There are numerous ideas on line by going to one of your favorite product web sites and looking through their gallery.  This is where many people post layouts using the product featured. Some of the fastest pages you can create come from ideas seen in a gallery. If it is a layout that you like, why re-invent the wheel? Scraplifting is quick, easy and someone else has already come up with a perfect design for the photos you have. Scraplifting is accepted, it's why we look to other people's pages for ideas.  Maybe you don't need or want the whole layout design, but find bits and pieces that compliment your photos.  Just re-create parts of the layout that work for you and then go from there.  This is a perfect way to get your creative juices started!

Next Time:  More Scraplifting Etiquette

 If you love punches, and simply don't have anywhere else to store them, have you considered a shoe bag on the back of a door?  The pockets are deep, usually clear, and they hold quite a few punches - especially those oversized punches that take up a lot of room. Another storage solution would be towel bars that can hold "thumb punches."  These are the punches that have a lever and the lever fits over the towel bar and holds the punch, plus it displays them nicely on the wall so you can readily see what you have.  Another option would be a rolling cart, such as those by Best Craft Organizer. They have half size and full size storage carts with 1", 2" and 3" drawers. I bought a 2" drawer cart and stored punches in it.  Before utilizing this system, I put non-skid shelf lining in the bottom of each drawer to keep the punches from sliding around when the drawer was opened.  

 How about ribbon - do you have more than you know what to do with?  Take a shoe box, or photo box, or even something smaller, depending on the amount of ribbon you have.  Use chipboard to cut appropriate sized cards out of.  The cards should fit inside to box vertically, but not too tight, to allow room for ribbon.  Start with one color combination or style of ribbon and tape the end to the card.  Start wrapping the ribbon around the card and secure the end with a straight pin (I like the large head pins because they are easy to see and remove). Continue wrapping each ribbon until you are done.  This system holds a lot of ribbon in a small space.  I made a box about 5 inches wide, 5 inches high and 10 inches long and it held 250 yards of ribbon!  Pretty impressive for such a small space!  I also keep a "cookie jar" - large clear cannister with lid, on my scrapbook table to hold small bits of ribbon and lace that are left over from other projects.  Then when I want just a small piece, they are easily visable right in front of me.

 Buttons, brads, charms, and small embellishments present another problem.  They take up a lot of room if left in their original wrapping.  I found that if I remove the packaging, and sort by style, type or color, I can store a lot of embellishments in small jars that sit on a shelf.  Because this storage option is clear, it is easy to see what you have and find when you need it.  I love to use old spice racks, and jars bought at thrift stores and re-purposed for this use. You can also use small baby food jars to hold lots of embellishments. For me, clear storage is best because I want to know what I have and where it is without a lot of looking and wasting time.  Perhaps this can work for you, too!

Next Time: Scraplifting - What is it?

Check out what power sources are available for use with your tools. Make sure that your cords are safe and not laying across the floor in a walking area. Some electronic tools often used in scrapbooking are computers, laptops, printers,  radio or music source, heat gun, Cricut or other personal die cutting system, as well as embossing systems.

Most of us sit while scrapbooking, so make sure that your chair is comfortable and at the proper height to avoid backaches and strain on your muscles. I prefer a chair with wheels so that I can change positions in my seat often and roll between supply areas. Call me lazy, but it sure works well!

Get and stay organized.  Every tool or supply that you need and use should have a place and be easily located when needed. A labeling machine is a must!  There is a variety of shelving options as well as storage boxes and bins on the market to meet any scrapbooker's need. Find what works for you and use it.  The time we have to scrapbook is often limited, so don't waste that precious time by looking for things you know you have, but just can't remember where you put them!  If you have used all your horizontal space for tools and supplies, try using vertical space for additional room.  We often don't think of how to maximize our storage spaces, so next time we will focus on some ideas that might just increase the space you have available to you, but just didn't know how to utilize it best! 

Next time: Vertical and other creative space options

The first step toward having a productive workspace is to assess how much room you have. Start by sketching out the area and getting an idea of what supplies you will want to keep where. You need to identify your “must haves” so that you can be sure and include the essentials in your workspace design.

If your workspace serves double-duty as an eating area (kitchen table), you will need a system to quickly and easily put away what you've been working on. Keep your work on a tray (the kind you might use for breakfast in bed) so that you can move your project while the table is being used and come back to it easily later.

Many companies make special furniture just for scrapbook supplies. Such pieces tend to cost more than normal furniture because of specialty features such as deeper shelving for 12 × 12 paper and albums. Your local scrapbook store can help you find good value in storage options.

Next Time: Basic Supplies

It’s hard to be inspired by your photos, tools and other scrapbook supplies if you can’t locate what you need. Getting and keeping organized is essential to make the most of your scrapbooking time. Pick a corner that you can call your own for storing your scrapbook supplies in. It doesn’t have to be a big space; a closet shelf, storage boxes under a bed, anywhere you can keep supplies until it is time to scrapbook.

Set simple, obtainable goals that are realistic. You may only have one hour a week, or 15 minutes a day to work on organizing your space. Just set a deadline that “in three months, my workspace will be organized,” and stick to it. Once you get there, vow to stay organized.

Select one project with which to begin. Your choices may include setting up your workspace with furniture, lighting and the essentials or organizing tools and supplies.

Even though you understand that the big picture includes organizing your entire scrapbook workspace, it helps to break the task down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Isolate one area in which to begin. Collect everything into a large, open space where you can leave things out undisturbed for a couple of days, if necessary.

Maximize your scrapbooking time by being able to find and use the tools and supplies that you already have.

Next time: Workspace Essentials

Last time we got your photos out of the box and sorted into envelopes. Now we’re going to break down each envelope into smaller categories. Set aside 2 hours and some 9 × 7 manilla envelopes to get started.

First decide if you want to scrapbook chronologically, by subject, occasions, individuals or theme. Next pick an envelope and divide the photos into workable categories. Continue with each larger envelope until they are broken down into sections. Label the outside of each envelope and set them aside in a box until you decide to start scrapbooking.

A later article will talk about actually getting started scrapbooking, however don't worry about that just yet. It is comforting to know that when you are ready to scrapbook, all you have to do is just grab an envelope and work through it until you are finished. This may take an afternoon (depending on the size of the category), a week or even a month. There is no rush, it is just nice to know that when you are ready to begin, your photos are ready too!

It’s an easy way to get started preserving your memories and not so daunting as a high mountain of photos. When scrapbooking, always be sure to use acid-free, archival quality products to protect and preserve your memories for generations to come.

Next time: Organizing Your Space

Midnight Madness, Friday, July 22, August 26, and September 16,  6:00 - Midnight

Daytime Crop, Thursday, July 7, August 4, and September 1,  10:00 - 4:00 p.m.

It seems that we always have so much to do that we don't take time for ourselves.  Why not plan to join us for a little scrapbooking time and get caught up on some of your scrapbooking?  This is also a great time to make new friends, or visit with those you already know. It is always so refreshing to take time for ourselves and be creative.   We would love to have you join us, so give us a call and reserve your spot today!

Organizing Photos: Where to Begin?

It's hard to get excited about scrapbooking if you don't know where the photos are that you want to scrapbook. Do you have a box of photographs stashed in a box in the closet? Is it so disorganized that you don’t know what to do with it or where to begin? Does the task seem overwhelming, as it continues to grow, with more photos being added to it regularly? It doesn't matter how many scrapbook supplies you have collected if your photographs aren't easily accessible. Finally, it is time to do something with these photos so let’s make it quick and easy.

To begin, you will need 2 hours, the kitchen table, and some manilla envelopes (9 × 13). Decide what topics you want to divide your photos into (there is no right or wrong way, whatever works for you!) One stack of photos at a time, quickly scan the contents (cute as they are, don’t get too nostalgic over the memories at this time). Does the whole envelope go in the same category or smaller topics? Going through each envelope, you will quickly determine additional topics to scrapbook your memories. Cover your table with stacks of photos. Take a 9 × 13 envelope, place all photos from one category in it and label the outside. Place the completed manilla envelopes in a box. Now that you have completed this project, give yourself a pat on the back - you deserve it! Each week we will continue with more tips on how to get organized so that you can take care of your precious memories and enjoy scrapbooking!

Next week: The Next Step

Mark the following date on your calendar and let us know which class would work best for you!

Wednesday, August 24     2:00 - 4:00 p.m.   &   6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

This is a perfect opportunity to come in and meet our teachers and see the great projects they have planned for the coming quarter. This event is free and we encourage everyone to attend.  We will  have 3 make and takes that showcase some of our teachers and their classes.  These are free to our great customers as a way of showing just how much we appreciate you and your support.  Don't forget, you get a discount on all classes that you sign up and pay for at the Kickoff. This can add up to quite a savings, so well worth the effort! Mark this date on your calendar and plan on joining us for a preview of the wonderful classes our teachers have planned for April, May and June.