Kim Strother: Winner Of The November Challenge!

Congratulations, Kim, and thank you for participating in the November Paperclipping Challenge!

On most months, Lesley chooses topics from the Paperclipping video tutorials and issues them as a challenge. Anyone is allowed to pick one or more of those topics and submit up to three layouts or projects. Lesley and I look through each submission, discuss the strong points, and then decide who we think best displays an understanding of design principles and a great story.

It's getting harder and harder to choose, so I know you'll love Kim's winning layout, which is based on a sketch from one of Cathy Z's classes...

Here's what the judges had to say about Kim's page, YOU.

The colors against the black are fabulous. The structure is also great--the shape of the journaling block and how this is balanced with the photos,giving a rough diamond shape in the foreground, while the photos, themselves, create a triangle. The hearts make a good visual triangle and the strip at the bottom anchors the entire structure. We also like the little bits of orange color that have been added to tie in with her son's hat. The photos have a good variety too, as they have different views, zoom levels and emotions.

I asked Kim some questions and here they are with her answers...

How long have you been scrapbooking?
I’ve always been the sentimental type and saved a lot of stuff. Then I got into photography in high school. I started what we call scrapbooking 13 years ago after my daughter was born. But it was just photos on cute paper, no journaling or date. The last 7 years I have been obsessed.


How would you describe your style or scrapbooking philosophy/methods?
Because I have a daughter and son I think I am very eclectic. I don’t think I have just one style. I like to try new things, new color combos and new techniques. You see what works, what you like, and learn from that. I think my style changes a little every time I make a page.


What are your favorite products or tools?
I LOVE pattern paper. My husband laughs at me because I say it even smells good.


What tip or mantra or idea has been most helpful for you in this hobby?
I think it is important to remember that this hobby is all about preserving the past. Once I gained confidence in my work and I stopped putting pressure on myself to make every page perfect, I was able to really enjoy the process more.


Want to get to know Kim a little better? You can visit her page on The Crop Circle, as well as her blog at LoveJoyScrap.


Interested in participating in a Paperclipping challenge? We took a little time off for the holidays, but we'll pick them up again soon. Watch for announcements in the notes area on the home page of The Crop Circle, in the discussion forums, and in The Paperclipping Insider.