Scrapropos

Scraplifting…the term alone makes it sound like you’re stealing something. But don’t think of it as taking someones layout and passing it off as your own. Scraplifting, in fact, is an art form. It is finding inspiration in a layout that someone else has created. And it’s not a crime. With so many pages to scrapbook, do you really have to recreate the wheel every time?

There are a number of ways you can scraplift. Let’s use a magazine as an example. You’re reading the latest issue of your favorite scrapbook magazine and it is filled with layout ideas. You can find inspiration from those layouts in so many different ways…

Copy the subject/theme of the layout. Perhaps it gives you a great idea for scrapbooking about your child’s favorite books, or your teenager’s top 10 list, or maybe a way to journal about your day.

Copy the “bones” of the layout. Maybe it has 7 pictures and that is how many pictures you want to include on your next project. You can copy the way the layout was put together but use your own papers and embellishments. A baby page can be turned into a page for a prom, wedding, etc. This is a popular way to scraplift as you can see by the variety of “sketches” idea books out there.

Re-create an embellishment you like from the layout. Maybe the layout has an interesting border, has used chip board in a creative way, or features a new technique you’d like to try.

Borrow the title idea from the layout. Maybe you like the words used or the way they were created.

And then there is complete scraplifting, where you just go ahead and copy the layout, maybe only changing the paper or embellishments you use but not their placement. And that is OK too!

In the following layout I scraplifted the way the focal photo was accented. I loved how different patterned papers were used behind the photo to make it pop. So I re-created that in this layout using my own patterned papers that went with my pictures. (All papers are from one line which makes it so much easier to mix patterns). The flowers were cut from the patterned paper and accented with glaze, the matte around the focal photo was cut with scallop scissors, I cut thin lines of white paper for journaling, and the title was die-cut at the scrapbook store.

The layout below is a “Total Scraplift”! I had gone to Archiver’s Scrapbook Store and did a free make-and-take (the center flower border). They had a sample layout that I just went ahead and copied. What a fast and easy way to get a page done, and to actually use the free make-and-take!

So take another look at those scrapbook magazines or idea books you have piled up and find new inspiration. It just may help you to get more pages done in less time!

It’s only appropriate, though a bit late, to honor this special day for Mothers with a Mom-themed scrapbook page. Whether or not you are a mother, have a special mother, or have someone “like a mother” in your life, take some time to scrapbook about it. Here are some ideas for creating your own “Mother’s Day” layout…

Black & white photos are a timeless classic. We often think of them as being something from the past, the sign of photo taken long ago. But black & white photos are being featured in the scrapbook magazines more and more often…and not just on heritage layouts.

Without the distraction of competing colors in your photos, your subject is allowed to take center stage. Black & White photos in an album comprised mainly of colored pictures adds a little drama and surprise to your layout.

So, your challenge for this week is to use Black & White photos in a layout.

When might you want to use Black & White prints?

I’m Annie LuMaye from Colorado and I’m happy to be joining 451 Press as their Scrapping Blogger! I’m a certified scrapaholic and look forward to getting to know others who share that frame of mind.

I created my first scrapbook in about 3rd grade and have barely stopped since then. I joined the “current” world of scrapbooking (back then it was more about saving memorabilia) the Creative Memories way about 11 years ago. Now I’m all about keeping up with the latest trends, buying whatever I can get my hands on and subscribing to every scrapbooking magazine I can find!

This blog will delve into the latest scrapbooking techniques, great new products, challenges to get you scrapping, organizational ideas, chances to win prizes and MORE! So visit often, leave me comments on what you’d like to see here, and get scrapping!

I thought I would start a little project. One where you can see from start to finish, via digital layouts. Not only will this keep me motivated, but you will get to see different techniques and hopefully learn a few new things about digital scrapbooking.

My project is going to be re-upholstering a chair that has been in my family for at least 80 years. I will be posting some pictures of the chair later (as I have look through my cd’s to find where my pictures are..ugh).

************************

Now, I do have a layout I would like to share. If you have wanted to do any time of layout that remembers someone that has passed away; whether it be a family member or friend; something simple can be the best way to display those wonderful “older” photos. I also wanted to make space for some writing/journaling to show how much I loved these two people; my Grandma and Granddaddy. If you are interested in learning how I did any of my layouts, let me know. I will start posting some tutorials if you would like to do similar layouts/embellishments. I will also provide some links to other tutorials that I have found very helpful.

Read the rest of this entry »

My name is Laura and I am new to the Scrapropos blog and I look forward to providing you with information and links that will help you with your scrapbooking journey.

As a digital scrapbooker, I will try and bring new and innovative ideas to your scrapbook fun. Even if you currently only scrapbook in paper; you would be amazed at how much your home computer can assist you with your paper pages. I will post some pages I have done in the past and I will make new pages in the future so you can see my progression from total digital newbie to more advanced digital goddess. Well, at least I would like to think “goddess”, but I know there are those out there who are amazing in their digital abilities and definitely better than I; as you will get too see soon.

If you are interested in digital pages, yet are too scared to try and make your own images, then there are always places to go for digital images already made and you just “digitally slap” everything together. There are even digital pages out there that are already made for you and all you do is “plop” your pictures into/onto them and there you go; you have a finished page in just a few moments.

Tools, Flickr

digital, scrapbook, layout, home, house, computer

Welcome this week’s guest scrapbooking artist Sharon Barrett-Shanks

Sharon

——————————————————–

Sharon’s First Layout

———————–

When and why did you start scrapbooking?

Christmas 2005 my oldest child, Bonnie, gave me a scrapbooking kit she put together with an album. I remember being scared of it all and I wasn’t to sure I even wanted to start with it all so I let her “show me” how to crop and mat a photo. I went home with 2 pages which I treasure. I’ve glitzed it up a bit after I got a wee bit brave.

It must be noted I was always a picture taker and mostly they got tossed in a box. When the kids were little (5) of them I put them in albums. It must also be noted here that as a teen I kept a scrapbook and loved doing it. One other note when I was real young I just loved cut-out dolls!

How would you describe your personal style?

Clean, sleek, geometric, colorful, whimsical and impulsive.

What most influences your scrapbooking?

I have asked myself this question over and over is it the picture or is it the paper…it really is both.

Digital? Paper? A little of both? Why?

Only paper, absolutely no digis here, although I try to copy some that I love looking at. just not that creative with PC and graphics.

If you had to make an entire album using only three colors, which would you choose and why?

Pink, Brown & White

What is your favorite scrapbooking tool?

Cricut

What is your must-have indulgence?

Rub-ons and clear stamps

If you had the opportunity to witness one historical even first hand (and take photos), what event would you choose and what would the scrapbook page you make for the event be like?

Peace in USA after WW 2. I would be taking photos of all my uncles who were in the service and were handsome, they’re girlfriends and wives were deliriously happy would make great shots. My Aunts dressed daily in dresses, nylons, make-up so it would be mostly black and white and I would colorize anything red/white/blue. I may even use the Life Magazine format as my style for the page. it was a happy time for my family and I was barely old enough to know what was going on, but I remember it well. Unfortunately not a lot of pictures were taken at that time by my family.

What does your workspace look like?

You can see more of Sharon’s Work HERE

scrapbooking, scrapbook, scrapbook embellishments, glitter

Scrapbook Max, digital scrapbooking

The best scrapbooking pages are not always the most expensive. Here is a video showing some great tips for layouts and embellishments without a high price tag.

scrapbooking

Check out this short but sweet tutorial for creating a travel scrapbook at Martha Stewart Crafts . The accompanying photos provide some great tips especially for using punches.

In related news, Variety.com is reporting that a “new” Martha Stewart Crafts will begin on the DIY Network on Thanksgiving of this year. The show will feature “best-of” compilations from the past decade and more of Martha Stewart’s various shows. Crafts, including, scrapbooking will be the topic for the shows.

Give a big welcome to Guest Artist

Amber Vongsamphanh (aka MrsVo)

When and why did you start scrapbooking?

I started scrapbooking in June 2006. It all started in the clearance section of my local Wal-mart where I happened upon a scrapbook album that was on clearance. The bright idea struck that I would make my mom a scrapbook of my life as a gift for all her help planning my upcoming wedding. Little did I know that $2 scrapbook album would lead to an all-put obsession.

How would you describe your personal style?

Simple Schizophrenic. My LOs are pretty simple, yet contain lots of bits and pieces from my stash, and are completed at random. I tried really hard to be a chronological scrapper and it made me so stressed out! I recently gave up on that idea and have never been happier.

What most influences your scrapbooking?

Photography. I always start with the photo and the ideas go from there.

Digital? Paper? A little of both? Why?

Paper. I have been diligently teaching myself to use photoshop and love playing around with the digi stuff, but I’ll never be able to give up the feeling of new paper in my hand.

If you had to make an entire album using only three colors, which would you choose and why?

Pink, Green, and Turquoise. No real reason, just love them!

What is your favorite scrapbooking tool?

My craft knife. I use it for everything!!

What is your must-have indulgence?

As far as scrapbooking supplies, FiberMark Card Stock. LOVE the durability and texture of it. If you want more general then Hagen Daz dulce de leche, yum!

If you had the opportunity to witness one historical event first hand (and take photos), what event would you choose and what would the scrapbook page you make for the event be like?

Great questions!! I’d have to say Woodstock. Having gone to school in the Bay Area I’ve always been a bit of a hippie at heart. My page would be a cardboard colored back ground, with lots of bright papers and embellies surrounding the photo and of course the title would have to be Peace.Love.Rock and Roll.

Show us your workspace?

A BIG thanks to Amber for letting me interview her!

You can visit Amber at her blog And I Ran

scrapbooking, scrapbook, interview, guest artist, Amber Vongsamphanh, scrapbook artist

Here is another original set of patterned background papers for digital or hybrid scrapbookers. Called Paramecium Paisley because it reminds me of a bunch of single celled organisms swimming around on a microscope slide. The pages are both 8.5×11 inches and 3oo dpi for easy, high quality printing. The design was hand drawn by me in ink, then the color version was colored with watercolor markers.

Check back frequently for more funky, funny, and edgy digital scrapbooking freebies.

Right-click and choose Save Target File to download

Download Paramecium Paisley Color 300dpi

Download Paramecium Paisley Black and White 300dpi

(watermark titles appear on above banner images only, not on downloaded files)

Creative Commons information behind the cut…

Read the rest of this entry »

The Scrapbook lounge over at CraftTvWeekly.com has a new technique video posted. The almost 9 minute video demonstrates a variety of fun techniques to do with border and corner punches and features some great layouts created with the techniques.

Show description from CraftTvWeekly.com:

Tricia delivers a one-two punch with these beautiful pages. She starts with elegant cardstock and dresses it up with a corner punch. She turns that punch into a border punch creating unique borders and a stencil. When she’s done punching, Tricia assembles these elements into gorgeous pages that will knock your socks off!

scrapbooking, scrapbooking tutorials, scrapbooking videos

Need some inspiration? Head over to Flickr.com and type the tag scrapbooking into the search box. Tons of scrapbookers upload their layouts and other scrapbooking related images to share. Spending some time browsing through the postings or choose the slideshow option and watch all of the wonderful, inspiring work . You are bound to be inspired to get to work on some of your own scrapbooking projects.

Here is a gude to credits for the “scrapbooking” tagged images in the mosaic above:
1. Swimming Fun, 2. Lucy, 3. Baby Tina, 4. Tazz, 5. Rouge, 6. Untitled, 7. G, 8. A, 9. teen-queen-dancer-zoom-in1
 Do you post your scprapbooking projects on flickr.com? Post a link to your gallery in the comments for this post and share!

scrapbooking, scrapbook, flickr