We all have collections that came with those sheets of paper that are pre-embellished. You know, they have the designs and embellishments already printed in place.
Sometimes having these sheets can be a good thing; it’s very easy to make a quick layout with a lot of fun “embellishments” that you don’t have to worry about placing on the page. Just add photos, some journaling, a title, and maybe a few extra embellishments, and call it done!
They can also be overwhelming; the “embellishments” are already placed on the page and you are not sure that’s where you would have placed them. It can be hard to know where to place your photos and other element because the printed pieces limit the areas available for photos and embellishment and often the paper is too cute to cover. It can also find it hard to use many photos because then cool parts could be covered up and who wants to do that?
There are a few tricks for getting the most out of these papers. First, making a single page layout or one that has two different papers for each side is best because the design works well if it stands alone. Some designs can be flipped for a mirror image double page.
Secondly, it helps to limit the number of photos so the design is not overwhelmed or covered up.
Third, try cutting into the paper along the edges of some of the images so you can slide one of your photos or journaling underneath to give more depth and dimension to the page.
Fourth, highlighting some of the printed pieces can really bring them to life. For instance, try adding dimensional glaze to one of the pieces and it will look like it has been added, on top of the page. Or, try doodling inside or around one of the designs. Be sure to add matching or similar types of 3-D embellishments that work with the design of the printed page.
Lets see what the girls have been doing with Pre-Embellished Papers!
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Colleen’s thought: I was very frustrated when I started this layout. I can’t recall any pre-embellished paper I’d ever used before that didn’t come in a kit with layout ideas. This was completely opposite of how I scrap. I usually start with pictures, not paper, and had trouble finding pictures that would work on the page. Then I got a preview of the thought above and it all clicked. I was trying to cram too many pictures onto the layout. Once I narrowed it down to just two photos, it came together really fast with the addition of a few accents. I was done in about 10 minutes, until I reread the thought and realized I wanted to enhance the embellishments, so I hand-stitched the stems and added buttons to the flowers. It went from a very frustrating layout to one I love. Now I might reconsider using the other pre-embellished papers that have sat in my stash for a lonnng time.
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Devra’s thought: Pre-Embellished paper is not something that I use often, mostly because I don't know how to use it effectively. I am always wondering, "Do I just slap the photos on? Do I overlap them over the design on the page?"
I bought this paper specifically for these photos and this was the time to dive in. Using a technique I learned in a class, I used a craft knife to cut out some elements, and give them dimension with pop dots. I needed to matte the photos due to the blue in the paper and photos. The rest of the page needed something, but not wanted to overdo it, I decided to journal around the page in a color similar to the green in the title.
It is very simple. The photos reinforce the theme of the paper, but the paper also reinforces the photos.
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Jennifer’s thought: I used a line, which seems to have layer upon layer of patterned paper on the background sheet. I added some layers--of patterned paper strips, ribbon, staples, and a tag--and when I added the photo, I trimmed it to fit the Polaroid frame on the page and added it on pop dots to create more of an illusion of actual dimension. One thing I learned about using embellished patterned paper: it works better with people photos than scenery photos! I originally had used a photo of my seat at taekwondo, surrounded by all my stuff, but the photo just blended in with the background. I took it off and replaced it with a photo of my boys instead, which looked just fine! So I would recommend using people photos with embellished patterned paper because the photo will stand out against the embellishments more.
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Laura’s thought: I had always shied away from using pre-embellished paper because I just didn’t know what to do with it. Now I love being able to quickly make a layout simply by cutting into some of the design, inserting my photos, and jazzing up some of the elements with glaze or coordinating embellishments.
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On a personal note, (from Erika) Thanks for haning in there while we had a short break! We are back on track and will bringing you many happy thoughts in the future! Thanks for being understanding! Be sure to add your thoughts and layouts here or on our facebook page
Be blessed
e
It's good to be back! Great LO's everyone!
Posted by: Devra | Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 08:47 AM
So many great ideas - I need to go through my stash of embellied pps! Glad you're back Erika!
Posted by: Laurie | Friday, November 16, 2012 at 12:32 PM