How to Get Started on a Scrapbook Project (Organizing and Cropping Your Photos)

After learning how to find the albums and materials for a scrapbook project, the next thing that beginners should know about is how to organize and crop their photos. This may seem like a trivial thing at first, but the longer you do scrapbooking, the more you will realize how important it is to have a properly-organized system for your photos, as well as knowing how to crop them according to your needs.

It is recommended that you work on your scrapbook project in a workshop or area that has enough space to accommodate several piles of photos. You will not need all of this space every time you start a project, of course, but having a regular available space set aside for scrapbooking purposes would really help in the long run. Just set aside a portion or area of your home that is not usually used, such as a spare bedroom or maybe an area next to the garage. Of course, you need to keep in mind that the area you choose will have to be free of humidity, and well-lit (although free from direct sunlight).

Now that you have a pile of photos in front of you, what's the first step in organizing them? Well, you pick out the ones that are obviously damaged or those that are blurry (out of focus). You should also separate the Polaroids from the photos that were taken by a common film camera (or those that were printed from digital copies). Polaroid pictures can contain a type of acid that may eventually ruin your photographs, so it would be best if you separate them right from the start.

If you could produce copies of the photos that you do like, it would be great. This will save you a lot of grief when you are working on a scrapbook project and you make a mistake. When you already have a copy of the photo you are using in your scrapbook, then it won't be a problem replacing them.

With that said, I totally recommend making copies of the original photos and using those instead. Can you imagine using an original black and white photograph of your great-grandparents in your scrapbook, only to find that you've dropped a teeny weeny bit of glue on them, or maybe finding a few spatters of ink from the stamping you did the other day? Now you've ruined an original heritage photo of your ancestors, and you've got nothing to replace it. Totally unthinkable, right?

Alright, now that you've got some usable photos for your scrapbook project, you will want to organize them in chronological order. Don't be overwhelmed, though, because you really don't have to know the exact dates of when these photos were taken. Just sort them by year, or even by decade if you cannot identify them all by year. Separate the photos from the 1960s, the 1970, etc. You get the idea. You can then go back later on and sort them some more, like photos from the early '80s, late '80s, early '90s, etc.

You can also sort them out chronologically according to whatever your purpose for scrapbooking is at the moment. For example, if you're creating a scrapbook for your daughter who's about to get married, you may want to start with the earliest photos you can find of her, up until the most recent picture. If your scrapbook is about the different holidays or festivities of the year, then the best thing to do would be to sort the pictures starting with the holiday or occasion that is nearest to the start of the year (starting with New Year, for example, then moving onwards until Christmas Day).

Some scrapbookers stop right here already, but if you have the time, I suggest that you move on and organize your photos according to events or occasions. This arrangement could include birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, sports, etc. and not only for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Different strokes for different folks, of course, so it's up to you to find and use the system that works best.

Here are a few more suggestions and ideas that you can use to organize your photos, depending on the purpose or theme of your scrapbook project:

-- If you're sorting photos for a wedding scrapbook, start by sorting the individual pictures of the bride and groom first. Use the baby pictures of each partner and go right up until adulthood. The couple will have lots of pictures that show them together, of course, so you should place those in a separate pile. If one of the couple (or both) has children from a previous marriage, you should also separate those pictures in a different pile as well.

-- For a project such as a family tree scrapbook, you can start by collecting pictures of each member of the family from both sides (mother and father). It's up to you how extended you want your family tree to be, but make sure that you will have photos for each of the family members, or else your family tree would look terribly lopsided. Start with collecting pictures for the most current family members, then work your way downwards.

-- The size of your scrapbook album should also be a factor. Remember that most scrapbook pages can comfortably hold an average of 4-5 photos (more if the picture sizes are small). However, you should also take into account the space that you will need for journaling or embellishments. A scrapbook page can hold more than 7-8 photos if you really fill it up from border to border, but you won't have room left for anything else.

-- Now that you have a collection of photos that have been sorted by type, date, and/or occasion, it's time for you to decide what the main photo will be. Scrapbookers usually pick out a single photo to serve as the focal point for all the other stuff that they put in a page, whether it's journaling, embellishments, or more photos. The main photo should have a larger size than the other pictures, with great color and sharp focus. Ideally, it should be the best photograph among all the others in your collection.

-- You can edit your main photo if you feel like it, so that the resulting picture will have that feel and look that you are going for. You can use your computer and a good photo editing software to enlarge or reduce a photo, add some borders or framing to it, or convert a colored picture into black and white for a classic or vintage look. If you don't have a computer or the skills to do this kind of work, you can just bring it to a photo shop and have someone do it for you (or ask a friend).

-- Sometimes you will finish the organizing part of the job, but won't be able to actually mount the photos on your pages until some time later. If this is the case, you should store your selected photos into an archival-quality container. This will ensure that your photographs will be safe until you are able to mount them in your album. You can buy good-quality photo cases in department stores or a crafts shop, or use any airtight container that is also acid-free. For a quick solution, just get some Ziploc bags and place your photographs in those, then keep them in an airtight container until you can use them.

Okay, now we're done with the organizing part. Let's talk about cropping your photos and how to do it the right way.

If you're not familiar with cropping photos, don't worry; it's not as complicated as it may sound. When you crop a photo, you're simply cutting away the elements that distract the viewer from the subject of the photo itself. For example, you may see a lot of pictures that have distracting backgrounds, so it would be a good idea to trim the photo in such a way that the distracting background is minimized and the attention is more focused on the subject.

However, do be careful when cropping away the backgrounds, because some of those photos might have backgrounds that are essential to the overall message or story of the photo itself. As an example, you might have some photos of your grandparents, with an old house or building in the background. That old house might be the house that your mother grew up in, or that old building may be the place where your grandparents got married. These backgrounds, therefore, have a sentimental value to them that can contribute more to the story behind those photos, so it would be foolish to crop them out.

For the fastest and easiest way to crop photos, use a tool with a straight edge, such as a ruler. Sometimes it may seem fun to crop the photos into a variety of shapes, but remember that too many assorted shapes will just make your pages look messy and disorganized. You just need a pair of sharp scissors, a ruler, and a pencil. Use the pencil to trace the line where you would want to crop the photo off, and then wipe off any residue after you finish the cropping, so that your photos will be protected from deterioration. You can also buy a small paper cutter if you can afford it. This way, you can accomplish a cleaner, smoother crop even faster.

You can try using photos that have been cropped into different sizes and mount them all in one page. If you have a photo that you really like, or maybe one that has several persons in it, you can produce several copies of that single photo and crop them all into different ways before mounting on the scrapbook page. This technique also works really well with landscape photos.

You may also have lots of photos with colorful backgrounds, like a field of blooming flowers or a beautiful lake scenery. These photos don't really deserve to get cropped closely, because they can add a lot of brightness and color to your designs. Put away those scissors and try to find ways to work these photos into your layouts instead.

If you do want to get creative with your cropping, you can use a pair of decorative scissors or shears. There are several varieties of these tools now available in office/school supply stores, or you can go to your crafts store and see if they have them in stock. Aside from creative cropping, you can use these decorative scissors to trim the borders of cardstock, frames, etc. in a variety of shapes.

Special occasions or events can be exceptions to the "straight edge" rule. For example, when you're creating a page for Valentine's Day, you can be forgiven for cropping your photographs in heart shapes of different sizes. When you want to crop your photos like these, I suggest using a cookie cutter as a template to get the desired shapes that you want. Trace the photo using the cookie cutter and mount it on cardstock. The cardstock can also be cropped or shaped in this way if you prefer. Using cookie cutters for this purpose can be a lot less expensive than buying die cut embellishments, especially when you're using them for just one event or occasion.

Aside from a straight edge crop, there are lots of scrapbookers who vary their styles and use a few other shapes, like an oval and a square. A round or oval shape is quite difficult to produce precisely, especially for beginners, so I would recommend that you buy some templates. Using templates for cropping your photos will let you produce clean, smooth results again and again, with less effort than you might expect.

However, templates can be a bit expensive, so I suggest that you stick with two or three basic shapes. Avoid buying the other specialized template shapes, because even though you think they look "cute" now, there are not too many projects or photographs where you can use "heart" or "Christmas tree" templates.

The one type of photograph that you must never crop is the Polaroid photo. Photographs taken with a Polaroid camera contain a type of chemical inside the paper itself, so when you crop or trim these photos in any way whatsoever, you run the risk of having the chemical leak out and destroy the other photos on your page. There are other ways to attach and display Polaroid photos, such as using photo corners to mount them on the page, or attaching pocket sleeves on the scrapbook page and then inserting the photos inside the sleeves.

Remember, though, that even if we're talking about cropping your photos now, there are some pictures that look great just the way they are. Don't get trigger-happy with your scissors and take some time to analyze each photograph. Look at the photo and try to understand what it is in that particular image that grabs your attention; what the main subject is trying to tell you. Is the background distracting you, or does it add more to the story? Would it work better with a different shape, or is it just fine the way it is right now?

You should crop your photographs depending on the layout and the project, but don't go around thinking that all photos should be cropped. When you do decide to crop, you can try using special shapes and different sizes, but remember that working with a clean, straight edge will produce the best results at all times.

Aside from being an accomplished artist and art/design teacher, Kimmo Hakonen is also the author of "Scrap Ideas". You can read more about Kimmo and the "Scrap Ideas" e-book here: http://www.scrapideas.net

Get a free course in scrapbooking that is loaded with information about scrapbooking with kids, themes and other ideas from pro scrapbookers, as well as lots of other highly useful tips and techniques. Please go here scrapbook project

Scrapbook Ideas - Five Steps on Putting Your Memories Together to Make Your Perfect Scrapbook

So you are interested in scrapbooking and want to make your very first scrapbook. That is wonderful and I am sure that you will find scrapbooking to be a lot of fun. Although the decision may have been made, I have found that for many first time scrapbookers, it can be difficult to get started.

Walking into a craft store, it can be overwhelming, to say the least. There are hundreds of items to choose from and even choosing the scrapbook itself can be daunting. Purchasing the supplies can be very expensive, especially if you are unsure what you need and many first time scrapbookers get pulled into buying things that they only use once or twice.

To avoid this, there are a few things that every new scrapbooker should do before they head to the scrapbook store.

Step One: Get Organized

Before you make a scrapbook, it is important to really get organized. Go through all of your photos and find out which ones you want in a scrapbook and which ones you don't. Remember that not all of your photos will be in a scrapbook so don't feel the pressure to put them in.

Once you have pulled out the photos you want in a special book, start organizing them into themed pages. Birthdays, vacations, special events or special memories that you want can be the themes that you sort by. Place them in a photo box with dividers identifying the theme or the event so they don't get mixed up.

Step Two: Decide on the Scrapbook

Next, decide on the scrapbook before you get ready to make it. This means that you will need to decide on whether you want to have a large 12 by 12 page scrapbook or a smaller one. You can find them in many different sizes, although most scrapbookers prefer the larger 12 by 12 paged books. The smaller books are more cost effective and may be a better way to start out in the world of scrapbooking.

Once you have the size, determine if your scrapbook has a theme. You could do a couple's scrapbook, a baby's scrapbook, family memories, family trips, the dog's scrapbook and so on. There is no wrong theme and if you simply want one big book with everything, don't hesitate to make it.

Step Three: Find a Scrapbooking Group

While you don't need to do this, it does make scrapbooking more enjoyable. In addition, there are many crop meets and stores that offer crop nights so you can gain some experience and help with ease. The main reason why I recommend that you find a scrapbooking group or crop night is because many scrapbookers will share materials and tools with new scrapbookers. This will help cut down on the overall cost until you are sure this is the hobby for you.

Step Four: Purchase the Main Supplies

Go to the store and purchase the bare necessities for your scrapbook. Start with cutters, glue, double sided tape and a few embellishments that you enjoy. While the first few pages may not be as cutting edge as your later ones will be, it helps to start small and then slowly build up your supplies. It is also healthier for your wallet.

Step Five: Make your Scrapbook

Finally, sit down and start making your scrapbook. Use other people's scrapbooks for inspiration or use a scrapbooking kit for the first few pages. When you are making a scrapbook page, cut all your photos and paper and then place it on the main page before gluing. This will help you get the layout that you want without wrecking the paper. In addition, this habit will save you a lot of heartache over the years as you create pages after pages for your scrapbook.

In the end, making a scrapbook is very easy; however, being organized, finding a good group to scrapbook with and finding your inspiration will make it even easier.

Emma Taylor is Chief Editor at http://ScrapbookingOnlineTips.com an information site that discusses scrapbooking ideas, layouts and how to create scrapbooks.

ScrapBook ideas-a fast growing Hobby

Scrapbooking have been around for years. If you think back to when you are cutting child using old photos from magazines, scraps of paper and Ribbon to decorate a ClipBook page. It seemed in those days that you never for scrapbook ideas were pasted.

If you have just started as an adult that you can the scrapbooking coming up with new ideas of scrapbook just do not spring to mind and you find yourself looking at stacks of paper and items you have purchased and have no idea what to do with them.

You can even find that if you are stuck for new Scrapbook ideas that you take a trip to your local craft store for inspiration only to find all you do is eventually money and gets away with no new ideas from scrapbook supplies. My advice if you really block with ' last ' scrapbookers is via the internet to have a look at anyone's ClipBook page layouts and get some new ideas of them.

When creating Notepad page layouts the first place to start is that I find the image. Decide which photo or photos you want to add to the page and then choose your paper or a combination of different coordinating papers, with the theme of the pictures fit.

If you find you have a large space on the page, and do not know what to add to add that you can Scrapbook quotes not only fill the space, but about a personal touch.

Scrapbooks can quotes something that you have come up with yourself or words and phrases that you have found elsewhere. Ensure what Scrapbook quotes you use them to customize the general theme of page and better yet enter a short description of the photo.

Once you have been scrapbooking for a period of time that you will find yourself more photos of different events and milestones, and in the back of your mind you'll be imagining how they will look in your scrapbook album. This will help you to develop new ideas in itself Notepad if you take your pictures. You can also keep a note of your feelings at the moment or a key that you can use Notepad for your quotes.

Notepad you can just about everything; It doesn't have to be of the best photo of the day of a wedding, birthday or your childs first birthday. Sometimes it is just nice to ClipBook page layouts of everyday events.

Scrapbooking has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a hobby that within your own home in your spare time can be done and is a great way to relax. There are even retreats for scrapbooking enthusiasts where a group of people can come together and share their ideas for a weekend of Scrapbook scapbooking.

Vicki Churchill writes for a Scrapbook ideas site that specializes in provide you with excellent tips and ideas for making Scrapbook Quotesbeautiful scrapbook pages with.

Free Printable Scrapbook Pages - Great Scrapbooks on a Budget

Looking to get started scrapbooking without spending a lot of money? The way to do this is to make use of all the free printable scrapbooking pages that are online. The amount of sites that are giving away scrapbooking materials is quite impressive and will allow you to spend almost nothing to make a great scrapbook. You can find pages, titles, designs, layouts, quote and step-by-step projects. If you are just starting out with scrapbooking then you should take a look at the free digital scrapbooking page kits.

To get started decide on the theme you would like your scrapbook to be about. Now type in "free scrapbook kits" in Google and you will find numerous sites giving away whole scrapbooking kits that you can print out. The large amount of free printable scrapbook pages available will provide you with the materials you will need. Let's say you would like to make a scrapbook with a birthday theme. Alter your search phrase to "free birthday scrapbook kits". Again you will find a large number of sites that provide scrapbooking kits for birthdays.

Now download the kit of your choice. Once you have downloaded the free printable scrapbook pages go ahead and printout the materials. You should be able to find kits that provide all the materials you will need to make your scrapbook. These kits will include pages, letters, designs and embellishments. Arrange the items together that will make each page and select the pictures for each page. Now go ahead and put your scrapbooking pages together.

The last step is to create the journaling for your scrapbook. Make sure to spend a bit of time on this step. The title, captions and words you use in the scrapbook put the pictures into context. Without the journaling your scrapbook will just be a good-looking book of pictures. Later generations will appreciate the beauty of it but will be lost as to what the book is about.

The amount of free printable scrapbook pages that is available online is a real boon for new and experienced scrapbookers. Don't pass up this great resource. Happy scrapbooking.

If you would like to learn more about making great scrapbooks without a large expense then visit my site at http://www.freeprintablescrapbooking.com/free-printable-scrapbook-pages.html

Erik Birkeland writes on business and family related issues.

To read more about scrapbooking and how to enhance your experience with it then visit http://www.freeprintablescrapbooking.com

Notepad themes-getting started

Scrapbooking as a hobby is been around for decades but, today, is the ideal way to encourage each individual creative Notepad in the Scrapbook themes that use them. Gone are the simple black and white scrapbook pages; colored and textured paper can now be used to improve your carefully chosen photos. And beautiful themed stickers and other creative decoration are woven a truly unique, one-of-a-kind ' memory album.

There is really no limit to the kinds of Scrapbook themes you can use in your scrapbooking projects. Or you want to indicate a specific event or you decide to compose a large family album for years of memories-the options are many and the choice is yours.

FAMILY SCRAPBOOK THEMES

You can for your own personal scrapbooks, family album sections for your Notepad themes. Any occasion can be given his own scrapbook album section: seasons, holidays, birthdays, family gatherings, sporting events, etc.

As a family album too big of a project is to address, you can create Scrapbook themes specific to each child. A babies ' firsts ', including their first smile, a lock of hair, first words or baby shoes are excellent additions to a baby Scrapbook theme.

As children grow older, the family Scrapbook themes can include such things as: awards, graduations, certificates and other performance in protective covers to demonstrate and protecting these precious memories for years to come can be inserted. Make sure that pictures of your child with school friends and special teachers also.

INDIVIDUAL SCRAPBOOK THEMES

Individual Scrapbook themes yet great little albums and his perfect gift ideas. Themes such as marriage, birth of a baby, graduation, promotions, retirements or other memorable occasions make wonderful unique and unforgettable gifts.

You can easily and inexpensively create a small gift with a "brag book" accordion style scrapbook album. Buy coordinating stickers, stamps or charms to make your Scrapbook themes to more tangible. For example, you can for a wedding Scrapbook, items, such as the couple wedding invitation and announcement that will include newspaper cherished souvenirs. Use paper doilies, lace, gift wrapping paper and pressed flowers decorating the pages in keeping with the theme of the Notepad.

WHEN SELECTING SCRAPBOOK THEMES

Scrapbooking is more than just a hobby fun (and addicting)-it is a way to precious memories. But you don't have to choose Scrapbook themes just because they are common or can be purchased in a pre-packaged kit. It is more important to choose the memories that you feel are worth the extra effort of preserving in a scrapbook that will last a lifetime and then determine what the Notepad theme should be.

For more ideas on Scrapbook themes [http://www.scrapbooking-for-fun-and-profit.com/Scrapbook_Themes.html] and other Scrapbooking inspiration [http://www.scrapbooking-for-fun-and-profit.com/Scrapbooking_Inspiration.html] visit: www.Scrapbooking-for-fun-and-Profit.com [http://www.scrapbooking-for-fun-and-profit.com/] in Audio and Print versions.

Free Scrapbooking Catalogs - 5 Tips To Use One To Create Your Own Scrapbook

Well, it's time for another general house cleaning. This is the time when you stumble across those valuable sentimental items you want to keep forever. Pictures of you and your best friends, family gatherings, and those great shots of the kids doing the fantastic recall happy times you never want to lose. Then the idea strikes: How can I keep these in a safe place?

This is the perfect time to start building a scrapbook to preserve and protect your favorite memories. Scrapbooking is a fast-growing hobby - so fast, in fact, a new industry is growing up around it. Scrapbooking is a great way to express your individual personality and creativity while creating something your whole family will treasure and enjoy for years to come. It takes time and effort, but it's so worth it!

If you're a novice at scrapbooking, you may want to try some free scrapbooking catalogs for your first efforts. You can find free scrapbooking catalogs in local stores and on the Internet. They are full of useful information that will give you a lot of great ideas for your scrapbooking projects. Even better, they outline the basic steps in scrapbooking so that beginners will be able to create beautiful pieces right off the bat.

If you have a shoe box full or a big stack of photos, why not get them organized? Sort them by event or occasion or by specific people. This way, you'll get your photos organized and stimulate your mind to think about how you might want to present them in a scrapbook. A very helpful addition to your photo sorting task is attaching notes to each one. Your notes describe the photo, its context in time and place and its importance to you.

This is a critical step everyone who scrapbooks goes through before they begin a project. Inventorying your materials and pondering the best way to assemble them prepares you for your project and helps you decide what materials you need. And if you can't find a retail supplier nearby, you can order your materials through the catalog or the company's online store.

Free scrapbooking catalogs are a great tool for shopping without getting in the car. They will describe the following steps in more detail, and they will give you images of the kinds of supplies available including decorative papers and paper sets, stick-on borders and alphabets, ribbons and trims, cut-outs and die-cuts, frames, felt flowers and paper blossoms, rubber stamps, glitter pens and cuts, and colorful acid-free pens.

And you'll find all the tools you need in free scrapbooking catalogs: paper cutters, scissors, organizers, brads and clips, and the ever present acid-free glues. These days, you can even find special pieces and embellishments to use on the Internet when you decide to make your first web-based scrapbook!

To get a free scrapbooking catalog, look for one of these three outstanding companies who'll mail you a paper catalog: A.C. Bailey Designs, Times to Cherish, or Creative Express. Of course, there are dozens of online catalogs you can browse while you're surfing the web.

No matter what free scrapbooking catalog you use or what supplies you need, there are some basic first steps involved in scrapbooking.

1. Gather Your Photos and Memorabilia

If you're like most of us, you have photos and other mementos scattered all over the place - ticket stubs in coat pockets, receipts stuffed in pants pockets or purses, invitations stacked with your old bills, confetti from that great New Year's Party, buttons from political events, and many other precious items.

Gather these mementos in one place. Search closets, drawers, the attic, even the garage to find them. Now, just pile them up on a table and start spreading them out so you can see what you have. As you go through them, put them in individual stacks of items that are related to each other. You may have enough treasures to build several scrapbooks!

2. Sort Your Mementos

After you have separated the items into related groups, you'll want to sort through them to figure out which ones to use in a scrapbook, which ones to throw away, and a logical order for the ones you want to keep.

There are several ways to group your photos and memorabilia: by family or family member, by how you're related, by friend or groups of friends, by clubs or associations. Those are a few approaches for sorting by people.

But you can also sort by events and times. Perhaps you have a bunch of memories for a specific wedding, anniversary, or the birth of a new baby. Maybe you want to group them by a time in your life like your college days or your first job. You can also sort them chronologically, showing the passage of time in your life.

3. Label Your Items

It's important to add some information to each piece you plan to use in your scrapbook. Short notes may simply remind you when and where photos were taken or the date and place where a ticket stub was used. You may want to write more about the event or person, though. Detailed notes can be used to give depth and meaning to the items you mount in your scrapbook. Clip or tape your notes to the item for later use.

4. Store Your Treasures

Now that you've got them organized and labeled, you may need a break before starting your scrapbook. This time, you'll protect them from further damage by keeping them cool and dry. You can use any number of organizing systems - bookshelves, filing cabinets, bins. Whatever is most appropriate for your space and the way you operate is best for you. One note: when you use plastic containers or bins, avoid PVC plastic. It's corrosive and can damage your photos and delicate pieces beyond repair. And remember when you prepare your storage space that there are three elements to protect your treasures from: light, humidity, and heat.

5. Plan Your Scrapbook

Now the time has come. You've got your photos and memorabilia nicely organized, and you know what you want to include in your scrapbook. It's time to give some serious thought to your presentation.

Think about the type of scrapbooking album you'll use. The amount of photos and keepsakes will determine the size of your scrapbook. Albums come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The smaller square ones (6x6") are portable and easy to handle. But they won't give you as much space for creative touches and embellishments. The larger ones, usually 8-1/2x11" or a foot square, give you plenty of room to decorate the pages and insert larger mementos.

Now you know what you want to include and what album type you'll use to present your memories. It's time to think about your theme. The theme will determine page layout, color scheme, and the types of embellishments you choose. Themes vary widely. You'll want to think about your memento group and the common thread that ties it all together.

Is your material related to a holiday season? A baby?s first years? Your family's history and heritage? A specific person's whole life? A period in your life? A favorite sport or family activity? A special relationship?

As you can see, the themes you can choose are limitless. The important thing about YOUR theme is that it's personal and meaningful to you. When you've decided on a theme, it's time to get your supplies, and that's where the free scrapbooking catalog will come in very handy.

You can select and coordinate your paper and your decorative touches. You can find or make a scrapbooking template that will be the basic design for each page. You can choose from a wide range of embellishments. You can spend a fortune or stick to a set budget. This may be the most fun part of the scrapbooking project, so enjoy!

See how great it is to use free scrapbooking catalogs?

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Scrapbook Ideas and Creative Scrapbooking

Many people have a passion for scrapbooking and always want to learn new scrapbook ideas on creative scrapbooking.

Creative thinking always discovers a way out and a person who create a new ideas always exercises his creativity in every aspect of life. People want to channel out their personal aesthetic and creative true talent. Every person has a such gift and can use it in daily routine. Scrapbooking is a great way to encourage your creativity and make scrapbooks in your own creative manner. You also able to use creative scrapbooking as a finest and innovative way to preserve your cherished memories. Creative scrapbook ideas allows easier to tell the life story and capture the mood and all aspects of the events and bring it to life.

You can create your own scrapbook ideas in a different ways. You have photos of wedding moment, baby shower and other cherished moments. Start to combine photos and journaling together to expend your ideas and thoughts. Combine this elements with different layouts, quotes, stickers and other embelishments to make your unique project. Try to learn and use new techniques to enhance your pages. New designs and techniques can add to your scrapbooking skills some creativity. Play around with your photos, favorite pics. Try to change particular arrangements of pages elements, color schemes, your scrapbook strategies.

Do not compare your work to it of someone else. Your art of work express your personality, your own creative scrapbook ideas. Be the best judge for yourself and your creative scrapbooking talent. You can simply get a common ideas from other and create your own more amazing scrapbook ideas, new themes, new designs. Contemporary scrapbooking supplies makes all your dreams alive. You can get a lot of fantastic ideas from craft books, scrapbooking magazines, catalogues, Internet. Be free to use them. Go ahead,go wild.

Creative scrapbook ideas are everywhere, they can come to you at any minute, even a daily routine can spark great ideas. So get ready to catch them and realize in new creative project. For more inspiration you can visit eBay auction to view what scrapbook suggestions other folks are offering to buy. Visit Amazon stores to search most popular scrapbook items. It is a great chance to find more wonderful ideas. Try to consider an unusual sources of inspiration. Example, visit your local library, visit an art exposition, visit a creative scrapbooking party.

Creative scrapbooking is a great chance to find yourself or express other people who you are. Use creative scrapbook ideas and do not forget that scrapbooking become now an art.

I am a scrapbooking fanatic and I love creative scrapbook ideas. Scrapbook Ideas

Journaling Exercises: Journaling Ideas For Your Scrapbook

Does your mind go blank when it's time to add journaling to your scrapbook pages? You're not alone. Learning some simple journaling exercises can get that pen moving. Many consider journaling their least favorite part of scrapbooking. Don't let journaling get you down, it is a vital part of our scrapbook page layouts.

Journaling adds depth and meaning to our layouts. It captures so much more about the stories behind the photos. There are many ways to include journaling in our scrapbooks, and lots of places to look for inspiration. Let's take a look at some journaling ideas for your scrapbook.

Divide and Conquer
Why do we have a difficult time journaling on the scrapbook pages we just created? Creating the scrapbook page layouts is a right brain activity, while journaling on those pages is a left brain activity. Some may find it difficult to switch gears easily. Try creating page layouts and journaling at separate times.


Write a letter
Journaling in your scrapbook may feel awkward. Try journaling as if you were writing a letter to someone. Who will be looking at your scrapbooks? Write as if you were speaking to them. Most of us will be sharing our scrapbooks with good friends and family.


Spur of the moment
Jot down poems, quotes, phrases and other journaling ideas right when the inspiration hits. If you wait until you have time to scrapbook, you may forget. Carry a small notebook with you to write in. Keep one in your purse or in the car.


Resource File
Create a resource file to organize and store information that you may want to include in your scrapbooks. Use a binder or find some space in a filing cabinet. An expandable file or a storage container might do the trick. Some items you may consider storing for future use are...

Postcards
brochures
pamphlets
magazine/newspaper clippings
programs
invitations
greeting cards
notes and letters

Email

Save or print emails from your family and friends. These may contain some real treasures; remarks, sayings and stories to use in your scrapbooks.
Lists and bullet points

Using lists and bullet points can keep information clear and to the point. This is a great technique for organizing a lot of information in a small amount of space.


How to get started

Handwritten journaling is a great method for traditional scrapbooking. Your handwriting leaves your personal touch on the page, becoming a legacy for future generations. What if you don't like your handwriting? Here are some alternatives

Computer generated
Using a computer to generate your journaling gives you many choices of fonts, sizes and colors, but you lose the personal quality of handwriting. Be sure to print your journaling on acid free paper.


Handwriting font
Turn your handwriting into a font. This allows you to print your journaling from your computer, but still maintains some of the personal element of your handwriting.


Combination
Add your handwriting in small areas such as dates and photo labels, while printing the journaling from your computer. This will keep the personal element of your writing on the page.

Your families memories are important. Regardless of the method you choose, just make sure you journal on your scrapbook pages.

What to write on a page

We've looked at some ways to add journaling to the page. Are you wondering what to journal about? Here are some important items to include.

Scrapbooking page title
A title let's others know what the pages is about. It can also help set the mood for the page. A title can be added in handwriting, with stencils, stickers or pre-made titles.


The five W's
The basics of each layout should be the five W's; who, what, when, where and why. Write the names of the people in the photos. List full names, not everyone knows who Uncle Jim is. Include the dates the photos were taken. As time passes it will be harder to remember. Don't forget where you are and what you were doing, why the photos were taken. You may also want to include the funny stories and memorable events not shown in the photos. Include your thoughts and feelings.


Poems and quotes
Not sure you can find just the right words? Still have a bit of space you want to fill? Try adding a poem or quote to the page. Lyrics from your favorite song are another great idea. Poems and quotes also help set the mood for your layout.

Make it interesting

The information journaling adds to the page is important, but let's look at how journaling can add interest to your page as well.

Outline your journaling
Draw an outline around your journaling with one of your permanent acid-free pens. This will make your journaling stand out on the page. You can also add a frame around it.


Journaling box
Write in a journaling box. Many companies offer journaling boxes You can make your own by matting lined paper with a coordinating color paper. Add a sticker to spice up the journaling box.


Monogram
Use a larger size for the beginning letter in the first word of your title or journaling to add some interest.


What are you waiting for? Let's get journaling on those pages. Put these journaling exercises to work. Your scrapbook albums will be cherished for generations to come.

About the Author

Melanie Hansen simply-stunning-scrapbooks.com http://www.simply-stunning-scrapbooks.com/

Melanie Hansen is an avid scrapbooker. She loves to share the ideas, tips and techniques she has learned. Visit http://www.simply-stunning-scrapbooks.com/How-to-Make-a-Scrapbook-blog.html to stay up-to-date with ideas, tips and tutorials on traditional and digital scrapbooking.

You Are A Diamond So Scrapbook About Yourself

As a devoted scrapper, you probably gain satisfaction from scrapbooking about others.

Oftentimes, you are the one glaring missing light in your scrapbook albums. Simply because you're so caught up with hiding behind the camera and being a fixated shutterbug. Either that or you're tied up scrapbooking about others that you missed out on scrapbooking about yourself.

Somehow, it's happening too frequently.

Ever thought about why you should take a step back and start scrapbooking about yourself? Ever wonder how scrapbooking about "you" could bring out the shine in you?

Come on, you are special, there's no way to deny it. Rare like a diamond. Just probably covered up in layers and needed some polishing to bring out the natural shine. And scrapbooking is a powerful method to reveal the rareness in you.

There's so many glowing benefits to creating scrapbooks all about you:

1) Leaving Behind an Everlasting Legacy

For the people who will never get the chance of meeting and knowing you, your scrapbooks about yourself will leave behind memories of you as a person. It's a mean of letting them discover and know about you.

I once read of a mother who was seized with terminal stage of cancer. In her final days, instead of resting, she struggled to put together scrapbook albums of herself. Why? Just so that her two very young toddlers will get to know about the mommy whom they'll never see in person again. The scrapbooks will be constant reminders to the kids of their mommy's love for them and her thoughts about them.

It's a heart-wrenching story, but it's a wake up call that you don't have an eternity. You have to take steps now to make time to leave behind a part of who you are. Like they said, "You'll never know"...

2) Showing the World of You as an Individual

Yes, besides being known as the scrapbooker who so lovingly and tenderly put together the family scrapbooks, your children and present or future grandchildren would want to know how you look like. They'll wonder "How did Granny Kate look like when she's a baby? And what did she look like when she's a young woman?"

You're likely to have the same curiosity of your ancestors too. So do showcase your changing faces or appearances throughout the years or decades. Come out from behind your camera, and ask or plead with someone else to take over the role of the photographer.

You are important and you need to be in those pages.

3) Revealing the Real You

By scrapbooking, you'll immortalize a part of yourself in a permanent way. And through reading your journaling, others will get to know you in an intimate sort of way. You are granting them permission to be privy to your inner world of thoughts, which are usually hidden by the superficialities of your daily life. Your journaling will reveal the authentic side of you that many may not have the privilege to know of otherwise.

Do consider leaving those alluring computer fonts aside for a while, and write in your own handwriting. It may not be perfect but it's much more personal. Your handwriting is undeniably a part of you.

4) Passing on Your Beliefs and Values

Worried that your values and beliefs will be lost forever to your future generations? Scrapbooking about them is a great way to ensue that they'll get passed on from one generation to the next. "Great-grandma Emily is a strong believer of filial piety. It's her strongest trait..."

Your scrapbook albums will likely become treasured family keepsakes, where your words will echo and impact on your future generations' lives.

5) Pulling You Out from a Crossroad

There's probably times in your life when you feel uncertain and lost about yourself. It's like your identity has gone missing. I've been at such a crossroad before too.

At such disheartening moments, try scrapbooking on themes like "What Makes Me So Unique", "The Many Hats That I wear" and "Top 10 Things that I'm Most Proud". These themes will once again call attention to your own uniqueness. Such meaningful pages will reinforce the value in you as an individual.

If you're daring enough, try "10 Things I Like About You". This is where you'll have to get a couple of your closest kin and friends to each make a list of things they like about you. You'll have to cast away your shyness and get those lists from the people you care about.

Because someday when you feel like you're in the dumps, pull out these precious little lists, read over them and call to your mind that you are wanted and loved by others.

So instead of dwelling on your failures and imperfections, these powerful lists will push you forward and make you look at the positive traits of yourself.

6) Pump You Up with Pride

When you're done with some scrapbooks on yourself, flip through them occasionally.

You'll find yourself looking at you with a renewed sense of respect and pride. Be it as a mother, nurturer, wife, partner, daughter, sister, colleague or dreamer, your scrapbook albums will showcase you in different roles. It'll tell others that you aren't merely just a mom.

The pages will remind you that you have meaningful contributions to make in various roles.

Are you beginning to see the therapeutic wonders of scrapbooking about yourself? Doesn't it reaffirm the goodness within you and unleash the power of you being a diamond?

Aren't the above reasons compelling enough to cajole you into scrapbooking about yourself?

Each delayed moment is a moment lost forever. So take positive steps now to uncover the diamond in you to share with others.

Happy scrapping about yourself!

About the Author:
Fion Lim is the creator of http://www.everything-about-scrapbooking.com. She enjoys scrapbooking as a hobby and finds pleasure in sharing scrapbooking ideas, tips and techniques with beginner scrapbookers through her scrapbooking site.

Scrapbooking for Beginners-a step by step guide to your first Notepad

In my scrapbooking for beginners guide, I hope to save you all the mistakes I made when I began my first scrapbook and the mistakes which other guides have cost me.

When I began my first scrapbook I spent nearly two hundred dollars on everything from how to books to layouts and magazines. Five years later I haven't used half of what I bought, despite having several scrapbooks. My mistakes were two-fold. First I had no organization, and second I had no planning. While not as fun as buying all the stickers and layouts, planning your first scrapbook album will save money and save time.

Step One - Choose Your Theme!

The very first step in your scrapbook should be to decide the theme. Picking your theme will be important in many ways, not the least of which is to have the correct photos for each page. Its also important to choose your theme before you organize your photographs so that when you are browsing your photographs you can add them to multiple themes later.

The first scrapbooking guide I read began by telling me to get a few pictures, card stock, pens and embellishments. That was actually terrible advice. Once I had everything in front of me, I realized that it was nowhere near the items for what I wanted my scrapbook pages to look like. In order to make a scrapbook which you can call your own, choose your theme before buying the materials.

Themes can include scrapbooks about The Disney Vacation. Our Wedding Day. Our Honeymoon. Baby's First Year. Each theme will need certain photographs which depict days or moments you want to remember. You can have as many themes as you wish and can even have the same photograph in multiple themes. For your first scrapbook try and pick a theme for which you know you have numerous photographs.

Step Two - Choose Your Photographs!

Now that you have a theme in mind, its time to pick out photographs to use. Photographs get scattered everywhere so its best to find the ones you wish to use at the start your scrapbook. When we got married my husband and I had a DVD of pictures, professional photographer pictures, pictures from my mother and father, disposable reception camera pictures, friends sent pictures, friends of parent sent pictures. I had to stop most of the time when making my scrapbook to find the right pictures someplace else. My biggest mistake was missing photos when I began scrapbooking because I had forgotten to pick them out beforehand.

The great thing about scrapbooking is that if you do forget a picture or two, you can just add another page in your scrapbook. The bad part is if you want a picture to be part of a page you've already designed and glued together, you have to remake the page.

When choosing photographs, its best to have two to three photographs per page but you can have as few as one or as many as eight. You can have as many pages as you want in each scrapbook album.

My wedding scrapbook album has two hundred photographs and four different sections. Each of my four sections was part of a separate album which I incorporated into one album. Its very large, but its also very dear to my heart. That is what scrapbooking is about, making each scrapbook a memory in itself which can be reviewed and enjoyed by anyone. Each album chronicles an event or time which is important to you.

Step Three - Make copies

In my opinion this step is the most important part of starting a new scrapbook album. Make copies of every photograph you will use at the start. Make two copies if possible. There will be times when you wish to cut a photograph to fit an idea for your scrapbook. Or glue something onto the photograph. If you want to use the photograph in multiple albums, an album for each of your children with the same themes for example, you'll need 1 copy of each photo for each album plus the original. (and if you're clumsy like me, you'll want an extra copy for when you mess up! haha)

Photographs can be made digital and saved onto computer discs. You can upload them to webites like Flickr so you can have physical copies made at a later time or you can make online scrapbook albums.

Store the negatives and back up discs (DVDs) of all photographs in a special area away from the actual photographs.

Step Four - Write and gather a list of items to include in the scrapbook album

When I speak about what you'll include I mean besides pictures and journal entries. Each page of your scrapbook album includes pictures, a small piece of writing about the picture and whats known as "embellishments". Purchased embellishments will be included in the later part of this guide, however at this point I'm writing about personal embellishments.

The wedding album I put together had pieces of my dress as backing of photographs. I used ribbon from the linen napkins for bows on other pages. Some pages had little pieces of the sequins from my gown, the Ashcroft my husband wore was on another page with his picture. You may not want to glue those items to your books but I chose to do so. Maybe you have a blanket you child used, part of a stuffed animal to include, the buttons off your cheerleading uniform. There are hundreds of little embellishments you can include from your personal life which make your album even more special. One of my friends used sand colored with food dye she got on her honeymoon in her album about her honeymoon.

Plenty of guides speak about the little embellishments to add in your scrapbook album. Their embellishments include glitter and little pieces of beading from the stores etc. Before you spend your money on those, find the items in your house to include in your scrapbook. Old Christmas or wedding cards, Birthday cards, towels, an old cat toy etc etc..

Step five - Sort and Build Each Page (if possible take a picture)

You now have all you need to build your first scrapbook album. Organize the pages of your album with the photographs and embellishments. Use manila envelopes if necessary and number each one. The reason it is important to organize your photographs and embellishments now is so that when you go shopping you will have an idea about what you want on each of your pages. At this point you do not need to know where or how to place the pictures on each page. The only important information we want from this exercise is which pictures and home-embellishments we want to add on a certain page, what the general theme is and how many pages we will have. Its much easier to find what we want at the craft store or online when we have the base of our scrapbook album.

Scrapbooking for Beginners - Step Six - It's time to go shopping!

When you're shopping you'll want the following scrapbook supplies:

1. Pens, crayons, paints, fabric paints and markers for each page's note writing, picture drawing, and for wrting on fabric (if you use any in your scrapbook)

2. Backing to make mini frames on the page. Photographs can have a matte which can include cardboard, old greeting cards (my personal favorite's are the ones from the occasions the scrapbook is about), wrapping paper, felt board, or anything really.

3. Scrapbook album

4. Paper trimmer

5. Glue and tape

6. Paper - Different types of paper for the albums - Paper for the designs (like card stock, material, wax paper.. anything your imagination can come up with). Paper for the journal entries like stationary, index cards, plain black and white paper to cut out letters.

7. Scissors

8. Embellishments - stickers, material, beads, pressed flowers, sand, feathers, candy. Pretty much anything goes here. Each page is what your imagination makes it.

9. Stencils - Letter, number and design stencils

10. Page protectors - Make sure they are the correct size for the album

You can make your first album as elaborate, expensive, inexpensive, big, small. You can decorate the outside and inside. You can add hand prints from your kids. Let your imagination guide you. Have fun. Put little frames around photos. Cut out hearts and stick them on the photographs. Glue buttons, write on them.

The important part of scrapbooking is just beginning.

Stay Tuned for Scrapbooking For Beginners - The Wedding Album

Sara - http://scrapbooking-for-beginners.com . Spending my free time with scrapbooks, pictures, memories and my new website! Welcome to Scrapbooking for Beginners and stay tuned for more guides!

The advantage of Digital Scrapbook

Digital Scrapbooking is becoming very popular. It is a way to share photos with friends and family, which provides for creativity as in the traditional scrapbooking and plays in the technology driven world in which we live. Digital scrapbooking is becoming more popular among the traditional scrapbookers and thanks to the increased quality, reduced cost scrapbookers newbie mess, as well as the ability to easily share the latest projects with others.

One of the obvious benefits of digital scrapbooking scrapbooking the traditional physical is the mess that it does not create confusion. With traditional scrapbooking have makers either have to leave enough space in their home from their supplies and tools, or have enough storage and containers. Problems with both, potentially dangerous tools for children to come and the hassle of putting everything in or bin mid-project lying around are clearly repellents. The other important thing to mention is the physical clean up. As many know, scrapbookers get into a project a simple derivation of brands the paper clippings and pieces of the string, buttons and items spread across the stage. Digital scrapbooking also minimizes the stage, on a computer screen.

The next big thing about digital scrapbooking is the cost, or lack there of. Yes, you can spend a lot of money to digital scrapbooking, if you want, but you don't need to. Save money the first aspect is that of tools and supplies. There are many tools that endless tubs of scrapbookers, cutting devices, hole punchers, stamps, ink pads, supply of paper, Ribbon, buttons, pens, stickers and the list goes on. The supplies for digital scrapbooking can often be found for free online or created with graphic-and photo-software. The largest cost of digital scrapbooking is mostly related to finding a computer program to use. Photos can run $ 50-300, but many offer free downloadable trials so you can be certain of your investment. A could walk in a single burden when it comes to equipment such as digital cameras, scanners and printers, but most people are probably already in the possession of most of this equipment.

One of the best things about digital scrapbooks is only that, it is digital. Corrections and additions to the digital platform can be easily created. How easy is it to an actual handmade ClipBook page, are not physically change. In fact, ruin the page can try to do this all in all, a lot of wasting time and resources. Digital scrapbooks are also very popular because of their ' share-ability ' (is that a Word?). The satisfaction in scrapbooking in two-tiered: see the final product and parts of the final product. You can share your scrapbook with all the people around you. With digital scrapbooks, you can share it with that all over the world. Family members or grandparents who live cross country can get enough details about their grandchildren? You would not want to risk mailing your artwork to them.

A minute ago as, is one of the greatest things about scrapbooking, being able to see in completion. Looks good, something physical that is personal and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Digital scrapbooks don't do this. There are many Web sites, scrapbooking companies and even photo labs that your pages or even an entire book, printed & bound print.

Digital scrapbooking offers many of the perks of traditional scrapbooking but with added convenience, lower costs, like much of a creative outlet. It also has many advantages that traditional scrapbooking no, making it the choice for many. If you're looking for a project that is fun to build, personal and fun to share, digital scrapbooking can be for you.

You can also find more information about digital scrapbooking on [http://www.howtomakeadigitalscrapbook.com]

Wesley Skiles is the creator of [http://www.howtomakeadigitalscrapbook.com], a blog consisting of scrapbooking articles, tips and more.

No Time to Scrapbook?

No time to scrapbook? Here are 9 ways you can make more time for scrapbooking.

1. Record your "why." Make a list of all the reasons you love to scrapbook. What does it do for you

personally; for your family; for generations to come?. Ask your family and friends, "why are you glad

that I scrapbook?" The answers may surprise you. Scrapbook these answers and hang the finished piece

in your scrap space. Seeing the motivation hanging before you will make scrapbooking seem less self-indulgent.

2. Book it. Write in time for scrapbooking on your calendar or on your weekly to-do list. When you

schedule specific scrapbooking time, you may be more committed to keeping that time for yourself.

3. Let go. Remember that each page you scrapbook is a reflection of you at this moment, and sometimes

that means the layouts have to be simple and quick. It's important to be able to let go of a layout without

holding yourself to a certain standard each time. Don't taint the joy of scrapbooking by making it

one more thing you have to do.

4. Get inspired. If you feel like you aren't getting enough accomplished or you're feeling

burned out, find inspiration in fresh design books or a new magazine subscription. Or slam out some quick

pages with a page kit.

5. Fresh products. Subscribe to a monthly auto-ship kit. When you invest in your scrapbooking habit at

regular intervals, fresh ideas and inspiration -- appropriate for the season, come right to your doorstep.

Encourage a few friends to

join and- viola - instant club! And you won't spend so much time wandering the aisles of your local

crapbooking store (Unless of course you want to) because all of the supplies already coordinate.

6. Organize. Make your supplies and tools easy to get to and to find. Get the organizational system you

need to make the best use of your time. Tidy and organize your area as soon as you are finished with a

layout or project so it doesn't become daunting to go there the next time.

7. Scrapbook with your family. Scrapbooking itself can create some magical family moments. Even young

children can get started with their own creations. I love to watch my children record their memories and

create cards for friends.

8. Start (or join) a scrapbook club. Get a few friends together to scrapbook at a regular time each week

or month. When we have someone that is waiting to meet us there, we are more inclined to hold the commitment.

9. Make it your business. Become a scrapbooking instructor or consultant. When you move from the spending

side of our favorite hobby to the earning side, you may be surprised how much family support you'll get.

When scrapbooking is your hobby *and* your job, all of your creations become "demo pages," too --

and that is multi-tasking at its finest.

Copyright 2005 by Susie Cortright About the author: Susie Cortright is the founder of Momscape.com and Momscape's Scrapbooking Playground - sites devoted to celebrating life with children. Learn more about her scrapbooking club or about starting your own scrapbooking business on Susie's team: http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking/business.htm

Starting Your Own Scrapbook Club

Before I discovered the world of scrapbooking, I was inexplicably drawn to my local office supply store. I loved to stand in an aisle surrounded by the different colors of copy paper. And the pens!

At the time, I thought this was really strange. (So did my family). And then I discovered that there are a lot of people who share this fascination. I realized that there is an entire industry that caters to my obsession with patterned paper and coordinating embellishments.

Then I discovered that these people also form clubs where they get together, share ideas, and eat chocolate. What could be better?

Scrapbooking clubs are the quilting bees of the modern era. When you join - or form - a scrapbook group, you create a regular time to meet with creative, loving, and family-centered friends.

Carving out a regular time to meet is an ideal way to create and maintain these meaningful friendships. Plus, as everyone gets together to work with family photographs and poignant memories, conversations tend to be deep and meaningful, too.

You can start your own scrapbooking club by asking yourself these questions:

--> How often do you want to meet?

How frequently do you want to hold group meetings (or crops)? Weekly, twice-monthly, monthly?

It's best to get a consensus from group members as to which day works best, as well as which time of day. Will you need child care - and how many people will be pitching in for the sitter? How many people do you want in your scrapbook club?

The group dynamic varies greatly if you have 12 people, versus 30 or more. Decide in advance how many people you think will comprise an ideal group. Do you want an intimate gathering of friends - or the energy of a larger collaboration?

--> Where do you want to host the crop?

You can start out at your home, if you have the space. Or you can ask if the scrapbookers in your club would like to rotate houses.

For larger groups, consider churches, community centers, or conference rooms. Often churches and businesses will be very receptive to providing space for this type of gathering. Scrapbooking is a fun, family-oriented activity, which places of worship and community centers generally

love to embrace.

--> Do you want to charge membership dues?

If you have to pay for your scrapbooking space, you'll probably want to recoup those costs. If you are going to provide instruction (or food or a babysitter) - simply charge reasonable dues from each member to cover your costs. Many scrapbookers are accustomed to paying for this

type of scrap space.

--> What will you serve?

You can serve food - or not. I like to keep things really simple. I have a simple basket of cold Evian bottles - which I stock up on when there's a sale.

The best foods to serve don't leave anything behind, so stay away from anything that would make it necessary for guests to wash their hands with each bite. If you're going to serve finger food, use toothpicks. And - for the chocolate fix - M&Ms are wonderful because they really do

melt in your mouth and not in your hand.

--> How structured would you like your meetings to be?

Some scrapbooking clubs will invite Instructors to teach a variety of more advanced techniques. Check with your local scrapbooking store and direct sales consultants to see which classes might be available.

Tip: You - or one of your club members - might want to consider becoming a consultant yourself in order to supply the group with product and training in the latest techniques (direct sales consulants often receive this training from their teams and from the company themselves,

ie. http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking/business.htm ) Then you can earn a profit and the club can earn and share the free hostess rewards. Free scrapbooking goodies for all! Or you can schedule your crop around a monthly scrapbooking club kit, ie.: http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking/scrapbook-club It's fun to see the different projects that each club member comes up with, using the same supplies. Plus, some monthly club kits(like the one cited above) come with idea sheets and an artist/designer gallery of club creations.

--> What is the best way to set up the meeting space?

Make sure the lighting is adequate and that each guest has enough table space. You can set everyone up on your dining room table, or - if you have the space, create a more elaborate configuration. One idea I found on the Two Peas in a Bucket (http://www.twopeasinabucket.com) message board is to create a square from 2 8-foot tables and 2 6-foot tables. This configuration will comfortably accommodate 8 scrapbookers.

It's fun to have some community tools on one table, too. I have the basics: trimmers, Coluzzle, Silent Eyelet Setter, a mini sewing machine, etc.

I also like to bring a selection of my favorite idea books and scrapbooking magazines, especially those that feature seasonal project ideas.

And place a small gift bag or paper lunch sack in the center of each table for little scraps. This goes a long way in helping to keep each workspace organized and clutter-free. You can also set a relaxing (or energizing) mood with your choice of soft background music.

--> How will you find club members?

If you don't already have a group of scrapbooking friends (or you want to find more), simply announce your group in the community.

Word of mouth is the best way to do this. Ask your scrapbooking friends to bring their scrapbooking friends to the club meetings.

You can also post flyers and announcements on community bulletin boards in libraries, grocery stores, community centers, etc.

Check to see if your local newspaper will run a free ad in the Community Notes section before each scheduled crop. For example: "Free Scrapbooking Crop. All levels of experience welcome. Instructor/designer on hand to answer questions and provide instruction. Come have fun and meet new friends. Time and location. Your contact info."

You can also send email invites to all your friends. Evite.com (http://www.evite.com) is a great tool for keeping track of invitees. Simply pitch your crop night as a "girls' night out" (or "mom's night out") where you'll get important things done (and it never hurts to let

them know you'll have chocolate on hand.)

Have a great time meeting new scrapbooking friends and inspiring one another to complete cards, layouts, and gifts-from-the-heart in your new scrapbooking club.

About the author:
Susie Cortright is the founder of Momscape?s Scrapbooking Playground. Subscribe to her free twice-monthly scrapbooking newsletter, featuring best-of-the-net design ideas, advanced techniques, and money-saving specials on supplies ? here: http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking

How to Get Started on a Scrapbook Project (Preparing Your Scrapbook)

Getting started on your very first scrapbook project can be scary, especially if you have absolutely no idea what you're supposed to do first. However, don't give up just because you feel overwhelmed. All the successful scrapbookers that you know all started from the bottom, so you're already in good company. All you need is a little bit of guidance, and you will soon find this hobby to be a very enjoyable activity for years to come.

When you start on your first scrapbook project, the first step is asking a few questions to yourself: Why am I creating this scrapbook? What size and style of an album will I need, and what materials should I get to complete my album? It is also important that you think about the easiest and most cost-effective way to design and complete your scrapbook.

You should also consider how many photos you may want to mount on your album, and if they are too many or too few. Do you already have copies of the photos you want to use, or will you be using originals? (Not recommended.) How much time can I spend every day on my scrapbooking?

Choosing the size and style of the album you will be using plays a very important role in how you will then proceed with the rest of your scrapbook project. There are many album styles and sizes to choose from. Just pay a quick visit to any crafts store and you'll see what I mean. The most common sizes are the 12"x12" and the 9"x9" sizes. There are also a few other sizes available, but these two are the most used among scrapbookers. If you feel intimidated by the large 12"x12" album, you can downgrade to a 9"x9" or even 8"x10" size.

For the album style, feel free to get one that fits your needs at the moment. If you get stuck in this step, I recommend going with one of the many themed albums available in the shop, since this is your first time working on a scrapbook project. There are albums that are best suited for portraits, for wedding themes, for birthdays, and for other special occasions. You can also find many albums with a nature theme or sports theme. Themed albums such as the examples I mentioned can really help out a beginner who's having difficulty trying to think of an album style for his first project.

After this, you will then need to choose which album would you prefer -- a ringed album, a post-bound album, or a strap-hinged album. The most commonly used album type is one with a three-ring binder. It's easy for beginners to refill, remove or add more pages to this type of album. And because the pages are easily removed, you won't feel pressured to fill the entire album all at once. (I realize this sounds stupid, but it really happens with a lot of beginners!)

The strap-hinged scrapbook album is also a popular choice. A lot of veteran scrapbookers love to use this album type, especially if they use bulky embellishments in their pages. The strap-hinged albums can easily accommodate the dimensional elements in scrapbooks today, and are also made of high-quality materials. making them more durable and expensive than the other types of albums in the market. If you can afford to buy one of these, then it's going to be worth every penny. But I would recommend waiting for a sale at your local crafts store, or maybe search for a coupon.

If you're just starting out, however, it's a good idea to use a three-ring album first. Moreover, you should keep in mind that using a ringed album does not necessarily mean you're creating low quality work, because not all veteran scrapbookers use strap-hinged albums, anyway.

A post-bound album uses metal binding posts (hence the name) to secure the scrapbook pages in between the covers. The main disadvantage of using a post-bound album is that you need to disassemble the album and take out the pages to insert or remove the page you want. Other than that, using a post-bound album is also a good choice.

If you're still not sure which type of album to buy for your first scrapbook project, you can try asking some knowledgeable friends for help. You can discuss what you're looking for in an album, and they can pitch in with suggestions or advice of their own. Asking someone for their opinion is never a bad option in this case.

If you want, you can also try looking for different album covers to match the theme you want. There are album covers with a frame in the center for mounting photographs, and of course, lots of covers that fit a certain theme, like special occasions or events. You can even choose if you want linen covers, or those made of leather or vinyl. Ask the shop owner or salesperson if they can customize the album cover for you, like embossing a name or title on the front, etc.

So now you have decided which album to buy. The next step is getting some page protectors. Your crafts shop will probably carry a wide selection of page protectors in a variety of sizes, so it won't take you long to find a set that fits your album perfectly. The most important thing to remember when buying page protectors is that you avoid buying anything that has PVC in it. PVC contains acid that will destroy your photos and pages over time, and scrapbookers all over the world know that using acid-free materials is the only way to go if they want to preserve their scrapbooks in the best condition possible for years to come.

If you can afford it, try to buy as many page protectors as you can. Buy a few sets that you can use for at least two or three more albums. This way, you will save yourself from having to go on a shopping trip every time you want to start a new scrapbook project. To save even more time and money, try to buy page protectors in bulk. You can also trim them down to size if you want to use them later for smaller-sized albums.

Aside from the albums and page protectors, you're also going to need a few basic supplies to get started on your scrapbook project. Right off the bat, you're going to need adhesives. When I talk about adhesives, though, I don't mean only the ordinary white liquid glue that most people use at home or in school. There are several kinds of adhesives that scrapbookers use for their projects, and all of them should be acid-free.

There are different kinds of adhesives specifically used for mounting photos, such as photo squares or photo splits. Scrapbookers love using these because they can easily remove and reattach photographs (and other memorabilia or embellishments) without defacing the rest of the page. There are also glue sticks for attaching other elements to your pages, although I don't recommend using these in areas of high humidity.

Never, ever use water-based adhesives like the popular Elmer's Glue or rubber cement. These adhesives are not made for scrapbooking, precisely because they are not safe for using on photographs. Acid-free materials, remember?

Of course, you cannot create scrapbooks without paper. You will need to buy some background paper to mount on your page, before attaching all the other elements like photos, journaling, and embellishments. The style, pattern, and color of the paper you will buy depends on your personal preferences and the theme you are using for your scrapbook project.

But no matter what style of paper you choose, always remember to buy the ones that have low acid content, and also lignin-free. To determine the acid content of paper, make sure to look at the packaging label. If it has a pH level of 7 or higher, it is safe to use for your scrapbooking.

In choosing the style, pattern, and colors for your background paper, it would help if you consider the photos you will be mounting on the page. How would the photos look with the paper as the background? If you can, try to bring a few photos with you (the ones you're going to use in your scrapbook) when you go shopping for paper. Find some papers you like, then take out a photo and place it on top of the paper to see what it would look like. For this reason, I highly recommend picking out the photos you will be using for your scrapbook before going out to buy some background papers.

After buying background paper, you should go look for cardstock. If you can afford it, it would be better to buy cardstock in bulk, rather than individually. Cardstock are great for a variety of purposes. Scrapbookers use them for mounting photos or adding some accents to photos, plus they can also be used to add dimension to pages. You can check out a few of my other articles for more ways to use cardstock in scrapbooking.

Next item on the list should be a pen or two. Some would use permanent markers, so it's your choice. A black pen will be great, but you should also buy a white pen if you can. This way, you will have at least two choices when it's time to do some journaling later on. A white pen looks stunning on darker backgrounds, and much easier to read. You can also use these pens to write down any information on the photos and even on the page itself. Of course, the pens should use permanent ink, be acid-free, and waterproof.

You will then need scissors for cutting, cropping, and trimming. A simple pair of scissors will do if you're just starting out, and you can buy a few more pairs for specialized purposes later on as you need them. But whatever kind of scissors you are using, you should always check to see that they are clean and sharp. Using a dull pair of scissors will do more harm than good, especially for your scrapbooking. Whether you're using ordinary or decorative scissors, you will want to have them always sharp, so that they produce a clean edge every time.

For embellishments, you can easily find a good selection in your local crafts shop. Bigger stores even have whole shelves dedicated to scrapbooking embellishments alone. They are available in pre-packaged kits with a common theme, so if you're looking for embellishments to fit your birthday, wedding, or Christmas scrapbook, you won't have a difficult time looking for embellishments to match.

Aside from the kits, you can always find embellishments being sold individually, so you can easily mix and match those you need. If you're buying stickers or any other embellishments that have adhesives on them, make sure that they are also acid-free.

If you don't have a designated table or working surface for your scrapbooking, you can use any table at your home, but I recommend that you cover the table first with an old tablecloth or sheet. Some scrapbookers use old newspapers if they don't have a spare cloth, so you can also consider this option. Using a cover allows you to protect the surface of the table you are working on, as well as catch any drips from your liquid materials such as glue, paint, or ink.

Some other supplies that you will need can be found right inside your home, like a ruler, tweezers, cotton swabs, and cookie cutters. A ruler is indispensable if you want to produce straight lines and edges, while tweezers can be used to pick up tiny items that are impossible to grab with your fingers. They are also great for precision handling while you attach small objects to your page.

Cotton swabs, on the other hand, can be use for mopping up small drops of liquid on your page (like glue and ink), and you can use cookie cutters for creating templates for embellishments, etc. Buying templates at crafts shops can be expensive, especially if you're buy often, so using cookie cutters can save you some money in the long run.

These are the basic supplies and materials that you will need for your first scrapbook projects. You will eventually find yourself needing more tools and materials as your skills and interest in the craft progresses, but I recommend that you do not buy all of the materials at once. You will just waste money because you won't be able to use all of them when you're just starting out, so it's better to wait until you've been scrapbooking for a while and you feel like you can comfortably step up to the next level.

For your "advanced" shopping list, I suggest getting a paper punch, die cuts, mulberry paper, and rubber stamps.

A paper punch, if used properly and creatively, can be worth many times over the price that you paid for it. You can create dozens of designs and embellishments using this tool, and the price itself is relatively inexpensive. Paper punches are actually one of the earliest tools to be used by scrapbookers and it is still a favorite among scrappers today. There are paper punches for a wide variety of shapes, designs, and functions which you can usually buy at the nearest crafts shop.

Die cuts are used to dress up your pages in lots of gorgeous ways. They are made out of a variety of materials like paper, cardstock, vinyl, and foam. Scrapbooking veterans love to use them to decorate their layouts, and you can easily find a huge selection of die cut embellishments in almost every shape, size, and color that matches the theme or design you are going for. If you happen to have a die cutting machine at home, then you can create your own custom die cuts and won't even have to go to the store to buy some.

Mulberry paper is a special kind of paper that is used not only for scrapbooking, but in a variety of other crafts as well. It is a handmade, fibrous specialty paper that is often mistaken for rice paper. Mulberry paper can be used for creating textured backgrounds or for layering, and it is also quite translucent (although not as much as vellum paper).

Rubber stamps are used by both beginner and advanced scrapbookers alike. They are very useful for adding ink-based embellishments to a scrapbook page, and they are very easy to use. Just take a few minutes to practice so that you can get the hang of it and learn how to apply just the right amount of pressure, and you will soon find yourself enjoying this useful tool for your scrapbook projects.

Now that you have the album, the materials, and the tools, you just need to consider how much time you can afford to spend for your new hobby. Don't pressure yourself on spending two or three hours every day if you cannot handle it at the moment. remember that the quality of your work is not really dependent on the number of hours you spent on it. Just set aside a specific amount of time each day that you feel comfortable with, and use that as a guide.

Try to follow that guide as much as possible so that you learn to be consistent, but don't stress out yourself if there are times when you cannot. Last but not the least, I recommend working on only one scrapbook project at a time. Don't put too much on your plate, because that is one surefire way to get frustrated and give up early. Scrapbooking is supposed to be enjoyable, not stressful.

For the next part of this series, I will be discussing how to organize and crop your photos, so watch out for that!

Aside from being an accomplished artist and art/design teacher, Kimmo Hakonen is also the author of "Scrap Ideas". You can read more about Kimmo and the "Scrap Ideas" e-book here: http://www.scrapideas.net

Get a free course in scrapbooking that is loaded with information about scrapbooking with kids, themes and other ideas from pro scrapbookers, as well as lots of other highly useful tips and techniques. Please go here scrapbook project

Top 10 reasons to digitize your Scrapbook

Digital scrapbook pages are all the rage in scrapbooking. Even diehard traditional scrappers have started integrating some digital scrapbook pages in their layouts and albums. More and more, are they realize that it is an exciting, yet simple way to expand and strengthen creativity while helping to preserve their memories for future generations.

Create your first digital scrapbook pages, you don't have to be a computer guru, nor you have to learn complicated software.

In addition, unlike traditional digital scrapbooking, Scrapbook Layouts, you can easily try different types of backgrounds, design and decoration before you commit. Everything you do can be redone many times your page without wasting time, effort and money. And that's just the beginning of the benefits that go to offer of contemporary digital scrapper.

Top 10 reasons to go digital

1. Timesaver

Executive digital scrapbook pages save you time. It is no longer necessary to print your photos before you put them in your scrapbook pages. Just download your digital photos to your computer or scan your hard copy photos. You can buy premade Scrapbook Layouts with spaces for your photos and then just drag and drop your digital photos on the ClipBook pages. No need to resubmit handmade scrapbook pages; no need to spend hours going from one shop to another looking for the right color paper.

2. more tidier

Need a permanent space in traditional scrappers their homes for their volumes of paper, Ribbon, lace and other decoration, along with unfinished projects vulnerable to accidents. Digital scrapping means no mess on your dining room table, no need for additional physical storage space, no cut your photos. Store all your layouts and supplies directly to your computer or the remote storage device.

3. Greener

Digital scrapbook pages can you literally a digital scrapbook element reuse as many times as you want, so say goodbye to buy extra paper to prevent running out of a particular pattern or color. Goodbye to the glue and piles of paper remaining scraps and unrecyclable materials. Good riddance, refuse ClipBook pages-you can quickly correct them before you print!

4. cheaper

If you already have a computer, everything you need to buy is the software of the layout of the scrapbook and digital scrapbook kits, which are quite cheap and including paper and decoration. The equivalent in physical materials is much more expensive, and as soon as you use them, they are gone. Digital kits can be used indefinitely. And because there is no need to spend hours going from one shop to another looking for the right color paper, you'll save money in gas too!

5. Goof proof

Photos are often the most valuable items in your scrapbooks, so why risk butchering them with scissors? With digital scrapbooking is there is no chance of destroying the only picture you have of your MOM MOM's mother. Scan the photo and make as many copies as you need. Digital scrapbook pages can experiment with infinite combinations until they look exactly the way you want. And if you make a typing mistake in a word in your journaling, you are free to correct it without damaging your scrapbook layouts.

6. Photo doctor

Basic photo video editors you can them old photos look just like new. On the other hand, you can take photos current and she looked age. Moles, wrinkles and spots disappear, and that ubiquitous red eye. Change, crop, sharpen and correct lighting. Almost every photo you take can be improved with a bit of counterfeiting.

7. Professional

Cropped photos have always perfect edges, computer text is always right and computer font is always readable! Digital scrapbook pages look professional and the pride we feel in our creations.

8. Versatile

Each design you want and put it in just about everything that you want to take. Adjust the colors, sizes, patterns, arrangements ... your options are limitless.

9. easy to share

One of the biggest advantages of digital scrapbook pages is that they can easily be shared in so many ways. Printing multiple copies to share with family, to a family Web site or blog, or email pages upload to family members, wherever they live.

10. Endless Supplies

You'll always have what you need in the correct size, color and style, and you'll never have to worry about running out of glue. With digital scrapbook layouts always you have the supplies you need.

With both traditional and digital scrapbook layouts, only one thing: you're limited by your imagination. If you're a scrapper, you make it to your vessel to try digital scrapbooking! Waiting for an infinite range of exciting new Scrapbook Layouts, and it's only a few clicks away.

Digital scrapbooking diva Sasha Byers explores the world of memories digital document, providing insight and ideas on creating digital photo-collages and scrapbooks. They offer tips on scrapbooking important events, travel and important life periods such as youth, school athletics and the transition of a child from the nest. They also debunks common myths about digital scrapbooking and addresses frequent questions about this popular new hobby. Sasha's blogs provide answers, tips and digital scrapbooking ideas to help you sharper, more attractive scrapbooks in half the time. Photo collage maker more information about our Photo Collage Maker Artopia on the community. Connect with others and share your Notepad layouts Artopia Photo Collage Maker on the community.

Create a Scrapbook Scrapbooking Winter-Winter Wonderland

Scrapbooking your Winter Solstice

Winter scrapbooking themes and layouts are a spectacular way to the spirit of the Solstice season celebrations in your envelope. Ever thought about making your own winter wonderland Notepad? What does your winter solstice for you? Winter brings many miracles, including the rain, bare trees, and sometimes a clear, cold night sky with the heavenly lights blanketing the Earth.

The connection between astronomical events and held the season for astronomers and others, very important. Archaeological sites such as New Grange in Ireland and Stonehenge in Britain are two examples of the stories that have grown up around our appointments of the winter season. In the same way we build our own meanings for our winter scrapbook pages in the winter season of what this means to us.

Winter usually brings on thoughts of the holiday scrapbooking, the most prominent e.g., Christmas, new year and Valentine's day. This, of course, are sprinkled with many other celebrations such as Chanukah, Kwanza, Epiphany, President of Day and Ash Wednesday. Touching on, for the most part, the three most recognized holidays (or etymologically speaking, "holy days") in our winter will scrap, Christmas, new year and Valentines day. The scrapbooking projects must apply to any given holiday though. Again, if the focus is on creating a winter wonderland Scrapbook, consider how your own vacation is meaningful to you and how you can display in your page. Here are some idea spar.

Check out this winter scrapbooking projects for Christmas.

Not sure what to do with old Christmas and other holiday cards? Scrapbooking gifts create codes for the following year. The front of the card in creative shapes, such as stars, letters, toys and more cut out. Writing to and from on the back. Cut the main picture on the map (such as Santa or birth) and punch a hole in the bind to your packages.

Not sure how you afford the stamps for sending can cards this season? With some creative scrapbooking, you can post-cards from that old maps (or holiday, birthday, anniversary or other). It can be free, humorous, what you want to be.

You can also gift bags for the following year, as well as scrapbooking decoration, table place cards and ornaments tree for your next holiday party.

Finally, you could your cards for scrapbooking and other craft projects to local schools, senior centers, church groups, a local Scrapbook club, and several centered youth groups such as the boy and girl scouts of America to donate.

New year Scrapbooking

New year winter make a timeline scrapbooking scrapbooking projects include a time-capsule or whatever is called. Included this year in review for may in your scrapbook heads of important news events of the past year, receipts showing the price of several grocery items like milk and bread, brochures or postcards of the family vacations, your children's drawings and any other form of memorabilia to capture the vintage time of that time.

Ideas for your scrapbooking treasures can relate to your best and worst memories, a favorite movie, past tense, and important milestones. Scrap your New year's resolutions and the hopes and dreams for the coming year. Photos in your scrapbooking use timeline if you your home, car, clothes, living room furniture pieces and hairstyles shooting.

Valentines day Scrapbooking ideas

The month of February with the celebration of Valentine's day. There are many things about this day love. Here are a few Valentines day scrapbooking ideas to consider for your Valentine's day scrapbook or for a Valentine gift idea.

Finding a photo. The photo does not have to have taken on Valentine's day. A from another occasion of both of you will work fine. For example, I have a picture of my husband and me to my sister's wedding reception before we got married. That would be a nice picture in a Valentines day ClipBook page.

Choose a title for the page. Choose something, for example, from a favorite or popular love song, a phrase from a poem or a novel or general terms such as Soul-mates, Sweethearts, I love you, and I get to use.

Choose romantic page elements such as hearts or roses. Other scrapbooking elements for a romantic theme would be white side, satin ribbon, red arches or Victorian style accents. For a completely different project I used dried florets in a layout and it turned out wonderful. These elements work well when you are working with shadowboxes.

Add color. Red is a popular color for Valentine's day. For anything else, try more white and pink red or even black as an accent. Scenes from Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink come to mind for ideas in color and colorful phrases.

Add your cards Valentines Day gifts for decoration. Create a bag for holding the cards on the page that you gave to each other. Recording your children Valentine cards and how they feel about the holidays too. Back to it and read the feelings inside when you want.

This following is a favorite of mine. Writing love letters. Do this through journaling in your layout Valentine. Use title ideas for prompts in your journaling Scrapbook. Also handwritten love letters given at any time of the year or further back. A form of this idea that I have on one of my scrapbook pages. During the time that my husband and I were dating, we left quick little notes to each other using photos from Webshots in our emails. I saved this and put them on at least a few pages of my Notepad. I used the phrase "you've Got Mail" from the title of a movie with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

Finally, dedicate a page to your winter wonderland in your scrapbook Valentine express the reasons why you love him or her.

Again, in your winter scrapbooking search, whatever you choose to reminisce in your scrapbook the winter wonderland, remember that you are your scrapbooking and journaling on winter solstice. Let these ideas inspire you to make this winter season to a dialogue between you and people you love or at least open awareness of your own thoughts and feelings. Happy scrapping!

Sharon Olvera is passionate about all things scrapbooking and feels strongly that family memories are very important and worth preserving. She started scrapbooking in the year 2000, starting with family photos of her beloved nieces and nephews. She believes that one of the most important things in life is to remember and be remembered and part, which is about scrapbooking.

Http://www.scrapbookingideasinspired.comread more.