You can download and print this sketch by clicking on the one-page sketches link found under the "printable sketches" tab on the right sidebar.

I don't know if they have a specific name (I like to call them banner strips) but I've been using the strips with the "v" cut on at the ends a lot lately! They are a great way to take a simple strip and give it more detail and interest and with little time and effort.

The are several ways to cut the little "v" on the ends:

• The most time consuming is measuring. I don't recommend this one but if you want them to be super perfect, go for it!

• The easiest and fastest is to just wing it and cut the ends with scissors.

• The next option is kind of like a compromise between measuring and freehand cutting it. Our creative team member Penny Grimsley mentioned folding the strip in half with a soft fold (not creating an actual crease down the middle) and then snipping a line along the soft fold.  A 1/4" to 1/2" should be enough. Then you can use the top of the snipped line as a guide and go from one corner to the top of that line. Repeat with the other corner.

• The last option (this one was shared with me yesterday during a class and it's definitely one that makes you think "Why didn't I think of that!") is to use a square punch and only use a corner of it to punch the "v".

We've got a week full of wonderful layouts so be sure to check back throughout the week! It's always nice to hear what our readers think of all the layouts and projects shared during the week!
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You can download and print this sketch by clicking on the one-page sketches link found under the "printable sketches" tab on the right sidebar.

On of my favorite designs to do is added a large shape to the background. It's such an easy way to add an eye-catching element to the page. This month, the one-page sketch has a large star for the background and you can easily play around with other shapes like a large heart or a large circle. Another great substitute would be a die cut patterned paper.

Want to include more pictures? Try these ideas:

• Use two 3 x 4" photos.
• Use two 3 x 3" photos.
• Use six 2 x 2" photos.
• Use two 4 x 4" photos.
• Keep the 6 x 4" as is and then add a few 2 x 2" photos on the bottom of the 6 x 4"
• Replace the journaling with a few 2 x 2" photos or a 3 x 3".

Be sure to check back throughout the week to see what our creative team has done with this sketch!
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  You can download and print this sketch by clicking on the one-page sketches link found under the "printable sketches" tab on the right sidebar.

I'll admit it's a rare thing for me to create a layout with only one picture and a lot of times I'm trying to creatively cram as many pictures as I can onto a page. But, of course, there are always those times when you have one outstanding picture that you want to showcase all on it's own.

If you have more photos than just one or don't work with enlargements, here are a few options for this sketch:

• Use a 6 x 4" photo
• Use two 3 1/2 x 5" photos
• Use six 2 1/2 x 2 1/2" photos
• Use three 2 1/2 x 4" photos
• Use a 5 x 5" photo (cut down from a 5 x 7 or an 8 x 10)
• Use a vertical 4 x 6 photo

We've got lots of great projects to share with you from our talented creative team so be sure to check back tomorrow for One-page Week!