My boyfriend and I met here at work, and because we’re both in the book division and most of the books we both make are 8.5 x 11 inches, I made the scrapbook about the two of us that size. (Adorable, isn’t it.) But in a world of 12 x 12, and 8 x 8, and 6 x 6 scrappers, I sometimes feel a little left out. Well, all you 8.5 x 11 scrappers out there: Becky Fleck did not leave us out!

This layout is inspired by just one of the many 8.5 x 11 pagemaps Becky includes in her new book. And there’s not just 12 x 12 and 8.5 x 11 sketches, she’s hasn’t left out the double-page layouts.

No matter what the size of the layout, though, a sketch helps me a ton in getting a layout done quickly. Actually, the first time I ever used a sketch was to make this layout. It seemed to me that sketches would take all the creativity out of scrapbooking. But I found the sketch just gave me a running start. I feel like I was able to put my own spin on the sketch—it just took me a lot less time to get the layout done. And you can’t beat that.

Until next time,
Christine

Journaling: How much fun is Greg to have around? A ton. Especially if you’re a little boy who likes to “go up high.” Or as Ivan once said, “Can I sit on your head?” But what’s not to love, really? A ride to wherever you’re walking to and a rare view for a four (or nine) year old.

Supplies: Patterned paper: AdornIt, BoBunny; letter stickers: SEI; date sticker: American Crafts