Here\’s a layout I completed for a co-worker\’s retirement scrapbook.
To look at it, it is nothing special, artistically speaking. But I am very pleased with it because … I tried something old and I tried something new.
The old is my handwriting. I worked very hard to make my handwriting “cute” on this layout. Rather than the near-scrawl it usually is. I am amazed that with a little trial and error, I can write something legible. Even when it is teeny-tiny.
A couple days ago, I had decided to purchase an upcoming book, “Love Your Handwriting” by Heidi Swapp (www.creatingkeepsakes.com/shop/item.ihtml?idx=268). My handwriting never kept me from journaling my heart out on a page. But I knew it could be vastly improved. I am very happy with my first attempt here to add some style to my handwriting. I\’m looking forward to seeing what I can learn from Heidi Swapp.
The “new” thing is: I made interactive elements. For those of you who know me well, you will be absolutely shocked and amazed. But the interactive elements became a necessity, when I wanted to add two more small pictures to the layout but wasn’t sure how to do it without overcrowding the page. Thus, the interactive bookshelf was born!
I decided to make the first book and third books on the shelf interactive. This gave me enough space for the pullout and to secure it. Here\’s the bookshelf with all the books “closed”.
Here\’s what it looks like with the first book (“Cooperate with Co-Workers”) open.
Sidebar: I love this picture of Sandy and Carol. They are both camera-shy, but were willing to put their shyness aside to help me make this page for their buddy. Their personalities come shining through in this picture.
Here\’s what it looks like with the third book (“Our Gang”) open.
I learned a some of the mechanics of interactive elements, working on this page. I know what I will do the next time I take the leap to be interactive.
As I said before, this layout is far from beautiful, as beauty is defined in the scrapbooking magazine world. The beauty in it for me is that I had success, and I was able to communicate through paper, photos, chalk, and ink.
I know Velda will think the page is a hoot. In the long run, that’s all that matters.
Good night.