{reported by Emilie Ahern}
We've chatted about sketches here before. I have to say that I just love them! Of course, there is a certain creative thrill of coming up with your own design, but at the end of the day, sketches offer a quick and easy approach that can cut your scrapping time in half and still provide you with opportunity to put your own creativity into your project.
Recently Scrapbooks Etc. put out a great idea book called Page Planner. Here are a few things that make this particular Sketch book special.
- Scrapbooks Etc. is currently hosting a Page Planner challenge on their web site based on the sketches from the book. The challenges are issued approximately every two weeks and you can find them on their Challenge blog. They ask readers to create their own interpretation of a sketch from the book, and then they randomly choose one challenge participant to receive a goodie bag after each challenge.
- They have recently revamped the free sketch section of their Web site. Those who love the concept of the Page Planner can find dozens of other sketches here organized by type.
What I like: So, I have come across plenty of sketch challenge blogs, sites, articles and idea books and I can honestly say this was one of my favorites.
- Each sketch has many examples and they even include examples where the sketches are turned, flip-flopped and altered to suit different styles.
- They have easy to reference cut-out and even a bonus section with a sketch for mini albums.
- They have examples from many highly creative and well-known artists as well as lesser known scrappers.
- It has a nice amout of digital offereings. Not too many, but there is still a presence.
- The photo sizes were clearly marked on the skecthes. If you work with sketches at all you know how crucial that is.
What I didn't like: There's not too much to complain about here.
- I liked this special issue so much I kind of wish it were bound in book form.
- The size of some of the sketches seemed a little small on the page. However, the example layouts were all generously sized.
- I wish they had included a few card sketches and examples.
What I made:
My Take: I changed my dimensions slightly to make this 11x8.5" sketch work on my 12x12" layout.
My Take: I replaced the four mini photos on the left with a journaling tag and moved the title down. And yes, I spelled BEAUTY incorrectly! That's what I get for scrapping at 2:00am!
Products Cardtsock: WorldWin, Patterned Paper: GCD Studios, Border Punch: Fiskars, Large and Mini Alphabet Stickers: Making Memories, Stamps: G Studios, Journaling Tag: GCD Studios, Pen: ZIG
Sketch from page 12
My Take: I used this layout sketch to create a baby card.
Products Cardstock: WorldWin, Patterned Paper: GCD Studios, Ribbon: Bo Bunny, Foam Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts
Sketch from page 41...
Products Scalloped Paper by Pink Paislee, Patterned Paper by GCD Studios, Ribbon by All My Memories, Alphabet Stickers by Bella Blvd, small alphabet stickers by Making Memories, Tags by GCD Studios, Buttons by TessaAnn on Etsy, Zig journaling pen.
My Thoughts: I give this idea book a 9 out of 10. I gave it a 9 because I would have loved to see a few card sketches throw in, but as you can see I adapted a layout sketch to fit a card. This issue was very inspiring and I dog-eared many pages. Now, here's the best recommendation of all...I have been so very busy lately that I really procrastinated making my assigned projects for this article until last night. And the proof of the greatness of this idea book is that I was able to complete 2 layouts and 1 card in about 1 hour...total. And I love the results.
Where and How Much
Product Name: Page Planner Special Issue
Manufacturer: Scrapbooks Etc.
MSRP: $12.95
Available at: local newsstands and craft stores (only until May 19th) and online at ideabooks4u.com
What do YOU think? Leave a comment here by noon EST tomorrow (Tuesday) to be eligible to win a free copy of this amazing special issue.
123 comments:
I love Scrapbooks ETC magazine.. So im sure I would love this as well.. Thanks for the chance to win.
One of my fave things about sb etc magazine has always been the sketch pages in the back that you can tear out and take to crops. So a whole magainze devoted to sketches ... yummy!! I didn't know about this, thank you!!
This book looks amazing---something I could really get a lot of use from! I thrive on sketches and don't know what I'd do without them! I love lots of examples too which it sounds like this book has. And your are great! Count me in!
Looks like such a great book! I'd love to win a copy!!
I love sketches because it always takes me forever to get started! Plus I like that they are not committed to a color scheme which for some reason helps me use what I have instead of trying to match a layout :)
These sketches look like they are truly inspiring! Your pages look fantastic!
I just love this idea book! I am a HUGE sketch fan and this mag is just full of great ones!
Great pages!! I'll have to check out the challenges!! Thanks for a great review.
Love all the pages! With my mojo coming and going so often, it's nice to have a sketch to get the juices flowing again! Thanks for the chance to win!
I would love to win this sketch magazine! I often look online for inspiration, but it would be so nice to have sketches in paper form, right with me when I scrap. Thanks for the review!
Scrapbooks ETC is my favorite scrapbook mag. After reading your great review I would love to win or buy this special edition.
debbie peysen
I love working with sketches. Looks like a great resource.
I love sketches, so I think this looks like something I would find very useful. Love your layouts and card too!
I recently discovered Scrapbooks Etc mag and love it so much!! I heart sketches and all of their inspiring goodness, and I love your layouts...you make it look so simple and easy!
I jsut started using sketches instead of pictures of layouts recently when I was stuck for inspiration. This book looks like it would be a help.
Emilie, I had to scraplift your round layout... loved it so much! You can see my version here:
http://mom-e-memoirs.blogspot.com
If this idea book inspired you to make these great layouts, I'd love to have a little of that creative mojo!
I love your interpretations of the sketches. I would also love to win a copy of this book.
I have a copy of this issue and love it. It's my favorite "go to" book when I'm in a rut. Like you, I wish it came in a hardback book form, mine will be worn out soon!
That looks like some great inspiration in that book...a good idea would be to bind it and you could easily flip through it! I don't have a bind it all or anything, but I would take it to my local copy store to have it done. Thanks for the chance to win this...I would love it!
This issue looks like a keeper that would be used often. I have only recently figured out the usefulness of sketches, so it's nice to have an issue devoted to sketches, along with the "samples". Thanks for the review and the tip!
I too love Scrapbooks Etc. and so I'm sure I'd love this book. Thanks or the info!
I didn't think I would like sketches but now I'm hooked, it's not that I'm lazy or unimaginative, but it does give me the confidence to get started cause I know it works/looks good and then I can tweak it as I need to. (Just like digi-templates.)
This is definitely something I could use! I love the idea of offering more than one interpretation of a sketch...very useful. Thanks for the chance of winning this awesome mag!!
I love sketches for when I'm having "scrapper's block." Sometimes I just need some help getting started. I also like them because I can really create a lot of pages in a short period of time and that is nice when you have 3 kids under 4 and not much time to scrap!
You LOL page is SO CUTE! Love it!
Thanks for the chance to win.
I find that sketches are so great when your mojo needs a little oomph :) Thanks for the great review and stellar samples!!
Love the way you adapted the sketches!
I have a script to this mag and I love it! I am just getting into sketches! I'm going out this evening to purchase! unless I win ;-)
Looks so inspiring! I'd love to get my hands on it! :0)
I am a HUGE fan of sketches :) they just make life that much easier when scrappin'! I will forsure check this bad boy out next time i am out and about shopping!
Since I think everything you recomend is fantastic, I can't wait to find this magazine somewhere!
I just love it! i love sketches and Scrapbook, Etc.; and I can't wait to get it! It's on top of my next shopping list!
Jenn in Vancouver
I love Scrapbooks, ETC magazine. I enjoy each issue I get. I also love to look at sketches and people's different interpretations of them.
Thanks for sharing this new issue with us.
Tina
I am a huge fan of sketches, especially when I have a lot of pictures to put on a page.
Looks like a great resource! TFS your projects - they're beautiful!
I used to be so bored by sketches. Always more interested in lifting from an actual layout. Until one time I decided to give a sketch a try. I was hooked! For once, my entire layout looked like "me"! Since then, I take a sketch book with to all kinds of places. When the kids are playing in the park, I sketch scrapbook layouts while I watch.
This idea book looks like a must!
Cool! I'd love to win this. I also love what you said about using sketches versus creating your own. It's so true! :D
My favorite thing about sketches is that the organizing is already done. For the busy scrapper, that's half the battle.
You've talked me into it! I've looked at sketches but never used one...I bet my scrapping would improve if I did. Thanks for the prompt!!
I find sketches to be very helpful. They help me see what I can't always see on my own.
I love sketches and would love to get a copy of this book.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the layouts and card that you did with the sketches. I get so many ideas from Scrapbooks, Etc. and this issue will be mine...one way or another.
im a lot more productive with sketches!
I love Scrapbbooks Etc! this looks like a good issue!
Thanks for reviewing it!
Amy in CA
mommyinca(at)yahoo.com
Scrapbooks ETC is my favorite scrapping magazine, Thanks for the giveaway!
I love sketches and how you can adapt them to suit your own photos and supplies. Have not heard of this one before so will go and check them out. Thanks.
Looks - and sounds - like a great idea book. And DANG...you finished that much in ONE hour?! Praise, indeed. Sign me up for a chance to win! :D
I find myself turning to a sketch more and more frequently. I will definitely look at this one. Great layouts by the way!
I love sketches and I love scrapbook etc. I'm a subscriber! I'm sure I would love this idea book too!
I went to their website, and it looks great! I am not a super huge "sketch" person, but these ideas are so versatile! I love how they have them organized by size, how many photos, etc. The book and website are a great resource! TFS!
Big fan of scrapbook etc.Having sketches in front of you makes it easy and quick to complete layouts. Just lol..
I really love sketches. Sometimes I feel like I'm cheating but in the end, no one else could create the layout I end up with. Every layout I create is made using a sketch. It's often my own sketch but it always starts with a sketch :o)
I think this magazine would help inspire me to create! I would love to explore the sketches.
Wow this looks like an awesome issue. I love these sketch. I love a sketch when I cant think of a way to organize my photos
I think this issue is a fantastic idea who doesn't need help with page planning from time to time. Its great to have lots of sketches in the one place. I'd love to win a copy.
i love your take on the sketches, you are brilliant!!
I love using sketches for scrapbooking and cards. I just seem to be able to get the creative juices flowing more quickly with the help of a sketch to get my thoughts organized... Love your interpretations.
I love your LOs and I adore sketches! Thanks, Emilie!
I love love love sketches!!! My pages are always so much better when I can concentrate on what colours and elements to use and stop worrying about where I put things
love sketches! great review!
I love Scrapbooks, Etc. and would love to have this sketch mag too!
I am so glad you reviewed this idea book. I was contemplating it for a little bit and wasn't sure. Now, I want it so bad. I have a hard time coming up with layouts on my own. Now there is an idea book geared for it. How cool os that!! Thank you for reviewing it!
I love sketches and especially love to see people's takes on them. Always gives me such great ideas. Love your take on the sketches.
Great LOs! Really makes me want this book. Thanks for the chnce to win!
sketches sketches what would we do with out them!!!
Very cool. I LOVE the layouts you created. I'd LOVE to win this special issue!
I am definelty a sketch kind of person. I almost always create a sketch before I make a page. I would love to win this book.
I love using sketches as a springboard to getting my creative juices flowing! This looks like a good resource.
Love sketches!!!
I LOVE Scrapbooks Etc., and am so happy to see a sketch book come out by them!! The layouts you did with them are wonderful and inspiring!
I love this!
This book looks awesome! I would really LOVE it if I won the give-away copy.
Barb Martin
I love sketches, and look forward to seeing more of this book--thanks for the review!
I love sketches too and this looks like a good one and must have!
I love the inspiration that can come from sketches! This book appears to have a fabulous design plan and I cannot wait to see it in person!
AMAZING SKETCHES!!! WOuld love to win!!
I think your LO's ROCK and I am really wanting this to try my hand at sketching. I need something good to get my scrappy mojo back.. and SOON. LOL
This would be perfect!!
:)
Your lo's were awesome!!! Can't wait to get my hands on that book:) Thanks for the giveaway!!
The layouts are all fantastic but that last one is just stunning! It looks like a great book!
Love, love, love your take on these sketches! This looks like a wonderful issue that could really boost my inspiration level. ;)
This looks great and I need new ideas!!
Sketches are the BOMB!! I love them soo much. That issue looks like it's chalk full of new ideas. Thanks for the heads up.
LOVE this, and I love what you did with the sketches. This seems like a great book!
The mag looks really great and i love what you've done with the sketches! I find that sketches are the most valuable tool in my stash - guaranteed to relieve scrappers block every time!
What a perfect mag to have on the desk for those times when you have layout block!! Love the pages you made too :)
I love SKETCHES! This definitely looks like an idea book worth buying. The great thing about sketches is that you can scale them down to whatever size you want: card, 6 x 6, etc.
Great review, I love sketches and use them often. I like your take on all the sketches and how you changed some up a little. It looks like a book that is worth buying.
I just started scrapbooking, so this magazine would be a terrific resource. Thanks for the giveaway!
Page planners are the best. They are the motivators of scrapbooking. Thank you for more sketch ideas. I am just finishing up the ones you posted from NSD. Thank yooooooou!
It's been a while since I've checked out their site. I guess I need to go have a look.
Sketches look great! As always, I love your interpretations!
Ooooo, I want this! Your layouts are beautiful! This looks like an awesome book. Thanks!
Wow what great pages. I really need to catch up with my scrapbooking so this would be great!
I love sketches too but haven't seen this issue. I will look out for it when I'm in London next week. I don't want card sketches so it soundslike it would be a 10/10 for me.
Thanks for the review.
Wow. This issue looks great! Love all the pages you created using their sketches. And making a card from a sketch too? Brilliant. This issue looks fantastic. Would love a copy!
Sketches are awesome...I'd love to have some more to play with.
Great review of the special issue from SBE. Might just go grab a copy now since you say it's so good. (unless of course I win it!!)
What a wonderful review of SB etc.. love the reintroduction to all the wonderful online goodies they offer .. I seem to always forget about logging in to see these .. always appreciate a giveaway too!!!
Cheers ~ Scrappy Val
scrappyvals at hotmail dot com
I'm also a fan of sketches. Your bright colorful layouts are so fun
I wouldn't expect anything less from Scrapbooks Etc. This is the only craft magazine I subscribe to. So would I love to win a free copy of this sketches magazine, OF COURSE!
I would soooo love to win and I adore Scrapbooks etc!
I love the looks of this book. It looks like I better get out there and find it ... today!
I like this book as you described. I should like to win it, because I don't think I can buy it in the Netherlands. I like to work with sketches.
Awesome! Beautiful pages and great inspiration!
Great pages!! I have not really used sketches before, but I may have to give them a try. Looks like a great way to actually get some scrapping done!! :)
I so want this book!! (It's a BEATY! LOL) It looks perfect. I'm not much good at starting a page when faced with whole 12x12 pieces of cardstock and patterned paper. I don't want to cut to just experiment in case I don't like and you can't *uncut* your precious pp!
Emilie I lifted one of your gorgeous LO's last night from Studio Calico - thanks so much!
I love using sketches, it makes things come together so quickly!
This book looks like something I should definitely get. Thanks for the chance to win it first!
the only scrapbook magazine I subscribe to...LOVE the sketches.
i love your take on these sketches....you're so crafty :) i don't know how you whip them out so quickly????
I love that you posted your page spelling mistake and all! I would have been so mad at myself!
OMG, i never once saw this on newstands. it looks wonderful. now, i am on a mission to find the book. sigh! your LO"s are fabulous btw! thanks for the review!
Sometimes I have time to be creative. Sometimes...not so much. It's nice to have someone else do the prep work and I just fill in the blanks!
I love sketch books. I doubt I have time to run out and get this today so I would love to win it!
i love idea books--they give you the opportunity to spring board your creativity
I just started looking at that magazine and love it. I love looking at all of the ideas and then creating my own. I am planning on trying to find this book. I use pagemaps stetches for my ideas but now I will be looking at thses too. What a great gift to win!!
This is a wonderful magazine and they have some great issues!
thanks for sharing the layouts you created from the sketches - LOVE to see them (even if you DO have a spelling problem ... har!) - I am always looking for new layout ideas, and I often look at sketch ideas (have ripped out and saved old ones from SB etc mag!) ... and always scraplift, and feel no guilt what-so-ever in doing that, so be forwarned that you'll see similar pages in my albums!!! ;-)
I would love this issue! I'm always looking for ways to scrap quickly & help get my mojo back! I've been in such a rut & dealing with my DH's cancer diagnoses that I've gotten waaay behind on my scrapping!
Thanks for the chance!
Kim destiny1
Emilie, this is a great review. I haven't bought an idea book in a VERY long time and this almost makes me change that trend! Your layouts are fabulous and I love your particular adaptations! Thanks for the review on this!
I have this and I LOVE it...it's the BEST idea book I have ever bought (and I have bought TONS!!)
Every single sketch and accompanying layout(s) make we want to run to my scrap room!!!
xoxo
Love what you did with those sketches! I find myself using sketches more & more often for new layout ideas. Keeps my pages from all looking the same!
I want this book but they are out of stock! Amazon doesn't have any either. Anyone know anywhere else I can get this (online)?
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