...one more time, how much I love these things?!
I realize I've blogged about them before, but some things are so good they bear repeating.
So what the heck are they? These are quilter's templates, cut into pieces of various sizes. The pieces represent photos, journaling blocks, or other elements you might place on a scrapbook page. When I first started teaching scrapbooking classes, it occurred to me how similar the process is to playing with a flannel board (remember those?). In both cases, you move elements around until you have a design that pleases you.
When I start a layout or create a sketch, I start with a blank sheet of cardstock, then play around with these pieces until I find a design that I like. The pieces help me visualize if a photo enlargement might be helpful, or how to arrange a collage of photos. If I play with these pieces first, I can be pretty confident that I'll like the results when I go to print my re-sized photos or crop already-printed photos.
I realize I've blogged about them before, but some things are so good they bear repeating.
So what the heck are they? These are quilter's templates, cut into pieces of various sizes. The pieces represent photos, journaling blocks, or other elements you might place on a scrapbook page. When I first started teaching scrapbooking classes, it occurred to me how similar the process is to playing with a flannel board (remember those?). In both cases, you move elements around until you have a design that pleases you.
When I start a layout or create a sketch, I start with a blank sheet of cardstock, then play around with these pieces until I find a design that I like. The pieces help me visualize if a photo enlargement might be helpful, or how to arrange a collage of photos. If I play with these pieces first, I can be pretty confident that I'll like the results when I go to print my re-sized photos or crop already-printed photos.
My first set of templates was made from chipboard. Then I upgraded to plain plastic templates. Then my friend Sharon (a former quilter) tipped me off to these quilter's templates with grid lines sold at fabric stores. They are perfect for this application.
If you want to make a set for yourself, just pick up 2-3 quilter's templates and cut them in the sizes you most often use. Punch a hole in each corner with a Crop-a-Dile, then store them on a metal ring.
Anal retentive? Maybe. Helpful? Very.
i am impressed with your organization. I may have to try this out
ReplyDeleteI have made myself a set of these too and they are very useful!!
ReplyDeleteI have one quilter's square (more like a rectangle LOL) that I use for sewing. Awesome idea to use them for laying out a scrapbook page. And, for the record, I love your organization. :)
ReplyDeleteWow!! Fantastic idea! You are so resourceful :)
ReplyDeleteNot anal retentive:) Just very useful! It's like your own little sketch book that you make up as you go along...
ReplyDelete