Need help with my LO...

[renee82]

I guess this is where my inexperience is coming out. I'm almost done this layout of the day my son was born, but I feel like there's something missing on the left hand side of the page. I'm using Meryl Batho's Baby Joshua kit as well as her Winter Wonderland kit. Can someone help me out? Anu suggestions? (I hope the link works.) Thanks!

[Stacey Jewell Stahl]

I would add another paper to the bottom right 2/3 so that the title is on the top 1/3 on the blue paper you have. Maybe use another bg paper in a smaller size to mat the announcement and photo? I love using lots of papers in digi scrapping because I tended to be skimpy when I paper scrapped because of the expense. In digi scrapping you can use gobs of papers and have it look very expensive!

[premier]

The left side looks are filled up to me with your four photos. I think that side looks great. The remaining portion I feel is out of proportion. The title and the envelope look very large compared to the photo which of course results in lots of background showing. I would enlarge your photo...a lot and reduce the size of your title.

[asbella]

I agree with premier. I would enlarge the main center photo. Right now it is not what my eyes are first drawn to. I think if this is an announcement, the main photo of just him should be the first thing the eyes are drawn too. And then you can move your envelope below it in a corner or somewhere fun.

Can't wait to see your next layout for this!

[sandra]

What a cutie! Congratulations!

I love the vellum envelope idea, but I think the card is tucked down too far inside. My eye was first drawn to the difference in color of the letters in September... some in the evelope, but others exposed and therefore darker. Also, not sure about the original orientation of the subjects in the photograph (you and Caleb, I assume.) Right now, you look upside-down. I can see why it is turned this way to show Caleb upright, but my eye is trying to figure out where you are coming from in the photo. Were you originally laying down and holding him? It could work that way. In fact, if the photo was turned to a landscape orientation, but a little skewed, and made a bit larger, you'd have more flexibility in the placement of the envelope/card.

Love this kit, and you are on oyur way to a lovely LO!

[Ms Pixel Lady]

You're off to a great start and have some good suggestions! The only other thing that caught my attention is the shadows on the photos appear too large, the photos appear to be floating a little. Can wait to see your final copy!!

[Starling]

The classic answer to improving a layout is to make the main photo larger. That one change has made an huge difference to every layout where I've seen it done, including my own.

It has already been suggested that you do that, and I want to second it.

[d2vasquez]

I love the left side of your layout really nice but not sure about the rest of it. Love the photo peeking out but I think like everyone said, make it bigger and maybe add an overlay/brush strokes to kind of set apart your main blue layer from the side photos.....a good overlay to use is in the Wings of Time kit you can find in the store - I think I use it on almost every layout I do so it's definitely worth the purchase for that alone. Or if you prefer - there are some in the freebies gallery here http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=835. If there are words on them and they don't fit my layout I just cover them with a photo or do something to block that portion out. I am usually interested in the effect it brings to a plain background or paper. Hope that helps - please let us see when you are done....I am curious of the ifnal product.

[renee82]

Okay everyone, I'm back with 3 edited LO's. I'm still not 100% sure about them, but here goes. Thanks so much for all of your replies. They've helped me a lot! I've resized the name, photo size and enveloppe in all three.

In the first LO I added a white overlay and rotated my blue border on the lt side. I'm not too sure if I like this LO....

In the second I added white textured paper. I do like this one, but still feel it's lacking something on the right hand side of the enveloppe. Maybe I should centre my enveloppe and picture more? BTW- Out of all the 3, my DH likes this one the best.

The third, I added an album....

What do you think? Which one is the best? Or am I off on all the suggestions?

[sandra]

You have been working hard! I think you could go bigger still on the main photo. I like it when the alpha or title overlaps onto a main focus item. I like the blue envelope much better. I like the white paper too. How about adding some soft brush effect to the white... something scroll-ish, or block of graduating color like I used in the photo mat here (picture using only your light blue or add one color)
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=49150&cat=500&ppuser=22738
What program do you use? I used PS7 for that LO. I could track down the origin of the brushes I used there if you are interested. PM me if so...

Also, there are at least two freebie kits that I can think of that are light blue. Have you seen them? You might find a great paper that is not quite the right shade, don't forget you can always adjust hue/saturation for a perfect match!

[renee82]

Okay,

I think I've got the final product! Thanks you so much for all your help. I couldn't have done this without all of you.

Sanstanton, thanks for making me realize that I can change the hue of a paper! (duhh.... why didn't I think of that, I do it for my own pics all the time.)

Stacey Jewell Stahl - thanks for suggesting I add a third paper. It really made things pop!

And to everyone else thanks so much!!! You gals are great!

I hope you like this LO!

[sandra]

Looks great!!!!

[Stacey Jewell Stahl]

AWESOME!!! This is wonderful! Stand up and take a bow!

[skt494]

Your announcement is so precious! Awesome work!