Do you ever get bored with scrapping the holidays and events that happen year after year like Back to School and Christmas? I know that I do! Because of that I am always trying to think outside of the box for fresh ideas on how to capture those memories in a different way. Today I thought I would highlight some different ideas for capturing Back to School memories .
1) Use a Traditional Shape but Change up your Approach to it!
In this layout I used a cut file of an apple and then pulled out my circle punch to create a scalloped look on the apple. I have a video to show you how I created this!
My original plan was to do a scalloped pencil but then I decided an apple would be really neat looking. There are a lot of possibilities out there!
*****************************
2) Create a Collage Based on a Shape, Number, or Letter and Then Build your Layout Around that.
In this example I built my collage around the letter K and stitched around it to create a border. This is a really fun technique to use when you want to use up supplies! Here's a video sharing how I created this one:
I have loved doing this technique for several years so I have a second sample to share where I created a collage of a heart.
This was a great way to capture a traditional school portrait and make it a little more fun!
*****************************
3) Create a Play On Words for a Clever Title.
One, Two, Four, Eight...all easy grade levels to think of a phrase that fits with the year since they are homophones. This is a pretty simple layout but includes a process video walk thru.
Despite the fact that the normal quote is "Too Cool For School" I decided to change it up making it all the more eye catching to read!
*****************************
4) Use a BIG Number in the Background to Emphasize their Grade Level.
String art and stitching can be a unique way to make a big number or letter and really add flash to your scrapbook layout. You could also use cut files, big pieces of chipboard, or do some unique paper piecing!
*****************************
5) Create Scenes on your Layouts that Revolve around School.
There are a few companies that do themed products and do them really well - Doodlebug and Paper House Productions come to mind first for me! You can pick up a sticker set and patterned papers from these companies and easily create themed scenes around nearly any topic! Here you can see I used a ruler as the base for me scene and then built it from there to include a cute owl, lunch items, stars, and more. In this case I specifically built a scene into my title!
*****************************
6) Use Non-Traditional Themed Products to Fit your School Theme.
This collection was not at all school themed. But by cutting out the patterned paper trees to look like leaves I made it have more of a fall feel. I also used the register style patterned paper as a background to add to the academic feel.
*****************************
7) Use Circles to Emphasize a School Theme.
A circular theme works really well when it comes to back to school because it takes our brain to thinking of academic things like a globe, protractor, geometry, etc. In this case I cut my big circle out of a constellation themed paper.
*****************************
8) Use Patterned Papers that Weren't Intended for a School Theme but Still Fit it.
This is a map paper from a travel themed collection but by using text to create a circle it mimics a a globe and therefore becomes a school themed layout.
*****************************
9) Paper Piece a Background with a School Themed Shape.
Paper Piecing can be a fun way to make patterned paper look totally different from it's orginal form. You can use it make a shape using negative space or create a mosaic using positive space. All of it can come together to be eye catching and unique.
******************************
10) If there's a Major Milestone to go with that Day, Focus on That Instead.
By the time I created this layout, I was sick and tired of Back to School colors, stickers, etc. So instead of doing that I picked a completely unrelated set of supplies and emphasize a milestone that came with starting that year - new glasses! I still count it as his 6th Grade Back to School page - but it doesn't scream that theme.
There are a lot of great School Themed Paper Craft Supplies out there - here's Affiliate Link Thumbnails to some of my favorites! Just click on them to head on over and check them out at the Scrapbook.com Store and as always - Thanks for Your Support!
