The common complaint I hear from many memory keepers is in regard to single-page layouts. Many of you prefer the two-page spread and get frustrated when creators of process videos or sketches only provide you with a one-page design. Today, I am going to share a few tricks to help you turn those one-page sketches into a two-page layout.
This layout was created in a traveler’s notebook, but the design concepts are the same. The sketch I was inspired by is a PageMaps layout that I discovered in the ACOT Monthly Sketch Challenge. As you can see, it is a full-size layout with a simple configuration. Next to the original design, I have added my additional page design for you to use.
When I create a page, I always start with my photos and background patterns. For this layout, I selected patterns in complementary colors, then began assembling the left page to match the design of the sketch. The photo and papers run horizontally, so I chose to create a vertical design on the right with matching pattern papers.
Repeating elements on both pages creates a cohesive feel to the layout. In my design, all the patterns can be seen on both pages which makes the layout feel like a complete two-page spread.
I also allowed the sketch to dictate the flow of the layout. With all the elements running horizontally, it naturally leads your eye to the right page.
Most people read from left to right, so I try to create flow in that direction. With the title placed below the focal point photo, you will naturally move to the base of the second page so that is where I placed the photo.
You can also create a directional flow with borders, stitching, and stencils. At the top of the left page, I added a horizontal red notebook border. This color leads your eye down to the red pocket behind the title.
If you follow the pattern of red, you are led to the photo on the next page and up the red ricrac border to the journaling strips. In essence, a visual triangle was formed using color and pattern.
There is also a visual triangle formed with hearts, tags, acrylic perspextives, and flowers. The title is a bold piece on the page in a lovely mat blue. I replicated the matte color on the second page with hearts and added a blue color to the center of the flowers.
I used the flowers to create cohesiveness between the pages. Three are used to frame the title and one stands alone near the phrase strips.
When you are creating your two-page design, you also want to distribute the weight evenly and make room for white space. The left side of this layout holds more weight with a focal photo, a bold title, lots of patterns, and floral elements. To distribute the weight, I assigned additional white space on the right and placed most of the weight at the base.
This is one of the primary reasons that I chose to create white stitching on the layout. I wanted to add some texture to the page, but any additional color would have lost the amount of white on the page.
The stiched design also creates a connection between the two pages. This was created using a stencil as a guide and stitched with embroidery floss.
In my process video, I share more tips and share how this page came together.
The page I created for this new family member was based on a single-page sketch. Even though this is a smaller travel album, the concepts are the same when you turn it into a two-page design.
I hope today’s project inspired you to try something new. If you have any questions about this project or the supplies listed above, feel free to leave me a comment.
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I have done a few mini-albums, 6×6 usually. I always stick with 12×12 because the layouts can be so varied. May go to smaller size (8 1/2 x 11) or 8×8 in the future as will have way fewer photos to scrap.