I love notebooks. I love making lists (and crossing things off my list). A recent tune-up on my sewing machine, some lined paper I made in Word (or make some using Photoshop and this tutorial), scrapbook paper and a few embellishments helped me make this:
It's been so great to have a cute place to put my daily tasks and long and short term goals. The best part was it was SO easy to make. Cut half sheets of lined paper (regular ol' computer paper) and a piece of heavier patterned scrapbooking paper. (I believe mine was 9" x 6"-or just enough to give about a 1/4" border all the way around.) Carefully sew down the middle of the book. For this part I didn't use my foot pedal. I did it all by using the turn knob on the side of my machine. (Do a test run to make sure your paper stack isn't too thick.) When it was all sewn together I decorated the front with a few simple embellishments, rounded the corners with a punch and inked the edges. It is my favorite notebook. -Ang
This craft is on the CHEAP!
First, I made these magnet board clippies with free promotional magnets (for animal vaccinations, of all things) and Mod-Podged squares of scrapbook paper on them that match my kids' rooms.
My kids always have so many things to hang up (little crafters, all)and they were really excited when I gave these to them.
Next, I bought some simple wooden spring clothes pins at Target for less that $2. I painted some red with acid-free acrylic paint (which I use along in my scrapbooking) and covered the others with Mod-Podge and Rusty-Pickle doodle paper.
I clip these on wires that I strung across my wall in my scrapbook/craft room and use them to hang un-finished scrapbook pages and cool products that I want to use on my next scrapbook page! --C
Polls are in the right column. Time to rock the vote!
Everyone has a different style of scrapbooking. I like a lot of different styles and I like my pages to all be unique. So, I thought it would be fun to scrapbook 3 different styles using 1 sketch.
So, here's the sketch that I chose. If you would like some great sketches, here is a link to 40 sketches on Creating Keepsakes.
The first layout that I did was a CLASSIC/SIMPLE look. It has a lot of simple lines and clean edges. You will see patterned paper, but you will also see a lot of matted photos. You will also see rounded corners.
The 2nd layout that I did was a FUN & FUNKY style. With fun and funky you see a lot of torn edges. A lot of sewing on the pages and fun stuff like felt, fabric, ribbon, etc. Thanks to my mom for letting me raid her stash of felt that I think she's had since the 70's. I got some really fun colors that you can't buy any more.
My 3rd style was FASHION. Fashion is the style that you will find the most in scrapbooking magazines. Fashion uses a lot of fun patterned paper, ribbon, flowers and bling.I can't tell you how much fun I had scrapbooking all 3 of these layouts in 3 different styles. It was fun to use the same sketch... and it also shows that a sketch is just a guideline to get you started on your page. As you can see, I used the sketch in different ways each time.
Which is my next step after sketching. I usually find my patterned paper and build my cardstock choices around that.
Then the fun part-making all that work come to life. I'm not huge on embellishments, but sometimes I'll issue myself a challenge like using my stash of stickers, flowers, etc or trying something new like chipboard or buttons. It keeps it fun and interesting. 
(Same with this one. Sorry again.)
You'll notice something missing from both layouts. Journalling. Never been too good at getting it done. I'm working on it. :)
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:
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).
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!
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.
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!
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!
This week we are all highlighting How We Scrapbook.
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!!!
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