I have taken a hiatus recently, but my return is long over due. 
During my absence I came to the realization you must enjoy what you do.
Then when you are so blessed, do it all for his glory.

I have come to realize the importance of my scrapbooking adventure....
It isn't the break from the hectic day and solitude I enjoy,
It is not the camaraderie with my friend with whom I enjoy scrap camp.
It is the novel I am writing for my children and for generations.
It is the opportunity to leave a legacy.

I am happy to return and want more then ever to help you on your journey.
We have a story to tell and we are the vehicle.

Scrapbook Keepers are the keepers of heritage.

Happy Scrapping!
Diane

Once a week my kids and I will spend sometime together in our hot tub. It is a relaxing place to talk and stay connected to them.  Lately, each time we have gotten together they have asked me to share a story about my childhood.  They will pick a theme and I will respond with a colorful event and summarize what it meant to me. 

I realized after one of our last sessions, and struggling to recall any event, it dawned on me just how glad I am that we are recording their childhood in the pages of our scrapbooks.  This way I know they can pour over these pages with their kids with fondness and a sense of nostalgia.


Don't wait, it is difficult to remember the day, and without it, loose the moment.

To scrapbook layouts you first need to create interesting photographs.  Think of it in terms of telling a story. Your photographs photograph’s should include the character(s), plot and setting. While we make certain to include the "who, what, where, and when." We often forget the small details that add emphasis and focus important details in the story.

A few key photographs can fill in the unspoken details. Here are a few examples to help you find the details:

• birthday cake will tell of the parties theme
• table settings for a dinner celebration
• heaps of wrapping paper after a holiday celebration
• candles burning during winter holidays
• a diploma tells of the work and accomplishment
• close-ups of flowers native to the geographic location of a trip or a season
• medals or trophies from a competition
• ski’s leaning against the chalet
• sports gear piled up at the playing field
• architectural detail of a historic building

In taking these photos, keep in mind how they might be used on your layout. If you want to use it as a tiny element or accent, it is easier to stand some distance back, so that the photo can easily be cropped to the size desired.

This effect is used repeatedly in shelter magazines--the close-up photos of a small and meaningful aspect of a place speaks to the story.  So take a close up and tell your own story.

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am rarely at a loss for words.  However, it never fails that when I sit down to journal I get writers block.  It is on these occassions that I turn to songs, stories, movies, jokes, or my bible for inspiration. It is also the reason  why I have decided to add "Tid Bits" to this blog. 

"Tid Bits" is a category where we will store quips, antidotes, verses, quotes or any other such inpiration to find the right words.

The first Tid Bit:

Summer sky of blue and white, Winter sky of grey: Pink and orange in the dawns light, and red at close of day.

Usually single-word sentiments assume the title position on a layout and set the mood for the layout. Single-word titles aren't a new concept in scrapbooking. Single-word titles can be very effective and make a powerful statement.

However, picking the right word can be challenging. Here are some tips for finding the right “word” for your titles:

• Look closely at the subject in your photograph. What expression do they have? Is it curiosity, frustration, surprise, and excitement are just a few powerful descriptive words that would work well for a title.
• Use words that describe the relationships shown in your photographs. Friends, siblings, teachers, and relatives are all important relationships that can be captured in photographs. Words like companion, brotherhood, mentor, and family all help to emphasize relationships.
• Determine what words describe the events of the photograph. Does it display calm, chaos, comfort, or adventure?
• Translating a word into another language can be an interesting and effective.
  
• A thesaurus can help you eloquently portray the perfect sentiment. For example, rather than "excited", use animated, charged, delighted or frantic.
  

While a picture maybe worth a thousand words, sometimes a “single-word” can paint a colorful picture and when paired with an expressive photograph. Take some time to find that perfect word to make a statement that leaves a creative impression.

Simply design an element for your page, create it, and repeat. Repetition on your scrapbook pages creates a consistent look for your layout.

Next time you're creating a layout, take a few minutes to evaluate your design. Add in a few repeating elements and see how your layout goes from good to great .

Shape. Rectangles are repeated to create the border effect for this layout.

Motif. Different stickers are used throughout the layout. Notice the patterned paper choices.

Type. Opting for handwriting or switching the style of writing to create interest.

Size. Match large elements with other large ones, or small with small. Remember balance is still important!

Weight. Did you use a heavy, bold title? Consider adding another heavy element in the opposite corner.

Color. When you chosen the primary color for the layout, for example a blue layout, try adding a few splashes of a contrasting or complimenting color like green or purple. Then rather than using your accent color only one time, repeat it three or four times.

Line. Whether you're working in a linear or curved design, repeating the way you use lines will add flow to your layout and make it more pleasing to the eye.

It's easy to see how a little repetition can make your layouts instantly stronger. One of the most important things to remember when working with repetition is to maintain balance. A few well-placed elements will do the trick.

You've already learned that when creating great scrapbook pages, balance is key and you can use the element of contrast to create a stunning effect. Now add the use of repetition to tie it all together.

Paper manufacturers have made it easy to pulled-together a look by creating paper packs with coordinating patterns. However, using patterned paper effectively on a scrapbooking layout can be challenging. If not used proportionately, it can upstage a photo and create a look of confusion. After you choose several pieces that were designed to mix and match you can create a cohesive look with little effort and confusion

Here are some tips to help you make an interesting layout with pattern paper:

1. Where you would typically use a solid-colored cardstock, instead try a pattern. Patterned paper with a subtle, textured background can be just what you need to add interest to an otherwise typical journaling block.

2. If you are working with pictures from the zoo, try using animal skin themed paper. Combining competing themes, such as using a flowered pattern on a zoo theme page, can create a confusing message.

3. A little patterned paper goes along way. A small border of bright color may be all a layout needs. Too much patterned paper can overwhelm the photos or dominate the theme.

4. The larger and bolder the pattern of the paper, the larger and more eye-catching your photo should be for a balanced look. The same holds true for smaller patterns, the smaller the photos will retain their prominence.

5. Tear or distress patterned papers to create a softer edge to the pattern and create character.

Often times you will be faced with a large number of photographs from a single event. This may mean instead of trying to fit the story on to one page you will be faced with creating a double truck. This is a marketing term in developing advertising layouts for two pages in a magazine.  Next time you are faced with a pile of photographs, have lots of journaling or find yourself wanting to work in a larger space, consider these scrapbooking ideas for designing two-page layouts and you will create exciting double trucks.

• To make two pages flow well, consider keeping the elements consistent from one page to the facing page. Repeating fonts and embellishments will create flow and consistency within the two pages. In addition, using similar color and patterned papers will unify the layout.
• One technique in working with two pages is creating contrast. For example, a large photograph on one page can provide focus and contrast for a two-page layout. The remainder of the photographs can be balanced through the rest of the layout.
• A symmetrical design breaks the layout into two similar halves. Each half will correspond to one another in relation to size, shape, and position of the parts. A symmetrical design creates the same weight on both sides. Consider a template on one page and the reverse or “negative” on the other. The result is a formal symmetry and a clean, organized design.
• While trying to unify two pages, you may want to keep the pages from appearing too busy. Try to balance the material and the white space. White space can help create balance, flow and maintain a clean neat, easy to read appearance.

 

• By placing a photograph, title or other element in the middle section or “gutter”, the two pages are instantly connected. Effectively using the middle section of a layout can disguise the "gutter" and provide flow or even join the two pages.

While a one-page layout may work nicely, I often find two pages can communicate the message more effectively, save time and save space.

When journaling your handwriting is distinct and unique as your fingerprint. Though it may be a challenge creating your own signature style, it can be satisfying and with a little practice, artistic and fun. The goal is to capture our own personality in your journaling technique and combine with your photos that tell a story for your scrapbooking projects.
Anyone can do it! Use it occasionally throughout your scrapbook instead of computer generating journaling or for titles.

First, scraplift journaling ideas that use handwriting and identify what styles you like. Then, get some scratch paper and try to replicate it by hand. Practice with different letters, words and sizes until you feel comfortable.

Just like in kindergarten when you leaned how to write your name.  Focus on letter formation and smooth hand movements. Take a comfortable grip and  let your writing flow. It will not take long before you are mastering the technique. As with anything, the first step is simply to practice

Next, when you are ready to attempt handwriting on your layout, there are a few things to consider:

1.      Textured cardstock and paper will be harder to write on than a smooth surface.

2.      If you use a wide pen or marker you will have to be more conscious of your letter spacing.

3.      Use a template to draw journaling lines by lightly drawing a pencil line. For best results you may want to draw your lettering with a pencil and then finalize it with your pen when you are pleased with it.

Lastly, relax and don't be too hard on yourself. It won't be perfect at first, but that's the best thing about it - it doesn't have to be. It is uniquely yours! Everyone has access to the same papers, albums and embellishments, but you possess one thing that is as unique to you, so if you want to add something unique to your journaling, give yourself a hand!

Using die-cut shapes can be fun and creative. Get out your old shapes, dust off your die-cutting machine, or try create some of your own for ideas that will look fresh new.

Add texture to flat shapes of die cuts. One way to accent your die cuts is to add some dimension and texture. Consider embossing or run a shape through a crimper (or the texture plates). After you have added the texture, add ink or paint to create highlights and shadows in the paper to further enhance the texture.

Some different ways to ad texture your die-cut shape are layering, folding, crumpling, sanding, or tearing. Also consider using foam tape or dots to add dimension to the shape.

Mix with other embellishments that you can use to accent your die cuts. Try fiber, brads, buttons, ribbon, clips, glitter, wire, charms or beads. Use an embellishment in place of a part of the die cut. For example, if you are using a balloon die cut, use fiber for the string..

Use material other than paper. Pull out some foam, shrink plastic, aluminum foil, fabric, or other materials. You will have to experiment with your die-cutting machine to see what will work in it. I have found that I can at least make most of the cut, and then I take scissors to snip the remainder of the shape.

Combine with new techniques that are popular right now. Try stamping, computer-generated text, doodling, patterned paper, sewing and rub-ons. For example, try stamping a piece of paper with a background stamp, then cutting your shape. Cut a shape, then hand cut an outline around the negative for a whimsical outline shape.

In addition to all these wonderful ways to enhance your die-cut shapes you can create your own borders.  Don’t have the die cut you want? Make your own! Simple lady bugs to more challenging embellishments can be free hand.  Just experiment and have fun!