Scrapbooking Trends - Using Project Life cards in Traditional 12 x 12 layouts.

Hi there crafters!

 
When it comes to scrapbooking, innovation knows no bounds. The scrapbooking community is constantly finding fresh ways to infuse creativity into their projects and use up their stash of products. 

A trend that's becoming more and more popular is the use of Project Life pocket cards as captivating backgrounds for layouts, even if you've moved away from pocket-style scrapbooking. These versatile cards can transform your pages into fun works of art in countless ways. Let's dive into the myriad of ways you can incorporate them into your layouts:

Backgrounds: 

Project Life pocket cards make for elegant, understated backgrounds. They provide a soft backdrop that allows your main photos and embellishments to shine. Perfect for documenting special occasions or those quiet, everyday moments.

In the layout below I have used three pocket cards, (1) 6"x4" and (2) 3"x4" card to create a background for some of the other papers. 

Themes: 

Match the theme of your photos with corresponding pocket cards. Whether it's a vintage feel, a floral motif, or a travel adventure, these cards offer an effortless way to tie your layout together thematically.

This layout below is one of my Monday Mini's where I used all my leftovers papers and embellishments and create mini layouts. This is more of a cluster of elements with no photo. Sometimes I will incorporate the mini into a larger layout in the future.

Layering: 

Create dimension by layering pocket cards beneath your photos and embellishments. This technique adds depth and visual interest to your layouts, making them visually captivating. 

In the layout below,  I layered the Project Life cards to craft a visually captivating background that perfectly complements the focal point: a photograph of my sweet granddaughter, Layla. 

One particular 3 x 4 Project Life card stands with a sentiment that expresses my thoughts with a few words that I wish to convey. The selected card doesn't just add visual appeal it ties together the elements of the layout and emphasises the significance of the captured moment.

Accents: 

Trim pocket cards into smaller pieces or use them as frames to highlight specific elements within your layout. They make wonderful accents around individual photos, journaling blocks, or titles.

By delicately trimming pocket cards into smaller pieces, you gain the freedom to select the precise sections that resonate with your layout's theme or mood. Whether it be sentiments, flowers, arrows and shapes. Incorporating pocket cards in this manner not only showcases your creativity but also maximises the potential of your scrapbooking materials. 

In these two layouts below I trimmed the project life cards and used them to create a little more interest in the pages. Words on the cards became the title and the patterned lines, and arrows became complementary elements. 

Journaling:  

Utilise the lined or grid-patterned cards for journaling. Their neat lines offer a polished look to your handwritten or typed memories, ensuring they blend seamlessly with the overall design.

In this layout below I used a 3 x 4 Project Life Card to capture the story and journalled a few of the favourite things about Savannah, our Chihuahua. 

Title and Date Blocks: 

Reserve a pocket card for the layout title and date. This not only serves a functional purpose but also creates a clean, organised appearance.

In this layout below I incorporated the title, journalling, where, and when all on the one 3 x 4 project life card using the words that were already on the card.

Collage: 

Craft a beautiful collage by arranging pocket cards of varying sizes and designs in a visually appealing manner. This technique adds a unique artistic touch to your layouts. Looks like a pocket page doesn't it?

Mix pocket cards with your own photographs to create a personalised collage background. It's a beautiful way to combine memories and aesthetics.

At one of our past Kiah Ridge retreats, I couldn't resist challenging Beth Jarrett to hae a go at creating a layout using Project Life Cards.

Beth didn't disappoint and took on the challenge by creating this 12 x 12 Project Life Layout using Project Life Cards without the pocket page.

I just love what Beth came up with... hand stitching the shape of the pockets.. which is an awesome idea, and I love all the journalling. Thanks so much Beth for taking on my challenge!

Embellishment Backdrop:

Use pocket cards as backdrops for your embellishments by creating a cluster. This allows you to combine elements into a pretty embellishment. Use 3D tape to build the layers up. Add charms, pins, and other trinkets to make it more interesting.  

It's really easy to create a cluster of embellishments using 3 x 4 Project Life Cards and in these clusters, I used some old leftover diecuts and chipboard pieces. Whatever you have left over just use it. 

The versatility of Project Life pocket cards is truly astounding, and their ability to seamlessly integrate into various scrapbooking projects is a testament to their enduring appeal. So, even if you've moved away from pocket-style scrapbooking, and still have some cards in your stash, don't hesitate to incorporate these cards into your layouts. 

Shop for Project Life in the store. We still have mini kits, pocket pages and some other embellishments available. 

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