[Virginia Adkins]

Hello, Ladies (and Gentlemen).

I'm looking for a little critique/advice. I've been looking a lot at other people's layouts, and I feel like I am a lot more conservative with all the little "extras" that go with my photos than most of you here - though that may just be a holdover from working with paper scrap supplies!
Would you all be willing to look at this layout, and any of my others that you are inclined to view, and tell me a few things I can do to improve?

Thanks in advance, all!

[Smiles]

Everyone has her own style, and the most important thing is to be happy with your layout. There are no scrapbooking police (at least not here!). It's nice to try to scraplift a layout you admire, and see how it feels. There are some really good books and tutorials in the boutique about design principles. I expect as you acquire more digital goodies, you'll enjoy using them. I am often inspired by a new kit and remembering photos, rather than the other way around.
(you'll notice I'm not giving you any advice, just sharing some philosophy).
The main thing is to have fun!

[PBarnes]

You're doing great, Virginia. I left you some love and CC in the gallery.

[AggieB]

Welcome to ScrapGirls if I haven't already said so. I recognize your avatar, so I might have.
I liked your layout - left a comment on the page.

[angelaNussbaum]

welcome to scrap girls too! i think i missed your hello thread.

Its awesome seeing you jumping in here to learn and to share your layouts. Your layouts are really quite good!!!!


Hope to see you around more!

Angela

[Virginia Adkins]

Thanks for the advice, Smiles. I will definitely keep that in mind. I feel like I do have a style, I'm just looking to expand stylistically. I think I'm going to be taking part in as many forum challenges as I can, just to keep up and keep learning!

Thanks everyone who shared love and cc! I really appreciate all the input! (And someday, when my head isn't full of ideas for new LO's, I may adjust the angle of that paper, lol!)

[Jenna]

Just wanted to say that like others have mentioned you'll find a niche you like & that portrays your own flavor. For some that means lots of embellies & they use them so well! For others that is clean lines & simple layouts that still offer their view on things. I don't know what you'd call my style, but I am one that only has a few layouts using lots of embellies. I love them, but I find that once I am doing a layout I don't often think about them. LOL I tend to focus a lot on the pictures & ways to manipulate them so that they end up being a sort of embellishment on their own.

Anyway - just my 2 cents for what that's worth. LOL I'll leave specific comments on the layout itself.

[Virginia Adkins]

Just posting here to let people know that I finally did edit the layout.
It's posted up here: http://scrapgirls.co...mage&img=104558

[BarbaraC1977]

Virginia, I like both versions of your layout, but especially like the ribbon across the corner of the photo in the makeover.

I can't tell--it could be my monitor, but the only other thing I'd consider is to add a modest drop shadow to any "raised" element, such as the pen, the date and the text "Love you always." The shadow will make these elements a little more three dimensional, and "ground" them on the paper. That said, your layouts are quite lovely. It's easy to go overboard with too many disparate elements; I think you just have to become comfortable with your own style--it's already super.

[lorac]

Left you some love on a few of your layouts. I especially love the layout about your kitties. I too have kitties and I do a lot of layouts about them. Keep up the great work.