Tuesday, May 14, 2013

How To Use of Music Lyrics in Your Scrapbooking Journaling

How To  Use of Music Lyrics in Your Scrapbooking JournalingIf you are a scrapbooker who enjoys music, then you've definitely got an edge in your scrapbooking journaling. Instead of wondering what things to use for your journaling, you could call upon your favorite songs and pick out a special line or two that fits your scrapbook theme perfectly. But don't worry, because even if you are not the musically-inclined scrapbooker, this post could still help you to put a brand new concept to your hobby.

If you are a scrapbooker who enjoys music, then you've definitely got an edge in your scrapbooking journaling. Instead of wondering what things to use for your journaling, you could call upon your favorite songs and pick out a special line or two that fits your scrapbook theme perfectly. But don't worry, because even if you are not the musically-inclined scrapbooker, this post could still help you to put a brand new concept to your hobby.

You may not know that songs can help your scrapbooking journaling in so many ways than you would expect. Besides entertaining people and generally making our lives happier and lighter, music also provides a medium for many people to show their thoughts, feelings, and dreams. Come to think of it; that sounds a lot like what the goal of journaling is all about, right?

Songs can be found everywhere you go, and it is made for a variety of reasons. It could be made to captivate and rejoice a certain individual or event, but it can also be used to commemorate and venerate the feelings of less-happier moments. Whatever reason we use it for, the bottom line is that music holds a special spot in our lives. We all know just how organizations and governments use it to manipulate people and their decision-making, right? If you do not agree, simply listen closely to a catchy jingle from a TV commercial and you will discover what I am talking about.

Now how can you make use of songs in your scrapbooking journaling? The ideal and most common way is to use song lines. Many scrapbookers are actually using film titles, poetry, famous quotes and sayings to get good ideas and inspiration for their journaling. So it is not actually a far-fetched idea to discover song lyrics in use, as well. After all, some of the most sentimental and sincere lines have been found in songs, hence why not use this abundant resource?

There are hundreds of songs and a lot of lyrics out there to the scrapbooker in search of motivation and smart ideas. If basic words are not enough or are not able to convey the exact message you like, making use of certain lines from a song can do the trick instead. There are songs for every type of emotions, from joy to despair, plus all things in between. Furthermore, you may also use song lyrics for the scrapbook title, too. If you'd like a little bit of hint, why not make a scrapbook page using a picture of you and a loved one outside in the rain. Then you can work with a title like "Laughter in the Rain" or "Singin' in the Rain". See just how simple that was?

Given that you've got yourself an excellent title, you can now start putting into action your standard styles and techniques in designing your scrapbook layout. You can decorate the borders of the photos you will include with a few stickers that would balance the overall theme of the scrapbook. The music lyrics you'll add would have to be based on your theme, of course. Another little tip here: when one of your pages delivers importance to an extraordinary friendship you have with another person, then you can title your scrapbook page with 'You've Got A Friend'. I realize it is clich and somewhat cheesy, still sometimes corny is most effective!

Another thing to bear in mind when you use songs for your scrapbooking method: you should understand that you won't need to limit yourself to using only a few lines from a song. If you wish, you can print out the actual song and stick it in your scrapbook page. The ideas are unlimited, especially when you look at the reality that there are millions of songs around which cover the entire spectrum of human feelings and which you can use for your own work.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Make Your Mood Board with Scrapbook Materials

In the field of scrapbooking design and layout, many things can be considered upfront to be effective scrapbook materials since what matters more is the way you could create something more innovative out of a simple object or thing. In stressing your creativity a bit more, it can help if you would be familiar with your own designer layouts. This can help you save plenty of cash, time and energy while pursuing the hobby. Among the conventional styles one may start with in scrapbooking is the creation of mood boards. It's a good way of understanding yourself well and rediscovering your own personal style.

Make Your Mood Board with Scrapbook Materials
Make Your Mood Board with Scrapbook Materials

In the field of scrapbooking, many things can be considered upfront to be effective scrapbook materials since what matters more is the way you could create something more innovative out of a simple object or thing. In stressing your creativity a bit more, it can help if you would be familiar with your own designer layouts. This can help you save plenty of cash, time and energy while pursuing the hobby. Among the conventional styles one may start with in scrapbooking is the creation of mood boards. It's a good way of understanding yourself well and rediscovering your own personal style.

The scrapbook materials you will need in making your mood board would be just a few magazines or books, a couple of popular lines every now and then from sayings or movies, a few fabric items, and so much more. You may even put some sensory material to it in order to make it much more realistic and very tangible for anybody's style.

Here are the important actions to start off with your very own board.
  • Check out your preferred magazines to find pictures that may represent your personal taste in different items and aspects of life like clothing, automobiles, household designs, etc. Just as long as you think that a particular image makes some fascination to you, then simply cut it and save it for later.
  • Search for colors along with other elaborate things that would also suit what you think your personality exudes. For example, if you happen to always see yourself as someone lively, then go for some bright colors of pink, green or even orange. It is very important for you to stay creative with the things you can collect together for this is the portion of the procedure in which you get to understand your personal style.
  • After you are done with gathering all the items you will build up together, secure them all up in a cardboard in a fashion that you are designing a collage. It is important that even before you get satisfied with this task, take a good look at it and analyze well. Consider of what the board is telling you and you will be able to notice if you can still find some missing elements of it or it is just enough for you to put in a bit of anything one at a time as the years pass by.
If you're a follower of Oprah, then you may have been aware of this board already of which what people call as their vision or dream board. Instead, they work towards setting up boards that have photos, sayings, along with accessories that could allow you to visualize the person that you want to be in ten years or so. It's an encouraging thing especially for individuals who feel that they are confused somewhere during their lives and that they are baffled of which way to take. Take your time to think about the design and layout of the page and begin making your very own scrapbook board now with simple things that you can make use of.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Scrapbooking Kits to Make Your Hobby Easier

Scrapbooking Tips to Make Your Hobby Easier

Do work, kids and errands often get in the way of your scrapbooking hobby? If so, here are some tips to help you find time for your creative outlet.

Do work, kids and errands often get in the way of your scrapbooking hobby? If so, here are some tips to help you find time for your creative outlet.

Scrapbooking Kits to Make Your Hobby Easier
Organize your space and supplies and don’t let interruptions cut into your set-aside time
First, mark your territory. Do you have a place in your home you can dedicate to scrapbooking? A medium- sized table tucked away in a corner would do the trick. Having a dedicated space saves time because you don’t have to take your supplies out and then clean them up each time you sit down to work. If you have a small closet in your home, this makes the ideal spot. You can fit a small desk or table inside and stack your supplies on shelves. When you close the door, no one can see your half-finished project. When you open the door, your project is waiting for you, right where you left it.

Second, get organized. If your scrapbooking supplies are a mess, you’ll spend valuable time looking through stacks of paper or stickers trying to find the ones you need. Plastic containers make excellent storage for scrapbooking supplies because they’re inexpensive and easily labeled. Paper can be stored in a small hanging file folder or an accordion folder. Either of these will make your paper quickly accessible and easy to look through to find what you need. If you’re creative, organization may not come easy for you, but you’ll find that a little time spent organizing results in more time to devote to your hobby.

Third, make an appointment. If you schedule a time for scrapbooking, you’re less likely to let other obligations get in the way. Even if you have to set your alarm and get up early, you’ll find that it’s worth it to do what you love. Put your scrapbooking appointment on your calendar and let your family know that you won’t be available during that time.

With a little planning, your scrapbooking ideas will become a reality. Organize your space and supplies and don’t let interruptions cut into your set-aside time. After all, you deserve a little time to do what you love!

Digital Scrapbooking Kits for Scrapbooking without the Mess

Digital Scrapbooking Kits supply you with all you’ll need for scrapbooking without the mess. Digital Scrapbook Kits have papers and elements you can use for scrap booking traditional layouts (by printing the single pieces and papers from your computer) or for scrapbooking digital on your computer.

Then online printing services can print out your digital scrapbooking layouts. The biggest advantage to scrap digital is definitely that you can re-use the digital scrapbooking items. While conventional scrapbooking gives you just one chance to create your layout digital scrapbooking kits allow you to use the “undo” button and simply redo your layout. You can even use the items many times – this is perfect if you want a whole memory book e.g. about a wedding party and use the same style.

Today software programs such as Photoshop Elements have a product creator guide included. This allows you e.g. to make a photo book with your digital scrapbooking layouts and send them to an online printing service.

A photo book from a special event such as a wedding party or baby’s first year is the perfect gift. There are not many more gifts you can give which are more exclusive. Beside that digital scrapbooking kits often come with 100s of elements and papers and are much cheaper than traditional scrapbooking materials. While you pay for each paper in a scrapbooking store you can pay once for your digital scrapbooking kit and download your file.

Make sure that you make a copy from your digital scrapbooking kit to an external hard disc drive or a disk. But you are not limited to layouts or photo books. You can create many more nice supplies with digital scrapbooking kits. You can create an individual bookmark, a door sign, a notebook or a mouse pad. Be creative and make a unique collection of articles for your personal needs filled with your memories. All in all – digital scrapbooking is scrapbooking without the mess and much more flexible and cheap than traditional scrapbooking.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Tips for Perfect Digital Scrapbook Layout with Picture

Digital Scrapbook Layout with Picture
When you are working with set scrapbook templates, making certain your photo is the right fit is a big part of making your scrapbook pages look their best
Part of the art of digital scrapbooking design is making certain all of the different elements match up and look their best in design. You want to ensure your embellishments appear as 3-D as possible, you know it's important to make certain your digital layouts offer a color scheme that compliments your scrapbooking crafts and you only add the latest in online technology. All of these features are critical to creating the best creative digital scrapbooks you can, but a simple thing like getting your photos in order can really make or break a project.

Adobe Photoshop is a simple program with easy to solve fixes. Here are some tips to help you get started upgrading one of the key features of your digital scrapbook through Adobe Photoshop your pictures.

Get Rid of Red Eye

If the pictures are taken with a flash instead of natural lighting, the odds of red eye are huge. The good news is that the problem is an easy one to fix.

Using the Adobe Photoshop Program, all you have to do is select the red eye tool brush. Zoom in on the eyes and then adjust the brush size to the size of the pupils in the photo. Go to Sampling (found up towards the right of Help) and select First Click. Click on the red eye area and Voila! The pupil will turn back to black.

Crop Your Photo to Fit

When you are working with set scrapbook templates, making certain your photo is the right fit is a big part of making your scrapbook pages look their best. Cropping your photos will help achieve this. Select the crop tool, found three down on the left hand side of the tools. Click on crop options and enter the size and width you need the picture to be for your digital scrapbooking layouts. Hit Enter to crop the image. Save the new version.

Clean Up the Background

If background photo clutter is interfering with your creative scrapbooking vision, put that clutter away. Blurring out these distractions is a cinch with a few simple steps.

Open your photo and click on the Lasso icon. This tool will appear in the second row down on your left hand side. Use the lasso to circle the part of the picture you want to have as your main focus. Go up to Select and click on Inverse then go back to Select and click on Feather. Before you get wild and start to feather, head on up to Enhance and adjust your Color until you get to the Hue and Saturation option. There, you are simply going to de-saturate the color that's there until it no longer catches the eye.

If you are just getting started with digital scrapbooking, fixing your pictures is one of the key things you can do to ensure a quality scrapbook page. Take the time to perfect your images and you will be on your way to perfecting the art of creative scrapbooking.

The words Professional and Scrap don't sit that well together. Evidently to design the layout for a professional scrapbook you will need a little bit of organized chaos.

Fancy cutting skills will not do the trick this time! You need to be pro at tearing and overlaying the items in your book.

Make it look as though you can’t be bothered, yet really it took you ages to perfect. Kind of like the 'just got out of bed' hair look, that people seem to go for these days. It takes hours to perfect, and a bucket load of styling gel, yet people think you have amazing hair even though you can’t be bothered. More fool them!

Fashion over function is not always a necessity though when creating the ultimate scrapbook. It does need to look appealing, otherwise you won’t want to read back through it, or add to it ever again.. But! it has to be easy on the eye, you defiantly don’t want the pages falling out or random photos from years ago getting lost due to your badly glued over decorated rookie layering.

This will take you many years of practice, and many more to master.

Yet, with much dedication, maybe one day you will have a scrapbook worthy of leaving on your kitchen cupboard for your new girlfriend to pick up and think. "Wow this guys too cool for school!" Same applies for girls, although your new boyfriend might not be too interested in seeing a photo montage of your ex lovers!

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Great Scrapbooking Ideas

Do you need a gift idea for that really hard to buy and find for someone special on your list? How about a scrapbook highlighting the top 10 reasons you love them! Using 3 paper lunch bags, various scrapbook papers, glue and some unique stickers you can create a quick, easy and inexpensive creative gift they will treasure forever! These books are perfect for grandparents, friends, animal lovers and even teachers! Let's get started creating your one of a kind holiday treasure.

Items that you need to make the scrapbook:
  1. You will need 3 plain brown paper lunch bags. You can find these easily at any grocery store, they come in brown or in white and either color will work.
  2. Layer your bags alternating closed end and open end.
  3. Fold bag in half and staple at each end in the middle.
  4. Congratulations! You've just created a mini-scrapbook for just pennies! Now, let's get started personalizing your gift.

Decorating the scrapbook:

If you are using the brown paper bags you may wish to cover the brown bag with some scrapbook paper cut to size. Before gluing the scrapbook paper to the bag I recommend either sanding the bag lightly or using double sided table to adhere the paper to the bag. There is a light wax coating on the bag and not all scrap-booking glues adhere to the paper bags. By sanding or using double sided tape you can be sure that your paper will stick to the bag. I personally like to add scrapbook paper to the front and back covers to enhance the look. It gives it a more finished look and it takes the reader a couple of minutes to realize it’s made from lunch bags! which of course then, makes you look extremely creative!

Great scrapbooking ideas
Great scrapbooking ideas

Here are a few tips to help you organize your book:
  • Choose 10-12 photos that you want to use in your book.
  • On a separate sheet of paper write out your top ten reasons with fancy font.
  • Choose your paper and cut to size.
  • Glue background paper on to the paper bag.
  • For a more interactive book, you can add paper to the open portions of the book so the reader can pull-out pictures etc. to look at.
  • Match your pictures with your top ten reasons.
  • Choose your cover photo and put together your cover with some highlight text.
  • Start putting your book together by gluing on your photos to each page and adding your reasons.
  • Once you have your paper, pictures and reasons in the book go back and add in any stickers or other scrapbook embellishments to your creative taste.
  • I like to sign and date my books on the back cover and voila! You have a completed mini scrapbook that your reader will enjoy reading over and over!
Need more top 10 book ideas?

Top ten reasons we love grandma/grandpa - ask your kids for the reasons on this one!
  • Top ten reasons we are best friends.
  • Top ten reasons you are a great neighbor.
  • Top ten reasons I love you - this one works for just about anyone!
  • Top ten reasons you are a great dog/cat owner - from the pets point of view.
  • Top ten reasons you are an amazing teacher.
  • Top ten reasons I'm proud you are my daughter/son/mother/father etc.
  • Top ten reasons you are a great girl scout/boy scout/youth group leader.
These are just a few ideas, think of all the special people in your life and you'll come up with all kinds of scrapbooks to make! Happy Scrapping!

Friday, April 19, 2013

Simple Scrapbooking Layouts and Elements

Scrapbooking layouts and elements

Are you looking to brush up on your scrapbooking skills or even just wondering where to get started. Here's the low down on everything you need to know to get started.

Most scrapbook layouts will have these elements, even though each page is different: photographs, embellishments, cardstock, memorabilia, patterned paper, journaling and of course your title.

Title: A title will tell your readers what your page is about. It can be both creative and functional. Titles come in many different forms, including rub-ons, stickers, cardboard, die cuts or wood. Don't forget your handwriting could also be wonderful and creative.

Simple Scrapbooking Layouts and Elements
The bits that you want to add to your scrapbook layout that form part of your story are called memorabilia

Journaling: Because the essence of scrapbooking is preserving your memories for future generations, journaling is the writing that tells your reader what the page is about, or other details that may be forgotten such as dates, or even people's names.

Photographs: Your scrapbook wouldn't quite be a scrapbook without them. The photographs make up the centre piece of the story that you are trying to convey. It is totally up to you how many photographs you want to include in your layout. Try to stick to the same theme or occasion.

Embellishments: Embellishments are like decorations to use on your layout. These could include flowers, buttons, stickers, ribbons or whatever you fancy that suit's the theme of your scrapbook layout.

Memorabilia: The bits that you want to add to your scrapbook layout that form part of your story are called memorabilia. These could include souvenirs from events like museum cards, brochures, menu's, and even old letters written by loved ones.

Cardstock: Cardstock is usually the base of any scrapbook page layout. The most popular layout size is 12 x 12 inches. Cardstock comes in many forms and colors. To make a double page, just use two sheets side by side. Cardstock is also often used to matt photographs or frame photographs within your layout.

Patterned Paper: Patterned paper is used to decorate your layout and also to complement your theme. This can be found in either paper weight or cardstock weight and there are so many different varieties available, you will find something for every occasion. A note for new scrapaholics. Always remember to use acid free products, as you want your scrapbook to last. Always look for products that are lignin and/or acid free. This means that the process of card and paper manufacture has been regulated to neutralize acid and remove lignin. Both these elements can cause your scrapbook layout to deteriorate over time.

What is a simple scrapbook?

When used in reference to scrapbooks, the word simple doesn't mean it is simply or quickly done with little effort at creativity or formatting. Instead it refers to a scrapbook, which covers the simple everyday things that usually don't make it to the pages of traditional scrapbooks such as transforming a room's decor or creating a new flowerbed. Simple scrapbooks also have a decisive starting and ending point.

A Simple Scrapbook Has An Ending

Most scrapbooks never end as they are continued in the next book, where the last one left off. Simple Scrapbooks have a distinct beginning and ending. As in the example of adding a room to your house, when the room is finished and decorated, there is nothing more to add to the scrapbook. Another example would be My Ancestors, your family may continue to grow but you will never have more ancestors than you have now so it's perfect for a Simple Scrapbook.

Framework Of A Simple Scrapbook

The frame work of a simple scrapbook will often include the same items as a traditional scrapbook, beginning with a title page that gives your scrapbook its name, the dates covered, name of the creator, and in general sets the style and tone of the scrapbook.

The second page in the framework will be the dedication or introduction page where you list any information that will help readers to understand why the scrapbook is meaningful. It can face the title page or can have a page of its own.

The third page will be a table of contents or table of sections if needed. For example if your Simple Scrapbook is about school projects, you could have sections by the date or by the season or if it is about adding a new room to your house the sections could be Planning, Laying The Foundation, The Framework, Finishing The Inside, Decorating and so on.

Following the table of contents page will be the filler pages with photos and other keepsakes you wish to include. The final page will be the closing page that ties it all together.

Choosing The Format

Only you can limit the number of colors or materials you include in your scrapbook, however choosing a few main elements that will appear on every page such as colors, stamps, design paper or even ribbons will tie your pages together in a meaningful scrapbook.

For example you wouldn't want all the pages to be the same color except for one and neither would you want your photo frames all square with only one oval. The title page usually sets the formatting choice of things such as colors, torn or cut borders and fonts used for captions.

You can make your simple scrapbook as large or small as you choose. Just because it is a simple scrapbook doesn't mean you can't spread your wings and make it as fancy or creative as you like.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Fun Scrapbooking Ideas for Your Whole Household

Scrapbooking has become a very popular family or personal hobby, and for good reason. Not only it can be a lot of fun, but it is also an artistic way to preserve and exhibit your photo collection with extractive layout. While looking at pictures by themselves is alright, they are much more fascinating and fun to view when they are arranged in a stylist scrapbook format. There are so many unique papers and embellishments to choose from that you can effectively customize a scrapbook page to properly accentuate and display your pictures. All of your family can have fun with it too, which is an extra benefit. You will find that the crafts listed below will really help you to get some excellent ideas for some fun to do with your loved ones or your family.

Framed Scrapbook Pages

Just because the majority of scrapbook pages are displayed in albums layout doesn't mean they can't be displayed in picture frames if desired. This method for displaying can be especially successful if you have a handful of pages that turn out especially nice. It is also an excellent way to provide a constantly changing display of pictures in your home. Simply display one page for some time, then return it to its scrapbook album and put up another. To make these pages as an activity for the family, provide everyone with a nice selection of photos. There are a number of cases, particularly when little kids are doing their own pages that you will want to use copies of the pictures instead of the originals. Of course, if you're using digital pictures or scan images, you can simply make additional prints as needed. Give everyone a piece of scrapbook paper to use as a base or background for the page. Offer a good selection of scrapbook paper, embellishments, stickers and adhesives. If the children are small, be sure to only use safety scissors. Some kids also really enjoy using scissors that are particularly designed to cut fun and wavy edges. It's normally a great idea to base your pages on a theme such as a favorite pet, a fun Christmas or Thanksgiving, or a vacation that the whole family loved. When finished, show your favorite pages in basic scrapbook picture frames.

Individualized Scrapbook Albums

If you discover that your family truly enjoys scrapbooking, you can make it a regular activity. Numerous families find that arranging a "family scrapbook day" every month or even weekly can be a lot of fun. Give each family member their own personal album which they can fill with the pages they decorate. Each person will have their own style and preferences, and those ought to be seen in the pages they create.

Do not forget, when it comes to decorating photos with papers and other decorations, there really is no right or wrong way. During every day of scrapbooking everybody can work on any number of pages, many or few. While some family members may want to finish multiple basic pages, others may spend an entire scrapbooking session creating one intricately designed page. You will most likely find that scrapbooking together as a family will help you develop a whole new understanding of the importance of getting plenty of family photos. You might even discover that those scrapbooking sessions you arrange every week or month could become your family's new favorite activity to do!

The last thing you should know is that unless you're having a great time, you're missing the point of "scrapping". So just have fun with your love one or family, relaxing and making the most of your quality time together with this great hobby.