This and That

I am a social and chronological srapbook. Basically, most of my scrapbooking gets done at crops or other craft gathering. Thus far, I've also been a straight chronological scrapbooker. I start with January and go through December. I get all the holidays, birthdays, camping trips, vacations, etc. but not so much of the little things like where we like to shop, silly habits and quirks of family members and the like. I also don't do a book for each of my kids (Shock! What a bad mom!!) I don't do any other sort of mini album either. Well, once I did a mini book of a vacation my husband and I took together but I swear-nothing else. It's always confused my simple mind to do anything different. Now that my kids (and me too) are getting older, I'm thinking of changing my ways a little, but more on that another day. For now here is my basic process. This is what I will probably never change.

I scrapbook the traditional way with printed pictures, paper and embellishments bought at a craft store, adhesives and trimmers. I love it. It's like putting a puzzle together. As soon as I pull out an envelop of pictures, I immediately separate them into smaller stacks like the first day of school, swimming lessons, etc. Next I take the top stack (remember-I'm obsessive about going in chronological order) and lay all the pictures out to narrow down my choices.

As soon as my pictures have been picked, I hit the books. I have three books I consistently use: Becky Higgins Sketch Book (the first one), Easier-than-Ever scrapbooking (Creating Keepsakes), and Imagine (Close to My Heart). I also have some templates I bought at a Making Memories warehouse sale that I love.

I always have to sketch out my layout, even if the book is there. I'm a guidelines kind of gal. I like the look of a page, but don't want to be influenced to much be someone else's designs and tastes. I've also found after using these things for a few years, there are a few layouts I use over and over like the one below. I finally had the courage to tweak my standard 6 (4 x 6) pictures to fit 4 vertical ones and one horizontal. And thanks to my "imagine" book, I've also been more courageous in learning to use patterned paper in different ways.

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.

(Sorry about this one-blogger kept turning the orientation on this photo. I'll keep working on it.)

(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 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

Coming Up: National Scrapbook Day!

National Scrapbook Day is tomorrow, May 2nd!

At Twiddle-Thumbs, we'll be celebrating all month with a emphasis in scrapbooking throughout the month.

Look for layout ideas, organizational tips, ways to be inspired, techniques, and contest or two! All this starts next week, so pull out your photos, paper & adhesive and get ready for some FUN!

Great Photography Give-Away!

Our good friend, Kristen Spencer of Kristen Spencer Photography sent us the following heads up:

Kristen Spencer Photography is Utah's Featured Photographer on Give Away Today.

To enter: Follow this link to http://www.giveawaytoday.blogspot.com/ and scroll down to Kristen's. (there are several photographers featured and each from different states)

Photography packages are transferrable so you can enter for any state and if you win, give your prize away to another who lives there.

Kristen also told us that even if you're not a winner, if you book a session with her, you get a free 8x10 for mentioning this give-away. Here is the link to her website, http://www.kristenspencerphotography.com/

You can enter any time from today May 1st through May 3rd. The winner will be announced on May 4th.

Disclaimer: Twiddle-Thumbs.com is not involved in this give-away, we're just passing on valuable information. You cannot enter the contest from this website. You must go to www.giveawaytoday.blogspot.com to enter.

Good Luck Everyone!!!!

Everyday, from here to there, there are crafters everywhere!

We asked and a wonderful few of you responded with photos of some of your favorite or recent hand-made crafts:

First we have two from Shellie:

a door hanger and a pretty Spring wreath. Rachel made this paper-piecing picture after being inspired by this post by Anisa.

and Kristen writes: I have been dying to know how to make these, and you have a way of showing and explaining EVERYTHING that I just "get it" and I get excited!!!

She made these hair accessories after looking at this tutorial by Angie.

We're going to showcase more reader crafts in the future and look forward to seeing your work. Don't forget to take pictures of those hand-made gifts before giving them away!

Also, remember! This Saturday is National Scrapbook Day! Print up some pictures, pull out that gorgeous patterned paper you've been wanting to use and record some memories.

In honor of National Scrapbook Day we'll be doing a lot of scrapbooking posts, ideas, and show-casing! Send us scans or photos of your favorite pages and we'll do another reader post at the end of May (digital scrapbook pages wanted, too!)

Awesome Tutorials

So, the other day I was blog hopping through links on some of my favorite sites. I came across this insanely awesome post The Princess and the Monkey has put together and keeps updated. It's a ginormous collection of tutorials-everything from hand bags, things to put in your purse, clothes, toys, etc. Some things found here I'd like to try (and their links):

No-sew (love it already) fabric flower clips:

From: miffy's world

Gadget wallet:

From: Hoppo Bumpo