Howcast

How to Make a Pop-Up Scrapbook Page

Howcast — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:31:08 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Fold Fold one piece of card stock in half and make a firm crease.
TIP: Make sure the card stock is the same size as or smaller than your scrapbook pages.
Step 2: Cut slits Cut two slits in the middle of the fold, 1 1/2 inches apart. The slits should be perpendicular and through the fold.
TIP: Adjust the size and location of the slits to add stability or variety to the pop-up mechanism.
Step 3: Form the pop-up mechanism Push the small piece created by the slits through the inside of the card. Fold this piece in the opposite direction as the original fold.
Step 4: Add the photo Attach a photo or other memento to the front of the pop-up mechanism. Unfold and fold the paper to test the pop-up.
Step 5: Attach the pop-up Attach the finished pop-up piece to your scrapbook page.
FACT: Mechanical devices in books date back to the 13th century, when a poet from Majorca used a revolving disc in his book.

You Will Need

2 pieces of card stock
Scissors
Ruler
Photos or other mementos for the pop-up
Glue or tape

How to Use Vellum with Scrapbooking

Howcast — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 15:01:45 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Print on it Print titles, names, or song lyrics onto a piece of vellum and layer it on top of a page with an image. Since it’s mostly transparent, the image will lightly show through. Attach at the top with brads, ribbon, or string so that the vellum paper can be lifted up to see the image underneath more clearly.
TIP: Allow the vellum to dry thoroughly after printing on it.
Step 2: Use punches Use punches to cut out different shapes in vellum, like flowers or a floral border, and accent the borders of your photos and album pages with the vellum flowers.
TIP: Use only vellum glue on the vellum as regular glue will show through.
Step 3: Layer it Tear sheets of vellum paper into strips so the edges will be rough and layer them so that they slightly overlap with one another. Adhere them together with vellum adhesive and use for titles or unique borders.
Step 4: Use over photos Stencil your vellum or use vellum with a floral or geometric print already on it for use over a photo. You could also punch out part of the vellum so that one piece of photo underneath stands out.
Step 5: Use colored vellum Use pastel colored vellum and adorn it with crystal or pearl beads. Layer it on top a poem, song lyrics, or handwritten wedding vows so you can lift it up and read them.
Step 6: Mat photos Mat photos on a single colored piece of paper. Then mat that onto vellum, leaving a wide border for an extra dash of style and sophistication.
Step 7: Use as glass Use vellum in your scrapbook for a regular glass “window” effect or to mimic stained glass.
FACT: There are 25 million scrapbookers in the United States.

You Will Need

Computer
Printer
Vellum paper
Scrapbook
Brads
ribbons
or string
Decorative paper punches
Vellum adhesive
Stencils
Crystals or pearl beads
Crafting paper

How to Use Scrapbooking Brads

Howcast — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:45:43 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Punch a hole Use a 1/16-inch hole punch to make a small hole where you want to attach the brad. Thread it through the hole and simply spread out the prongs on the backside of the page.
Step 2: Use to attach overlays Use decorative brads to attach transparent overlays to your page or secure layers of pages together.
Step 3: Fasten vellum Fasten vellum to your scrapbook pages using decorative brads.
Step 4: Use in place of buttons Use easy-to-affix brads in place of buttons that need to be stitched on or attached with messy adhesives.
Step 5: Use as bullet points Use brads as bullet points for journaling in your scrapbook, as the center of flowers, or in the corners of a photo mat to create texture and interest.
TIP: Since brads are metal, you can use sandpaper to create a rustic, shabby chic look.
Step 6: Get all shapes and sizes Choose from a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes for any theme. Styles include flowers, leaves, balloons, music notes, and even eyelet shapes.
FACT: According to the Hobby Industry Association, sales for the scrapbooking industry rose from $400 million in 1997 to $2.5 billion in 2003.

You Will Need

Scrapbooking brads
1/16-in. hole punch
Transparent overlays
Vellum
Other scrapbooking decorations
Sandpaper (optional)

How to Use Ribbon Sliders for Scrapbooking

Howcast — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:45:43 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Choose material Choose the material you want for your slider. Sliders can be made from metal, chipboard, plastic, or paper. Some are embellished with faux pearls and crystals — perfect for a little added bling.
TIP: Look for acid-free sliders, especially if you’re using them around photos.
Step 2: Custom paint them Use acrylic paint to paint your slider to custom match it to your layout in your scrapbook.
Step 3: Get the right shape Get sliders in a variety of fun shapes to enhance your layout. Shapes include hearts, stars, leaves, and flowers.
Step 4: Choose the right size Choose the right size slider for your ribbon since you slide the ribbon through the cutouts in the slider. The larger the cutouts, the larger the ribbon that will fit through it.
Step 5: Be creative Use sliders not only for ribbon, but to dress up plain pieces of paper or other fibers you want to use.
FACT: About 98 percent of scrapbookers are females between the ages of 30 and 59.

You Will Need

Selection of ribbon sliders
Acrylic paint
Scrapbook
Ribbon
Paper or other fibers
Acid-free sliders (optional)

How to Sell Digital Scrapbooking Products

Howcast — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:31:00 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Develop kits and themes Develop digital kits and themes for scrapbooks using your design software that contain matching backgrounds, embellishments, and fonts.
Step 2: Take a computer class Take a computer programming class to learn how to save, edit, and package files in either the P-D-F or Zip format for easy download and use. You only need a moderate level of computer skill to make your home scrapbooking business succeed.
Step 3: Start a website or blog Start your own website or blog to advertise your digital scrapbooking creations and offer some free samples for people to download and use.
TIP: Start an email list of clients to keep them informed of new kits or themes or special offers.
Step 4: Open an online auction site store Open an online auction site store or a store on a crafting site and sell your scrapbooking products to millions of people around the world.
Step 5: Link to Paypal Link your store, website, or blog to a Paypal account to make collecting and tracking funds hassle free. If you focus your desire for success, you’ll watch your business grow.
FACT: Paul Revere was an accomplished coppersmith and engraver and captured many of the events of the American Revolution in copper plates for printing.

You Will Need

Design software
Moderate computer knowledge
Desire to succeeed

How to Use Downloaded Fonts for Scrapbooking

Howcast — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:30:42 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Find your font Find a font that matches the mood of your layout from a number of websites that offer free fonts to download. Many specialize in scrapbooking, organizing their fonts by helpful categories, and offer seasonal themes.
TIP: Elegant script fonts have a more formal look, while primitive or graffiti fonts lend a casual, fun vibe.
Step 2: Look for dingbats Look for dingbats, which are picture fonts, to enhance your scrapbooking. Themes range from animals and holidays, to aliens and Egyptian hieroglyphics.
Step 3: Download Download your font. Usually, you can simply click on the picture of the font and it will automatically download. Drag the font into your fonts folder or use your computer’s fonts management program to install the font.
TIP: Create a folder on your computer where you always save downloaded fonts to make it easier to quickly find the file.
Step 4: Print fonts Access the downloaded fonts from your word processing program. Use them for titles, headlines, song lyrics, poems, or other journaling. Print them out and include them in your scrapbook.
Step 5: Use them digitally Use the fonts to enhance your digital scrapbook journaling. Once downloaded, you can access them from a variety of programs.
FACT: A study done by the psychology department of Wichita State University found that 14-size serif fonts promote faster reading of materials in older adults aged 62 to 83.

You Will Need

Internet access
Digital or physical scrapbook
Printer

How to Create a Digital Scrapbook on Your Computer

Howcast — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:30:42 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Use image editing software Use image editing software. Most image editing programs offer free trial downloads online.
TIP: Image editing programs use layers to arrange and stack scrapbook page elements, including images and text.
Step 2: Select photos and scan them Select photos and scan them into your image editing program. Or take photos with your digital camera and upload them to your computer
Step 3: Download digital scrapbook page templates Download digital scrapbook page templates that are compatible with your software.
Step 4: Open the template Open the template with your image editor. Choose the Save As option to give the template page a new name and save it to a folder on your desktop.
TIP: A template provides ease of use and a page creation starting point for beginning scrapbookers.
Step 5: Copy and insert photos Copy and insert or click and drag photos onto the template page.
Step 6: Adjust, move, or resize the photos Adjust, move, or resize the photos on the page template. Select a font style and color, and add titles, captions, or journal text to your page.
Step 7: Consider buying a digital scrapbook starter kit Consider buying a full digital scrapbook starter kit. These include several templates, plus page accessories like monograms, dots, and stripes.
FACT: Thomas Jefferson, one of the earliest American scrapbookers, kept scrapbooks containing pasted newspaper clippings of his favorite poems and prose.

You Will Need

Image editing software
Selection of photos
Scanner
Digital camera
Scrapbook page templates
Digital scrapbook starter kit

How to Remove Rubber Cement from Scrapbook Photos

Howcast — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:15:50 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Copy your pictures Have your pictures color copied and reprinted before attempting to remove the rubber cement, in case removing it causes damage.
TIP: Scan the photos at home to have a digital back-up.
Step 2: Rub Rub your finger in a circular motion over the rubber cement until it rolls up into a ball.
Step 3: Peel off Peel the glue off and discard.
Step 4: Apply adhesive remover Apply an adhesive remover to loosen the rubber cement, if necessary. Use a spatula to gently separate the rubber cement from the photos.
Step 5: Store Store the photos or re-glue them into another scrapbook. Enjoy preserving your memories.
FACT: In 1826, the first permanent photograph was made using a sliding wooden box camera made by Charles and Vincent Chevalier in Paris.

You Will Need

Adhesive remover
Spatula
Optional: (optional)
Scanner (optional)

How to Make a Scrapbook Cover

Howcast — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 11:31:38 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Evaluate time, energy, and money Evaluate the time, energy, and money you wish to invest in creating a scrapbook cover; then budget each accordingly.
Step 2: Consider cover options Consider cover options, then decide whether you want to decorate a purchased album or to make a scrapbook cover from scratch.
Step 3: Decorate a purchased album Decorate a purchased album with paint, and glue on die-cut images, glitter, ribbon, and charms.
TIP: Adhere rub-on letters to scrapbook covers to add names, dates, or sayings.
Step 4: Make a cover from scratch Make a scrapbook cover from scratch starting with a sturdy, thick, and flat material such as card stock, vinyl, acrylic, wood, or leather.
Step 5: Wrap the cover Wrap the cover in fabric, leave it as is, or glue plain or patterned paper stock to the cover material; then decorate it with your choice of embellishments.
TIP: Make sure the embellishments are durable enough to withstand wear from handling.
Step 6: Bind cover and pages Bind the cover and pages by punching holes in the cover aligned with page holes — then use o-rings to hold it all together. Your treasure is complete and ready for a place of honor on the bookshelf.
FACT: Friendship albums featured personal sayings and drawings and were passed between friends in the 1800s.

You Will Need

Purchased album cover or sturdy flat material
Decorations
Glue
Fabric
Paint
Paper stock
Hole punch
O-rings
Rub-on letters (optional)

How to Sell Scrapbooks Online

Howcast — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:46:07 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Work on designs Pick up some design software and use your artistic eye to craft your own backgrounds, embellishments, stamps, and fonts for scrapbooks.
TIP: Develop your own brand and style and try to fill a niche.
Step 2: Advertise services Advertise your services in local newspapers, online, and at craft and scrapbooking stores.
Step 3: Build a website Build a website or blog and show off sample pages or pictures of your creativity to prospective clients.
Step 4: Track finances Track all income and expenditures and talk to a lawyer to avoid problems come tax time. You may also want to discuss branding and copyright laws. With an outlet for your creativity, you’re on the road to turning your hobby into a profitable business.
FACT: The Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1799 and had three scripts carved into it, which enabled scientists to read Egyptian hieroglyphics for the first time.

You Will Need

Design software
Artistic talent
Internet access
Lawyer

How to Use Rub-On Stickers in Scrapbooking

Howcast — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:02:07 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Cut out sticker Cut out your rub-on sticker with scissors before application. This will prevent you from accidentally rubbing another sticker onto your work.
Step 2: Peel the backing Peel the backing from the sticker and position the image on your paper.
Step 3: Use a Popsicle stick Use a Popsicle stick to rub the image.
TIP: You can also use a stylus.
Step 4: Peel away Gently peel away the plastic backing from the sticker. With a little practice, you will be using rub-on stickers like a pro in no time.
FACT: A record was set in China in 2008 for the world’s largest photo album. It measured 13.1 feet by 16.4 feet.

You Will Need

Rub-on stickers
Scissors
Scrapbook paper
Scrapbook
Popsicle stick
Stylus (optional)

How to Use Lyrics in a Scrapbook

Howcast — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:31:21 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Find the perfect song Find the perfect song for your layout — think of what reminds you of the people or events in the photos and the mood you want to convey. Go through your music collection, or type in “lyrics” and the appropriate keywords online.
Step 2: Use the title Use the title of the song as the title of your layout, either printed or written on good quality or decorative paper. For example, if you’re doing a baby theme, use the title of the child’s favorite lullaby.
Step 3: Print the lyrics Print the first verse or first few verses and add them next to your photos.
TIP: Fill the borders with decorative stickers, such as music notes, or other embellishments that reflect the theme.
Step 4: Use the entire song Use the entire song lyrics in your layout on its own page and have the related photos on the facing page.
Step 5: Make a pocket Make a pocket to put the song lyrics to go in if there’s no room on the page. Now you’ll album will make sweet music for everyone’s ears.
FACT: The typical scrapbooker will work on an average of just over three albums in a six-month period.

You Will Need

Written or printed song lyrics
Music collection
Internet access
Decorative paper
Scrapbook
Decorative stickers and embellishments (optional)

How to Use Stencils in Scrapbooking

Howcast — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:31:21 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Buy the stencil Buy a stencil set with several shapes that pertain to the page you’re designing. Look for initials if you’re designing the scrapbook for someone else as a gift.
Step 2: Place the stencil Place the stencil over the area you want to design, holding it firmly in place.
TIP: Drafting or masking tape can also be used to hold it in place.
Step 3: Trace Use a sharp pencil to outline the design, and then move the stencil to the next area.
Step 4: Color Color the design with markers, acrylic paints, or colored pencils. Mix and match colors to get striking results. With patience and care, you’ll have a beautiful scrapbook that can last a lifetime.
FACT: The wife of 13th U.S. President Millard Fillmore maintained a scrapbook chronicling her husband’s death.

You Will Need

Stencils
Sharp pencil
Markers
Acrylic paint
Colored pencils
Drafting tape or masking tape (optional)

How to Insert Refill Scrapbook Pages

Howcast — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:31:21 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Know your scrapbook Determine the kind of scrapbook you have before purchasing refill pages. Consider both the size and style of your current pages.
TIP: There are three basic scrapbook page styles — post-bound, strap-hinge, and 3-ring.
Step 2: Purchase refills Purchase the correct refill pages at your local craft store or order them from the manufacturer or an online retailer.
Step 3: Inserting post-bound refills Insert refill pages into a post-bound album by unscrewing the cap, sliding your new page into a protector, placing it over the posts, and screwing the cap back on.
TIP: With post-bound albums, it’s important to work on your design outside of the book first.
Step 4: Inserting strap-hinge refills Insert refills for a strap-hinge album by threading two straps through the small hinges located on the back of each page.
TIP: Make sure you slip a page protector over the page when you’re finished.
Step 5: Insert three-ring refills Insert refill pages into a three-ring binder album by snapping open the rings, sliding the page over the open rings, one ring though the each hole, and then snapping the rings closed.
Step 6: Make more memories Go out and make more memories until you have to get more refill pages.
FACT: By 1825, scrapbooking had become popular and was defined by a serial appropriately named The Scrapbook.

You Will Need

Scrapbook
Craft store
Internet access
Page protectors (optional)

How to Scrapbook an Autograph

Howcast — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:16:18 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Take supplies Carry scrapbooking paper or another heavy stock paper and a good ink pen with you when you go to get an autograph.
TIP: Use a light colored paper with dark ink, or a dark colored paper with a white, silver, or gold paint pen.
Step 2: Get an autograph Get your favorite celebrity to sign your paper, or even a flat piece of memorabilia such as an album cover, baseball card, concert t-shirt, or photo of themselves.
TIP: If you can’t meet your hero in person, write a letter to them and include a self-addressed stamped envelope. If you’re lucky, they’ll answer with an autograph.
Step 3: Preserve Preserve the autograph properly by covering it with an acid-free protector or mat, or glue it with a thin layer of scrapbooking glue.
Step 4: Design Design a layout for your scrapbooking page that features the autograph and other souvenirs such as a photo of you and the signer.
Step 5: Decorate Decorate the page with a colorful border and pictures in a theme that shows you are a fan of the celebrity and their work.
FACT: In 2010, an authenticated signature of Beatles legend John Lennon was worth anywhere from $1,500 and $18,000.

You Will Need

Scrapbook paper
Collectible autograph
Acid-free protector or mat
Scrapbooking glue
Photograph
Other mementos or stickers
Colorful border
A letter to your hero (optional)
Self-addressed stamped envelope (optional)

How to Label & Identify Scrapbooking Albums

Howcast — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:16:18 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Cut out the protector Cut the page protector to the size of the spine of your scrapbook album.
TIP: Use a straight edge to cut.
Step 2: Decorate Decorate the protector to match the rest of the album, using stickers, ribbon, and paper.
Step 3: Label with letters Label the cover and spine of the album with a name and the date. Use iron-on letters or rub-on letters.
Step 4: Slide protector into the spine Slide the page protector into the spine of the scrapbooking album.
Step 5: Add a photo Add a photograph that fits the theme of the album to the cover or spine to identify the contents. If your album does not have a built-in photo holder, glue the photo in place with a hot glue gun. Now enjoy preserving memories for years.
FACT: Did you know? Author Mark Twain was an avid scrapbooker, and patented his own self-pasting scrapbook that contained pages with thin strips of glue for attaching papers.

You Will Need

Page protector
Scissors
Stickers
Ribbons
Paper
Rub-on letters
Iron-on letters
Iron
Photographs
Hot glue gun
Glue
Straight edge (optional)

How to Age or Stress White Card Stock for Scrapbooking

Howcast — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:01:08 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Apply a tea stain Use regular tea to create that old look. Get a tea bag wet and drag it over the white card stock. You can also brew a bit of tea and use a paintbrush to spread it over the card stock. Use a weight so the paper won’t warp while drying.
Step 2: Use coffee grounds Apply wet coffee grounds to the paper as you would in the tea staining method. Brush wet coffee grounds over the paper. Remove the grounds, and dry the paper with a weight on top to avoid warping.
Step 3: Stain with vinegar or lemon juice Spatter the paper with either Balsamic vinegar or paint it with lemon juice. If you choose the lemon juice method, heat the paper to create the desired effect.
TIP: Using tea, coffee, vinegar, and lemon juice to age and stress your card stock does not create acid-free paper. Acid-free paper has a neutral or basic pH which preserves the paper longer.
Step 4: Use ink and a sponge Smear a small sponge in a brown ink pad and make circular motions over the paper starting at the center and moving outwards.
TIP: Walnut ink is an excellent choice for using the ink method. It is a dark ink usually sold in a crystallized form.
Step 5: Tear, burn, and crumple Tear or burn the edges of the paper. Crumple it. Sand it. All of these extra steps will help to create an authentic looking effect. Once you’ve completely finished stressing your card stock, pop it in your scrapbook, and start collecting memories.
FACT: The oldest known Egyptian papyrus roll dates back to the 1st Dynasty around 2900 BCE. It was discovered in Saggara in Hemaka’s tomb; the scroll however, was blank.

You Will Need

Tea bags
White card stock
Paintbrush
Weight
Coffee grounds
Vinegar
Lemon juice
Ink
Sponge
Fire
Sand paper
Walnut ink (optional)

How to Make a Weight Loss Scrapbook

Howcast — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:01:51 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Embellish the cover of the scrapbook Choose a design for the cover of your scrapbook that will highlight your progress. Decide on an inspirational title, and use scrapbooking embellishments like pre-cut letters, tags, and ribbons to create your design. Use a scrapbooking adhesive to create your cover design on the three-ring binder.
Step 2: Create an introduction page Create an introduction page. Use a scrapbooking pen to write your starting weight and measurements on a sheet of journal paper or card-stock. Include a photograph of you at your starting weight, and other words or images that remind you of that time.
TIP: Include the good and the bad in your scrapbook. Record any slip-ups along the way to help you remember how you overcame challenges.
Step 3: Decorate the introduction page Decorate the pages by using embellishments and cutting out interesting designs from card stock.
Step 4: Place the sheet in a page sleeve Place the sheet in a scrapbooking page sleeve. Put the sleeve in your decorated three-ring binder.
Step 5: Create new pages to track your progress Create new pages to track your progress on a weekly or monthly schedule. Include a new photograph and write down your feelings about the changes in your life and your thoughts about your progress so far. Place these pages in sleeves and in your scrapbook.
TIP: Make note of new foods or activities that you’ve enjoyed during your weight loss journey. Draw pictures or include food labels to remind you of these new discoveries.
Step 6: Remember progress by reading scrapbook Look over your scrapbook on a regular basis, or whenever you feel like times are hard. Remember your hard work and progress, and think about all of the challenges you’ve overcome.
FACT: The Centers for Disease Control suggests that all adults get at least 2 1/2 hours of moderate aerobic activity along with two sessions of muscle-training activity every week. Breaking your exercise time into 10 minute portions can help you fit your activity into a business schedule.

You Will Need

Embellishments
Scrapbooking adhesive
3-ring binder
Blank journal pages
Card stock
Photographs
Scrapbooking pen
Scissors
Scrapbooking page sleeves
Food labels (optional)

How to Cut Scrapbook Photos

Howcast — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:45:49 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Consider your options Determine how many photos will fit on a page and whether to crop an imperfect photo.
Step 2: Think creatively Think creatively. Photos may be cut in squares, rectangles, ovals or circle shapes, and into stars or heart shapes.
TIP: Copy irreplaceable photos before cutting them.
Step 3: Cut hard shapes Cut a square or rectangle by placing your straightedge over the photo and marking your shape with your photo pencil. Cut inside the lines with the scissors.
Step 4: Use a template Make or buy a template to trace any desirable shape onto your photo with the photo pencil, and use scissors to cut the shape inside the lines.
TIP: Use a tissue to remove unwanted pencil lines.
Step 5: Combine cutting techniques Combine cutting techniques to create special effects or to silhouette an object in your photo.
Step 6: Crop digitally Crop digitally with camera features or photo editing software. Whether you prefer to use low- or high-tech methods, remember that the most treasured scrapbooks are always made with love.
FACT: Scrapbooking is the fastest growing American hobby.

You Will Need

Straightedge
Photo pencil
Scissors
Template
Photo editing software
Digital camera
Tissue (optional)

How to Save Money on Your Scrapbooking

Howcast — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:46:02 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Clip coupons Clip coupons. Many craft stores frequently offer discount coupons, either in circulars or on their websites.
Step 2: Organize a party Organize a scrapbooking party with friends so you can share supplies and memories.
Step 3: Trade or sell Trade or sell scrapbooking supplies that you have accumulated but will never use.
TIP: Use plastic containers with lids to store and organize your supplies. You’ll waste less material if you know where everything is.
Step 4: Repurpose material Repurpose paper. One of the most expensive scrapbooking item is the paper used for backing, so instead of buying expensive paper, use old wallpaper sample books or decorative contact paper.
Step 5: Use old clothes Cut pretty fabric from old clothes you’ll never wear again and glue scraps to cardboard. Cut the cardboard into flowers or hearts or other shapes and use them for picture matting or decorations.
Step 6: Make stickers Make your own stickers. Cut pictures from old magazines, apply double sided tape to the back, peel off the backing, and you have a homemade sticker.
TIP: Save scraps from backing and cut-outs. Scraps can be used to make matting, borders, die-cuts, and punches.
Step 7: Search internet Search the internet for free layout ideas, fonts, clipart, and templates. Have fun getting ideas from other scrap bookers.
FACT: A scrapbook of drawings, letters, and manuscripts by William Makepeace Thackeray was purchased from the author’s daughter in 1917. It was valued at $10,000 at the time.

You Will Need

Coupons
A computer with internet access
Wallpaper samples
Contact paper
Old clothes
Glue
Cardboard
Scissors
Magazines
Double-stick tape
Plastic containers with lids (optional)

How to Select the Right Album for a Scrapbook

Howcast — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:02:49 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Consider temporary mounting If you have anything you might want to remove at some point, you’ll need to find a way to mount it temporarily, like with photo corners. Again, write down the requirements.
FACT: Famous American scrapbookers include founding father Thomas Jefferson, literary hero Mark Twain and Tori Spelling.
Step 2: Consider purpose Consider the purpose of your scrapbook. If it’s for personal use, a delicate, handmade binder could work. An archival item to be circulated or passed down through the generations requires a sturdier build. Write down your needs.
TIP: Every scrapbook tells a story, so think about how you want to tell this one—humorously or seriously, boldly or gently, sweetly or naughtily, etc.
Step 3: Measure layouts Measure layouts and record the dimensions. If your materials include large items like maps or posters, they might merit an oversize book like a tabletop ledger. Smaller, more intimate presentations work better in a baby book or diary.
Step 4: Consider pages If you have unusually shaped layouts, consider using double pages or pages that fold out. Make a note of this, too.
Step 5: Buy the book Buy the book. Now you’re ready to start the final step in the process—assembling your masterpiece.
TIP: Buy refill pages when you buy the book so you don’t have to hunt them down later.
Step 6: Think about number of pages Think about how many pages you need, and whether that might expand. You don’t want a half-filled book, but if your theme might expand over the years—like “Thanksgiving” or “Summer Cottage Memories”—you’ll need a binder so pages can be added.
Step 7: Consider emotional impact Consider the emotional impact you want your scrapbook to have. Should people feel nostalgic? Impressed? Amused? Write down the word or words that come to mind—they’ll serve as helpful reminders when you find yourself overwhelmed by choices.
TIP: Magnetic photo albums are not recommended for archival use—magnets can distort and discolor photo chemicals over time.
Step 8: Pick a book You’re ready to pick a book. Look for a style that accommodates all your materials in the way you want to organize them, and make sure it’s the right color, texture, and size for your theme.
Step 9: Consider special features Consider the special features of your layout. If your materials include souvenirs and keepsakes that are not flat and easily mountable, you may need to plan creative treatments or buy customizable pages to accommodate the objects. Note this down.

You Will Need

Your planned scrapbook layouts
Time to think
A notepad and pen
And a ruler or tape measure

How to Get Started Scrapbooking

Howcast — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:45:59 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Decide on a topic Decide on a topic. If you pick a theme before you start, you’ll be more prepared to organize your material.
TIP: Invite family members to participate for family-bonding time. Form a scrapbooking group to work on projects together and enjoy conversation.
Step 2: Pick a book Pick a scrapbook that suits your theme or has colors or patterns you prefer. There are enough choices for every taste.
Step 3: Find photos and memorabilia Find photos and memorabilia such as newspaper clippings, certificates, and movie ticket stubs.
TIP: Use a small box, such as a shoebox, to store any extra photos and memorabilia.
Step 4: Buy paper Buy cardstock to use as frames for your pictures.
Step 5: Pick out accessories Pick accessories to dress up your pages. Craft stores sell stickers, buttons, and three-dimensional decorations for scrapbooking.
Step 6: Assemble pages Cut and paste paper patterns, ribbons and bows, and decorative buttons. Trim edges with your scissors.
TIP: Page protectors will keep your scrapbook mementos looking good for a long time.
Step 7: Choose pens Choose colorful pens to write names, dates, and quotes on your pages. Use acid-free, waterproof, and fade-proof pens, available at arts and crafts stores.
FACT: In 2007, a letter written by George Washington in 1787 was found in New Jersey in a 19th-century scrapbook.

You Will Need

A theme
A scrapbooking album
Photos
Memorabilia
Cardstock
Accessories
Scissors
Adhesives
Specialty pens for scrapbooking
Family (optional)
A small box (optional)
Page protectors (optional)

How to Assemble a Scrapbook

Howcast — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:17:09 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Shop for safe materials You’ve organized your material into layouts; now it’s time to construct. The key is using adhesives, papers, and decorative elements that won’t damage what you’re trying to preserve. Shop for ones labeled acid-free, archival quality, photo-safe, and lignin-free.
Step 2: Trim background paper Trim your background paper to the appropriate size for your layout.
TIP: A small precision knife will give you a cleaner, straighter line than scissors.
Step 3: Check layout Make sure your layout will fit on your page or inside your page protector—if not, make the necessary adjustments to your layout.
Step 4: Crop photos Crop photos if necessary.
Step 5: Mat photos Mat the photos if you choose.
Step 6: Arrange elements Arrange your elements on the background paper, shifting them around until they fit and are visually appealing.
Step 7: Begin mounting Begin mounting the materials on the background paper in the arrangement you’ve just created, starting with the bottommost elements. If you have a custom-cut background for your picture, mount it first.
Step 8: Mount picture Mount the picture next, then any printed captions, quotes, or titles.
Step 9: Add decorations If you have decorative embellishments you plan to use on top or around the picture, mount them last.
TIP: Never use rubber cement, glue sticks, or “school” glues. Even if they’re labeled acid-free, they don’t work as well or last as long as other adhesives.
Step 10: Let layout set Give your finished layout time to set.
Step 11: Add captions or titles Add any handwritten captions or titles.
TIP: Practice writing on scrap paper first to ensure that the words will fit in the allotted space neatly and legibly.
Step 12: Check your page Check your page for any loose elements before sliding it into the page protector or mounting it in the book. Congratulations—you’re on your way!
FACT: Mark Twain patented a “Self-Pasting Scrapbook” in 1872—by 1901, his line included 57 different designs.

You Will Need

Your materials
organized into layouts
Your scrapbook or album of choice
Archival-quality background paper or cardstock
Sharp scissors or a small precision knife
Archival-quality page protectors
Archival-quality tape or adhesive
And archival-quality pens or markers
Photo mats
Decorative embellishments
Scrap paper