Inspiration in 3 parts.....coffee, chocolate and a picture

This week I wanted to look at my favorite rule from photography class that I think works really well in the digital scrapbooking. I love this rule and really need to remember to use it more often. But it is difficult to use in scrapbooking when we often don't know where a page is going to end up going. I don't always have a clear vision of the entire layout when I start scrapping.....
So let me introduce ( or remind) you to the Rule of Thirds....

The basic principle behind the rule of thirds is to imagine breaking an image down into thirds (both horizontally and vertically) so that you have 9 parts of equal distance and shape. As you’re creating a new layout, take into account the entire image you are trying to create in your mind. With this grid in mind the ‘rule of thirds’ now identifies four important parts of the image that you should consider placing points of interest in as you create your layout. Not only this - but it also gives you four ‘lines’ that are also useful positions for elements in your layout.



The theory is that if you place points of interest in the intersections or along the lines that your layout becomes more balanced and will enable a viewer of the image to interact with it more naturally. Studies have shown that when viewing images people’s eyes usually go to one of the intersection points most naturally rather than the center. Using the rule of thirds works with this natural way of viewing an image rather than working against it.





Using the Rule of Thirds comes naturally to some photographers and for some digital scrapbookers, but for many of us takes a little time and practice for it to become second nature.
In learning how to use the rule of thirds (and then to break it) the most important questions to be asking of yourself are:



* What are the points of interest in this layout?


* Where am I intentionally directing the viewer's eye?



Once again - remember that breaking the rule can result in some striking art - so once you’ve learnt it- experiment with purposely breaking it to see what you discover.

Color theory and something to think about.......

Color theory has long been the goal of the artist. The color wheel allows the artist to visualize the color combinations that would work well together or appear harmonious. The color wheel has been adopted as a tool for defining basic color harmony. The color wheel can suggest useful color combinations in art, but much also depends on the tastes, lifestyle and cultural norms of the artist. Color combinations are most stunning because of the contrast between warm and cool hues (in this instance meaning hues on the opposite sides of the color whee).

Some theorists and artists believe combining complementary colors to produce a strong contrast or tension, because they annihilate each other when mixed is the key to stunning art. Others believe in combining complementary colors to produce harmonious color interactions. Colors next to each other on the color wheel are called analogous colors.

A triadic color scheme, the basic adaptation used by artists, adopts any three colors approximately equidistant around the hue circle.

Use of gradations in black and white and a single color refers to the effect known as a monochromatic color scheme.

In the 20 th century color theory attempted to link colors to particular emotional or subjective associations: red is an arousing, sensual, feminine color; blue is a contemplative, serene, masculine color, and so on. This has actually not influenced the artist due to the fact that an artist's subject matter frequently dictates the color combinations presented.

OK- so much for the clinical and description information on the color wheel. (Information was compiled from Wikipedia and realcolorwheel.com) This information is just being provided to get the regular scrapper to remember that there is soooo much more to scrapping than just preserving memories. (although that is a huge part of the equation.) You are creating Art. The papers and elements created by designers follow the rules of the color wheel. Next time you look at a kit...really look at the colors chosen. Are they complementing each other or do they actually contrast. And even the selection done by you, the artist, is dictated by harmonious or contrasting color combinations. Do you love certain combinations of colors like pink/brown? (Really just gradients of contrasting Red/blue mixtures.) I am by no means says color will dictate your life, but the color combinations we do choose do express mood, emotion, and provide an additional hidden element of expression on the layout.

Hmmmmmm think about that for awhile......

Day 2 at mgl scraps ct blog

DAY 2: 3 pictures, any 3 will do….find a good family picture or even the natural world will do.

Keep on trying…it’s only gonna get harder…….

I am hosting MGL SCRAPS layout challenge this week

OK ladies-
One week is all it is gonna cost you. One week is all it is gonna take to create the madness layout. Everyday you will be required to come visit us. (hahahaha)

Come to the blog on a daily basis and see what new goodies you are allowed to add to your layout. You are only allowed to add exactly what we specify in the daily madness. No cheating!!!! Once you put it on the layout it must stay exactly there…no moving or replacing is allowed. See why it is maddening….you never know what is next….

You must link all 6 of the previous layouts in the credits of the final layout in order to qualify for the prize. Of course, you get extra kudos for using at least 75% mgl Scraps products. We will be playing on your honor that you are actually playing every day!!!!!

Final layout due date is April 30!!!!!

The prize for the winner will be a $10 GC to mgl Scrap’s store!!!!!!

Day 1: Pick out your 4 favorite papers: 2 pattern and two solid paper. Layer them, cut them into shapes I don’t care but there must be 4 and only 4 papers.

See ya tomorrow for DAY 2.

Monday inspiration at mgl Scraps ct blog.

Well once again, I must forget the coffee and go for Mt. Dew. Its actually afternoon, so no coffee.

I hope that you all got a chance to catch the sale yesterday….it was huge!!!!! If you didn’t- sorry maybe next time

I am actually gonna show off a freebie site today for photo effects. The art of photography is very complicated. And no matter how hard I try, it is often difficult to get that perfect shot. Kids don’t always cooperate, neither does the weather. So like me, I am sure you have photos that you love, but they just aren’t perfect. Well free photo effects are now available at PanoFx.com.

Why not try the comic book effect. Turn your photo into a comic style drawing, or add a rubix cube to put your pictures on. You can even display pictures on a watch or plasma tv. ALL FOR FREE. There are some amazing free effects for both PS and PSE. Let me show you my favorites….

Out of bounds- simplifies the coolest photo effect I have seen in the digital world. Extractions are tough and this one mouse click does it all for you. Can you say THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Rainy day….make your photos come alive with the image of ran on the camera lens without the mess of standing in the actual rain. Belch!!!! I hate getting wet. Just gonna show off one more effect. Spiral binding. I love the look of creating a book on the page and this way you never have to try to make bindings again.

Ok now it’s your turn to check them out for yourself. I hope you enjoy them. P.S. if you join the site they have more exclusive freebies too. Now there are products for sale of this site too. You never know when you might just get the urge to design for yourself.

I hope this inspires you to try something different with a page. Have an amazing week.