July 13, 2006
A Note from Jackie | July Product Features | Product Feature: Sketchlift a Friend
Mini Feature: Interview with Nettie Martin | Design Team Examples | Gallery Picks of the Week | Camp LM
Paper Salon Paper Arts Contest | New in Stock | Coming Soon
Excitement is building in the scrapbook industry this week as we anticipate new product releases and inspiration at CHA Summer, the industry trade show that takes place in Chicago next week! We’ve been very busy at LM getting ready – be sure to check out the up to the minute news of sneak peeks, new releases and reports from the show in our ‘New Product Previews/Trade Show Reports’ forum!
By Kate J., Design Team Member & Coordinator
More Layouts in Less Time
The design team is working hard this month to show you ways to refine the sometimes long process of designing layouts. By using some of the ideas we introduce, you will complete more layouts, and in less time! This means your scrapbooking time will efficiently fit between your trips to the beach, and day out at the ball game. Don’t sacrifice design just because your many summer activities are pulling you every direction!
By: Franny Lesniak, Design Team Member
It’s still summer, and very likely your scrapping time is at high premium. Did you follow Vickie’s suggestion and tips from her article in last week’s Lifetime Moments newsletter to select a layout or two of your own creation and scraplift it? If so, how did it go? Did the process occur more quickly than the first time around? Are you ready for some more scraplifting tips? Well, stay tuned, as I’m going to give you more pointers to complete layouts while shaving time off of the creation process.
This week, the topic is generating a sketch based on a layout that was created not by you this time, but by a friend or other scrapper whose work you admire.
When you see a layout that especially strikes your fancy, what is it in particular that you like about that layout? Is it the color scheme? Is it a particular use of an embellishment? Did that person make use of a design element that stood out? Or was it the overall basic design - the structural foundation - of the layout that you found appealing? Identifying the specific part of the layout that you might want to emulate will help you in the jotting down and sketching process.
Sometimes all you need to do is to jot down some notes about the color scheme that you liked, while other times you might want to draw a quick sketch of the layout, which may include just the basic bones design, or it may include more detail than that. Whatever the case may be, make sure to always have a notebook or sketchbook nearby so that you can record these inspirations. Some people find it helpful to use graph paper when making sketches. Just remember, you don’t have to be a talented sketch artist to get down the gist of the design elements!
Another point to remember – when perusing the gallery, if a particular layout strikes you, but you feel that it doesn’t really suit your style, don’t be dissuaded from sketching out the design. Focus on the basic bones structure. Keep an eye out for balance. Once you have made your sketch or notes, then all you have to do is fill in the blanks. You get to make the selection of papers and embellishments, which will result in a layout that will reflect your own style and flair.
Don’t forget, a sketch doesn’t tie you to any commitments. If as you create your sketch you think that this round element in the original design would look better in that location on your layout, and maybe as a different shape entirely, don’t hesitate to make the changes that you feel would work better for you. The sketch is only a starting place. You are free to take creative license and make it your own.
Once you get into the habit of sketching, I am willing to wager that you will find that this little bit of effort may make a significant difference in your creative process. You may begin to find inspiration all around you, all the time. But without making sketches and notes of these moments of inspiration, they can easily slip into the part of the universe where uncaptured inspirations go, sad and unused. Don’t contribute to the waste of perfectly good inspirations! Make sketches!
If creating sketches just isn’t your thing, but creating layouts based on sketches does work for you, then be sure to take a look at these books by Becky Higgins (“Creative Sketches for Scrapbooking”, and “Creative Sketches for Scrapbooking2”). Her sketches will certainly provide you with some great inspiration!
On a final note, there is truly nothing like the good feeling that comes from asking a friend if you can scraplift her layout. Just try it, you will see. :wink:
Mini Feature: Interview with Nettie Martin
By: Tracy Austin, Design Team Member
For 90 years, the Hiller name behind the company of We R Memory Keepers has been in the business of creating and manufacturing high-quality products to preserve our family’s histories. They pride themselves in employing a team of avant-garde artists that create timeless, innovative, and inspiring designs.
I was excited for the opportunity to interview one of We R Memory Keepers' talented designers. Meet the designer behind the Urban Windows collection, AnneJeanette Martin (a.k.a. Nettie), a madly-creative graphic designer:
Tracy: How artists come about their designs has always intrigued me. Can you describe your method for creating and designing?
Nettie: I am always trying to keep up with what's going to be the next hottest trend in scrapbooking. I do a lot of searching through fashion magazines and seeing how those trends can cross over into scrapbooking. I'm not one who likes to sketch things out first- I always go straight to my computer. Sometimes the creative flow just comes so easily- other times I work at a project for weeks at a time.
Tracy: Where do you find your inspiration?
Nettie: I usually follow fashion and home décor trends. I love walking through stores that have great design like Anthropology and Pottery Barn. Lots of ideas like designs, textures, and color schemes generate from a simple day trip to the local mall.
Tracy: I find artists' styles and medium of choice complement their personalities. How are your designs like your personality?
Nettie: I'm a bit on the loud side and speak my mind (my mom says it comes with the red hair) - and I see that seep into my designs. I feel like my designs are very bold in colors and designs.
Tracy: Describe your workstation. Are you an artist that works in chaos or does an organized office motivate your creative spirit?
Nettie: CHAOS! I'd like to say that my workspace is nice and organized- but unfortunately, it always looks like a tornado just went through. I've got magazines piled high, paper swatches everywhere, and printouts of current projects I'm working on. It may look like a mess to everyone else- but I know exactly what's sitting on my desk and where to find it.
Tracy : From whom did you inherit your creative genes?
Nettie: The creative genes definitely came from my father- he is very talented. I remember as a kid watching him paint or draw and just think how amazing he was.
Tracy: Who encouraged your artistic talents?
Nettie: My parents and my high school art teacher. I remember when I was just about to graduate from high school- and I still wasn't sure what I was going to study in college. I come from a family of nurses- my mother and 3 sisters are nurses- so naturally everyone thought that I'd be a nurse. It just wasn't my cup of tea- so my high school art teacher gave me a list of potential careers within the art field. I remember going home and not really knowing what to focus on and my dad saying, "You should be a graphic designer". I don't know that I really even knew what that was at the time- but I followed his advice. That fall I started college and got accepted into the art department- and the rest is history now.
Tracy: Do you scrapbook? Do any other members of your family scrapbook and do they understand/"get" your craft?
Nettie: I would love to say that I scrapbook- but I don't. I LOVE collecting all the papers, tools, and embellishments that come with the craft. When I do try to scrapbook- this is what usually happens. I pull out all of my supplies from under my bed into my family room. I get everything in order. I put a video in- and by this time all I want to do lie on the couch and watch the video.
My family very much understands my craft. I have five sisters who all love to scrapbook- and love having a sister with "connections". They love being updated on all of my latest projects and are great for feedback- although I think they are a little bias 
Tracy: Do you remember the moment you knew you had artistic talents?
Nettie: It was in 3rd grade. Our art class got to make a ceramic bowl. Everyone was making the typical coil bowl- but I wanted mine to be different. I made my bowl- but then I made two little people sitting off the lip of the bowl. The couple was a bride and groom- why that? I don't know. The bride was holding a bouquet of roses and the groom was wearing a top hat. Everyone gawked at my silly bowl- and I remember being pretty proud at that moment.
Tracy : On average how much time is spent developing a particular design?
Nettie: It varies. I recently spent about a month working on and off a particular line that at first I was very passionate about. After going through too many creative mental blocks- I ditched the line. I was very nervous because I had already put so much time into it- and I needed something else to fill its place- and fast. That next week I started a new line. It was amazing- the creative juices were flowing. I ended up designing all the papers and embellishments within just a few days. It's turned out to be something that I'm very happy with and can't wait for it to be launched.
Thank you Nettie for sharing a bit of yourself with us! I am eager to get my hands on your latest creations for We R Memory Keepers at CHA this summer!
To view all layout ideas and products used, please be sure to visit the Design Team Gallery: Sketchlift a Friend
Or Click each image below to see a larger view!
Sonya |
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Scraplifted From ConnieT |
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Scraplifted From Mestebla
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Scraplifted From Purplbtrfly |
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Franny |
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Scraplifted from Scrappin Jenn |
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Scraplifted from Debbie V |
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Susan |
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Scraplifted From Deblew |
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Scraplifted From EdFred |
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Scraplifted From Annalee |
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Miranda |
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Scraplifted From RJNetta |
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Scraplifted From Debbie King |
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Madeline |
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Scraplifted From Joannie |
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Scraplifted From LaLunatique’s |
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Nancy |
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Scraplifted From Clairbug
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Scraplifted From Melissa in SC |
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Gallery Picks of the Week
By Jackie Bogert
Here’s a few of my favorites from this past week in the gallery!
Blooming Beautiful by Sweet McGee
alskade by edfred
Cubes by BRINA
Camp LM Camp Out Weekend!
By Susan Berg
The first session of Camp LM is set to end on the 20th. If you haven't gotten your 300 points, there is still time! Remember, many new challenges are posted every Friday to give you new inspiration for the weekend!
If you missed out on the first session, have no fear! The second session will start at the stroke of July 21st with a new Camp LM Supply list. Everyone goes back to zero points so you can start on a level playing field! Take some time now to check out what happens during a Scrapfest and get set for a good time!
Paper Salon Paper Arts Contest at LM!
Get creative with Paper Salon’s boutique-inspired papers! Their current lines include: Sweet Shoppe, Garden Party, Palazzo, Cabana, Lounge, Prep School, and Bloom.
Contest deadline has been extended to July 31 st at 11:59pm!
See details here: http://www.lifetimemoments.com/papersalon.htm
NEW:
Quickutz Special PROMO now through July 22nd - All Theme kits 30% off! Baby, Birthday, Holiday, Love, Thank You, Travel!
PREORDER:
RESTOCK:
Sara Meyers, Newsletter editor sara@lifetimemoments.com
Kate J. Design Team Coordinator kate@lifetimemoments.com
Jackie Bogert, Owner jackie@lifetimemoments.com
Design Team (Sara Meyers, Miranda Isenberg, Madeline Fox, Kate J., Susan Berg, Tracy Austin, Sonya Shaw, Wendy Chang, Franny Lesniak, Nancy Thomas, Margaret Winters, Gayle Hodgins and Vickie Brown.) designteam@lifetimemoments.com
