My Crafty Life

Scrapbooking Tip of the Week - Tip #3: Journaling

I believe that journaling is what separates scrapbooks from photo albums.  Although I find journaling very easy, I realize that many people do not.  I don't think it's necessary to write paragraph after paragraph for every layout, though.  Sometimes just the 5 Ws are enough: Who, what, when, where, and why.  If you can write down just this information, you will have enough for most layouts.  Sometimes these details can spark your memory of other details, and the journaling will come more easily.  Give it a try.  Oh, and I do most of my journaling in my own handwriting, but I do occasionally use the computer.

On this layout, I relied on a nursery rhyme to inspire my journaling.  I did this one awhile ago, but it's still one of my favorites.

September Stamp-a-Stack Workshop

It's time for another TAC Workshop, and this time we'll be doing a "Stamp a Stack."  We'll be making (at least) 6 cards, 2 each of 3 designs.  One design will be a "girly" card, one a "guy" card, and one a children's card.  Techniques will include embossing, using glitter, and color blending.

The workshop will be Saturday, September 15, 2-5 p.m.  It will be at my house in the Bronx.  (Email me for address & directions.)  The cost is $10, which will include all supplies and snacks.  (Yes, there will be regular & decaf. coffee & tea!)  You will need to bring your paper trimmer, scissors, and adhesive. 

RSVP date is August 31, and payment is due by September 8.  Sign up and bring a friend, and you will each receive $5 off your order if you place one for at least $5 at the Workshop. 

I hope to see you there!

DisneyWorld 2006

I just started our 2006 DisneyWorld album.  Here's the title page.  We had a great time!  I hope we can go back soon.  I think we'll need a few more jobs, though.

My New Scrap Space

I finally have my own scrap space!  OK, it's in the dining room, but it's all MINE!  We moved the desk out of the front room, and I jazzed it up a bit.  Here are some photos.

Scrapbooking Tip of the Week - Tip #2: Select your papers.

Now that you've chosen your photos, it's time to match your papers with the pictures.  Remember to use acid-free, lignin-free papers.  You don't want to ruin your photos over time.  I usually use 12 x 12, but this size can easily be trimmed down to a smaller size.

Look at your photos to find a common color.  If you can't find one, you can choose some neutral colors that work with the colors you do have in your photos.  Sometimes I choose theme colors.  For example, if I'm working on a Christmas layout, I'll usually choose Christmas-themed papers.

Start with the plain cardstock, and then select 1 or 2 patterned papers that match it.  Most scrapbook paper companies have papers that coordinate.  I advise that you use only 1 or 2 patterns, because your layout can become nauseatingly busy if you use too many.

In this layout, I've chosen summer-themed papers that match the colors in my photos as well.  They are from TAC (The Angel Company).  Please contact me for more information about this kit.

Remember to check back next week for another scrapbooking tip. 

Scrapbooking Tip of the Week - Tip #1: Choose Your Photos

Believe it or not, you don't have to scrap every photo you take!  Yes, that's right.  Give yourself permission to scrapbook only the photos that are the best, or the ones that tell the story best.  I try to select between 4 and 7 photos for each (2-page) layout.  Sometimes I choose more, and sometimes less.  And, now that I have gone digital, I have only the best photos printed and choose from those.  I put the remaining photos in an acid-free/lignin-free photo album with sleeves.  Repeat after me:  It's OK to scrap only some of my photos. It's very liberating!

Have a great week-end!

It's not too late!

I still have 2 spots left in my workshop tomorrow.  I had a cancellation today.  It's going to be a lot of fun.  Lots of goodies, including a free TAC (The Angel Company) Idea Book and Catalog!  Email me if you can make it.

Flower Power

Do you love flowers as much as I do?  I've started taking some really close-up photos of flowers, while experimenting with my digital camera's settings, and I love the way they've come out.  So I decided to do a layout of some of my favorites.  In my workshop on the 11th, I'll be teaching some of the techniques I used, so email me if you're interested.

l Love Music!

This is so cool!  Enjoy and keep on craftin!