Tuesday 29 April 2008

Scrappers UK




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Hello to all my fellow Scrappers in the UK!
How is your scrapbooking going?
I've only been scrapbooking for a few months (officially) but it's something I've done ever since my childhood. (I'm now 44) I just didn't realise that it'd become so high profile a hobby.
Here I've been quietly collecting memorabilia and photos over the years, not realising that I'm part of a 'Scrappers' fraternity out there.
From saving favourite birthday & Christmas cards, tickets to theatre trips & days outings to the much loved 'Starsky & Hutch' scrapbook from my teens.
I've since done numerous scrapbooks relating to holidays and special occasions. My favourite & ongoing one is my Son's (hoped rise to fame) scrapbook. He's wanted to be an Actor from the age of 4, he's 20 now & in his 2nd year of University doing a Drama degree. I've scrap booked everything he's ever had a part in from primary school shows to his Major Final Performance that he did in order to get his BTEC diploma, before going to Uni.
I love doing them and as I'm sure you're aware, scrapbooks are a unique way to tell a story or follow and document someone's life.
Since I've discovered that there is a lot on the Internet about scrapbooking, I've been hooked.
I couldn't believe all the resources out there. Obviously I've always bought my resources in the UK, but now the whole world has opened up to me.
Not just for things like layouts, borders and materials either.
I've discovered that such sites also offer inspirational quotes. I've found this invaluable, as after doing so many scrapbooks I often get stuck for something a bit different to say or write about.
These sites also provide links to other websites on scrapbooking too. I must admit my husband has recently become a scrappers widower as I spend most evenings searching these sites.
They even give away hints as to how to get rid of any mistakes you make.
I can now make my scrapbooks even more beautiful by accessing all these international ideas. I'm so glad I've discovered them; I recommend that you have a look for yourself too. Don't just be Scrappers UK, let's take over the world!

Tuesday 22 April 2008

5 Ideas for scrapbooking pages



CLICK ON THE ABOVE TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET OVER $100 OF BONUS SCRAPBOOKING IDEAS




1. Ribbons and lace are 2 of the most common ideas for scrapbooking pages. They also look beautiful when used as borders too. The flowing nature of both materials gives a touch of softness and elegance. Ribbon and lace are especially nice when used in gift and memory scrapbooks. It is therefore a bonus that ribbon is so easy to glue and attach. Lace requires a bit more patience, however. For an interesting change from ribbon and lace, try using jute or raffia.

2. For an added personal touch and artistic flair why not use a book jacket as a background? This scrapbook technique looks especially nice when the book jacket comes from a favorite book. Be aware, however, that the glossy coating on the book jacket creates an added challenge to sticking objects on to this background. Alternative attachment methods include sewing and eyelets.

3. Another great idea for scrapbooking pages is to add shadow boxes. Basically, shadow boxes add a shadow to your images. They are also a great way to make your most important photographs or text boxes stand out from the rest of the page. Shadow boxes can also be used to emphasis dedications. To make a shadow box, simply cut a box shape out of paper. Next, put your embellishment on a larger square of card. Then, add glue to all four sides of the card square and attach it to the back of your paper. The embellishment will show through, adding greater dimension to your page.

4. Another good way to add dimension to images is to use double stick foam tape. Double stick foam tape literally allows items to pop out at the reader adding realism to items. This technique is especially useful in children's art. Simply, cut the foam tape into whatever shape and size you want. Then, attach to the shape and add to your scrapbook page. Double stick foam tape is easily available from most craft stores in various colors and thicknesses.

5. Last; but not least, patterned paper can be used for backgrounds, borders, and embellishments. Often plain white backgrounds look rather boring and dull. Patterned backgrounds add a touch of excitement to your page. The right pattern tailored to your theme and purpose can also create a real professional look. Colors and patterns can be used to coordinate with your photographs or add a dramatic effect. Paper with various themes and patterns is widely available nowadays. For instance, a birthday scrapbook could have a background made of your favorite gift wrap. This could add a touch of elegance or a touch of humor depending upon the patterned paper you choose.

To discover even more ideas for scrapbooking pages, take a look at this wonderful website.