Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Clusters

Before we dive into today's topic, I just wanted to mention something about leaving comments on my blog. I have had a number of people tell me that they wanted to leave a comment but couldn't seem to get it to work. Honestly, I couldn't figure out how to do so as well but thankfully my husband shed some light on the situation. When you come to my blog, it just goes to the main page. If you click on the title for a particular blog post, a spot appears on the bottom where you can leave a comment. Please feel free to leave comments. I would love the feedback and also input as to what things you might like to see me cover on my blog.

Whenever I'm involved in something, I always try to figure out what my strengths and weaknesses are. I think it is important to do this so that I can try to improve in whatever I am doing. I am constantly evaluating my parenting skills....that is for sure!

As a scrapbooker, there are things that I think I do alright with....I feel very comfortable designing a page, selecting the right photos for the page and of course blending. There are things that I am not very good at. Clustering elements would certainly be one of those things. A cluster is basically a group of products that bring interest to the page and help the viewer's eye move around the page.

I recently completed the page below, Sneaky. When I look at this page, I can see a cluster on the top left that includes a bunny, a word disc and a date tag. I also have a cluster on the left hand side that includes a leaf, flower, and twill. I don't know if this could be "technically" considered a cluster because it is only one element but I have a heart in the middle of the photo cluster. I believe that heart does what the other clusters accomplish, it makes your eye travel to that part of the page.







Well, recently a dear friend of mine Kayleigh started designing clusters for those of us who struggle in this area. Kayleigh is BRILLIANT at using products. I wish my mind worked like hers. Kayleigh's blog can be found here. Her cluster of elements can be found under the Studio DD area at Designer Digitals. You will also find some wonderful templates. She has another beautiful one coming out this weekened called Family Element Clusters. I used it on the page below. It made this page come together in no time....love it when that happens.





Here are some other clusters that are available....believe me they make life a whole lot easier.






I encourage you to look at your pages and figure out what your strengths and weaknesses are. If designing a page, isn't your cup of tea......work with a template or scraplift. If you can't figure out how to do a title, look through an online gallery for ideas. There are so many great resources available to inspire us, we just need to access them and enjoy the entire process of scrapbooking.




Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by!

3 comments:

  1. I do love clusters, and try to make them. Think it is a lot of work with all the shadowing, LOL. But I love to make my own ones, you really should try it, like I am trying to blend like you do, LOL.

    Love your layouts.

    About the comments, your link to the comments in i a white block in white font, maybe you have to change that!!

    Looking forward to the blending class!!

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  2. I love your layout "sneaky" and you are exactly right! Kayleigh is a master - love anything by her! Thanks, Jana! :)

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  3. Just discovered your blog today after reading a post at Designer Digitals. Your work is incredible!

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