In each issue, the
Memory Makers magazine editors select a favorite layout from the
Reader Idea Gallery. Check out some of our recent picks and the reasons we love them.
November/December 2008 Editors' Pick
the best of 2007
by Michelle St. Clair
Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina
Beth Williams, executive editor: I love the muted colors and the black-and-white photos. It gives the family's 2007 a timeless feel.
Patty Craft, managing editor: This layout marries the best of abundant photos with plenty of journaling to tell the story. Love it!
Katie Hilbert, associate editor: The block of black-and-white photos is stunning, and the seamless design unites the photos and journaling.
Christy Miller, art director: I love the way Michelle captured all the family's favorite moments from 2007 in a clean and classic layout. The simple color scheme and grid allow the photos and story to shine.
This article appeared in the November/December 2008 issue of
Memory Makers magazine. Visit our
online store to order a copy of the November/December 2008 issue.
September/October 2008 Editors' Pick
work
by Jennifer Gallacher
Spanish Fort, Utah
Beth Williams, executive editor
This layout, complete with cool magnets and repeating text, really makes me feel like I know how much this man likes his career.
Patty Craft, managing editor
A two-page, multi-photo layout about a guy—wow! The color palette and compartmentalized photos reflect this guy’s techy career path perfectly.
Christy Miller, art director
I love how the sans serif font, grid, photos and color palette all work
together to create this techy-guy layout. All the elements reflect
his personality and career path in a clean and classic layout.
Katie Hilbert, associate editor
A word person at heart, I appreciate Jennifer’s use of text as a design
element and the way she incorporates it in many places—from the magnets, to the patterned paper, to the quotation placed over one of the photos.
GinaMarie Reda, assistant editor
I like how Jennifer used an ordinary item like magnets as creative
embellishments and built the color scheme around them.
This article appeared in the September/October 2008 issue of
Memory Makers magazine. Visit our
online store to order a copy of the September/October 2008 issue.
July/August 2008 Editors' Pick
amazing gate by Liana Suwandi Wylie, Texas
Beth Williams, executive editor: I can’t believe how many diverse elements Liana packed into one 12x12 layout. They all work together to capture a sense of whimsy and California cool.
Patty Craft, managing editor: The seemingly random, yet artistically planned, design gives this layout a welcoming vibe that says, Come enjoy the moment!
Christy Miller, art director: I love how this layout is packed with techniques: stitching, layering, stamping, inked edges and typed journaling. The elements combine beautifully to give this layout a personality of its own.
Katie Hilbert, associate editor: Liana’s main photo is dazzling. Her use of layering behind both photos is quirky and fun, lending a relaxed feeling to the page.
GinaMarie Reda, assistant editor: I love the saturated color in this photo of the Golden Gate bridge and how Liana used the stem of the flower to frame the photo.
This article appeared in the July/August 2008 issue of
Memory Makers magazine. Visit our
online store to order a copy of the July/August 2008 issue.
May/June 2008 Editors' Pick
august resolutions
by Kristin Hayne La Verne, California
Beth Williams, executive director:
I appreciate Kristin's honest journaling and her take on resolutions. Happy colors and fun materials arranged in an eclectic way really emphasize her focus on freedom and self-discovery.
Christy Miller, art director:
I love how the black-and-white photo stands out against the color. The photo has great eye contact and contrast, too!
Patty Craft, managing editor:
The photo grabs my attention and the heartfelt journaling rings so true that I’m inspired to revisit my own resolutions! Love the texture and fun colors, too.
Katie Hilbert, associate editor:
I'm drawn to Kristin's use of color and texture. I love the brightly hued
felt accents, ribbon and multiple journaling spots.
GinaMarie Reda, assistant editor:
I love how Kristin broke up the journaling into smaller sections
and pieced them together like embellishments. This is a great way to bring a lot of journaling to the page without making it feel too text heavy.
This article appeared in the May/June 2008 issue of
Memory Makers magazine. Visit our
online store to order a copy of the May/June 2008 issue.
March/April 2008 Editors’ Pick
world peace
by Heidi Sonboul Hawthorne, California
Beth Williams, executive editor:
I like that this colorful, eclectic layout uses objects found, most likely, in a craft bag, junk drawer and recycling bin, to highlight the underlying theme of recycling and being kind to the earth. What draws me in most, though, is the World Peace photo, because that is what we want to inspire in the next generation.
Christy Miller, art director:
I love the earthy colors that tie into the theme of the layout and the texture created by some of the elements on the page.
GinaMarie Reda, assistant editor:
The World Peace photo really draws me in. I love the way she used such unique elements like wire, beads, plastic flowers and butterflies to add texture and interest to the page.
Katie Hilbert, associate editor:
I love Heidi’s use of repetition. From the focal photograph to the journaling, embellishments and polka-dot paper, she reuses a circle motif that communicates a universal desire for harmony and peace.
Patty Craft, managing editor:
Heidi has captured the circular flow of karma—we get what we give—from the photo of peaceful waters at the top, to the babies sharing the love, down to the power of Mother Nature in the crashing waves and back around to the peaceful hands of the child. Love the texture, too!
This article appeared in the March/April 2008 issue of
Memory Makers magazine. Visit our
online store to order a copy of the March/April 2008 issue.
February 2008 Editors' Pick
what i love: butterflies
by Michelle Van Etten Riverview, Florida
Katie Hilbert, associate editor:
I love the sense of whimsy Michelle conveyed through her choice of layout shape, embellishments and color.
Patty Craft, managing editor:
The old-fashioned images, scalloped edges and symbolism of butterflies grabbed my heart.
Beth Williams, executive editor:
Love the Victorian feel that this page evokes. Its scalloped edges, 3-D floating butterflies and sweet-faced maiden surround the photo that looks like a piece of art itself.
Christy Miller, art director:
What I love most about this layout is how almost every embellishment is lifted off the page and layered to give the layout dimension.
GinaMarie Reda, assistant editor:
The elements on Michelle’s page give the layout a vintage, collage-like feel. I like how all the embellishments work together, and the unique shape of the layout adds interest and character.
BONUS PICK!
i love
by Melissa Kelly Pueblo, Colorado
Holly Davis, associate editor:
Melissa’s creative use of doodling rub-ons and machine stitching to form half a heart that leads your eye down the page is a design element.
GinaMarie Reda, assistant editor:
I love the way Melissa blended different techniques, with the use of rub-ons, stitching and her own handwriting, to give this page a unified, whimsical style.
Katie Hilbert, associate editor:
I like Melissa’s use of soft and subtle notebook-patterned paper. The understated background brings the focus to her journaling, doodling and photos that are dear to her.
Beth Williams, executive editor:
The overall feel of the layout is cozy and homegrown, a bit organic, and very inviting.
Christy Miller, art director:
The choice of light colors for the embellishments and paper really make the photos pop. Melissa’s handwritten journaling adds a unique, personal touch.
Patty Craft, managing editor:
What a great way to show multiple photos from a variety of events! The wisdom in the words Melissa journaled gave me a peaceful, easy feelin’.
This article appeared in the February 2008 issue of
Memory Makers magazine. Visit our
online store to order a copy of the February 2008 issue.
November/December 2007 Editors' Pick
Visit
our online
store to order a copy of the November/December 2007 issue.
Thanksgiving in August
by Christine Brown Hanover, Minnesota
Holly Davis, associate editor:
The panoramic patio photo captures the feeling of a big family gathering while underlining the late-summer scheduling of this Thanksgiving celebration
Katie Hilbert, associate editor:
The festive color scheme works wonderfully. Touches of late summer colors, such as sunflower yellow and grassy green, mix with pumpkin orange and earthy brown to create a color palette that’s summery with a hint of autumn flavor.
GinaMarie Reda, assistant editor:
I like how the titles and chipboard embellishments frame the photos and draw your eye into the family and the beautiful fixings. The colors blend well to create a late-summer, bountiful harvest feel to the layout.
Christy Miller, art director:
The use of curves really stands out for me. I like the way the chipboard type flows nicely along the curved edges. The repeated use of buttons, flowers and circular patterned paper create a unified page.
Beth Williams, executive editor:
I love how this layout conveys family, festivity and fun by blending summer and fall into one big colorful get-together. The journaling, photos and style really capture the relaxed, laid-back August holiday.
Patty Craft, managing editor:
The fall colors and clean, yet full, layout design capture the essence of Thanksgiving. That gorgeous time of year when there’s an abundance of the fall harvest and family. What a brilliant idea to celebrate at a time when everyone is less rushed!
October 2007 Editors' Picks
Our October issue, also known as Scrapbook Idea Gallery 8, is devoted to reader layouts, so we couldn’t possibly choose just one. Below are our choices for each of the layout categories: Clean & Classic, Digital & Hybrid, Romantic & Shabby Chic and Modern & Eclectic. Visit
our online
store to order a copy of the October 2007 issue.
Clean & Classic
A Hawaiian Birthday
by Roxanne Jegodtka Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada
Christy Miller, art director:
This multi-photo, 2-page layout was executed very nicely. The collection of photos clearly tell the day’s story by answering the simple questions, who, what, when, where and why.
Katie Hilbert, associate editor:
I love the brightness of this layout—the tropical colors, the sunny collection of photos—all of which successfully tell the story of a Hawaiian birthday celebration.
Holly Davis, associate editor:
Nineteen photos is a lot for two pages, but this layout looks clean and streamlined. It engages the viewer but doesn’t overwhelm.
Beth Williams, executive editor:
Looks like a fun time was had by all! The photos, which might have been a bit ordinary on their own, really make a statement when grouped together, and the patterned paper, floral embellishments and journaling accentuate the photos well.
Patty Craft, managing editor:
The flow of the page is achieved by placing many smaller photos with the three larger photos. It’s great that no two photos are alike!
Digital & Hybrid
Embrace the Journey
Kris Marr Lebanon, Ohio
Christy Miller, art director:
The layers of texture and faded type in the background attracted me to this digital layout. The texture reflects the photo’s props. The distressed title type goes perfectly with the layout.
Katie Hilbert, associate editor:
I like that the photo IS the layout—the huge expanse of blue sky makes this page look simple yet stunning.
Holly Davis, associate editor:
The photo might have been taken last year or twenty years ago, and the distressing has a vintage look that’s balanced with a contemporary-style title. This layout is timeless.
Beth Williams, executive editor:
While the digital layout is great, what I love most is the photo of the girls. You can just tell that they have the spunk to embrace any adventure that may come their way!
Patty Craft, managing editor:
The elation the little girl on the left shows is delightful! Using the photo as the entire background gives the layout the expansive feel of standing atop a mountain.
Romantic & Shabby Chic
Memories of Mommy
Amy Tara Koeppel Hobe Sound, Florida
Christy Miller, art director:
I love how every element from photo to paper to embellishments creates a monochromatic color scheme. The peacefulness of the layout visually expresses the heartfelt journaling.
Katie Hilbert, associate editor:
This page is lovely—delicate, sophisticated, soft and sentimental—and the well-chosen embellishments make it a thoughtful tribute to a much-loved and missed mother.
Holly Davis, associate editor:
Dreamy whites are calming and comforting, while the telescoping frames around the main photo seem to create a portal to bygone times.
Beth Williams, executive editor:
All the soft, vintage-style elements combine to evoke a heavenly, ethereal feel, and the journaling is a testament to a daughter’s love for her mother. It’s timeless.
Patty Craft, managing editor:
The dimension surrounding the photo pulls you into a lovely tribute from daughter to mother.
Modern & Eclectic
Welcome to Stepford
Barb Hogan Cincinnati, Ohio
Christy Miller, art director:
I love the colors and imagery in this layout, but what I most admire is the honest journaling. It’s so easy these days to be caught up in what money can buy. Seeing a woman who has found true happiness in herself and her family is refreshing, even though that happiness comes with a price.
Katie Hilbert, associate editor:
The fresh colors, scattered photos and quirky central image make this layout stand out. I love its confident, creative spirit.
Holly Davis, associate editor:
I love the seemingly haphazard placement of the elements. The composition supports the individuality expressed in the journaling.
Beth Williams, executive editor:
I love this layout. You think, when looking at the images and the patterned papers, that it’s going to be about one topic, but then you read the title and journaling, and you realize the layout’s been created by a woman who knows and respects her own worth.
Patty Craft, managing editor:
When I read the journaling I love this page even more. Listening to a woman be true to herself is empowering!
