Scrapbook Layout
Ideas

"I never throw out my smaller pieces of paper, because they end up being very useful.

I take my Creative Memories Shape Makers and use them to cut out hearts, circles, hexagons, squares and stars, and then store them in the very handy plastic boxes they come with.

Next time I need to complete a border or simply decorate a page, I can pull out these storage boxes and use them to help decorate, without using another "full" size piece of paper.

I hope this helps some of you with many scraps that are hanging around and getting wrinkled. Happy Scrapping!"

Baby shower scrapin' tip

Thank you to Michelle Lock in Orlando for this free scrapbooking idea...

"On Birthdays, Holiday's and showers are you flooded with cards that just get thrown away? Hang on to them for your scrapbook. A good example was my baby shower. I cut out pictures from the cards and the wording/sayings on the inside of them and put them with the picture. Like "It's a girl" Look what the stork brought" etc. The picture on the front of the card should match the words and make nice accents and themes for your pages.

This gave the pages a nice sentimental feel too. If you really wanted to be fancy you could use the "card parts" on a page with photos including the person that gave it to."

I'll just remind you all out there once again - if you have any tidbits you would like to share on this blog - just fill out the form at the bottom of the page. It's easy!

Save $$$ at Joann.com

Joann.com have just released the new online coupon codes, check 'em out at this page :: Joann coupon

Save some money on your scrapbooking (and general craft) purchases with the 50% off one item promotion or you can get free shipping on your order. You'll find all the details, including how to redeem the coupon codes, on the above page.

Reader's Tip...
by Brandi Shipman from Loyall, Ky

"For scrapbook pages and cut-outs, try using gift wrapping paper with designs pertaining to what you are putting in your scrapbook. For instance...if it's a baby scrapbook, use wrapping paper suitable for wrapping baby gifts. This works for me."

Thank you Brandi for posting this tip. If you have any hints, tips or ideas you would like to share on the free scrapbooking idea blog - then fill out the form at the bottom of the page. It's easy!

Distressing your cardstock

I'm sure that somewhere you'll have a piece of cardstock that's not quite right. It's nice but it just needs a little something extra... Well by distressing it you can give it a nice textured finish.

To do this you can use a fine grade of sandpaper or better still a manicurists block file, one of those 4-sided blocks that they use to file, smooth and buff your nails with, it's ideal for this kind of effect.

To achieve a heavy distressed look rub the paper hard, consequently if you want a more supple effect then rub the paper using lighter pressure.

Scrapbooking Titles Tutorial...

I have been busy creating an illustrated step-by-step companion tutorial for the printing titles on your computer tip from the 22nd January.