Easy Borders

How much thought do you put into crafting scrapbook borders? Often, great consideration is given to the types of photos featured on a layout, as well as major elements, such as frames, journaling blocks and titles. However, when it comes to creating eye-popping page borders, many scrapbookers throw something together at the last minute or leave them out all together. Adding an interesting border to your layout doesn’t have to take a ton of time, money or effort. You can easily customize a border with materials you already have in your scrapbooking supply stash. For example, leftover stickers can be … Continue reading →

Avoiding Sticky Situations

My new scrapbook obsession is self-adhesive paper. The revolutionary product has opened up a new world to me, especially since I often scrapbook on the fly. Working with sticky back paper is convenient and mess-free. I purchased my paper at Michaels since I had a 40 percent off coupon, but you can also find it at Hobby Lobby, local scrapbook supply stores, and online. The Home Shopping Network has self adhesive cardstock, while Scrapbooking Supplies Online carries self-adhesive mulberry paper. Those options are only a couple of the dozens of varieties available. The sticky paper comes in a variety of … Continue reading →

Printing on Scrapbook Paper

Taking advantage of sales on scrapbook paper is a great way to save money. However, if you can’t use the bulk stock as effectively as possible, then your purchase may be worthless. This is especially true if your computer printer places certain limitations on the type of scrapbook paper you can use. If you own a standard ink jet printer, you really need to pay close attention to the type of scrapbook paper you buy. When selecting paper consider the weight. For example, a heavy-weight cardstock may not be compatible with your printer. Also, examine the paper’s texture. If the … Continue reading →

Space Savers

Most crafters make use of traditional 12×12 albums to create memorable scrapbook layouts. However, there are times when 12×12 simply isn’t enough space to showcase all of your photos, mementos and embellishments. You can typically avoid having to redo your hard work by blocking your layouts prior to adhering items onto your page. While you are arranging your materials to create a cohesive design, consider the amount of space you are dealing with and how you can make use of every inch. For example, if you are suffering from picture overload, consider using photo corners instead of frames or mats. … Continue reading →

Get Kids Involved in All Aspects of Scrapbooking

My 7-year-old has been scrapbooking since she was a preschooler. She started by helping me place stickers on layouts. Eventually, she learned how to stamp, and then mastered the art of adhering mementos to the page. These days she designs her own memory albums using a variety of embellishments; however, she is still working on including her own photos on the layouts. I am a huge advocate of getting kids involved in all aspects of scrapbooking, especially picture-taking. The boom in digital photography has made it much easier for children to snap scrapbook worthy shots without a ton of training. … Continue reading →

The Art of Simplicity

Simplicity is key when you are first starting out in the world of scrapbooking. The hobby has grown exponentially in the last few years and it can be overwhelming to keep everything straight, from techniques to products, tools and supplies. To simplify matters, concentrate on the basics. Don’t get bogged down with minute details. In fact, you don’t have to stick with tradition at all. When creating super simple scrapbooks, you might consider making versions that are designed for kids. One of my second grader’s favorite memory albums is made from cardstock, postcards, wrapping paper, photos, memorabilia and a few … Continue reading →

Poetry in Motion

Do you often find yourself working harder on gift scrapbooks than ones you plan to keep for yourself? I force myself to be a more creative when crafting memory albums for others. Sadly, that’s why I don’t have many scrapbook layouts featuring personalized poems or detailed journaling blocks. Nine times out of ten, I neglect to take the time to include personal writings in my scrapbooks, even though they don’t require a ton of time or energy to complete. Many scrappers automatically swear off writing their own prose to add to scrapbook page designs. However, these one-of-a-kind verses are often … Continue reading →

Paper Projects

If your search for cheap scrapbook paper leads you to Wal-Mart, you may want to put on the brakes before heading to the check-out line. Whereas I purchase many quality goods at the discount retailer, last week, I learned that scrapbook paper is not one of the store’s best buys. The low price may be incentive for you to toss it into your cart, but once you get home, you’ll quickly realize that you get what you pay for. Be that as it may, there are ways you can add to your paper stash without going bankrupt. For example, the … Continue reading →

Where to Keep Keepsakes

Whether it’s your child’s first tooth or her first lock of hair snipped by a professional stylist, mementos are an important part of scrapbook layouts. My daughter lost her first tooth a few months ago and I immediately placed it in her scrapbook. It may sound gross, but her front baby tooth was so tiny I feared it would fall off her nightstand with even the slightest breeze, so I placed it in an envelope and snuck it into her memory album. (P.S. The Tooth Fairy still left money despite the fact that I wouldn’t let her take the tooth … Continue reading →

Album Choices

My previous post about purchasing marked down leather scrapbooks may have led you to believe that I don’t care much about the type of albums I use to house my layouts. This could not be further from the truth. The books weren’t cheap or ugly. Rather, they retailed for more than $40 each, but I snagged super savings by shopping at a post-holiday sale and using a coupon for an additional 20 percent off my total purchase. Moreover, I enjoy working with leather albums, as they are extremely functional and durable. Leather scrapbooks are also aesthetically pleasing, and their sleek … Continue reading →