickly as the brain wants to investigate the differences and organize the purpose of these elements.
• Points and Lines-back to those ever important most basic of all design elements.. LINES ! Using lines to lead a reader into a cluster is a great design approach. Lines will often strengthen the cluster because it has dual intrigue. One can achieve an effective line by using a strong contrasting line that is in high contrast, but maintains the theme of the cluster. Some possible choices may be ribbon or trim, border punches or border stickers. Another subtle but effective line is the embellished straight pin, the embellishment grabs the eye then the pins line leads the reader to the focal point.

One last note, it is important to remember that clustering is a powerful design tool.  The artist will want to consider placement very thoughtfully.  Consider placing one large cluster at your focal point,  if you want additional clusters be sure they are smaller in size  than the focal cluster and maintain the same shape and colors. 

 Together, paper layering and clustering will define a theme in a layout. For example in my layout, I added a "window" embellishment, which reinforces the theme of a lazy day bird watching.   Include elements of your theme in your layers and clusters, they are working together to create a story. In contrast, if the theme is random or undefined, it may cause your cluster or layering to appear muddy or confusing.

I hope that was helpful and I am excited to see how you incorporate this lesson in your design.  Your challenge this month, you will want to turn to pages 39-41. in your CK magazine.  I would love to see you create a layout including one of your Thanks Living Statements, and use one or more of the great textures Megan Hoeppner shares with us in the Latest and Greatest article.  Try to incorporate a little layering or a nice cluster and tell me how it worked for you. Were you able to get a better feel for how to create the dimension? 

As always my friends, my door is always open (well my inbox anyway) and I am blessed to be sharing this journey of thanks living!  I really think we are onto something so please share the joy and together we can create a community of friends that encourage and support one another. Remember please invite your friends, it is NEVER too late to being a life of Thanks Living!

Also wanted to give a shout out to Scrapbooking from the Inside Out -- this great kit was used to create this layout for the Thanks Living Challenge 

Blessings

e

Did you miss the first Thanks Living Posts?  Here are the links so you can play along if you would like to!

Introduction to Thank Living

Thanks Living Challenge #1 - POINTS AND LINES

Thanks Living Challenge #2 - Visual Hierarchy

  PS-- Here is the completed layout from the "clustering sample above"

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ScrappinEweRobyn replied on Thu, Mar 1 2012 10:22 AM

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Oh Erika............I love your LO! I might have to lift it. Thank you for explaining the method to my madness in layering and clustering...................I have just done it and did not really know why or how. It just fell into place! I already have my  topic. Thank you so much Erika!

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sixtyschild ( Formerly known as Jo~Anne) replied on Thu, Mar 1 2012 10:28 AM

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Oh my Gosh, fabulous challenge Erika! I love layering and clustering, but have often thought it's not quite right, either I over do it or under do it! i love your examples and Layout too! how ncute is that? Thanks agaion Erika for pushing our imaginations, with each challenge!!!

actually I would like advise on this one I recently did, fits this Thanks Living Challenge...

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Gena replied on Thu, Mar 1 2012 11:13 AM

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Beautiful LO, Erika - and a fabulous Thanksliving challenge for this month.  Thank you!

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Ashley Horton replied on Thu, Mar 1 2012 1:37 PM

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Great info and layout Erika!!  You picked my nemesis for this challenge...but I will overcome!! 

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Lorri Williams replied on Thu, Mar 1 2012 3:16 PM

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Erika,

You were so right when you said I would be excited about this month's challenge.  Can't wait to figure out what I am going to do!!!

Thanks again for all you do!

Lorri

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ScrappieSue replied on Thu, Mar 1 2012 9:29 PM

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Erika, that you so much for the wonderful lesson. I found it very interesting. This challenge is going to give me the opportunity to try layering, which I have always admired but never have been brave enough to give it a whirl. I love your layout it made me so want to be in that room!

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JJsMomSteph replied on Sun, Mar 4 2012 3:36 AM

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Here is my layout :

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Emeraldvalkyrie replied on Mon, Mar 5 2012 7:56 AM

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Thank you for another great challenge, Erika! I really appreciate what you put into it. One of the things I am often thankful for is how, as a family, we all love video games. So i did this page about my son's birthday and our trip to the arcade. I think I fall in the  middle as far as embellishment clusters...not too simple but not too heavy.

Now I am off to work on page two for this. 

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Laurie replied on Tue, Mar 6 2012 5:32 PM

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Here's mine, which I also used for the issue challenge.  The house reinforces the theme of home and family, and the key with the heart is because my DDs hold the key to my heart.  The flowers are 3D which, I think, adds a nice texture.  I had a really good time with this one.  Thank you Erika!

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Angie replied on Wed, Mar 7 2012 4:20 AM

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This is such a great challenge, and I'm learning along the way.. Thanks for the great challenges, will have to check them all out!

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Ladyofthelake replied on Fri, Mar 9 2012 8:59 PM

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Here is my layout -- with a close up of one of the clusters.  I tried to keep the colors of the page and the elements natural, since the subject is camp and they're all outdoors shots.  

And a close up of one of the clusters 

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Erika H replied on Mon, Mar 12 2012 11:39 AM

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I got  a few request to "find the Thanks Living Challenge" so this is to bring the post to the top.. and I am working on re-stickin' it :)

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Ladyofthelake replied on Mon, Mar 12 2012 12:59 PM

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Several of the posts that were pinned fell down :-)  They still show the pin on the menu list, but  they're not at the top any more.

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kelsterjean replied on Mon, Mar 12 2012 9:02 PM

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Hi Erika,

Thank you for another great challenge.  I {unfortunately} have not done any of the Thanksliving challenges yet, and haven't really written any of the my Thanksliving statements.  I was so motivated by this challenge though and am still so eager to participate. 

This morning, I had a sort of tough morning.  My hubby (despite me being slightly mean to him this morning) made me a lunch and was completely forgiving.  That motivated me to write my first Thanksliving statement.  (It's more like a paragraph, but I'm okay with that).

I'm hoping its not too late to participate.  I really want to do this!