Information

[-Tracy-]

I really *really* like Shabby Chic style. I want to do it on my pages, but I'm having a really hard time doing it. I can't wrap my geeky head around it. I have all the pretties I need, but arranging them...I'm at a loss.Does anyone have any tips or design help for me?Thanks!

[AmyTeets]

Can you show us some examples of what you're wanting to do

[lilkoala3]

There was an article in CK awhile back about defining your style, and it talked about how to be "shabby chic..."  I don't remember the issue, though..

[-Tracy-]

Sure!  Just know I hate scraplifting so I don't want to just copy the layouts, kinda want to find my own way, you know? Be back in a bit with some examples!

[-Tracy-]

I don't get CK, so I missed that.I have Shabby Chic in my bedroom (it's our one girly room in the house and it's my sanctuary)..so I'm looking to translate it onto my pages. Plaids, muted colors, lots of ribbons, notions and flowers. (I love Shabby Princess type stuff)My problem really is with placement. I don't know how to make it look scattered and have it still look right.For instance...here is a lo I struggled ALL day with today.Ok, so I could have and wanted to "go to town" with the flowers, buttons, ribbons and notions. I just can't quite get there. Generally it's very challenging for me not to be very linear in my layouts. Circles and (seemingly) random placements are just so tough. I have problems using patterned paper too. I would have rather this been on something more suited to what I wanted to do with the flowers.Hard to believe I've been scrapping for 7 years with these kinds of questions, huh? 

[MamaK321]

not hard at all, we've all got our scrapping niche and at times want to stretch ourselves to try something new and different.  and for the record I think your layout is FAB!!  love the crooked journaling scrawled on the background paper at the top and how you've got the little clusters of embellies here and there. 

[-Tracy-]

Baby steps, I guess huh? ETA: I was trying a new (to me) layout size here. Next time, maybe just one new technique! LOL 

[davsar]

I think that layout is gorgeous! Sorry, don't have a clue what you mean by shabby chic.  Infact, I don't know any of the syles out there.  I don't even know what they call my style.Good luck finding out.

[DN in MN]

I have no clue about shabby chic or digi but think your layout is awesome!

[Art_Teacher]

If you find any tips, share them here, please!  I have the hardest time with that style, too, but I love it!

[-Tracy-]

Shabby Chic is actually a decorating style. Kinda country, kinda vintage, muted or light colors, mixes of plaids and patterns, florals, very girly.So for scrapbooking it all goes totally against my nature. I gravitate towards dark colors, plain papers, no florals, and they are for the most part, not girly at all.I haven't seen a lo yet that I think would be a good example of what I'm looking for. (Hmm...maybe I'm on to something there)I think for now...I'd like to learn how to place my embellie's jumbled up.

[-Tracy-]

This is getting  close to what I'm looking for. It has the soft colors, ribbon, stiching, flowers, different patterned paper. I like how she's used the embellie's here.  So....how do you utilize your embellishments? I always end up thinking of the three's rule and I end up with triangles of embellishments. I'd like to learn how to use lots of embellies without taking away from my photos.If I did some layouts trying various things out and posted them here in this thread, would you guys be willing to guide me? (No praising...just helping)Thanks for the praise on my layout!!  Wish I liked it as much as you guys.

[rebajane]

Ummm! I'm sorry let me get the beating stick!!  That layout is great I love it. However I also understand when your not happy with something it just doesnt matter what anyone else thinks...let me beat you some more and you will like it....try putting the first layout on a lighter color that might be what your looking for. As far as your placement  I think it rocks, the three little pics with the heart too cute and the ribbon hanging with a tag on the photo Hello, draws the eye right to it and the flowers keep you right on the faces which is where you want the eye to go. Child please come here so I can smack you again...  Oh yeah love the halloween layout ...wicked awesome!   Of course this is just my opinion. You can be dark and shabby chic......  ummm can I scraplift from you I just had the coolest thought of my kids.....gotta go draw it out. I have scrappers block so I cant actually scrap I can only dream of scrapping....

[-Tracy-]

I have scrappers block so I cant actually scrap I can only dream of scrapping....============Me too!! I keep looking at all the goodies....I just can't do anything with them! LOL Here...you can borrow this from Elise instead of the beating stick

[AnnOminous]

I was going to post something about the old classic "rule of threes" which is basically to group things in threes, but you did that in your layout.

[nun69]

I think you just need to put them in groups if that is what you are looking for...it took me awhile to get  a litte bit of this style, but I think I get it every now and then...are you talking about something like this?this LO was a scraplift ...I think you just need to play with it and I with the other gals, I think your LO is gorgeous!!!

[FairyMouseMom]

Oooh, sorry.....not sure I can give any suggestions on this theme!

[Mommybruno]

I'm not even sure what my own style is! I think you just have to throw things together in a way that you personally find visually appealing.And don't knock scraplifting - it's a good way to try out different styles without having to put too much thought into the process. Then you just refine, and find what works for you.

[-Tracy-]

And don't knock scraplifting - it's a good way to try out different styles without having to put too much thought into the process.================
I don't like copying off of someone else's paper. My dad would be so proud!! **sniff** 

[HapEScrapr]

Just curious, do you used templates?