How to fill a whole page from edge to edge? Now that was the challenge set by Miss Smith: tell a story, fit in a photo, keep some semblance of the original design, and - the bit that made me quake! - fill the space. Having long wanted to use this picture, and inspired by the wonderful John McWade of the design site Before and After (see his current video), I flipped my original design sideways, split the long horizontal bar in two above and below the photo, and added a story or two - or eight.
I know. I left a bit of white space above the text in the left-hand column. I tried, truly I did: a camera icon, an arrow, a button, a bow, another mini-photo ... just couldn't get it to work. I got visual indigestion. Will it be enough to fill the brief - whaddya think?
Up here, the rumours of more snow are rife, but I'm pretending it's not going to happen. Mum and I have some fabric inks to try out, a bundle of prepared cotton, and a pile of logs for the fire. Hoping you have a lovely weekend - and see you Monday?
Don't let anyone tell you you have not filled the page - you most certainly have ... and beautifully too!
I love the 'Did you know' facts!
PS What did you mean by me having a go?
Posted by: Amy | Friday, 10 February 2012 at 12:26 AM
This is just wonderful, and I don't think you should question your design sense. If it didn't look right to you, it shouldn't be there! What a wonderful photo!
Posted by: Karen Walker | Friday, 10 February 2012 at 03:27 AM
stunning layout - love the opaque text boxes over the photo
Posted by: Helena c | Friday, 10 February 2012 at 08:36 AM
This is so different for you but it is still you. Love the larger photo across the page.
Posted by: Miriam | Friday, 10 February 2012 at 09:22 AM
Another brilliant LO, great to see you stretching yourself. And I'm sure that great design tops keeping within the rules. You need some wiggle room to make it, as you so eloquently put it, digestible :) Hope the snow keeps at bay for you. Pxx
Posted by: Paul | Friday, 10 February 2012 at 10:14 AM
That page is definately full,Alexa.....and wonderfully full.....a brilliant way of adding 'the facts'.
Posted by: Jacky S | Friday, 10 February 2012 at 10:27 AM
I love it! Love the little facts you've included:) Have to say your son sounds awfully like mine!! (except mine is younger, still at uni, not yet married or a Dad)
Posted by: Linda | Friday, 10 February 2012 at 11:20 AM
nearly up-to-date on my homework. so far i've completed seven LOs I think considering my mental state at the mo pretty good going. i love the way u've split the journalling and made it a lil letter to each individual. i think the white space makes the picture shout out even more,
beautiful.
we have snow here but it starting to melt already,
jo xxxx
Posted by: Jo | Friday, 10 February 2012 at 12:26 PM
Ah Alexa! You never cease to amaze with your designs. This one is not only clean & simple, it 's also chock full of personality, fulfilling it's calling as one in your Q &N series. I think it works very well.
Cheers~
Posted by: Honoré | Friday, 10 February 2012 at 12:55 PM
What a nice page. Love the journaling and the notes to each of them. You've been pinned.
Posted by: Katie B | Friday, 10 February 2012 at 02:33 PM
You always get it right! It looks perfect to me
Posted by: Sian | Friday, 10 February 2012 at 05:23 PM
Another stunning LO, Alexa! I love reading your journalling x
Posted by: Michele | Friday, 10 February 2012 at 07:03 PM
I love this layout - the little bit of white space above the journalling I think is needed and the page looks filled to me!
Posted by: Becky | Friday, 10 February 2012 at 07:04 PM
This is terrific - maybe one of my favorites of yours. Love how you tell the story..how you've done the overlay and the commentary. So very clever and creative!
Posted by: Marcie | Friday, 10 February 2012 at 07:13 PM
Love this - all the little snippets of info - I can imagine someone finding your book in years to come and reading all the detail!
Posted by: Lynn | Friday, 10 February 2012 at 07:17 PM
That is a fabulous photo for this layout - perfect for making it cover the page!
Posted by: Melissa | Friday, 10 February 2012 at 08:12 PM
Love the photo..it works perfectly for this Prompt..and the facts are a great addition to the journalling!
Alison xx
Posted by: Alison | Friday, 10 February 2012 at 09:05 PM
Oh Alexa, this page is just wonderful. I love it.
Posted by: Fiona | Saturday, 11 February 2012 at 03:41 PM
Another great page. I just love the way you have overlaid the journaling directly onto the person you are addressing. Really clever.
Slowly getting over the chest infection, thank you.
Posted by: Irene | Saturday, 11 February 2012 at 06:48 PM
Love all the little tid bits of info about everybody!! I'd rather you didn't fill that space, your eye needs that bit of a pause.
Posted by: Suzanna | Sunday, 12 February 2012 at 10:40 PM
what a wonderful photo and such a great idea for the journalling.
Posted by: Mary B | Monday, 13 February 2012 at 11:32 AM
most definitely filled the brief. A wonderful page.
why is it we have to ensure the bed covers are equal lengths! :)
Posted by: Louise | Monday, 13 February 2012 at 06:22 PM
I think you did an excellent job of filing the space, it looks great!
Posted by: Beverly | Wednesday, 15 February 2012 at 06:30 PM
I'm so glad you stopped by my blog and commented, allowing me to find you. I enjoy visiting your blog and I'm inspired each and every time. What a neat way to add journaling to a layout. Great pic too!
Posted by: Danielle | Wednesday, 15 February 2012 at 07:45 PM
Genius, genius way to journal!!! Wow, I missed so much by not visiting more often!
Posted by: Nathalie | Thursday, 23 February 2012 at 12:12 AM
Oh this is lovely - what a great way to journal. So fun to see the two summaries for each.
Posted by: Missus Wookie | Monday, 27 February 2012 at 08:17 PM
Amazing page--you managed in tiny space to tell so much about each person.
Posted by: Wanda Jorgensen | Monday, 05 March 2012 at 09:45 AM