Hi, I'm Wendy and a fanatic about scrapbooks. I'll share my tips, techniques and ideas... http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/WendyJames Sat, 26 Jul 2008 11:41:39 -0600 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.squidoo.com/scrapbook_ideas are everywhere, just take a look around. diy Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:10:13 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/layout-scrapbooking Scrapbooking is not an old art. People have been doing this for years which is much more fun than putting everything inside a photo album. The difference between a scrapbook and an album is that the hobbyist can make changes to the background. These designs can vary per page and there is no limit to what can be done to make it look impressive. ... more ideas at FreeScrapbookClub.com diy Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:09:36 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/diy-scrapbooking The essentials of do-it-yourself scrapbooking When you visit different scrapbook stores, you will find different scrapbook kits that will trigger your desire to be a budding scrapbooker. But then, these kits, scrapbooking magazines, and materials can be quite expensive. If you are interested in scrapbooking but don’t have enough budget to buy such expensive materials and scrapbook guides, here is a simple guide in do-it-yourself scrapbooking. Focus on the basics. Just like in doing artworks and crafts, scrapbooking requires a lot of materials and supplies, but this doesn’t mean that you have to allot a huge amount of money in order to create a scrapbook. Today, so many products are being offered by the scrapbooking industry. Since these products are especially created to provide ultimate comfort to those who are greatly indulged in scrapbooking, they can be quite expensive. If you are just a beginner, you don’t need to be overwhelmed by these products. What you need to do is focus on buying the basic materials and supplies which include album and sheet protectors that come in different sizes and colors, scissors or paper trimmers that will allow you to cut lines without hassle, adhesive that is inexpensive but easy to use, photo tabs or photo splits to keep the back of the photos clean and can be easily removed, papers and cardstocks that is the foundation of the scrapbook page, and journaling tools such as a wide variety of pens. Remember, all your supplies should be acid-free and lignin-free to ensure that safe preservation of your photos.) Learn the basic scrapbooking techniques. Scrapbooking magazines can be quite expensive because these are created for a special segment of the market. If you are tight on budget and you would want to create scrapbook all by yourself, it will pay if you start pumping out your creative juices. Aside from creating your own style, you can also get ideas from the Internet about the basic techniques used in scrapbooking. Here are some basic scrapbooking techniques that you can use in creating your d-i-y scrapbook. - Inserting Eyelets. Indeed, eyelet is a great means of attaching things to an album or a page, or to add color and embellishment to a certain page. Eyelets usually come in various shapes and sizes that can help draw attention from a focal point in the page. In inserting an eyelet, you will need a puncher, an eyelet setter, a hammer and a mat. You can do this by selecting the place where you would want to insert the eyelet and by laying the paper on the mat face up. Hole the punch upright and use the hammer to hit the top of the punch. After this, you can now insert the eyelet and turn the paper over. You can also place the eyelet setter on top of the eyelet and then tap the top of the eyelet setter using a hammer to flatten the eyelet ridge. - Paper Piecing and Using Patterns. Another basic technique that you can use in your d-i-y scrapbook is paper piercing and the use of patters. In using patterns, you need to lay a piece of tracing paper over the pattern. With the use of a pencil, draw over the outline and transfer the pattern to paper. You can now place the tracing on the patterned paper and then slip the transfer paper underneath to draw over the lines. In creating paper-pieced embellishment, just follow the steps in using patterns then cut out the pattern pieces. Aside from the two techniques mentioned above, you can also use chalk and vellum papers in creating wonderful scrapbooks.   diy Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:18:25 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/paper_bag_scrapbook Paper Bag Scrapbooks are really popular and super easy to make. Grab that brown bag and get your imagination started... ... more ideas at FreeScrapbookClub.com diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:27:08 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/recycledscrapbooks This is your chance to be environmentally friendly, using old paper and scraps to make your own recycled scrapbook. There are three R's in your fabulous hobby of scrapbooking:    - Recycle  - Reuse  - Reduce You can use trash you were about to throw away for your scrapbooks. You should learn what kind of things can be recycled so you can use them in your creations. Make a spot in your area of scrapbooking for your recycled items. When you open a new product you should make a pile for the paper and make a pile for the plastic of that product and divide them. Repairing your tools that have broken is a good way to reuse them. Save scraps of paper to be used in the future. You can also share your brilliant ideas with others. This way you can get tons of new ideas for your scrapbooks. You can consume more and throw away less, this is called reducing. You should purchase long-lasting materials that are durable as well. Never buy unnecessary items for your scrapbooks. Always use all of your old item before purchasing new ones. By following these steps you can be your environments best friend. more ideas at FreeScrapbookClub.com diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:26:16 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/scrapbooking-storage A guide to scrapbooking storage Scrapbooking is one of the most popular ways of keeping keepsakes intact and fun to look at. Coined from the root word "scrap", scrapbooking involves the use of a lot of materials and supplies such as photos, papers and cardstocks, journaling tools such as pens of various tips and colors, adhesives of all shapes and sizes such as tapes, and glues, embellishments such as buttons, laces, pins, eyelets, patterns, and the like, cutting supplies such as a pair of scissors and cutters, die-cuts, cut-outs, punchers and so much more. Aside from these, scrapbooking also includes the use of materials that can be recycled as days and years go by. Since scrapbooking requires a lot of materials, a scrapper needs a place and space where he or she could stock up and store the materials needed while doing the craft. Today, more and more people from the scrapbooking industry come up with various products that can help scrap bookers organize their stuff and store their scrapbook and their scrapbook supplies. Several items include bags or scrapbooking totes where you can put all of your precious scrapbooking materials. These totes can help you keep your photos, tools, stickers, markers, and other supplies from other people's reach. Buy using this scrapbooking storage, you can store away your scrapbooking stuff in just one place to keep them handy and organized.  Aside from bags and scrapbooking totes, another useful means of scrapbooking storage is the scrapbook cases, which usually come in handy and removable snap cases. Here, you can store your scrapbooking supplies and keep them from being lost or damaged. Usually, scrapbook cases are space savers and can perfectly fit into chest-style storage units with a divided top. You can use this scrapbook case for holding scrapbook pages, photos, stickers, and other scrap-booking tools. When buying a scrapbook case, make sure that you buy an item which enables you to see the contents inside easy so you can easily identify photos and other materials you wish to use. Since you will be putting photos inside the scrapbook case, make sure that it is acid and PVC free. In the market, there are various scrapbook cases available which enables you to transport, organize, and protect 25 to 75 pieces of 12x12 pages or photos. The scrapbook organizer, on the other hand, is a very practical and sensible scrapbook storage solution. Usually comes in different cases, you can neatly organize your scrapbook papers, stamps, stickers, markers, and other supplies in its handy and easy-to-remove snap cases. Scrapbook organizers are a must for a scrapbooker who is always on the go because it can help you keep all of your supplies in one place. Scrapbook organizers can be folded into half for easy transport with wide shoulder strap or carrying handle for east use. In looking for a scrapbook case or scrapbook organizer, make sure that you look for those that can fit neatly into a chest-style storage unit and those that occupy minimal space in your closet or craft room. Also, look for scrapbooking organizers that are great for storing art projects, office supplies, and other accessories you are using. It is best if you look for those scrapbook organizers that offer top features such as divided areas that are also perfect for drawing utensils such as paintbrushes and many more.      diy Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:22:05 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/scrapbooking-layout-ideas There are many ways to make an excellent scrap book. Although there are templates in the internet and books written about it, nothing comes close to the power of imagination that is something each person has inside. Scrap books are made of many things and the backbone of this are the pictures. Those who have been doing this for years should take as many pictures as possible so a story can be created from the beginning to end. Those who are still regular camera after having this developed should write something in the back while those using digital camera should make a note on each frame to help recall what happened when making the layout. Other details such as tickets, cards and souvenirs from the event should also be part  of the layout. These will serve as good backdrops or as the title for each corresponding page. When everything has been collected, this is the time to choose the right colors that will go well with each photo. This means getting the right colored crayon, marker, pen, colored paper and other accessories that will be useful when working on a page. Some people find it easy to coming up with ideas for the layout of the scrap book. Those who are suffering from a mental block should try relaxing like watching television or doing something else since the image or the activity may simply pop a vision in the head. Those who view the scrap book will usually view two pages at once especially when these are placed side to side. There must be coordination from left to right given that there is a story being projected here which is the basic idea of the scrap book.   There are many ways to come up with the layout for each corresponding page. There is nothing wrong with using the same colored background because the photos used are different for each one and no one will pay that much attention to it. The person should just be careful not to overdo it because this could make the succeeding pages boring.  This may not apply all the time so before applying the glue on the backside of the photograph and the everything else on paper, it will be a good idea to put the things together first and then decide whether to continue to do so or think of something else. After working on a few pages, it will be a good idea to look back to avoid losing track of what has happened previously. Again, the key here is project continuation from one page to the other just like how a writer starts and ends a story. Completing the scrap book will take days or even weeks especially when the hobbyist has other things to work on. Should other ideas come later on, it will be a good idea to write this down and then review it when it is time to work on it again to be able to come up with a better one each time to show to family and friends.   Each page of a scrap book starts from nothing and turns into a work of art. There are many ways of making this happen so the right idea can preserve that moment in time not only in the minds of those who were there.   diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:27:42 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/scrapbooking-kids Teaching kids to preserve memories through scrapbook Memories are always meant to be preserved because these will remind people of the good experiences they had in their life times. In order to preserve good memories and experiences, more and more parents encourage their children to create their own scrapbooks at such an early age so they can keep their childhood memories intact. Indeed, scrapbooking is one of the most effective and enjoyable ways of keeping memories safe and fun to look at. By collecting and keeping bits and pieces of memories together, anybody can create and tell a story. For children, scrapbooking can be a learning experience because this can teach them the value of resourcefulness, creativity, patience, and perseverance. diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:58:09 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/baby-scrapbooking Gift giving can be a very tedious process. It can be very difficult to figure out what type of present is appropriate and useful enough to endure and convey the entirety of your intent. For instance, when giving a gift for our children or our friends' children, it can be very difficult to think of something that boasts both of novelty and usefulness. Sometimes because of this, we either sell out and give the most generic item or end up not getting our loved one anything at all when faced with the challenge of gift giving. Luckily, there is a gift item that is very personal, novel and ideal for babies-a scrapbook! ... more ideas at FreeScrapbookClub.com diy Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:12:54 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/scrapbooking-materials One of the hobbies that has the whole America in a frenzy is scrapbooking. From ordinary cutting of photos and putting ribbons, the craze of scrapbooking have gone beyond the simple and developed into one sophisticated operations. Gone are the days when you have to dye the paper, cut the graphics and paste the decorations. Most people do not even draw anymore. And certainly, only a few ever stitch their own scrapbooks. All they need to do now is buy blank scrapbooks that are already prepared, pick some really nice stickers and decorations in the craft stores and voila, they are well on their way to a great scrapbook. Still for the newbies in scrapbooking, the basics tools are still the best. In fact, in getting started with scrapbooking, you may want to stick to the old and basic materials first just to be able to get the feel of how is it to really do scrapbooking. Although the new trends and materials provide great convenience, it somehow does all the work for the scrapbookers, leaving the essence of creative creations behind. To get you started, here are some of the basic materials that you've got to have in hand. Scrapbook paper You can't get started with scrapbooking if you don’t have a scrapbook to begin with. There are blank scrapbooks that you can find in your craft stores. You can use those to get you started. You can also start with pieces of specialized papers, recycled ones, colored papers, art papers or construction papers that you can compile after. Some scrapbookers do this because they don’t want to make all the pages uniform. After which you can make a cover and then you can stitch the pages and the cover together. Scissors You can never make a scrapbook without a good old scissors in your box of tools. This is perhaps the most basic of your tools as this is the one that you will be using in cutting shapes and graphics as well as putting designs on the pages itself. You can also buy scissors that cut designed lines and not just your usual straight lines. Much like the pinking shears used in sewing, these specialized scissors can be real handy when cutting graphics and decorations for your pages. Cutters and cutting boards Not all cuttings can be done with a scissors. Sometimes, you need a cutter to make your work a little easier. When using a cutter, make sure that you have a cutting board underneath to avoid cutting papers underneath or worse putting cut lines on the surface of the table. In addition to the cushion, cutting boards also have guide lines that will help you cut paper in a straight line. This will save you a lot of work in sketching and using the ruler just to be able to cut it straight. Cutting boards also have measurements that will help you when you need to cut paper at a certain length. Sticky stuff This is another tool that you cannot go without when doing scrapbooking. Most people use the glue gun especially when trying to put on decorations that are really bulky such as buttons or gemstones. When dealing with paper, you can use ordinary glue and even paste. Glue gun will only make the paper look bulky and wrinkled. diy Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:16:37 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/discount-scrapbook-supplies diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:27:24 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/beginner-scrapbooking There is no right formula to scrap booking except the skill to use papers, scissors, glue or pastes, and the heart to do the hobby.  Yes, it is a hobby.  Assuming you lived in an isolated coast without any influence, do you know how a scrapbook looks like? From the word scrap, a scrapbook is a collective book size pages containing memories of collaged images.  A sophisticated scrapbook can be bought at bookshops, where you can get them hardbound ready for filling up.  Actually, it is nothing but empty pages.  If you are fond of laborious details, you could create collective empty pages, bind it in a fashionable way, then that's it---you got yourself a scrapbook! Anybody in intermediate years had done scrapbooks without ever remembering when they started them.  For beginners, the knack is when you have a good concept to start with.  Usually scrapbooks are motivated by good memories with peers.  When two people combine ideas, work hand in hand in putting up personal scrapbooks, then the outcome is priceless. Scrapbooks do not need to be perfect.  Most of the time, they are random combination of pictures with cut outs from magazines to give relevance to the expression and mood related to the picture being collaged.  Without too much dwelling on the result, there is the tendency to create very informal compositions.  The creator has no one to blame, after all if it is a personal scrapbook. Nowadays, because of the advent of digital printing, pictures to be used for scrapbooks need not be original developed photos from film.  Original photos could be copied, scanned and printed digitally.  This will save important photos from being accidentally ruined, in case something goes wrong with the pasting and cutting. If you are a beginner, how will you start doing your own scrapbook? It could start with a definite theme coming from grouped sets of pictures.  You can do it your own or invite companions to come along to help you.  If the pictures contain many people who are close to you, it is best to recopy the pictures to have the freedom of cropping each photo at your own discretion.  The over all color scheme of your concept can enhance harmony in composing each page.  A sunny beach party could make use of bright earth colors to blend with the overall theme. Think that you are recycling and making use of old magazines instead of just throwing them away.  Sometimes, there are images that can make your composition richer than you expect them to be. Once you feel accomplished with your compilation, you can include it as your personal memorabilia.  Keep it away from dusts just like the way you take care of your photo albums.  Scrapbooks are livelier to look at than just photos in a cold album.  When shown to friends, scrapbooks are more entertaining. For beginners, it is important to consider the use of creativity by making use of what is available at home.  It does not have to be expensive, unless you really want to use special materials relevant to what you want to accomplish. Remember the most important ingredient in doing scrapbooks.  The sentiment and heart for it comes first. Then you will realize how fun and productive it will turn out to be. diy Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:11:54 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/free-scrapbooking Ideas and tips towards Scrapbooking for free ... more ideas at FreeScrapbookClub.com Scrapbooking may seem not an expensive hobby when compared to for instance golf, where in you have to buy a thousands worth of equipment or perhaps dancing, the lessons of which, can be really hard in the pockets; but that is where you are wrong. If you don't watch it, scrapbooking can be even more expensive in the long run. This is because as you become more and more enmeshed with the hobby, you need updated tools and equipment. What is scary though about scrapbooking is the fact that you can't really watch out for your expenses because it is relatively small. You just end up paying more because of the quantity that you buy and the frequency that you buy the materials. Still, if you really want to. You don’t have to shell out so much. Scrapbooking need not be expensive. Below are some tips and idea to help you scrapbook for free (or if not way below what you are spending now!). Watch the tools One of the things that make scrapbooking so expensive for most people is their constant need to have the updated version of every tool imaginable. Whatever is new in the market, die-hard scrapbookers buy them even if they already have something that performs almost the same functions. It is important to remember that you don't really have to buy great tools to create great scrapbooks. With even the oldest and out of date materials, you can still create memorable pages with just your creativity in tow. Recycle and reuse There are a lot of things in your home that you can use to add flavor and texture to your pages. You don't have to, for instance, buy stickers for your scrapbook in craft stores. You can achieve the same look, maybe even a better look, if you cut out graphics in magazines and in old greeting cards. Stationeries are another great source of graphics that you can use. Your old clothes can also be very useful. In fact, every inch of your old clothes can be used as decoration from the fabric to the zipper and the buttons. If you have an attic with a boxful of old clothes that you no longer wear, raid it and put those fabrics to good use. not only have you managed to rid the house of clutter, you have also put a lot of creative design into your scrapbook pages. Make your own scrapbook Most people who do their own scrapbooks buy prepared ones in craft stores and then decorate them with stuff. Prepared scrapbooks that are blank can really cost you a lot and this is unfortunate as most of these scrapbooks that are being sold can be easily done and completed in the home. If you have the time, just make your own scrapbook. The cheapest way to go is of course to make your own paper through recycling. This however may take forever and may be really tedious to do. Another way is to buy recycled papers or any kinds of paper in bookstores and compile them yourself by sewing the sides or gluing them together. This will be cheaper than buying an already-made set. What is more, you get to choose the design that you want and put some spin on the kind of scrapbook that you are doing.   diy Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:14:42 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/scrapbooking-kits   Bonding with kids is important for their emotional quotient.  Sharing moments with them like going out, joining activities in school, and simply having great dinner in fancy restaurants with them are just some of the affairs they remember worthwhile as a child growing up with parents.  How about indoors? There is one activity parent and child could engage doing at home without thinking of mistakes and errors.  That is kit scrapbooking.  Fancy ready-made scrapbook kits are sold online.  Some of them have additional items like stencils, camera, paints, colors, stickers and many other ready to tweak stuff.  It could cost but what matters is the activity it could give to a child.  It promotes bonding while spending the time together.  Most of these scrapbook kits are to be assembled with instructions.  For such an activity, the child is inclined to follow what was instructed, with mommy's help.  What is fun is expecting the outcome of the project.  You can never lose with scrapbooking kits because they could be kept as a nice remembrance of the shared moment.  How would feel as an adult looking at a scrapbook kit you assembled with your mom when you were just 6 years old?  You could just imagine the wonder and joy it can remind you of the good old days! If you don't want to spend a single cent in scrapbooking kit, why not make you own set?  You can start making the layout of your scrapbook by occasion.  If you really have serious passion with scrapbooking, it takes a good mood to list down ideas on how you will start with making workable templates.  You can list down important events that happen most of the time in your yearly routines like the following: CHILD'S BIRTHDAY - if you have more than one sibling, you can decide on working a template based on their favorite colors, do sketches on how you will come up with each child's theme and decide to finish the layout later.  You can also make a pink theme for girls and blue for boys.  ANNIVERSARIES - you can make concept for you and your husband's yearly celebration.  You can provide space for memorable pictures, cards, and dried flowers, which you can insert for the scrapbook.  No formalities needed as long as the layout is organized and worth to cherish and will look unique in each glance. SEASONS - Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations may be the busiest times of the year.  Cards may flood in for everyone in the family.  It takes some thinking to realize you may also provide a space even for the stamps used in sending the snail mails.  You should also keep dedications with dates.  These are good elements to work on with a template for an effective scrapbooking Christmas kit. HALLOWEEN - could be the coolest themes you can have for scrapbooks.  Lots of pictures and fun images could go well with a template.  Kids are definitely interested in looking at their spooky photos attached to a good scrapbook.  You can create a kit by working with scanned images you can use even in the future and for mass production, which you can distribute to involved relatives. Yes, creating scrapbooking kits may be all about distributing the template for beloved relatives who shared important memories with you.  You could collect images, reproduce them by scanning, make instructions and compile them in kits.  Send them to at least 5 to 10 relatives.  Call a reunion and require them to bring and show each other the assembled kits.  Isn't that a fun idea?  diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:39:51 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/simple-scrapbooking Scrapbooking is a wonderful and creative means to be able to preserve memories and share them with other people. To make a scrapbook, one should be able to create a visual and tactile delight by showcasing photographs along with other "scraps" or bits and pieces of something that when put together tells a complete story of that particular slice of life depicted in the particular photo. ... more Clean & Simple Scrapbooking ideas For instance, a photograph of a person hardly tells a story especially if the photo has no other particular merits or characteristics other than it containing a face. Creatively making a layout of it in a scrapbook allows you to tell the story behind the photograph. By adding other elements from different mediums, you can explain the photograph and the memory behind it without using something as blatant as actual statements. The challenge of scrapbooking is in being able to utilize various elements to enhance a photograph while being limited to a finite area. Sometimes, in our zeal to tell a story, we tend to clutter and create a busy layout for our scrapbook. While there is no right or wrong way to layout a scrapbook, it may be important to note that sometimes, less is more. diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:29:19 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/appletartsoap         4oz. Clear, Unscented Glycerine Soap 1 Tablespoon Liquid Soap 1 teaspoon Liquid Glycerine 1/2 teaspoon Apple Fragrance Oil 2 Drops Red Food Color 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Melt soap in small pan over low heat or in a glass cup in the microwave. Add Liquid Soap and glycerine and stir gently but well. Add fragrance, color and cinnamon. Stir and let stand a couple minutes, just enough to start to thicken so when you stir again the cinnamon will be more evenly distributed. Pour into molds. Allow to set completely (in or out of freezer). Wrap in plastic wrap or use cellophane candy bags. diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:28:20 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/easyscrapbooking Why would you go out and buy supplies for making a scrapbook. Be creative and inventive. You can find things laying around the house to help you make your scrapbook. This is a great way to recycle. you use a variety of things around the house such as coffee lid cans, bottle caps, cookie cutters and jar lids. These items make a great template for getting your photos cropped and ready. You can get coloring books and use its pictures as your patterns. For frames you can use chip snack bags with foil liners and cut them off. To produce deminision you can glue a photo to a foam tray. You can cut out cupcake lines to accent your round photos. You can cut them in half to make something like a fan or you could simulate the sun, or cut out pretty neat design with your left over fabric. You could also stitch the leftover fabric together to form a supply folder for your scrapbooks. You can make an envelope page to store letters or report cards in. For your travel page you can use old stamps and such. Now you can make a scrapbook without running out to the store. ... more ideas at FreeScrapbookClub.com diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:28:01 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/customizing_scrapbook_photos Custom photos for your scrapbook will give it a more personal touch. So you want to create your own custom scrapbook photos? Here's your chance to. First before you even start spray painting on the photos you should make your photograph larger. Next you want to apply stickers to act as some what as a mask. Apply removable adhesive to your mask, if it isn't already sticky enough or at all. Do this before applying it directly to your photo. You need something for your work area so that it doesn't get too messy. Make sure you're in a well ventilated area and lay a drop cloth or  bunch of newspaper out to cover your work area. You should spray paint very slowly and evenly until your mask is blacked out. Let the pain completely dry, then get your mask by slowly peeling it off so that you can see your photo underneath. If you're like me and don't like overspray you can do something very simple such as applying un-du to the area with overspray on it to get it off. ... more ideas at FreeScrapbookClub.com diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:28:37 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/creative-memory-scrapbooking Creating memories on paper One of the reasons that people do scrapbooks is because they want to preserve the memories of some great occasion or event. In fact, a scrapbook has long been synonymous with albums because it is primarily filled with pictures and memories. One difference with an album and a scrapbook is the fact that you can put a whole lot more in a scrapbook than just photos.  ... more Creative Memory Scrapbooking diy Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:38:03 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/online-scrapbooking The scrapbook is a story that features a day in the life of an individual. There are only a few words that will describe what is happening when the picture can speak for itself. These are usually presented in a colorful manner that many perceive to be much better than an album. Traditionally, scrapbooks were made using the imagination of the individual. These days, the same things can be done online enabling the user to download the templates to finish the scrapbook and have this also posted on the web. Research shows that there are more than 100,000 downloadable templates available to date. This allows the person to use a different one on each page of the scrap book since it will be quite boring to use one or two very often. diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:54:57 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/magazine-scrapbooking Getting into magazine scrapbooking Through the years, more and more styles and themes have emerged when it comes to scrapbooking. Since the craft doesn’t require formality, anything goes as long as the person enjoys the outcome of the product. One of the most common themes when it comes to scrapbooking is magazine scrapbooking. This theme mimics the layout usually seen in different kinds of magazine in the market. Magazine scrapbooking involves the use of photos along with texts and embellishments scattered all throughout the scrapbook pages. Aside from the photos, texts, and chosen embellishments, magazine scrapbooking also includes the use of patterned pages with matching theme and colors. SCRAPBOOKING 101 Before you start making your magazine scrapbook, you have to consider first what are the materials you will need. Here is a basic list of must have’s in order to be a scrapbooker. 1. Album. The first thing you need to consider is the place where you will place all your photos and embellishments—the album. You will need to decide what is the size of the album you want to work in order to determine the amount of materials you need to use in making the scrapbook. The usual size of scrapbook albums most scrapbookers use is 12 x 12 but it is up to you how big or small you would want your scrapbook to be. Aside from the size of the album, you will also need to consider the color you want to use and the pattern that will work for the theme of your chosen album. 2. Refill pages. Since you still don’t know how many pages you need for your album, it will really pay if you have refill pages of your chosen album. In the market, refill pages are usually sold in different sizes, so it is best if you pick up a couple of packs when buying album refills to ensure that you get the same quality of the of the album you already purchased. 3. A pair of sharp scissors. Scrapbooking requires a lot of cutting so it is best that you purchase a nice and high quality of sharp scissors. It is advisable if you use a pair of scissors that have very fine tips and is comfortable to hold or to use. Fine scissors might be a little more expensive compared to the ordinary pairs out there but this will ensure that you can use a pair scissors that are dedicated exclusively to your scrapbook. 4. Adhesives. In the market today, there are so many kinds and styles of adhesive that come in different sizes and styles. For beginners, it is best if you use an acid-free adhesive that is perfect for cardstock and photos. You might want to consider brands such as 3L Click 'n' Stick Mounting Squares, Herma Dotto Removable, and Herma Vario Wheel Dispenser. 5. A variety of cardstock, printed and specialty papers. Just like in choosing your scrapbook album, you need to select papers that will work well with the colors and the theme you have chosen. It will also pay if you choose colored papers, cardstock and accents to highlight your photos. (Tip: Try to buy papers and cardstocks at several local scrapbook stores because they sell individual sheets for each page.) 6. Several journal pens. It is best to use acid-free, permanent, pens that have fine tips for hand writing especially if you are doing magazine scrapbooking because you will need it for your journaling. You can buy pens that have different sizes.   diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:37:42 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/album-scrapbooking Scrapbooking is definitely one of the most enjoyable, rewarding and relaxing activities a person can get into. Aside from bringing out the creativity and resourcefulness in every person, it also helps people to organize memories and keepsakes in one place. Through the years, most people collect photos and mementos from their friends, family members, and loved ones. In order to organize these, more and more people are getting into scrapbooking. ... more ideas at FreeScrapbookClub.com diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:28:57 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/scrapbook101 You have finally decided to get out that box of photos and organize them. If you're anything like me just making the effort was a big jump.  diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:34:24 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/ideas-for-scrapbook The ideas for a scrapbook are endless. Start with a theme, decide on materials, gather your photos and get creative... diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:29:34 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/scrapbooking-stickers Create Memories that Last Photographs and preserving them in a photo album is a novel way of keeping memories fresh in one's mind. Every time one gets to view a photo album, reminiscences and the feelings associated with the memories brought by the snapshots come up and are brought back to life. Pictures as they say, speak a thousand words. Go a step further and paint a complete story by enhancing photos albums into scrapbooks. diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:29:50 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/-scrapbooking Scrapbooking has become quite a sensation, not only in America but all across the world. This is brought partly by the prevalence of craft shows on TV and with cable channels, other parts of the globe especially the Asian regions have begun to acquire the habit too. Magazines on the subject have also begun to crop up, teaching various techniques and reaching a wider scope of readers. diy Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:00:06 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/baby-scrapbooks Gift giving can be a very tedious process. It can be very difficult to figure out what type of present is appropriate and useful enough to endure and convey the entirety of your intent. For instance, when giving a gift for our children or our friends' children, it can be very difficult to think of something that boasts both of novelty and usefulness. Sometimes because of this, we either sell out and give the most generic item or end up not getting our loved one anything at all when faced with the challenge of gift giving. Luckily, there is a gift item that is very personal, novel and ideal for babies-a scrapbook! ... more ideas at FreeScrapbookClub.com diy Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:19:56 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/page-scrapbooking A scrapbook and a paper back novel are not that different. The words that normally tell the reader what is happening is seen in each of the images. Although this won't reach more than a hundred pages, it is more than enough to tell a good story from beginning to end. Each page that is placed in the scrapbook is made of paper. The hobbyist can buy this in the bookstore but get the kind that is safe for photos, acid and lignin free. This will ensure that this will last for many years to come as long as this is also stored properly. The person can even choose use either plain or colored paper for each page and then use cutouts for the layout. The best instrument to use is a cutter because it easier to use when slicing through the edges but those who don’t have one should just be careful when using a pair of scissors. Since it will be quite difficult to undo the changes when the pictures are cut, it will be a good idea to put everything first in order to get an idea how it will look. Some dual tape can be used initially and it is only when the individual is satisfied with it that one should continue so this page is finished making it possible to move on to the next one. It will sometimes take more than a day to finish one page. It is easy to check how the succeeding page will look if these are placed beside each other but the hobbyist should flip back a few pages from time to time to make sure there is continuity from cover to cover. The best way to preserve the scrapbook is to get a durable photo album cover. This will keep the contents safe even when this is hidden in a cool place for storage. However, no matter how careful one is, the elements may still cause the scrapbook to decay. The best way to preserve the work done will be to put this in a compact disc or on the web. Unlike the conventional method where paper is used on each page, the hobbyist can still do it by using the available templates from one website then proceeding to the next. Surely the designs here are much better but nothing compares to the imagination that comes from the working with the hands. The person will just browse through the search engines to find sites that are free so it won't cost a thing to download this into the computer. Some give the user the choice to save this on file when the project has not yet been completed or have this saved on the website's database making it easier to continue where one left of. There are many ways to make a scrapbook and it takes practice to really excel in this hobby. One way to improve will be to look at the previous work made or even those done by other people to get an ideas on how to improve when there is time to make a new one. The person should remember that the scrapbook regardless of size is still composed of pages and the effort that is put into it is worth it. diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:53:53 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/creative-scrapbooking Scrapbooking with Images over Images If you really think about it, scrapbooking is the process of putting together seemingly different images and items together to create a synergized layout that tells a story through a visual dialogue. Not all photographs are created equal. Some photographs can convey a complete story all by itself but more often than not, some photographs are too vague or simple to be able to tell the viewer something. If the person viewing a photo has no personal memory of that particular snapshot, it is difficult to be able to tell much about the image. Thanks to scrapbooking and its many practitioners, we now can share and enjoy photographs enhanced by other visuals to be able to convey emotions, memories and the story behind them. While scrapbooking may not be for everyone, it can hardly be argued that anyone who views a wonderfully made scrapbook will enjoy the experience. While there are no set rules and guidelines on how to create a scrapbook, the most important and basic trait one will need is creativity. Afterall, the person who makes a scrapbook will need to be able to tell a story from photographs and some other items. You can cut out and make your own elements for use in a scrapbook but if you are pressed for time and cannot find the right visuals within your own things, you can always resort to the vast items available for purchase from scrapbooking stores and supplies. More and more people use these items for their scrapbooking and this is backed up by the fact that more and more scrapbooking items and elements are introduced in the market to answer the consumer demand. Using these commercial scrapbooking items need not take away from your creativity in producing your scrapbook layouts. Your use and ingenuity in utilizing these items needs your creativity. Creativity is the ability to be able to think out of the box so limitations are a no-no for the scrapbooking process. While it may be easy and ideal to use the traditional scrapbooking elements in your layout, why not go step further and use materials you can scrounge up that actually belong to that snapshot. You can use actual materials to create further depth, texture and color to your showcase. Do not stop there however. How about exercising your creativity further by using some sketches in your scrapbooking projects. Instead of using other mediums to develop your photographs to tell a story, why not expand your snapshots by making actual sketches around it. Perhaps you can creatively sketch images or ideas that cannot be conveyed by a simple snapshot.  Simply put, you do not have to limit yourself and your creativity by simply adding other items and materials to your scrapbook layouts. You can creatively use your own sketches in scrapbooking. If you don't happen to be good at sketching, don't let this stop you from this endeavor. You can also create or transform certain images into sketches by using your personal computer. It is in by no means cheating if you do this. Applying the aid of technology simply helps your creative juices to continue springing forth. The creative sketch you use in scrapbooking need not even be your own or even electronically achieved. Why not incorporate a sketch done by the subject of the photograph or photographs you are trying to showcase. For instance, if you are making a layout for your young child, you ca add their personal sketches into the layout for a truly creative scrapbook.   diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:48:12 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/scrapbook-stores diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:51:02 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/ideas_for_scrapbook_themes Do you need ideas for scrapbook themes? Then you've come to the right place. The lists are endless... let me get you thinking... diy Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:49:53 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/frugal-scrapbooking Scrapbooking is one the favorite hobbies of America. And what is there not to like? It is addicting. It is involving and it helps you tap into those dormant creative energies. What is more, you get to recreate and preserver special memories on paper while doing something that you really really love. Scrapbooking though can be really costly with all the materials that you have to buy. There is the scrapbook itself or the album, which you can find in craft store. There are also the special papers and decorations like little metallic buttons and ribbons not to mention the tools like scissors and glue. Scrapbooking can really eat away a large chunk off your monthly savings. But this should not be the case. If you really want to, you can turn your scrapbooking activity into a cost-free adventure. All you need to do is to be resourceful and find items around the house that you can reuse as decors and emblems. Below are some tips that can help you get started. Recycle paper. There is actually no need to buy an already prepared scrapbook or album because you can easily create your own. In fact, most of what is being sold in craft stores and department stores are scrapbooks that you can do yourself. If you have the time, you can recycle your own paper from the newspapers and scratch papers that your kids use in school. Recycling your own paper is real easy although there are many steps that you have to follow. It can also be time consuming because in addition to tearing the paper into smaller pieces, you also have to dry them up after the recycling process. But if you are really decided and have a lot of free time in your hands, research on the specific steps in the Internet. Who knows, you might find it real fun. If however, you find recycling your own paper mighty tedious. You can use plain bond paper or use sheets of newspapers or magazines without really recycling it. Use those pages with ads on them for its color and graphics. The details can add some great touches to your scrapbook pages. Look into your old stuff There are a lot in the house that you can use as decorations for your pages. You don't really have to buy decorations just to make your page nice. In fact, sometimes, what you find in your home can add a touch of memory into your page that decorations in craft stores cannot achieve. One example of things around the home that you can use are old buttons that you get from clothes that you don’t wear anymore. Buttons are great decorations for the pages. Another possible decors are faux gemstones from costume jewelries that got broken. You can also tear some fabrics in your old clothes and use some parts to add texture to your pages. Broken chains and ribbons in dresses can also be reused as borders and linings. Papered memories If you are the type who keeps absolutely everything for the memories, you can actually fill up a whole scrapbook without having to buy anything. For instance, bus tickets, movies tickets, concert tickets and even parking tickets that remind you of special occasions can be used as decorations for scrapbooks. The same goes with any kind of receipts. Greeting cards are another great source of graphics and decorations. diy Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:50:09 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/quick-simple-scrapbooking Quick and simple scrapbooking Scrapbooking is one hobby that produces great results. Unlike other kinds of hobbies that only sharpens the skills but do not produce anything concrete, with scrapbooking, you will not only develop your creative skills but you will also create great pieces of artwork in the process. This is perhaps why scrapbooking is one of the hottest hobbies in the country. Testament of how big it is, are the numerous shows and magazines that have cropped up on the subject. There are also annual fairs and conventions just on scrapbooking. In the Internet, there are websites, webzines and webrings that are devoted to the endeavor. Scrapbooking might seem daunting at first especially to a person who has no artistic or creative bones in his body. Cutting, sticking, and designing can be a nightmare to a person who is not really much into the practice. Some people even find the prospect of putting together one page of artistic work too much for them to handle. But making a scrapbook is not so hard. In fact, it can be the easiest thing in the world especially with the tools and gadgets that are coming out and being sold in craft stores. There are now scissors that cut lines with designs in them. There are punchers that do not only punch holes but punches different shapes. Craft stores also sell stickers that scrapbookers can stick into their pages for that more finished touch. If you just know what to do, where to go and how to go about it, scrapbooking can be a breeze. Below are just some of the ideas and tips on creating quick and simple scrapbook pages. Buy prepared pages Scrapbooking products have become more and more sophisticated these days and all are aimed to make scrapbooking as simple as possible. If you feel that you don’t have the talent to put together one page even if your life depended on it or you just don’t have the time to create a layout that will look very nice with the photo that you are thinking of putting; then you can buy those prepared scrapbook pages that already have layouts and designs. All you have to do is to add the finishing touches like the photo and some accessories if you feel like it. These pages are often thematic. For instance, there are pages that can be used in a wedding scrapbook while others can be used in a baby shower or in a kid’s birthday party. Often, there will be slots where you can put photos and other notes. Stick them up Another set of innovative products that has made the lives of scrapbookers worthwhile is the scrapbook stickers. Like the scrapbook pages, these stickers are also oftentimes thematic. Still, the themes are not only limited to occasions and special events. For instance, in addition to the usual themes of birthdays, christmas, baby showers, weddings and the like, there are stickers that will also depict Christian sayings, kiddie images, business matters. girly stuff and sports. There are a lot to choose from. These stickers are great in decorating a page that you have already out together. It often adds color and aesthetic appeal to the page without the hassles of drawing, cutting and pasting. All the scrapbookers have to do is to just buy the stickers, peel the sticker off and stick it to the page. Real easy that even a child can do it. diy Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:49:33 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/do-it-yourself-scrapbooking The essentials of do-it-yourself scrapbooking When you visit different scrapbook stores, you will find different scrapbook kits that will trigger your desire to be a budding scrapbooker. But then, these kits, scrapbooking magazines, and materials can be quite expensive. If you are interested in scrapbooking but don’t have enough budget to buy such expensive materials and scrapbook guides, here is a simple guide in do-it-yourself scrapbooking. Focus on the basics. Just like in doing artworks and crafts, scrapbooking requires a lot of materials and supplies, but this doesn’t mean that you have to allot a huge amount of money in order to create a scrapbook. Today, so many products are being offered by the scrapbooking industry. Since these products are especially created to provide ultimate comfort to those who are greatly indulged in scrapbooking, they can be quite expensive. If you are just a beginner, you don’t need to be overwhelmed by these products. What you need to do is focus on buying the basic materials and supplies which include album and sheet protectors that come in different sizes and colors, scissors or paper trimmers that will allow you to cut lines without hassle, adhesive that is inexpensive but easy to use, photo tabs or photo splits to keep the back of the photos clean and can be easily removed, papers and cardstocks that is the foundation of the scrapbook page, and journaling tools such as a wide variety of pens. Remember, all your supplies should be acid-free and lignin-free to ensure that safe preservation of your photos.) Learn the basic scrapbooking techniques. Scrapbooking magazines can be quite expensive because these are created for a special segment of the market. If you are tight on budget and you would want to create scrapbook all by yourself, it will pay if you start pumping out your creative juices. Aside from creating your own style, you can also get ideas from the Internet about the basic techniques used in scrapbooking. Here are some basic scrapbooking techniques that you can use in creating your d-i-y scrapbook. - Inserting Eyelets. Indeed, eyelet is a great means of attaching things to an album or a page, or to add color and embellishment to a certain page. Eyelets usually come in various shapes and sizes that can help draw attention from a focal point in the page. In inserting an eyelet, you will need a puncher, an eyelet setter, a hammer and a mat. You can do this by selecting the place where you would want to insert the eyelet and by laying the paper on the mat face up. Hole the punch upright and use the hammer to hit the top of the punch. After this, you can now insert the eyelet and turn the paper over. You can also place the eyelet setter on top of the eyelet and then tap the top of the eyelet setter using a hammer to flatten the eyelet ridge. - Paper Piecing and Using Patterns. Another basic technique that you can use in your d-i-y scrapbook is paper piercing and the use of patters. In using patterns, you need to lay a piece of tracing paper over the pattern. With the use of a pencil, draw over the outline and transfer the pattern to paper. You can now place the tracing on the patterned paper and then slip the transfer paper underneath to draw over the lines. In creating paper-pieced embellishment, just follow the steps in using patterns then cut out the pattern pieces. Aside from the two techniques mentioned above, you can also use chalk and vellum papers in creating wonderful scrapbooks.   diy Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:49:17 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/scrapbooking-table Utilizing the Right Avenues for Scrapbooking When we first think of embarking on the project of scrapbooking we immediately think about the materials that we will need to get the job done. The usual materials that come to mind are the actual scrapbook or the scrapbooking paper and the binder that will keep our scrapbook pages orderly and intact. Then of course, one may think of the photographs or snapshots to be used along with other elements or "scraps" that will be used to enhance to the photos to be able to tell a story. Certainly, great care will be taken in the considering what types of scrapbooking materials will be purchased. For instance, only acid-free materials will be used in the making of the scrapbook to ensure that the stories and memories recounted by the scrapbook project will remain intact and safe throughout the years. After you have all the scrapbooking materials that you can think of like the scrapbook paper and binder, scrapbooking stickers and other scrapbooking items along with the snapshots to be used and some personal effects to enhance your layout, you're pretty much set to begin on the wonderful endeavor of your scrapbooking project right? Wrong. Seldom thought of in the preparation for a scrapbooking project is the scrapbooking table. While you can use any surface to work on your scrapbooking project, it would be very ideal to have your own craft or scrapbooking table to be able to have the best output from your scrapbooking work. After all, your computer has its own desk and the television set has it's own stand too. You might as well get a scrapbooking table that can be totally devoted to your scrapbook work. The difference between having a scrapbooking table and using just any surface for your project is that a scrapbooking table is made specifically for that task and it will have the proper ergonomics that is needed to be able to do your scrapbooking projects comfortably. It will also have the proper storage for all the scrapbooking materials and knick knacks that may be otherwise lost or damaged in any other type of storage. What's more, the scrapbooking table can be easily fitted with a scrapbooking lamp to allow you great visibility way into the night. Another benefit to having a scrapbooking table is that you can rest assured that you will go undisturbed while you work on your project. There will be no having to set your materials and project aside to make room for dishes if in case you use the family table as the surface area to work your scrapbook on. If you work on the floor, you won't have to constantly make room or get in the way of people passing if you have your own scrapbooking table. The best part is, it is not difficult to get a scrapbooking table. These are available from usual craft stores. What's more is that most craft tables are multi-faceted and double up as scrapbooking tables. This way, you can use your scrapbooking table for other types of crafts so that you can get more out of it. Whatever the case, any scrapbooking project or endeavor will benefit from you having your own scrapbooking table to work on. Your scrapbooks are important and valuable and need the proper workspace and work environment to ensure comfortable execution all the time. diy Tue, 17 Apr 2007 17:57:21 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/scrapbooking-business-idea Scrapbooking Business Idea Passion for scrapbooking can lead to business opportunity.  If you have the flair business, you will convert your hobby into a money-earning asset. THE MARKET:  Make studies on how you can harness prospective customers when you start your own system of putting up a scrapbooking store.  Of course, you will waste money on a weak strategy and set-up.  Where will you put up a store?  Will you operate it online or you will rent a place and hire people?  The latter is big deal because it will involve overhead cost.  Prior to that you will first consult an accountant and a coach before you can finalize on spending money for the store.  But given the motivation of unique selling point, you can do all the concepts you want to reach the edge of your desired business.  Online scrapbooking is another option if you want to cater to global market.  Put up a nice paid website and maximize the use of Internet to optimize your visitors whose hobbies are centered in doing scrapbooks.  Remember that you are selling happiness and a placeholder of memories, which people can keep for many years.  It establishes closeness to families and close clans.  For an online scrapbooking store, you can do what it takes to use search engine optimization.  You can hire a website who can put up e-commerce sites and help you with the payment scheme methods, flow and traffic in your site, and most of all marketing. The website itself is the marketing medium of your business, although it operates virtually.  Expect to be spending costs on domain name, web hosting, contents, and some freebies.  The disadvantage of online store is when traditional customers are not yet open to the idea of getting stuff ordered online.  Others would prefer the touch of textures of paper and materials than just browsing through images, which will more likely be affected by the network connections. Given all the creativity and strong will to put up one, there is nothing impossible.  If you have skills in computers, you can even put up your own web design and do the graphic arts yourself.  Basically, those who plunge to online stores are those who are computer savvy enough to do the basic tasks rather than depending on hired people alone.  As soon as the business flourish on its own, one can hire and even train people on how they can create scrapbooks for business.  Of course, this will go to another category and phase of scrapbooking store.  Now the question is:  are you going to put up a merchandise of goodies, or are you going to render services? Once you brainstorm with your scrapbooking teammates, you will realize the scheme will adjust depending on what all of you want to render to people.  But when it comes to creativity, the options are endless.  It will always be the question of how much your customer would want to spend in indulging with scrapbooking. Anyway, this will all be studied first before diving to the idea of doing a business out of scrapbooking.  You can directly sell goodies in a rented space and provide other items like a typical bookshop.  Customers can combine thoughts for scrapbook making, and you have a counter with a creative crew to help customers make up their minds.  Just remember, scrapbooking is all about creating memories.   diy Tue, 17 Apr 2007 17:56:00 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/paper-scrapbooking The Gift of Paper Scrapbooking Since time immemorial scrapbooks are created out of papers-the most versatile material one could use in many ways.  Truth is, scrapbooks are not possible without them.  Every print from old to modern age has been built around exploiting the use of paper.  Needless to say, paper scrapbooking still evolves today. No matter how complicated the process of scrapbooks turn out, papers are out of question as main material.  Stores now offer pre-maid paper, which can be bought and compiled based on personal taste.  But is this satisfactory enough? Making use of recycled paper for scrapbooking: Sentimental scrapbook collectors are not always satisfied by commercially available layouts found in stores.  They would still prefer doing their own cut out from old magazines for a treasure surprise they can by combining different images they prefer.  This is not all about saving money but it is all about making use of art talent and skill.  Yes, scrapbooking is also an art in itself. PAPER SOURCES There are different kinds of papers used by magazine publishers.  Usually vogue images are printed in sturdy, glossy pages.  It takes an eye to spot good magazines fit for use in scrapbooking.  Sometimes you will not know how priceless piles of magazines can do for an effective scrapbook.  If you are collecting stuff for serious scrapbooking, there has to be different photography on them.  Do not stick on just specific publishing, but rather, collect various kinds with different colors, motifs and articles accompanying good shots.  Expensive magazines are more likely qualified to suit your needs.  Be wary in throwing them away.  If you don't want to file too much bulk in storages, you can cut out pictures at once and throw away or sell the unused old pages to junk paper buyers. ELEMENTS OF DESIGN LAYOUT If you have a hardbound scrapbook, you can at once assemble your layout.  You can plan it beforehand by starting with the theme played on a specific color scheme.  Remember the proper elements of good design.  It takes understanding the color wheel to know what it takes in having the confidence of combining colors.  A good tip is to look at different fabrics.  Choose a favorite one and try to apply it to your scrapbook theme.  Fabrics had been pre-designed by manufacturers before releasing them to the market.  It means the colors are already in the right combination.  This could inspire you and help you in case you do not have the flair with colors.  Consider repetition of patterns, rhythm, harmony and sense of emphasis.  MAINTENANCE AND RESTORATION How long do you want to preserve the scrapbook?  Papers last long, but it will depend on its make.  There are papers that can attract specific insects and do different changes to the scrapbook pages.  If you can stretch out a budget, it is best to keep pages covered by plastic bounds.  Several kinds are available commercially, which you can buy even during the pre-design stage planning.  Use synthetic glues and not those made out of organic materials.  Keep the scrapbook in a box or drawer free from dusts and make sure not to expose it to moist and damp places.  If brought outdoors, do not expose for long to sunlight.  Keep it away from children's reach. Paper scrapbooking is a very rewarding hobby.  If you make good ones, you can even give it away as a gift to a loved one.  It will be appreciated more!     diy Tue, 17 Apr 2007 17:53:23 -0600