Scrapbookers? [Archive] - Page 4

snowzilla

01-27-2006, 10:42 AM

I tried to search this thread for info, but I couldn't really find anything. This dilemma is already making me think.

I just started scrapbooking after the wedding, so I have a pre-wedding book, a wedding book, a HM book and the starts of a family book/post-wedding book (which badly needs to be updated).

Now that we are pg, obviously I am very excited to have lots more to scrapbook, but don't know how to proceed

Do I have a book for each child and the family as well? So if we go on on a vacation, am I going to be putting vacation info in 3 places (just assuming 2 kids)? Or the main vacation pictures in the family book and just pictures of the individual child in their own book?

My dilemma comes from the fact that my mom only did kid photo albums, so while my photo album has some pictures of my brother and parents (though my dad wasn't a big 'whole family picture taker) there isn't much about what we did as a family. But I have my album with me, which will be nice to show my kids but it is 98% about just me.

On the other hand, my best friend just started scrapbooking recently (her kids are 3 and 5) and while I think they may have baby books, from now on she plans on just doing family books - like 1 per year. My fear with that is that when the kids are grown up, they won't each have books from their childhood.

So after this novel, I am wondering what other people are doing, especially those with kids that are older than wanting to document all the "firsts".

I have three children, so what I have done is this -

Family events, such as vacations, weddings, things we do together - go into one family album.

Single events, like, my daughter getting her first tooth or my son receiving an award at his school, go into their individual "All about _____" albums. These albums also contain pages that don't necessarily display a milestone event, but are just a tribute of sorts to each individual childs' characteristics - like, my daughter's beautiful blue eyes, for example.

I also have an album that I completed that is just about me - it's about twenty pages long and starts with my elementary years up to my marriage to DH and becoming a mom.

Then I have a wedding album, and a honeymoon album....LOL I admit, you end up with a lot of albums, but I'm a photo junkie and have twice that amount of regular photo albums anyways. I buy nice albums that look fairly similar and they look quite nice sitting on our bookshelves. :)

Edited to add: Everything that is scrapped is also in a photo album - I always print doubles, so there will be extra copies if I ever need them, or my kids want them down the road - I don't assume that they'll be as interested in my scrapbooked pages as I am (like my son, for example) so I like having a copy of just regular old photographs as well. But, like I said, I'm a photo junkie. I got it from my dad, who has an entire bookshelf in the spare room at home filled with thousands of photographs. :eek:

dpangel33

01-27-2006, 11:06 AM

Speaking of vellum, I found adhesive vellum at Michaels!! I love it b/c I can custom print anything and cut it out and it becomes a sticker (no hassle taping/gluing)!!

Kimberland30

01-27-2006, 12:34 PM

I recently got a catalog from Oriental Trading that featured all sorts of scrapbook items...cheap! They also have all sorts of organizational items.

Here's a link to their scrapbooking website Scrapbooking items (http://www.orientaltrading.com/otcweb/application?namespace=browse&origin=topLevelLandingPage.jsp&event=link.externalBrowse&categoryId=375960&topLevelCategoryId=342677&parentCategoryId=342677&tabId=Specialty)

tgr68

01-27-2006, 01:23 PM

Kimberland, you should have not posted that link because now I want this:

http://image.orientaltrading.com/otcimg/65_85024-27,33,43a.jpg?resize(350x350)

LOL! ;)

DiscoDiva

01-27-2006, 01:57 PM

kmmommy

01-27-2006, 02:04 PM

Kimberland, you should have not posted that link because now I want this:

http://image.orientaltrading.com/otcimg/65_85024-27,33,43a.jpg?resize(350x350)

LOL! ;)

Me too! Not a bad price at $479 though. Hmmm...my b-day is coming up!!

snowzilla

01-27-2006, 02:13 PM

How do you ladies store your paper? I've yet to come up with a method I'm 100% happy with. I'm seriously thinking about making my own paper caddy/holder thing. If you have any pics of what you use, please post them!

I have one of those wire mesh shelf things - I did the trick (which I believe I actually got from one of your posts on the other site, DD!) with the shelves and tie straps inside to make smaller shelves.

To sort my patterned papers, I found a store that sells 12x12 ziploc bags, and I store them that way. I like that they're clear and I can see what is inside them, and I can store scraps and leftovers from the same patterns in the same bag, so they're all in the same place when I need them. :) I also like that I can grab them and throw them in my tote for crops in a pinch.

I do have my eye on these 12x12 boxes for storing pages in progress though - I wonder what they charge to ship to Canada.....
http://image.orientaltrading.com/otcimg/65_85068-70,92a.jpg?resize(250x250)

jesseybell

01-28-2006, 08:38 AM

snowzilla

01-28-2006, 09:01 AM

snowzilla - thank you! I really like your ideas. I also like the idea of getting doubles made so 1 goes in a scrapbook and the other stays available for albums, loose, etc. Ever since we got our digital camera 18 months ago I've got to get better at printing out more pictures. Right now I've only printed the few I've used for scrapbooks and the rest are still trapped on my computer (which gasp is not backed up - I must move to CD!) But I want the actual pictures for more pics than I've printed because at somepoint I am just not going to print out pictures from 5 years ago.

Do yourself a favor and back up to DVD instead of CD, if at all possible. I back up regularly to CD, and have for a couple of years now - I found out the hard way that CDs are not as resilient as I thought, when I had errors on two discs of photographs less than a month apart. (You'll put the disc in the computer, and your computer will freeze and an error message will come up saying "cyclic redundancy check" or something like that.) We did some investigating, reading different articles, and asking some more serious photographers about backing things up. It turns out that CDs are simply not as "long lasting" as we thought they were - especially if you buy cheaper recordable CDs - the layers used on them break down faster, and you end up with disc errors. Apparently, the best (and most economical) way to back up your photos is to burn them to DVD, because the multiple layers on a DVD disc make it more resilient than a CD. And, the nice thing is that the DVD holds far more photos. :)

I was in the midst of setting up an archival type of system for my photographs, but was doing it to CD when I discovered this problem (and lost some very important photos *sigh*) - so now I'm going back and backing up all of my CDs to DVD.

I try to make a point of making a disc of my absolute favourites to Costco now and then and getting them printed so I don't fall too far behind on printing. I'd rather spend a little now and then than have to shell out a whole ton of money on photos (and then there's the time spent sorting them into albums!). :) Hi everybody, I'm Snowzilla, and I am addicted to photography.

Mrs.Pfeiffer

01-28-2006, 09:22 AM

To add to the backing up photos discussion.....I also have been backing up our photos on CD's. I hate that they don't hold that many pics and was happy when someone told me about the DVD's. But now, our computer is going haywire and we took it in to get it checked out and it turns out they need to erase everything off of it and re-load all our software back on. I got the computer back so I could get all our important things off of it before the erased everything, and realized I have almost 40 GB of pics/music/documents I need to save!! That's a LOT of DVD's/CD's. So I was looking at the best buy website and saw these things called External hard drives and was wondering if anyone has one? I am thinking that it is like a drive that is seperate from your computer, so I could potentially put everything I wanted on the external drive and then take my computer in and get it fixed and then be able to transfer everything back onto my computer. But THEN, the coolest thing, is that I would still have this external hard drive in case something went crazy with my computer again but didn't have a chance to save things on it, I would still have everything saved on that external drive.

Does this make sense to anyone? I think it would be a great idea for people with lots of photos and music on their computer. :) They have 100GB external drives for like $100 at best buy!

:)

jeeplover

01-28-2006, 09:45 AM

Mrs. Pfieffer to be-We have an external hard drive and that is where I back up all my pictures after I put them up on Shutterfly. I think it is a good way to back up pictures without having all the CD's and DVD's around-just my opinion. The hard drive that we have is around 200 GB and can be interchanged between computers very easily. Alot of new computers are now coming with them as a package deal.

tgr68

01-28-2006, 11:39 AM

I back all my photos up on CD (we don't have a DVD burner). When I upload my photos for printing, I select the CD option as well. It's only $3 extra and I have fit 80+ photos at a time. Then I store the CDs in our lock-box at the bank just in case anything were to happen to our home. That way I still have a copy of everything!

I still have yet to find a method of storing paper that I like and can use. :rolleyes:

LeslieR

01-28-2006, 11:52 AM

I back our pics up onto CDs, too. I kick myself all of the time that we did not get the DVD burner option when we got this new computer a couple years ago. I know I could install one myself, but that would just be too much work right now.:p

emschwar

01-28-2006, 12:09 PM

You might want to remember that normal CDs aren't archivally safe. You can get archival gold cds (or, the cds the costco photo center uses are the gold archival ones) which last 200+ years. Normal cds degrade after less than 10, I believe.

it's a bug

01-28-2006, 12:23 PM

They have 100GB external drives for like $100 at best buy!
:)

This is a great deal! we also have an external drive and my Dh backs up our data every couple of months. I no longer worry about a hard drive crash causing me to loose ALL my data and pics.

tgr68

01-28-2006, 12:37 PM

Emschwar~Where can I get those?

LeslieandPaul

01-28-2006, 03:50 PM

The scrapbook store that I regularly shop at is having a great sale-25% off your entire purchase! And last night (they have deals every Friday night)they had all magazines and idea books for 30% off (not included in the 25% off). I bought 3 magazines, a bunch of papers and accents (ribbon, metal plaques, die cuts). The magazines I got were-Card Creations Favorite Occasions, Paper Crafts February, and Creating Keepsakes.
I need to start scrapbooking regularly (right now I just do a few pages after an event, and then don't do anything in my album for over a month. I have tons and tons of papers that I'd like to use, but never have enough photos.

wagsgirl

01-28-2006, 11:34 PM

I went to a "Scrap Mania" tonight at Archiver's with some friends. SO MUCH FUN!! And I actually got quite a bit done, through all the chatter of course ;)

And, after using a friend's and thinking on it for a while, I bought:
http://us.st11.yimg.com/store1.yimg.com/I/scrapbookexpress_1879_27179646

The Quickutz Squeeze with Stiletto Unicase Alphabet Set. A friend had a 30% off one item coupon that she wasn't using, so I used it. WOOOHOOOOO!!! I'm so excited. The start of my very own die cut system! ALRIGHT!!!

rubyslippers

01-29-2006, 05:09 AM

MandyMaloo

01-29-2006, 07:34 AM

wagsgirl--wow!! I've been looking at one of those as well. I saw them advertised in one of my scrapping mags and was pretty interested. What do you think? How big are the letters? Isn't achivers the greatest?!? I went to the one in Madison and was completly awed at the HUGE selection! I am sooo in love with that place! FH and I are moving back to WI next summer, and I can't wait to have Archivers so close! We don't have any anywhere near here. When we go back to finish our wedding stuff in May, you better believe I'll be going in there ;).

ruby- I'm not sure where to tell ya. If I remember correctly, you're looking for a specific fall design from a specific line of paper. I saw in your other post that it had been discontinued...and if that's the case, the only place I could suggest would be ebay. I don't know of any other place that would carry enough pages of discontinued paper. Unfortunatly, you may be out of luck. Again, try ebay and try going diectly to the maker's website. Good luck!

emschwar

01-29-2006, 07:38 AM

Emschwar~Where can I get those?
Honestly, I've never seen them in a store. But after seeing them at costco (and thinking about getting them to do it, at 2.99 a cd), I froogled "gold archival cd" and got places that sell them. Buy.com was the cheapest, I think. They're expensive - about $1 a cd, but it's cheaper than having costco do it, and it's worth it to me to have my photos backed up archivally.

ETA linkie - http://www.buy.com/prod/eFilm_25_Pack_Archival_Gold_CDR_s/q/loc/101/10385762.html
Gold is one of the most reflective robust elements on Earth. More than 20 of 24k gold in every CD-R. Maximum resistance to the harmful effects of oxidation, a main cause of failure to optical media. With Patented Phthalocyanine dye formula that gives a storage life of 300 years.

DiscoDiva

01-29-2006, 09:26 AM

Hi ladies,
I'm hoping you can help me. I'm currently looking for fall scrapbook paper. I've been to my local AC Moore and Michaels. I've found 2 papers I love and I can't get either of them in quantites large enough to complete my wedding invitations. I need about 50 sheets that are 12x12. I'm sure it's because of the time of year. Do you have any websites that might be a good starting point. I've searched on line a bit and not had much success.
What if you post a picture of the print and us ladies try to find some and mail it to you? It might sound crazy, but why not give it a shot?. I'd be happy to check my local stores for you.

Wagsgirl: how much did the QuickKutz 'machine' cost? What about the sets of die cut letters?

MSH

01-29-2006, 01:49 PM

I am looking to start my first scrapbooking project as we recently found out we are expecting and are closing on our first home in a month. Anyways I have some questions about albums.

I was wondering, what is your favorite brand of albums? and what type of album is it? What should one avoid when buying an album?

What was the first project you took on? If it was a large event (wedding, first baby etc.) were you glad you chose this as your first project? Looking back do you wish you had started with something not quite as significant?

DiscoDiva

01-29-2006, 04:13 PM

What was the first project you took on? If it was a large event (wedding, first baby etc.) were you glad you chose this as your first project? Looking back do you wish you had started with something not quite as significant?
My belief is that you never do an extremely significant event for your first album. You should learn on less important events, then, once you get a feel for your personal style and are more confident with your skills, you do an important album.

snowzilla

01-29-2006, 05:29 PM

My belief is that you never do an extremely significant event for your first album. You should learn on less important events, then, once you get a feel for your personal style and are more confident with your skills, you do an important album.

I completely agree. I look back at some of my earlier albums, and I have to chuckle at myself - my style has evolved SO much.

Chylynn

01-29-2006, 05:30 PM

Hi Natalie! As you know, I am working on my first album and it is my baby album. I don't know if I will regret doing this album as my first, but I am fine with it knowing that my style will probably change.

I was wondering, what is your favorite brand of albums? and what type of album is it? What should one avoid when buying an album?

I purchased a creative memories strap hing album and I really like it. What I would recommend doing is purchasing an album that you can add pages to it and not one that does not allow you to add pages since you don't know exactly how many pages you want.

Plan on stocking up on paper, a good trimmer to trim your pictures and paper, picture tape (could be squares, which I use, or a tape runner), stickers or rub ons, and a good quality pare of scissors. I would hold off on other things until you know what kind of scrapbooker you are going to be.

For example, I have CM pastel pens that I don't use since I journal on the computer. I just think it looks cleaner that way, so I will rarely use my pens. Also, I don't have any decorative scissors, because, like I said, I like cleaner lines.

Good luck!! I am so happy for you and your DH!!

Off topic

Not sure if you all know or not, but Michaels is having a sale on their paper- 0.25 a sheet!!

emschwar

01-29-2006, 07:19 PM

I need some help! I'm trying desperately to finish Noah's 1st year scrapbook before he turns 2. I'm doing a layout for the first time we gave him solid food (rice cereal - it wasn't a hit) and I need some clever title for the page. Any ideas? Thanks!

DiscoDiva

01-29-2006, 09:25 PM

MandyMaloo

01-30-2006, 06:04 AM

Wow!! Lots going on here!

Welcome MSH! It looks like you've got a LOT on your plate! Congrats on all the wonderful news! I agree with snowzilla and DiscoDiva that taking on a major event as your first scrapping experiance may not be the way to go. My first scrapbook was from my college days, and when I look back (which isn't too often) it just looks jumbled and scattered. There's no real rhyme or reason to it or anything, and it's not something I would sit out to let company see. I would try scrapping a few pages first of pictures of your new home, or something like that and let you feel out what style is your own. Skim back a few pages on this thread, snow and Disco had given some GREAT ideas and tips!

As far as favorite albums, I don't really have a preferance. I'll go to the craft store and find something I really like there and just use it. I stay away from strap-hinge and spiral bound albums, simply becuase I like to build on my albums and I really like the page protectors (since I use my scrapbooks as coffee table books).

*******

I am going to try to get some pages done this weekend. I've got a bunch of pictures and I went out and bought some awesome new transperancies and vellum sayings and I REALLY want to use them! :) I'm so stressed out about our move at the beginning of March and the wedding that I need to get my mind off things for awhile I think. I hope everyone has a great day!

DiscoDiva

01-30-2006, 09:01 AM

My first scrapbook was from my college days, and when I look back (which isn't too often) it just looks jumbled and scattered. There's no real rhyme or reason to it or anything, and it's not something I would sit out to let company see.
That's a good way to describe my first scrapbooking attempts. I tended to waaay overuse the stickers, and just throw them around the page. I've since learned how to make the album look cleaner, more organized, better, and more elegant. It just takes practice. My mom's first album was her teenage years, which was perfect, because the scattered, jumbled look is a great way to describe the teen years!

For albums, I don't like the strap hinge (although I do think Creative Memories albums are very high quality). I buy 12x12 top loading page protector albums, the kind that you drop in the page from the top. I buy Pioneer as well as other brands.

tgr68

01-30-2006, 10:00 AM

MSH~Wow! Congrats on the new home and on expecting!! How exciting! I agree with the other on not doing something too significant for your first album. I chose to do a pgcy album for my first attempt (while something very important, not something I would display).

Favorite Album~I recently purchased a CM album and I love it!! Switching out paper/adding paper is tricky at first, but really easy to get the hang of. I've used all types of albums, and strap hinge in definately my fave so far!

Emschwhar~Here are a few titles I found:
"Eat It? I Can't Even Pronounce It"
"It's Chow Time"
"Scrumdillitelyumpschous" ( From Willy Wonka)
"Yummy, Yummy, Yummy, I've Got Veggies In My Tummy"
"It's Hard To Be Neat When You're Learning To Eat"

I just finished my Cruise album!!! Still need to upload pics and get them posted though!

snowzilla

01-30-2006, 10:04 AM

I think album styles are definitely a personal preference. I don't mind post-bound, but I hate the strap hinge. Although, that could be simply because I've never really worked with a strap hinged album until recently - and I couldn't get it put back together. :o I had to take it to my local scrapbooking store and ask them to rethread it for me. LOL

I use a combination of post-bound albums and ring-bound (binder style) albums - it really just depends on what's on sale, and which cover I like the best. :)

wagsgirl

01-30-2006, 09:09 PM

MandyMaloo-I'm sure the Archiver's I was at Fri night was the same one you visited. Many of my IRL friends I met on WC and we try to go there once a month or 6 weeks and scrap. When you move, you can join us!! ;) As far as the machine goes, I love it so far, but I've only used it once. Just today :) I used the older model and really liked that one, too. See below for pricing info

DiscoDiva-The kit I got with the machine and the "mini" letters was $119.99. But, I had a 30% off coupon, so it was $85. Pretty good amount off, I thought. These letters are only about 1/2" to 3/4" tall, but good for some of my layouts. The "regular" letters run about $160/set. I'm hoping to get those with coupons as well...Maybe every 6 months or so. I see it mostly as an investment.

emschwar

01-31-2006, 08:23 PM

Thanks for the title ideas. I'm not sure if any of them really fit though. His first food was rice cereal, and he HATED it. I may go with a take off on what I just put on his birthday cake page, which was "Cake? Are you kidding me? I'm not eating that!"

Anyone have any suggestions for getting pictures straight? I've always just eyeballed them, and I used to be pretty good at it, but lately, I keep noticing some of my pictures are just slightly off. It usually happens when I use patterened paper, so it's harder to accurately eyeball the distance to the edge.

snowzilla

01-31-2006, 08:29 PM

Thanks for the title ideas. I'm not sure if any of them really fit though. His first food was rice cereal, and he HATED it. I may go with a take off on what I just put on his birthday cake page, which was "Cake? Are you kidding me? I'm not eating that!"

What about something playing off a newspaper food column, like "Food Critic"? (Or, Future Food Critic?)

emschwar

01-31-2006, 08:30 PM

What about something playing off a newspaper food column, like "Food Critic"? (Or, Future Food Critic?)
Oh, that's a good one! Totally fits with him too, since he's the pickiest thing ever! Thanks!

snowzilla

01-31-2006, 08:41 PM

As a text embellishment, you could also add a little "review" as if it's a clipping from a newspaper:

"...two baby thumbs, way down. - Baby Emschwar" :)

emschwar

01-31-2006, 08:43 PM

Oh, that's awesome! I'm totally doing that!!!

DiscoDiva

01-31-2006, 08:50 PM

Food critic - that's a great idea!

To keep pics on the page straight, I stand up when I'm sticking them down. I don't know why that helps me, but it does. Other than that, I have to measure with a ruler, but that is way too much of a hassle!

snowzilla

01-31-2006, 08:52 PM

Oh, that's awesome! I'm totally doing that!!!

Now I'm hoping Avery will reject solids (just once!), just so I can do that page. LOL :p

Rosebud

02-01-2006, 03:54 PM

Hey girls, I have a question for you.

I've never done any scrapbooking, but I'm making a large family tree to frame and need a little advice on paper and materials. I thought you would probably know that kind of stuff best! :) Here's sort of what I want the tree to look like, with different colors.

http://scrapbooking.com/2000/2004/03/images/family/rockwell_1.jpg

My question is this: I'll print the names on cardstock, and then I need to cut them out, and also cut out backing to go behind them. What sort of cutting tools would you use for this so that everything stays uniform? I'm not really very crafty and am looking for any tools that might make this easier for me. If I freehand it with scissors I know it'll end up all lopsided.

Do you have any other suggestions, or have you seen anything cute at a scrapbooking store that might work with a family tree? Thanks so much!

SunnyAB

02-01-2006, 04:54 PM

You can get a carpenter's square that should help you. (Its like a ruler with an elbow - basically an 'L' ) eg - line up the horizontal edge of the square with the horizontal edge of the paper, then line up your photo on the vertical edge of the ruler :)

colleenjoy

02-03-2006, 10:52 AM

does anyone have any good online resources for supplies, ideas, etc? I'm just starting out scrapbooking and could use some help. I finished one page, but need some inspiration on others. i've checked out the layouts thread and that's great, but was hoping to find some good web sites for ideas.

Thanks

Colleen

dpangel33

02-03-2006, 11:31 AM

I just recently found twopeasinabucket.com; I could literally spend hours just looking in the gallery at layouts, it's so addicting!!

snowzilla

02-03-2006, 11:49 AM

LeslieR

02-05-2006, 08:07 AM

I love twopeasinabucket.com, also. Click on Peanut Gallery, and then View Categories (top of page to the left).

I've finally found the time to get back into scrapbooking. Hurray! And it seems I'm like my ideas are a little stale, so I need some new products...

Any recommendations for a (cheap circle cutter)? Anyone use a fiskars one that you like? Fiskars supplies are on sale at Michael's this week...

Also, does anyone yuse a Xyron sticker maker? Which one do you have? How do you like it? Xyron products are also on sale this week... ;) :p

God help me-I'm itching to go to Michael's right now.:o

wagsgirl

02-05-2006, 02:27 PM

Right now I only have the Xbox Xyron. For littler things, I love it. I was just at Micheal's today eyeing up a different Xyron. The 250 model. It's only $19.99 plus with their 40% off coupon, it would be VERY reasonable. That fits things up to 2 1/2". One of my friends has one that's even larger that I didn't see at Michael's but did see at Archiver's, but that one's like $60. I love my little Xbox, but want to move into something bigger. It only works if things are under 1" tall...

I don't have a Fiskars circle cutter. Mostly I use Coluzzle's for circles.

DiscoDiva

02-05-2006, 05:20 PM

I also have the smallest Xyron sticker maker, I didn't know it was called the Xbox - although it does look like an X shape. I love it!

I tried the Fiskar's circle cutter and never liked it. I believe the Creative Memories circle cutters (as well as their whole cutting system) are the best ones you can get - they work great!

Sunshine

02-06-2006, 11:13 AM

So I just bought the Fiskars scrapboss....and so far I am having BLAST with it.
BUT, also just found out there is a heatboss? What exactly does it do? And is it expensive? Oh, and is it alot different than the scrapboss?
The only thing so far I dont like with the scrapboss, is lack of color. I will have to experiment with powders, but am a little scared:p

TIA:D

Sunshine

02-07-2006, 11:33 AM

nevermind....I figured it out on my own:p

emschwar

02-07-2006, 11:34 AM

What's the heatboss?

Sunshine

02-07-2006, 11:45 AM

I have only heard a few people call it heatboss, I assumed b/c the embosser uses heat? (On Michaels.com they just have it listed as an Embossing Heat Tool)
I guess it is used with stamps, and I just had no clue what it was, or how it compared to my scrapboss.....

I just heard of this "heatboss" and had no clue what it was, so I was hoping someone could help me figure it out! LOL!

emschwar

02-07-2006, 11:56 AM

Oh, is it just like the "hair dryer" you use to melt the embossing powder?

jmvan74

02-07-2006, 12:31 PM

Hi, just joining the discussion. I've finally started scrapping again and I really need some inspiration! My creativity is shot.

Anyhow...I have the fiskers circle cutter and don't like it. I ended up buying the creative memories cutting system. It makes much nicer cuts. IMO.;)

Sunshine

02-07-2006, 01:59 PM

emschwar~Yes, I think so...this thingy...
http://www.michaels.com/online/images/product/thumb/pc0041.jpg
I've never seen one in person or used one before, it was just that someone suggested buying it and I had no idea what it was:)

And good to know about Creative Memories vs. Fiskars.....I did buy the Fiskars Scrapboss, but I think for cutting kits I wil go for Creative Memories stuff....I see alot of that on ebay too:)

mrsliby2004

02-07-2006, 05:34 PM

Whew . . . I'm caught up!!
I have the Making Memories Instant Setter and I LOVE it! I have not had a problem with any eyelets yet at all!

I also have that maroon colored embossing gun and I love it too! I just need to get better at embossing so I don't heat my fingers so often!

My favorite cutters are the cutterbees and cutterpede, as for circles . . . I have a difficult time with the Creative Memories shape cutters (I probably just need to practice), but I haven't had many probs with my fiskers circle cutter except that it only cuts circles - no fun shapes!

My questions for ya ---

I am scrapbooking my furbabies, and I have their first lost tooth from each of them. How do I put the teeth into the scrapbbok so that they don't get broken?

Do they make little hard "capsules" so that thye wouldn't get smashed? I have some of the "envelopes," but one of the teeth already shattered from the weight of the other scrapbooks being set on top of the one it was in.

Also, what kind/brand scrapbook is your favorite? Does anyone have an opinion as to whether Creative Memories albums are actually better than others?

Any help appreciated!

emschwar

02-07-2006, 05:40 PM

3M makes a little hard plastic container just for scrapbooking. Let me see if I can find a link...

emschwar

02-07-2006, 05:42 PM

http://www.3m.com/brands/scotch/pdf/Display_Box_Ad.pdf

Aug2002Bride

02-07-2006, 06:50 PM

I want to know how this sticker machine works....Ive seen it but I dont understand really what it does? Do you create shapes or something and then it makes them into stickers?

DiscoDiva

02-07-2006, 07:45 PM

I want to know how this sticker machine works....Ive seen it but I dont understand really what it does? Do you create shapes or something and then it makes them into stickers?
Yes, you cut out shapes, or use a Sizzix machine to make letters, then you insert them into the machine, and they come out on the other side with a sticky back. It makes them stickers - and it works fantastic! The great thing is that the smallest size 'machine' is only around $8-9, and each sticky tape refill is about $6.

{b}

02-07-2006, 08:59 PM

Hey guys! I'm a scrapper too!

Just UPSed out my CK Hall of Fame entry today! I don't have a shot in hell, but I really love most of the layouts I did, and it was really, really challenging, personally. So I am really happy I did it!

Anyone else enter?

emschwar

02-07-2006, 09:01 PM

I thought about entering. Never got around to it. I'd like to do it sometime, but the required layouts this year just didn't speak to me. Maybe next year.

Aug2002Bride

02-08-2006, 06:57 AM

Disco..

thanks for the info! Ive always wondered about them cause I see them all the time.

Do any of you belong to a monthly scrapbooking club? Im thinking about joining one so Id love any recommendations or opinions on any. Ive found tons of them by googling scrapbooking club

neenbean

02-08-2006, 11:38 AM

Do any of you belong to a monthly scrapbooking club? Im thinking about joining one so Id love any recommendations or opinions on any. Ive found tons of them by googling scrapbooking clubMy MOMS Club meets monthly to "Scrap & Chat" for 2 hours. We have our children with us, so I rarely get much done. My DD is 10 mo, but friends with older kids who can entertain themselves better get lots more accomplished. I usually trim/ cut pictures and make a few decisions about layouts. A few months I even finished a layout. :eek: ;)

Also, my CM Consultant holds monthly crops at her house. She serves a meal and we spend about 6 hours working, sometimes less, sometimes more. Once a quarter, she gets together with several other CM consultants and they host a HUGE crop with maybe 100+ women and that is a blast. Love those crops a lot! Find out if there are any CM Consultants in your area who do the same. They all seem to be OK with you not purchasing much or anything, but rather are there to provide an outlet for fellow scrappers. :)

Aug2002Bride

02-08-2006, 12:23 PM

I mean like a club where you get supplies in the mail every month. I found scraproom.net club this morning and it looks good.

Im also in the local MOMS club and we have "Creative Club" where we get together and work on whatever we want. I never usually get anything accomplished though.

DiscoDiva

02-08-2006, 07:42 PM

My sister joined an oniline scrap club. They send her a 'kit' once a month with paper and supplies to make a bunch of layouts. I personally don't care for the club. Some of the pages are almost drop-in-a-picture-and-you're-done; some are too overdone; and some are just the paper and matching mats, and you do most of the page yourself. However, there have been some that were really cute. Still, I think it takes away from your creativity. I couldn't imagine just doing what's in the kit and following the picture (not that all clubs are like that). I've also noticed that with some of her scrap club layouts, it's hard to find the photos because there's so much 'stuff' on the page (I see this in the big magazines also, and I can't stand it!). Plus, what do you do if you don't care for what they sent, or you never use it? But - I spend waaay too much time on each page, and scrapbooking is the creative outlet for the ex-artist in me, so maybe I'm not the best one to judge. This is all my opinion only! :)

That all being said, my sister has always thought she's terrible at anything creative (which she is not!!) so the kits give her more confidence in her scrapbooking, which is great!

snowzilla

02-08-2006, 07:57 PM

I like the monthly kits at Pick of the Patch (http://www.pickofthepatch.com). They're not pre-fab - they're an assortment of papers, embellishments, sometimes stamps, etc - all in a coordinating set for the month.

I agree with DD - I wouldn't want a kit that's already "done" for me - that's why I like these kits - they're full of the latest and greatest, and you end up with a ton of stuff that you can use again and again (like the foam stamps, for example).

DiscoDiva

02-08-2006, 08:08 PM

Snowzilla brought up a good point about the kits. Make sure the kit club you look into offers the type of scrapbooking pages, techniques, and embellishments you want to use. I don't use stamps, brads, eyelets or any 3D type embellishment besides ribbon, so why would I sign up for a kit that offers things I don't want? Make sure to research each company to find a club that matches your style!

snowzilla

02-08-2006, 08:31 PM

What I like about the POTP kits is that they're constantly offering new things that usually help you to advance your scrapping technique. Stamps aren't something I was familiar with, but a friend (who ended up turning me on to subscribing) got one of their monthly kits and it came with a complete alphabet - now she's using them all the time, and she's gotten me hooked on them as well.

tgr68

02-14-2006, 10:19 PM

Just had to share...

DH surprised me today with an awesome gift when he got home from work! He contacted my Creative Memories rep, and bought me a cutting system with 3 of the stencil sets! :eek: I was in complete shock when I opened the card (the actual set hasn't come in yet). Then I started crying - for the awesome gift and the fact that I just couldn't find anything for him this year (and I had done so well at Christmas and his birthday!).

http://www.creativememories.com/dcVault/WCM005905/4722-1.jpg http://www.creativememories.com/dcVault/WCM005055/7476-1.jpg http://www.creativememories.com/dcVault/WCM005041/7462-1.jpg http://www.creativememories.com/dcVault/WCM005048/7469-1.jpg

DiscoDiva

02-14-2006, 10:50 PM

That is an awesome gift! Hooray for a great DH!!!

endymion411

02-15-2006, 05:06 AM

that's impressive!

i don't think my dh would know what creative memories or a cutting system even was!!! :)

Sunshine

02-15-2006, 08:21 AM

tgr68~Awe, what a great gift:) I was actually looking at those on ebay last night!

dpangel33

02-15-2006, 08:34 AM

Aw what a great DH!! Mine started my disease by buying my first scrapbook 3 years ago and he now refuses to fuel the fire :rolleyes:

tgr68

02-15-2006, 09:22 AM

Thanks gals! He is awesome!

Last week, he came to pick me up from a crop I was at since we rode together into the next town. He saw how much fun my friend and I were having and how much I had gotten down, so he gave me another hour and went and got us both dinner! :D When he got back, he sat down and chatted with me, my friend, and my consultant! :eek: I think I may have to get him into scrapbooking seeing as how he had so much fun in the few minutes he was there!! LOL.

Sunshine

02-15-2006, 09:44 AM

...my DH actually does help me!!!! He doesnt make any pages himself, but he likes to help with new ideas etc!
I was actually shocked he was interested in it:)

emschwar

02-15-2006, 06:33 PM

I finally finished Noah's solids page, and since we were discussing the title here, I thought I'd post it here, as well as in the layouts thread:
http://images.costcophotocenter.com/346328945%7Ffp5%3Enu%3D3235%3E33%3B%3E437%3EWSNRCG %3D32324%3A7499%3C79nu0mrj

snowzilla

02-15-2006, 07:16 PM

It turned out great! I love the colors! (And, of course, I'm partial to the title and the journal subtitle too. ;) )

sunni76

02-15-2006, 07:48 PM

emschwar I love that page! Hope you don't mind, but I may scraplift that title too;)

emschwar

02-15-2006, 08:21 PM

emschwar I love that page! Hope you don't mind, but I may scraplift that title too;)
feel free! :)

emeyez

02-18-2006, 01:30 PM

Emschwar, what do you use for all the lettering on your pages, like your 'snug as a bug' lay out? All your pages look great!

emschwar

02-18-2006, 04:30 PM

emeyez - for the "snug as a bug" (and others) I used the creating keepsakes lettering program.

tgr68

02-18-2006, 05:03 PM

Well, last night I decided to completely dismantle an old scrapbook (which I know is a huge NO-NO, but in my defense the thing was falling apart and some of the picstures were beginning to get damaged). Anyway, I'll be redoing it, and hopefully this time it will last a little longer than 6 years!! :rolleyes:

emeyez

02-18-2006, 08:00 PM

Which is better the Quickutz or the Sizzix systems? I'd like to get one of these but I'm not sure which one would be better, any help would be great!

DiscoDiva

02-18-2006, 08:22 PM

Which is better the Quickutz or the Sizzix systems? I'd like to get one of these but I'm not sure which one would be better, any help would be great!
Sizzix. I've yet to know anyone who has liked the Quickutz better. I tried one, but it was harder to use. But, I did like the smaller size!

wagsgirl

02-19-2006, 06:09 AM

I have the Quickutz and so far I love it. I only have one alphabet and one other die so far, but, for me, it's nice. I like the smaller size of it...I go to my LSS for use of Sizzix type die's...

DiscoDiva

02-19-2006, 08:06 AM

I have the Quickutz and so far I love it. I only have one alphabet and one other die so far, but, for me, it's nice. I like the smaller size of it...I go to my LSS for use of Sizzix type die's...
Tell me if it is just me or the Quickutz, but I was at a crop and was able to use a Quickutz as well as many of the dies. I loved the smaller size and the easy portability for sure. But, it was so hard to press down and get the die to cut. I swear to you, I'm not joking, after cutting out a 9 letter title, I was actually sweating from the effort. :o They had the little stand you put the thing in, and everything. Is that normal? If not, I would have liked the Quickutz a whole lot better!

LeslieR

02-19-2006, 08:42 AM

wagsgirl

02-19-2006, 08:55 AM

it was so hard to press down and get the die to cut

DD- It may have been that the Quickutz wasn't sharp enough. In my experience with die cutting, you do need to "sharpen" the blades by cutting through tin foil a few times. Mine is brand new and still VERY sharp, and I don't need to press down very hard at all. And FWIW, I don't have the stand. I just use my hands to press it together...

BTW- I *heart* your siggy. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that show!!!.

Does anyone use the Coluzzle Cutting System?

*raises hand* I use it! And I love it!!! I've been mostly using the alphabets, though. I did use the circles, ovals, squares, stars, etc when I first started scrapping, but I find myself using more square, uncut pics now. I think the circles or any other shapes are a good way to get into Coluzzle. I have no problem using any of it, but a few of my friends have a hard time with the alphabets because of the twisting and turning involved. But with a circle, it's pretty easy ;) If you do like it and move on, it just takes a little practice :)

snowzilla

02-19-2006, 09:12 AM

Does anyone use the Coluzzle Cutting System? I never did end up finding a circle cutter that I liked, so I bought this yesterday on QVC. I didn't realize there were so many other templates you could buy. If I end up liking this thing, I'm going to be in trouble!

I have a few, and I love them. I have circles, squares, hearts, leaves, and a tag assortment. They're very easy to use - but make sure you use the coluzzle knife that is meant to be used with it - I was cheeky and tried using a regular artist's exacto knife the first time (I was too cheap to buy the actual knife, LOL) and I gouged the heck out of my first cutting template. The swivel blade on the coluzzle knife is what makes it so slick. :)

emschwar

02-19-2006, 09:17 AM

I have coluzzle! My mom handed down a bunch of them to me. I love them! I don't use them as much now as I used to, since I use most of my pictures whole or rectangular, so I don't cut them into funky shapes. But it's a great, cost-effective method of cutting.

DiscoDiva

02-19-2006, 09:19 AM

I did use the circles, ovals, squares, stars, etc when I first started scrapping, but I find myself using more square, uncut pics now.
I'm the same way!

DiscoDiva

02-19-2006, 09:28 AM

Does anyone know if the Sizzlits dies (the small ones) will fit into a Quickutz die carrying case? I think the size of the dies and the case for the Quickutz dies is a huge advantage over Sizzix.

wagsgirl

02-19-2006, 09:32 AM

I asked this of someone at Archiver's. They don't. BUT, I think you could make it work. I have a friend that has many of the Sizzlets and uses Sizzix, but I obviously use Quickutz. I'm thinking that since the size is the same both in the squareness of it, and the thickness, that it could work. The reason it doesn't work is because the QK is magnetic, the Sizzlets aren't. BUT, I know you can buy really thin magnets. I'm thinking I might buy one Sizzlets die and try to adhere the magnet onto it's plain side and see if I can get it to work. In my head it works out, but IRL, who knows...Do you understand my thinking??

ETA: Duh, I thought you were talking of the dies themselves with the machine. You're not. You're talking about the case. I don't know about that, but I would assume so...

DiscoDiva

02-19-2006, 09:35 AM

I get what you're saying. I'm not talking about using the Quickutz dies in my Sizzix machine, or vice versa. I'm talking about storing my Sizzlets dies in the Quickutz die storage notebook. Will they fit? It sure would be a lot handier carrying around one notebook with dies than the plastic storage cases that Sizzlets come in.

wagsgirl

02-19-2006, 09:40 AM

Yeah, I went back and read it again and noticed you said storage not actual dies. I did edit and state I thought they might work and I wouldn't see why not?? They're the same size and all...

DiscoDiva

02-19-2006, 10:17 AM

Who has a Quickutz? Can you measure the dies and the size of the envelope slots they fit into (you know, in the blue binder thing)? I'll measure my Sizzlits dies and see if they are the same size, so I could use a Quickutz notebook for storage. TIA!

They look like the same size, but I wonder if the Sizzlits dies are larger? Or maybe thicker?

vjel

02-19-2006, 10:24 AM

originally posted by DiscoDiva:
Tell me if it is just me or the Quickutz, but I was at a crop and was able to use a Quickutz as well as many of the dies. I loved the smaller size and the easy portability for sure. But, it was so hard to press down and get the die to cut. I swear to you, I'm not joking, after cutting out a 9 letter title, I was actually sweating from the effort. They had the little stand you put the thing in, and everything. Is that normal? If not, I would have liked the Quickutz a whole lot better!

did the QK handtool you were using have a blue handle? If so, I have read/heard that they are a little harder to use. The new ones (pink, black, red handled) are suppose to be much easier to use (less work to press) but I don't know. I bought a blue one off ebay literally minutes before I read that they were harder to use :rolleyes: but have not had the opportunity to use it as I have not bought any dies for it yet.

wagsgirl

02-19-2006, 10:25 AM

I'm at work right now, but I can check for you when I get home. That is, unless someone else posts first ;)

wagsgirl

02-19-2006, 10:27 AM

did the QK handtool you were using have a blue handle? If so, I have read/heard that they are a little harder to use.

Ooo. that could be the reason, too. Not just the sharpening aspect. I bought one of the newer ones, and YES, they are much easier to use...

LeslieR

02-19-2006, 11:08 AM

Thanks girls! Now I've even more excited to get it in the mail. This is what's included in the kit:

11" x 14" foam cutting mat
5" x 5" nested circle
6-1/2" x 5" nested rectangle
5" Coluzzle swivel knife
11-1/2" x 9-1/4" Coluzzle card/envelope template
9" x 4-3/4" Coluzzle gift tag template

I love watching those QVC shows because you get so many ideas from them. She did a couple pages where she used the templates to cut circles and rectangles out of paper and used them in different ways than just as a frame under the pictures. Does that make sense? On one page, she put little rectangles all down the left side in different colors-it looked really cool. Not something I would normally think of on my own. lol

I also got suckered into buying this (http://www.qvc.com/asp/frameset.asp?nest=%2Fasp%2FisItemNumberRedirect.as p&search=SQ&frames=y&referrer=QVC&CLASSLEVEL=&txtDesc=scrapbooking&SearchClass=).

I am quickly outgrowing my little storage cart with all of this new crap I keep buying. I so need my own room for scrapbooking!

wagsgirl

02-19-2006, 11:25 AM

Aw, that link just goes to their general search for scrappin' stuff...

LeslieR

02-19-2006, 12:06 PM

Dammit. Oh well. It's called the This & That 340 Frames And Embellishments Kit:
http://images-p.qvc.com/is/image/f/54/f5554.001?$moreviewmain$

I was just thinking how they have so much more fun stuff now than they did when I first started scrapbooking in the 90's! Like the Sizzix stuff. I always see it at Michael's and I'm totally intimidated by it. I'm sure it's easy, but I'm stuck in the old school scrapbooking ways (and desperately need to break out of them). lol

endymion411

02-19-2006, 01:10 PM

hi ladies!

i have the sizzix machine which i love because it's so easy to use (but so darn heavy!).

this morning i ordered a quickutz with a gift certificate i had--i had been looking at them on ebay for a few weeks but ended up getting one for cheaper this way (it's unbelievable how much people are bidding for them on ebay!). i got the newer pink "squeeze" with the "olivia" font---am very excited about getting the package in the mail, and will report back on ease of use for a first-timer (i've never used one before)

DiscoDiva

02-19-2006, 06:19 PM

did the QK handtool you were using have a blue handle? If so, I have read/heard that they are a little harder to use. The new ones (pink, black, red handled) are suppose to be much easier to use (less work to press) but I don't know.
Yes, it had the blue handle and the docking cradle.

SunnyAB

02-19-2006, 08:55 PM

DARN! My FH bought me one for Christmas and I told him to make sure and check with the sales lady if it was easy to use (I have arthritis). I have only used it a few times and thought it was just a little stiff from being new (its the blue one) I have to stand up to use it or else I cant do it.. :( oh well...

Aug2002Bride

02-21-2006, 06:19 AM

Hey gals...

Im in search for a new album and I was wondering what albums you all use and any recommendations/opinions/likes/dislikes you have...

Thanks!!!

mrsliby2004

02-21-2006, 07:54 AM

Hey gals...

Im in search for a new album and I was wondering what albums you all use and any recommendations/opinions/likes/dislikes you have...

Thanks!!!

Ooh, I wonder too, I am anxious to hear what everyone else has to say!

I just started getting into Creative Memories stuff, but their albums are EXPENSIVE!! I wonder if they are really worth the difference in price, I haven't bought one yet.

I have been using Westrim Crafts Strap-Hinge albums from Michaels, the down thing is that once you get so many pages it becomes floppy and they only come in a few colors.

So, what does everyone else think?

DiscoDiva

02-21-2006, 09:03 AM

mrsliby2004

02-21-2006, 09:14 AM

I've always believed that the Creative Memories albums are some of the best made ones available. But, I don't like strap-hinge: I like post bound. So, I tend to buy Pioneer albums or other post bound 12x12 albums that appear to be well made.

What do you like better about the post-bound versus strap-hinge?

I have been using strap-hinge because someone told me they were better becasue the book lies flat open. I would like to have input from someone that has used both.

DiscoDiva

02-21-2006, 09:23 AM

Post bound albums lay as flat as strap hinge albums. When you add new pages, you add new posts, to make the spine thicker (to accomodate the pages). When you buy a refill of pages, the posts come with them.

Post bound albums come with the page protectors (you know, they are like clear envelopes, and you drop in your page), so you don't have to buy page protectors separately. Also, a huge problem I have with strap hinge albums is that once you put something down on the page, it's kind of stuck there. If you don't like what you did with a post bound album, you just slide out the page and either re-do it or put in another part of your album.

Plus, there seems to be a larger selection of post bound albums.

mrsliby2004

02-21-2006, 09:29 AM

Are the posts different sizes or do you have to insert so many pages each time you add a post? I ma yhave to go today and pick one up, maybe I will like them better!

There is DEFINATELY a larger selection of post bounds!

DiscoDiva

02-21-2006, 10:24 AM

The posts are usually the same size (maybe 1/2" long?) and pretty much the same size with all the album/page manufacturers. I've been able to use posts from one album on another - but sometimes they are not compatible. I just insert the posts every time I insert the pages that come in the package. That tends to always work. Once I finish the album, if I fiind that I inserted too many posts, I just remove a few: it's so easy!

I buy Pioneer or Hobby Lobby brand refill pages and so far, one or the other has worked with every album I've bought. But, that is not always the case with all the albums, I'm sure.

lelee17

02-21-2006, 10:30 AM

Hi Ladies! It's been a while since I've posted, but I have been lurking.

Just wanted to let you know that the Chatterbox Scrapbook Kits are on sale at Michael's right now for $28.64. (Reg. 39.99 -54.99)

It comes with a faux suede 12x12 album, alphabet stickers, word stickers, phrases, tags, 12x12 papers, 3 wooden tags, rivets/brads and ribbons/fibers. (I think that's it) Not bad for the price. :)

http://www.michaels.com/online/images/product/thumb/sb0244.jpg

http://www.michaels.com/online/images/product/thumb/sb0244d1.jpg

emschwar

02-21-2006, 10:40 AM

The posts are always the same size (maybe 1/2" long?) and pretty much the same size with all the album/page manufacturers. I've been able to use posts from one album on another. I just insert the posts every time I insert the pages that come in the package. That tends to always work. Once I finish the album, if I fiind that I inserted too many posts, I just remove a few: it's so easy!
I'll warn that not all posts are the same. I have a heartland 12x12 post bound album (excellent album, I love it) and it wouldn't take the posts from the refills I already had (marcella brand, maybe? They're from target). The pages fit fine, but the screws on the posts were different, so it wouldn't work. I had a joann's coupon though, so I just ordered the heartland refills.

DiscoDiva

02-21-2006, 11:29 AM

I'll warn that not all posts are the same. I have a heartland 12x12 post bound album (excellent album, I love it) and it wouldn't take the posts from the refills I already had (marcella brand, maybe? They're from target). The pages fit fine, but the screws on the posts were different, so it wouldn't work. I had a joann's coupon though, so I just ordered the heartland refills.
I meant to write that most posts are interchangeable, I'll go back and fix my post. thanks!

emschwar

02-21-2006, 11:32 AM

I figured you meant that, DD, I just thought I'd throw the warning out there to others. :) I thought I'd be fine with the refills I had until I tried to use them.

tgr68

02-21-2006, 11:32 AM

Ditto what Emschwar said regarding posts. I bought an album kit from Walmart, and they didn't carry the refill pgs. So, I went to another Walmart and picked up refill pgs with posts, and lo and behold, they didn't fit! :mad: Now I have tons of pages being stored in a bag and no album to house them in. :( I looked online though, and I think I'm going to buy one of the 12x12 3-ring binders. If you like the pages in a postbound, I would purchase a binder instead of the postbound album. I just find them a pain to take apart and refill (assuming you find posts that fit).

I have recently started buying CM albums, and I love thme. I've heard a lot of people say that the strap hinge are hard to work with, but I got it down on my first try. They are expensive, but I'll pay a little extra for the manufacturing guarantee!

DiscoDiva

02-21-2006, 11:43 AM

I figured you meant that, DD, I just thought I'd throw the warning out there to others. :) I thought I'd be fine with the refills I had until I tried to use them.
As I wrote above, so far, Hobby Lobby's or Pioneer's 12x12 refills have fit every album I've bought. Maybe those are more interchangeable than some of the others? Or, maybe I've just had luck with the albums I've bought. Have you tried those yet?

emschwar

02-21-2006, 11:45 AM

I haven't tried those yet. Of course, I haven't worked on a ton of different albums yet. This album was the first I time I couldn't throw random refills in though. So who knows.

snowzilla

02-21-2006, 11:56 AM

I confess - I usually buy whichever albums are on sale. :) My most recent purchase were a pair of beautiful faux-leather albums from Costco - they were post-bound, and had three little squares cut out of the cover that you could insert pictures into. I kept one for myself, and used the other one for MIL's Christmas present.

Strap-hinge albums scare me, ever since I took one apart and couldn't put it back together. :p

mrsliby2004

02-21-2006, 11:59 AM

How did you like the Costco scrapbooks? Are they pretty good quality? They look beautiful, but I was a little leery because of the "cheap" books I have previously bought that kind of splayed(?spell) all over when you added in more pages!

I had one of my strap hinge books fall off the table in mid adding, oh my gosh! It's not so bad adding in pages, but trying to put the whole thing back together!!! ARGH!!

emschwar

02-21-2006, 12:03 PM

How did you like the Costco scrapbooks? Are they pretty good quality? They look beautiful, but I was a little leery because of the "cheap" books I have previously bought that kind of splayed(?spell) all over when you added in more pages!
I don't know about the costco ones (though, generally, their stuff is high quality, and if you don't like it, for whatever reason, you can take it back, even if it's not in the box) but I've had this problem with cheap albums too. Noah's 1st year is in 2 albums. The first, I got at target, and it definitely has a limit to how many pages you can get in it and still have it work reasonably well. The 2nd (the heartland album) is much better - I've already got more pages in it than in album #1, and it lays much flatter when open, and the pages turn much better.

DiscoDiva

02-21-2006, 12:09 PM

I've gotten a few faux leather albums at Target and they both have held up very well. I guess it depends on each album?

emschwar

02-21-2006, 12:13 PM

My target album (not faux leather, one of the baby albums they sold when they first started carrying the scrapbook supplies) has held up well, it just definitely can't support as many pages as the other one can. Weird.

This is why I make my clients provide their own albums. Then, I don't have to worry about album cost, since they vary so widely, and I don't have to be responsible for picking a dud.

wagsgirl

02-21-2006, 11:00 PM

I buy whatever brand is purple or green. I'm being anal and all of my DD's scrapbooks have to be some shade of purple and all my DS's scrapbooks have to be some shade of green. I've never had a problem buying refills or anything for them. I use mainly postbound although I do have one CM strap hinge book. The only thing I don't like about CM albums is they're not true 12x12 albums. I usually used patterned or colored paper and I always have to cut it down to fit in the CM album. I hate that!!

Although, I really like the Mrs. Grossman albums...

mrsliby2004

02-21-2006, 11:08 PM

Although, I really like the Mrs. Grossman albums...

What are Mrs. Grossman albums?

tgr68

02-21-2006, 11:47 PM

The only thing I don't like about CM albums is they're not true 12x12 albums. I usually used patterned or colored paper and I always have to cut it down to fit in the CM album. I hate that!! This is definately a big negative to the CM brand!!

DiscoDiva

02-22-2006, 09:12 AM

CM now sells Perfect Fit paper, that fits perfectly on the page, between the metal things.

Chimichanga

02-22-2006, 11:06 AM

But, the CM paper isn't a true 12x12. I turned it on the wrong side once and had to re-do my whole page.

Here are some of my "prouder" pages. Feedback please :)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6dc25b3127cce9751315e53aa00000025118IZs2LNo1ba
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6dc25b3127cce9751309192cd00000025118IZs2LNo1ba
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6dc25b3127cce97513399536c00000025118IZs2LNo1ba
The last one didn't turn out quite how I imagined it. :(

Chylynn

02-22-2006, 11:38 AM

I have a CM Scrapbook and love it. I have never had any issues with the strap hinge (took some time this morning, but I figured it out in 5 minutes). I am able to fit the 12 x 12 pages on it with no problem.

Question: I just did a two page layout of my little girls first trip to the beach. Does anyone have any good Layout titles? All I have come up with is "Day at the Beach" which seems bland to me. Thanks!!

steph111397

02-22-2006, 11:47 AM

Here's a link to some Beach themed titles...

http://scrapsayings.com/say-beach.htm

Aug2002Bride

02-22-2006, 12:28 PM

Ive been thinking about switching to a CM album but now Im worried my pages wont fit. I have tons of 12x12 pages Ive already done so I want them to be able to fit without having to trim them down..especially since some of them have pictures/words/embellishments all the way to the sides.

wagsgirl

02-22-2006, 03:06 PM

Im worried my pages wont fit

I can tell you, you'll most definitely (probably 95% sure) have to trim down your pages to fit into a CM album. I did it and it sucked.

mrsliby2004-Mrs. Grossman is a line that is at Archiver's. I know I've seen them elsewhere, but I'm not sure where.

Chimichanga-I love your pages. The first one is great! Love the coloring on the second one and I think the 3rd one is a great idea!! I really like how it turned out. How did you picture it differently?? I love it!

DiscoDiva

02-22-2006, 03:46 PM

But, the CM paper isn't a true 12x12. I turned it on the wrong side once and had to re-do my whole page.
That's correct. Their Perfect Fit paper is something like 11 1/3 x 12 so it fits perfectly within the metal edges on the page. It is made to fit CM album pages only.

Ive been thinking about switching to a CM album but now Im worried my pages wont fit. I have tons of 12x12 pages Ive already done so I want them to be able to fit without having to trim them down..especially since some of them have pictures/words/embellishments all the way to the sides.
You will have to trim them down. Your best bet is to wait until you start a new album, then switch over to the CM albums.

lelee17

02-22-2006, 03:53 PM

FYI - The Perfect Scrapbook (sold at Joanne's/Target) is another one album that holds true 12x12 pages, so no trimming necessary.

emschwar

02-22-2006, 08:06 PM

Ok, ladies, wish list time! What are your favorite (or most coveted) scrapbooking products, not over $100 (or not over $100 with a 40% off coupon ;))

LeslieR

02-23-2006, 12:08 PM

I'm seriously coveting a Xyron 900. I keep telling myself I don't need it and that I can just keep using the adhesive tabs, but then I think how nice it would be just to run everything through the Xryon. I could even go a step further and get the Xryon 1200. *sigh*

Chimichanga

02-23-2006, 12:12 PM

Wagsgirl - I had wanted my photos to be better cut so it looked like they were just poking through a boat's steering wheel. I miscalculated my angles and it looks a bit off to me. I guess I'm just my own harsh critic. :)

Oooh, I have the Xyron (MIL bought it for me for Christmas) and I love it. I can't remember the model off the top of my head, but I can do magnets too. Love it!!

wagsgirl

02-23-2006, 05:28 PM

Chimichanga-Everyone is their own worst critic. I love the page. It's a really great, unique idea. Did you scraplift it?? ;) Or think of it, yourself...

QOTD-Any dies/alphabets to go with my new Quickutz.

I actually bought an alphabet set today. $160 original price. then I had a 25% off coupon, a $25 gift card, $45 cash from my hubby. The balance $58 and change went on the debit card. So, really, I only spent $58 on it!! :p

Well, I'm off to a scrapping weekend this weekend. I'm hoping to get ALOT done. I will hopefully post some of my layouts in the other thread, soon!!

tgr68

02-23-2006, 07:41 PM

QOTD~Sizzix die cut machine & alpha set on eBay for about $60! :eek: Of course, there are still two days left on the auction! :p

mrsliby2004

02-23-2006, 08:47 PM

QOTD - pink ribbon paper and embellishments!! I have looked everywhere and can't find them! I am starting my scrapbook for the Avon 2-Day Breast Cancer Walk and they are sold out everywhere!!!

DOes anyone use any online scrapbook stores? If so, which ones?

emschwar

02-23-2006, 08:54 PM

mrsliby - My scrapbook store had some pink ribbon stuff on clearance! I won't be there for a couple weeks, probably, but I'd be happy to pick it up for you next time I'm there. PM me if you're interested.

mrsliby2004

02-26-2006, 09:39 PM

Posted some of my layouts ont he Scrapbookers: Post Your Layouts Here! thread:

Cruise part 1 (http://www.constantchatter.com/showpost.php?p=577150&postcount=274)

Cruise part 2 (http://www.constantchatter.com/showpost.php?p=577155&postcount=275)

Cruise Part 3 (http://www.constantchatter.com/showpost.php?p=577159&postcount=276)

Chimichanga

02-27-2006, 02:51 PM

Wagsgirl - total scraplift. ;) I saw a woman who spent...no lie...4 hours on that one page making it "perfect." :eek: I like to spend time on my work, but that's a little much in one sitting. And she even said, "No one is going to appreciate my work. they'll just flip right past it." Hmmm...maybe if you didn't spend 4 hours on it you wouldn't feel so bad about people flipping by it.

endymion411

02-27-2006, 05:24 PM

yay!! my quickutz SQUEEZE (the pink one) came in today!!! if only i had the time to try it out :p hopefully this weekend!

Sunshine

03-06-2006, 10:34 AM

Do you all get your ideas from magazines and websites?
I am getting frustrated as I can not find any new layout ideas that would work for the page I am doing, or what materials I have.....

I find myself doing the same LO over and over again.
MY DH said to me yesterday "You Always seem to want to stagger your pictures...why dont you try doing it like this....."
And I thought, "Hmmmmmmmm, now why didnt I think of that?":p

I also have a problem with NOT wanting to layer different materials.
He suggested trying to add some material here or some ribbon there, and I just ended up getting frustrated b/c now I am thinking I am just not creative enough.....

I DO find myself using my embosser more and more, just to give my pages something extra! Which is great, I think.....but I need to learn how to put color on the embossed parts....cant afford the color right now.

sigh...

Anyhow, it just got me thinking, will I get better as i go (Which I find I am...), and how do you get better?
Do I need to buy more materials, or just get new ideas, or even just get together with some different people.....

I just cant afford to buy more stuff right now, I have spent $300 on paper and an embosser, and templates, and some rub ons etc. We are saving to go to Vegas, and I have no extra cash until then, (which is June...)
WHAT DO I DO, WHAT DID YOU DO?

mrsliby2004

03-06-2006, 10:45 AM

I get a lot of ideas from the scrapbook galleries on the above sites, and then I tweak to my liking.

It is expensive at first, but then it's just some embellishments here and there that you buy. My first scrapbooks make me cringe and desperately want ot redo them, but al lthe scrapbook mags say not too, because you will constantly be improving albums instead of making new ones. Just be proud at how much you evolve!

DiscoDiva

03-06-2006, 01:07 PM

It is expensive at first, but then it's just some embellishments here and there that you buy. My first scrapbooks make me cringe and desperately want ot redo them, but al lthe scrapbook mags say not too, because you will constantly be improving albums instead of making new ones. Just be proud at how much you evolve!
Exactly!

Also, go through scrapbooking magazines and, rather than looking at all the embellishments and stuff, look at the actual layout. Is it 3 regular sized pictures? How did they place them on the page? Where did they put the title? The journalling?

Making Memories magazine has a great section in each issue called Fast and Fabulous(?) where they show a layout you can do in one hour, and they also break it down to the simple elements of the layout. (like a pencil sketch of the pictures, title, journalling, etc). Then they show you how you could move one element and make the page look different. It's a great way to learn how to layout pictures.

LeslieR

03-06-2006, 01:16 PM

I have never bought or looked at one single scrapbooking magazine! Do they really have good ideas in them? What are your favorites? I might have to get a subscription!

DiscoDiva

03-06-2006, 01:23 PM

They've got fantastic ideas! I prefer Making Memories, but for beginners I like Simple Scrapbooks.

LeslieR

03-06-2006, 01:30 PM

I've been scrapbooking since the 90's, so totally not a beginner here.:p Although I admit I am out of the loop and some of my pages do look a little stale since I do not keep up with new techniques and products. Hmmm...guess that would be another good reason to get a subscription to a mag. lol

Sunshine

03-06-2006, 02:01 PM

mrsliby2004
My first scrapbooks make me cringe and desperately want ot redo them, but al lthe scrapbook mags say not too, because you will constantly be improving albums instead of making new ones
I wonder...I dont like my "hotel" page for my honeymoon book.....it should be alright to redo that one tho, no?
Thank you for your post:D

DiscoDiva
look at the actual layout. Is it 3 regular sized pictures? How did they place them on the page? Where did they put the title? The journalling?
GREAT IDEA! I have a problem with Lack of journalling and title-ing.....My DH is always saying "Well, where are you going to put the title?"
I think the main problem is I dont like my handwritting, and I feel like it looks amateur with handwritting.......And I dont have many stickers, or letters to spell out a title. I DO have alot of different types and sizes of tags tho, and I have been spelling out titles on those with letter stickers....but....
I am thinking about printing on Velum, as I have *1* sheet of it :p But I just havent tried it yet, so I am not sure if I can even print on velum.....
Thanks as always for your suggestions and advice:D

Chimichanga

03-06-2006, 02:35 PM

Sunshine - definitely check out some layout magazines. You can totally read through them at Barnes and Nobel or Michaels. I will usually flip through them when I see them. They have such cute ideas! Some are really ornate, some aren't - but they are all different.

Another thing that is helping me with my layouts - stealing ideas! :D i'll go to a class where they are teaching something like eyelets, and i'll sneak peaks at everyone's pages. Some are super neat!

For example, I saw this woman with an exacto knife cutting out waves/swirls in her background paper. She then tucked her picture behind the cutout - it looked super cute and it was relatively easy. Or, she'd layer her pictures (combining two) to get something really cool. i don't know if I completely agree with that - but the image was awesome.

Sunshine

03-08-2006, 11:35 AM

Chimichanga~ Thank you:)
I actually saw a really neat LO once too, with layering pics in different ways. It was almost like a kalaidoscope.
I think my problem is I Havent seen too many different ideas/LO's and I just dont know where to go next!
I decided to scrapbook some less important events to get more familiar with different techniques:) I hope it helps:)
Thanks again!

dpangel33

03-13-2006, 05:29 PM

QOTD: What kind of lettering do you like to use on your layouts??

I've just reached the point where I want to add words to a layout and am having a hard time finding the right size/color/font rub-ons or stickers. I was at Joann's the other day and saw the Making Memories foam stamps on sale and liked a couple sets they had. Has anyone used these and liked them?

emschwar

03-13-2006, 05:33 PM

QOTD: I use rub-ons, CTMH acrylic stamps, stickers or I print stuff out from the computer. I use it all, really :)

DiscoDiva

03-13-2006, 06:33 PM

I use a rub-ons, stickers, die cut machines (I have a sizzix) or computer fonts. I've never gotten into stamps.

snowzilla

03-13-2006, 06:39 PM

I'm really enjoying stamps right now. I still use a lot of computer-generated fonts and a printer, and the occasional rub-on, but I'm definitely using stamps a lot in my LOs.

:)

wagsgirl

03-13-2006, 07:32 PM

I've used mostly stickers or Coluzzle cut out letters up til now. I just bought a die cut machine (Quickutz), so I've been using that a bit more...

Sunshine

03-13-2006, 07:36 PM

Is it worth buying a sizzix (or same type) machine?
Even tho it is expensive, I thought, in the end, it would save me money on buying so many letter stickers all the time....

If you would recommend it, can you recommend your favorite brand! (Are there many brands?)
I noticed that a sizzix boxed alphabet set is on sale for $125CDN....is that a good deal? It says includes "Sizzlits"......do I still need to byu some sort of machine to work them still?!?!?!

wagsgirl

03-13-2006, 07:45 PM

I went with the Quickutz Machine. www.quickutz.com

Same principle, just not as "big" as the old sizzix. They are getting into the smaller stuff, now, too, like Sizzlets...

I saw it as an investment. I don't see myself quitting scrapping EVER, so I know I'll get alot of use out of it. And I'm all about the sharing. If one of my friends wants to use it, I'm TOTALLY ok with that. I will definitely get my money's worth. I'll probably still use sticker letters every once in a while, but not nearly as often...

endymion411

03-13-2006, 09:18 PM

i finally opened my new quickutz squeeze today!

the olivia font came with the squeeze, and i got the stilleto font from ebay which should be coming today or tomorrow. i applied the ejection foam to the olivia letters today and am hoping to start using them in the next couple of days!

i've been bidding on some of the sizzlets fonts on ebay to use with my sizzix (i have the converter), but they are going for more than i want to spend right now. anyways, i have a bunch now that i haven't used so i'll add to them slowly

emschwar

03-14-2006, 11:50 AM

Mail-in coupon for EK success stickers - http://www.eksuccess.com/promo_offer.php
Buy $20 worth of Jolee's (not hard to do!) and get $10 worth of sticko's free.

mrsliby2004

03-14-2006, 04:48 PM

Ooh, thanks Emily!

You are so right that that is not hard to do! But, what are sticko's?

LeslieR

03-14-2006, 04:54 PM

Question for those who go to monthly crops-what do you bring and how do you not bring too much stuff? I just started up a group with some women from my MOMS Club. I've never been to a crop before, so I have absolutely no idea how to go about this. Do you plan your layouts ahead of time and pack accordingly? Come to think of it-I don't even have a portable tote-any recommendations for an inexpensive one?

emschwar

03-14-2006, 05:02 PM

Ooh, thanks Emily!

You are so right that that is not hard to do! But, what are sticko's?
I don't know. I just looked it up on the EK success website and they look pretty cool!
http://www.eksuccess.com/products_education.php?category_id=75&sess_id=ed9f0b35683be0b18bd770f350e22d07
I doubt this is included in the deal, but how awesome is this:
http://www.eksuccess.com/images/products/product_6685_lg.jpg

tgr68

03-14-2006, 08:20 PM

Monthly Crops
Album
Paper
Stickers
Straight Cutter
Corner Rounder
Scissors
Pens
Photos

My consultant brings her CM cutting system, so I usually don't mess with packing mine up. I also bring money because I always seem to run out of supplies!!

Basically take anything you use to scrap with!

mrsliby2004

03-14-2006, 09:10 PM

Emily: I like that sticko stuff!! I'd be amazed if that came as the "freebies"

Leslie:As for monthly crops, not that this is going to be of any help, but it may make you feel a little less alone . . .

The first crop I went to, I brought everything! My picture sorter, my paper, my embellishments, my hole punchers, tools, etc . . . and didn't even touch half of it . . . surprising to me, I only finished 4 pages in the 5 hours!!

Second crop I went to, I planned my pages out first and only brought the paper I wanted to use, the embellishments, tools, etc . . . got there and started working and ended buying a bunch of stuff because I didn't have it with me and I wanted to finish the pages.

Third crop, I was a total ditz and brought everything except paper . . . luckily, scrapbookers are generous and were more than happy to share!

Anyway, I guess what I trying to say is that you will probably have to test it out and see what you like to bring/want to bring. I go to one this Sunday and I am going to bring the pictures and all the colors of paper that I plan to use, and embellishments. I always bring my cutter and my adhesive. I have a rolling tote that I got pretty cheap from Jo-Anns using the 40% coupon, that is the way to go! Not ot mention I ended up having to get a tote bag that hooks on top of the rolling tote (like luggage) to haul my ever growing load of supplies!!

Good luck, have fun, and feel it out!

neenbean

03-14-2006, 09:26 PM

Anyone know where I can find pages like the plastic CM sticker protector/organizer pages??? They have discontinued them and my consultant just sold her last ones, although she is looking for more.

I am willing to pay for shipping if your CM consultant has any. I have bid for a few on eBay, the auctions end tomorrow, so I am crossing my fingers.

I am not crazy about the new Deco File that they are using to replace it, so that is not an option for me (thought my consultant wishes I would). ;)

I would also like to know if there is something of similar quality on the market? A friend has a knock-off but is so disappointed, that I will not buy what she has. Her stickers fall out all the time.

If you or your consultant have them, please PM me. Thanks in advance!

neenbean

03-14-2006, 09:32 PM

As far as monthly crops, I suggest you organize all the photos you want to scrap (possibly trim them to the size you like) and bring ALL of your paper, pens, cutting tools, adhesive and embellishments AND wallet. ;)

~You may use nothing of yours and borrow everything from your neighbors.
~You may be the one lending to everyone.
~If you forget something, someone usually has one you can borrow.
~Your consultant always has something to sell you that you REALLY need in that moment to complete a page- accept this and be prepared to buy something.
~WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHING!!! I usually wear sweats, fleece pants or yoga pants and various layers on top. Some rooms are cold, some are warm- be prepared by wearing a tee, a long sleeve shirt and a sweater- you just never know. :)

ETA: I use a large LL Bean canvas bag right now plus a discontinued binder-like tote from CM.

I didn't realize you are going to a MOMS Club crop. Your son will be coming, right? Or is it at night? If he is coming (like our monthly MOMS Club ones), I highly suggest you bring LOTS to entertain him. DD use to just sit and watch us work, but now that she is mobile and alert she gets into lots of trouble. We have all actually pitched in to hire sitters for us so we can focus on scrapping and not on our little ones. We also do nighttime crops and leave the kids at home, those are even better. Have fun!!!

LeslieR

03-15-2006, 06:43 AM

neen, It's not a MOMS Club event, although all of the women are MOMS Club members. I would NEVER get anything done if my son were with me! lol

It's just going to be four of us ladies, no one is a consultant, so I guess I better bring everything I think I will need. ugh.

neenbean

03-15-2006, 07:17 AM

neen, It's not a MOMS Club event, although all of the women are MOMS Club members. I would NEVER get anything done if my son were with me! lol That's why we started hiring a sitter. If we can't get one, we take turns watching the kids so everyone gets time to do some work. I would ask your friends what they are bringing and maybe workout something with eachother so you don't ALL have to bring EVERYTHING you own, especially if you are only going for a couple hours. If it is an all day event, bring it all and be happy you have everything you may want.

Hope you have a great, productive crop!! So fun. :)

Sunshine

03-15-2006, 08:27 AM

OMG, that rub on color is SO COOL!
I need it now:)

DiscoDiva

03-15-2006, 08:53 AM

neenbean: Check ebay. My sister has bought tons of CM stuff off ebay!

I bring almost everything to a crop. I can't stand the thought that I might be there and wish I had something I'd left at home. The only things I don't bring are seasonal. I keep all Christmas paper and stickers in one place, all Easter in one place, etc., so I don't bring those, but everything else comes with me - and I often end up using it!

Aug2002Bride

03-15-2006, 10:44 AM

I usually go to the monthly scrapbooking crop with my MOMS Club and also to the monthly ones my CM consultant has.

I usually try to organize and bring stuff related just to the pages I want to get done. So paper, stickers, embellishments etc are all related and coordinated to what I want to do. I also bring my pens. Almost everything else the consultant has...cutting system, tape runners, etc and also any thing else you want to buy that you might have forgotten.

The MOMS club one is totally different and usually I already have the pages almost done and just need to journal or add pictures. I dont usually get much accomplished at these because DD is hanging on my leg the whole time!

Aug2002Bride

03-15-2006, 10:46 AM

Anyone know where I can find pages like the plastic CM sticker protector/organizer pages??? They have discontinued them and my consultant just sold her last ones, although she is looking for more.

I am willing to pay for shipping if your CM consultant has any. I have bid for a few on eBay, the auctions end tomorrow, so I am crossing my fingers.

I am not crazy about the new Deco File that they are using to replace it, so that is not an option for me (thought my consultant wishes I would). ;)

I just bought the DecoFile but I havent used it yet. I havent even opened it actually! I figured it would be good to bring my almost completed pages to my monthly MOMS club crops. Usually those crops I just need to journal or add the pictures, since I normally dont get much else done there.

What didnt you like about it?

tgr68

03-15-2006, 11:46 AM

The girl I babysit for just surprised me with a new Crop-in-Style backpack!! :D
http://63.210.199.177/05/59/7/55977.jpg.fpx?qlt=60&wid=144&cvt=jpeg http://www.scrapbookdreamer.com/store/image.php?productid=19247

neenbean

03-15-2006, 01:07 PM

I just bought the DecoFile but I havent used it yet. I havent even opened it actually! I figured it would be good to bring my almost completed pages to my monthly MOMS club crops. Usually those crops I just need to journal or add the pictures, since I normally dont get much else done there.

What didnt you like about it?
Aug2002Bride, I just need to be able to SEE all of my stuff. I think the Deco File is really cool for papers, etc, but I am the type of person that has to have things right in front of me to know I have them. With the sticker protector pages, I can see everything and keep it organized based on theme.

DiscoDiva, not sure if you noticed in my post, but I bid on a ton of them last night on eBay. Unfortunately, all of the auctions ended today I did not win a single one. I have bid on a bunch more and am hoping when those auctions end later this week I will be the proud owner of a few. :)

DiscoDiva

03-15-2006, 03:43 PM

Here's wishing for a happy ebay ending!

neenbean

03-15-2006, 06:46 PM

Thanks DD! Turns out all my exclaiming got me lots of options for purchasing the pages. :) I won a different auction and the seller is able to sell the Great Lengths pages to me at cost + shipping. Then a WC/CC/LJ friend knows someone who can get them for me; plus my CM consultant scrounged up a bunch for me. :) All I have to do now is pony up the cash and my supplies will be all organized. Yippeee! :D

babylove

03-20-2006, 08:47 AM

I would love to start scrapbooking, especially since I'm expecting my first baby in August. But I'm so overwhelmed and don't know where to start. I would love to buy some kind of kit to start me off...anyone have any suggestions? I'm thinking I'll start a scrapbook of my pgcy that will lead into the first year of my baby's life...

tgr68

03-20-2006, 09:49 AM

babylove~Welcome, and congrats on your pgcy!! Scrapbooking is such an addictive habit, but (as my husband says) a productive one! I started off purchasing a kit but didn't have very good luck with it. Right now, I buy postbound page protectors and a three-ring binder scrapbook ($10 at Walmart for a 12x12). It works great, and it's really easy to change up if you get a page out of order! After that, have on hand a good amount of photo-safe paper, a good pair of scissors, photo-safe adhesive (not glue. I made that mistake in the beginning), alphabet stickers/stencils, and photo-safe pens.

Other fancier embellisments can come later, and to the beginner are very overwhelming, IMO.

NicoleWisconsin

03-28-2006, 07:41 AM

I'm scrapbooking again after a hiatus. I'm still working on my (20 month old) son's scrapbook and I'm only on the pregnancy part of it... yikes! But I'm loving it. Anyway... I want to do a page from when we found out we were expecting and I was going to take a picture of the pregnancy test. (Yes, I have it.) My husband thinks it's disgusting. What do you think? Does anyone have any pages from when they found out they were pregnant that you can show me for inspiration?

Does anyone use a Xyron machine? I just got one... I got the 5" one and I think I'm going back to get the 2"... I REALLY like it. (You put photos or embellishments in and it adds an adhesive backing to them.) The only problem I am having is that I put things in too quickly and they go on top of one another and then part doesn't get adhesive on it... but I'll figure it out.

tgr68

03-28-2006, 07:54 AM

Nicole~I took a picture of my pgcy test, printed a copy of my FF Chart, and then did a small journaling box telling how/when we found out. The title of the page was simply the date. From then one, I did 1 page for each week of pgcy, complete with belly shots!

NicoleWisconsin

03-28-2006, 08:29 AM

You are amazing! I kick myself for not doing that... I have belly shots with no dates... so the title of the page is "Growing Bigger Every Day."

My pregnancy test page title is to be "Positively Pregnant."

DiscoDiva

03-28-2006, 04:13 PM

I have a Xyron (the smallest "X" shaped one) and I LOVE it! I bought it after buying a Sizzix, and it's perfect!

sunni76

03-28-2006, 04:44 PM

NicoleWisconsin Hi! There are a bunch of us on here from WI. Where do you live? We get together frequently for scrap nights in Madison...if you're anywhere near us you should join us!

NicoleWisconsin

03-29-2006, 11:15 AM

Hi :) Thanks for the invite, but, unfortunately, I'm in the Fox Valley area, so it's about a 2 1/2 - 3 hr. hike from here to there. Want to do one up here? LOL. :) Do you guys have a lot of stores down there? All of the craft stores here are dabbling in scrapbooking, Hobby Lobby has a HUGE dept... (They have a lot of stuff 1/2 off this week, just FYI.) And there is one store by the Fox River Mall that's just been open a year now.

sunni76

03-30-2006, 10:28 AM

Actually, some of us were talking about doing a scrap weekend maybe at a hotel in that area:) If that happens, we'll have to let you know! My mom just told me about a scrap weekend in Green Lake that is in Sept. too.
there are some great scrap stores here, Archivers (www.archiversonline.com)
is definitely our favorite though:) But there are 2 other ones that are really good and have great selection too.
There is a store now in Fond du Lac (near where my mom is), she has gone in there a few times and really likes it.

emschwar

03-30-2006, 11:18 AM

I got my sticko's from the Jolie's deal today! That was fast!
Here's what I got:
http://www.eksuccess.com/images/products/product_5058_lg.jpg http://www.eksuccess.com/images/products/product_3015_lg.jpg http://www.eksuccess.com/images/products/product_105_lg.jpg http://www.eksuccess.com/images/products/product_21_lg.jpg http://www.eksuccess.com/images/products/product_4791_lg.jpg http://www.eksuccess.com/images/products/product_86_lg.jpg
I'm so pleased! There are some (ie, the girl ones) that I might not use, but I'm going to see if I can swap them with other scrapbookers. And the garden one is fantastic! It's all embroidered!

emschwar

03-30-2006, 11:18 AM

The last one I got, since I can only do 6 images per post:
http://www.eksuccess.com/images/products/product_57_lg.jpg

emschwar

03-30-2006, 12:31 PM

One more thing... I just started an LJ scrapbook community if anyone is interested. Not to suck y'all away from here, but if you're on LJ and want to join, here's a link - http://community.livejournal.com/scraptalknswap/profile

tgr68

03-30-2006, 12:37 PM

Cute stickers!! Joining over at LJ! ;)

snowzilla

03-30-2006, 12:56 PM

Great idea, Emily. I joined over at LJ too. :)

tgr68

03-30-2006, 01:10 PM

snowzilla~ROTFLOL at your avatar!!!! :D

sunni76

03-30-2006, 03:08 PM

Great! I requested to join the community on LJ too:)

Sunshine

03-30-2006, 03:53 PM

GREAT!
I am joining on lj....I am there more than here:)

snowzilla

03-30-2006, 06:02 PM

snowzilla~ROTFLOL at your avatar!!!! :D

hehe...Thanks. :)

Kimberland30

03-30-2006, 06:16 PM

I'm back! I was taking a vacation from scrapbooking so I could do stuff around the house and get organized. My brother and I did built-in's in my spare room/converted garage. It was a cluster of shelves, desks, and crap. So, here is the end result. I love it because now I have my own space (husbands gym takes up the rest of the room) and everything is separated...one area for crafts, one area for bills/computer time. I just organized all my scrapbook stuff and am anxious to get started again!! I'll have to visit the other scrapbooking thread and get some inspiration on pages!

Craft Area:
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f298/knewtoff/DSCF0093.jpg

Bookshelf for all my craft stuff:
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f298/knewtoff/DSCF0094.jpg

The desk (sorry about the glare, I had the undershelf light on)
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f298/knewtoff/DSCF0001.jpg

The right side of the desk:
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f298/knewtoff/DSCF0097.jpg

And the left:
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f298/knewtoff/DSCF0098.jpg