Daily Special - Scrapbook Layout - Yay, My First 12x12 Layout!!

Today's Daily Special is "Scrapbook Layout". This is my very first 12x12 layout! I know. . .it sounds rather unbelievable that I've never created a 12x12 layout ever. I've made mini albums and a few digital ones but not a regular scrapbook page. I don't know why I never did try it out.

Scrapbooking is so personal and it's easier for me to create a card for someone else than to create something for myself. With scrapbooking, I tend to fuss too much about it. I think that's the reason why I never jumped into the full scale scrapbooking thing. It's a permanent thing. With cards that I sell or give away, I don't see them again . . .well, only when I look back at my blogs. There's a sense of letting go. . .yah, know. You're like "huh?, why is she so philosophical about scrapbooking and card making". Yeah, I guess I'm too serious about this stuff.

What do you think of this layout? Funny because I was in love with the designer paper that I could not cover it up so I rearranged everything to show as much of the paper as I could.

What was I trying to achieve with this layout? Well, first of all I wanted to include the "postcard version" of the waterfall and wanted to show that we actually were there. The journaling has the date and I wrote about our visit to the Bridal Veil Waterfall in Telluride.

Because I'm new at this stuff. . .I need a little more practice. I've been looking at scrapbooking blogs, magazines, books, galleries, etc. . .just to get some idea of what other's do. There doesn't seem to be a set standard. Some layouts are simple, some very busy, some with minimal embellishments, some with lots of embellishments. . .

I do notice more layouts that are very simple than very crazy busy ones. I think the trend is to focus on the picture rather than the stuff to decorate the page. I'm not sure which I like better right now.

Right now I think I'll stick to simple and gradually work my way to more elaborately designed layouts. I need your critique of my layout. . .what do you think I should have done or not done. Is the design too simple? Be honest. I can't get better if I don't get honest inputs. I don't mind constructive criticism. What would you have done differently with this layout or design?

Page Details:

Paper: K&Co Happy Trails designer paper, DCWV textured 12x12 cardstock Fall Stack, SU Tempting Turquoise

Accessories: Title created with Craft Robo, Darice rhinestones, SU Brocade Blue, SU Slit Punch, Sakura Souffle Gel Pen