“The journey begins with knowing we’re never lost because we don’t know our way. We only become lost when we think we know the way to somewhere else.” -Soulla Theodoulou

People have used maps for centuries. Maps are used to plot out courses full of excitement and adventure. Maps also allow people to find their way when they are lost and cannot find their way back home without a little help from their trusty map.

When it comes to scrapbooking, maps can also be used as a way to show where a person has been or to signify a journey. Romana Kasanova used a map as the background for her layout. It is a great way to signify her daughter’s text messages traveling across the town, state, and country. Clair Rigby used a portion of a real map to show where the picture in her layout was taken. This is a great way to document road trips and other travels on one’s scrapbook pages.

Addictions by Romana Kasanova

Digital Supplies: Paper : Chocolate Lover kit by Jesse Edwards, Fresco kit by Katie Pertiet, Watery No.1 kit by Katie Pertiet, Map overlay: Roughed Up Maps No.5 kit by Katie Pertiet, Bottle cap: Capped kit by Katie Pertiet, Line circles: Winged Words kit by Katie Pertiet, Text circle: 12x12 Text Frames Life by Ali Edwards, Alpha: Farah kit by Lynn Grieveson (all at Designer Digitals), Font: Loved by the King, Software: Photoshop CS5.

Design Notes: I layered the papers using blending modes, Normal or Overlay, with lowered opacity. On the map I applied Gradient Mask for nicer transition, so it would not show underneath the photo. I added shadows under the bottle cap and the alpha. Then for the photo, I used Multiply blending mode which gave it a green tint. The green alpha seemed like perfect fit.

Turning Point by Clair Rigby

Supplies: Paper: Making Memories, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts, Ink: Stampin’ Up!, Markers: Sharpie, Sketch: Scrapsketch - All About Me Challenge 1, 2009, Other: vintage map background, vintage crochet doily. Tools: Other: sewing machine, sandpaper, scissors, scalpel and nail.

Design Notes: Using a large vintage map cut down to 12 x 12 as a background for my layout really highlighted the colors in my photograph. I added additional details, and a handmade arrow embellishment, in the same color palette to give my layout a simple but cohesive look.

Journaling: I learnt so much from these people with so little.

Sunday Stroll by Diana Brodeur

Supplies: Paper: Making Memories, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Letters: Making Memories, Ticket: S.E.I,Die-cut: K&Company, Ink: ColorBox (Clearsnap), Pen: Martha Stewart Crafts, other: thread, buttons. Tools: Punch: Fiskars.

Design Notes: I created a sun out of the compass found in the patterned paper. I covered up the compass portion with the orange paper and then used the spokes as a guideline to help me stitch the rays of the sun.

Journaling: Enjoying a refreshing morning stroll with just the girls and I. June 2009