Technique Tuesday - Creating a Scrapbook layout in Cricut Design Space

WELCOME TO CRICUT WEEK 2! 

Today I outlining how to create a scrapbook layout within Cricut Design Space. Once you get the hang of it, you will love it.

The reality is I follow the same process using Cricut Design space or designing a layout using a kit. I started a new project. The first thing I do is prepare my canvas so that I can see 12 in by 24 inches, i.e. both base layer pages.  

In other words, I zoom out.  I have to admit, it took me over a year to find the zoom keys!! Even when I googled to find where they were located, I could not find them. The zoom keys are in the lower left hand corner of the canvas.  I kept looking in the panel on the left hand side under the upload key and could not find.  In the picture below, you can see how faint the zoom keys are.  My sight is not the best, hence the reason it took me so long to find these keys.

Now that we have the proper size work surface, we can start our layout.

1. Step 1 - base layer.

1. Insert a square.
2. Change color to black 
3. Size to 12 by 12. 
   
4. Copy and paste for 2nd page of layout.

    so basically the same as going into you stash and picking your cardstock base.

2. Step 2 - second base layer
1. For this layout I am using a second base layer which will be patterned paper. I have added this layer as a print because I am a very visual person and having the print on the page will help me pick the correct colors for my Cricut cuts. The instructions for how to do this are quite long so I am saving this for another day. If you add a second base layer, be sure to align the center both horizontally and vertically.
   
3. Step 3 - Choose embellishments
1. Next I choose my embellishments.  In this case, I know that I want use Cricut cuts from a new Cricut collection I purchased call Aurora. If you like this collection it can be purchased at: Tina's Cricut affiliate link
   
2. I find the image set within Cricut and view all images. 
   
3. The I select and insert images I think I might use on my layout.
   
   They appear as a "blob", all on top of one another. 
   
4. Now I start "placing" my embellishments,meaning I move the images to the approximate location I want them on the layout. 
   
1. NOTE: I wanted a set of hiking boots so I copied & pasted the first boot and then grouped the images together from the get go to ensure the boots stayed the same size as I moved them around.
   
5. Next I add my photo mats/photos. I usually know how many photos I have for the layout and approximate size.  This is pretty much the same process I would use when creating a non-Cricut layout.
1. The steps are pretty much the same as adding the base layers.  Insert a square.  Change size to 4 1/4 by 6 1/4 (for 4x6 photo) or 4 1/4 by 4 1/4 (for 4x4 photo). 
   
   Change color to match whatever color you plan to use for your photo mat.  
2. Add "Place Photo Here" place holder for photo.
   
3. HINT: Group mat and photo place holder so as you move the mat around, you are moving the mat and photo together.
6. Lastly I size my embellishments (i.e. Cricut cuts) to fit the remaining space on the layout. 
1. One of the things that I love about Cricut cuts is the fact that you can resize any image to fit your layout. You simply can't do this with stickers. As you can see in the picture above, most of the Cricut cuts will be covered by my photos unless I resize the images to fit the photo placement.  Below is the layout (minus the title).  
   

Of course, I will continue to play with the colors and placement as I cut the layout and put it together.  There is always refinement as the layout is compiled.  

Check back later in the week for a tutorial on adding patterned paper images for use in creating custom layouts and a separate tutorial on creating custom titles.

Stay well and Happy crafting!!

And remember all Cricut and general crafting questions are welcome!!

TINA Stanczak

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