Get Published!
For most scrapbookers and artists, we would love to have one of our layouts published in one of the major magazines for all the world to see.  This month’s focus on getting published is intended to give you information on the details to demystify and grow your confidence in getting your layouts published. 

Your favorite layouts may not be the ones that get published.  Magazines mostly ask for layouts based on the articles they expect to run.  Many magazines offer publication calls giving you information or an idea of what they are looking for.

If you will submit your layouts for publication, you will need to keep detailed records of the products used in your layout.  You can keep a record of this information in a personal log, electronic log, written on the back of the layout or some other method that works for you. 

Magazines have publishing rights.  If one magazine asks for your layout then another magazine cannot and will not publish  that same layout.  You should remove your layouts from popular websites like scrapbook.com prior to submitting your layout for publication. 

If a magazine is interested in publishing your layout, they will request that you send them the actual layout.  They will keep your layout until magazine issue after the issue your layout is published in comes out.  If you are published in Aug/Sept issue, you won’t receive your layout back until after the Oct/Nov issue comes out.  Some magazines compensate you with product and some with cash.

If more than one magazine requests your layout, you will need to tell the second magazine that you are sorry but another magazine has requested to publish your design.  The magazines are familiar with this and you will not offend them.  Be happy that your layout is so popular!

You don’t want to submit the same layout over and over again.  Magazines do keep your layouts on file and will ask for them months later.

The first step in getting published is sending the magazine your layout.  You never want to send the magazine your original layout unless they have requested it for publication.  If you layout is selected, they will write to you and ask for your original.  To send a preview of your layout, you have three options:

Electronic Scan:  This is the preferred method for sending magazines a preview of your layout.  You will need a scanner and preferably a photomerge software like Photoshop Elements, although not absolutely necessary.  You will want to resize your image to 72 dpi and a width of approximately 400 pixels for an 8 ½ X 11 layout and 500 pixels for a 12 X 12 layout.  You should save your image in JPEG (.jpg) format.

Photograph:  If you would like to send a photographed image of your layout, you will need to be able to take a clear image of your layout.  Remove the layout from its page protector and photograph in indirect sunlight, avoiding using a flash.  You can do this by using the light coming through a window.  Do not use fluorescent lighting.

Color Copies:  Another option for submitting your layouts is through a color copy of your design.  When sending an 8 ½ X 11 you will not need to make any adjustments, however, when you send a 12 X 12 you will need to reduce to approximately 69% to get it to fit on a 8 ½ X 11 paper.  You can also copy to 11 X 14 paper and cut it down to approximately 11 X 12.

Scroll below to see helpful links of where you can submit your designs.

 White Space in Scrapbook Design  (added July 2007)

White Space is the term describing open space between design elements. It can be between letters, words, photos, and between all of the elements of a page or design.Whitespace is also known as  negative space and is the space between design elements.More specifically, the space between major elements in a composition is macro whitespace and micro whitespace, is the space between smaller elements - the itty-bitty stuff.White Space is one of the hardest concepts in design.Perhaps this is because the terms used to describe white space sound negative.White space is nothing.It's the absence of text; the absence of images.White space is emptiness.It is negative space.But it's not wasted space.

White space should not be considered merely 'blank' space - it is an important element of design which allows the objects in it to exist at all, the balance between positive and the use of negative spaces is key to aesthetic composition.White space provides visual breathing room for the eye. It breaks up text and graphics and elements of your design. White space makes a scrapbook layout feel less cramped, confusing, or overwhelming.

Designers in various design fields, such as website design and desktop publishing, and also in scrapbooking, tend to try and fill every single corner with something. The rallying cry seems to be white space is evil and down with white space!

Why is white space important  in layout design?It is essential for providing spatial relationships between visual items, and actually guides your viewers eye from one point to another. White space is often overlooked by the scrapbooker, focusing heavily on what to put in rather than what to leave out. Without an adequate amount of white space, text is unreadable, photo and design elements lose their emphasis and there can be no balance between the elements on a page.White space is more than just the background.It should be treated as an integral part to your page design.You will find it increases your layout's appeal with less visual "noise," capturing the visual power of your message and setting a mood.

Is there such a thing as too much white space? Yes, there is. Usually we try to cram too much onto the page, afraid that we'll leave out something important. But without adequate white space, the important information gets lost. There are instances when trimming white space to the bare bones can and does work.However, in most cases, more of nothing is better. So, how do we achieve a balance of white space? There is no proper percentage of white space. If the page looks or feels crowded, it probably needs more white space. Here are a few tips to add white space to your layouts, making your page feel less cramped, confusing or overwhelming.

Put more space around the outer edges of your layout.Position your photos and design elements in the center of your page.

Increase space around titles.Add more space between and around titles and subtitles.If your layout feels crowded, try not to run your titles or journaling text right up next to your photo or elements.Leave space.

Increase spacing in your journaling text.

White space is any color.White space isn't white, literally, unless your paper is white.If the paper is yellow, the white space is yellow. White space is simply empty space - the area that is blank.

Patterned Papers need white space.When designing and journaling on a patterned paper that has its own obvious design elements - lines, circles, etc. that aren't simply an overall pattern blending into the background - treat those elements as if they were part of the journaling text and images or design elements and allow for adequate white space around those parts of the design.

Increase space between design elements. Alleys or gutters between design elements that are too narrow cause the eye to skip over to the next column. Put white space between design elements with adequate alleys.

Keep design balanced.Achieve a balance of ink and white space using a mix of techniques described above and as is appropriate for your design.

So the next time, you find yourself trying to decide how you are going to design a layout, think about white space.The first time you do it consciously, you might find it difficult and tempted to fill every open space of your layout from corner to corner.But eventually you will get used to it, and wonder how you did without it.

Monograms Made Easy  (added May 2006)

Monograms are large letters used as page elements.  Monograms add substance to a page and takes the place of a title and serves as an embellishment at the same time.  Monograms are hip in scrapbooking and there are many reasons why.  Monograms can be used as a quick and simple way to complete a layout without spending too much time on the theme or design.  Use monograms on your layouts for the name of a place in your photo, emotions you fell such as love and joy, or the month of the year.  The monogram letter can represent several things on the same page.  Use monograms to demonstrate:

Names

Months

Events

Cities and Countries

Moods and Emotions

Flowers and Animals

Seasons

Note:  Unless it isn't clear on the layout, you don't necessarily need to spell out what the letter stands for.  Consider making the word stand out in your journaling so it links the monogram letter to the journaling.

Create your Own

You can very easily create your own monograms using stencils.  Many manufacturers carry their own line of chipboard letter stencils or plastic letter stencil sheets.  The inside piece of chipboard letter stencils is used as a letter monogram and use the outside piece as a separate monogram or as a stencil.  Stencil sheets work the same way.  Trace the letter on cardstock or patterned paper and you have a very quick monogram.

Use Letter Stickers

Go through your stickers and you will find a perfect letter to use as a monogram.  Mount monograms on tags or blocks of paper.

Ready-Made Monograms

Many manufacturers have their own ready-made line of chipboard letter stencils and monogram papers.  Simply cut the monogram or square out of the paper.  Ink the edges, sand the edges, and tie fibers or ribbon on monogram letters for a nice touch.  

                    
Designs by Shannon Murdock

 Dust off those Decorative Scissors! added April 2006
Trends come and they go.  Coming back, "not so straight" from the past, a new trend that is gaining more popularity - it's time to dust off those decorative scissors and add new flair to your scrapbook pages with a new fresh look using a product from the past - decorative scissors.  Everybody has them and I'm sure you have some of those layouts with the decorative inspired edges, crazy looking photo mats and pictures cut up with multiple decorative scissor cut edges.

Decorative scissors are back but wait...resist the urge to cut up every scrap of paper and picture with wild patterns and combinations.  There are new guidelines for adding a fresh new look using decorative scissors.

1.  Use decorative scissors in moderation.  Make only a few choice decorative cuts on your pages.  Using decorative scissors in moderation adds texture, contrast, and interest.  Using decorative scissors in abundance creates a messy childish look.
2.  Use decorative scissors for paper only -  resist the temptation to use them on your photos.
3.   Create your own fancy cut edges without the expense.  You can achieve the same look as the new papers on the market with the fancy cut edges made with die-cut presses as you can with a pair of decorative scissors  - without the extra expense.
4.  Your decorative scissors have 2 different sides.  It is like two pairs of scissors in one.  Cut one photo mat using one side of the scissor pattern and then flip the scissors over and use the other side for the second layer of the photo mat.
5.  Create interesting patterns and use in place of ribbon or fiber.  Use distressing ink or chalk to the edges to blend the patterns together.

Using Vellum in your Layouts     added February 2006
Because you will find a 12x12 sheet of Vellum in your March 2006 kit, here is some information for using vellum in your layouts.  Vellum is a transparent, translucent material. It can be used to create a slight shadow, a shade change to background or embellishment colors, or a soft focus filter effect when placed over photos. Vellum can be used as a softening agent, as a touch of elegance, or to create dimension.

To reduce the cloudiness effect caused by gluing, apply only a thin line of glue along the edges of the vellum. In this way, you will see a slight shadow only along the very edge. This will look like a border. Vellum is available in both acidic and non acidic forms.  There are also many new adhesive products specifically for attaching vellum. 

  
"Love U"  
Design by Carrie Leavitt

The above design was created using decorative scissors.  Only one decorative scissor cut style was used on the edges of the large circle, both layers of the photo mount, and both strips of the lower border.  The journaling strips have a straight edge cut so not to create a messy look (remember...moderation).  This gave this layout a striking look, but not too dramatic to take attention away from the photo.  The result - a scraptastic layout with flair, texture, and contrast. 

Next time you get stuck and need a dose of inspiration, pull out and dust off those decorative scissors and use the above tips to create a fresh new look on your layouts.
  

Patterned Papers and Clashing Is IN!      added January 2006
Most women understand the basic rule of fashion is to make sure your clothes match.  This often proves a difficult task for many of the men in our lives.  This basic coordination rule often carries over into our scrapbook layouts.  Well, this may be the only time in your life you hear "Forget what you learned and listen to your man!" 

By using papers that don't necessarily go together on a layout, you are creating a very different and unique feel on your page.  People will be drawn to the combination of papers because it tests the rules of design and pushes the boundaries.  Pull out those hard-to-match papers and use them in a whole new way.

Here are some ideas to help you get started clashing:

*  Start slow.  Pair matching patterns of paper that have clashing color.
*  Select two patterns of paper that you love, but wouldn't usually pair together.
*  Create a layout using matching colors and then add a dash of a different color (could be an embellishment, mismatched tag, contrasting ribbon).
*  Find an embellishment that you have wanted to use but haven't found the right coordinating papers to go with it.  Then, go through you patterned papers and select a few different that match the embellishment, but not each other.  The embellishment will help you feel like your page ties together.
*  Mount your patterned paper onto a solid piece of cardstock like brown, black, or white to take away some of the dissonance.
*  Use your color wheel to pair colors that you have never before paired.  This also gives you a preview of what your page might look like.

Intentionally clashing your papers can be a fun and exciting experience.  Let go and use your paper in a whole new way!

Embellishing with Chipboard - Still the RAGE!     (added January 2006)
Chipboard is the rage in scrapbooking these days.  You'll find it on scrapbook pages, altered art, and more.  This trend differs from many in that it is inexpensive, easy, and fast.  Use a sheet of chipboard and punches, die-cut machines, some paint or ink.  First, you need some chipboard.  This is easier than you think.  Here's where to look...

*  Check with your local scrapbook stores.  Scrapbook stores typically have sheets of chipboard that they are willing to give away for free.  Packs of paper are often sold with chipboard to protect paper from damage.  Many stores often have extra sheets that they discard.  Ask and you may find yourself with an ample supply of free chipboard.

*  Many companies now sell small chipboard shapes and new in 2006 many companies are now offering "undressed" or "naked" sheets of chipboard.  Some of the companies with new lines of chipboard shapes are Bazzill Basics, Heidi Swapp, and Lil Davis Designs.  

*  You probably have chipboard at home and don't realize it.  Most notepads use chipboard for the back cover.  Photo labs often use chipboard to protect photos when they mail photos to you. 

Use paper punches or die-cut machine on the chipboard as you usually would with paper.  Be sure to press down a few extra times to account for the thickness.  Then, coat your shape with acrylic paint in any color you want.  Add ink to the edges.  Adhere your new accent to your page.  Try fun shapes like flowers, letters, numbers, frames, photo mats, journaling blocks, tags, and free-hand one-of-a-kind designs.

Creating with Chipboard is cost-effective, simple, and fun.  You can custom design each piece so you are always sure to get a perfect match for your page every time! 

Getting Great Photographs
Your photographs really do make a difference. Every scrapbooker wants photos that are crisp, clear, and have proper lighting. Variety that captures the feelings, the mood, and a visually descriptive story is the most important to your scrapbook photos.

Get close-up! Close-up photos capture facial expressions and mood. Use a zoom lens and include detail or close-up of the setting to help tell a story.

Spontaneity! Your subject doesn't always need to be looking at the camera. Capture life's spontaneity when taking photos. Be sure the subject is focused on the activity, not on the camera.

Frame the subject! Create a feeling of depth or hide elements of the background or the subject by framing your subject. Use tree branches, doorways, arches, and windows. When these are used to frame subjects, viewers attention is directed to the subject.

What's your angle? You can create more interesting photos by shooting from different angels, unexpected angles, and vantage points. Turn your camera slightly to catch a new angle. If you forget, photo editing software have options to tilt the canvas as well. Vary the distance between you and your subject. Zoom in and out and use both vertical and horizontal orientations.

Feature your photos! Photographs are the heart of your scrapbooks. There are many ways to size, position, and arrange them to tell a story. Let your favorite photo take center stage. Enlarge it for a more dramatic effect.

Avoid glass glare!  A common problem when taking pictures of people wearing glasses, here are some recommendations. If the photo is important enough, remove glasses or an alternative is to remove the lenses from glass frames before taking pictures. If you took a great photo but it has a glass glare, simple photo editing can help. You can use photo editing software or your local photo lab can remove the glass glare on your most important photos. Consider glasses with non-glare coating which significantly reduce the amount of glare. Avid scrapbookers may find the extra expense worth the benefits.

Hold your breath! Just before you snap that photo, take a slight breath and hold it until after you've pressed the button. This helps when photos are slightly blurry or out-of-focus due to camera shake.

Show scale! Include a person in a landscape photo to show scale and drama.

Tips to Working with Color
Cohesion. The most common color mistake is the lack of cohesion. What is the message of your page? Color is key to creating a particular mood and creating cohesion. Start with a foundation color that supports both your photos and your message. The foundation color should be the dominant color and then select two other colors that complement your foundation color. Use the fool-proof gallon, quart, and pint method:
A gallon of your foundation color
A quart of one of your complimentary colors
A pint of your other complimentary color

Repeat colors for balance. Ask yourself if there is opportunity to repeat a color you have included in your layout to direct the eye and give a sense of visual flow.

Work with colors you love. It is true that understanding color makes us better designers. But what it comes down to is that you need to be true to yourself and use colors you love. Let yourself be inspired and combine both warm and cool colors to create an eye-catching contrast that adds vitality to your pages.

Freedom from color. It is easier to create harmonious layouts with black-and-white photos. Have fun scrapbooking! Scrapping in black-and-white photos simplifies the color selection process because it is hard to isolate colors in color photos. Black-and-white photos tend to create a lot of emotion. Use black-and-white photos when you want to create scrapbook pages that show emotions.

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"Easter eggs"  Design by Carrie Leavitt

"C is for Cookies"  Design by Carrie Leavitt

Scanning and Stitching
One of the most baffling things in scrapbooking...scanning and stitching 12x12 layouts!Many of you have struggled with this recently as you attempted to figure out how to send in your 12x12 layout for the daisyd contest.We thought we would share some basic scanning and stitching information to help make this easier.

To scan 12x12 layouts on a letter-sized scanner you will need to do two scans, one of each half of the layout and then combine the two images to make one layout.This is known as stitching.Most scanner software has a photo-merge feature for stitching.If you don't have a photo-merge software then you can stitch the images manually.Here are the basic steps:
Step 1:Scan both sides of your layout and save each as a .jpg.Scan the right side and scan the left side and give each a specific name.To create an image that is clean and detailed, scan your image at a high resolution.Three hundred dpi is best and you can resize your image to a smaller dpi later for email and online use.
Step 2:Use your scanning software that came with your scanner or a digital imaging program, like Photoshop.The process will be different for different software and you will need to play with it.
Step 3:If your photo-editing software has automatic stitching function, then you are in luck!Choose the photo-merge or stitch function and follow the on-screen instructions.If not, then you need to manually stitch your layouts.We will give you the basic instructions for Photoshop Elements.
Step 4:Open a new file in Photoshop Elements with a height of 3600 pixels and width of 3600 pixels (12x12).Set the resolution to 300 dpi.Name the file whatever you would like.
Step 5:Create a new layer in your file by selecting Layer, New, Layer.
Step 6:Open the images of your left side scan and select the image by pressing Ctrl+A or Select, All from the menu.
Step 7:Once your left scan image has been selected, copy and paste it into your new image file.To copy, press Ctrl+C or select Edit, Copy from the menu.
Step 8:Select your new layer from the new image you opened and paste your left side scan by pressing Ctrl+V or selecting Edit, Paste from the menu.
Step 9:Open the right side of your scanned layout and then repeat the same steps.Your two images will overlap and the next step will fix that.
Step 10:Change the opacity of the layer 2 (right scanned image) to approximately 50% so that you can see where to line up the images.Using the move tool, line up the images until the two halves match seamlessly.
Step 11:Once the two halves are stitched, change the opacity of layer 2 back to 100%.
Step 12:Adjust the brightness between the two original images if you see a clear line between the two images (Image, Adjust, Brightness/Contrast) or use the eraser tool to remove the line between the halves of your layout.I have found this to be the most difficult part of the manual stitching process.Flatten your image by choosing Layer, Flatten Image.Save your file.

Manual stitching is just one of those things you have to play with and get better at.There are also free downloadable scanning and stitching software to try too.Scrapdango designer, Dana Tate, suggests www.arcsoft.com finds it to be a great and userfriendly program.