5.14.2009

Scrapbooking 101: Back to the Basics

Have you been wanting to start that scrapbook for weeks, months... maybe years - but find yourself asking, "Where do I start?"  Now that you have your pictures organized, let's get moving on to what you will need to get started on your album!

Action Step #1: Decide what size of album you want.

"There are different sizes?!"  YES!  *smile*  Albums come in many different sizes.  Here are some of the most common:

Mini/Specialty albums are great for a brag book that you can keep in your purse.  These are often homemade and created from templates.  Also great for gifts or secret pals!  :)

6" x 6" albums are the new hot size for this year.  Great for gifts, grandparent gift albums, short trip albums, etc.  Not recommended that you choose this size for ALL your family scrapbooks, because you would end up needing so many to cover all the years.  Usually these fit only one or two photos per page.

9" x 9" and 12" x 12" albums are the backbone of the scrapbooking industry.  These albums are great for getting more on the page and are my recommendation for any family album.  The smaller sizes fit about three photos per page, and the larger can accommodate up to five photos per page with cropping.  I LOVE THESE!!!  :)

Action Step #2: GO SHOPPING!

*Paper Trimmer - Ideal for cutting paper, cardstock, photographs, and more

*Micro-Tip Scissors - Sharp, small scissors, as opposed to hard-to-maneuver big scissors

*Adhesives - My personal favorite is the tombow, but there is also glue available.

*Paper is the foundation of any scrapbook.  The paper you choose can make or break your book.  
     -For those just getting started or with limited time for craftingLevel 1 kits are the way to go!  Use these preprinted layouts and the adhesive artwork included for beautiful pages in a flash.
     -Add a little more individual touch to every page and project by building designs from Level 2 scrapbooking products.  Use Reflections, Cherish, or Imagine to create unique layouts by getting back to the basics - paper!
     -Those who embrace the art of stamping will feel right at home creating stunning scrapbooks in Level 3.  With decorative stamps, embellishments, and how-to books at your fingertips, you can build designer pages with ease.

*Page Protectors - Your beautiful creation needs to be protected!  :)

These are the basic items that you need to get started!  If you have any questions or feel that I have left something out, comment!  If you have found this helpful, please comment and let me know!

Have an idea for an upcoming "online lesson?"  Comment with your suggestions below!

5.07.2009

Scrapbooking 101: Organizing Your Photos

Today begins my weekly Scrapbooking 101 Series.  I am SO excited about this!!!  I hope that you will enjoy the tips and be able to apply them to your scrapbooking!

A few months ago, I decided that I wanted to stop focusing on past events/highlights and focus on scrapbooking the NOW events and highlights.  When I started looking through my pictures, I realized that I did not have any pictures from the last 10 months!!!  How sad... but how many others are experiencing the same issue?  We LOVE digital cameras because they make picture taking so easy, but how many of us forget to upload the pictures on our computers... and print them?!  ME! ME! ME!  "I'll do it this weekend." But then something would come up, and I would not get around to it.

Action Step #1: Upload your photos and print them off!  

I do not use my own printer for printing pictures; I only use online sites.  Play catch up right now... I had to print over 1,000 pictures to catch up!  Eventually, you will want to do this about every 3 months (this could vary depending on how many pictures you take each month).  That way you will have plenty of pictures to work with for the next three months... until you place your next order.  Go ahead and write it down on your calendar so you won't forget.  *wink*

(Note: See below a list of sites that you can use to upload your pictures and order them.  Each site offers promos for free prints when you sign up.  Also, check out retailmenot.com for even more savings!  Some sites allow you to stack up coupon codes!!!  *smile*)

Action Step #2: Organize your photos by album.

Once you have your photos, organize them into piles; one pile for each album that you are going to use with these pictures.

Which direction do you want to go with your albums?  Here are some ideas:
  • Theme: holidays, special occasions, vacations
  • Chronological Order: an album per year, quarter, etc.
  • Gift: perhaps you want to give the gift of an album!
  • Others: "About Me," achievements, baby book, top 10
Action Step #3: Organize your photos by page.

Take the stack of photos that you have determined will go into a specific album and then make one pile for each scrapbook page that you plan to create.  You may want one pile for a birthday layout, another for a fun day at the park layout, and another pile of pictures for a fun layout with cute, random pictures of your child(ren).

Action Step #4: Store your photos.

Find a shoe box that you have been dying to get out of your closet (c'mon, who doesn't want a little more room in your closet?  hehe) and put your organized pictures in there.  Use a large index card to separate the pages and/or albums.

Stay tuned for next week's Scrapbooking 101: Basic Supplies.  I know that money doesn't grow on trees, so let me show you the MUST HAVES before you get started.

As mentioned above, here is a list of sites where you can order prints:

Did you find this helpful?  Let me know by leaving a comment!  :)


5.02.2009

Level 1 Fun!

One of my favorite themes in the Spring 09 Idea Book is the Stardust theme!  Below is my creation for the Level 1 Stardust Kit.  Level 1 Kits are PERFECT for those just getting started or with limited time for crafting.  You can use the preprinted layouts and MyStickease adhesive artwork (included in the kit) for beautiful pages in a flash!  Even better, the price is fantastic - only $9.95 for the materials to create 4 beautiful pages!