This layout holds the template for my favorite way to structure a multi-photo two-page layout; an over-sized 8×12 photo on one side and a grouping of smaller ones (in this case, 4×6) on the other. This one concept has served me over and over again for layouts that looking nothing alike.
I created this layout with the same idea, but turned the 8×12 photo horizontal. By overlapping the title with the focal point photo and the grouping on the right, I not only connected the two sides together, directing the eye toward the humorous part of the layout, but also created room at the bottom for three more photos (wallet size).
Other Versions
Another version of this template uses the 8×12 as a background photo, as opposed to the focal point. By using mostly wallet-size for the grouping, I was able to fit 12 photos on this Easter layout, which features an 8×12, a grouping of wallets, and a few other photos scattered around.
There is also this layout from one of our Mexico trips where the focal point photo (the largest one on the page) is only a 5×7. The grouping of photos is a long horizontal at the top and gives room below it for a 4×6 as the secondary photo.
What’s Holding You Back?
Do you fear trying other sizes besides 4×6 and 5×7? Does it seem like too much work? It really is so easy to get 8×12’s and wallet size. Once you learn which developers in your area will do it, it’s as simple as printing standard. It’s just a matter of asking your photo developer whether they print in those sizes, or finding one that does.
I print mine at Costco, a store you can find just about anywhere in the United States. If you’ve never printed photos in these fun sizes, ask your photo developer next time you go in if they can do it. How hard is that?
Do you prefer printing from an online source? In the June ‘06 issue of Creating Keepsakes, Ali Edwards listed two sites that will print 8×12 (although Costco is much cheaper). Try www.scrapbookpictures.com or www.photoworks.com.
Why Bother To Print In Different Sizes?
Developing photos in varying sizes like this adds so much interest to a layout and keeps a person’s attention long enough to actually look at that many photos. By grouping most of the smaller ones together, the viewer’s eye naturally flows from one to the next and is less likely to skim.
One simple template for a multi-photo layout can go a long way in making many, many pages that look nothing alike. Now that I think about it, I haven’t used this concept in a while. I think I’ll go look at what photos I have to develop so I can try it again.
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Cool Dude Layout
Journaling directed to my toddler, Aiden, reads: Aiden, you are the coolest little dude. I could watch you all day: the things you say, the facial expressions.
Journaling spots on photos:
1) cool cone; ice cream cone: good for staying cool
2) cool shades; sunglasses: good for looking cool
3) cool dude; dude: good for being cool
Products used: Cardstock (Bazzill Basics Paper, Creative Memories, Stampin’ Up); Patterned paper (Basic Grey); Large letters (Basic Grey monograms, other unknown); Letter stickers (Creative Memories); Stamps and ink (Stampin’ Up).
Our Favorite Part Of The Zoo
Products used:
Cardstock (Stampin’ Up); Patterned Paper (Creative Imaginations, Creative Memories, other source unknown); Letter stamps and ink (Stampin’ Up); Letter stickers (Creative Memories); Rub-on word (K.I. Memories).
