Hello and happy Saturday! Arielle here, getting all “hybrid~y” today, as I show some techniques for turning digital layouts into hybrid. Sometimes I think certain layouts are far too awesome to be stuck in an album – they should be featured on my walls or given as gifts. But I like to jazz them up a little before I stick them in a frame!

Today I will show you two hybrid layouts based on this all digital layout, and show you some of my fail-proof tips for adding just the perfect amount of pop!

It’s great if you already have a layout you’d like to use, but if not, you can certainly start from scratch! Alex loved this layout so much, that I decided to “hybrid~ize” it for his room. I used the kit Game On by Inside Pixels by Lisa Bell. What a great soccer kit for boys! (She needs to do one for gals, doesn’t she? wink, wink!)

When you know what you’re using, gather your crafty supplies! I used:

• Thin cardstock
• Tissue , vellum, and other assorted papers
• Adhesives (I used a Xyron machine, ATG gun & dimensionals)
• Scissors and paper trimmer
• Other embellishments such as enamel dots or buttons.
• photos
• layout base

When I do a hybrid layout, I always start with creating the digital layout. That one’s for the albums. Then I decide what the base of my layout will be. Either printed on 8.5×11″ at home or on photo paper. I did one of each for this layout.

The pros for paper are:

• You can write, stamp, paint without destroying it
• You can print it at home
• Much cheaper

The pros for photo are:

• Colors are more vivid
• Is nice and glossy
• Lasts longer, perhaps?

First up is the paper based layout. I decide before I print, what layers/elements I will leave, and what I will print separately and add on. For this, all the elements, photos and the two paper layers under the photos were removed (the text remained, along with the stitching and the frame and background soccer paper) from the digital layout before printing. Then everything was printed and adhered back on.

This one is an 8×10″ photo base. I printed this exactly the same, except I also left the two papers that are layered under the photos. (That way, I know those paper will match up, and save me a little time.) They are all shadowed, too. You can’t tell too much of a difference between the two layouts in these photos, but I love the look of the one with the photo base, the shadows really pop!

Now onto the fun stuff!

HACK ONE – POP IT UP!

Adding a little bit of height is a great way to jazz up your hybrid layout… it will also create more interesting shadows! You can use a thin dimensional – say 1/8″ or so, and it will still fit in a regular frame. But not much more than two additional layers above the base, otherwise it will get a squashed look. (Of course, if you’re putting it in a shadow box – go crazy with the layers!)

HACK TWO – PRINT ON VELLUM

You can easily add some pop by printing on vellum! It’s so fun to get a little peek of what’s underneath the vellum, it’s a classy little hack! (After I printed the vellum stars, arrow and soccer ball, I put a few of them in my palm, one at a time with the image up, and pressed into the middle of it a little, so it wouldn’t sit so flat on my layout.)

HACK THREE: PRINT ON TISSUE PAPER

Last month on the blog, I showed off a technique for making your own washi. (In this post) I made a couple small pieces and you can see one below. Yes, it may sound like a lot of trouble, but they do match the kit – LOL! I loved this soccer ball pattern! But you could always use any washi you have!

HACK FOUR: ADD EASY LITTLE DETAILS

I love adding buttons or enamel dots to hybrid layouts. Or paint, glitter and stiching. It’s fun to shake up the whole paper thing with some actual hardware ~ to me it creates a Trompe-l’œil effect. It’s interesting to see people trying to figure out what is real and what’s printed. (Text or overlays on photos is another great detail, too.)

Did you know May 2-6 is National Teacher Appreciation Week? This is always a great time to show appreciation and love to a favorite teacher.  Today, I am here to show you two simple ways to dress up a card for a teacher gift.  For this project, choose a favorite school themed scrapbook kit.

Supplies Needed:

• ribbon
• glue dots
• scissors
• template
• pencils
• printer
• digital elements (School-themed, etc.)
• card stock

I chose School Rules by Mari Koegelenberg for the petal gift cards.

For the pencil card I chose  Project 2015 August Papers  and journal cards by Wishing Well Creations (Laura Passage).

 

Pencil cards are a fun way to show appreciation for your child’s teacher.  They are so simple to create! To make one, gather your supplies.

I created my card from Laura Passage’s 2015 August collection papers and journal cards.  Don’t you just love that little clip element from LJS Design?

To create one I sized my graphic design 8″ x 3″ using the darling pencil papers.  I incorporated some digital stitching elements from my stash around the image and sized down the journal card to 2.5″ x 2″ and then added my text.  I placed all of the elements on the right side of an 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper as  you can see below.   Once you have the graphic designed, you can print on card stock, then fold and trim.  Or just cut around the graphic as a single page. I added some glue dots to the back of the pencils and tied them with a bow. You can write a fun little note on the back or folded on the inside of the card!

For the second card I created a petal gift card.  I chose elements and paper from the School Rules kit by Mari Koegelenberg.

Click on the image to save and print.

 

First, you want to choose your paper and card element to print.  I centered my 3.75″ x 3.75″  apple graphic on the center of my page. With my chosen printed paper behind the image, I used an 8 1/2″ x 11″ size for the paper.  Next, I printed out the image.  Now I am ready to trace the template and score the edges.  Once you have folded your card, you can add a fun gift card inside.  I closed my card with a glue dot – you could also punch two holes across from each other on the petals and close with twine.

 

I hope you have fun creating a pencil card or petal gift card for your child’s favorite teacher. Happy Teacher Appreciation week!

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About the Author  Terresa is a mother to 5 beautiful children. She loves capturing memories with her digital camera and creating a visual family memory book to be enjoyed and treasured. She enjoys designing and creating personalized items for her home and children. Other interests are crafting and gardening, and you will often find her enjoying the outdoors and soaking in the beauty of nature.