As a lover of all things sketch-related, it wasn't long before I stumbled across the amazing blog, Pencil Lines.  The website describes itself as an international sketch challenge blog and tells us to be inspired to create, and they aren't lying. This is my favorite sketch blog and their sketches make me want to get out my supplies and scrapbook!

An Overview:

Each Sunday at 1 pm MST a new sketch challenge is posted with a bio of the sketch's creator. The blog is known for its international love and flair, and many times the designer of the weekly sketch comes from a country other than the USA. Posted under the bio are six or more layouts interpreting the sketch by the amazing design team and the sketch designer herself. Did I mention that the design team also comes from around the world? This blog is truly unique and exceptional in its artistic flair. You can also email the blog your completed layouts based on the last month's sketches for a chance to win a prize donated from the monthly sponsor.

The Sketches:

The sketches are usually quite detailed, but change frequently due to their different designers. The sketches include places for the basics, embellishments, ribbons and even stitching. Feel free to interpret the sketch to fit your style, but if you're in a rut, most of the hard work is already done for you. The blog provides easy-to-find sketch archives in .pdf format. You can find these on the left-hand side of the blog.

Reader Gallery:

Once you submit your work for contest consideration, your work is viewable in the reader gallery. Even if you don't choose to share your work, the gallery is available for viewing by the public for even more sketch inspiration and interpretation. The layouts from 2008 sketches are archived under Sketches 1-115, and then organized under the sketch number itself for all sketches revealed in 2009. The reader gallery and its examples are viewable on the left-hand side of the blog.

The Design Team:

Handpicked from all over the world, you can follow your favorite designers on Pencil Lines, or their personal blogs, which are linked under their names. The team is more than talented. They're innovative and quite generous with sharing more inspiration on their personal blogs. Each designer's picture and blog is linked for you on the right-hand side of the blog.

Some Things to Consider:

This blog is really popular, as it should be. As with all sketches, many people will be creating layouts based on a single sketch. If you're into getting published or frequently sharing your work online, you cannot claim your work to be your own if you are using Pencil Lines copyrighted sketches. However, sketches are great to use when trying to find your own style and/or teach yourself new tricks. Sketches can also provide you with new confidence to create your own layout compositions, which are uniquely yours and free for submitting to magazines.

I absolutely love Pencil Lines Sketch blog. I have no doubt whatsoever that you will too. Check it out and like they say, "Be Inspired To Create!"

 (My layout titled, "Magic" is based on Sketch #118 by Asa Bergstrand, used with permission. Supplies: Doodlebug Design and MAMBI.html" target="_blank">Me and My Big Ideas title.)