My new Cuttlebug

I'm so excited about my new Christmas present. I got a Cuttlebug die cut and embossing machine. I've been experimenting but haven't had a ton of time to play with it. I love how small it is compared to the Sizzix or Cricut machines. Although both are great for the bigger letters and die cuts. I'm looking forward to posting my projects using my new toy!

Digital Scrapbooking- Is it the wave of the future?

I've been noticing more and more in the scrapbook magazine that I subscribe to that digital layouts are becoming more popular. Don't get me wrong I love designing things on Adobe Photoshop, but I just wonder how I'd feel if that was the primary way to scrapbook.

Here are a few things that I feel digital scrapbooking would take away.

1) The social aspect of scrapbooking. What will you do have a girl's night where you all bring your laptop and sit at the table working on your digital designs and starting at computer screens?

2) I love browsing through the scrapbook store. It's something I really enjoy. Taking my time going from isle to isle buying stuff I won't necessarily use, but might have a need for. Online shopping just doesn't have the same effect.

3) I think that some of the art will be lost. I love the craftiness of finding buttons and ribbon on things and stealing them to scrapbook with.

Most likely I will change my mind and start adapting more digital techniques into my current scrapbook style. I just need to learn more about it and join the wave.

Album Cover

Designing the front of your album cover is a fun way to personlize your scrapbook. I used a 3 ring binder style scrapbook from American Crafts (they have several colors brown, pink, green, black) and the paper I used and letters were from The Paper Studio. I also inked the edges of the book with Ink it up chocolate brown stamp pad. Everthing except the ribbon (which came from Costco) was purchased at Hobby Lobby. I love the look of the album however it is fragile. I wish that there was a way to protect it more.

Summer Flowers Scrapbook Page

I absolutely loved these pictures of my daughter. She looked so funny in these sunglasses. In case you are wondering the lenses really are pink. Talk about looking at things through "rose colored glasses." I used solid color papers from Leaving Prints and the flower border I cut down to size was also from Leaving Prints. The quote "Little girls are God's most precious masterpieces" was a vellum color quote from Die Cuts With a View Girl Quote Stack. The flower buttons were in a kit purchased from Costco. My favorite part of this page is the bright cheery colors.

"A" is For Layout

I love this layout that I did. My girlfriend is a photographer (Visual Proof Photography) and I love her work. Great photos inspire great scrapbook layouts. I used papers from Hobby Lobby, a corner rounder punch, Bazzil flowers, Making Memories metal letters, metal brad letters that came from Hobby Lobby, blue brads, brown ink to ink all of the edges, Making Memories navy blue paint, a monogram foam "A" stamp, and assorted ribbons. Sometimes the best ideas just come to you. I didn't plan much for this project. Try this with your child. Use their initials and find words to describe them or the pictures.

Why I Scrapbook

I love to be creative and I love pictures. Why not merge the two? Scrapbooking is a way I can be creative and artistic and enhance the photos of my friends and family. Creating memories that my family can cherish for years to come (well at least I hope so.)

You may have your own reasons for scrapbooking. Scrapbooking doesn't have to be elaborate or perfectly done. Preserving the memories and expressing yourself are the two most important things. Don't be intimidated by people who seem to have the best ideas and get them done in minutes. Being myself and learning from others is how I've developed my "scrapbook style."

By creating this BLOG I hope to share my style and ideas with you and that you'll do the same.