Milenna Russell Expert Guru

Milenna Russell is a mom who loves to scrapbook. With young children and large amounts of pictures she is scrapping whenever there is a spare moment. Milenna enjoys keeping up on current trends and products that will help her create beautiful, timeless layouts for her own scrapbooks, while helping other do the same. Milenna is an independent scrapbooking consultant for Close to my Heart, which is a leader in the scrapbook and stamping industry. By using revolutionary products and educating herself and others about new information and techniques, she is able to offer valuable advice about "preserving your memories" forever. Although scrapbooking is an important hobby. Milenna has a backgound in PR, mortgage finance and makeup artistry. She also runs a small construction business with her husband John who is a general contractor (residential building).

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Scrapbooking Made Simple

Scrapbooking suppliers are getting smarter. They come up with new innovative ideas everyday. One idea that is has become a “hit� is scrapbooking kits. You can purchase kits that are pre-made with all the supplies you will need to complete several page layouts. Some companies are creating pre-printed page layouts so all the consumers have to do is to attach photos and embellish the pages. The kits come in different sizes and usually have a theme. Some of the scrapbooking kits even come with an album to match.

Scrapbooking kits are not all the same. If you are a beginner you need to make sure you are buying quality products. The papers should be manufactured by a reputable company and must be acid-free and lignin-free (this is very important).

Society has become “somewhat� lazy and they like things to be fast and simple. This is where the pre-made kits come in to play. These kits make wonderful “starter sets� and are ideal for quick and easy page layouts. Kids do well with scrapbooking kits too. If you have been "bitten" by the scrapbooking bug and your want to get started on your albums "premade kits" might be a quick solution and may also give some great ideas when creating your own pages from "scratch."

Digital Scrapbooking

Computer generated scrapbook layouts are becoming more and more popular. The computer has become a valuable tool and somewhat of a “timesaver� for busy individuals who want to preserve their memories but don’t have time for all the “frills�. Not only can the pages be done totally on the computer but also digital photographs can be scanned right onto your pages. Everything can be printed in one single unit and you have a “clean� well-organized page layout.

Scanners can also be used to scan old photographs and memorabilia that can add so much to your scrapbooks. Software programs are available that are specifically designed to create wonderful scrapbooks and fabulous graphics. You can manipulate pictures in these software programs and they have outstanding designs and clip art images.

Computers make it easy to add “special effects� to your pages. You can generate beautiful scrapbook pages at the “click of a button� with computer graphics and specialized software your possibilities are endless.

Computers also make it possible to make copies for other people easily and you can even share your pages through email and other Internet options.

Stickers for Scrapbooking

Stickers can be used to "dress up" a simple page layout. Although the scrapbooking industry has somewhat evolved from using this type of embellishment, stickers will always be somewhat of an “industry standard�. There are many types of stickers to choose from including, bubble stickers or 3-D stickers, cardboard cut-out stickers, stickers with glitter and alphabet stickers.

Stickers are great for kids learning how to create their own memory albums. Scrapbooking stickers are available in various themes, colors, characters, etc. You can use sticker letters to create “headers�, write your name and other creative tasks. They are an easy way to decorate pages and are less likely to create a mess. Children love stickers; why not let them help with their own scrapbooks.

You can purchase stickers at any store that carries scrapbooking supplies. Scrapbooking stickers should be acid-free and memory safe. When purchasing stickers for your albums make sure they have these qualities.

You've Been Inked!

Inking is a scapbooking technique that offers lots of variety. There is no specific way to ink your pages or images. You can't use as little or as much ink as you would like for your project. The creativity is up do you. Ink as much as desired.

You will need:

· Scrapbooking paper (cardstock, B&T paper, vellum, etc.)

· Sponge (dry and clean)

· Ink pads (your choice of colors)

· Other scrapbook supplies of your choice such as stamps, scrapbooking die cuts, stickers, scrapbooking templates, etc.

First, cut out your desired mattes and papers.

Then, dab the paper onto the inkpad turning it in various directions. You will have smudged color on your paper. You can use a sponge to fill in the color in uneven areas if you would like. The easiest route is to rub the edges of your paper against your ink pad, this will make a border around the image or your entire page.

Inking is used to add depth to your pages. It also gives it an "antique" or "weathered" look. It enhances your paper and adds color to the overall layout.

Hints:

You want to make sure you lightly dab the paper onto the pad and don't press too hard or you might get a large, dark ink spot in one isolated area.

Lightly brush the ink across corners and edges of paper. You can also use a stipple brush for a different type of "inking effect".

This technique works best with non-glossy papers.

You can softly ink around your photo mats to give them texture and make them stand out behind your photograph.

Inking your pages or card creations can add a unique twist to your scrapbooking creations. Instead of coloring your images dab them in a little ink for shading and your done.

Scrapbooking Templates

Scrapbooking templates can be used for many tasks. There are several types of templates available. Templates can be used for lettering, tags, envelopes; scrapbooking die cut designs, etc.

Here are some different types of templates you can use for your scrapbooking pages:

Lettering Templates. These templates can assist in creating many different lettering designs and fonts. You can trace the letters onto your page "header" or cut out each letter separately to place in the desired area of your page.

Envelope Templates. These templates can help you create many different sizes of envelopes. You can use small envelopes for decoration on your scrapbook pages. You can create custom envelopes to fit different sizes of cards that you make from your scrapbooking supplies. Envelopes can be used for many things. Envelope templates come in a variety of sizes.

Die Cut Templates. This type of template is usually a picture or image of some sort. Some popular templates include, flowers, hearts, shapes, and many types of silhouettes. Die cut templates are used to add character to your scrapbook pages. These template are also used for paper piercing and other techniques.

Templates can assist you in making perfect designs for your scrapbooking layouts.

Fluffy Tear Bears

Tear Bears" are all the rage among scrappers. These little paper-piercing creations have taken the industry by storm. There are several different patterns that can be used to create these bears. You can make your own pattern, use one off the Internet or buy a pattern book.

Here is what you will need to make your own "tear bear".

Thick, Handmade mulberry paper (it has to be able to tear easily when wet)
Bear or other character pattern
Water
Q-tip or water pen
Chalks
Inks
Pens

Trace your pattern onto heavy weight paper or plastic and cut out parts of your bear separately.

Now trace the body parts (head, legs, arms, ears) onto the mulberry paper and use a Q-tip or water pen to wet the outline of your pattern. Make sure the water soak completely through the paper.

Next, carefully tear along the shapes of your pattern. The wet paper will tear easily and since mulberry paper has several layers there will be "fiber-like" edges where you have torn the paper (this makes it look like fur on your bear).

Once you have torn out your bear parts let them dry completely and then you will be ready to assemble your bear. Use your adhesive to glue the bear together and pose him however you would like.

You can use chalks or inks to outline the bear and add some color to his body. Use die cuts or pens to draw a face. Some scrappers like to dress their bears with paper clothing made from die cuts or templates.

These bears can be used on your scrapbook pages, tags, cards, etc. You can personalize your bear any way you would like. “Tear� animals or characters like "Sesame Street" characters have also become popular "tear projects" for page layouts. There are a large variety of options and patterns.

Hints:

Tear your paper slowly because you may slip and tear in a place you didn't want to tear.

Use a thin plastic to trace your pattern and hold it on the paper as you tear, this will help you to tear more evenly and get more shapely pieces.

Allow your character to dry before outlining the body and drawing the face.

Metal Embellishments

Metal embellishments are a popular accessory for scrapbook pages. There are many different types of "metal embellishments" available for purchase. Here are some popular scrapbooking embellishments that are made of metal and can be used on your scrapbook page layouts.

Spiral Clips.

These little clips are a great decoration for a photo mats or any image on your page layout. The spirals are available in a variety of sizes and colors. They can also be used to hold ribbon on your pages or clip-on photos and other images.

Safety Pins.

Safety pins can be used as a decorative border on a baby page layout. They can be pinned into ribbon or in the middle of a bow in your page. These embellishments are usually painted and come in several different colors.

Brads.

Brads make a beautiful addition to scrapbooking pages. They can be used in the corners of your mats or "headers". They can be used for decoration too. You can use them to keep things in place or to enhance your pages.

Metal Words/Sayings.

Metal sayings are fairly new on the market. They are a unique embellishment that can add lots of character to your layouts. Most of the words are single words that can be used alone or combined with other words.

Eyelets.

Eyelets are probably one of the most common metal embellishments. They can be used for decoration or to hold photos and other things in place. You can thread ribbon, hemp or wire through the eyelets for other enhancements. You will need an eyelet setter to use them, but they are certainly versitile and very appealing on your pages.

Metal embellishments are becoming very popular in the scrapbooking industry. They have a distinctive look and match well with many themes and colors. You can purchase these scrapbooking embellishments at any scrapbooking supplier, scrapbook on-line stores, craft stores, etc.

Paper Piercing

Paper piercing is traditionally done with a paper piercing template and a piercing tool. Two different designs are created with a piercing template. One is a flat design and the other is a raised design. The flat design appears on the same side of the paper on which the template is placed. The raised design is on the opposite side. You decide which type of design best fits your page layout ideas.
Here is how to use a paper-piercing template:
· Place the template on your paper and hold in place with removable tape. Tape it on the front of paper to get a flat design or on the back of the paper to get a raised design.
· Place the paper on a piercing mat. It is helpful to use straight pins in the corners to hold the template in place, even though you are using removable tape.
· Use the piercing tool and pierce each hole in the design.
Helpful Hints:
· Use a piercing mat or a very thick mouse pad. Be sure to check that the piercing tool is not going through the mat. Your piercing tool can poke holes in wooden tables if they are not protected.
· Invest in a piercing tool. You can use a needle, but it tends to be hard on your hands.
· Use duplex or duo-tone paper for a distinctive look.
· Be creative. Pierce all or part of the design.
· Emboss around the edges with a stylus, for more dimension.
· Use chalk, ink or paint to add color to your image.

Paper piercing images are beautiful additions to your scrapbook pages. You can buy materials for your paper piercing projects at any craft store or scrapbook on-line store.

Organize Your Scrapbooking Ideas

Scrapbooking is fun and relaxing for most scrappers. Once in a while you might get a "creative block" and not be able to think of new ideas for your scrapbook pages. In order to combat this downfall you need to organize your ideas in your head or better yet on paper.

Keep a journal of creative or artistic ideas that "pop" into your head at various times during the day. Write down supplies your have on hand and make a list of supplies you need for future pages. Organize your pictures by year or by theme. Organize your supplies before you scrapbook with friends so you make sure you take everything you will need. Scrapbook organization is essential to a productive scrapbooking session. Nothing is more frustrating than to forget an essential item and not be able to finish your page layout. Make a list of the things you will need to complete the pages you want to work on.

If you are well organized in your scrapbooking adventures you will be able to relax and let your imagination go!

Choosing the Right Paper for your Scrapbook Pages

There are so many different kinds of paper available for your scrapbooking needs. Sometimes it is hard to decipher between the different types of scrapbooking paper.

Some of the most common varieties of papers for scrapbooking are:

Cardstock, which is a heavy weight paper used primarily for the "backbone" of your page layout. It is also used for photo mats; paper piercing and die cut images too

B&T (Background and Texture) paper is used for a decorative background on your scrapbook pages. It can be used for a photo mat background or to accent your stamps, die cuts, stickers, etc.

Gingham (patterned paper) paper is a common "checker board" patterned paper that can be used for background accents on your scrapbook pages, greeting cards or other craft projects. It is pleasing to the eye and a popular, versatile pattern.

Handmade Mulberry paper is used for adding a bit of “flair� to your pages. This thick paper can be torn while wet and used for making “tear bears� or other characters. Just tear the paper and the result is chic, fiber-rich edges.

Vellum is a translucent paper that looks very elegant and it can be used for masking an image, embossing and is great for journaling. It is typically placed over a colored paper and it is used to "dress up" your pages and give them a distinctive appearance.

The most important thing to remember when you are choosing scrapbooking paper to go in your memory books is to choose a paper that is memory-safe, meaning it is acid-free and lignin-free. You want something that is going to preserve your photographs not ruin them.