Hello, Leah here! Let’s talk about templates today. I know many scrappers who use templates. Some claim templates are their best friend while others still do not know how to use them. A few, I might say, are even afraid of them.

When I first started scrapping many moons ago, I almost always started from scratch. Back then, templates are not as prevalent as they are these days. In 2011, I joined a creative team of an awesome template designer (she took a break/has retired) and from then on, 4 out of 5 times, I use templates for my layouts. I love them. I think they are great to use as foundation for your page and most of all, they are a time saver!

One good thing about using a template is you do not have to use it only once. You can pretty much do whatever you want with it and “make it your own.” Believe it or not, I have seen many layouts where the template does not look like the original when the page is finished. You can flip it, rotate it, add to, and subtract from it. There are plenty of possibilities!

I am going to show you 3 ways of using 1 template. The template I chose to use is by Misty Cato. It is currently a freebie at Sweet Shoppe Designs.

First, I used the template “as is” which means if you look at the template and my layout, it is obvious that I used the template as it was laid out.

The kit I used for my layout is Spring Woods by Kristin Cronin-Barrow and Digital Scrapbook Ingredients.

Second, I made a few changes: 1) removed the bottom part 2) made the big photo on the top right smaller 3) re-arranged the photos in the middle part so the biggest photo is placed on the left giving balance to the page.

This one is using Bundle of Joy Girl by Digital Scrapbook Ingredients.

Third, again I made changes to the same template, but this time they may not be too obvious. Take a closer look and you will notice the following: 1) I removed the middle part of the template 2) I rotated it clockwise 3) made minor changes to the left side to make it symmetrical with the right side 4) added the circle in the middle

Get Festive: St. Patrick’s Day is the kit I used for the page above.

So there you have it. You can absolutely use a template numerous times. Just be a little more creative and best of all, you’ll finish a page in no time!

This is Leah signing off. Have fun scrapping!