Layout: Deconstructed (Global Halloween)

Introducing a new feature here at Right Side Up - Layout: Deconstructed. Let's start this off with a layout I made recently, "Global Halloween," and three tips that can be taken away by deconstructing the layout.

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics | Patterned Paper: Webster's Pages, Lawn Fawn, October Afternoon | Journaling Cards/Tags: Chic Tags | Chipboard Hearts: Studio Calico | Flair: Studio Calico | Wood Veneer Embellishments: Studio Calico | Fabric Tag: Ormolu | Chipboard Vampire: Cosmo Cricket | Washi Tape: Bella Blvd | Die-cutting Machine: Silhouette | Fonts: AL Uncle Charles, Dock 11, Pacifico

  
Tip #1: Use Repetition
Repetition in design can help to reinforce the theme or mood of your layout. Here I used four map-based products to support the global theme: 1) the large Webster's Pages patterned paper map in the center of the layout, 2) the Chic Tags map journaling card at the top, the Chic Tags globe tag in the bottom right-hand corner, and 4) the Ormolu fabric map tag to the right of the vampire's head.
 
Tip #2: Find and use your go-to fonts 
For me, these are Pacifico and Dock 11 for use on the Silhouette, and AL Uncle Charles and Typenoksidi for journaling. Here I used ye olde Pacifico and Dock 11 combo for the title and AL Uncle Charles for the journaling. Why do I like these fonts? They are combinations of hard (Dock 11, Typenoksidi) and soft (Pacifico, AL Uncle Charles), and rough (AL Uncle Charles, Typenoksidi) and smooth (Pacifico, Dock 11). Combining them in different ways creates different looks and I have yet to find a layout that doesn't work with one, two, three, or all four of these fonts. You can look at this choice one of two ways: "she always does the same thing," or, as I prefer, "that's her signature look." Maybe you like the same fonts I do, maybe you use other fonts. Whatever you like, use it. By knowing your go-to fonts you can free up time to focus on other design elements. If you haven't yet built a font library, my favorite site for free fonts is dafont.com.   

Tip #3: Cutesy can work if done in moderation
I can't use a whole sheet full of cutesy embellishments, but take one super-cute embellishment (here, the little vampire), mix it in with non-cutesy products, and suddenly it's a touch of humor for the eye amidst a sea of more serious stuff. Better yet when it coordinates well with your theme and photos - this little vampire could almost join the crew on the UNICEF box!

Sure, there are lots more tips to be taken from this layout but hopefully one or more of the three I chose will get you thinking about trying something new on your next layout!