Behind the scenes with Sofia and a Sneak Peek of our August kit: Escape

Hey everyone!

Our wonderful July guest designer Sofia Ehrich is back to share a look behind

the scenes of one of her very personal layouts from the Communication kit.

Sofia’s 'Tummy Time':

What prompted you to pick this "take" on Communication?

I wanted to try to do a different “take” on this layout.  I think the link between mother and baby is a pretty amazing thing; everything is shared. Whatever the mom eats or feels goes to the baby.

Why did you choose this photo?

The photos I chose are of my mom pregnant with me.  Some are with my Uncle Dennis who treats me like his daughter.  And there is one of my mom and I after I was born. 

How did you feel about the message of the layout?

In my journaling I talked about the things my mom did while I was in her tummy. She talked to me a lot, went to movies and most of all, she always put Lavender on her tummy. 

Why did you choose to show/hide your journaling? 

Honestly, I hid my journaling because I didn’t have any room on the page for it to show.

Tell us a little bit about how you feel now that this layout is done.

I love this layout.  I think that it shows communication in a different way.  I love the way that it looks too.    

IN OTHER NEWS:

I couldn't be more excited to share some sneaks of our next kit...

ESCAPE!

This kit is so beautiful...every element, pattern and color is filled with the spirit of a breezy getaway.

Paper from Cosmo Cricket, Dear Lizzy for American Crafts, and Pink Paislee, plus much, much more!

Delicious in every way, and ready for you to take flight.

Available August 1st, only at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out!

You Have to Move It...

Whew!  It's hot out there.  It's days like today when I'm super thankful for pools and air conditioning.  Well, more air conditioning than pools since I don't have access to pools.  :)  As I was sitting inside, enjoying my air conditioning, I wandered back over to the boards to see what some of the new design team tips had been posted.  I came across Jen's post and really wanted to share it with you. I love the movement! 

You Have to Move It, Move It...

by Jen Matott

Maybe my kids are playing the Madagascar songs a bit too much lately... sorry! But I have a fun topic here for you. After creating one of my pages for this month's Communication kit, I noticed that I had a few that show a lot of movement or directional pull to them. I like creating motion on a flat, still surface. It creates excitement and makes the viewer's eye move around the page (therefore keeping their interest longer).

So how did I do it? Well, here are a couple of examples and tips along the way...

First up is my "Art Talk" page in which I was inspired by a design on Pinterest

I love the chevron feel and the way they push/pull the viewer's eye. So I thought to myself that maybe I could achieve the same feel...

Here is my page... I cut the cardstock and arranged them on the page much like the image above. I like the vibrant effect it has but also the way it creates movement of the eye.

Here's a closer look. The colors also create a sort of Op Art effect that seems to vibrate!

Next up is the "Rebel Yell" page where I wanted to show my son in his yelling stage (not sure that ever went away)...

I loved the little paper airplane stamp from the kit and wanted to create a more 3D effect. So, I folded 3 little dart airplanes to add to the page!

Before I glued down the paper details, I dripped some ink on the page and blew using a drinking straw to get the ink flowing and moving! It was so fun to do and I loved seeing the little legs of ink moving in different directions. 

I then, stamped using the distress marker and the paper airplane stamp in different directions. Another trick to adding more movement.

The paper airplanes were then glued down so that they looked like they are soaring around the page. 

Finally, I used the photo corner stickers to create more directions by stacking them to create a chevron or repeated arrow.

If you are looking to create some movement or just direction for the viewer's eye to follow, then using arrows (even chevrons) or vibrant color or drips will add excitement to your work!

How can you add some movement to your page? 

Great inspiration there.  I'm itching to find some time so I can communicate with movement in my scrapbooking. Thanks Jen!

Challenge Thursday: Newfangled or Old School?

It's time for a challenge!  Let's look at communication from the perspective of the new technologies out there, versus the tried and true, age-old devices.

source

Newfangled communication methods are all the rage – Facebook. Twitter, texting, the list could go on forever. Which methods do you use regularly and how do they impact your life? Has this kind of communication helped or hindered your relationships? What old-school method of communicating do you still employ, or miss most if you don’t?

For your challenge, we'd love for you to create a layout about a 'new' method of communicating and tell us whether it helps or hinders you - maybe there's a specific story. 

For the design twist, please use some of the classic communication tools to tell your story - images from the kit designs, or maybe you'll create your own?

Have fun and please show us your creation by linking it up in our comments or posting it in our challenge gallery!

Behind the Scenes with Diana

Welcome to another Behind the Scenes for July's Communication.  Today, we are talking with Diana Brodeur and checking out what she has to say about her creative process for one of her layouts.

What prompted you to pick this "take" on Communication?

This particular topic has been something that I struggled with in my past relationship. It’s one that I have made a point to change and better in my life.

Why did you choose this photo?

It’s a big relief to have discovered the utter importance of communicating. A smiling picture is a perfect way to show this accomplishment.

What symbolism did you try to bring through your design?  

The different circles symbolize speak bubbles. Most of them are ragged around the edges to symbolize the discussion of hard topics.

How did you feel about the message of the layout?  

It feels like a breath of fresh air to have released the strings that were tying me down when it comes to communicating the hard topics in relationships.

Why did you choose to show/hide your journaling?  

I prefer to show my journaling. It makes it easier to read when I place them in my albums.

Tell us a little bit about how you feel now that this layout is done.
I feel much lighter and happier!

Thanks Diana... and welcome to our design team.  We are so happy to have you and can't wait to see more of your inside out creations!

You can visit Diana's blog here.

Visit the Design Team Gallery to see more of Diana's and the rest of the team's amazing work using this month's COMMUNICATION kit!

Getting Started and Finishing It

Hi everyone out in blogland!

I thought I would share something other than a technique or tutorial this month. Instead, I wanted to take you on a journey on how I approached one of my layouts focused on this months emotion/topic COMMUNICATION. If you are new or find yourself scratching your head; wondering where to begin - take a look at the bottom of About Us/Our Story page.

The way I approach my layouts is to think about the emotional response I have to whatever the months topic is. Sometimes the word isn't a straight up emotion - take COMMUNICATION for example. But you can still approach it from an emotional stand point, inside out style.

Something that came to mind was how misunderstood I seem to be. Not to everyone, but I've learned from a few folks, recently, that my confidence is intimidating. Therefore, they were nervous to meet me or get to know me. Bear in mind these are people who see me in person. It was flattering and annoying at the same time. Ha! Flattered that I seem to come across more confident that I truly am but annoying because I began to wonder, "do others hold back from talking me, inviting me or approaching me because they assume I'm so confident?"

My first step with my layouts is to journal. I just write on piece of scratch paper or type on a word document. Most of the time I type. I can type faster than I can write.

After my journaling is complete, I begin to look for a photo. Notice I haven't picked out product yet. That comes after the photo. The reason is because I want to make sure the colors and patterns I choose, compliment the photo. On the rare occasion, I begin with product - especially when I pull from the symbolism. Thankfully, this kit is so full of symbolism there is no escaping it no matter what papers and embellishments used!

Sometimes I need a song or a quote to help me with the title. This time I just used a statement that I would want to say to everyone. JUST TALK TO ME. Don't assume. Don't be afraid. And I'll do my part to be aware of my facial expressions, mannerisms, etc. I don't want to pretend but I do want to be inviting. It's a two way street... this thing called communication.

Once the product is selected, I begin with the design. Sometimes I already have something in my head and sometimes I need a sketch to give a good jump start. Sometimes I'll arrange things, walk away and come back and do it all over again before committing to the design.
I love the photo I used for this layout... my journaling is saying one thing while the photo is me being a goofball... giving off a smug look... 

I hope that this little article has given you some help while working through your own layouts. The most important component, I have found, is how I feel when I'm done. Because our layouts here are about US... it's important to take note of how we are doing when it's finished. This felt good to get out. It felt good to share it on my blog too. Not too complain or seek affirmation... but just to let it out and with the hopes that others may identify.

Can't wait to see what YOU create using your COMMUNICATION kit!

 

Flashback to Freedom

In July 2008, when Scrapbooking from the Inside Out was just starting out, they explored the topic of Freedom.  Today, I thought this was a great topic to revisit, especially with our current topic of Communication.  What is better than Freedom to Communicate?  I think that's truly what we're all about here at Inside Out... have complete freedom to communicate.  Where else can you go and feel so save to express all of the amazing emotions that swirl around inside of us?  I have found that the freedom to express myself... to explore my inner world... always starts HERE.

So.  I bounced back to our gallery from then, and found some amazing layouts by some people you may recognize... our founder, Rachel and Paige, our Special Projects Coordinator. 

Free to Choose - Rachel Kaufman

I Am Who I Am - Paige Ramos

In addition, a couple layouts by Nancy Doren and Bjay Jaminal. members of our very first design team, expressing Freedom from their perspectives:

Express Yourself - Bjay Jaminal

That Black Cloud - Nancy Doren

Wow.  Just some very cool stories being communicated there, expressing freedom or lack of freedom. 

That is what we're all about here.  Freedom and communication.  Do you feel free?  Do you feel free to communicate?  I know that in my every day life, I wear a mask... I hide and show only certain "faces" to certain people.  But here at Inside Out, I do feel a lot more free to express myself.

Please, join us.  We have so much going on over in our community with great supports and open hearts.  And lots, and lots, and lots of inspiration for all topics, including our galleries all the way back to from the day we were "born".  Come and be free...

Weekend Warmup: Is New Better?

Our prompts for the COMMUNICATION kit are up on our Inspiration Page. Here's one of my faves, and it's really got me thinking:

Newfangled communication methods are all the rage – Facebook, Twitter, texting, the list could go on forever. Which methods do you use regularly and how do they impact your life? Has this kind of communication helped or hindered your relationships? What old-school method of communicating do you still employ, or miss most if you don’t?

I'm not someone who typically looks back at 'stuff' and misses it. I do miss people, places and memories, but I don't long for the 'good old days.' 

When it comes to communication, though, I think it's a toss-up.

Remember these?

I remember being tethered to the wall in the kitchen if I wanted to talk to my friends, swinging around in our plastic 1970's era swivel chairs surrounding our Formica table.

Then, my dreams came true. I got my own phone! It was still on the main line, so there was always the danger of being in the middle of a private conversation and being interrupted my my parents, or worse, my annoying little sister (sorry Budge!)

But I got to lounge on the bed and talk as late as I wanted to. My best friend and I used to stay up half the night talking and fall asleep on the phone! 

The best thing about an old fashioned phone call was that you weren't multitasking - most of the time you were totally invested in your conversation. You might have had a TV or radio on in the background, but you weren't getting another call (until call waiting, that is) or reading text messages, surfing the internet on a computer or your phone, or checking email.

The connection may have been over the miles, but it felt close. Remember saying to a relative a world away, "you sound like you're right next door!"?

I loved those late night phone calls with my friends, not only for the content, but because it evokes a time when I it was all about me - I had lots of rights and very few responsibilities. I loved talking about my feelings, dreaming about the future and wondering what would be.

The good news? There's nothing better to me today than (as a verb) scrapbooking from the inside out to think about my life, dream about my future and wonder...what's next?

And with the amazing photos I can take now by pulling my phone out of my pocket, not to mention Instagram, Photoshop, Popbooth and all the other apps out there, I can now use my phone to call a friend and reconnect, but also to capture my life and what matters most to me. And keep it forever.

 

 

Have a great weekend, and come join us online for our first challenge using the prompt above. 

Also, don't miss our DT layouts on the subject of new tech and how it impacts connection in my piece on the Creating Keepsakes Blog. You could win the COMMUNICATION kit!

Introducing Our July Guest Designer - Sofia Ehrich

Hey everyone, we have a very special guest with us here at SFTIO this month. But she's not really a guest, just a guest designer...

Sofia Ehrich has been part of the SFTIO family for a long time! As a neighbor and friend, she's been in my life since she was six years old. As a fellow crafter, we've been scrapbooking together for about 5 years.

And now, she's not only my amazing assistant - anticipating every need just before I get to it (remember Radar O'Reilly, anyone?) but she's also coordinator of the Design Team for our BRAND NEW Teen program, launching this fall (with a top secret name...shhh...) and is the mastermind behind this month's kit theme.

Hello my fellow creative people! My name is Sofia Ehrich. I live in Santa Monica (best place in the world) right next to the amazing Rachel Kaufman and go to Santa Monica High School. I am 17 years old, a Creating Keepsakes Teen Talent Search competition runner up and I LOVE to scrapbook! My mom got me into scrapbooking when I was 4. We would go on family trips and scrapbook memories. 

When Rachel found out that I loved to scrapbook, she took me out and that is when the creativity flowed. Ever since then its been going up hill, and I’ve learned that I am really into design and pictures. I also love movies and watching TV. My friends make fun of me because IMDB is my favorite app on my phone. I love, love, love to travel, (you probably noticed from my layouts), I love going to Starbucks and taking walks with my dog, Fawnzy. To me, The Beatles were the greatest band ever and I am marrying Justin Timberlake. Also, I currently work for Scrapbooking for the Inside Out, I put together the beautiful kits and I very much enjoy using them also.

A little fun fact, when I went to CHA with the SFTIO team this winter, I actually thought of using the word communication for a kit. I feel like it is such a fun word and there is a lot to talk about especially with how much social media we work with on a daily basis. There are so many forms of communication too: email, Facebook, instant messaging, talking on the phone, in person, snail mail, animals, babies, people…. The list can go on and on. I hope that you have as much fun with this kit as I did. 

And in case I haven't mentioned it, she's one great scrapbooker. I am so proud of what Sofia has accomplished so far and I'll just say, Scrapbook Industry, watch out!

Sofia created some wonderful layouts about communicating across the miles and using social networking to stay connected that l absolutely love. Here are a couple to whet your whistle...

For more, please come check out the GDT gallery for this month. And stay tuned for a feature on Sofia going behind the scenes on one of her LOs later this month.

Thanks 'My Sofia'!

 

PS: Make sure to check out my guest blog post over at the Creating Keepsake Editor's Blog today for a chance to win the Communication kit!

What's Hiding in the Communication Kit?

Wow!  I'm just back from a long weekend away and stopped over at the Inside Out boards and found this gem.  Kate Vickers, a new member of our design team, shared all kinds of hidden embellishments and alphabets in our current kit.  Check it out! 

Hidden Embellishments and Alphabets in Your Communication Kit!

by Kate Vickers

Hi Everyone! I just wanted to share with you some hidden gems within this kit that you may not be aware of. There are tons and tons of hidden embellishments and alphabets contained within your kit. Yep, YOUR kit. No, don't search through your recycling to see if you missed something in the box... Let me show you what I'm talking about.

With the Viewmaster paper, you can cut out the individual viewmaster images and use them to tuck behind photos and other page elements, like this:

I cut out some of the secretaries from this paper (don't worry, no secretaries were harmed!).

To add interest to this page:

I cut out nearly all of the coloured items on this page to create extra journalling spots and embellishments. You will notice the "LISTO LEADS" rectangle (top left) appears on the top right of the layout above. I popped it up with 3D foam tape and you have an instant interesting embellishment. The blue 'Parcel Post' item at the bottom became a journalling spot on another layout.

This paper contains an extra alphabet set. I cut the letters out using a 1/2 inch circle punch that I got from Wal-Mart for about $4.

Here is the 'extra' alphabet in use as a part of my page title:

I used the Instamatic paper a lot on my layouts as well. I just cut out a few of the cameras and poped them up with 3D foam. I added buttons in the middle of the camera lens for some extra flair.

Here is the result:

Thanks for joining me! I hope that you like my ideas and I can't wait to see you use some of them.  

Thank YOU, Kate!  These are great ideas and tips.  Very inspirational!  To see more of Kate's great layouts, visit our Design Team Gallery!

How about you.... what will you do with Kate's tips and ideas?