How I Scrap: Thrifty to a Fault

How I pull my layouts together can vary: scraplifting, a bit of inspirations from a magazine or simply working with my pictures (I really like lining everything up with perfect margins between photos), but one thing I'm very consistent about is trying to get the most bang for my buck.

There was a time that I bought more scrapbooking items than I ever used. I think I've been trying to make up for that ever since, forcing myself, if possible, to USE MY STASH! I keep scraps (in rainbow ordered file folders) and "outdated" papers and embellishments, sure that I'll use them some day.

Although I do often de-junk my collection, Anisa teases me a lot about what I hang on to. Yet for all her teasing, sometimes I really have the perfect thing for her on one of her layouts that is OLD (and as you know, that's about 9 months for scrapbook trends).

Here's some of my favortie thrify tricks:

• use parts of the patterned paper as accents

I don't mind the sometimes painstaking process of cutting out tiny flowers or swirls, stars or flourishes to layer over my photos (also a great way to cover up problems in photos).

• edit photos

I edit most all of my photos with Photoshop Elements before printing them. Doing this makes me happier with my scrapbook pages and I'm not disappointed in the lack of other decor. Again, it's work, but the results are so nice. Totally worth it!

• plain white cardstock is your friend

White cardstock can be transformed into just about anything. You can print on it. You can use it for photo mats. You can use it as a background and it goes with nearly everything (and when it doesn't you can ink it, chalk it, paint it). The possibilities are endless. It can be purchased in large packages from warehouse clubs like Sam's Club.

See how these simple white cardstock rings make this page come together.

As far as my style goes, it does vary, but mostly I like to take a lot of pictures, so I scrapbook a lot of pictures. I still use the 8 1/2" x 11" pages because I have a lot of cardstock that size to use up, but I do use a 12x12" album for our family vacation and Christmas albums.

Journaling is very important to me. Even on repetitive subjects (Easter, Halloween, first days of school) I try to put in a special tidbit of my own to help the kids know things about me or their dad or the families we came from). I view scrapbooks as ties to the past and the future and I want to put it all in there, in words. I used to use my computer to print nearly all my journaling (hey free fonts! http://www.fontfreak.com/ ), but I'm quite satisfied with my own handwriting and use it for the most part.

Scraptastic Contest AND Give-away!

In keeping with our month long dedication to National Scrapbook day, we're offering up a scrapbook contest. Your favorite layout (limit 2 page layout) for all of this: Our grand prize winner will receive: a 6x6 mini album, jumbo blossoms with pebble brads and alphabet rub-ons (Making Memories), Tag Line journaling pieces (KI Memories), a black Zig Millenium pen (EK Success), black ribbon and a paper bag album from Anisa (design subject to change). Plus, you'll also receive a $10 gift certificate to Snapfish so you can print your pictures to fill your new mini album and paper bag album!

Here's how it goes. Email us your favorite layout by May 13. (twiddlethumbs@rocketmail.com)

You can create something new just for this occasion or send in something you've already done. Layouts can be traditional, digital, or hybrid (a little of both). Each of us will choose our favorite layout. We'll post the 3 finalists and let the blogging world (read: you) decide. Make sure you spread the word to all your friends, family and blogstalkers to come participate and vote. Voting will start May 13 and close Tuesday May 26 at midnight and the winner will be announced May 27th.

And bonus-everyone who sends in a layout will be emailed a set of 6 journaling cards just for entering. How cool is that?! Everyone is a winner here at Twiddle Thumbs! (All prizes will be awarded after the winner is announced)

Let the games begin!

I "scraplift"

Since May 2nd was National Scrapbook day, we thought we would dedicate the month of May to scrapbooking on our blog.  Stay tuned for fun contests and giveaways!

This week we are all highlighting How We Scrapbook.

So, this is how I scrapbook.  First, I'm not very creative.  I really can't think up things on my own.  I love scrapbook magazines!  I have subscriptions to two of them.  I look through my magazine as soon as I get it and I turn down the corners of the pages of the layouts that I like.  Sometimes I will write notes on the page.  Then I go through my pictures and try to figure out which pictures will go with the layout that I like.

Then I grab my supplies... cardstock, patterned paper, trimmers, adhesive, punches, buttons, ribbon, etc.  I tend to like to match my colors to the colors in the pictures that I am using on my layout.  Then I basically "scraplift" the layout.  I will adapt it to the size of my album or the amount of pictures that I have and the embellishments that I have, etc.

Here are some layouts that are on my old neighbor Maggie Holmes' blog.  I loved them all, so I took portions of each of the layouts.... ...and I created this poster for Brenner's preschool student of the month. Stay tuned for how Cami and Angie scrapbook later this week.  And please leave a comment and tell me HOW YOU SCRAPBOOK!!!

-Anisa