Paper Crafting Tip #46: Group Your Photos Together

Have you ever wondered how some scrapbookers manage to fit a bunch of photos on a page without making it look crowded or cluttered?  It's actually very easy to do.  The key is to group all of your photos on a single mat and arrange them symmetrically on your page. 

As you can see in my "Lucky" layout here, I have grouped four photos on a single background (or mat) sheet of paper.  I usually use a solid-colored cardstock for this technique, but the pattern on this pink paper is very small and looks just fine.  You will also notice that I've tried to keep my spacing and borders fairly consistent.  I've even left room for some journaling. 

This arrangement provides ample space for my title and some embellishments.  Here I've used the new Hello Cupcake set by TAC.  This is a simple overall design that is fast and easy to do.  Have fun!

A Quick Shout-Out and Some Exciting News

First, I'd like to give a shout-out to Diana, who sent me the nicest email about my last post.  Hi Diana! Next, I was recently accepted onto the If It's Groovy Design Team as a Stamp Artist!  Woo Hoo!  Here's the link, and it's also on my sidebar.  If It's Groovy  And don't forget about Repeat Impressions. I, along with the rest of the awesome Design Team there, will have some cool new samples there very soon.  That's all for now.  Happy stampin' & scrappin'!  Remember to share your stamps!

To share, or not to share...that is the question.

I'm not going to mention any names here, but a question was raised on a forum that I visit regarding the selling of stamped images on one of the auction sites.  The consensus seems to be that this shouldn't be allowed.  This discussion also raised the question of whether or not we should stamp images for others and/or share our stamps.  Here is my stand on these issues.

First of all, regarding the selling of stamped images:  Although I don't think it's ethical to do this, I don't think it's illegal either.  Most stamp companies state that you are not allowed to mechanically reproduce their images, but they don't say that you can't sell what you've stamped.  Unless they do that, selling the images isn't illegal.  As I say about most things, though:  Just because you can do something doesn't mean that you should.

Now, regarding the sharing of stamped images and/or sharing stamps:  The idea that this is any type of copyright infringement, or that it is unethical/illegal, is preposterous.  If I purchase something, and I want to share it with or lend it to my friend, I have every right to do so.  I'm not making money from someone else's work, and I'm not preventing my friend from purchasing the products.  In fact, maybe if she likes it, she'll buy her own.  I might actually be doing some free advertising for this company.  Maybe I should ask to be compensated.  Maybe I should tell my friend, "I'm sorry, but I can't lend you that stamp for those baby shower invitations you're making.  The company wants you to buy your own."

We must draw the line when it comes to companies trying to tell us what we can and can't do with what we purchase.  It's bad enough that many stamp companies don't want you to sell the things you make with their tools (yes, stamps are tools to me), but telling me that it's wrong to share my things with others because I'm taking money out of their pockets is going too far.

Incorporating Stamps Into Your Scrapbook Layout

Last month I held a scrapbooking workshop at my house.  It was my largest workshop yet, with 8 people in attendance.  We created a birthday layout that incorporated papers and stamps from The Angel Company (TAC), along with additional papers and embellishments.  One of the techniques I taught was the concept of creating a visual triangle with embellishments.  In this case, the stamps create the triangle that leads the eye around the entire layout.  It's a very effective technique that adds movement and interest to your layout.  Give it a try on your next layout.  Happy scrapping and stamping!