Tips to using more than 1 patterned paper well

1: You don't have to have paper made by the same company but you want to ensure that the papers have colors or shapes in common.
2: If you have double sided paper you should use both sides, this creates a nicely coordinated page.
3: Don't overdo it. Use a plain cardstock for the background, and accent with patterned papers. You can do a background image in all different papers, or create a layered flower.
4: Pick a few colors from your papers for your embellishments and always stick with solid colors not patterns.

Don't forget to create a title for your page

Adding a title might seem to be too obvious but a title defines the whole basis of your scrapbook. The title instantly tells the viewer what your page is all about in one word or a short phrase. Titles can be as basic as the date of an event, the name of an individual, or a special saying you share with those on the page.

Start Doodling

Sometimes it is easier to create a page layout when you do it quickly. If you have to wait to actually create everything you may loose your train of creative thought. So doodle it out, even if you don't think it looks right, don't throw it out because you may look at it tomorrow and see something completely different and inspiring. So try to keep all of your doodling drawings together in an album or book.

Show the Love

When scrapbooking use photos that show everyday communication with your loved ones. This will be something to enjoy when looking back, to show your everyday bond, not just special occasions.

Homemade Buckles

Buckles look to sophisticated and classy but usually aren't kept on hand. A quick way to create a buckle for your ribbon, paper strips, or fabrics is a pop tab! Remove the pop tab and sand down the edges, you don't want any cuts to your hands, or fabrics. You can even paint these to give them a personalized look! Feed your fabric through and secure to your page! A quick and easy way to create a sophisticated buckle!

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Make an Album from an old book.

One of your child's old books work well because they have already
stood the test of children and still survived. Do not cover over the
original book covers. Make a scrapbook album for your child, it is
a great way to bring a piece of their childhood into the album.

The good thing about reusing old books is that you are saving this
book from ending up taking up space in your house or in the garbage,
and in turn you do not have to purchase a new album.

One problem with using older books is that they are not acid free,
so this book may not stand the test of time as well as a new album.

Scrapbook Tip For The New Mom

The lack of sleep and wanting to spend every waking minute with your new little one leaves you barely any time to scrapbook or record those little moments you may soon forget. Focus more on the little moments of today then the grand scheme of a through the years album. Create a "Today" album. Titling each page "Today I ..." or "Today my little one ...". Here you can briefly record or jot down the cute new things they are beginning to do. Soon you will have a mini album filled with the joys of the present that you child can look back on.

Scrapbook with what you have

Not everyone wants to purchase new stickers, die cuts or chipboard every time they scrapbook. If you don't have a library of embellishments yet would like to scrapbook at the drop of a hat just look around! Any old buttons? Your daughter have any broken hair ties with cute little figures? Now we are not promoting becoming a pack rat, but if you see value in something in your home that will otherwise be thrown out try to use it first. If you cannot bear to throw some pieces away you can limit yourself, allow yourself to have one small drawer with pieces that don't necessarily work for anything right now, but may down the road.

Scrapbooking wish I hadn't moments.

As a veterin scrapbooker there are some tips and tricks I have learned over the years that I want to share with all of you, begginers and fellow veterins. Lets start with a wish I hadn't.
I wish I hadn't tried to be ‘creative’ and cut my pictures into all sorts of crazy shapes. When I was just beginning scrapbooking I thought it would be an awesome idea to cut my pictures into stars, hearts, you get the idea. I would advise against this. As you begin scrapbooking you should stick with a simple shape of a photo, square, rectangle maybe. Once you get better at taking photos you will realize what will look good on paper and may not have to cut at all.

*KISS* Keep It Simple Scrapper

*KISS* Keep It Simple Scrapper

A new take on a cute phrase. But the same rule applies, sometimes the most breath
taking pages are the simplest. You will get the WOW factor more often with the
more simple layouts. We have a few easy and quick tips to keeping it simple
-Focal Point: Most of the time will be a photo, or journaling.
-Colour Scheme: Monochromatic is usually best.
-Balance: Between your picture size and embellishments, don't have a tiny photo and
oversized embellishments.
These easy steps combined with a good direction on the page will allow you to create
a breathtaking layout. Most people believe the 'Z' pattern is one of the best to use.
You won't literally place your pieces in a 'Z' patten, but you will use the pattern
to allow your viewers eyes to flow through and down your page. Remember to KISS.

Die Cutting Machines and You

It feels this die cutting machines have just taken off. Everyone either wants one
or has one. But if your just getting into this whole die cutting thing its hard to choose which one is right for you so we will try to help.

The machines can range in price from $30 to $600. Different types of die cut machines have different functions and so in order to choose a machine that is right for your needs you need to understand the functions of the machines. Some of the most popular scrapbooking die cutting machines used are:

Sizzix

The Sizzix die cutting machines are great for beginners. This is because they have smaller, less expensive beginner machine to test out on then purchase the more advanced machine. The Sizzix machine has a handle you push down to cut your scrapbooking die cut shapes and letters.
CLICK TO VIEW ALL SIZZIX MACHINES

Cricut

The Cricut die cutting machine is an electric machine that uses cartridges for the die cuts and doesn't’t require a computer. The cartridges fit between two pads and the die cuts are cut out clean and easy. There are a variety of cartridges available and most scrappers agree this is a versatile, portable machine die to the large variety of sizes and price points.
CLICK TO VIEW ALL CRICUT MACHINES

Cuttlebug

The Cuttlebug is one of the newest die cutting machines. This little scrapbook die cutter easily grips to your surface so you can cut your dies with ease. It will also emboss your dies with the click of a switch. The Cuttlebug is compatible with cartridges from most of the major brand scrapbook die cutters on the market. The Cuttlebug will cut paper, chipboard, thin metal, mesh and more.
CLICK TO VIEW ALL CUTTLEBUG MACHINES

Any of these personal cutter are a great addition to your scrapbook supplies. But you need to decide which suits your needs the best.