A Year In Review Scrapbooking

To all of you who frequent my site(s) or blog and to those of you have stumbled upon it for the very first time, I want to wish you a very Happy New Year!

I am sure you, like myself had found 2008 a very crazy year. Mine was full of really large UPS and really big DOWNS. Every year has been really. I went through a ton of emotions with a high paced – worldwide career, a very active family and all that comes with the two great children.

I have been way less active than I would have ever liked to be on this site (let alone my other hobby sites) – (especially the more FUN aspects of the business (like this blog)).

I have done much less scrapbooking and card making than I ever expected to as well. (I think one of the last big projects I did was  a lot of Paper Bag Scrapbooks…and Mini-Cards).

I wanted to create a picaboo album for the family this year and had much of it started – then I lost it all somehow (once again) and got completely discouraged.

And so the story goes….

But here are some of the most amazing parts of 2008 that have lit the FIRE under me -  I would like to share in my Year in Review Scrapbooking post here….2008 marked….

1. A rekindled relationship with my husband (that I can’t wait to journal into a romantic scrapbook for the two of us)…we decided to work MORE on us in 2008 – since parenting, leisure & work took over in 07.
2. A new found love for my children. *They have both finally reached that age where we can hang out like friends and have fun together for much longer periods of time – without exercising discipline or life lesson training.
3. A new appreciation for being HOME ….(I recently counted 23 stamps on my passport that was issued in 2007! Which means for a min. of 1 week – 2 weeks at a time – I was NOT at home at least 23 times between 2007 and 2009). Need I say more?
4. A new appreciation for SELF…I learned MORE about myself in 2008 than I had in my entire 33 years of life! I now know what I want and don’t want from life, love and all that surrounds me…but more important I know what I want FROM myself and I am all the more grateful for that now.
5. An intense love for vacationing! WOW! I never knew how therapeutic a real vacation could be! I have taken many trips to see family and to work across the globe…but having taken 3 vacations in one year (in 2008) alone to places like Hawaii, Mexico and Disneyland…I can’t wait to take more. In fact I have committed to taking at least one VACATION to a dream destination each year. I can’t wait to start planning 2009 already!
6. A new love for my friends. After being with my husband for 12 years and having 10 years of parenting on my belt now…I finally learned how critical it is to have your friends around and keep them close…no MATTER what path your life takes. They bring you peace when you no longer feel that you get any, they bring you conversation that you can’t always have at home or around the kids (or even with the hubby…right Girls!!!), they also keep the FUN FACTOR going – even when you feel incredibly burnt out or even “stuck in the same ol’ same ol’ routines of life” – - they help you break the chains of the life you created – and remind you that you CAN and should always maintain a life of your own. Thank you friends! Thank you!.
7. A new love for dogs. I grew up with dogs…and then cats…and for many years had NO PETS…I was happy with that so naturally along the way I lost sight of how cool dogs could be. Our new family addition (Hershey)…is one of the most loyal friends I know. He loves us in a way that no human ever would. He follows me everywhere I go. He cries when I leave him and he kisses me when I cry (to movies of course). He’s 8 in human years…but plays like a puppy! He’s also incredibly intelligent and has so many dimensions to his personality it amazes me every day!
8. A new appreciation for work. I know that sounds insane on many levels…but I do love the work that I do…and I appreciate having that work in times of economic crisis. It gives me and my family a sense of security that I could never find in all of my years as a solo-prenuer.
9. A new appreciation for TIME. Time is one of those things we can never get enough of – but I now fully appreciate the time that I do have. And now – finally….I don’t have regrets with how I make use of the time. If all I want to do is sit and do nothing…then I am overjoyed to allow that to happen now. I no longer look back at that time and think of the many OTHER things that I could have done with that time. I am now at peace with how I spend it. (Why, because I have finally decided to THINK about how BEST to use the time I do have since it is so limited…and I am much better for it).
10. A new appreciation for Organization. I know that one sounds silly too…but I have more clothes and items in the home than I do space (because all I do is shop on these trips away from home). In 2008, I finally encountered that feeling of having every inch of my walls and storage taken up by something (and a lot of it JUNK!)…so one of my 2009 resolutions is to RE-ORGANIZE. From my closets and dressers to the scrapbook room, my walls and even my outdoors. I figure that an organized environment = more time, more productivity, more freedom! So…Cheers to that!
11. & A new love for fitness. So here’s the deal with this one….I am one of those people who pays for gym memberships for YEARS and never goes. I keep the membership because I know I should go and like the idea of “being able to whenever I want to”. But I make ton’s of excuses why I can’t go. (ie: Too busy, too tired, feel sick, not motivated, gyms are boring…blah, blah, blah)…but then I found the Nintendo Wii & Wii Fit! Its pretty phenomenal actually. After only 644 hula spins on the Wii Fit (Super Hula)…my abs are killing all over and I am excited to go again. I am also excited to do all of the other fitness activities that my kids have unlocked (as soon as my Mii can unlock them!). I can’t see any reason why I would make excuses for this one – as the interactivity of a Wii Fit workout – is exactly what I need to get me over the most common of issues I normally have with workouts! Wii Hoooooo! Gotta love that right!).

And that’s it friends. That’s my core list of things I appreciate after my Year in Review for 2008. I look forward to appreciating all of these much more in 2009 too.

So…what’s on your appreciation list? If you are willing to share it…please do so in the comments area…if not…it might at

Grandaughter Scrapbook Page

One photo scrapbook layout – paper – grandmother and granddaughter.

Something I find very humorous about this page is that when I created it I was so incredibly pleased with the outcome that I went on paper scrapbooking hiatus for quite a while.  I was very afraid to break the mold. LOL.

As you might be able to tell I am fanatical about bring colors in my scrapbook pages.  And I think that’s what makes this page so powerful – especially when paired with a black and white photo.

Anyhow…for this page I used rubber stamps from StampinUp! This includes the stamped CHERISH text on the top left which I watercolered and glossy accented.  This also includes the pretty flowers on the right of the photo – which I also watercolored and added clear glitter to.

Beneath the photo are 3 white mini-brads which I love!  I think they add that special something.

Finally, I topped the page off with a few additional elements (stickers, silk flowers, clips and ribbon) and viola – a simple but very elegant masterpiece was created.

Scrapbook Layout – One Photo

One Photo Layout – Paper Scrapbooking

This was my absolute FIRST scrapbook page done with paper.  I had to do it.  This was one of my favorite photos of all time.  It reminded me of a television commercial that would leave a warm and fuzzy feeling in your heart.  Don’t know why.  Anyhow…reflecting back I would have spent a little more time making sure that everything was properly placed (not crooked) on the page.  I probably would have scanned the photo and made it much larger as well.

On this page, I tore handmade fibre paper (the red and gold on top and bottom) and I bent wire to spell out the word cousins.  I also printed the journaling onto a manilla folder.  This page took a LONG time as I wasn’t very happy with a LOT of it as I was building it out.  I had ZERO direction on it – other than the fact that I loved the photo.

What I do love most however is the fantastic colors I chose.  The green, red and gold with hinds of orange are just FANTASTIC!  Hopefully this one inspires you in some way.

Die Cut Machines – A Public Review

There is no doubt that die-cutting is really cool. Especially considering it can now be done at home with a desktop machine that costs anywhere from $50.00 – $500.00+.

Before die cutting was ONLY exclusive to print shops. And it was expensive! I know because I used to work at one. The dies alone would cost anywhere from $100 – $2000 to make as they needed to be hand crafted more often than not. AND they were almost always exclusive to the buyer of that die. Therefore that buyer needed to know that it was worth his / her companies interest to take that route before even doing so.

Granted some dies were available to everyone – but more or less this is an expensive trade. Not any longer.

At least not for scrapbookers. So today instead of Scrapbooking Directions putting its opinion out there on Die Cutters, we want to ask the public for theirs.

We want YOUR feedback if you have a die machine. Esp. if you have many die cut machines.

We want to know why you chose the machine you did. Your opion (comments) will help others make the decision for themselves.  It’s not a low cost invesment so it’s one that many scrapbookers would REALLY appreciate honest feedback on.

So please leave your comments.

Tell us which die cutting machine you have and why you chose it? Was it price, was it the library of dies, was it the ability to work with OTHER dies (being a universal die cutter), does it emboss also? Is it one of the only die cutters that can work with heavy duty double sided adhesives without wearing down the machine? [These are all of the reasons we chose the cuttlebug diecutter].

But what’s your story.

Please share.

CuttleBug Embossing Machine To Die For!

Okay so…I will openly admit that although I LOVE card making and scrapbooking to no end…I am NOT the expert I hope to be yet.  I believe this is because once you learn one great scrapbooking technique – or scrapbooking tool – out comes another and another and another.

That’s why I spend an AWEFUL lot of time reviewing what other people do in scrapbooking.  I collect books, supplies and tools like there is NO TOMORROW.  I can’t get enough scrapbooking and paper craft ideas that’s for sure.

This is a multi-billion dollar industry that appeals to many creative people.

If you aren’t creating scrapbook layouts – maybe you are making cards with

scrapbooking supplies.  If you aren’t doing either, perhaps you are designing scrapbook papers or embellishments or creating new machines like the  AccuCut or CuttleBug.

Or maybe you are taking it all to this whole other level!  Perhaps you are making paper mushrooms or paper houses – because they are super cool to look at!

But if you happen to be one of those people who just like to see it all and get inspired by it all…then there is absolute MUST see site for you!!!  Be prepared to have your MIND BLOWN however…this stuff is absolutely FANTASTIC!

Check it out CuttleBug Embossing Die Cutting Everything fans … I had to share this link!  I was blown away from first SIGHT!

This site is a great review of cuttlebug’s capabilities but also a fantastic sourceo of ideas for all of you diecutting, embossing maching fans.  You will love it.

Kudo’s to you Maggie Lamarre: Owner of http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com/ , you are offering great value with your blog! 

FYI: If you click to visit this blog, you may find yourself clicking on an off of the site to view some of the projects – but it’s definitely a site worth bookmarking as it will lead you to all of the great cuttlebug samples tips and ideas you could ever need!

Big Clearance Sale on Scrapbooking Items!

This just in….Scrapbook.com is clearing out over 1000 scrapbooking items at insanely low discounted prices and if you want them – you better snag them before they are all gone.

They’ve got everything from: Clearance Albums, Clearance Books, Clearance Cardstock, Clearance Die Cutting Templates, Clearance Embellishments to Clearance Kits, Clearance Paper, Clearance Stamping Products, Clearance Stickers, Clearance Storage and Organization, Clearance Tools, and Clearance Totes.

You have to check it out – - especially if you are looking for RARE scrapbooking items!  There is nothing better than a big sale for scrapbookers!

Not quite ready for scrapbooking products or supplies?  Still trying to learn how to scrapbook?  Why not consider our scrapbooking tutorial.

With this best selling scrapbooking ebook you will learn everything about beginner scrapbooking and more!

We even teach you how to make hand made cards as a special bonus!

Looking for other great Scrapbooking Products?  Perhaps Scrapbooking Layouts, Templates, Page Map books? Try our exclusive Amazon e-Store for more…

Scrapbooking More Than One Child

How To Scrapbook For More Than One Child
By: Anna Hart

Scrapbooking can be a delightful way to corral those family photos and memories into an exciting book. Scrapbooking can be relaxing for you as you do it, and a pleasure as you share it.

Books and articles on scrapbooking for 1 child abound, but suppose you have more than 1 child. Suppose you have 7 children. Then you need a book or article on how to scrapbook for more than 1 child.

You Have Scrapbooking Options

Those who want to scrapbook for more than 1 child have several exciting options.

1. Make a full-blown scrapbook for each. If you have many photos and memories to preserve, this allows the most space for each child. Your scrapbooking will require more time and money, but will be a labor of love.

The book’s theme will focus on that one child. Place his or her photo and name on the front, and theme every scrapbooking page to that child’s life.

You will use family photos, of course, to show the place the child held in family activities. But you will want pages that focus solely on that child: baby “firsts”; first year of school; favorite hobbies; favorite toys; dreams; birthdays; awards; graduation; etc. If a photo shows two of the children together, focus your journaling on that one child’s part in the photo. How did the world look from his eyes or her eyes? Our memories are always, I have found, as seen through our eyes. Do mention the second child, but spotlight the first.

As each child becomes able, he or she can help add new pages to his or her scrapbook. Scrapbooking can be a time of bonding and love that will long be remembered.

When they leave home as young adults, they can take their individual scrapbooks with them. As they mature, they will come to realize what it meant in time, effort, and cost for you to provide these treasured scrapbooking memories.

2. Make a mini scrapbook for each. If you have fewer photos, want to be more selective, or simply have very little time for scrapbooking, a mini scrapbook will still provide individual, tangible memories that can be carried into adult life.

Select just one theme for each double-page spread, with one or two photos on each. Tie the photos together with your theme, mounting them on the same color of torn paper or using identical frames.

Mini scrapbooking will not allow for as many family or sibling photos, but remember that this is a book about one child. When you make a mini scrapbook for each child, you can rest assured that each will get full attention. There will be no “left-out” feelings.

A mini scrapbook can be no larger than 6” x 6”. Or it can be half the size of a standard letter: 5.5” x 8.5”. You can read details about how to make your own mini scrapbooks in my article entitled, “How to do Mini Scrapbooks”.

Digital mini scrapbooks would be interesting for children, since they live in a computerized world. Digital mini scrapbooks can be less expensive to make, and people who are comfortable with one of the computer graphics programs, such as “Adobe PhotoShop”, will be able to apply interesting effects that are not possible with conventional scrapbooking.

3. Make a family scrapbook for each. A third way to scrapbook for more than one child is to make a family scrapbook for each. Less attention will be paid to individual children, in such a book, and focus placed on the entire family unit.

Your scrapbooking theme is your entire family, including every family member. Place the family name on the cover, and a nice family photo, if you wish. On the title page, write a note about the family as a whole.

Scrapbooking a single volume of memories will call for both family memories and individual memories. Theme your pages to focus on high lights of family life. Begin with Dad and Mom – the wedding, especially. You will still have a scrapbooking page for each child’s birth, but there will probably be insufficient space for every “first” of every child. Try to include true highlights of each child’s life. Include amusing times as well as those that were less pleasant. Include school events; sports; musical interests; birthdays; awards, graduations, and family pets.

You may still want to include your children’s scrapbooking efforts as they become old enough to take part in the process. Scrapbooking family memories will give opportunity to discuss those memories, and solidify them in each one’s mind.

When each child leaves home, for college attendance, to marry, etc., make a copy of the book as it is at that time, and present it as a going-away gift. Office supply stores or copy centers can copy each page in color on heavy paper or cardstock, and bind them with s durable spiral binding. Covers can be copied in color or black and white on cover stock.

Your scrapbooking gifts will vary for each child, according to when they leave home, but personal family memories of their time at home will be preserved.

4. Make a Perpetual Digital Scrapbook. If you want to scrapbook for more than 1 child with the least time involvement, you may want to consider a perpetual digital scrapbook.

Digital scrapbooking may contain hundreds, or even thousands, of pages, and yet take up no more space than a small computer CD. Digital scrapbooks allow you to add pages, even when the family is grown and dispersed.

Digital scrapbooks need never be printed. You can include individual pages of every child’s “firsts” as well as all of your family photos. Throughout life, you can continue to make pages. As each is completed, simply attach it to e-mail and send it to every family member. They can add each page to their scrapbooking CD, and continue the family album.

TIP: A digital scrapbook on a CD in a bank safe deposit box is the safest way to store your family memories. Your digital scrapbook will be safe from fire, floods, and other disasters.

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

© 2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about scrapbooking at www.scrapbooking-for-fun.com. Anna is posting new articles every week on that site, each one dealing with a scrapbooking topic. If you decide to solve the problem of how to scrapbook for more than 1 child by doing a www.scrapbooking-for-fun.com/digital-scrapbooking/how-to-make-your-own-digital-mini-scrapbook-16/”>digital mini scrapbook as suggested above, you won’t want to miss her article on the subject.

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