Scraplifting is NOT the same as cheating -- at least, not unless you copy someone's layout piece by piece and then try to pass it off as your own in public!
Scraplifting, to me, is merely gathering ideas. Rare is the time when I sit down, leaf through an idea book or magazine, find a layout I like, and then copy it in the exact same products shown. Fuggedaboudit! Where's the fun in that? What I find fun is attempting to create a look someone else has pulled off, using the materials and supplies *I* have on-hand. It's much like seeing Kate Hudson on the pages of InStyle wearing an adorable boho-chic outfit, and then trying to recreate it at home with your Target budget and H&M heels.
THE KEY IS TO MAKE IT YOURS! By using your products, your photos, your colors, your eye for design, your journaling (can't forget that!), you take one idea and make it into something new, something original.
Of course, there are those times when you just want to lift a layout as close to the original as possible. This is okay, too! Why else do you think all the magazines include product information for each layout they publish? Disclaimer: IT IS NEVER OKAY TO PASS SOMEONE ELSE'S WORK OFF AS YOUR OWN. If you lift a layout, don't submit it for publication. And if you put it on your blog or in an online gallery, a simple credit ("scraplift from Tia Bennett") is sufficient.
I started with this adorable layout from Scrapbook Trends magazine:
Here I am, blowing my own rules... I don't know whom to attribute this layout to! I ripped the page out because I thought it was so cute, but the credit was on the opposite page. And I cannot even tell you what issue it was in... ARRGH! So if you are the designer behind this adorable design, please accept my humblest apologies and let me know so I can give you proper credit! EDITED: Thank you, Michelle, for letting me know that this page was designed by Celeste Smith, one of our own Simple Gals!
Anyway, here is what my lift came out like:
I am sure you can immediately spot the similarities. (Ignore the fact that mine is cut off at the knees... hate my scanner!). This is a much closer lift than I would usually do. I might pick one element -- like the button border -- and then change up everything else to make it more "me."
materials: Patterned paper (Me and My Big Ideas) + buttons (Foof-a-la) + plastic letters (Heidi Swapp) + rub-on stitches (Kaiser) + hemp thread (Darice) + waxed thread + string
Now, for last week's winners...
Bec and Lisa! I love how they both did their own interpretations of one layout. Great job, ladies! Send me your addresses and I'll get you some goodies. :)
What are your thoughts on scraplifting? Is it a regular part of your scrapbooking? A necessary evil? Does it make you uncomfortable, inspire you? What are your rules, if you have any? Do tell!
And for next week, how about a 30-minute layout with felt, fabric, or some other "sewing" type of material? Show me what you have. Leave your link in the comments and we'll all "ooh" and "aah!"
I have that copy of Scrapbook Trends right here on my desk, ready to scraplift a couple of the layouts in it! The "nursery" layout is by Celeste Smith, according to the credits. VERY cute page of Callie! You have inspired me to get scrapping today ;-))Thanks Lain!
Posted by: Michelle | July 03, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Holy cow!!!! How cool is that!!! Thanks, Lain!
Posted by: Lisa | July 03, 2008 at 01:27 PM
how funny is that? turns out you've even met me in person. :) one of my favorite layouts of myself. that photo was a shock when I found it in the pile of photos I have from my childhood. I have no idea who took it or why - my mother would know, but no way to ask her. I'm going to have to ask my father.
Posted by: Celeste | July 03, 2008 at 01:32 PM
LOVE LOVE to scraplift (when i actually get around to creating!) It just helps to get me started, and sometimes it does end up sort of the same (like yours) or takes on a life of its own. I have so many ideas that i want to do- i'm not sure where to even start...so I thought maybe what i'll do is, just pick 1 design for each layout ( i tear out pages from a mag or dog ear them)- and go onto the next. Hmmm, you'd think I would have alot done by now... (if i would just quit MOVING all the time, that would help!! lol) Thanks for this post today Lain! I think i'm going to go get my scrappin mojo on! :) ps- on celeste's lo, is that paper or fabric? Do you know where I can get the info of the products used?
Posted by: lacey | July 03, 2008 at 01:42 PM
Heck! I got so excited, I forgot to answer your questions. lol
I probably scraplift almost as much as I come up with my own designs. And, I guess there are many things behind that.
First, how can you not be inspired by all the great work out there?! And if not inspired, certainly influenced - after all, none of us live in a bubble.
I think it's a great way to reach out of your comfort zone and try new techniques, colors, compositions, and materials. Lifting helps you to build and expand your own style, for me, it's part of the growth process.
And, yes, it helps to kick your own creative juices in when you are in a slump. It's part of the discipline of art.
Rules? I always, always credit the person I lift. I try my best to link to the inspiration. And, when possible, I let the artist know what I've done.
Necessary "evil" -- I think not!
Posted by: Lisa | July 03, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Lacey, the layout was in the September 2007 issue of ST. Here is the materials list that appeared with the layout; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics, Patterned paper: Daisy D's, Fibers: DMC floss, Paint: Heidi Swapp, Buttons: American Crafts, Buttons Galore and More, Stickers: Daisy D's (tag), Making Memories (alphabet), Pen: American Crafts. Hope that helps!
Posted by: Michelle | July 03, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Congratulations Bec and Lisa. Great Layouts! It makes me want to take my camera and take some pictures of my favorite coffee shop and restaurant. Thanks for the inspiration~~
Posted by: Michelle (from KY) | July 03, 2008 at 07:13 PM
Love both the original and yours! I'm actually kind of scraplifting impaired. I take bits and pieces of inspiration and incorporate them, but I have a hard time copying a layout exactly even when I try. It always winds up changing along the way.
~T.
Posted by: bcre8uv | July 03, 2008 at 08:11 PM
Oh, I am soooo excited. Lisa and I had great fun doing this. I just loved that LO so much and of course, I love Starbucks!
As to scraplifting, a good friend of mine likened it to when she started sewing. She did everything right down to the tiniest detail according to the pattern. As her skills increased, she started making alterations, combining patterns to come closer to a more designer look. As her skills increased, along with some formal instruction, she become a master seamstress.
I have had horrible block, great self doubt and all that perfectionism stuff many of us experience. This really helped me get back into making pages and other art stuff I love doing. Lately, I just seemed to stare at all my supplies and get no where.
Thanks for the boost and a big thanks to my best bud Lisa :).
Posted by: Bec | July 03, 2008 at 09:08 PM
I am a scraplifter of elements... I like to take an idea or two and use them on my pages. I am one of those people with an inability to follow a pattern (as in sewing and quilting) and I definitely see that come into my scrap life. Even if I wanted to lift a complete LO, I can't seem to do it without changing something LOL :) Love your blog, Lain!
Posted by: Rebecca | July 04, 2008 at 09:34 AM