Beginner Scrap Booking The Easy Way

Yes - scrap booking really can become an addiction, but fortunately it is a healthy addiction. Maybe you have experienced that yourself: You see a friend's scrap book and you just feel bored with your plain photo albums.

Then your creativity begins to work and you start thinking about what you can do. Maybe you have come up with a specific idea or your head is just overflowed with lots of ideas. Sometimes, it is difficult to decide which project to start with, but once decided, you can start searching the material for your very first scrap booking project.

Beginner scrap booking is really not difficult these days. Many websites can provide you with the information you need to know about scrap booking. Just check out our website which you can find at the bottom. It is packed with cool information about scrap booking!

To get the right information is important when starting out, but once you got a basic knowledge you sure will be enthusiastic to begin with your "new addiction"...

Do you have to be an artist to do scrap booking? Absolutely not! Your desire to express your creativity counts much more than your skills. It's best to start simple and small. This way you soon will see first success and this will encourage you to move on.

Start out with only few basic equipment like scissors, glue, a few pieces of colored paper and a simple album. Your scrap booking skills will improve very soon, you just have to start!

By Simon Rohde

Simon Rohde provides articles and information on a variety of topics, including how to Stop Snoring. For more information and a free 5-part Email course please visit http://www.ways-to-stop-snoring.com

Using Scrapbook Stickers

The easiest way to jazz up a scrapbooking page is with scrapbook stickers. There is no tricky or confusing technique that you have to learn to use them. They are quick and easy to apply. They are inexpensive. And best of all, they come in every design that you could possibly imagine!

The manufactures in the scrapbooking industry continue to wow us with fabulous design after fabulous design. Whether you are doing a page about basketball, your best friend's new baby or your aunt's visit, there is a sticker for everything.

There are also several different types of stickers. The most popular is the flat sticker. These can be matte, glossy, sparkly, glittery, pearl - any finish you like really. Most are precision cut but some do come with a white border. These are the types of stickers you grew up with, although now they are acid and lignin free to ensure your memories are well-preserved.

Cardstock stickers are also popular. They are precision cut so you do not end up with unwanted borders around your stickers. They are also relatively thick so that unevenness in the background they are stuck to does not show through the sticker.

Dimensional stickers like those made by Jolee's Boutique continue to grow in popularity as they allow us to add dimension and texture to our pages with little efforts. Their composition generally includes non-paper items like fabric, beads and gemstones that are often tricky and time-consuming to use any other way.

With so many choices available, you will have no trouble finding what you want. The only trouble you may have is deciding which scrapbook stickers are your favourite!

Visit http://www.stickersnfun.com to discover 100s of designs of scrapbook stickers to suit any page. Don't forget to sign up for the free newsletter so you don't miss any of the free scrapbooking ideas.

By Jennifer Gormly

Journaling With Scrapbooking

A good scrapbook has an important written journaling aspect that sets it apart. You are able to keep track of your memories and mementos in your scrapbook.

When compiling a scrapbook, we like to make them to look good and that is important. Great design techniques will make your book look great and will help you organize your memories.

Unfortunately, design can only go so far in preserving your memories. If you want to really preserve your memories, you need to incorporate journaling into your scrapbook.

Journaling is all about attaching notes and information to your scrapbook pages. Unfortunately, as time goes on, we forget about the events in our photos and other mementos. I'm sure we have all experienced looking at an old picture and trying to remember the thoughts and feelings that accompanied the photo. That's why we use journaling.

You can start journaling your scrapbook by making notes on your scrapbook pages when you insert items into your book. You can also make notes on small pieces of paper and paste them into your pages. This way you can keep a good memory of your mementos and memories.

Once you start integrating journaling with your scrapbooking, you can actually take it further by writing pages to insert into your scrapbook. You can write up stories about your family and highlight memories and thoughts that you can't quite express in pictures or clippings. This way, years later when you open your scrapbook, you can easily recall your memories. Or your children or family will be reminded of what happened and will see it through your eyes.

Journaling in your scrapbook is as important as placing your photos. Without the context around the photos, the memories and events in your history don't have nearly as much meaning as you imagine they do today.

Interested in Scrapbooking? Short on time? Check out the Pre-Made Scrapbook Pages at Scrapbook It For Me. These pre-made pages save you time on page creation and allow you to focus on your journaling.

By Russ Gilman-hunt

Scrapbooking and Recycling, A Perfect Match

Recycle is to process used items so that the material can be used to make new products. Reduce refers to lowering the amount of items or resources that are consumed. Reuse means repurposing an item rather than discarding it. Recycling generally prevents the waste of potentially useful materials, reduces the consumption of raw materials and reduces energy usage.

Scrapbooking is about preserving a legacy in the form of photos, media and other memorabilia while incorporating the creative use of papers in decorated albums.

Recycling and Scrapbooking are a perfect match. Paper, the primary material in scrapbooking, is a natural, renewable resource, making it an environmentally friendly medium.

There are so many fun and easy ways to make your scrapbook personal and unique by reusing things from around your own home. The handcrafted items made from common everyday goods add the ultimate personal touch that can't be duplicated in mass production. Here are a few ideas on how you can increase your recycling while you scrapbook:

Recycle

*Set up an area near where you scrapbook for items that can be recycled like papers or ribbon scraps, this will encourage you to consume more and throw away less

*Purchase recycled scrapbook paper, there are new lines of patterned scrapbook paper that are made from 30% post consumer content and use vegetable based inks (available now at www.scrapbookpantry.com)

Reuse

*Use the scraps on several pages in the same album to carry an overall theme
*Donate the papers in your someday pile to charity or your local senior center
*Share or trade your idea books with your friends
*Purchase slightly used items scrapbook garage sales (or host your own)
*Find a way to use the packing material often included with scrapbook items (remember you may need to treat these items to make them archival safe)
*Don't just buy your buttons collect them from old blouses or shirts in your closet

Reduce

*Purchase durable, long-lasting products
*Use every bit of item that you do purchase
*Don't buy the newest item if you already have a similar item

Written by Lori Heino-Royerhttp://www.scrapbookpantry.com

Scrapbooking Memory is a Mirror to your Soul

Scrapbooking is the perfect way to treasure cherished memories. Moreover, it has become an industry now and is taken seriously by the scrapbookers. Scrapbooking memory is a way to showcase those preserved memories to the people who are loved and cared for. Moreover, it is a fun activity that keeps people going on.

In fact, scrapbooking memory is a perfect way to have a walk down to the memory lane and also discovers creative side of a person. It incorporates various qualities that one is constantly looking for. Thus, one can say that it is more than just compiling and completing pages. Scrapbooking takes one into past while remaining in the present. It is a complete fun activity that enables a person to discover various things that he or she was unaware of. Scrapbooking memory is a great way to show the differences that has taken place in one’s life. One can actually do so many things in their scrapbooks. It is a reflection of one’s soul. There are a variety of themes like wedding, birthday, anniversaries, and travel and holiday that one can choose to base their scrapbooks on. However, one can get inspiration from other things and can base their albums on animals, advertisements, daily life and even movies.

Moreover, one can teach the concept of sharing and bonding to their children through scrapbooking memory. With the help of scrapbook, one can tell their loved ones that how much they mean to you. Well, there are various situations that you can use in the scrapbooking memory idea for. If one is planning a special album on their children, then one can record first year of a child’s life, which is full of wonders and growth. Moreover, to honor these special moments, scrapbooking memory is a wonderful idea. This in fact can be used for your child as a first birthday present. There are many other themes you can select for a child’s album like first visit to a school, debut in his or her school play or annual game, or even participation in cheer leading team.

Basic themes like a birthday parties or weddings can be used in a scrapbook, as they are the most cherishable and celebrated memories. One can use the themes of wedding for scrapbooking memory, as it is simple and symbolizes two people becoming one. In fact, it will be a perfect gift for the loved ones on their first or even 25th wedding anniversary. All one needs is to get an album with two pages, use one side of the book for scrapbooking memory for the groom and one side for the bride. One can even create a wonderful page for their wedding day with room to add a picture later on. Wedding anniversaries are a great time to celebrate. However, the longer a couple is together the harder it becomes to select a gift for them. Hence, scrapbooking memory is a way to provide the insight of their lives together over the years. This is a sentimental gift they will always treasure and love.

Author: John Foster

The 10 Most Essential Items For Every Scrapbooking Kit

There are so many scrapbooking supplies out there that it can be difficult to know where to start. As you do more and more scrapbooking you will start to put together many items into a kit. You can start your kit with the 10 items below. They are tried-and-true tools that belong in the arsenal of every serious scrapbooker.

*A Scrapbooking Album*

This one's a no brainer, you can't scrapbook without an album. There are a wide variety of them out there in different shapes and sizes. Be sure to pick one that matches your theme and colors. If you take the time to find the perfect one it will make all the difference in your project.

*A Pair of Scissors*

A nice, sharp pair of scissors is a must for the serious scrapbooker. In fact, we recommend having a pair that is only used for your scrapbooking. That way you won't have to deal with lost or dull scissors.

*Adhesives*

You certainly don't want your scrapbook pieces falling apart on you. Unfortunately, that might be exactly what happens if you chose the wrong adhesive. As a rule, any kind of children's glue or cheap gluesticks will cause problems. Some of the best adhesives are photo tab dispensers, and double sided tape runners. Whatever adhesive you chose, make sure that is acid-free.

*Tweezers*

Unless you want to get your hands messy and smudge up your scrapbook pages you'll need some tweezers. They make placing small pieces on your scrapbook a snap.

*Scrapbook Paper*

Make sure the size of your scrapbook paper matches the size of the album you are using. Great scrapbooking paper will be also be acid-free and may be described as buffered or lignin-free. Card stock is also a great paper to have around as it can be used for many things related to scrapbooking.

*Pen*

A good pen is also a must for scrapbooking. It doesn't have to be fancy, just a basic black pen that is acid-free. You may want to add more pens with different colors as your scrapbooking kit grows.

*Paper Trimmer*

A paper trimmer is a necessary tool for cutting straight and making squares. There are several different sizes of trimmer and all of them are useful. It's probably best to start with a 12" paper trimmer but you may also want to get a smaller one for portability reasons.

*Eyelet Setter Kit*

Some of our favorite scrapbooks use eyelets for embellishments. Without an eyelet setter kit you won't be able to use these handy little guys. Fortunately they are easy to find online or at most craft stores. They are also affordable.

*Embellishments*

These are the little things that give a scrapbook character: Stickers, eyelets, buttons, charms, etc. Go for embellishments that match the theme of your scrapbook. Have fun collecting these!

*A Great Scrapbooking Book*

Need some scrapbooking ideas? You'll usually be able to get some inspiration if you have a good idea book around. Becky Higgins and Tracy White are both authors who have written some fantastic books on the subject of scrapbooking.

Author: Nicole Fisher

Holiday Scrapbooking Ideas – Making Memories for Years to Come

There are many important characteristics of a good holiday scrapbook, and it is all a matter of personal preference. Since the idea is to compile your own memories into your own personal album, it is important that you choose them carefully.

Photos

One of the key ingredients of a holiday scrapbook is your photos. The images you portray are much of what actually make up a good part of your holiday memories, and often depict a true representation of your family and friendships. Since there are probably several from which to choose, you might consider coming up with a central theme for your holiday scrapbook and base everything you decide to include on that idea. For example, if your scrapbook is a Christmas album, you would want to use pictures that are representative of that holiday.

Use a wide variety of photos within your central theme. If you have children, include pictures of them taking part in various holiday activities. Also include photos of other friends and family members, and then tie it all together by using group photos that show the involvement of your entire clan. You can use pictures of your child sitting on Santa’s lap, photos of people opening presents, and images of everyone around the Christmas tree.

Use images that are unique and will easily show others your dynamic personality. Decide on striking images in attractive settings that will make the viewer stop to look at and admire them. Choose carefully, and have fun creating your holiday scrapbook.

Sliding Cards

Microcut sliding cards can help take your holiday scrapbook to another level. They make it easy for you to include the photos you want on an attractive card that you can embellish as desired. Simply scan your photos into your computer, then use the included software to put two separate images together for one card. Then, print and assemble the cards to create a page that viewers won’t miss. You can get more information about sliding cards from the Internet, where you can also purchase the software and necessary supplies. Also check your local scrapbooking supply stores for this product. Sliding cards are fun and easy to assemble, are very unique, and add fun and originality to your holiday scrapbooking project.

Paper Patterns

The type of scrapbooking paper and particular paper pattern you use are also very important elements when personalizing your holiday scrapbook. Because this project is all about you, your family, and those around you who help make your life special, it is a good idea to choose patterns that depict just that. For example, if you are putting together that Christmas scrapbook, you will easily be able to find patterns of Christmas scenes, Christmas trees, snowmen, and so on. If these are patterns that will give others an idea of your holiday memories, then they are the ones you should choose. You can, however, go for something a little more personal by piecing together paper patterns that will reflect an array of events and activities. If you have a large family, you will want to show that, so choosing patterns that include Santa or ginger bread houses, along with the others mentioned above, can add personality to your pages.

Paper patterns can also be an effective way to add subtle beauty to your pages by serving as a backdrop to your photos. Since the photos are often what you want to stand out, choose something that compliments them. You can also choose different patterns for different types of images, and mix and match as you desire.

You can find various patterns in your local supply stores, or shop on the Internet to find, view, and purchase paper patterns. There are also numerous web sites with pictures of holiday scrapbook pages that others have used, along with other paper pattern tips and ideas. The key is to simply make it your own.

Journaling

Journaling is another important part of your holiday scrapbook. While not everyone chooses to do this, it is a good way to keep track of the memories that go along with the photos. By writing down the date and time the photo was taken, the names of everyone in it, and other information such as the location, event, and various activities that took place at that particular time, you will be able to easily recall the day as if it had just occurred. This is especially important if the holiday scrapbook is passed down from one generation to another, because often times later generations either weren’t old enough to remember the actual event as it took place, or weren’t even present at that time. Journaling is also a good way to add character and personality to the images, and helps them tell a story.

Urge others whose images are included in the holiday scrapbook to write down their memories and ideas. What better way to add variety to your memory book than to include special memories and sayings from those you love. Not only will you have their pictures to remind you how wonderful the holidays were, but you’ll also have their words. This will definitely help make your holiday scrapbook unique and eye-catching.

Mementos

Add mementos to your holiday scrapbook. If you have received greeting cards that hold special meaning for you, paste them on pages designated just for this purpose. If there is a specific Christmas or holiday poem that you find poignant, include it as well. You can also add other mementos such as holiday pictures your child has drawn or colored, special holiday stickers, or cards with holiday sayings that go along with your images and theme.

Family Project

Make your holiday scrapbook a family project. Encourage everyone in your family to gather items and photos that are of special importance to each person, then designate pages for those items. Give each family member a page if possible, and if your family is too big for one book, consider putting together a second. Combine items where there aren’t enough to fill up one whole page, but be sure to keep it all in order. Holiday scrapbooking can then be enjoyed by the entire family from beginning to end, and each member will have played a special role in putting it together.

Though holiday scrapbooking can become a big project, it can be a fun one as well. Encourage those around you to take part, and to continue the tradition. If your children help you put it together, they are more likely to teach their children, and your family scrapbooks can then be enjoyed from one generation to the next. A holiday scrapbook should tell a story, after all, the holidays are about family, togetherness, and the memories gained through these special times and experiences.

Author: Michele Cardello

Creating A Family Recipe Scrapbook

Recipes are among the most treasured family air looms handed down from one generation to the next. They become especially important during the holidays when even the most infrequent of cooks strive to produce the most tantalizing, mouth watering dish at the annual get-together.

Every year, family members rush around to find that particular recipe that has been a favorite for generations, and every year, that person inevitably calls everyone who just might have it. What better way to end the search than to start a family recipe scrapbook.

A recipe scrapbook will serve multiple purposes. First, it will ensure that the recipes frequently used by you and your family members are always close at hand. Second, it provides a way for you to pass them down to your children and grandchildren. Creating one can also make for a fun project for all involved, and the best part is that it can be continuously added to year after year.

When you begin, you should first decide which family recipes you want to include. Some people choose to create a book for each side of the family, while others choose to combine all the recipes in one neat album. Naturally, as it continues to grow, it will become necessary to add subsequent volumes.

You may even want to categorize the recipes by type, family member of origin, or in chronological order by generation. The possibilities are endless.

You can copy each scrapbook you create to be later given to aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, children, and grandchildren. The advantage here is that the scrapbook can be copied as many times as needed without altering the placement or format of the original content.
To begin, choose your scrapbook. A 6x6 scrapbook works wonderfully to hold 3x5 index cards. Alternatively, you can use an 8x8 scrapbook and present your recipes on larger sheets of paper instead of the smaller cards.

To add variety, combine photographs with your recipes for an added personal touch. For example, include a group family photo at the beginning of the album as a great way to begin the book. Other photos can include holiday shots of family members whose recipes are used placed just before those particular recipes. Include a bit of family history in your scrapbook either at the beginning or dispersed throughout the book. Here, you might explain the origin of each recipe, when it began its generational descent in your family, and a short story about why it has become a family favorite.

Add a shopping list for each recipe to make it easier for others to find the right ingredients. Consider placing the list on the page adjacent to the recipe. The recipe submitters photo may also be placed on the page with the shopping list. Add the author and historical information on a third page. Since many scrapbooking albums are very expandable, it is often easy to add pages when needed.

Add measurement charts and converters to the back of your family recipe scrapbook. If you feel this information should be included before the end, place it in the front. These recipe scrapbooks make great gifts to family members, new brides, or college graduates starting out on their own. Create them, add to them, and have them close by for many years to come.

By Michelle Cardello

Michele Cardello, director of marketing and creative for Life Imprints, a creative scrapbooking supplies company also offering contemporary picture frames, in Cleveland, Ohio, has worked in the photo packaging industry for 10 years. Cardello helps customers find creative ways to preserve and appreciate a lifetime of memories