Whenever a big event happens in our lives, we grab a camera and take lots of pictures to put in our photo album. But there is a growing hobby that is being adopted by many more people every single day, and that hobby is scrapbooking. This hobby is doing away with the process of filing photographs away in an album, and taking them to a whole new level by adding extra elements to them to ensure that the memories are kept in much sharper focus.
The great thing about scrapbooking is that it enables you to create themed books that relate to different occasions. You could do a book dedicated to a friend’s wedding and give it to the bride and groom as a wedding gift. Another idea is to make one for your parents, showing them a range of photos from when you and your siblings were growing up. This would also make an ideal gift for Christmas or a birthday.
The possibilities with scrapbooking are endless – in essence they are limited only by your imagination.
Using Different Materials To Create Different Effects
Sometimes it’s good to create a certain mood when you are displaying your photos in a scrapbook. For example, photos that are taken at a certain time of year can be embellished as such. Seasonal pictures of your family opening their presents at Christmas can be surrounded by cut outs of trees, gifts and holly and ivy. You can also use stencilled lettering to add messages or notes to the pictures, as well as noting the date on which they were taken.
Scrapbooking allows you to add far more detail to your pictures than a standard photo album allows. You would often be restricted to writing the date on the back of the print, but with a scrapbook you don’t have to do this. You can also include notes on who is in the picture and what was happening. Embellishments will add to the overall theme of the photos and can transform a simple set of pictures into something really special.
Stocking Up On Craft Items
As you begin to delve deeper into the art of scrapbooking, you will start to build a collection of papers, rubber stamps, lettering, stickers, stencils and much more that you can use when adding a page to an existing scrapbook, or creating a completely new one. If you are new to the hobby of scrapbooking it can be worthwhile to buy a few ready-made kits, which usually include a variety of materials that adhere to a specific theme.
You can personalise your scrapbooks even more by including items other than photos in them. For example, if you want to create a scrapbook devoted to your summer holiday, be sure to keep anything related to it, such as brochures, tickets, and any other paperwork that could be used when you eventually make the scrapbook itself. If you go skiing you could keep the cable car ticket to tuck halfway underneath a picture of you on the cable car itself. This all adds further depth to your scrapbook and makes it more of a memory book than if you included nothing but the actual photos.
In short, scrapbooking makes more of our photos than an album would. The fact that we can add as much or as little to them as we wish makes them extremely versatile, and a great gift for someone else – either as a starter kit or completed by you as a memory of a specific occasion.
Finally, keep everything you can lay your hands on that you think might be good for a future page in your scrapbook. You never know when that bus ticket, cinema ticket or receipt for that romantic meal might find a place in your scrapbook.
Nov 4, 2007
Oct 23, 2007
More Scrapbooking Ideas & Phrases
Here are a few more great phrases for you to use within your scrapbooks . . .
- Advice is like castor oil, easy to give but dreadful to take.
- A wise person cares not for what he cannot have but for what he can.
- Advice is least heeded when most needed.
- Actions speak louder than words.
- Always forgive your enemies...they hate that !!
Sep 19, 2007
Scrapbooking Ideas Phrases & Quotes
Here are some fabulous scrapbooking ideas for your album phrases and quotes.
- A wee bit of heaven drifted down from above, a handful of happiness, a heart full of love.
- Precious and priceless so lovable too, the world's sweetest miracle is a baby like you.
- A smile is something you can't give away... it always comes back to you.
- A smile is the light in the window of the soul... indicating that the heart is at home.
- A good gardener always plants 3 seeds... one for the bugs, one for the weather and one for himself.
Aug 29, 2007
Scrapbooking Definitions Explained
I'm often asked what some of the scrapbooking definitions actually mean, so here are a few key scrapbook definitions explained for you . . .
PS > Keep an eye on this blog for more scrapbook definitions explained in future posts.
Acid-free: Means the product has a pH of 7 or higher. Acid is a chemical used to make paper. This makes the paper break down easily. The higher the pH in the paper, the more durable the paper is. If the paper you are using contains acid, it can discolor, damage, and deteriorate your photos.
Archival quality: This term is used to describe the quality of the paper or material. This insures the product you are using will not discolor or disintegrate over time.
Cropping: To crop a photo, means to cut out the elements you do not wish to display. This will take away any distractions from your subject. There are several ways to crop your photos. The most common way is to use a straight edge. This can be achieved with a paper cutter or scissors.
PS > Keep an eye on this blog for more scrapbook definitions explained in future posts.
Jul 17, 2007
Jul 6, 2007
Free Scrapbooking Paper To Print
Scrapbooking paper forms the background for every page of your scrapbook. If you begin to do many scrapbooks, it can be a major cost. To save that cost, many people look for free scrapbooking paper to print from their computers. Below, we will tell you how to find free scrapbooking paper to print. We will also discuss important things to remember about your scrapbooking paper.
Why Special Scrapbooking Paper
At first, you may be tempted to use plain construction paper for your scrapbooks – or colored paper for your printer. Scrapbooking paper is higher priced than either of those, and it doesn't seem that special!
Preservation: Scrapbooking paper is special because it is intended for the best preservation of your photos and memorabilia. Scrapbooking paper is acid-free and lignin-free. What does that mean for you?
* Acid-free: Scrapbooking paper that is acid-free has a neutral pH. At most, the pH should be between 6 and the neutral 7. The wood pulp of which scrapbooking paper is made contains natural acids. These are neutralized in production by treating the paper with a substance such as calcium. The paper may be buffered also to keep additional acids from forming.
Acid-free scrapbooking paper is used because scrapbooks are intended to last a long time. Acid-free paper will not yellow and deteriorate as regular paper will. In addition, acid-free scrapbooking paper will not harm your photos, or cause them to deteriorate.
* Lignin-free: Lignin is another substance found in wood pulp. Lignin makes acidity even worse. It intensifies acidity. Scrapbooking paper that is acid-free, but not lignin-free, will not remain acid-free as long. Lignin can be removed in the pulping process, but adds to the cost of scrapbooking paper.
You may have a newspaper that has turned brown over time. That brownness is caused by the lignin, which makes acid form inside the paper fibers.
Scrapbooking paper that is lignin-free is not as likely to turn brown.
Problems with Free Scrapbooking Paper to Print
Free scrapbooking paper to print on your own machine may have drawbacks that will make you reconsider.
1. Scrapbooking paper you print will not be acid-free and lignin-free unless you purchase special paper for your printer. Such paper is available, of course. You simply need to check before you purchase. Acid-free possibilities at office supply stores online include: regular multiuse and copy paper; color copy paper; inkjet paper; laser paper; and business stationery.
2. If you decide to find free scrapbooking paper to print, you will probably have to settle for a smaller size. Scrapbooking paper is often 12" x 12" and few printers are capable of handling that size. Even if you use 8.5" x 11" paper, your printer's margins may prevent you from printing the next convenient size of 8" x 8".
3. Free scrapbooking paper to print at home is not likely to offer as many patterns and colors. You may want to look for digital scrapbooking paper, enhance it in a graphics program such as Adobe PhotoShop, and then print it.
How to Find Free Scrapbooking Paper to Print
Scrapbooking paper found online is sometimes totally FREE – no strings attached. At other websites, you may be asked to take a survey, or sign up for a newsletter before gaining access to free scrapbooking paper.
Begin a Google search by typing the search phrase "free scrapbooking paper to print" without quotation marks. You should find several websites at the top of Google's results. Usually, what you want will be in the first 10 or 20 sites only.
When you have finished looking at those sites, type the phrase "free digital papers" or "free digital scrapbooking" without quotation marks. You should get additional websites that offer free scrapbooking paper to print.
For even more choices, simply visit scrapbooking sites. Many offer several free items to lure customers to their store.
Finally, look on your computer software for free scrapbooking paper to print. Software programs often have patterned stationery templates that make good scrapbooking paper. If you are working with Adobe Photoshop or a similar program, create your own scrapbooking paper by repeating a pattern.
Let your imagination take over, and you will soon see free scrapbooking paper in many places.
About the Author: ©2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about scrapbooking at http://www.scrapbooking-for-fun.com Anna is posting new articles every week on that site. You won’t want to miss her recent article on free digital scrapbooking frames.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Hart
Why Special Scrapbooking Paper
At first, you may be tempted to use plain construction paper for your scrapbooks – or colored paper for your printer. Scrapbooking paper is higher priced than either of those, and it doesn't seem that special!
Preservation: Scrapbooking paper is special because it is intended for the best preservation of your photos and memorabilia. Scrapbooking paper is acid-free and lignin-free. What does that mean for you?
* Acid-free: Scrapbooking paper that is acid-free has a neutral pH. At most, the pH should be between 6 and the neutral 7. The wood pulp of which scrapbooking paper is made contains natural acids. These are neutralized in production by treating the paper with a substance such as calcium. The paper may be buffered also to keep additional acids from forming.
Acid-free scrapbooking paper is used because scrapbooks are intended to last a long time. Acid-free paper will not yellow and deteriorate as regular paper will. In addition, acid-free scrapbooking paper will not harm your photos, or cause them to deteriorate.
* Lignin-free: Lignin is another substance found in wood pulp. Lignin makes acidity even worse. It intensifies acidity. Scrapbooking paper that is acid-free, but not lignin-free, will not remain acid-free as long. Lignin can be removed in the pulping process, but adds to the cost of scrapbooking paper.
You may have a newspaper that has turned brown over time. That brownness is caused by the lignin, which makes acid form inside the paper fibers.
Scrapbooking paper that is lignin-free is not as likely to turn brown.
Problems with Free Scrapbooking Paper to Print
Free scrapbooking paper to print on your own machine may have drawbacks that will make you reconsider.
1. Scrapbooking paper you print will not be acid-free and lignin-free unless you purchase special paper for your printer. Such paper is available, of course. You simply need to check before you purchase. Acid-free possibilities at office supply stores online include: regular multiuse and copy paper; color copy paper; inkjet paper; laser paper; and business stationery.
2. If you decide to find free scrapbooking paper to print, you will probably have to settle for a smaller size. Scrapbooking paper is often 12" x 12" and few printers are capable of handling that size. Even if you use 8.5" x 11" paper, your printer's margins may prevent you from printing the next convenient size of 8" x 8".
3. Free scrapbooking paper to print at home is not likely to offer as many patterns and colors. You may want to look for digital scrapbooking paper, enhance it in a graphics program such as Adobe PhotoShop, and then print it.
How to Find Free Scrapbooking Paper to Print
Scrapbooking paper found online is sometimes totally FREE – no strings attached. At other websites, you may be asked to take a survey, or sign up for a newsletter before gaining access to free scrapbooking paper.
Begin a Google search by typing the search phrase "free scrapbooking paper to print" without quotation marks. You should find several websites at the top of Google's results. Usually, what you want will be in the first 10 or 20 sites only.
When you have finished looking at those sites, type the phrase "free digital papers" or "free digital scrapbooking" without quotation marks. You should get additional websites that offer free scrapbooking paper to print.
For even more choices, simply visit scrapbooking sites. Many offer several free items to lure customers to their store.
Finally, look on your computer software for free scrapbooking paper to print. Software programs often have patterned stationery templates that make good scrapbooking paper. If you are working with Adobe Photoshop or a similar program, create your own scrapbooking paper by repeating a pattern.
Let your imagination take over, and you will soon see free scrapbooking paper in many places.
About the Author: ©2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about scrapbooking at http://www.scrapbooking-for-fun.com Anna is posting new articles every week on that site. You won’t want to miss her recent article on free digital scrapbooking frames.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Hart
Jul 3, 2007
Free Scrapbooking Ideas
Finding ideas to apply to your scrapbooking can be such a big pain. You are faced with the prospect of creating a masterpiece, yet you don't really know how to begin. Here are some suggestions for you to try out:
1) Color – The simplest idea for a scrapbooking page should be a color. Basing your scrapbook pages on a single color though, can be quite complex if you want it to be. There are shades to experiments with. By trying on different shades of a color, you can have variety and yet stick with the same scrapbooking idea.
Another fun scrapbooking page idea that involves colors has you researching their different interpretations. By using colors this way, you can actually have a message that means something special to you.
2) Literature – Think of your favorite piece of literature and base your scrapbook on that. Taking inspiration from books or a poem is a really good scrapbooking idea. You see, authors sometimes picture their characters and stories so vividly, that you can visualize them in your mind. By placing these images on paper, you can actually share with people something that so inspired you.
Basing your scrapbook on a piece of literature can be pretty deep for some people to take. You may have to do a bit of explaining before someone gets the message of the scrapbook. In doing so, you get to show a part of your soul to the readers. It may also inspire people to take up reading.
3) Characters –Characters abound in the world that people can take inspiration from. In using characters, you have two options: A. Fiction – this idea for scrapbooking pages involves you taking a fictional character and using that character as an inspiration for your scrapbooking page. Contrary to what most people think, fictional characters are actually harder to research on than actual, living characters.
One reason is the fact that different people have different interpretations of them. Take Batman, for example. In the sixties, the TV series portrayed him as this campy superhero who wears grey and blue spandex. In the 1989 movie, he's a bit more brooding, and wears protective armor. In the movie “Batman and Robin” he is portrayed as this not so brooding, talkative character who wears a rubber suit with nipples. See how different people's perceptions of a fictional character can be?
One advantage to this, though, is the fact that you can have more freedom with this idea for a scrapbooking page. You see, not many people will question your interpretation of a fictional character. B. Non-fiction – In this idea for a scrapbooking page, you take your inspiration from a real person. It doesn't really matter if they are alive or dead. However, remember that people change all the time. Just take a look at Britney Spears and you'll probably realize the meaning of this statement.
By using real persons as your inspiration, you are actually offered a whole lot of detail on their lives. However, you won't really have the same freedom as when you are trying to do a fictional character.
4) Activities – Try getting an idea for scrapbooking pages from your favorite activity. Most guys would choose sports and stuff, and nothing's wrong with that. However, you may want to try being different and think outside the box. Base your scrapbook on an interest which no one can really guess. In doing this, you'll get to have additional fun by having people guess the connection of the page to the activity.
Sometimes, people tend to categorize us through our activities. However, you might want to prove to others your true depth by showing in your scrapbook that a certain activity foes not define the “whole” you.
You might want to show, using your scrapbook that even though you enjoy a particular activity, it is only a minor part of your existence and that you have a deeper facet to your personality than being a computer whiz, basketball jock and other stereotypical labels.
There you go: those are just some ideas for scrapbooking pages you might think about trying out. By trying out different things before you actually use them, you can actually see if those ideas for scrapbooking pages fit your personality .
1) Color – The simplest idea for a scrapbooking page should be a color. Basing your scrapbook pages on a single color though, can be quite complex if you want it to be. There are shades to experiments with. By trying on different shades of a color, you can have variety and yet stick with the same scrapbooking idea.
Another fun scrapbooking page idea that involves colors has you researching their different interpretations. By using colors this way, you can actually have a message that means something special to you.
2) Literature – Think of your favorite piece of literature and base your scrapbook on that. Taking inspiration from books or a poem is a really good scrapbooking idea. You see, authors sometimes picture their characters and stories so vividly, that you can visualize them in your mind. By placing these images on paper, you can actually share with people something that so inspired you.
Basing your scrapbook on a piece of literature can be pretty deep for some people to take. You may have to do a bit of explaining before someone gets the message of the scrapbook. In doing so, you get to show a part of your soul to the readers. It may also inspire people to take up reading.
3) Characters –Characters abound in the world that people can take inspiration from. In using characters, you have two options: A. Fiction – this idea for scrapbooking pages involves you taking a fictional character and using that character as an inspiration for your scrapbooking page. Contrary to what most people think, fictional characters are actually harder to research on than actual, living characters.
One reason is the fact that different people have different interpretations of them. Take Batman, for example. In the sixties, the TV series portrayed him as this campy superhero who wears grey and blue spandex. In the 1989 movie, he's a bit more brooding, and wears protective armor. In the movie “Batman and Robin” he is portrayed as this not so brooding, talkative character who wears a rubber suit with nipples. See how different people's perceptions of a fictional character can be?
One advantage to this, though, is the fact that you can have more freedom with this idea for a scrapbooking page. You see, not many people will question your interpretation of a fictional character. B. Non-fiction – In this idea for a scrapbooking page, you take your inspiration from a real person. It doesn't really matter if they are alive or dead. However, remember that people change all the time. Just take a look at Britney Spears and you'll probably realize the meaning of this statement.
By using real persons as your inspiration, you are actually offered a whole lot of detail on their lives. However, you won't really have the same freedom as when you are trying to do a fictional character.
4) Activities – Try getting an idea for scrapbooking pages from your favorite activity. Most guys would choose sports and stuff, and nothing's wrong with that. However, you may want to try being different and think outside the box. Base your scrapbook on an interest which no one can really guess. In doing this, you'll get to have additional fun by having people guess the connection of the page to the activity.
Sometimes, people tend to categorize us through our activities. However, you might want to prove to others your true depth by showing in your scrapbook that a certain activity foes not define the “whole” you.
You might want to show, using your scrapbook that even though you enjoy a particular activity, it is only a minor part of your existence and that you have a deeper facet to your personality than being a computer whiz, basketball jock and other stereotypical labels.
There you go: those are just some ideas for scrapbooking pages you might think about trying out. By trying out different things before you actually use them, you can actually see if those ideas for scrapbooking pages fit your personality .
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