Art of Layers: Simple Techniques, Inventive Scrapbook Pages, Imaginative Papercrafts

by Ronda Palazzari

Basic scrapbooking has you place photos and embellishments on cardstock or patterned paper - easy and...well, basic. The next step for most scrapbookers is layering. But trying to get that rich, interesting layered look can be very intimidating. Where do you even start? "Art of Layers" teaches scrapbookers and beginning mixed media artists just how easy it is to get to that layered look in any papercrafting project. Author Ronda Palazzari teaches readers 50 techniques that will serve as tools to pull out whenever a layered look is desired. The chapters allow the reader to build their skills, from paper techniques they won't be afraid to try adding fabric and stamping and finally giving spray inks and gesso a try.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts, Art

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Hello and welcome to my Dorkapolis world. My name is Ronda, like the Beach Boy's song, Help Me Rhonda, only no “h". Art has always been my voice since i was a little kid finger painting and drawing. I started off as an art major and thought “what am I going to do with art degree?” so I switched to Elementary Education. Who knew later in life I would marry both career goals. I am a mixed media artist, author, and avid scrapbooker who enjoys all kinds of mediums, documenting stories, taking photographs, and compiling it all together into cohesive art pieces.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I just need to stay away from books with "scrapbook" in the title.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for crafters. Scrapbookers and paper crafters, who are looking to expand their use of mixed media will find some great ideas. I had purchased some mixed media supplies but was looking for more inspiration on how to incorporate them into my scrapbooking layouts. This book also had other great examples to add a variety of embellishments and extra touches to give layouts a lot of interest.

[Valerie Arena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice book for beginners to intermediate crafters. Lots of great techniques and ideas. I particularly liked the presentation of the material, nice flow, good organization and good photos. Enough detail to follow but enough to also go off on your own tangent with the ideas presented.
Application of this material can extend into many craft areas!

[Jennifer Koonz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this digitally, and I think that was the wrong choice. This book had a number of ideas...but I was thinking it would be a little less about scrapbooks... not really my thing... but there's nothing wrong with it, just not what I was expecting.

[Curlysue · Rating 2 out of 5]

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[liberal sprinkles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art of Layers is pages and pages of pretty scrapbook layouts. Author Ronda Palazzari goes beyond merely adding photos and sentiments to patterned papers, sharing many ideas for adding depth by layering. In addition to the usual embossed cardstock, edged borders, paper flowers, banners and chipboard collages, she also explains techniques for quilting paper cutouts, pleating paper, stitching patterns and words, as well as using textiles and paper appliques to add details, or stamps to create 2D and 3D embellishments.

The result is a range of designs that are full of interesting layers. The colors and textures of the works featured are also lovely. I especially like the butterfly "beauty" piece in the stamping section and the altered sewing trinket box with all that wonderful ephemera and vintage bits and pieces.

The book is well written and illustrated, the instructions clear and Palazzari's personal and friendly personality makes this a pleasant read. It is divided into chapters on paper, fibers, embellishments, stamping and "the art of messy". Mixed media artists and crafters may recognize some of the techniques featured, like using stencils or punches as masks, misting and splattering. The book is a plus for scrapbookers who'd like to add depth to their layouts and experiment with other creative art techniques.

4.5

[Bc · Rating 3 out of 5]

VERY oriented toward Scrapbooking. It has a chapter on fiber; but it is adding yo-yo's, ribbon, and stitches to scrapbook pages.

Most items for layers are bought; not original nor creative. She does have some interesting ways to add text.

However, her base layer (substrate) ideas, though not new to many art genre's may be new to scrapbookers and might inspire adding new complexity to their pages (i.e. something far more interesting than a paper bought a Michaels).

[Diane W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very inspirational. There are techniques for everyone...from the very new Scrapbooker to the more experienced wanting to get started using mixed media techniques. There are plenty of great ideas to embellish your pages. I will be keeping it close by while I'm scrapping.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great scrapping resource. Really great ideas.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely modern ideas and techniques for scrapbooking and beyond. It is always great to get fresh ideas and Rhonda makes them all look achievable.