Ciao Bella Layout Tutorial with Graphic 45 Typography

Hello, G45’ers!  As a card maker, I have sometimes shied away from creating scrapbooking layouts.  Of course, I CAN do it…but the 12×12 format can feel intimidating for me.  Well, today’s post is all about eliminating the intimidation!  I’ve created this Ciao Bella Layout Tutorial with Graphic 45‘s Typography Collection.  Even though it is retired, it is still my all time tip top favorite from G45.   If you don’t have it in your paper stash, never fear.  This layout is so simple to make that you can easily use it with any of your favorite collections.  Let’s get this paper party started, shall we?

 

This photo of our daughter Liz was taken on one of our mother/daughter jaunts to the mountains last fall.  Ever since Liz was a young girl, my pet name for her has been Bella, which means “beautiful” in Italian.  (We are not Italian…I’m Irish…but nicknames don’t always have to  make sense, do they?)  I’m the only one who calls her by this name.  When I decided to scrap this photo, I remembered the Ciao Bella journal card from Typography.  That’s the inspiration for this layout.

Creating Contrast in a Simple Layout

There are many ways to create contrast in a layout.  Color is an obvious path to take, and I’ve certainly done that here.  But have you ever considered varying the size of your patterns as a way to create contrast?  It really works!

Throughout this layout, I’ve alternated 12×12 papers with 8×8 papers.  The scale of the images and the text creates instant contrast.  For instance, my background paper is 12×12, while the paper that the photo rests on is an 8×8 sheet of text paper.   The borders are from the 8×8 pad, but the bold black sentiment is from the 12×12 pad.  Instant contrast.  This creates visual interest even in a simple layout like this one.

Ciao Bella Layout: Expect the Unexpected

Add fun to a simple layout by creating a hidden journal tag.  This 4×6 journal card has been cut down to fit the Black Staples Tag.  Then I elevated the photo with strips of cardboard to create a nifty little pocket to hold it. You’ll see how that mechanism works in the 60 second video tutorial at the end of this post.

Ciao Bella Layout: Create Simple layers

It honestly took me longer to photograph (and edit) than it did to make this layout.  The key is to a speedy layout is to create simple layers.  Orienting the papers on the diagonal created a sense of drama.  The bold, black sentiment panel on the right draws the eye to the focal image.  The layered borders help to form a frame.

This Staples Metal Door Plate & Knob is dabbed with Rusty Hinge Distress Paint to add another simple layer to the composition.

I also layered the typewriter key “e” over the chipboard button.  Placing this in the corner unified the paper layers as well as added dimension.

Ciao Bella Layout: Frame and Feathers

This sentiment describes the way our lovely daughter lives her life.  To give it more of a presence on the page, I “framed it up” inside the chipboard frame element from the Typography collection.  Then I hot glued it over the peacock feathers to hold them in place.  The black satin bow helps to draw the eye to the sentiment, and it also balances out the sentiment panel on the right.

Ciao Bella Layout 60 second video tutorial

Graphic 45 challenged me to make a 60 second video tutorial of this Ciao Bella Layout.  Let me tell you…60 seconds goes by really fast!  Still, I  managed to put together a simple process video that will show you the steps I took to build this layout.  I hope you enjoy.  Don’t blink, or you’ll miss it!  LOL

I hope I’ve inspired you to get out your favorite photos and document beautiful memories today.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.  Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Ciao Bella Layout Supply List

• Typography 12×12 Papers
  • Inspire
  • Imagine
  • Journey
• 8×8 Papers
  • Journey
  • Dream
  • Typography
• Chipboard
  • Circular Frame
  • Button
  • “e” Typewriter Key
• Staples
  • Black Tag
  • Metal Door Plates and Knobs
• Other
  • Peacock Feathers
  • Rusty Hinge Distress Paint (for the Door Plate)
  • Black Satin Ribbon
  • Foam tape or cardboard packaging for layers
  • Hot Glue Gun/adhesive of choice