Sweet on Fall (Simple Stories Harvest Lane)

It's no secret that I love to layer elements on my layouts, but sometimes it gets a little complicated. When I start a layout and everything is where I want it (and before anything is adhered) I take a photo of the page. I also make light pencil marks to show approximately where the pieces go. This way when I move everything off of the background I don't have to worry about how to piece it all back together when it comes time to adhere. Think of it as a puzzle if you will. If I forget how I layered elements (in terms of what goes on top of or under something else) I can refer to the photo. While I was putting this layout together, I figured if I'm taking a photo of how the finished page should look, I should photograph my process too because it would be fun to share with you (at least I think so, LOL). Are you ready?

Step 1: Background has been chosen. Time to add a bit of patterned paper as a backdrop for the photo.

Step 2: The patterned paper is nice, but the page definitely needs more color. Bingo cards work well as an embellishment so let's layer some over the gingham paper. These colors say "fall" and stand out nicely against the dark background.

Step 3: Time to add the photo. A small red banner complements the apples in the photo and visually bridges the gap between the photo and the gingham paper. It also brings another color into the mix.

Step 4: The right side of the page is coming along, so it's time to work on the left side. Some little scraps and a small banner look nice, plus the cream banner balances the red one.

Step 5: Let's deal with the gap between the photo and striped paper. A large flash card and a couple of smaller ones below it fill the space and anchor the left side of the page to the photo. I'm liking this so far. Time to add a few embellishments. Maybe some buttons...

Step 6: Buttons at the end of each banner add some interest. The blank spot on the blue plaid label needs a little something. How about a small word sticker? If I'm going to use one word sticker, maybe I should add in a couple more. :)

Step 7: Now it's time to step back and decide if there are any "blank" spots. I see a few. Washi tape and more stickers solve the problem. What about a title? Where is it going to go? I haven't really left much room for anything big, so let's get creative...

Step 8: A fairly small title on the right side of the page includes a little tag that says "fall" to finish it off without taking up much room. Punched borders at the top and bottom of the page lead the eye into the center of the page. I'm calling it done. :) I hope you enjoyed seeing how this page came together, from start to finish but before you go, I'd love to know how you put your pages together. Do you wing it and adhere as you go? Do you lay everything out until you like the arrangement and then adhere with the pieces in place? Or do you come up with an arrangement you like, move it off the background and then adhere it one piece at a time like I do?