A word or three about ...... Layout Workshops in Snazzys Studio

A few words about ..... Layout Workshops in Snazzys Studio

How do you teach scrapbooking? A question I've struggled with ever since I first introduced scrapbooking workshops at Snazzys some 12 years ago.

Scrapbooking is such a personal thing, you are recording your memories through your photographs, it's your story. How then can you have a dozen students come along to a workshop and create the same page using the same products but still retain that individuality? I know you have come along to try out new ideas, tips and techniques but I also want you to take away a layout you have enjoyed making, are pleased with and which you add to your album because it is a meaningful addition to the story you are telling. I even stopped teaching scrapbooking for a time as it simply seemed too tall an order to fulfil.

After customers kept asking me why I didn't teach scrapbooking any more I promised to re-start the workshops in 2014 but I knew I had to find a way around this dilemma. In all the workshops I teach I have always encouraged everyone to regard my workshop sample as a 'for instance' of what can be created using the products and techniques covered in the class, I just needed to work out how to make that concept work for layouts.

Then it struck me - it had already been done!

When I first started scrapping, many moons ago, I subscribed to a great American magazine called Simple Scrapbooks (sadly no longer published) which actively encouraged the concept of 'scrap lifting'. Simply take the ideas, tricks and techniques which appeal to you and suit your story, from someone else's layout and make it yours. Use different papers to fit with your 'photos, use a block of 'photos instead of a single, turn the layout through, 90 or 180 degrees, embellish more or less, the list is as endless as you choose to make it.

Below is my 'for instance' for this month's layout workshop...

The focus is on making a little paper go a long way with hand stamped flowers, tickets, journaling cards, titles etc to suit my 'photo.

One of our daughters, who always tells me she doesn't do any of this, wanted to make something similar for her friend Josie's birthday, and this is the 'scrap lift' she came up with...

I though it was pretty cool with the custom pop art background papers she created, with more than a little help from her Dad, reflecting the sense of fun in the 'photos and, as wherever she and Josie's are to be found there will also be many practical jokes and much laughter, so very them! The title came courtesy of their boss who sometimes has the misfortune of having them both working at the same time lol!

Two very different layouts from the same basic idea.

If you fancy a go, to keep the workshops limited to 4 - 6 so I can help you to make the layout that works for your story and photographs, there are two session Tuesday 22 2pm to 5pm and Wednesday 23 10am to 1pm just drop me an email or call me on the new studio number and bring along your 'photos.

Hope to see you soon x

PS You can find the last six monthly layouts over on our Pinterest page

 

 

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.....and about time too!

Has it really been that long? Mmm, yes I do believe it has.

Never mind, back at last and lots of news so hang on in there!

Firstly, a non Snazzy bit of news - Basepoint has a new cafe at No 74 (by the entry gate, right next door to the hair salon) run by the lovely Jolka. She will be open six days a week, Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and from 8.30am to 2.30pm on a Saturday. She will be providing freshly prepared and cooked food from breakfasts to salad and pasta pots, paninis and baguettes accompanied by a full range of teas, coffees, shakes and smoothies to help you wash down her delicious cakes.....

 

....all in the name of essential product testing you understand lol!

 

So, if you are coming along to shop, or to a class, you will be able to sample her delish food for yourself and she will be happy to take food orders on your arrival for collection at the end of your visit too. Do give it a try and support a new, local, independent business.

 

Next up, you can now find us over on Pinterest where we have 12 boards of inspiration with everything from cards, layouts, art journal pages, mini books and mixed media which we will be adding to each week. Pop over there, click 'follow' on the boards that most interest you and you can have regular inspiration delivered to your Inbox. Still very much a 'work in progress' but do let us know what you think.

 

Also, following lots of requests, we have reintroduced our monthly scrapbooking workshop with a new idea for a 12x12 layout each time in a three hour workshop costing £15, and the only thing you need to provide are the photos.

 

With the first layout, the focus was on creating your own background with stamps, sprays, inks and embossing powders....

 

 

and making simple, custom embellishments....

 

 

 

and in the second workshop it was all about layers, in paper, ribbon and lace.....

 

 

and with the embellishments...

 

 

These first two workshops were fully booked and if this continues I will be happy to add a second slot each month either on the timetable, or as a privately booked session for a group of 4 or more. Is this something that would appeal to you?

 

Finally, I am currently working on the April workshop timetable and the February and March schedules are available over on the main website where you will find something else new too - each month we will be featuring our favourite product together with a project made with it. This was February's....

 

 

 Again, do let us know what you think.

 

 

That's enough for now, but I will be back on Tuesday with a roundup of some of the new lines in store and a peek at some of the latest workshop projects in the pipeline.

 

Thanks for dropping by xx