You Can Learn To Scrapbook

Scrapbooking can seem quite complicated, but with the right set of tools, it is much easier than one thinks. There are a few basic things that you will need to have on hand to get started. I like to call it your "Basic Tool Kit."

1. Paper Trimmer- this makes trimmer your photo's (also known as cropping) and your paper fast and easy.

2. Adhesive- preferably a double sided tape for easy application. Glue sticks you find in the store are not the best choice in my opinion. The number one reason is that glue sticks just don't hold for very long. You don't want to go through the work of creating a scrapbook page only to have your pictures fall off in 3-4 months.

3. Cardstock and Background & Texture Papers (B&TP) - This is the foundation of your page, and also the accent. You will add your photo's to this.

4. Photos- everyone has those right! - You will want to have 3-5 photos of an event, minimally, that you can use to create a two-page 12x12 layout with.

Now these are just the basics. There is a whole slew of other fun, cute, and addictive products you can incorporate into your pages. For today, I just want to give you the very basic product list to show you that getting started really isn't that hard, costly or time-consuming. No major investment needed here....unless you want to of course.

I have often heard people say that the reason they don't scrapbook is that it is too complicated and takes up too much time. I agree that it can be... but with the right tools, it doesn't have to be. If you feel like this hobby is too complicated, let me show you Close To My Heart's "How-To" programs, that make scrapbooking Faster, Simpler and Easier than ever before!

MAGIC How-To Book
Bring magic to your scrapbook layouts using clever interactive techniques. You'll add hands-on excitment and dramatically increase your photo and journaling space using pop-ups, pull-outs, slides, cascades, and more! Magic also includes 35 gorgeous 12" x 12" layout patterns that can be used on their own or with the interactive techniques. (DVD included.)

IMAGINE How-To Book
Create your own 12" × 12" designer layouts with Jeanette Lynton's second volume of incredible scrapbooking patterns. Packed with 50 all new, two-page patterns, complete cutting diagrams, and assembly instructions, plus inspiring techniques, Imagine%u2122 is every scrapbooker's best friend. Check out the first volume, Cherish, the book that elevated passion for scrapbooking. Both gorgeous, hardback books feature full-color photos and are coffee-table worthy! (Cherish sold separately.)

REFLECTIONS How-To Book
You'll love the newly updated Reflections program which features 100 12" × 12" scrapbook pages. Each layout pattern comes complete with a shaded blueprint, detailed assembly instructions, companion layout guides, photo options, and creative techniques sure to make your memories come to life.

CHERISH How-To Book
This beautiful new hardbound book is similar to the Reflections programs with blueprints, step-by-step instructions, and photo suggestions, but it's really in a league all of its own. It is a stand-alone publication that will look simply fabulous on a bookshelf or coffee table. It features 50 12" × 12" two-page scrapbook concepts as well as in-depth instructions for unique art techniques, accessory suggestions for every concept, detailed cutting diagrams, step-by-step assembly instructions, a thumbnail index, and all the artwork recipes.