In my last post I shared my master plan for creating an unconventional family scrapbook. Obviously, if you are not Japanese and you don’t plan to marry someone of Japanese descent, then you probably won’t take much away from the layout ideas I recommended yesterday. Today I figured I’d stick with page design ideas for more conventional family scrapbooks. At some point, most scrapbookers consider compiling a memory book filled with information about their families. Features could include items, from family photos and important documents to heirlooms and other treasured keepsakes, that have been passed down through the generations. While … Continue reading →

Besides a wedding and the birth of a child, most people consider high school or college graduation to be one of the most important moments of their lives. And rightfully so given all of the time, energy and money it takes to earn a diploma these days. So, why not preserve the special moments by dedicating an entire scrapbook to the day’s events? Some people are reluctant to fill an entire memory book exclusively with commencement photos and memorabilia. The vast majority typically create a few layouts within a larger book. Regardless of the amount of layouts you plan to … Continue reading →

My daughter only has about a week or so left of school before summer vacation starts. Where did the year go? If you are an avid scrapper, then you probably view seasonal changes in terms of memory book themes. November and December are holiday-themed books; February features Valentine’s Day and winter activities; May means Mother’s Day and graduation scrapping; and June, July and August translates to prime summer-themed layouts. Given that June is just a few weeks away, now is the time to gear up for summer scrapping. Many families spend at least part of the summer hitting the road … Continue reading →

Chronicling an entire academic year can be daunting, which is why you should not wait to get started on a memory book for your student, especially if he or she is graduating in the next few weeks. A graduation scrapbook can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish; however, it should include some main elements, including a timeline of sorts leading up to the major milestone. Basic graduation memory albums feature photos and memorabilia, while more unique books tell the tale of the student in a story-like fashion. For example, you could chronicle the entire year leading up … Continue reading →

Now that spring break is over, my first grader has begun counting down to the last day of school. Where has the year gone? I can’t believe that school will be over in just six short weeks. I want to cry. Not just because I will soon be the mother of a second grader, but also because I have yet to scrap more than the first day of school in my daughter’s memory book. I still have big plans for her book. I just need to get my act together so I can bring my big plans to fruition. Some … Continue reading →

The family of one of my daughter’s classmates owns a martial arts studio in our town. Consequently, whenever it’s the kid’s turn to bring treats to share with the rest of the first grade class, he always hands out passes for free karate lessons. The last time it was his turn for treat day he also brought along a scrapbook which highlighted the tournaments and ceremonies completed by members of the studio. It reaffirmed to me that nothing is unscrappable. In most cases martial arts memory books are created for a single student. The scrapbook can be crafted to track … Continue reading →

I have always been enamored by time lapse photography. There’s just something so intriguing to me about seeing an object, person or landscape develop over time. When I worked in TV news, we’d always include time lapse photography showing the clouds roll in and out and the sun go up and down during the weather segment. With the popularity and ease of use of digital cameras, creating your own time lapse photo layouts is easier than ever. Once you create a photo masterpiece, consider showing it off in a scrapbook filled with other time lapse displays. My first time lapse … Continue reading →

According to my local scrapbook store, February 14th kicks off wedding season. Personally, I thought wedding season didn’t start until May. Regardless, if you are planning to create a wedding scrapbook, now is a good time to research different styles, so when the big day arrives you will be prepared. For starters, unless you are an expert scrapper, you should not create an entire memory book from formal portraits. Formal photos are expensive and leave little room for error. However, they are also some of the best images you have to work with. If formal wedding portraits are all you … Continue reading →

Catholic Schools Week kicks off in just a few days. The annual week-long celebration begins Sunday and runs through February 4th. My daughter’s small Catholic elementary school will join with Catholic schools throughout the country to mark the occasion. No doubt there will be plenty of pictures taken and the construction of a scrapbook will follow. This year the national theme for Catholic Schools Week is: “Catholic Schools: An A-Plus for America.” My daughter’s school has its own theme and it will be highlighted in the memory book that will be created by the fifth grade class. Even if your … Continue reading →

It’s hard to think about spring when your yard is buried under a foot of snow. I can’t wait for winter to end. I’m over scrapbooking snow, bare branches, Christmas trees and other winter-themed items. I’m itching to get working on spring layouts. One of my favorite spring activities is picnicking. My family loves eating outdoors and I often document our meals with my digital camera and incorporate the shots in bright and cheery layouts, such as: Ant Theme: Weird, right? Not so fast. The page was inspired by adorable ant-shaped stickers and die cuts I found on sale at … Continue reading →