Reproduction art consists of pieces of art that have been digitally scanned or otherwise copied and reproduced in a smaller format or on a different type of paper.  Reproduction art is affordable, common, and easy to find whereas original pieces can be very costly and do not offer any diversity in how they can be displayed (i.e. you hang an original piece of artwork on the wall, you do not cut it into pieces so that it fits in an album).  Reproduction art certainly has its place in a scrapbook, especially as you are just getting started.  Usually reproduction art is used to compliment the photos and other embellishments that you may add to a page so it is important to not overfill your album with reproduction art unless this theme is how you want to scrapbook your memories.  Obviously different people will have different opinions as to what should and shouldn’t be in a scrapbook, so ultimately it is up to you to decide how you would like your album to look.  To help you make some decisions, listed below are some pros and cons to using reproduction artwork in your scrapbook.

Reproduction art pros:

Give a page immediate interest - Reproduction art work can immediately draw your eye to a certain part of the page.  Artwork is generally more interesting to the eye than a standard snap-shot. Reproduction art work in the form of a brochure, program or postcard can also allow you to bring some memories of visiting a gallery or a museum onto your scrapbook page. 

Tell a story without words -

Reproduction art can evoke feelings that words may not be able to express. Artwork is very powerful to some people and a single piece can evoke complex feelings.  If you have a favorite piece or you feel like a particular piece of art represents characteristics that you value, it is very appropriate to put that important story in the pages of your scrapbook.

A good place for beginners to start -

Reproduction art is a great medium to use especially if you are just starting out with your scrapbook album.  Reproduction art needs very little alterations to still look aesthetically appealing.  As you learn how to make your own artwork on the pages of your scrapbook, feel free to learn from and be inspired by the artists and the artwork that you admire.

Reproduction art cons:

Not original -

Sometimes reproduction art is very low quality.  A bad reproduction can really take away from the otherwise clean lines and put-together look of your scrapbook page.  Reproductions that are free or printed on the reverse side of something else may also have other marking that you do not want to have on your pages.  Even printing reproduction art yourself can give you less than satisfactory results as such high quality images must be printed well in order to maintain their artistic integrity. 

Impersonal -

Reproduction art is of little value and therefore may look impersonal and tacky in the pages of your scrapbook.  Any mass quantity object takes away from the appeal of the piece and may not tell the story that you want to tell.  Even if you love a particular piece, having a poor reproduction of it can make it look far less appealing.

A mosaic vs. a scrapbook page -

As you layout your scrapbook pages you want to achieve a look that is uniquely you.  Many times when you are using multiple pieces of reproduction art the end result is something that looks like a mosaic maid from scraps of paper, rather than a well though out and personal design.

Posted by Don under Scrapbook Embellishments , Scrapbook Techniques on Sat 30 Jun 2007 No Comments 

If you do not like your penmanship or do not trust yourself with writing your own journaling or titles, finding great scrapbook fonts online is a great option.  Online scrapbooking fonts are incredibly diverse and are relatively easy to download if you know a little bit about computers.  If you do an online search for scrapbooking fonts, you will find thousands of available links to choose from.  Some websites offer their fonts free of charge and you can download the material instantly.  Other sites will cost money to download from so be aware of these important differences.  A few cites with an excellent selection of downloadable fonts are listed below.  A ($) next to the site indicates that you will have to purchase the fonts that you wish to download.

    www.scrapvillage.com/fonts.htm

    www.scrapgirls.com/free_scrapbooking_fonts.htm

    http://www.momscorner4kids.com/fonts/hfonts.htm

    www.scrapnfonts.com ($)

    http://store.scrapbook.com/fonts.html ($)

    http://www.myfonts.com/browse/keyword/scrapbook/ ($)

So once you have found the font that you are interested in how do you get it onto your computer so that you can start using it?  Follow the instructions below to download fonts. 

1.    Click on the download link or right-click (Windows). Many times simply clicking on the font itself will initiate the download request.  For Mac users, the download to your computer automatically starts when you click the font.

2.    If using Internet Explorer, choose "Save this program (or file) to disk." If using Netscape Navigator, choose "Save File."

3.    If you use the right-click method a pop-up window will offer several options including something like "Save as…" Click on that option.

4.    Use the default file name or type in a new file name for the font you are downloading. If there is a specific purpose for this download you may want to give it a name that will help you to find that particular font when you go into your word program to use it.

5.    You can change directories using the navigation buttons in the Window or use the default directory that is showing.

6.    Click OK when the system prompts you to begin the font download. Some font files are quite large and, depending on the speed of your connection, may take several minutes to download.  Be patient and do not try to click other fonts while one is downloading.  You will just make the process take even longer.

7.    When you downloaded files you can store them in a compressed archive file to save memory space and to prevent slower response (.zip, .bin, .hqx, .sit) but remember that you’ll need to expand the file (Win | Mac) when you want to use it.

Keep in mind that different operating systems and word documents may not allow for downloading different formats.  Check to see if the download is compatible with your system if you are unable to successfully complete the download.

Here are some more things that you will want to keep in mind as you start searching for and using great online fonts:

    Search for fonts by theme - many font websites have their fonts arranged by themes.  Pet, kid, holiday, etc. are all popular themes that may make your search a little less tedious.

    Free for non commercial use -

most of the fonts that are available for free are only offered to those who do not intend to use a font for commercial use.  This means that you cannot legally download a free font with the intent of using the font to somehow have a monetary gain.  Do not plan on downloading the font you intend to use on business cards, pamphlets, advertisements, fliers, etc. unless you buy the rights or have permission to use the font for these purposes.

    Digital scrapbooks -

Digital scrapbooks are becoming very popular and downloading fonts is obviously a big part of making your digital scrapbook.  If you do not feel comfortable searching for and downloading fonts, you can buy font software from any office store and get your digital fonts that way. 

Posted by Don under Scrapbook Embellishments , Scrapbook Techniques on Fri 29 Jun 2007 No Comments 

As a scrapbooker or as someone who wants to start scrapbooking, you will need to decide how you want to have your album themed.  Your album theme choice will depend greatly on how much space, time and materials you have.  Keeping this in mind, below are some popular choices for album themes. 

Yearly

A yearly album is the most popular choice especially among beginners.  In a yearly album, you simply scrapbook the year chronologically as events occur.  Begin at whatever point in the year that you last left off and scrapbook until you have filled an album.  This album theme is also best at conserving space because you are only working on one album at a time.

Individual members of the family

Another very popular album theme is to do a separate scrapbook for each member of the family (usually just the children in the family).  Those who scrapbook so that their children can have special memories preserved opt for this album because they may plan on giving the child the album when they become an adult.  Other people decide to do an album for watch member of the family because they find it easier to keep organized that way.  When you go back to look for a specific child’s photo at a certain event, it is much easier to find.

Stages in life

Another idea for an album theme is to have a book that focuses on certain stages in life.  Examples include, teen years, being a mom, college life, etc.  If you find that you have a particular abundance of pictures and memorabilia from a specific stage in your life, it is sometimes easier to just dedicate a book to it.

Holiday

Holiday scrapbooks are also popular.  The most common times that we pull out our cameras to take pictures for our scrapbooks are during holidays.  Whether it is a birthday or Christmas Day, it is likely that you will have more pictures at these times of the year than on any average day.  Holiday scrapbooks are fun because you can look back and see how individuals have grown and changed from one year to the next.

Events

Family vacations, reunions and other special events that are important to your family provide great opportunities to create an event themed album.  In some families an individual member of the family is responsible for recording the memories of the events and that album is them shared at the next family event.  Family historians are often kept busy by recording a scrapping the memories of these special get-togethers.

School work

If you are a mother with children in school you know how many pieces of paper your children bring home on a weekly basis.  School themed albums can include artwork, field trip photos and programs, assignments, test scores, etc.  A school themed album is a great way to chart a child’s educational progress from on grade to another and a fun way for kids to see how far they have come intellectually.

Extra photos

Most of us take more photos than we will ever have the time to sit down and actually format into a scrapbook page.  Consider having a more basic album that just holds the extra photos that didn’t make the cut to appear on a more detailed layout.  Even a simple photo album can be used to store the extra photos that you may have.  Your extra photos album should not be doubles of the photos that you have already scrapbooked.  Instead of keeping the doubles for yourself send them to family members.  Not only will this help you prevent unwanted clutter, but it is also a safety precaution.  If your album were ever damaged, you could solicit those who you sent pictures to and ask them to send you copies.  This way you can rest assured that there are always back-up photos.

Posted by Don under Scrapbook Embellishments , Scrapbook Techniques on Thu 28 Jun 2007 No Comments 

Part of the appeal of scrapbooking is that you can use your creativity to build an album that can be cherished and looked at for years to come.  As a scrapbooker you use special tools to crate pages that are interesting and informative.  Because new techniques are being created every day, it is impossible to create an all inclusive list of the design possibilities present when scrapbooking.  So instead below you will find some basic suggestions of ideas for making typical photos unique through scrapbooking techniques.

    Chalk -

Chalk is a fun and versatile medium to use when working on a scrapbook page layout.  Chalk transfers easily to photos and can be used to create some very interesting color effects.  You can simply use the photo as a template for the colors you use and cover a color in the photo with that same color in chalk.  The effect is playful and whimsical. 

    Black & white and sepia tone pictures -

You can take your pictures on black and white negatives and have them developed in to black and white or sepia tone proofs or you can easily custom order black and white or sepia tone pictures to be developed from color film or digital pictures.  Keep in mind that you cannot turn a picture taken on black and white film into a color print.  You can add interesting aging effects by opting for a black and white or sepia tone picture.  These types of pictures are especially good for adding a more artistic touch to your photos. 

    Spot coloring black and while pictures -

You may have seen photos that are black and white but have a small portion of the picture colored in.  These types of effects are actually quite easy to do.  All you need is a black and white picture and some colored pencils that will transfer to photo paper.  The natural shadows of the picture do most of the work for you.  All you need to do is color inside of the lines that you want.

    Frames and mats -

You can make a photo stand out by framing it or mating it with complimentary types of paper.  The paper that surrounds or is directly behind the photo can make a big difference in how well you see the picture itself.  Having the photo framed out brings attention to the photo itself instead of embellishments or journaling.

    Add dimension -

You can add dimension to a photo simply by copying parts of the picture, cutting them out and placing them, slightly raised, directly over the original.

    Photos don’t have to be square -

You can round corners, cut out circles, cut out the shape of the image, make puzzles, etc.  Use your imagination and really make your photo image more interesting.

    Cropping -

Don’t feel obligated to use an entire picture if you only like a part of the picture.  Crop out the parts that surround the focus point of the photo so that you do not waste space on your scrapbook page with unwanted images.

Before you start doing anything to your pictures, consider the techniques that may permanently change the photo.  It is always best to first practice on a spare picture or a scrap piece of photographic paper if you are not sure of the effect your technique may have on the photo. 

As was stated before, this list is in no way a complete list of options and creative possibilities.  There are millions of different combinations of colors, patterns, shapes, cutting tools, embellishments, etc. that can be used uniquely.  Another great appeal about scrapbooking is that there are not right and wrong ways to do things.  You can make your album any way that you wish.  Try to think of your own ways for making typical photos unique through scrapbooking techniques.  Feel free to build on principles that you have read here or are familiar with by some other means.  Who knows, you may stumble upon a technique and layout that no one else have ever thought of before!

Posted by Don under Scrapbook Embellishments , Scrapbook Techniques on Wed 27 Jun 2007 No Comments 

Scrapbooking is a more hands-on alternative to storing your pictures and keepsakes in a typical photo album.  Many people start scrapbooking in order to creatively display everything from photos, to school projects and awards.  There are many different eye catching elements that you can incorporate into a scrapbook.  With a little creativity and time you can create scrapbook layouts that you will be proud to show off. 

Color

Color is a very basic and yet very important part of scrapbooking.  Coordinating colors and patterns helps the page look put together and complete.  You can add color to a page in many different ways.  Of course there are limitless options when it comes to paper.  Scrapbooking paper usually comes in either an 8′10 or 12′12 sheet (depending on the dimensions of your particular scrapbook album).  Re-use scraps and feel free to mix and match.  Color can compliment your pictures and make them seem even more interesting.  If you do nothing else to catch the eye of your scrapbook reader, add color!

Texture and dimension

Adding texture and dimension to your page is as easy as incorporating items that are not flat!  Common everyday materials such as fabric, wrapping paper, and ribbon can be used to add interest to your page without making it too thick to still fit inside a book. 

Frames

A very popular technique that people frequently use when scrapbooking is to frame their pictures.  A picture can be framed a number of different ways.  Obviously we are not talking about the kinds of frames you would hang on your wall, but rather a piece of paper that frames out the picture on your page (some people call it a mat).  A frame or mat can be made however you wish but most people either cut out the center of the paper they are using to frame out the picture so that the part of the picture that should be see is visible.  Other people cut the picture down to the size that they want and then place a complimentary paper behind the picture.  Although simply putting the paper behind a picture is easier, it does waste more paper.  Obviously this may be more of a problem for some than others so the choice is yours.

Shapes and punches

Scrapbooking is a medium that we can use to rid ourselves of the straight lines and harsh angles that make ordinary photo albums boring.  You can use different shapes, hole punches and scissor patters to add interest to your pages.  With a few tools all you need is paper to make an ordinary page seem much more visually interesting.

Paper

Scrapbooking is all about the paper.  Paper is not only what you use as the backdrop for your entire page, but paper is also used for journaling, matting, and decorating.  Having the right paper can make even the novice scrapbooker seem skilled.  Many scrapbook supplier companies create entire lines of scrapbooking materials around the use of a paper with a particular pattern.  Start with the paper for your page and work your way through the rest of the page from there.

Interactive pages, brads, buttons, stickers, etc.

There are too many scrapbook page layout techniques and tool to name and more are being created every day.  Your best bet is to use your imagination and discover the techniques that work best for you.

Now that you have so many new ideas to choose from feel free to mix and match different ideas on the same page.  Obviously you do not want to crowd a page with too many extras (after all, your scrapbook is to show off your photos not necessarily your embellishments).  Be creative and find the styles that you like best!

Posted by Don under Scrapbook Embellishments , Scrapbook Layouts on Tue 26 Jun 2007 No Comments 

Sorting photos is to many people a necessary evil.  When you think of scrapbooking, sorting and organizing are not the first things that come to mind.  However, a well organized working area can make scrapbooking both more enjoyable and more productive.  There are many different ways to sort photos.  You may want to sort your photos the same way that you sort your scrapbooking albums.  If you are able to scrapbook regularly, you may be better off scrapbooking your pictures as soon as you have them developed so as not to get too far behind.  If, however you are looking for more hints and tips for how to sort your photos here are a few more suggestions to consider:

Photo boxes and file cabinets -

Photo boxes and file cabinets are the ideal methods of storing sorted pictures.  After all, what is the use of sorting them if you have no way to store your photos when you are through?  Make sure that you use a photo storage area that is well ventilated and free from moisture.  You want to make sure that your containers are sturdy and will not cause the photos be become bent or torn by accident.  Make sure that you clearly label the different sorted categories that you have when you file your photos away so that you can easily find exactly what you are looking for whenever you need it.

Yearly (Be sure to date your photos) -

Many people simply sort their photos chronologically, in the order that they were taken.  This way all of the memories captured in the photos can be easily put in their natural sequence of occurrence.  If you are scrapbooking for posterity (as most people do) it is wise to date your photos as soon as you get them back from the developer.  If every photo has a date then even if they are separated from a scrapbook page or their photo storage container their proper place can be found again.

People (mark names on back of photos) -

Some people choose to sort their photos by the people in the photo.  Many scrapbookers make books specifically for certain members of the family.  Naturally if this is the way that you assemble scrapbook pages, it is only natural to have your photos stored in a similar manner.

Places/landscapes -

Photos of landscapes definitely tell a different story than photos of people.   Landscapes are great ways of capturing a vacation spot, landmark or other identifying mark that lets other people know what a place looked like.  Some people choose to scrapbook their landscape shots differently than candid human shots and so it makes sense to separate those ones separately from the photos of people.

Events (holiday, birthday, reunion) -

Many times scrapbook pages are sorted by event because events are usually chronologically organized and include person pictures of other people (thus combining several of the different sorting methods). 

Marking favorites - Not all pictures taken can always be scrapbooked.  Some scrapbookers prefer to choose their favorite pictures to use in their scrapbooks.  It makes sense then that in the sorting process the pictures that have been marked as "favorites" stay separate from those that may just end up in storage. 

Doubles and unused pictures -

Much like the pictures that have been marked as "not a favorite" doubles should either be sent to people who can use and enjoy them or stored in a different location.  Unused photos that are unusable should be thrown away.  If you have photos that are under or over developed or have any other type of problem that makes it difficult to see what is happening in the picture it is better to throw them out than to allow rejected pictures to clutter a work space.

Posted by Don under Scrapbook Embellishments , Scrapbook Techniques on Mon 25 Jun 2007 No Comments 

Sewing scrapbook pages adds a unique visual effect to your album.  In addition to looking interesting there are actual reasons why you would want to sew a scrapbook page.  Sewing scrapbook pages can solve interesting adhesion problems.  Sewing scrapbook pages is relatively easy to do as well.  You can treat the paper just like fabric when you lime the pieces that you want to sew together.  You can choose to use both the thread from the bobbin and the spool or you can just use the spool (depending on the look that you want).  Carefully and slowly push the paper through the machine adhering the two pieces.  Lift the needle, cut off the excess, and you’re done!  Of course if you do not have a sewing machine you can do the same thing by hand, it just may take a little longer. 

Sewing scrapbook pages may be a little challenging at first, especially if you are not good with a sewing machine.  So it is a good idea to use scrap pieces of paper to practice your hand at sewing paper and to see how your machine reacts to sewing things that are not fabric.  You may find that the lack of resistance causes you to have to go a lot slower on the machine.  When you are ready to sew a real scrapbook page below are some more detailed reasons why and when sewing a scrapbook page would be a good option…

Velum

Velum (a transparent paper) is a tricky medium to work with because you cannot glue it or tape it to anything as glue and tape can bee seen through the velum.  A clever alternative is to sew your velum pieces to your pages.  This makes the adhesion look more neat and clean while adding a unique feature to your page.

3-dimensional pieces

Instead of hot glue or other types of adhesives use a sewing machine to stick those awkward pieces onto your pages.  Many times things like ribbon, fabric, bulky paper, etc. are difficult to secure to a page.  Sewing these trickier item to the page not only ensures that they will not fall of the page at a later date, but sewing adds a discrete line that if noticed looks very natural next to the thick fabric (or whatever else) you are using on your scrapbook page.

Artistic addition

Of course you can sew scrapbook pages just to achieve a certain look rather to solve a problem.  Sewing adds interest to the everyday paper by adding lines and textures that cannot be achieved through another type of medium.  Sewing a scrapbook page takes relatively little time to achieve a look that seems much more tedious. 

To add to the theme of the page

Sewing a scrapbook page is a good way to compliment a page with themes like quilting, home, comfort, mom, aging, etc.  Sewn pages are a good way to really bring a theme to life by combining interests of memories, scrapbooking, and sewing together.

Sewing scrapbook pages can get tricky depending on where on the page you want to sew and how large your piece of paper is.  A standard sewing machine only allows for so much room between the needle and the machine and you may have to be creative in how you position the paper in order to avoid bending it.  Another good suggestion of how you can avoid problems like this is to make sewn cards.   Cards are smaller and can be maneuvered more easily in the sewing machine.  If you have materials for scrapbooking, than you should be able to make a card.  Whatever craft you choose to do, keep the option of sewing in mind, once you try it you may be surprised how easy and fun it is to do.

Posted by Don under Scrapbook Embellishments , Scrapbook Techniques on Sun 24 Jun 2007 No Comments 

Scrapbooking can quickly turn into a mess unless you have a way to organize all of your supplies.  When you scrapbook there are small scraps and large sheets of paper.  Each thing must have its place if you are to have a chance of finding it again later.  Organizing your scrapbook supplies not only keeps your area looking clean, but it can help you be more efficient with the time that you have to scrapbook.

Have a designated area

You need to set aside a specific place in your house for scrapbooking supplies.  You need to limit the amount of space that your supplies take up or they can quickly take over your living area.  A common fault among scrapbookers is to buy products with the intent on using them sometime in the future.  This may very well be the case, but if you buy items more quickly than you can use them you are just throwing money away.

Keep like items together

Separate your items by function, size and frequency of use.  Paper should all be stored together in an area where they will not become wet, soiled, torn, wrinkled or otherwise damaged.  Writing utensils (pens, pencils, markers, stamps) are generally grouped together as are adhesives, glues, and tapes.  There is no wrong way to organize your supplies.  Whatever method of organizing you use, all that is important is whether or not the system makes sense to you. 

Color code

Color coding like items makes finding the thing you are looking for a lot easier.  Paper is a prime example.  Having your paper in a random order makes it extremely difficult to find the exact color and pattern that you want.  Organizing your papers so that like colors are all together can speed up the process and make you aware of what colors, patterns, and other types of patterns that you have.

Transparent containers

Having transparent containers is a good idea because it allows you to see what is inside a container from every angle.  The things that have made their way to the bottom of the container are not as easily forgotten because they have can be seen from the outside.  Additionally when you go to get your supplies you can quickly see if what you need is inside any given container without having to open it up and look inside.

Shallow compartment storage for small items

Your smaller items such as brads, paper clips, and scraps are more efficiently used when stored in a shallow container that does not allow for such small items to become jumbled and disorganized.  Compartments in these shallow containers allow for the materials to stay where you want them to so that you can simply open your holding container and immediately find what you are looking for. 

Keep dangerous materials high or in locked containers

Some materials in a scrapbookers collection can be very dangerous in little hands.  Scissors, razor blades, paper cutters, etc. all pose a serious risk to children who may not know how to handle these dangerous items.  Because many scrapbook supplies are not intended to be used by children, they are sharper than an average knife or pair of scissors and can seriously hurt someone who is not being careful.  Additionally, permanent markers, chalks and paints should also be kept out of reach as these items are capable of causing serious damage to furniture, clothing and anything else that you would rather keep clean.

Kid’s collection

A good suggestion to help keep your scrapbooking work area clean when children are so interested in the materials that you have is to create a scrapbooking collection that they can use.  Scrap paper, washable markers, blunt scissors, etc. can give a child a chance to be just like mom and they too can practice good organizational skills.

Posted by Don under Scrapbook Embellishments , Scrapbook Techniques on Sat 23 Jun 2007 No Comments 

Notes and letters can be wonderful additions to any scrapbook.  Notes and letters often tell a very important story especially if there is a picture that can be placed near the writing.  Many times it is only our notes and letters that remind us of a time, even, or person that is dear to us.  Often times it is difficult to incorporate notes and letters in a scrapbook tastefully because of the issues with the size of the notes.  Many standard size letters and notes are just as big as or a few inches smaller than the scrapbook page.  This means that there is very little, if any, room at all to add embellishments, photos, explanations through journaling, etc.  Many people just choose to store their notes and letters elsewhere than to simply glue them to the scrapbook.  Notes and letters provide an interesting challenge to a scrapbooker but there are ways to get around the size and shape dilemma.  Below are some possible options that you have when you are trying to tastefully incorporate them into a scrapbook page.

Pockets

Simple pockets can be formed on the scrapbook page out of envelops or simple cut pieces of paper. These envelopes can store folded notes that can be taken out of their envelopes when someone wants to read them, and stay protected and secure on the page when you are not looking at that specific letter or note.  Another important element that you will want to include on the page if you choose to use an envelope is to make a note somewhere on the page that indicates that there is something in the envelope that can be removed, read, and then replaced to its spot. 

Separate sheet protector

For a larger note or letter that is not folded and you do not wish to fold it, consider using a standard size page protector to encase the note and then adhere the covered letter to the scrapbook page.  This is especially useful when you have notes or letters that are doubles sided.  You can easily reach in the sheet protector cover to retrieve the letter (just as above) and both sides of the paper can still be access and read.

Cut the page protector itself

If you do not want multiple sheet protectors on a page you can simply cut the main sheet protector so that readers can get to the documents to be read.  There are a number of ways to allow for a piece of your page to be handles without jeopardizing the safety of that particular scrapbook item.

Attach with a string

Some scrapbookers who worry that a piece of their scrapbook may get lost if it is mean to be removed, can attack some kind of string or twine to the note or letter to ensure that the letter and the scrapbook album do not become separated from each other.  Attaching a small piece of string should not cause too much damage or distract form the overall look of the page.

Scan and shrink

With the increased availability of high quality and resolution scanners and printers, you have a lot more options when it comes to altering the look of a document.  Many times people have very delicate and aged papers that they are afraid to handle or to have adhered to another piece of paper.  To preserve such delicate documents, you can scan and print a copy on a more durable paper.  You can still have the words of the note without worrying about the loss or damage of the original.  Scanning and printing is a great idea if you just want to save space.  An idea of how you can save space by scanning and printing size reduced pieces it to scan all of your kid’s school projects.  Over the course of 12+ years of schooling it is likely that you will accumulate quite the stack of school work that you want to have as a keepsake.  Reducing the size of these papers allows you to scrap them, file them neatly, or store them in a much more area efficient manner.

Posted by Don under Scrapbook Journalling , Scrapbook Layouts , Scrapbook Lettering , Scrapbook Products , Scrapbook Techniques on Fri 22 Jun 2007 No Comments 

If you like scrapbooking and have been doing it for the past while, you have most likely accumulated some kind of a collection.  Some people are certainly more fanatic about their supplies than other people.  Regardless of how much you have or want to have it is important to be realistic in determining how many scrapbooking supplies are too much. 

Decide how much space you can spare - If you live in a palace and have rooms and rooms to spare, then filling those rooms is less of a crime than if you have a 500 square foot apartment and have to sleep on top of your supplies because there is simply no other place for them.  Of course this is an extreme example, but the point is that you should not buy more supplies than will fit in the space that you have.  You need to set some physical boundaries that clearly delineate what areas of your living space can be allotted to scrapbooking.  Once you have exceeded that limit, you must have the self discipline to cut back instead of spreading to other parts of the house. 

No obstructions - A good place to start when delimiting space for scrapbooking supplies is to determine what areas that you have that are out of the way of the flow of traffic.   Your supplies should not block doorways or walkways or any thing else that you will have to access regularly. 

Moderation - As with all things, scrapbooking should be done in moderation.  It is not necessary to have boxes and boxes full of stickers (or any other single material).  It is impossible to use so many of just one thing.  You need to use what you purchase and in the proportion that is appropriate for you.  It is ok to have more stamps if that is what you use most often.  Be smart about your purchases and make sure that when you buy something you know that you do not have two other things just like it at home already.

Have a budget - Perhaps the most important rule about controlling your spending on scrapbooking supplies is to have a budget.  Just like any other pleasure purchase you have to practice some self control and put your spending in perspective to the other financial obligations that you have.  A little purchase here and there may not seem like a big deal at first but over time lots of little purchases can really add up to a financial problem.  Set a side an amount of money that you can spare each month and spend it very wisely.  Take into account your space, size and product selection limitations. 

Do not save for a mystery project - When you make a purchase you should already have a purpose in mind for that material.  Scrapbookers start getting into trouble when they buy supplies that they think they might use some day.  Do not allow yourself to go overboard on experimenting new products either.  Scrapbooking has become very popular and more and more people want to get their hands on a piece of the profit available by being a scrapbooking supplier.  The result is a constant influx of new trinkets, gadgets and embellishments.  It is near impossible to have everything and you should not even be trying.  Unless you can dedicate your entire day to scrapbooking you have to be realistic about what you are going to be able to do in the near future.

If your scrapbooking is hurting important relationships, if you have supplies stacked up to the ceiling or if you are habitually buying just for the sake of adding to your collection, perhaps you are in need of some scrapbooking rehab.  As funny as it sounds, many people become overrun by their materials and seriously need to take time to assess what is of most value to them.  Scrapbooking is just like any hobby.  Scrapbooking can be productive, relaxing and enjoyable, but you cannot let stickers, paper and photos have too much power over you. 

Posted by Don under Scrapbook Embellishments , Scrapbook Products on Thu 21 Jun 2007 No Comments