Can you make a layout with just three products? We did when using sketch #18 for a ScrapGirls challenge.

ScrapGirls had a fun week recently when they invited everyone on a Staycation. "What's that?" I hear you say. It was a vacation at home - save money, save fuel but still have a great time. They had lots of fun competitions and challenges with prizes.

This challenge was to send Moss the dog, the ScrapGirls Moss-cot (mascot!) on vacation. You'd be amazed the places he 'visited' and the things he 'did'.

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This month's scrapbooking sketch uses five photographs or four photos and a journaling block.

There are no alternate directions to turn this one, but you could set the photos off-center for a change. Or use a large center photo and four smaller satellite photos.

Varying the size of the photos will create a different impression also. Try using the bottom right on one layout and the top left on the adjoining page for a double page spread.

We have a couple of sample layouts, but as some of you have said you prefer to get the sketch on its own we will post one tomorrow to give you time to let your creative juices flow.

A scrapbooking sketch is a springboard to help you make layouts faster.

Why digital scrapbooking rather than paper scrapbooking?

We're having a conversation about digital scrapbooking today. You may have got the idea from a few posts that our layout designer, Isabella, is a new convert to digital scrapbooking - and like all new converts talks about little else these days! lol! So, with the promise of a little peace for a while, I decided to interview her so she could get it all off her chest for this post, lol!

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An early scrapbooking sketch is the basis for this layout.

Isabella, who comes from a blue-eyed family, was captivated with Harry's big, dark brown eyes and wanted to emphasize them in this layout. She chose this sketch because it allowed her to use the round photo placement to zoom in on the child's face and show his eyes. Click on the image to see a larger view.

In the journaling she tells the story of their visit …

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We said we'd come back today with a sample layout made with this month's scrapbooking sketch #17.

It's a local beauty spot for us at ScrapbookingGems.com: peaceful and uncrowded. Just the place to go when you want to get away. And it's in an area that's one of Scotland's best-kept secrets.

I met a lady one day who has lived here for many years. We were talking about how we liked the area and how pretty it is. She told me that at a family wedding in the south coast of England she was talking with a young wedding guest who asked where she lived. When she told him, he said he knew it well as it was his most favorite place to go hill-walking because he could walk for days and not meet another soul.

"But don't tell anyone about it," he said.

It seems that those who know it don't want to share it. lol!

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Here is this month's scrapbooking sketch. As you can see it's for one large photograph and four smaller ones, and uses two or more background papers - if that's how you want to use it.

What would this sketch be like if you lay down on your side to view it, or stood on your head?

OK, that's just a silly way of saying you do not have to use the sketch this way up, but you can turn it around and choose the perspective that suits your photos.

And to save you the bother of the contortions, here are the alternatives.

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How do you store your scrapbooking paper?

Having had many a curled scrapbook page with a bent edge, I decided to find out what I could do about it.

I've tried storing papers flat and on edge, with mixed results. Whatever way seems to work for a while so long as I'm extra, extra careful. But then I get in a hurry and or someone else looks through my papers and they end up all over the place.

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We asked Isabella what she likes about the Scrap Girls Club, and we said we'd let you know. Here is her reply …

15 Things I like about the Scrap Girls Club

• I like that I don't have to drive a long distance to my nearest scrapbook store
• I like the surprise each month, I'm like a child opening a gift

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