Be Thankful for Precious Memories....

It is that time of year where memories are made.  Although this year some may have less "material" things to remember, the most important memories are in the heart.  Catch your picture memories on camera and then record the memories you treasure in your heart on your scrapbook pages.

Tell your "holiday story" with lots and lots of photos.  Give the most precious gift of all by making a small photo album for your loved ones.  You can choose to make an accordian album, a small brag book or a 6x6 album just the right size for sharing.

Stay tuned for template and instructions on how to make these albums that make wonderful holiday gifts for everyone on your list.

Scrapbooking and Crafting...

Most avid scrappers are interested in more than just making page layouts.  Paper crafting has come a long way.  There are some many beauiful creations.  There are some many things that can be created from scrapbook supplies and other items.  Here is an example.  Although Halloween is over this is what I made for my son's preschool class.  I  call it the "altered crayon box". 

I will be posting holiday items for teacher gifts, neighbor gifts, etc. through out the month.  You don't have to spend a lot of money on these gifts.  A handcrafted gift may be the answer you are looking for this year.

I covered crayon boxes (24 count) and make them into mummies and Frankenstein. 

Random photos....

Are all of your pictures "posed"  where you were trying to take the the perfect photo?  Well some of the best scrapbook pages are made up for random, natural photos that were taken spontaneously by someone who just happened to have a camera handy.

With cell phone cameras almost anyone can capture the moment.  These compact cameras are able to capture a photo to remember almost any situation, event or occasion.  Let your finger do the talking and keep snapping those random photos.  Remember you don't have to put every photo in your scrapbook; just the photos that tell your story and the ones you like the most.

Happy Scrappin' .....until next time.

Will the outcome of the election affect your scrapbooking?

This particular presidential election is going down in the history books.  Will you include these and other historic events that happen during your lifetime in your personal scrapbooks?  It is important to document or journal all of the events so that you can remember the details and so that future generations can understand the magnitude of the event and how it affected you as person.

Obama winning the presidency mean sCHANGE for our country; how will this change affect you and your family?  Will your scrapbooking practices change?  With the economy looking bleak will you cut back on your consumer purchases; including scrapbook supplies?

Scrapbooking is a hobby that doesn't have to be expensive.  All it takes is some basics and a big imagination.  Make sure you document this historic presidential election in your family history and scrapbooks.  This is just the beginning....

Scrapbooks Valued by Historians....

I was reading the local paper and there was an article about Scrapbooks and how they are valued in history.  Have you ever thought of your person scrapbook as a "history book"?  It makes sense because we are documenting the history of our family by preserving our memories through pictures.  The article takes about the monetary value of scrapbooks.  Rare book dealers and archivists have become interested in scrapbooks for thier business.  Even back in the 1900's scrapbooks were created and there very books have been helpful when it comes to documenting the history of famous people and historical events.  Scrapbooking is a facinating medium for many historians and researchers.  Scrapbookers everywhere can be proud of their trade.

So next time you sit down to scrap your pictures remember you are creating a history book for your family and future generations. 

Happy Scrappin and keep creating!!

Scapbooking on a budget....

We are all aware of shape of our nation's economy and many families are feeling the financial burden.  Scrapbooking is meant to be fun not stressful.  Scrapbooking on a budget is easy.  If you already have the basics then you can just use odds and ends around the house to adorn your pages.  Use spare buttons, scraps of ribbon and old material like denim to embellish your scrapbook layouts.  Even a small zipper from some old baby pants can make a fun inexpensive embellishment; create a mystery pocket and unzip a cute photo or message on your page.

Use your imagination and turn your clutter into a scrapbook design materpiece.....

Use Scrapbooking to Document Events....

Scrapbooking can be used to create a 'picture journal'.  Documenting memorable events is just one aspect of scrapbooking.  Use the pictures to illustrate the story and occassion then follow it up with your own words.  Let the pictures add small details to your story.  Write down cute things you kids say or something special that someone told you.  Even favorite quotes make interesting accents on scrapbook pages.  When you scrapbook you are letting your personality out in your page designs.  Show everyone who you really are by including journal entries on your scrapbook pages.  Be concise and detailed so that as you view your pages you are able to re-live the special or event or occasion that is featured on the scrapbook layouts.

Journal, record and write while your create beautiful pages for everyone to enjoy.

Scrapbooking Pictures...

One quick tip is to remember you don't have to scrapbook every pictures you take.  The best thing to do is to choose the pictures you like and let them "tell your story".  One advantage of digital pictures is that you can see your pictures and choose the ones you want to develop. 

Scrapbooking is "the art of preserving your memories" so choose the pictures that do just that and keep your scrapbook albums interesting and clutter -free.

Happy Scrapping!

Easy Scrapbook Project

Scrapbook Editor Introduction...

 I would like to introduce myself as the official 'scrapbook guru' (scrapbook site editor) for the LifeTips scrapbook site.  I am so excited to be able to share with all our readers my enthusiam for scrapbooking and crafting.  I am a busy mother of 4 children under the age of 10.  I have been scrapbooking for about 10 years.  I am currently a scapbook consultant for one of the industry leaders Close to my Heart.

I started with stickers and die cuts which were the rage in the early years, but now there are so many new innovations it can almost be overwhelming.  If you are a beginner it is best to follow the basic 'keep it simple' rule.  For advanced scrappers and artistic gurus there are many techniques that can be used when creating your scrapbook layouts.  The possibilities are endless.

 I will be posting some helpful tips for easy scrapbook pages and 'altered scrapbook project' ideas. 

I will be checking in soon, until then keep creating!