Starting with a Sketch (Again!)
Our theme for this month is “Spring Break Shenanigans.” For this project, I used a favorite sketch that I’ve used before, and yes, I’m calling that part of the shenanigans too. There’s something a little mischievous about reaching for a tried and true design.
The sketch gave me a strong foundation with multiple photo spots, circular elements, and movement created by the arrows.
Spring Break Shenanigans
Spring break is supposed to be all sunshine, fresh starts and maybe a little relaxation, but Mother Nature had other plans. One year, instead of blooming flowers, we were pounded with an unexpected April snowstorm. Total shenanigans, right? Of course, that made it the ideal story to document.
Turning Snowy Chaos into a Layout
Using the sketch, I created a layout that captures the irony of a winter wonderland in the middle of spring break. The layered photos and large snowflake embellishments emphasize the chill in the air, while the soft blues keep everything seasonal.
I replaced the circular elements with snowflakes, which added dimension. Instead of arrows, I used swirls across the page, mimicking blowing snow. It’s a perfect example of how a sketch can guide your design while still leaving room for creativity.
Same Sketch, New Twist: A Card
Now let’s have some fun, taking that same sketch and shrinking it down into a card! This is a favorite “shenanigan” in crafting, re-imaging a layout design into a completely different format. For the card I simplified the elements, but kept the core structure. The circular focal point became an adorable bunny centerpiece, and the layered banners echoed the original design using arrows. The result is a sweet, spring inspired card that feels completely different from a snowy layout, yet still used the same sketch.
The Versatility of a Good Sketch
Remember, sketches aren’t a one and done tool. They’re extremely versatile and can be adapted over and over again and your result will look different every time.
By rotating elements, changing scale, or swapping embellishments, you can give the same sketch a new look each time.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing this projects shows, it’s that a little creative “shenanigans” can lead to some fantastic results. Reusing a sketch might feel like a shortcut, but really, it’s a smart way to stretch your creativity.
So the next time you find a sketch you love, don’t get rid of it after one use. Use it again, flip it, shrink it, and reinvent it. A little repetition might just be the best kind of crafty shenanigan.