Scrapbooking Tips: 20 More

Here's some more scrapbooking tips to help inspire you creative artistic talents.


20 More Scrapbooking Tips by CJ Roberts

1.) Go to a workshops!!

2.) Organize your paper by color. Take all your short cuts and paper packs and put all the same colors together. This will make it really easy when looking for that perfect color you want!

3.) Use idea books. CASE!! Copy and Steal Everything and then act like it was your idea! Idea books are great and really help you get going on a page.

4.) Designate an area in your home that you can scrapbook (if you can - many can't) It is best if you can leave it out all the time so that if you just have 10, 20, 30 minutes or more you can sit down and do it!

5.) Get your kids involved. Mine use to (what I thought) bothers me because they wanted to scrapbook too. I got them all an album and a tape runner so they can be with me and work on their own albums. They love it!

6.) Give your kids the photos you want to throw away because they aren't that great or you have duplicate copies. They will LOVE them. My 6 year old just wants to do what I am doing and doesn't care how "good" the photo is.

7.) Take your personal trimmer to your kid's practices. You can fill the drawer with photos, corner rounder, sm. Circle & oval cutter. and blades, and crop while at practice. Bring journal boxes too! See next tip!

8.) Journal at your kids practice. Bring some pre-made journaling boxes and write about some of your photos or vacations.

9.) Start a Crop Club. Set one night a month or every other month so that you and your friends can get together and CROP the night away! Rotates who hosts the crop club.

10.) Crop your photos and photo mounting paper first. After you have done this it is easier to come up with a page layout.

11.) Use White Space Generously. It is OK to have some white space on a page. Giving your pictures room to breath helps declutter your pages and achieves a pleasing layout.

12.) Bring your camera to as many places as you can. That way you never have to say "I wish I had my camera" It is easier these days with camera phones but not everyone has one!

13.) Are your pictures always of your kids and spouse? Make it a point to have someone take pictures of you being there too! (this is something I am still working on)

14.) Zoom IN! Take some close up shots. These are some of my favorite photos of my kids and pets

15.) Take pictures of the water at the beach, flowers at the flower patch, etc. You can use those pictures by punching them out into shapes and creating a border.

16.) Get your photos developed! If you have a digital camera get them off there and printed up. A great way to organize your pictures on the computer is to use the Memory Manager (make sure you make prints of them too). This is the best photo organizational tool I have used on the computer. It is perfect for those of us with a scrapbooking mind.

17.) Have a new baby? Purchase the 7x7 Disney Album and a Large T-shirt (one that would fit when the child is 12 or so) from the Disney store. Every year take a picture of your child in the T-Shirt. You will have a complete album about the incredible shrinking shirt. You can do this with other items too, such as a rocking chair, rocking horse - use your imagination!

18.) Vacation Tips. Collect memorabilia wherever you go. This includes: maps, postcards, ticket stubs, itineraries, menus, brochures, hotel stationary, restaurant matchbooks or coasters and boarding passes. Plan to journal everyday. Bring a journal and take note of such things like; feelings, initial reactions, sounds, smells, tastes, weather, places you loved or didn't love, surprises and disappointments. This is going to really help when it is time to create your pages. Take pictures of signs too, they will add words to the images in your story.

19.) Be selective with your photos. Make your album a showcase of your best photos.

20.) Go to a WORKSHOPS!!!!


About the Author
Looking for scrapbookin tips? This site is full of tips and links to meet your scrapbooking needs. Please visit http://2beacroppinqueen.blogspot.com

Digital Scrapbook Layout: Design For Babies

If you are looking for a digital scrapbook layout to feature your baby photos, then this super layout at Everyday Digital Scrapbooking: Inspired by Flower Doodles for Stunning Designs could be just what you are looking for.

Pop over and take a look.

Scrapbooking Tuition: Baby Scrapbooking

There is a good article at Loves Scrapbooking that instructs you just how to do "Baby Scrapbooking In 8 Easy Steps."

If this is an area of scrapbooking that you are interested in, I suggest that you go and take a look.

Scrapbooking Supplies: Free Gifts

You can get Free Gifts from HSN & Shutterfly with your scrapbooking purchases...just Click On This Link

Digital Scrapbook Paper: 2 Freebies

There are 2 Digital Scrapbooking Paper Freebies in the latest ScrapGirls Newsletter.

Can't be a bad deal for free!

Digital Software: Launch Of ScrapEase

You digital scrapbookers may be interested in this press announcement.

Source: PR Web.

Taking Scrapbooking into Web 2.0 with ScrapEase

Riverside CA (PRWEB) March 28, 2007 -- Kizmeta LLC has announced the initial beta launch of their online scrapbooking software, ScrapEase. ScrapEase.com is a website that offers a convenient new way to be creative with digital photos. ScrapEase is a cross between an online photo sharing site and image editing software. Users add photos, then crop, flip, and embellish their digital memories to create and share digital scrapbooks online. And to make things even easier, there is nothing to download or install because ScrapEase runs online in the user's web browser.

ScrapEase is the brainchild of Kizmeta LLC founders, the husband and wife team Matt and Laurie Petty. The original idea for ScrapEase came on a trip back from a family reunion. "The reunion was so much fun and gave us some really great photos," said Laurie. But having moved from Missouri to California in 2004, the couple was unsure how best to show off all the pictures. "We wanted to put the pictures online," said Laurie, "but a plain gallery wasn't quite right. I told Matt it would be great if I could just scrapbook the photos right online and then send album links to everyone." Knowing that a lot of other families are separated by long distances and suffer from the same lack of time and resources to spend on creating traditional scrapbooks, the pair decided to create something that everyone could use. When they arrived home, Matt got straight to work on what would eventually become ScrapEase.com.

ScrapEase is a new type of software called "Web 2.0" or "Webtop" software. Unlike traditional software that you download or purchase on disk, and then install on each computer you own, you access ScrapEase through any computer with a web browser. ScrapEase uses the latest technology to provide a look and feel that is similar to traditional software, but with the advantages of the Web. Web-based software users gain the benefit of feedback from the network of other users, and the flexibility of accessing the software from anywhere. ScrapEase runs on most platforms and is not limited to Windows computers. It works the same no matter if you have Windows, Mac OS, or even Linux.

ScrapEase makes creating and sharing online scrapbooks easy through its unique interface and collection of papers and embellishments. Users drag and drop photos, cropping and adding effects to create beautiful and lasting memories. To enhance photos, simply double-click your photo to crop, rotate, or add effects such as borders and drop-shadows. Adding papers and embellishments works the same way, and with thousands of papers and embellishments to choose from, there is no shortage of unique creations. To make finding coordinating elements easier, ScrapEase offers the ability to browse kits of coordinating embellishments and papers. Returning to your favorite papers and embellishments is easy with your Ideabox, a personal collection of favorites. If you find a particular album or layout inspiring, you can also add those to your Ideabox, too.

Another advantage of ScrapEase over traditional scrapbook software is that publishing and sharing your albums is automatic. Because you create your scrapbooks online, the albums are ready for viewing instantly. And you can send friends and loved ones an email of your scrapbook right from ScrapEase.

ScrapEase is more than online scrapbooking software, though. The site also has forums, or message boards, and the ability to leave comments on album pages. Users can share, get feedback on, and find ideas for their own scrapbooks. "We wanted a single place where you can create, share, and discuss your scrapbooks, all online," said Matt Petty, co-founder and lead developer on ScrapEase.

Some of the unique features of ScrapEase include:

• Drag-and-drop page editor -- Create layouts in minutes
• Papers -- Choose from a vast array of papers
• Embellishments -- Dress up your pages with the growing collection of embellishments
• Photo Editing -- Use effects like Black and White, Sepia-tone, Drop-Shadow, Rotate and Crop
• Ideabox -- Save your favorite papers, embellishments, and layouts
• Coordinating Kits -- Makes creating great looking pages easy
• Forums -- Get ideas from other ScrapEasers
• Comments -- Read and leave praise on albums
• Instant Album Sharing -- Send your scrapbook albums to anyone around the world.
  

The feedback they have received so far has been very positive, and Kizmeta already has several enhancements to ScrapEase underway. "We are very excited about ScrapEase, but we know we can't do this alone. We need the input of other scrapbookers to help us improve and guide the direction of the service," explained Matt. Kizmeta has issued an open invitation for testers, and to help encourage feedback, anyone who signs up during the beta test period will be eligible to receive discounts on the upgraded service after launch. The upgraded service will include increased space for albums and premium features not available in the free accounts. Sign up for free and learn more at ScrapEase.com.

Scrapbooking Layout: Get Your Free April Desktop Wallpaper

I was feeling a bit down today until I came across this freebie that you can get at Everyday Digital Scrapbooking: Get Your Free April Desktop Wallpaper.

This design has really cheered me and it's free - wow!

Scrapbook Kits: 30% Off

Whilst scanning through other scrapbooking blogs, I was drawn to a potential bargain that I thought you guys would be interested in. This blog post gives details of a couple of scrapbooking kits with 30% off.

Scrapbooking eBook: Promote Your Scrapbooking Product

Hi Scrappers,

Here's a new ebook by industry expert, Angie Pedersen, called "Launch Your New Scrapbooking Product." It's all about ways that you can promote your product to the media, store owners and consumers. So, if you are into, or thinking about, selling your scrapbooking products and skills, you will find this ebook useful.

It's contents include:

* 3 places to submit your press release for free (plus a tip to get your news indexed by Google and Yahoo!)

* 3 reasons to write a press release (and who to send it to) * how to increase wholesale orders from retailers

* what to include in a trade show press kit (plus a tip for making the media’s job easier)

* 2 online resources for finding professional designers to create projects with your product

* the secret “back door” to getting your product published in magazines

* how to publish your own idea book

* how to get interviewed on craft podcasts and blogs

* how to reach hundreds of scrapbooking instructors at one time

* How to use YouTube to promote your products

* What a “monkey” can do to help you get noticed by the media

* and much more!

Priced at just $7 it seems good value for money. Anyhow, if you want to know more, just simply [CLICK HERE].

Scrapbooking Page Layouts

Wow! Plenty of scrapbook layout ideas to inspire you in this fabulous gallery of Spring scrapbooking page layouts. Save them for future scrapbooking projects.

Scrapbook Albums: Buying The Right Cutter

Today, I thought that I would bring you an article about the cutting edge of scrapbooking. Sorry about the pun hehe!


Buying The Right Cutter For Your Scrapbook Albums

Having the right cutting and trimming tools makes a big difference in the final look of your scrapbooking, rubber stamping, and cardmaking projects.

This guide helps explain the differences between tools and what they are best suited for. Your finished stamping or scrapbooking project will look superb when you use the right cutting and trimming tools.

The most popular trimming and cutting tools are the guillotine table top trimmer, mini personal paper cutter, and the rotary trimmer. Paper punches, scoring blades, T-squares, and shape cutters are important to have on hand as well before starting your project.

The guillotine trimmer is the traditional paper trimmer you can find any office supply store. A long sharp blade (often curved) is hinged at the base and is lifted above the paper and down directly on top to make a straight cut. Please keep in mind that not all guillotine trimmers are made well. You're going to need a solid, sturdy guillotine trimmer with tight fittings. Make sure the handle doesn't flex at all or you will be consistently frustrated by crooked cuts. Another great feature is a detachable blade which can be sharpened or replaced.

If your project requires you to work with small pieces of card stock, the personal trimmer is the perfect tool. Small paper trimmers usually have safety features that make them especially suitable for trimming small items, usually held by hand close to the blade. Personal paper trimmers are not suitable for long straight cuts because they are usually made of lightweight plastic.

Rotary trimmers are favorites for scrapbooking enthusiasts because you can purchase different styles of blades. Want to make a curvy edge or a perforated, stamped envelope? The rotary trimmer makes these tasks simple. Many rotary trimmer systems also come with handheld trimmers that use interchangeable blades. You'll need to purchase a good self-healing cutting mat for your handheld rotary trimmer. The self-healing cutting surface is designed to allow you to use your rotary cutter many times without perceived wear.

Shape cutting tools have come a long way and are quickly become a favorite tool for scrapbooking enthusiasts. Because they allow you to cut many different shape styles with one inexpensive tool, they are much more inexpensive than individual paper punches. One thing to look for when purchasing a shape cutter is the quality of the pivoting head. You should be able to cut in one smooth motion without the blade catching on any part of the template.

To insure that you have perfect cutout shapes on every scrapbooking layout, why not use a paper punch? The most important thing to consider when purchasing a paper punch is the punching handle. Your paper punch should be easy to press and cut through any thickness of paper up to 110 lb. card stocks. Quality paper punches also have scrap holders that keep your crafting area free from punch debris.

T-squares are a wonderful tool to have on hand but often get overlooked when you are establishing what things you need for scrapbooking and stamping. They can be purchased at your local hardware store or smaller plastic versions can be purchased at a hobby store. A quality T-square that has a tooled edge for scoring and tearing will last many years. T-squares allow you to line up the edges of paper for your scrapbooking layouts.

Scoring blades are also wonderful tools and now come in decorative or straight edges. They are used to make straight tears or decorative styles on the edges of your card stock.
You should get at least one version of each of these cutting tools to enjoy all of the benefits. Having the right trimming and cutting tools saves time and makes your finished paper craft project look much better. Buying high quality tools that will last for many years will insure inexpensive overall costs and usually a much better look. Give them a try today and see how they improve your work!

About the Author:
Kathy Williams loves working in Rubber Stamping Fun, her online stamping store, and enjoys writing informative articles about rubber stamps and scrapbooking.
Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Scrapbook Layout: Wheel

I've just returned from a super weekend away visiting my grandsons and feeling absolutely drained. No wonder you have kids when you are relatively young hehe.

I came across this very interesting article at Scrapbooking About on how to get more pictures on a page by creating a spinner or wheel scrapbook layout.

Scrapbooking: EasyTechnique

We are all trying to improve our scrapbooking techniques, so I hope that you find the following article useful.

Easy Scrapbooking Technique

One of the great things about scrapbooking as a hobby is that the longer you do it, the more possibilities you uncover. As you learn to view the world through the eyes of a scrapbooker, other hobbies like stamping or sewing, start to seem applicable to your scrapbook album as well. Veteran croppers are always on the lookout for new and exciting methods to incorporate into their albums. Here are some scrapbooking techniques you may want to try.

1. Age Gracefully: There are a number of ways to give your paper and documents that vintage feel. Try tearing a recipe out of an unused cookbook so that the edges are frayed. Then spritz it with tea, crumple up the paper, and smooth it out again. After the sheet dries, you will have what appears to be a time worn fragment of history. Ink stamps, when applied lightly, can also give the appearance of being old and faded.

2. Lumpy and Bumpy: The use of fabrics has recently become one of the most exciting new trends in scrapbooking. Bulky cords, fibers, ribbons and bows definitely require some planning and understanding of your materials. One very simple technique is to weave a fiber strand through pre-punched holes along one edge of the page. This laced look will pop if a different color paper is used beneath. Plan ahead as these pages will significantly increase the thickness of your album.

3. Sew it Goes: Vellum has become a popular material for displaying words or creating pockets. This next technique combines the icy beauty of vellum with the homemade-feel of stitching to create pockets of fun. Simply apply a poem, words, or an image to your vellum. Them choose some small item like sequins, buttons or small shapes for the pocket. For example, your text could be “Happy New Year” and you could fill the pocket with confetti. Then you form a pocket by sewing the edges of the cardstock over the vellum so that the stitches are apparent. Sew simple!

4. Bold and Beady: Some people avoid using beads because they imagine they are too difficult to adhere well. Try using thin wire with small uniform beads, and then affix with both a clear adhesive tacky tape and liquid glue that is safe on pictures. Then use the design as a border for your photos.

5. Create a Background: Stamps and die-cut letters can offer a fun alternative to plain paper for your background. Consider stamping or adhering die-cut words or letters all across your page. You could use words to a song, names or random word choices. Finally, tape your pictures over your prose. By selecting the font and colors you like, your possibilities are infinite.

When trying new scrapbooking techniques, keep in mind that the proper tools can make or break the experience. Just imagine trying to crop and journal your pages with dull cutting utensils or dried out markers. The first step to using a new technique is to set your self up for success. Seek out the materials you need and then play around until you get it right. Most of all, let your creativity lead you and enjoy.

Barbara Kirby is the author of the Free ebook - The Scrapbookers Directory that gives you instant access to discount scrapbooking supplies, ideas, layouts, freebies and more. For more info check out http://www.thescrapbookersdirectory.com

Scrapbooking Tip 2: Scrapbook Page Title

Scrapbooking Tip 2: Title

Don't forget to create a title for your scrapbook page. Though adding a title might seem to be obvious or unimportant, a title defines the whole basis of your scrapbook. The title instantly tells the viewer what your page is all about. In one word or one short phrase, the title tells the reader the theme and purpose of your scrapbook.

Titles can be as basic as the date of an event, the name of an individual, or a specific event.

Titles can also be more interesting and exciting. These can include quotes, sayings, fillers, or simple phrases. The best places to look for title inspiration are in greeting cards, advertisements, and commercials.

Scrapbook Pages: Photo Cropper

I think that this idea from Paper Fections on getting multiple photos all the same size to fit on your scrapbook page is a super one. Very often the simple scrapbooking ideas are the best!


Photo Cropper




Ever have a problem getting multiple photos all the same size for scrapbook page? Or if you've ever cut off too much of someone's head and ruined your whole photo, this tool is for you! I found this easy way to size photos . . . just take an 8" x 8" square of cardstock and cut 1" in from each side, so that you cut a 6" square out of the middle.
Then cut it in half diagonally so you have two separate triangles. Next, take a ruler and mark 1/2" and 1" increments up to 5", starting at the corner and working your way outward.




To size a photo, just overlap the two pieces to form a square or rectangle the size you'd like. Now you'll be able to position the correct size just where you want it, and never chop off a head again . . . Enjoy!

Scrapbooking Ideas: Basic Color Theory

If you are like me, you probably sometimes find co-ordinating colors to create that eye-satisfying scrapbook layout very time consuming. This article by Jay Moncliff on using the color wheel may help you speed things up. I very often employ this technique and find it a useful tool.


Basic Color Theory Scrapbooking Ideas

Looking for a simple, versatile scrapbooking idea that can make your pages interesting and great looking? Try using the color wheel that you learned about in grade school to design well-coordinated eye-pleasing pages that really shine. The simple color theories that you learned in grade school can serve you very well in scrapbooking today, and after reviewing the basics you’ll be ready to create an unlimited number of great looking pages.

Remember the color wheel? Colors arranged in a circle, similar to a rainbow, and all of the colors related? Red combines with yellow to make orange, yellow and blue combine to make green, and red and blue make purple, remember? Visit your local craft store and invest in a simple color wheel to get you going. Most of the art departments will have one, and EK Success now makes a fancy one just for scrapbooking. Any color wheel will allow you to use these simple ideas.

Let your picture be your guide in choosing a color scheme for your page. Choose one color from the photograph to be your “key” color. It may be a color from a flower in the foreground, or the color of the shirt your child is wearing. Whatever you choose, it will be the starting point for your color themed page design.

The first color scheme is monochromatic. Say you’ve chosen the blue of your son’s eyes. Since every color comes in many values, choose two or three additional values of the blue color you want to use. You may choose one lighter value and one darker value, or two lighter or darker values, it’s up to you. Now do all of your work on the page in these three colors. The result will be restful, calming and cohesive. Your page will be pleasing to the eye and stylish, no matter how you accessorize.

Choosing two or three adjoining colors is called an analogous color scheme. These combinations tend to be either warm (from the red side of the color wheel) or cool (from the blue side of the color wheel). They are pleasing to the eye, restful and attractive. Certain combinations lend themselves very well to different themes as well. Consider a combination of red, orange yellow and orange for a striking fall layout, or a combination of icy blues and purples for a frosty winter page.

The third basic type of color scheme is complimentary. Choosing colors across the wheel from each other creates contrast and is a good way to make the items on your page stand out. On a blue page, mat the photos in orange and use orange toned accents and your details will really stand out. Red and green are also complimentary, another reason that those Christmas pages are usually so striking. Every color on the color wheel has a compliment. Consider basing your page on one color and accent with its compliment for a striking, impressive effect.

The basics of color theory that we learned in grade school are worth reviewing when you’re looking for ideas to get started on your next scrapbook page. Invest in a color wheel and put those great papers to work for you!

About the Author:Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.scrapbookingcenter.info a website specialized on Scrapbooking, resources and articles. This site provides updated information on Scrapbooking. For more info on Scrapbooking visit: http://www.scrapbookingcenter.info

Scrapbook Layouts: Design Flow

The design flow of a scrapbook layout is very important because it acts as a kind of signpost directing the eye to the focal points of the scrapbooking layout.

As I look out of the window in my workroom, I can just visualize this layout from Everyday Digital Scrapbooking and my creative flow is going wild!

It is a good idea to experiment with different sorts of design flow to obtain the best for your project.

Scrapbook Layout: Free

News from Scrapbooking About regarding how you can obtain a free flower pattern that has been especially created for scrapbooking.

Wow! Grab yours now [Click Here]

Scrapbooking Supplies: Scrapbooking Tool Bag

I thought that you would be interested in this Maple Lane Pink Success Scrapbooking Tool Bag that seems ideal for scrapbookers.

I'll let the following review by Sherry, who describes herself as a 'scrapbook addict,' tell you about it

I bought this as an Amazon deal of the day and thought it was a steal for an organizational tool. That was BEFORE I realized it came with several tools and supplies. Inside are a paper cutter, wonderful snip scissors, glue, and the fastenater stapler (and bars). There are pockets for all the items, plus some for additional storage. I bought this as a gift for a new scrapbooker and I know she will love it. A more avid scrapbooker may already have these tools, but it is perfect for a newbie, or someone who wants to upgrade their current products in one fell swoop. After I purchased it here, I saw it on a scrapbooking site for $70 - you can never go wrong with Amazon!

For more information on the tool bag [Click Here]

Scrapbooking Memories: Do Your Own Thing?

A post on Scrapsmack throws up different thoughts on scrapbooking.

To me, scrapbooking is about preserving the memories that I want to keep. If I want to have 100 scrapsbooks about my dog (which incidentally, I don't) then, it is up to me.I love leafing through old scrapbooks of times past and noting the clothes, hairstyles etc. of the day. Surely, it's social history!

Banality And Self Indulgence

This was an old entry by Silence Dogood and thought it should be revisited-

"Do you ever wonder if ten or twenty years down the road, you'll look at the pages you've slaved over and and wonder, what the heck was I thinking?

This thought has often passed through my mind as I've sat to scrap a particular moment that I value today - but will it really mean that much in the future?I have seen some amazing layouts that I do believe will stand the test of time and bring much enjoyment to friends and family as they view them. But I've also seen some layouts that I can only describe as being extreme exercises in banality and self-indulgence. I mean, really - how many layouts in a year need to be about your dog? Or a new manicure? I may be flamed for saying such things.

For many, scrapbooking has moved beyond preserving memories to simply being a form of self-expression in creativity. But for some reason, the picture of some 80 year-old, thumbing through a scrapbook exclusively filled with bad "freeform" pages and bad photos covered by a multitude of embellishments - won't leave my mind."

National Craft Month

March is National Craft Month

Elmwood Park, NJ / PRNewswire / - Crafting is booming and continues to gain in popularity. Why? Because it's an enjoyable activity that provides lots of benefits. It's easy; it helps reduce stress; it builds children's self-esteem and learning skills; it's emotionally pleasing; and most importantly — it's fun! Nothing is quite as satisfying as making something with your own hands — no matter what your age or skill level. Because crafting is such a well-liked pastime, the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) has dedicated the entire month of March to celebrating all that crafting has to offer.

During March, craft retailers around the country will offer special classes, demonstrations, tips and projects to get customers involved. Craft and hobby retailers nationwide will offer a variety of fun-filled craft activities to introduce families and kids to the joys of crafting. All are encouraged to take that great kid in their lives — a child, grandchild, niece/nephew, neighbor or someone who is simply a kid at heart — to their local craft store to enjoy the festivities.

"Crafting is a great way for families to get together, be creative and have a good time," stated Terri Ouellette, national spokesperson for the Craft & Hobby Association. "National Craft Month provides consumers with the information and tools needed to start a craft project and to experience first hand the good feelings that crafting fosters."

National Craft Month is the perfect time to check out what all the buzz on crafting is about. To find out what is going on in your area during National Craft Month, call your local craft store or visit www.craftplace.org for additional information about crafts and National Craft Month.

The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) is a not-for-profit organization consisting of more than 6,000 member companies engaged in the manufacture, distribution and retail sales of products in the $30 billion craft and hobby industry. The Association offers a broad range of member services, including market research, education and consumer branding initiatives, as well as operates two annual trade show events, the CHA Winter and CHA Summer Shows that attract industry professionals from all over the world.

More Great Scrapbooking Tips

Here are some super scrapbooking tips from 2 Be A Croppin Queen

20 Scrapbooking Tips

Scrapbooking is a fun hobby that many people are afraid to get into. If you walk into a scrapbook store you can easily get overwhelmed with all the products that are available and just walk out! Creating albums is an important way to preserve ones memories and can be handed down generation after generation. Here are 20 Tips to help you with your albums
1.) Start simple but simply start! This will help you get lots of pages done and keep your focus on the pictures.

2.) BE ORGANIZED! This will save you time and money. If you know what you have and where you have it you won’t be making multiple purchases of the same items!

3.) Organize your photos in the Power Sort Box (or whatever you use to organize your photos) as soon as you get them in the mail or pick them up from being processed!

4.) Go to a workshop!!! If you can’t get anything done at home or just don’t want to spread it all out.

5.) Journal on your pages as you go. It is much harder to go back and journal later. Use your own writing. So many people think they have terrible writing and most often it really isn’t true. Using your own handwriting make your album unique and even more special!

6.) Use a soft cloth to clean off the finger prints from your photos before you put on your page protectors.

7.) Put your page protectors on as you go. Again, it is harder to go back and do it. Protect your beautiful pages right away so nothing happens to them.

8.) Use a personal trimmer to crop your photos. If you don’t have one – get one!

9.) Try to select one picture on your page that you want to stand out. You can mount that photo or cut it into a shape. Try to limit the number of photos you cut into shapes on your page. Too many shapes are distracting.
10.) When creating you page layout, instead of randomly placing your photos on the page imagine a C or Z and put your photos on those lines. C and Z layouts are easy to follow and easy on the eye.

11.) Go to a workshops!!

12.) Don’t over enhance. You really want to focus on the photos and the stories behind them. Less is more!

13.) Use Short Cuts to create pages quickly and easily. When you use Short Cuts there is no need to spend time cutting, it is already done for you!

14.) Use Storybox papers. They are the perfect size for 4×6 photos so you can use them if you aren’t cropping a picture down or you can cut the paper to fit your needs. They also come with coordinating journaling boxes.

15.) Save your scraps. You can use them on future pages and they are perfect for punching out various shapes using the Shape Makers.

16.) Get the most out of your paper by cutting shapes or ovals out of your mounting paper. For example, if you are mounting a photo only use a little tape when cutting out the mat. Then remove the mat and you can cut out an oval, circle using CCS or various shapes using the shape makers. You can then mount your photo and you will have the shapes you cut to enhance your page. Yes, your mat will have holes in it but your photo will cover them and no one will know except you!

17.) Do you always have #’s left from your ABC/123 stickers? Use them to create cute borders. For example you could use up all your 2’s to create a border for a second birthday, second place award, second grade, etc. Or a variety of #’s for school borders, baby albums – I am sure you can think of more!

18.) Use the titletopia you create titles for you pages. They are fun and easy to use.

19.) Have all your tools in front of you when you croppin’ so you have easy access to them.

20.) Organize you stickers by themes and/ or seasons.

Scrapbooking Tips

Some great tips here posted by Angie Pedersen on her blog.

Vacation Scrapbooking Tips

Some great vacation-scrapbooking tips in the most recent issue of the LifetimeMoments.com newsletter: LM Style.

Design Team Member Sonya Shaw has compiled some memorabilia organizing and scrapbooking project tips.
One tip I have for saving memorabilia is to use big manila envelopes or big zip baggies (like the ones LM puts our orders in). If you are visiting more than one place or city, you might find it’s better to use more than one envelope. I have done this for years, and not only are they easy to just throw stuff into to keep it all together, but they fit perfectly inside your suitcase’s lid pocket.
In an ideal, organized world, we all might bring with us small note cards or a notepad to jot things down while still on vacation. If you can, stick a few note cards into the manila envelope in advance to jot events and moments each evening, that way you won’t have to spend so much time when you get home remembering all those moments.
She also offers an example of a mini album she did - an alterable board book, with extra accordion folds to hold more photos. Sounds really cute! Check it out!

Scrapbook Idea: Tip Of The Week

The theme of your scrapbook can be simple or complex. Your theme could be a special event such as a birthday, a baby shower, a wedding, Christmas, or Halloween. Themes can also be personalized to the scrapbook recipient's special interests. Special interests themes include favorite colors, sports, favorite television programs, music, the outdoors, or cultural influences.

What is the overall purpose for your scrapbook?
Who is the scrapbook for?
Who is the scrapbook about?

The answers to these three questions are all factors in selecting an appropriate theme. For instance, the scrapbook you are giving your nephew as he graduates from medical school is probably completely different than the grandparent book you send your mother. Your nephew will probably appreciate a scrapbook with photographs, poems, journals, and more masculine embellishments. Perhaps, the theme of the scrapbook could be medicine. You could create embellishments that looked like scalpels and tweezers around various pictures of your nephew during his college years.

Your mother, on the other hand, will love a multitude of baby pictures fancifully embellished with flowers, ribbon, and baby fingerprints. The theme of this book will probably be your baby. Photographs could include baby and grandma with the baby. A nice journal about your baby's day could also add a nice touch

Scrapbook Layout: A Little Scrappin' Going On

I love this scrapbook layout post by Kimberly at http://stampingbythesea.blogspot.com/. It is so imaginative. Top marks to her.


A Little Scrappin' Going On

I was able to sit down last night and scrap. Lots has been going on at our household and I needed a little time to escape the insanity! Nothing takes me to that awesome place better than scrapbooking. I have had this photo of B sitting on my desk for ages. Even prior to the move. It sat in the same spot. I knew what I wanted to do with it just wasn't sure of the design.

I started with the pic in the middle and then I grabbed that new Notations paper, and away I went. As my children get older there are so many things they say and do at these ages I NEVER want to forget. I used this page to journal the little details about B at the age of 5. From his favorite movies, to little milestones he has hurdled as a 5 year old, i.e.. no more training wheels. The chipboard is actually pretty naked except for the doodles stamped directly onto them. I sponged lightly around them to make them pop a little more. I loved that the Notations paper had the numbers in many of the patterns which made this layout really come together. I wanted to repeat the number 5 which would give the layout a better balance in using the good ole rule of threes. Another piece of magic on this page was using the black cardstock. I believe it really made it pop on this paper. I used my favorite alphabet Big Deal. I love this alphabet because it is so universal and there are so many ways you can use it. This is what I call a "more bang for your buck" set. Lastly, who couldn't resist that adorable sweaty face??? Ahhh...

Scrapbook Embellishments: Folded & Stitched Paper Ribbon

Hi Scrappers,

Just to get the creative part of your brain in gear, have a look at this fascinating technique from http://scrapbooking.about.com/b/a/255756.htm for folding and stitching strips of patterned scrapbooking paper to create "ribbon-look" embellishments.

This is similar to a project I did some time age. It really looks great. Try it!

Scrapbook Pages: Add Value & Uniqueness

You can make your scrapbook pages stand out from the rest by being creative and prepared to try something new. The following article gives an idea using gemstones to make your scrapbook pages a little different:


How To Add Value And Uniqueness To Your Scrapbook Pages

by: Dawn Williams

It is very easy and affordable to add value and uniqueness to your scrapbook pages with loose Gemstones. Gemstones come in so many shapes, sizes and colors, so it is very easy to incorporate them into any theme. I have been using gemstones in my scrapbook pages for quite a while, and I always recommend them to my friends and family. There are many advantages to using gemstones as well. Gemstones are very easy to apply with glue dots, they will never fade or tarnish and it does not take any special techniques to create a very dramatic page.

What I like best about using Gemstones in my craft projects is how easy they can be added to finished pages as well. If you are like most Scrapbookers you already have expensive 3d stickers in your creations that have plastic stones in the design. All you have to do is carefully take the plastic stones off and replace with Genuine Gemstones. Here are a few ideas of ways I have used Gemstones in my pages:

* Square sapphires for butterfly and bee antenna tips
* Super star page with diamonds in the background
* Polk-a-dots on Easter eggs
* Eyes on the 3d animals
* Ornaments on a Christmas tree
* Birthstone Pages
* And much more.

There are many other crafts you can use Gemstones in as well so the possibilities are endless on what you can create. This Christmas I will be giving away shadow box frames with a Scrapbook page with Gemstones accents. They will be a very special and truly unique gift!

I hope you have enjoyed my article and Happy Scrapbooking! And remember be Creative Gemstones are only the beginning to using Jewelry in your Scrapbooking!

About The Author:
Dawn Williams has been using Gemstones in her scrapbooks for quite some time now. She is using her website to help promote the idea of "Gemstones are not just for Collecting" http://www.gemdeals4u.com/

Scrapbook Supplies: I'm Overwhelmed

The sort of scrapbooking problem with a large scrapbook supply as illustrated in this post from http://unschoolers.blogspot.com/ hits all us 'scrappers' at some time or another. The best way I find to overcome it is to lay out my scrapbook supplies and then just allow my creative juices flow.


Scrapbooker for hire?

I spent the last 2 days (literally) wading through at least 10 years of improperly stored and labeled family photos. It was like traveling through a time warp. I had years of scrapbooking materials stored away in boxes and enough Jolee's Boutique stickers to make my husband take away my credit cards. Not one scrapbook mind you, just supplies.

Just in case.I'm like the squirrel preparing for a very long winter only I'm collecting arts and crafts supplies. Being a much more organized person in my 30's than I was in my 20's, I purged scores of old menus, napkins from places I can't even remember being and way too many newspapers and tourist booklets from places that we have traveled to in the last few years. It seems that I must have squirreled away at least one tourist rag at every rest stop or gas station on I-95. What on earth was I thinking?

10 years of storing instead of making scrapbooks has left me with a much more daunting task ahead. It seems that scrapbooking just isn't my thing. Any scrapbookers for hire? Seriously, I give up.

I'm Doing Ok Thanks

Thanks for the many e-mails wishing me a speedy recovery after my operation last week. I really do appreciate it.

I'm still feeling a little bruised and sore, but I'm improving everyday. I've started taking short walks and I'm just about ready to begin driving again and that is my next target.

Thanks again for your concern.

Beginner's Digital Scrapbooking

If you are contemplating digital scrapbooking at a beginner's level, then this post via http://www.orblogs.com/ will be of interest to you.

Digital Quick Pages

I have been getting some emails for more information on a new product available on the Creating Keepsakes website called Digital Quick Pages. This product is designed for people who are looking to investigate digital scrapbooking at a very beginner level.




Here's the basics:

1. On this CD are two, 20 page albums. Each page of the album is all ready to go - you simply need to resize your photos, add them onto the pre-designed pages (see the white spaces below) and upload or print at home. The original size of each page file is 12 inches x 12 inches and can be reduced to smaller sizes (such as 8 inches x 8 inches).

2. The two albums look essentially the same - one theme is "My Life" and the other theme is "Your Life" (see image below for page configuration). Journaling can be added on your computer (as a new layer using the "T" tool in Photoshop) or with a pen after printing.

3. These albums are very much about celebrating yourself or celebrating someone you love. The themes of the pages include topics such as: • celebrate: life is good• enjoy/play• favorites• be alive• time goes by/live every moment• work• things I/you love to do• family• home• everyday.

4. This CD only contains the flattened files (no brushes, patterned papers, etc.). Just the basics for quick albums.

5. Here are what the album pages look like:





Simple, quick, fun.

Hope that answers some of the questions that have been floating around. Let me know if you have more.

I see digital scrapbooking as another way to tell our stories. Love that I can add bits and pieces to my pages or have complete things like this album ready to go. Just another option. I love options.

Scrapbooking Magazine Resource List

I don't know about you, but I love browsing through magazines especially those about scrapbooking. This post via http://scrapbookmarketing.com/blog gives a very useful list of scrapbooking magazines available in the U.S.

Scrapbooking Magazine Resource List

Sometimes in my work with scrapbook marketing clients, I find that they aren’t always familiar with the variety of scrapbooking magazines currently being published, both for trade and consumer audiences. Because press releases are a great way to get publicity for your business, it’s best to stay informed on what magazines are available for your information.
As a resource, I’ve compiled a list of magazines currently serving the scrapbooking community (in the U.S.). If I were you, I’d bookmark this post (or tag in del.icio.us), so you can refer back to it.
Consumer Magazines:
Creating Keepsakes: http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com//
Simple Scrapbooks: http://www.simplescrapbooksmag.com//
Memory Makers: http://www.memorymakersmagazine.com//
Scrapbooks ETC: http://www.bhgscrapbooksetc.com//
Digital Scrapbooking Magazine: http://www.digitalscrapbooking.com//
Scrapbook Trends: http://www.scrapbooktrendsmag.com//
Scrapbooking & Beyond: http://www.scrapbookingandbeyondmag.com//
Somerset Memories (formerly Legacy): http://stampington.com/html/somerset_memories.html
Paper Crafts Magazine: http://www.papercraftsmag.com/
Trade/Professional Magazines:
Craftrends: http://craftrends.com//
Memorytrends: http://www.memorytrends.com//
Scrapbook Retailer: http://www.scrapbookretailermagazine.com//
Scrapbook Business: http://scrapbookpremier.com//
CNA: http://www.cnamag.com/
Creative Leisure News (CLN): http://clnonline.com//

Scrapbooking Tuition - Who Me!

I can identify with this post by Meghan via http://mchaotic.blogspot.com/index.html



I have been cleaning my studio the past hour...I have wayyy too much stuff. I might have to do a few RAKs because of all the s**t that has piled up in there!

A friend of mine called last week and asked if she could come over in a few weeks to scrap. She is beginning and wants me to 'teach her.' I don't know how to teach scrapbooking at all but I have to clean this insane mess before I could have her come over!

When she comes over I won't teach anything, I will just sort of try to inspire emotions in her to get them out on the page. I mean, that is the most important part-right? Spilling it on the page like Sabrina Ward Harrison says. Getting it out, spilling the pages, it is what makes the most sense to me.

I looked through my scrapbook from 2005 and was so amazed to find pages I had forgotten about, pages that evoked so many memories! It was refreshing to find pages that actually still inspire me.

Lately I have been caught up in deadlines and making pages solely for deadlines but going through my old scrapbooks today really helped me see how much I truly love to scrapbook!

I found a seashell in a mini book of Mexico that we went in 2002 - Tyson went for a walk one morning and brought me this seashell that I kept in a mini book.

I found a dare from a long time ago called 'I Wish' and my wish was for healthy babies...I haven't had a baby yet but the wish is still the same.

I found a page about my sister and her struggle to find herself after graduating college - a year ago- and now she just got offered an amazing new job with a fabulous company in SLC!

I also found Tyson's graduation pages from when he graduated from the University of Utah. They are so different than the pages I make now but still I am soooo happy I preserved the memories and kept all the cards he received and even back then we were having little photo shoots of us together. He looks so handsome in the graduation gown! I can't believe we are getting ready for his MBA graduation!

It is simply amazing how much life changes in such a short amount of time. I mean, who would have thought I would move here, love it here, find a love of paper and glue and find the dare girls to constantly inspire me and find a deep love of photography and here I am just getting started!

It is a good feeling, realizing all this paper to glue actually means something to me-years after the pages were made.

If you wished to head someone in the right direction for some scrapbooking tuition, you could send them here: Learn Scrapbooking With Scraptutor

Scrapbooking Kit

I really loved this 'handbag' scrapbook layout from Mendy via http://www.flickr.com/ . It's something different and as I just luv handbags too, I had to share with you all.

I Love Handbags!!



I can stop playing with my digi handbag kit by scrapgals! I used all my previous kits for the papers and embellishments.

Mendy

I presume that the 'scrapgals' that Mendy is refering to is the website for 'Scrapgirls.' This is an excellent site for the digital scrapbookers amongst you and, at the moment, are offering a
Free eBook called "15 Ways You NEED To Know To Become A GREAT Digital Scrapooker" . Its free so worth having a look.

Scrapbook Supply Stores - Non-Scrappers

Have you noticed that most scrapbooking supply shops do not cater at all for 'non-scrappers' who accompany us 'scrappers' on our scrapbook supply replenishing trips. As scrapbooking seems to be more a female pursuit, it's usually the men who are seen to be at a loss waiting outside or just wandering about.

What a great idea it would be for scrapbooking supply stores to dedicate a small area of their store to 'non-scrappers.' There could be newspapers, mags. etc. and perhaps even a tv to keep them entertained whilst us 'scrappers' get on with the serious business undisturbed.

Here's a post from a long suffering non-scrapbooking husband via http://scrapbook-widower.blogspot.com/2007/03/scraplight-zone.html

Scraplight Zone

Harry Potter, boy wizard and nemesis of the evil Lord Voldemort is able to slip between the muggle world and the magical world with great ease - including into a magical Dickins-esque shopping precinct known as Diagon Alley.

Today, I too was transported between worlds when Mrs Grendel asked that we stop on the way home at a scrapbooking shop.

Now there seems to be no end of names that people come up with for scrapbooking stores, all of which seem to manage to include 'scrap'.

Up until fairly recently any store with the name 'scrap' in its title could usually be reliably assumed to be inhabited by hairy, unwashed blokes and their pit pull cross breeds one of which is almost certainly named 'Satan'.

It is a somewhat different experience then to cross over into the alternate universe that is a scrapbooking store. They are, as a rule inhabited by non-hirsute and very hygienically inclined ladies without a canine presence to be found.

Today we were in a store name 'Scraptivate', one of the better efforts in the nomenclature of scrapping retail in my opinion. All of these stores seem to come with a website - must be part of the franchise. . .

It was also ordered in a way that even a non-scrapping partner such as myself can understand and it had a nice selection of tools, albeit pastel coloured and undersized but recognisable facsimiles of the real thing.

Mrs Grendel goes into shivers of ecstasy in a place like this, wall to wall racks of paper, thousands of embellishments - miniaturized and flattened objects, so that like the ancient Egyptians we can be launched into history accompanied by everything that might be needed in a 2-dimensional afterlife.

The scrapping universe is feminine and dominantly so, even the papers colours and patterns preclude predilections or penchants for this pastime by masculine partners.

There was a little habitat into which children can be placed for short term storage. That was great for the junior grendels - plenty to keep them entertained for at least half an hour.

Personally, I think a habitat for husbands is needed.

Scrapbooking on a Low Cost Budget

With such a large variety of scrapbooking supplies available today, it can become expensive to keep up with all the latest offerings.

One way to keep your costs down to a manageable level and still enjoy this wonderful scrapbooking past-time, is to be budget conscious when buying your scrapbook supplies.

I have written the following article on scrapbooking on a low cost budget that I hope you find useful:

Scrapbooking on a Low Cost Budget

Are you looking for top value in exchange for your precious scrapbooking dollars?

Is your scrapbook budget being stretched to the limit?

With so much choice in scrapbooking supplies available today, it is very difficult to keep the costs down and still use the latest scrapbooking essentials.

One way that is worth you looking into is discount scrapbooking supplies. By being careful in what you buy and where you buy it, you can enjoy this fascinating hobby without breaking the bank.

Buy in bulk.

Try to buy everything that you regularly use in larger quantities and save money.

Buy at seasonal sales.

Maintain a list of your regular buys and then grab them during the sale period.

Buy untried scrapbook supplies in small quantities.

Until your have determined your demand for a product, try to buy it in single units. You do not want to have large quantities of unwanted stock eating up your dollars.

Buy at clearance sales.

As stores stock up with the latest scrapbooking supplies, they often hold clearance sales to get rid of old stock. If there are scrapbook supplies that you would definitely use – do not buy just because they are cheap – then snap them up.

Use E-Cuts.

E-Cuts are often claimed to be the scrapbooking of the future. They are wonderful scrapbooking supplies that are printable scrapbooking cutouts that you download, print and use on your scrapbook pages, cards and other paper projects.

They save you money because you need to pay for each kit just the once and then you can use them over and over again. Just imagine being able to use stunning designs that are specially formatted for easy printing and cutting, to create superb layouts and cards.

Your E-Cuts can then be customized to create your own personal creations by printing them on your favorite paper, vellum or cardstock.

There is no need to spend megabucks to be able to indulge yourself in the exciting fast growing world of scrapbooking, just watch what you buy, where from, and when.

(For more on discount scrapbooking supplies, [Click Here]



I thought that this post via http://scrapbooking.families.com/blog/ by Nicole Humphrey illustrated what scrapbooking is all about. Showing life just as it is, warts and all. I hope that you enjoy it.

The Imperfect Scrapbook Life

Scrapbooking is such a great creative outlet. In fact, most scrapbookers are very happy and calm when they are creating layouts to record their wonderful memories. And why shouldn't they be?

Our scrapbook albums are typically filled with beautifully designed layouts, amazing photographs that almost look professional, thanks largely to some very strategic cropping, and some wonderful, perfect, happy memories.

Except, that is not all that our lives hold. Not every day is full of beauty, not every photograph comes out looking totally perfect and certainly not every person has nothing but wonderful, happy memories. It is just not possible.

That is because we are human. Humans are not perfect, and our lives often reflect that. Which is normal. And wonderful, all at the same time.

Quite often, I am asked by fellow scrapbookers, if it is okay to include these things in our albums. Things like deaths, funerals, hospitalizations and other not so rosy aspects of our everyday life. YES!

Does it not do a total injustice to your family and friends, not to include those layouts in your albums too?

It is not just our memories that are not always perfect. Photographs can be printed and suddenly what we might not have noticed when we snapped the photo, becomes the sole focus of that photograph. It could be a bad hair day, a pimple, an unflattering pose, or even an embarrassing outfit. Even those memories should be commemorated in your scrapbooks too.

And even further than our imperfect lives, and our imperfect photographs, there is also the practicality that not every single layout turns out the way we expected. Come on now! I know you have a layout somewhere, one with a big glaring spelling error, or perhaps it is coming apart, you used some strange product, or your style has changed dramatically or whatever makes it imperfect. Do not redo the layout without first commemorating what went wrong.

Don't always make your life look perfect. It isn't. But that is okay and it is part of what makes you who you are.

Scrapbooking More Popular Than Golf!

I thought that you guys would like this post via http://www.fredericksburg.com that suggests that scrapbooking is now more popular than golf. Well, we all knew that anyway didn't we!

Scrapbooking More Popular Than Golf!

Modern scrapbooking began in the early 1980s when the first scrapbooking store opened in Utah. But the hobby really exploded about 10 years ago, turning into a $2.5 billion annual industry.

In fact, the pastime is now more popular than golf. That's right. Golf.

One in three households has a scrapbooker, compared with one in four households with a golfer, according to the Craft and Hobby Association.

As the hobby has grown, it has evolved. It provides a growing market for women entrepreneurs, a way to celebrate faith and a way to raise money for charities.

Cheryl Menders is one of the women who have broken into the scrapbooking business. Two years ago, the longtime scrapbooker created the Croppin' Companion--plastic folders for pages in progress. They have a large pocket for storing a scrapbook page and two smaller pockets--one at the top and one at the bottom--for photos, memorabilia and other items.
The mother of three runs the business from her Stafford County basement. The folders are available at croppincompanion.com.

Menders, who has a master's degree in physical therapy, never expected to become a business owner. But she's glad scrapbooking has provided the opportunity.
"It's a God-sized project. It's been his since the beginning," she said. "I couldn't do it on my own."

KEEPING THE FAITH

Scrapbooking also provides a spiritual outlet for a growing number of people.

Lori Reed of Spotsylvania County runs a monthly "faithbooking" group at Salem Baptist Church.
Reed, a Creative Memories consultant, provides a layout, usually tied to Scripture or a biblical story.

"We want to pass our faith down to our children and let them know it's important to us," Reed said.

Scrapbooking has long had a strong spiritual component, said Brent Plate, an assistant professor of religion and visual arts at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.

We live in a world that has gotten rid of many of its rituals, Plate said. Scrapbooking has provided a new kind of ritual.

"It tells a group of people where they came from, who they are in the present and gives them a chance to form a community in the present," he said.

Faithbooking takes this idea a step further, Plate said.

In the old days, rites of initiation, such as baptisms and communions, were hugely important.
These ceremonies have been de-emphasized in many modern churches. Faithbooking fills in this gap.

"It passes down the faith and belonging in the community," he said.
YOU'RE INVITED

Gathering to scrapbook has been another key component of the hobby.

Scrapbookers meet for informal crops at friends' homes and for weekend crop sessions at hotels and scrapbooking stores.

There are even scrapbooking cruises for those who'd like to devote their vacation to their passion.

However, more scrapbookers are cropping for causes.

For instance, Ouellet and Menders were two of dozens who met for a weekend crop at Salem Baptist Church to raise money for the church's praise team.

This fall, scrapbooking stores across the country will host ScrapPink crops to raise money for breast cancer research, said Lisa Kanak, an owner of The Cropper's Corner in Central Park.

"You'll be seeing more things like that happen," Kanak said.


Here's some advice from Cheryl Menders: DO scrapbook the pictures you most recently developed and then work backward as you get more comfortable.

DON'T buy too many supplies before you actually need them.

DO be sure all materials including the adhesive are acid free and photo safe.

DON'T scrapbook every photo--just use the ones that help you tell your story. File the rest.

DO make photos the focus of the page. Be careful when choosing decorative papers and embellishments like stickers, which can easily overwhelm the photos.

DON'T forget to include not only details like the place, date and the people involved but also emotions attached to the photos, when appropriate.

DO use photo corners to position photos or documents--like birth certificates--you might want to take out of your books later.

DON'T be afraid to crop your photos to emphasize the person or detail in them.

DO scan or take photos of 3-D items like trophies, medals or school projects so they can be used in your books without adding bulk.

DON'T wait until you think you have enough time--start today.


SCRAPBOOKING TRENDS The trend these days is toward simple and clean pages, said Kanak of The Cropper's Corner.

Many scrapbookers are using fewer photos and fewer embellishments per page, she said.
The emphasis is on photos and backgrounds that capture a feeling.

"It's the less-is-more approach," she said.

Black and white pictures and geometric shapes are other big trends, said Theresa Buzsta, a manager and buyer for Scrapdoodles in Central Park.

Embellishments made with felt and velvet ribbons are also popular now, Buzsta said.

New Digital Scrapbooking Software - iScrapbook

An announcement from Chronos via http://www.macobserver.com/ presents their new digital scrapbooking software iScrapbook. I hope it lives up to its name!


Chronos Announces iScrapbook

Chronos announced its new digital scrapbooking application, iScrapbook, on Wednesday. iScrapbook lets you work with digital images and clip art, imports images from iPhoto, and includes tools to draw shapes, add graphics, arrange and align objects, and more. It also ships with image effects like selective focusing, fit image to shape, filling text with an image, and also includes over 100 image mask shapes.
iScrapbook will ship in April, and is available for pre-order for US$29.99. After release, iScrapbook will be priced at $49.99.


Here's a post via http://old.tuaw.com on iScrapbook:

Some of the women-folk in my family are very much into scrapbooking, and once they get going it's amazing how much they can do. And indeed if you go to a crafts store like Michael's or Hobby Lobby you'll find an enormous selection of scrapbooking supplies. Now, of course, the first time I saw this my first reaction was: you should be doing this on a Mac. After all, it seems like adding masks and various designs to pictures is exactly what page layout programs were designed to do. Unfortunately, most page layout programs are expensive and more complicated than necessary, especially for somebody who just wants to have fun scrapbooking rather than learning Quark, etc. So I'm interested to see that Chronos (of SOHO notes fame) has pre-annouced iScrapbook, a scrapbooking program that integrates a iPhoto browser with a variety of photo masks, "Smart-Shapes," "Special-Effects," and more. SOHO is pre-selling iScrapbook for $29.99, 40% off the regular price, but the program won't actually ship until April and disappointingly there isn't even a beta you can download for testing.

Keeping Your Scrapbooking Photos Safe

I'm sure some of you, like me, have caused damage to your precious scrapbook photos at one time or another and regretted it deeply. Here's a useful article from Nicole Humphrey at http://scrapbooking.families.com/blog/ on preventing fingerprints and scratches.


Keeping Your Photos Safe: Fingerprints and Scratches

Fingerprints can quickly diminish the quality of your photographs. And although a fingerprint can be avoided or wiped away, a scratch is permanent and it is a costly situation to have repaired by a professional. These are two additional ways that your photos can be damaged and two situations that need to be addressed.

When handling your photographs, you should hold the edges. Some experts recommend wearing a special type of glove, but I have found that unnecessary. As long as when holding photographs, you attempt to hold the edges, you should be alright. You can place your photos in place on your layouts by using tweezers, though precautions should be taken with this method too. Keeping a photo safe cloth handy to wipe away fingerprints as well. Be careful that you use a photo safe cloth and not just any old cloth, because certain fibers can cause scratches.
I have just told you two ways that scratches can occur. A pair of tweezers can cause scratches if you don't handle the photograph carefully, in addition the tweezers can cause creases in the photograph as well. Certain fibers that are found in different clothes, can cause minute scratches in your photographs as well.
To avoid scratches you will want to be sure to handle your photographs with care, in addition to storing your photographs carefully. Do not place lumpy bumpy or metal items near your photos in your scrapbooks. Take special care to ensure that the opposing layout does not have something that can rub up against the other layout.
Scratches can also occur by improper photo storage. If your photos are in envelopes with clasps, these can rub up against the photo and cause scratches and creases. In fact, the number one cause of photo scratches is careless photo storage. Doesn't sound good, does it? And it is a completely easy fix.
The majority of keeping your photos safe, lies in careful and proper storage. This is the same for water damage and extreme temperatures as well.

Digital Scrapbooking: How to Create a Visual Triangle in Layout Design

If you're into digital scrapbooking, then you might find this post at
Everyday Digital Scrapbooking: How to Create a Visual Triangle in Layout Design helpful.

Design Secrets: Creating A Visual Triangle Using Three Elements

By keeping the number three in mind, you are using one of the most important rules of graphic design: repetition.

Three is key because it easily forms a visual triangle on your page and doesn't lead to confusion. If you have too many elements and clusters, the eye doesn't know where to begin.

In the following layout, I used three slashes of green, three pieces of text, and three bits of stitching.



To create this layout, I started by creating a scalloped, over-sized mat and layered it over my background.Choose and place three elements. Repetitive elements can include a font, embellishments, shapes, a colour, photos, or text. Play with size and placement.



Add journaling, title, and drop shadows.