Layouts | Sir Scrapalot Designs

9 Quick Ways to Date Your Digital Scrapbooking Layouts

Posted by Aaron aka Sir Scrapalot on Jul 12, 2010 | View Comments

On Twitter and my Facebook page the other day, I asked if people always put a date on their digital scrapbooking layouts. Almost 50% of the people who answered the question admitted to not putting the date on every page, including myself. It’s come back to bite me a few times, though. So, I thought I’d share 9 ways I add the date to my layouts.

9 Quick Ways to Date Your Digital Scrapbooking Layouts

In Text – this is a strategy I use often. I don’t usually like to have my date be a huge part of the page, so by adding the date at the very end of the journaling, I am able to date the page in a way that is pretty inconspicuous.
On a Tag – Sometimes, if there is a tag in the kit or template I am working with, I’ll use it to add the date. Again, you’ll notice that I don’t really use a bold font, that way I don’t draw too much unnecessary attention to the date on the page. My favorite date font, well my favorite font in general, is THIS one by Darcy Baldwin and Lauren Reid.
On the Edge – I love using this technique. When I am looking for a place to put the date, I’ll often tuck it along the bottom or top edge of the layout. I feel like this is how I would do it if I was paper scrapping, so I like the look it gives my digi layouts.
Using Word Strips – I have THIS great basic pack of word strips by Karah Fredericks, that includes the months and the years. They are tiny and basic, so they are perfect for adding the date to my layouts. I like to tuck these behind papers, or just under elements.
Under the Title – Sometimes, there is no better place for the date than right under the title. I use this most often when the date plays a “role” in the story, or I want to define a specific time. Again, I’ll usually use a handwritten or small typewritten font.
Using a Kit’s Date Element - Occasionally, kit designers will include a small date element in their kit, as Kristin Cronin Barrow did in this kit, Oh Snap. If I can work it into the page, I’ll use it because it fits with the rest of the kit.
Creatively Adding the Date – On this page, Round and Round, I wanted to make sure I kept up with the circles on the page, so I decided to add the date on the inside of one of the circles. Putting the date here helps with the movement of the page, and adds an unexpected touch to the layout.
On a Photo – Sometimes, I’ll add the date directly to the photo. Although I don’t use the technique much, I really like the way text looks added to a photo. If I add the date to the photo itself, I often use the bottom right corner, and again, make it small. Some designers even offer frames that give room to do that. I have a set HERE, and Ali Edwards has tons in her Designer Digitals store.
With a Date Element – There are some great date element packs out there. Often, I will pick one up and use it to add to a layout. Sometimes they are small, other times they are more bold elements. Which I choose to use really depends on the layout. Darcy Baldwin has some great ones HERE, and I have a pack HERE.

So those are the 9 quick tips I try to use to add a date to the page. I hope, at some point, to have adding the date become automatic when I do a layout, but until then, I will continue to try remember!

How about you? Add a #10 to my list! What is your “Quick Tip” for adding the date to your layouts? Let’s talk about it in the comments below!

Digital Scrapbooking Trend Watch: Blocked In

Posted by Aaron aka Sir Scrapalot on Jul 10, 2010 | View Comments

One thing that I am noticing more and more in the galleries is blocking in layouts. Last week, on my Facebook Page, someone asked if I could share with them how to create blocked layouts. I always find that blocking on a layout creates a sense of order on a page, and often can create a simple, calm look. Today I wanted to explore this trend a bit more, and see what’s out there for us scrappers.

There are some great layouts out there that are using blocking in them. I even found a few in my gallery that I had forgotten about.

If you are looking for some digital scrapbooking layouts to help you create a blocked look quickly and easily, you are in luck as there are TONS available. Here are some of my favorites:

Looking to create blocked layouts on your own? Keep your eyes on the blog here for a tutorial on creating a blocked layout very soon. Until then, give these products a shot!

Scrap Along With Sir Scrapalot: How to Save Layouts for the Web

Posted by Aaron aka Sir Scrapalot on Jul 9, 2010 | View Comments

Recently, I came upon a thread in a forum I visit about people using the “Unsharp Mask” filter before saving their layouts to be published in a gallery. In short, using the unsharp mask filter helps to revive the sharpness of the layout after you have resized it. What ended up coming from the thread was the variety of different things people do to save their files for web. Today, I thought I’d show you my process for saving files for the web.

So, I put together this quick VIDEO tutorial on my workflow for saving layouts. It is my first video tutorial, please be kind!

I would love to hear what your processes are for saving for the web! Do you use the unsharp mask feature? What are your settings? Let’s start talking in the comments below.

Practically Perfect – New from Sir Scrapalot Designs!!

Posted by Aaron aka Sir Scrapalot on Jul 7, 2010 | View Comments

“I’m practically perfect in every way, Practically perfect that’s my forte”- Practically Perfect, from Mary Poppins the Musical

Practically Perfect is a light whimsical nod to all that is Mary Poppins, all that is Practically Perfect. It is sure to create great girl layouts, All About Me layouts, Spring layouts, really and kind of layout you can think of.

I loved making this kit, and absolutely can’t wait to use it! I especially can’t wait to use the kites! In the meantime, look at these great layouts my CT and the Funky Playground CT made with it.

You can pick up Practically Perfect now at Funky Playground Designs.

Don’t forget! I still have a sale going on there until Friday. That makes this, and my other kit, only $4.19!! You could get both kits for less than the price of two Venti White Chocolate Mochas at Starbucks!

Let’s Have Some Fun in The Sun! – New from Sir Scrapalot Designs

Posted by Aaron aka Sir Scrapalot on Jun 30, 2010 | View Comments

That’s right, grab your bikinis and beach balls, we are going to have some Fun in The Sun. Soft colors and whimsical creatures create a fun approach to the typical beach kit. While full of fun, beachy elements, the kit is also versatile enough to work for all kinds of layouts. Check it out: