[katykins]

Katykins, I have come back to scrapbooking and found a very simple basic style that I feel comfortable with it is un cluttered and focuses on the photograph, would like advice on adding embelishments and journaling - nothing too fancy, just someone to hold my hand and encourage me, so I don't run away again and get to grow

[mimes1]

Hello, and welcome back! Style is as individual as all of us! It is very unique to everyone, and not everyone has a specific style. Some digital scrapbookers play around with all kinds of different styles. There are a number of design books in the boutique right here that might help you with some basic design principles. This book by Valerie Randall was a huge help to me when I was starting out Ten Basic Design Principles eBook . Another design book in the boutique is by Anna Mansfield -Scrap Girls 2008 Digital Scrap Link Class: Intentional Design . This is a great book with design principles as well, and Laurel has one also Scrap Girls 2008 Digital Scrap Link Class: Basic Layout Design . I still refer to them for refreshers!

Also, you can browse through any of the designer or layout artist galleries and get tons of inspiration, and the newsletter that arrives daily is loaded with tons of inspiration.
Oh, and Anna has a class in the boutique right now on Journaling. You might want to check it out. I took that class when it was offered previously and learned alot! Online Class - The Art and Importance of Journaling - Tuesdays, June 15 and 22 at 7:00 PM MT (Mansfield/Mansfield)

I hope this helps!

[AngRoCamp]

I have a tendency to be a less-is-more type of scrapper There's certainly not a right way or a wrong way to scrap so you do what's comfortable for you! Previous poster gave you some great links to excellent products to help you along your way. You'll always have folks here on the board who will be happy to give you an encouraging word and help you along Welcome to Scrap Girls! We're glad to have you here

[Julie - scrapaholic]

Hi and welcome to SG. I'm also a very uncluttered scrapper and as previously mentioned browse through the gallery of designers, and LO' artists and members. You will see a ton of clean and simple designs that have a few small embellishments to just add the right touches.

[elibar]

Another great way to add embellishments when you're unsure of placement and such is to use pre-made clusters. Here are a few to check out:

The Bee's Knees Embellishment Mini – Clusters

Scenic Route Word Art Mini

Tied Floral Embellishments

Using clusters demystifies embellishment placement - let the designer do the work for you! You can get a whole new look to your layouts!

[ArizonaAngel]

I love the simple layouts! Sometimes I get a bit jealous of the beautiful LOs with lots of perfectly placed embellies, but I rarely scrap that way. I do admit that I too am a fan of the kits and collections with the clusters already created for me! Welcome back!

[CRS]

Welcome Back!! I love the uncluttered, simple look. If you feel stuck on a layout, feel free to post it in the gallery and ask for CC. We'd be happy to offer some suggestions!

[PolkaDot]

Welcome back!

LOL, at least you have identified your style! You're already ahead in the scrapping game. I see you have already received great advice, and you should know that you are in the right place for advice and encouragement in the most positive way. I think if you just play, upload and see your layout in the gallery and read what others think you will start to get a feel for what works. You can always ask for CC on your layouts........ I have learned so much from reading CC. Often a slight change in placement makes all the difference, and the next time it seems to come more naturally.

I haven't yet discovered my style, but sure am having fun trying out a lot of different things! It's all about fun! As I scrap I often think about the time on The View when Barbara Streisand was singing with Rosie O'Donnell and stopped her during a duet and said, "Remember, less is more." LOL, don't know why I remember that particular moment.... I guess because she is quite the expert on the topic.....but it always pops into my head when I am trying to add "just one more" embellishment. That said, I love all the embellishments the designers make available to us and want to use them as much as possible, and then think to many of the quilting teachers who would tell us that "just when you think you have added enough, add one more."

Anyway, I hope you will stay and just play until you feel comfortable with your very own style. I am looking forward to seeing your layouts!

One last bit of advice which was offered by a student in the really wonderful Intentional Design Class which I took with Anna (e-book mentioned above) was to zoom your layout to a thumbnail size in your software. Wow, I really "see" things differently when I do that, and often add, remove or move embellishments. I wish I could credit whomever offered that tidbit, since it has really helped me. I also like to change the background color from grey to black to white as I work, which helps me see the layout a bit differently.

Have fun!

[StephRN]

Welcome back. It's good to have you here. I purchased the intentional design ebook and I find it has great tips for helping me get the look I have in my head onto the LO. I also love the grid that comes with the Basic Designs principle ebook.

I like looking back at my LOs and seeing my progression through different styles. There's always something new to try.

I look forward to seeing your LOs.

[PBarnes]

I love Elisha's suggestion of using some of the pre-made embellishment clusters. You can plop one of those on a background paper, add your photos and you have a beautiful layout. After working with the clusters for a bit, you can begin to see how they are constructed and start making some of your own. I too, tend towards the less is more style and definitely like to keep my focus on my photos.