Capturing the Spirit of Thanksgiving

This is peak season for scrapbooking. Once Halloween hits and we roll into Thanksgiving and Christmas, avid scrappers shift into marathon mode. With so many special occasions at hand, it’s often hard to keep everything straight. There are photos to take, edit and file; embellishments to buy or make; and journaling to write and proof. With Thanksgiving just a week away, now is the time to focus on the first step in creating a memorable scrapbook—-documenting. In order to fully capture the spirit of the holiday, it’s important to snap pictures that tell the story of your celebrations, and then … Continue reading

Keeping Costs Down

Scrapbooking is not a cheap hobby. However, there are ways you can reduce the price of creating elaborate memory albums. The key to keeping costs down is to round up as many free items as possible. These days that task is becoming increasingly easy, as more and more scrapbook supply manufacturers are offering freebies online. While many die hard scrappers shy away from digital elements, it’s possible to save hundreds of dollars turning online supplies into hard copy materials that can be used in traditional albums. For example, I am not a huge digital scrapbooking enthusiastic, but I will frequent … Continue reading

Digging for Freebies

I’m waiting for TLC’s Extreme Couponing to take on the world of scrapbooking. With places like Michaels and Hobby Lobby constantly offering coupons on their respective websites for as much as 40 to 50 percent off store items–including scrapbooking supplies–you’d think there would be a super saver episode in the works. Then again, with there being so many opportunities to obtain free materials online, coupon cutting is not really needed to save big when creating memory albums. Sites such as Free Digital Scrapbooking feature thousands of scrapbooking elements to crafters at no charge. I am especially partial to their collection … Continue reading

Customize Frames For Cheap

Whether you are a fan of digital or traditional scrapbooking, frames play a big part in layout construction. Frames make pictures pop and add to the overall appeal of a page design. In addition, frames can add personality to an image and help tie it into a specific theme. For example, if you are crafting a Halloween-themed layout, consider selecting a pumpkin-shaped frame to display a photo of your costumed ghost, goblin, princess… or pumpkin. Fortunately, there are a slew of different frames widely available at scrapbook supply stores and online. Choices range from traditional circle and squares to elaborate … Continue reading

Keeping Scrapbook Layouts Affordable

Scrapbook fans no longer have the excuse of limited funds to explain boring layouts. These days all you need to create eye-popping page designs that look like a million bucks is a computer and printer. The boom in technology has led to a slew of websites offering free scrapbooking embellishments. If you are working with a strict budget and can’t afford to run out and purchase new scrapbook elements for each new layout, let the Internet be your assistant. Sites, such as ScrapbookScrapbook offer hundreds of free scrapbook embellishments, including clip art. You don’t have to spend a dime to … Continue reading

Get Organized Before the Holidays Hit

My scrapbooking area looks like an F-5 tornado ripped through it. Sadly, it looks that way after completing just one back-to-school memory book. Imagine what will happen if I leave it this way until the holidays. With Halloween just about a week away, and Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, now is the time to get your scrapbooking materials organized. The holidays are chaotic enough without having to search high and low for specific embellishments, paper and tools. What’s more, if you are planning to design scrapbooks as gifts to give for Christmas or Hanukkah, then you have added … Continue reading

Spice Up Your Halloween Story

When it comes down to it, a scrapbook layout is really an adventure in storytelling. Photos, embellishments, memorabilia, captions and journaling all help recount a special memory and preserve it for years to come. With Halloween just around the corner, now is the time to start strategizing holiday layouts. Consider how you want to tell the tale of your All Hallows’ Eve festivities. For example, if you want to put an emphasis on photos rather than write out lengthy journaling blocks, consider spicing up the shots by taking them from unique angles. Experiment with some extreme close ups and or … Continue reading

Halloween Pages

Now is the time to stock up on Halloween scrapbooking supplies. Typically, I don’t purchase holiday-related items until after the 31st, so I can take advantage of post-holiday sales. However, this year, I’ve seen several major retailers (including Michaels and Hobby Lobby) offering up to 50 percent savings on Halloween-themed scrapbook elements before some kids even have their costumes picked out. Not that I am complaining. Still, if you are planning to purchase materials for your Halloween memory book prior to the holiday, there are some factors to consider. For starters, if your children haven’t already selected their costumes, stick … Continue reading

Capturing the Halloween Cute

For years I’ve tried to get my young daughter to dress-up as a hot dog, cupcake or hamburger for Halloween. Unfortunately, she wants nothing to do with food-themed costumes, and I don’t have a dog, so I just make do. Still, I can’t help but think about all of the cute scrapbook layouts I could create if she were to give into my request for just one year. Scrapbooking supply companies have multiple lines of adorable stickers, stamps and die cuts that easily complement photos of kids or pets wearing food get-ups. Of course, you can find a host of … Continue reading

Scrapping Your Camera

Scrapbookers are gearing up for the busiest time of the year. October, November and December are prime months for documenting holiday-related events. Memory book makers’ cameras will be getting a major workout as 2012 comes to an end. Consequently, you’ll want to make sure your camera is in tip-top shape in order to capture all of those special holiday moments. Now is also an ideal time to upgrade your digital camera if you are looking to improve your scrapbook pictures. When shopping for a new camera it’s important to conduct some research prior to purchasing. Fortunately, the Internet is teeming … Continue reading