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How You Scrap | Pad Patter 3/19

jk703

jk703

CEO of Anything and Everything, Everywhere
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Sep 17, 2012
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Hi Everyone! Happy Tuesday! My non favorite day of the week, :giggle!

When you start to scrap a page, share what your steps you do to create it. I'm so curious how this work differently for everyone. There is no wrong way, just that you figure out what works for you!

So, many times I don't randomly scrap. (Odd, I know.) I'm usually scrapping for a challenge, or something that has to do with TLP. It's more creative and less about my albums and getting things done.

  • So, I start with a kit that catches my eye. Color seems to really propel me as well as elements and papers. I usually can make any kit work with whatever photos I have.
  • Then I search for pictures and edit them as needed. Sometimes I have pictures I want to scrap, so I'll make it work. B&W if they don't match or they just randomly will work with what kit colors there are.
  • Next, I search for templates. I rarely scrap without a template. I like not to have to think and it keeps me scrapping faster and organized.
  • I add the photos to the template first.
  • After that, I start from the bottom, and work my way up through the layers of the template. Then I add things that aren't in the template, or remove things that didn't work for my layout.
  • The last things I do are the title and the journaling. And don't forget, spellcheck. I'm notorious for forgetting that and seeing my typos later!
  • My pages tend to take 45min to an hour. And they aren't overly filled, lol!
What about you?
 
My scrapping is all over the place - I have ADHD, structure is dangerous. :giggle

If I'm scrapping for CT layouts, I start with the kit and let it lead me.

But otherwise:
- I often see a word art I want to use, and chose a photo to go with it.
- I usually stay within the kit - it's already color coordinated & I don't have to waste time on that.
- I pick a white/neutral paper for my background.
- I add the photo first, and then arrange decorations around it. (I prefer 1 photo layouts)
- I usually open all the stuff I like in the kit, and start adding it to the bg paper - arranging and shadowing as I go.
- Move things around until I find it "balanced" - often deleting a lot of stuff - then adding it again.
- Add title (often the word art that kicked it all off) & date & journaling (if it's needed)
- When I'm satisfied with how it looks, I open up the papers in the kit that I like, and try each and everyone for the background, to see which looks best.
- After that minor changes can be done if the new background need it.

If I'm using a template - I just start from the bottom layer and work my way up. I'm totally trusting the template. I might rearrange stuff in the end, but most often just tiny changes.

I have no idea how long time I spend on a layout in average. ADHD, remember? Time is an illusion. :giggle
 
It depends for me as well. For creative teams I will be lead by the kit/collection and then grab photos according to the theme or colours needed.
I then start with the template if using one, or add the photos. Then I will add foundational layers, often to showcase extra paper layers. I always have a white stroke on the photos.
I add things that aren't in the template, or remove layers that aren't working for me.
Title, date and journaling is I am using them.
I also love the add visual attachments and stringy/ribbons for the pop of dimension they bring.
I shadow as I go along, using One little Word's shadow styles.
Then I have a resize and sharpen for web action.
 
Most of the time when I scrap I start by picking a page off my "to-scrap" list. I go through that "event" and pick out the pictures I want to use. Then I pick out a kit and a template. I open a blank 12x12 document in Photoshop and copy the template to that document. I usually add photos first, then papers, then start adding all the elements. :giggle Sometimes I do a title/date first, sometimes I do journaling first. Then I begin the fiddly stage where I play with shadows to make them more realistic, add some brushes or tiny elements to balance everything on the page, etc. Sometimes that part takes me as long as all the rest. I just play until I like the page then save the .jpg.
 
I normally start with the story I want to tell, the photos, a template and then the kit(s). For CT pages, I usually look for a story to use the kit for before picking it up. Most of my pages are inspired by challenges - gets the mojo flowing, particularly as I have an endless number of photos and stories to choose from.

I've started videoing my scrapping process for some of my layouts, and posted a new one yesterday.
https://the-lilypad.com/forum/threads/watch-me-scrap-with-affinity.91304/
 
I consider myself a project scrapper. For the most part, I work on layouts that are all related in some way. My focus right now is finishing 2023 DYD layouts... only 5 days left to do!

Since most of my projects tend to be somewhat chronological, I keep my photos in folders by date. For the ongoing project of photos for my cousin's family, I have a different way of doing things but I won't go into that here.

1. Choose number of photos
2. Find template to work with those photos.
3. After opening the template, I immediately save it with the file name desired so the original template is preserved.
4. Drag and drop the photos on to the template using the layer palette (this keeps the original photo file name intact).
5. Look for a kit if I don't have one already in mind.
6. After deciding on a kit, I start with the bottom layer of the template and work my way up the layers. I also drag and drop from the kit into the layers palette which keeps the file name intact. Makes it easy to track items if I use multiple kits!
7. I do usually make adjustments to the template, delete stuff or add other things, and moving things to where I feel they work best showcasing the photos.
8. Add drop shadows, working my way from the bottom layer to the top layer.
9. Add journaling.
10. When I'm satisfied with everything, I rasterize the text to add a very small drop shadow (makes the text appear bolder) then save as a full size jpg. Then I resize the layout to 600x600 and save a jpg copy of that.

All throughout my process, I constant save the pspimage file with the final save being before step number 10. This has been a very important part of my process since my software has a mind of its own and will just shut down on me in the middle of doing something! So by the constant saves, I don't lose much when it does.

I also record everything on a spreadsheet for tracking purposes. I insert a copy of the 600x600 jpg into the spreadsheet as well.
 
I have a "To Be Used" folder for all my unused kits & a "To Be Scrapped" folder for all of my photos so I will go through one or both of those folders unless I already have photos and/or a kit in mind. I only use templates once before I delete them so anything still on my EHD has not been used yet.

If I'm using a template, I pull it directly into PS and then delete all of the element layers. I add all the paper/paper layers first before adding photos and elements. I love alphas but hate making titles so it's likely to be a piece of wordart for the title. Journaling is always last unless it's a photo-less page in which case it gets done first so I know how much space I have left to fill.

That's it! It's rare for a page to take more than an hour. After saving a TIFF, a JPG, and a web-sized version, I will delete the photos (as they are copies of the originals elsewhere on my EHD), the template, and the kit (about 70% of the time). The TIFF is deleted after a couple weeks so I have time to share/upload and notice any typos (hopefully!) that need to be fixed.
 
I'm all over the place, to be honest. For creative team work, I start with the product, find photos that work with it and sometimes a template or sometimes not. Or for a hybrid project, I'll spot a product I like and figure out what type of hybrid project it would work for -- card, bunting, planner, etc.

For my own projects that I'm plugging away on, I'm starting with the photos and then finding product that works with the photos and usually a pocket template (or more recently starting with a blank memory planner) and filling in from there. I'm a pretty slow scrapper so I can spend hours on a layout. Almost always more than an hour.
 
It was easier when I was on creative teams. Now, I've been away from scrapping so long, all of my 'scrapping memory' for kits I have are long gone. I have to scroll through my hard drive, which is a pain. So lately, I've been using kits that are currently on sale. Or the Love Our Designers was good because it made me go through my stash. It's also hard because there are so many kits I have that aren't here anymore (and designers). So that is really slowing me down a lot.

And I have so many years of memories/photos, it's insane. So I'm trying to either pick a photo first or pick a kit and figure out around it. I'm realizing that most of my pages are starting to look alike. LOL. I will almost always use the same types of elements. I love a good cardboard or wood paper. I love to use a good plaid or polka dot. I always want to use paint or scribbles. I want to use stitches or weird ephemera. Sometimes I like using templates, but it depends on my mood or what I have available. I need to branch out.
 
I’m a template scrapper and I’ve never scrapped a template in layer order so now I need to try it since that’s what a few of you do!
 
tanteva said:
My scrapping is all over the place - I have ADHD, structure is dangerous. :giggle

If I'm scrapping for CT layouts, I start with the kit and let it lead me.

But otherwise:
- I often see a word art I want to use, and chose a photo to go with it.
- I usually stay within the kit - it's already color coordinated & I don't have to waste time on that.
- I pick a white/neutral paper for my background.
- I add the photo first, and then arrange decorations around it. (I prefer 1 photo layouts)
- I usually open all the stuff I like in the kit, and start adding it to the bg paper - arranging and shadowing as I go.
- Move things around until I find it "balanced" - often deleting a lot of stuff - then adding it again.
- Add title (often the word art that kicked it all off) & date & journaling (if it's needed)
- When I'm satisfied with how it looks, I open up the papers in the kit that I like, and try each and everyone for the background, to see which looks best.
- After that minor changes can be done if the new background need it.

If I'm using a template - I just start from the bottom layer and work my way up. I'm totally trusting the template. I might rearrange stuff in the end, but most often just tiny changes.

I have no idea how long time I spend on a layout in average. ADHD, remember? Time is an illusion. :giggle
Click to expand...

Lol at Time is an illusion! I can see how that it, and it makes sense! When I do that, I'm stealing that line!
Do you always use a neutral background? I have to go check my gallery, but I don't think mine are ever bold, lol!
 
StefanieS said:
It depends for me as well. For creative teams I will be lead by the kit/collection and then grab photos according to the theme or colours needed.
I then start with the template if using one, or add the photos. Then I will add foundational layers, often to showcase extra paper layers. I always have a white stroke on the photos.
I add things that aren't in the template, or remove layers that aren't working for me.
Title, date and journaling is I am using them.
I also love the add visual attachments and stringy/ribbons for the pop of dimension they bring.
I shadow as I go along, using One little Word's shadow styles.
Then I have a resize and sharpen for web action.
Click to expand...

I shadow as I go along too. I saved mine a bunch of years ago, after I tweaked them.
You add additional foundation layers? I might have to try that!
 
Karen said:
Most of the time when I scrap I start by picking a page off my "to-scrap" list. I go through that "event" and pick out the pictures I want to use. Then I pick out a kit and a template. I open a blank 12x12 document in Photoshop and copy the template to that document. I usually add photos first, then papers, then start adding all the elements. :giggle Sometimes I do a title/date first, sometimes I do journaling first. Then I begin the fiddly stage where I play with shadows to make them more realistic, add some brushes or tiny elements to balance everything on the page, etc. Sometimes that part takes me as long as all the rest. I just play until I like the page then save the .jpg.
Click to expand...

Journaling is never first, lol! Always last!
 
HavaDrPepper said:
I consider myself a project scrapper. For the most part, I work on layouts that are all related in some way. My focus right now is finishing 2023 DYD layouts... only 5 days left to do!

Since most of my projects tend to be somewhat chronological, I keep my photos in folders by date. For the ongoing project of photos for my cousin's family, I have a different way of doing things but I won't go into that here.

1. Choose number of photos
2. Find template to work with those photos.
3. After opening the template, I immediately save it with the file name desired so the original template is preserved.
4. Drag and drop the photos on to the template using the layer palette (this keeps the original photo file name intact).
5. Look for a kit if I don't have one already in mind.
6. After deciding on a kit, I start with the bottom layer of the template and work my way up the layers. I also drag and drop from the kit into the layers palette which keeps the file name intact. Makes it easy to track items if I use multiple kits!
7. I do usually make adjustments to the template, delete stuff or add other things, and moving things to where I feel they work best showcasing the photos.
8. Add drop shadows, working my way from the bottom layer to the top layer.
9. Add journaling.
10. When I'm satisfied with everything, I rasterize the text to add a very small drop shadow (makes the text appear bolder) then save as a full size jpg. Then I resize the layout to 600x600 and save a jpg copy of that.

All throughout my process, I constant save the pspimage file with the final save being before step number 10. This has been a very important part of my process since my software has a mind of its own and will just shut down on me in the middle of doing something! So by the constant saves, I don't lose much when it does.

I also record everything on a spreadsheet for tracking purposes. I insert a copy of the 600x600 jpg into the spreadsheet as well.
Click to expand...

I constantly save, but I actually think I set Photoshop to save every 10 minutes. I should double check!
I don't record anything but in the title of my layout (products/font/date). Does that take you a long time?
 
LeeAndra said:
I have a "To Be Used" folder for all my unused kits & a "To Be Scrapped" folder for all of my photos so I will go through one or both of those folders unless I already have photos and/or a kit in mind. I only use templates once before I delete them so anything still on my EHD has not been used yet.

If I'm using a template, I pull it directly into PS and then delete all of the element layers. I add all the paper/paper layers first before adding photos and elements. I love alphas but hate making titles so it's likely to be a piece of wordart for the title. Journaling is always last unless it's a photo-less page in which case it gets done first so I know how much space I have left to fill.

That's it! It's rare for a page to take more than an hour. After saving a TIFF, a JPG, and a web-sized version, I will delete the photos (as they are copies of the originals elsewhere on my EHD), the template, and the kit (about 70% of the time). The TIFF is deleted after a couple weeks so I have time to share/upload and notice any typos (hopefully!) that need to be fixed.
Click to expand...

I can't delete that fast. My brain wouldn't be able to let go so quickly. I do go in yearly to remove some things, but not a lot! I've used templates multiple times, so it's hard for me to imagine! :giggle

So when you use a template, you delete layers to add your own in that spot? Or just delete all elements? I'm intrigued.
Journaling is always last for me!
 
umyesh said:
I’m a template scrapper and I’ve never scrapped a template in layer order so now I need to try it since that’s what a few of you do!
Click to expand...

I start from the bottom... add paint, papers, ellies, shadow as I go, delete layers that aren't needed... so by the time I'm at the top, I add journaling, and I'm pretty much done! Do you randomly choose a spot to start?
 
jk703 said:
Do you always use a neutral background? I have to go check my gallery, but I don't think mine are ever bold, lol!
Click to expand...

I (almost) always start with a neutral background, but I can go bold. Sometimes I get really surprised to se how a really bold patterned paper can work as a background. My scrapping is like my brain: all over the place.
 
umyesh said:
I’m a template scrapper and I’ve never scrapped a template in layer order so now I need to try it since that’s what a few of you do!
Click to expand...
jk703 said:
I start from the bottom... add paint, papers, ellies, shadow as I go, delete layers that aren't needed... so by the time I'm at the top, I add journaling, and I'm pretty much done! Do you randomly choose a spot to start?
Click to expand...
When I'm using templates I tend to start with the photos, then what layers I pick after that tend to be fairly random - as the inspiration goes or in accordance with the challenge. For example is the challenge requires 5 flowers and a piece of tape, I might do those next to ensure they are all there.
 
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