Earlier this month I told you about how I was avoiding our Covid Christmas photos from 2020 because they just didn’t seem to have the same excitement as a ‘normal’ Christmas. My solution was to create pocket pages and it has worked out great! The ADORABLE products in the November 2023 Hip Kits help to connect my random photos together and add that seasonal sparkle.
Today I’m sharing the next spread in this series … a double-pocket page. To see the process, watch the video below! Or scroll down to view the photos.
CHRISTMAS TIME
The first thing I do when I am creating a double-pocket page is to decide where my photos are going to go and what size I will be printing them. I tend to print them smaller, as opposed to placing a full-photo in a pocket, because I like to place patterned paper behind the photos. The colors and patterns of the papers are what makes my creative heart HAPPY!
I make sure to leave lots of empty spaces between the photos so that I have room for journaling and embellishing. Next, I decide what cards will go in each pocket, making sure to balance the colors and patterns throughout the double-page spread.
Embellishing is my FAVORITE! (I’m sure you have figured that out already. Ha!) I always have fun with the Hip Kit Club embellishments because there are so many textures and finishes to mix together which make it so interesting to look at.
I tend to think in ‘layers’. Stamping in different colors of ink directly on the card or layering paper are the ‘flat’ layers. Next, I add dimension with chipboard and cardstock die-cuts that are popped up with thin foam dots. The ‘top’ layers are things that are sparkly or have more dimension to them, like puffy stickers, gems, enamel dots, buttons, or trim.
I make sure to add a title card to each spread and incorporate a good balance of words and images. Cutting images using metal die-cuts adds a ‘custom’ feel to your projects. For example, the pine sprigs on this layout add so much true-to-life texture. LOVE it!
I like to treat each card as it’s own little layout. I try to make sure I include different textures on a single card.
Every photo on your pocket page spread doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, that is the beauty of pocket pages. They are a good place to add the more casual snapshots that we take on our phones that probably wouldn’t warrant a full scrapbook page, but still help to capture daily stories.
For example, my daughter’s eyes in the photo below look droopy, but it was still fun to capture my girls love for ice cream to comfort their souls during this strange and different covid Christmas, so I included it anyway.
Don’t be afraid to just have fun decorating cards to fill the spots. On this page, I decorated three of the 3×4 cards with large die-cuts and stickers. They make your spread more decorative and give a place for the viewer’s eye to rest.
I get asked a lot how I print on my journal cards. There are many people who run their cards directly through their printers by attaching them to type paper. I don’t do that. It stressed me out to much! *giggle* I simply print my journaling on thin vellum, then adhere the vellum directly to the card. Once the card is inside the pocket page, you barely notice the additional layer of vellum. It blends right in!
Journal pocket cards don’t have to be just for journaling. I used a 3×4 card here to anchor my fireplace sticker. (it almost looks like the floor and trim to the room, don’t you think?) I also used a 4×6 ‘week-at-a-glance’ journal card as the background for a photo. Check it out below!
Another way to add texture to a layout or pocket card, is by using paperclips or staples. Here you can see I used mini staples in several spots to accent different areas. The silver color of the staples ties in with the silver foil puffy stickers.
The Pocket Life kit includes a variety of card sizes; 3×4, 4×6, 3×6, and 3×8. I cut some of the longer cards down to the 3×4 size. I also created my own cards with the 6×8 papers from the Pocket Life Kit, or the 12×12 papers from the Cardstock Kit and Main Kit.
Here is one more look at each page of my double-page spread. I LOVE the way it turned out!
I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing my take on pocket page layouts this month! Pick up the ADORABLE November 2023 Hip Kits at the links listed below.
Thanks for coming by!
NOVEMBER 2023 HIP KITS USED IN THIS PROJECT:
- November Pocket Life Kit (6×8 Paper, Pocket Cards, Stamps, Die-Cuts)
- November Main Kit (Patterned Paper, Cardstock Die-Cuts, Layered Dimensional Embellishments, Puffy Phrases)
- November Cardstock Kit (Holly Bush, Evergreen, Craft, Sparkle Blue)
- November Embellishment Kit (Sticker Book, Chipboard Die-Cuts, Chipboard Button Stickers – Stars, Puffy Shape Stickers)
- November Color Kit (Skylight Ink Pad, Do-Si-Do Ink Pad)
- November Die – Spruce & Holly Die Set