Do you use templates?

[g8rbeckie]

I've always been curious about scrappers and templates!

I personally get so stressed out trying to use a template - overwhelmed trying to fill it all in maybe, LOL?? So I usually avoid them!

But I see so may of you who love them!

So I'm dying to know...do you use templates??

[scrapperjade]

I always use a template. I am not very good at coming up with new fresh ideas for pages. In fact, I've made 3 in the last few months without a template, and guess what? They all look the same!!!

I use templates because they help me keep my pages looking fresh!

[pewtertm]

Oh yeah, I'm a template junkie.

[joelsgirl]

I LOVE templates. For me scrapping is not fun if I am always stressing about the composition of my layout. I love using templates to get started and get finished fast. It totally TAKES THE STRESS AWAY for me.

Isn't the creative process funny?

[ColleenSwerb]

I'm a template junkie. I LOVE them. I move things, change things, add things, remove things and just generally play with them to make them work for me. Sometimes the final LO doesn't even look like the original. They're just a really good way to jumpstart a layout for me.

[emmasmommy]

I've only recently started using templates more. I love the fact that it makes me broaden my horizons. I tend to scrap in clusters and along a line, I love that templates give me an idea of things to do with my layouts that I normally wouldn't do.

[lhaslem]

yep, all the time - only a handful of layouts without them. If I don't have a starting ground I have a hard time getting going. Sometimes they don't end up looking like the original template, but I almost always start with one:)

[jessica31876]

yes I use them...usually when I am stuck and cannot figure out where I want to go with a layout or I need to finish a layout quickly and do not have time to try to figure everything out. I do try to make the template my own though whenever possible. Like deleting layers or adding layers or flipping. Somehow make it different then the original. I kinda like making them now as well (although I dont think many would want templates from my layouts LOL)

[rachaelsscraps]

I never used to but lately I'm always using them! I think my pages are more interesting when I use a template- otherwise I tend to just stick on a photo with elements clustered around it and it'll look so boring!

[jaylensmom]

me too...all the time...i always say i'm not going to use them as much but it never happens...

[heathergw]

Sometimes, but lately I have a lot... I just love the Cookies 4 Kids and it's been fun trying out different styles and trying to make them my own.

[Traci Reed]

I've been going nuts with the cookie templates and Cindy's I LOVE templates for catching up on my scrapping! :)

[MelissaL88]

I'm the same way. I keep telling myself that I'm going to not use templates as much, but with my busy life right now, the templates take away the stress of coming up with new, fresh ideas. And I love that I can move things around, add/delete layers and generally make it my own. Templates rock!

[wvasweetness]

Yes! I problem use a template for every other LO that I do right now.

I used to somehow feel "guilty" for using templates, but these days all that's important is that I get my memories scrapped - and if that means using a template so that I can scrap faster, I'm ok with that!

[gabbygirl]

I never used them before downloading the cookie templates but I am having so much fun with them. I will definately be using them more!

[Shawna]

I <3 templates! I can't even remember the last layout I did without using one!

[newfiemountiewife]

Very, very rarely. I find myself unable to scrap outside the template, even though they're meant to be jumping off points. I also find scraplifting very difficult for the same reason. Obviously judging by this thread, I'm in the minority!

[lauren grier]

no.. I have a REALLY hard time using a template.. it hurts my head LOL.. same as what Jamie just said above me.. maybe we're just too ocd haha

[Jennilyn]

I use them every so often, but when the Christmas Cookies come out here I try to use every one of them! I did 7 layouts this weekend and 6 of them were from templates.

[junebug]

i should use them more, maybe my pages wouldn't all look the same, lol. but most of the time i want the page to be 'mine'. but templates are fun!

[WalkersMommy]

I used to use them all the time, but lately I only use them on occasion. I love the cookies here, so I will probably be using most of those, but otherwise, I just do my own thing :)

[LilachO]

I'm such a template junkie!!! I love using them as much as I can! :thumbup:

[MamaBee]

Depends... lately I've been using a lot of templates... I feel with the end of the year coming I'm SOOOOO behind on all that I want to scrap that a template limits the number of photos and stuff I'm going to do to the page... **Disclaimer... I'm getting pretty obsessed with Cindy and Crystal's of late...

[mrs_jb]

Great question! I never realized that so many people DID use templates! LOL!

I'm in the "Nope, never" category. I don't know why, but I just cannot seem to make templates work for me. I never seem to be able to really make them "mine", if that makes any sense. I've tried SO many times and I'm just never happy with the results. I really wish I could use them sometimes, I think it would take the pressure off a bit! LOL!

[Stacey42]

I love them. I feel like I can be more creative if I have a base to start from. I usually end up change half the stuff on it but they help me when I have an idea in mind I can't quite work out entirely. I can browse my templates, find the one that seems closest to what I'm thinking of and then alter it until it looks like what I want.

[g8rbeckie]

OMG, girls!! I had no idea so many used templates!! that explains all the designers who sell only templates, LOL!!


When I'm stuck, I browse my favorites to find something that inspires me. But I never end up with something that looks like my inspiration! I guess a template offers the same thing, but I don't like all the clutter of those extra layers and the clipping steps.

I had no idea i was in such a minority! jeez, did you see the poll results?! :blink:

[suze]

Well lately every layout I've done has been with some type of template

usually my own :p

but I shop around and grab other templates too! its a great way for me to jumpstart and sometimes when you are in a rut it helps.

[nikkiARNGwife]

I'm another template junkie...I really love to take one and try to make it my own...and I STRUGGLE with photo placement..I don't know why..it's just something I can never get the way I want it on my on..so templates help me a lot with that..usually when i open one up I delete everything except paper layers and photo layers and then it's pretty easy to make it your very own..I don't look at them any differently than using a sketch as inspiration.

And in 4 years I have nearly 1400 layouts done...after that many it gets hard to come up with new ideas every time lol :)

[Amber1279]

I am a template junkie as well. For many of the same reasons ... less stressing over composition, faster, keeps my pages looking different. I have been trying to catch up on a years worth of pictures and I wouldn't be as successful without the templates. I use them like Col as well ... lots of moving, resizing, flipping and altering. In fact the last 2 or 3 cookie templates I have flipped and altered slightly to make 2 page layouts. When you are behind and want to get photos scrapped it is really easy. I duplicate and flip after putting on papers and then before adding photos, journalling or elements. Then I know the two pages will match up when I put them side by side in an album.

[newfiemountiewife]

no.. I have a REALLY hard time using a template.. it hurts my head LOL.. same as what Jamie just said above me.. maybe we're just too ocd haha

Nahhhhhhh that could never be true :p

[ColleenSwerb]

but I don't like all the clutter of those extra layers and the clipping steps.

But when you make your LO's, how do you make bits of papers? Do you not make a shape and clip a paper to it?

Nikki, I love the idea of deleting everything but the papers and photo layers to make it your own. I usually turn them off, but I do get stuck in the mentality of "but something has to go there cuz the template says so" sometimes, lol.

[Traci Reed]

OMG, girls!! I had no idea so many used templates!! that explains all the designers who sell only templates, LOL!!


When I'm stuck, I browse my favorites to find something that inspires me. But I never end up with something that looks like my inspiration! I guess a template offers the same thing, but I don't like all the clutter of those extra layers and the clipping steps.

I had no idea i was in such a minority! jeez, did you see the poll results?! :blink:

You can merge your layer down once it's clipped to by being on the paper layer and hitting ctrl + e (in ps)

[nanienamou]

I completely adore templates! I often turn off everything except the photos and the papers as well, to make it my own. My favorites: Cindy, Crystal, Fizzy Pop... :thumbup:

I find that I need the jump start that templates provide since my pages look too often alike.

[Darcy Baldwin]

Sure do! My biggest stumbling block in any layout is where to put the pics and set up the basic page. I can sit here forever trying to figure out even the basic placement. Templates help me skip that part, and just fill in. If I don't want to use so much stuff, I just delete it. It gives me good bones to start my layout with so that I can play, and makes it go a little more quickly.

[Kiki]

As often as possible. It helps me put something together quickly that I can build on instead of trying to rack my brain each page I do.

[gracielou]

I voted yes, as often as possible. After almost 9 years of scrapbooking I am about out of LO ideas. There are only so many ways to turn and put photos on page so I rely on templates to get my creativity going. Doesn't mean I always stick with the whole template. I mix it up for how it works best for me.

[NettieB]

kinda think of a template as a recipe - just a place to begin...

more of a like general guideline, not a rule per se . . . LOL!

[kscwgirl]

I'm another template junkie...I really love to take one and try to make it my own...and I STRUGGLE with photo placement..I don't know why..it's just something I can never get the way I want it on my on..so templates help me a lot with that..usually when i open one up I delete everything except paper layers and photo layers and then it's pretty easy to make it your very own..I don't look at them any differently than using a sketch as inspiration.

And in 4 years I have nearly 1400 layouts done...after that many it gets hard to come up with new ideas every time lol :)

This is my problem too. Sometimes I take a temp and delete everything but the freaking photo layers and just go from there. I don't know WHY photos are so hard.

[Lizzy257]

Total template junkie here!! I use them in a few ways - sometimes I use them as they are, if the page comes together that way (i.e. all photos and elements are placed where the template tells me to! :p). Other times I use them as a starting block, and move things around and make it my own. I am in LOVE with Cindy's templates. I only discovered them a couple of months ago, and picked up two huge bundles at her last sale, so they'll be keeping me going for now :thumbup:

[carrie1977]

I love templates! It gives me a starting point and then I change/rearrange as needed.

[nun69]

I've been going nuts with the cookie templates ! :)

this is TOTALLY me!!!! and of coarse the fact that Traci is having a contest :p

[Jenn Barrette]

I have been kinda 50/50 with templates lately. I love them for a starting point, and they get to scrap outside my usual comfort zone. I never used them before this year, and am happy I gave them a try! Sometimes I deconstruct them so much they don't look anything like the original template!

[~Julie~]

I voted sometimes but my last few layouts have been templates. I love templates when I am stuck because it really helps with placement. I wouldn't get half as many layouts done if I didn't use templates.

[nesser1981]

I use to use them a lot and I have a ton of them, but I probably haven't used as many this year because I was trying very hard to have more than 3 photos on a page.

I like them, just depends on my mood.

[schock77]

I love templates- either my mojo's out the window or I'm just blocked or I REALLY like the design someone else has.... It's esepcially helpful for busy working mamas like me!

[Vickilyn]

I am a total template junkie!!! TOTALLY love them!! Of all the layouts I have done - I think only 1 didn't use a template.......

[neenee]

I use them occasionally. I find that my pages usually flow better for me when I don't use a template. Like Jamie and La, I have a hard time scrapping "outside" the template. I think it is the anal side of me that feels like I am "bending" the rules or coloring outside the lines.....I don't know....I'm weird. I probably use a template once for every 10 to 15 layouts I do.

[Keely~B]

I'm template challenged, I find it much easier to start from scratch.

[Brooke W]

I love templates; I'm a template junkie,lol. Also, I'm on a CT who's got a fab template designer right here in SSD, Darcy :D! Penny makes some great ones as well :). The cookies for kids are fantastic. I'm just sorry I missed a few,lol.

[Leah]

I love templates and always use them. Like Colleen said, I like to move things around, flip it, etc. and I love how, like she said, it just jump starts my creativity.

Traci's, Julie's Sketchers, Darcy's, Lauren's and of course, of course, Cindy's are some of my absolute FAVS!

Yep, I use templates and I am not ashamed. LOL :)

[hollyxann]

When I scrap it's always with a template. I lack creativity most of the time, so it's easier.

[scrappurple]

Sometimes I use them. Ususally when I am in a rut and have no mojo. ;)

[lovely1m]

I love templates.

[scrap2day]

I actually wish I could use them more but I use Memory Mixer and I can't use most of the templates here. If there is one I really like I can purchase and then take over to Memory Mixer and try to create a photo box to replace each layer but it gets a little complicated to use because I end up with a series of grey photo boxes on top of each other and I'm very limited with shapes.

[LeeAndra]

I hate hate HATE figuring things out. HATE it. All those Discovery shows abt how to build a bomb, how clocks work, etc. bore me to TEARS. I do not CARE how things work. That's someone else's job, not mine.

That's the same reason I use templates and why I will never ever be a designer. Why do that work when someone else can do it for you and do it so much better?!

[HeatherKS]

I go in spurts. For a while I'll scrap with nothing but templates and then for a while I'll do everything from scratch. But I have found that if I'm in a rut, pulling out a template and slapping a LO together with someone else's ideas is a great way to get my creative juices flowing again. :thumbup:

[LibbysMommy]

I love templates. I need to make them a little more my own, but I truly do love using them. I also struggle with photo placement....oh do I struggle with that!! For instance, I used a template today with 5 photos...no way could I have pulled that one off on my own, lol!!

[KristinCB]

I have not scrapped without one in well over a year, I love them and will never stop using them. haha :)

[scrapmonkey]

I sometimes use them. I have problems with some of the multi-photo templates as I sually don't ave those kind of events warranting multi-photos. And currently as I'm doing a 6x6 Daily December album, my "layouts" have really been more 3.5 x 5 layouts which are hard to use templates for. But a lot of times I do like them as sometimes I can get a bit "stuck" trying to figure out placements of things.

[Balinda]

Love templates.
They give ya a nice place to just "start".
Sometimes I change it completely about and other times
I just leave it like it is and pile on the goodies.

[crystalbella77]

I voted sometimes..but it's really not a ton..lol! I am doing my December album and so I am using those...lol! There are a few people that make super fab templates that I love to use and other than that they are just too different for me...I adore Cindy's templates! I love being able to shrink them all down into my style! (though when I cleaned my HD recently I lost them all. *cry* I have been looking for weeks and still can't find them! :( )

In general I don't use them a lot though.

[Claudi]

I love templates right now too ! I love how they help me to get started! and with all the templates I used I learned a lot!

[lovely1m]

I voted sometimes..but it's really not a ton..lol! I am doing my December album and so I am using those...lol! There are a few people that make super fab templates that I love to use and other than that they are just too different for me...I adore Cindy's templates! I love being able to shrink them all down into my style! (though when I cleaned my HD recently I lost them all. *cry* I have been looking for weeks and still can't find them! :( )

In general I don't use them a lot though.

As a template designer, you are supposed to say they are fabulous and everyone should buy them. ;)

[crystalbella77]

LOL Mari!! I am not that clever! I should edit my post! LOL!

*******Everyone Loooooves templates!! they are the most awesome thing ever....you must go buy all templates you can find..**********

[LovelyMissKait]

Oh, I love using templates. They are great because you have the option of using them as they are or just use them as a starting point. They allow one to try something different...

I sometimes feel guilty for using them, but I had to get over that because they help me to preserve my memories. 20 years down the road my kids aren't going to be looking at the pages and thinking, "hmm, Mom sure used a lot of templates. I wonder if she was feeling less than creative when she did these pages."

[Lyd]

I've always used templates, but I've started using them even more recently. They just help me get the bones of my layout laid out when my brain isn't coming up with any fresh ideas. I think one trick to using templates is to not feel too tied to what is set up for you. Feel free to change a photo to a journaling block or add or take away elements, etc. You can flip it, rotate it, etc. Templates are a great way to get the juices flowing and still let you be creative.

[bellbird425]

Oh yeah, I'm a template junkie.

me too

[rach3975]

I really, really <3 templates! I struggle with photo placement, too, and scrapping is so much more enjoyable if I start with a template and skip that step. I change the template a lot while I work with it, often adding photos and deleting elements, so I feel like my pages are still my own. I'm taking Cathy Z's Design Your Life class in a few weeks, so I'm interested to see if what I learn there lowers my template usage.

[krystalhartley]

I am template challenged. I completely S U C K at using them. I don't think I like any page I've ever done with one (though I keep buying them thinking maybe one day the template fairy will visit and magically turn my template pages into creative genius).

I'm also a scraplift disaster survivor. I can't lift someone to save my life.

[joelsgirl]

I'm taking Cathy Z's Design Your Life class in a few weeks, so I'm interested to see if what I learn there lowers my template usage.

Wait, does this class have to do with design principles? I might want to do that too then...

[g8rbeckie]

so I've been thinking about why I don't like using templates...

I think I really love the process of creating a page. not knowing what its going to look like until its done.

I know, you girls crank out WAY more pages than me...but I was a paper scrapper until a year ago. I got like 12-15 pages/year completed. Now I'm getting over 100/year. I think that's enough! So I'm good takin' my time enjoying the process. :)

[Nettio]

Wow, I had NO idea so many people used templates! This thread explains why the Cookie challenge was always SO popular. :D

I'm not really a big template user in the general sense but I do design the basic layout of my own layouts as templates first so in that sense I LOVE templates. :D

But I have a hard time using templates that are designed by others. I think it's nice to sometimes have that kind of road map but I never seem to like those pages as much as pages I design completely on my own. Lifts fall into this category for me too. I feel like I've gotten better at adapting them to my own style but it doesn't feel like as much of an accomplishment to me as when I design something from scratch. But this is also the reason I can't churn out pages the way so many other people do so there's definitely a downside to that, haha.

[rach3975]

Wait, does this class have to do with design principles? I might want to do that too then...

Yes, Design Your Life is a 12 week class on design principles. You can read the description and see the weekly syllabus here (http://www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com/designyourlife.php).