Giving Thanks, we all have things to be thankful for. How about capturing what you give thanks onto your scrapbook layouts. Think outside of the box and realize that your photos do not have to be of Thanksgiving Day or even Thanksgiving dinner. For example, the photos used in the layouts for this article were not taken on Thanksgiving. I love these pictures of my son, and I wanted to use them to portray my thanks of having a boy in my life.

For the beginner page, start with a solid color cardstock for the background. To keep it simple, do not mat any of the photos. To give the layout an autumn feel, add leaf die cuts. If you notice, the leaves are all grouped in three’s (odd numbers are more pleasing to the eye); ground the leaves by slightly attaching them to a photo or sit them on the bottom of the page. To lead your eye around the layout, create a visual triangle by strategically placing the groups of leaves. Keeping this layout simple and basic, use your own handwriting for the title and the journaling.



The intermediate layout adds a bit more pizzazz and technique. Using the same cardstock for the background, this time add a border on the left with torn green cardstock layered with patterned paper (to soften the edge of the torn paper, chalk with a subtle tone of brown and burnt sienna). Single mat the focal point photo on the left as well as the photo on the opposite page (far right) to draw the eye across the layout. Under the photo on the far right, construct a pocket that matches the border on the left (not only does this draw the eye across the page, but it also creates balance). The bare tree, basket and leaf die cuts form a scene along the bottom of the page, ground the focal point and lead the eye to look at the opposite page. The title was made using a sticker alphabet, and the journaling was generated on the computer and printed on vellum.



The advanced layout has some of the same basic concepts, but requires a bit more skill. The background remains the same. The focal point photo is not only double matted, but has a border added to it to match the borders on the left side and right bottom. The side and bottom borders are created by layering a 2" green, a 1 ¾" brown and a 1 ½" patterned paper strip. Fiber is added to the three borders to create balance, softness and rhythm throughout the layout. The center photos are single matted together, while the far right photo is double matted to mimic the focal point photo. Metal leaf embellishments are included to add to the continuity of the fall theme. The title is hand cut with a craft knife and once again placed to establish a visual triangle. The journaling is split in two, printed on vellum and attached with mini brads.