As a frugal mother, Sharon had to admit that she never got into scrap booking over the years because one visit to a scrap book supply shop sent her into sticker shock. With three kids and a limited budget, she knew she couldn’t afford all of the supplies and tools that she would want to use. So her children’s photos remained in shoeboxes.

In 2005 she discovered digital scrap booking, the practice of creating scrap book layouts on a computer using digital images. Sharon pulled out her shoeboxes and spent weeks at the computer scanning in every memory. The kids started to think Mom was going a bit mad though when she started to scan everything else she could get her hands on.

She scanned all kinds of fabric, curtains, blankets and scarves. She scanned greeting cards, calendars, wall paper and macaroni and cheese boxes. If it fit onto her scanner, she added it to her digital image library.

Then, with a simple image program, she went to work.

Without scissors or glue or double sided tape, she created page after digital page. With every new layout she thought up she felt like she was getting away with something sneaky. Surely she should have to pay someone something for all of the fun that she was having?

Digital scrap booking has matured to the point where you don’t have to find out own digital crafting elements, you can find some online for free and other image sets you can pay for.

As to be expected, digital image sets are far less costly when compared to purchasing paper and fabric and accessories. It really is an attractive alternative to someone scrap booking on a budget.

Sharon keeps her digital projects strictly on her computer, using the layouts as a screen saver slide show. Many others choose to share their creations online or even to print out their layouts and bind them together in a book.

If you would like to try your hand at digital scrapping you’ll want to check and see what kind of image manipulation software you have on your computer. If you don’t find something appropriate you can download a copy of the free public license graphic software named Gimp.

Learning to work with digital images will take some practice, but you’ll have fun in the process and soon be creating fun layouts for your memories.

Article Source: http://www.scrapventurearticles.com

Vera Raposo is the Scrapper’s Business Coach. Sign up for her personal mailing list at www.VeraRaposo.com and get tips and resources to help all of your scrap ventures

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What exactly is chipboard? Chipboard is a cardboard-like material. It is thinner than most cardboard and thicker than cardstock. Not all chipboard is acid-free and thus safe for scrapbooks. Check the packaging and/or test with a ph testing pen. Chipboard sold for the purpose of scrapbooking embellishments are more than likely acid-free.

Where can I find chipboard? Chipboard can be found in a variety of places. The backing of a pad of paper is chipboard. Often scrapbook paper comes packaged with a sheet of chipboard for stability. Chipboard can be purchased by the sheet in some arts and crafts supply stores. And finally, chipboard is available as shapes and alphabets by various scrapbook manufacturers.

Why would I want to use chipboard in my layouts? You mean besides it being one of the hottest trends in scrapbooking? Chipboard is light-weight, inexpensive and very versatile. There are so many uses and possibilities with chipboard that you are only limited by your imagination. Let’s explore a few creative possibilities…

The easiest is purchasing pre-made chipboard pieces already embellished and ready to go! Simply adhere to your layout. But if you want to create your own custom chipboard pieces, let’s see what we can do. Let’s start with a shape that comes ready to embellish. Here a few ideas on how to embellish this chipboard piece.

Paint them. You can use any acrylic paint. Paint made especially for scrapbooking is a little thicker, which may be better for chipboard. Sand the edges for a finished look.

Cover with patterned paper. Simply trace, cut and adhere. Recommended for adhering paper to chipboard include xyron, spray adhesive, hermafix, scrappy glue and modge podge. Sanding or inking the edges provide a finished look.

Embellish with stickers, flowers, glitter and other embellishments.

You can create your own shapes and alphabets with chipboard sheets.

- Some die cut machines like Sizzix and Quick Kutz will cut through the chipboard.

- You can also use decorative punches with chipboard.

- And finally, hand cut your desired shape.

Once you have your shape/alphabet cut or punched, then cover and embellish as mentioned above. Have fun with this versatile technique!

Article Source: http://www.scrapventurearticles.com

Need answers to more of your scrapbooking questions? Dawn Stegall povides 102 of them at 102ScrapbookingIdeas.com.

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Acids are essential for our daily comfort, but when it comes to scrapbooking, there’s really nothing worse.  If you look at old scrapbooks or photo albums that your grandmother or even your mother made, you’ll notice a distinct “aged” look to the photos.  Most of that damage is not caused by time, it’s caused by acids.

The best place to buy acid-free products is at a scrapbook store or scrapbook supply website, but that doesn’t mean everything you find there is acid free.  You need to learn to read labels.  There are certain label codes that mean a product is safe.  If the packaging is unclear, you can always ask the sales clerk or research the product online.

If you’re unsure of a the acid level of paper, or just want to double check, you can test products on your own with a Ph pen.  They’re available at your local scrapbook store.  They are also great if you’re using products that aren’t prepackaged for scrapbooking like greeting cards or wrapping paper.  For just a small investment, you’ll be saving precious memories.

PH pens have chemicals in them that change color when you expose them to an acid.  Just write on a small piece of the material you want to test.  If it stays the same color, it’s safe.  If the material changes color, don’t use it.

If papers are too dark to see the color change, just rub the paper onto a white sheet until some of the color comes off.  Then, test the white sheet with your pH pen.  The acid is usually in the ink, not the paper, so this should give you an accurate result.

Everyone will tell you to use acid free paper, cardstock, and photo albums, but there are other hidden offenders that can do just as much damage to your memories if you don’t buy acid-free products.

Glue.  Using a pH pen isn’t feasible for products like glue and other adhesives.  You should learn the tell-tale signs that there’s acid present in the product.  The first and easiest is, of course, by reading the package, but that’s not always helpful.  A safe glue should not have a strong distinct smell and should always dry clear.

Page protectors.  These are another big acid offender.  While it may seem easier to just go buy regular protectors from the store, the very things you use to protect your photos may actually be destroying them.

Ink.  Whether you’re keeping track of your photos by writing on the back or just journaling and adding details on the pages of your scrapbook, you need to use acid-free ink pens.

Storage boxes.  Whether you’re using boxes to store pictures that haven’t been used yet, or to store completed books, you should make sure that the boxes are acid free.  Acidic boxes can do just as much damage as putting pictures on acidic paper.

While it may take a little extra time and money to find and buy acid-free products, the long term results will make it worth the effort.

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When you decide to get started in scrapbooking, it’s very exciting. You research as much as you can, then head off to the scrapbook or other supply store and buy the tools and supplies you know you need. The problem starts when you get home and try to get started.

To be really successful and not get overwhelmed, you should take extra steps to get your stuff organized. In the long run, it will save you time, leaving you free to work, brainstorm, and of course, do more shopping.

The first thing every scrapbooker needs is shelves. You can organize your odds and ends into all kinds of containers, but it you don’t have shelves to put them on, that stuff will still be all over your table or desk, taking up your work space. Make sure your shelves are sturdy so you don’t end up trying to sort through a giant pile of paper scraps, buttons, and ribbons.

Next, you need storage containers to put on your shelves. You can find all sorts of different drawers and containers at your local scrapbooking store, craft store, fabric store, and even hardware store. If you don’t do all your scrapbooking at home, the best way to organize is in containers than can be easily transported without spilling your supplies out everywhere.

If you’re not looking to spend a fortune, why not use items you find around the house instead of expensive organizers and drawers you find at a craft store? You can use jars, small boxes, and even old baby bottles. You can also re-use old toolboxes, tackleboxes, or plastic sealing jewelry boxes (caboodles). Just as long as what you’re using has enough space for separating different items and is easy to get into, there’s really no rule about what you can and cannot use.

Files are a great way to organize paper, cardstock and anything else that’s flat. The easiest to use are plastic expandable file organizers. They usually have a harder plastic on the outside to keep your stuff safe, several pockets to keep it organized, and a securing device like an elastic band to help hold everything inside. These work great because you can transport them to crops with your friends as well.

If you go to scrapbooking meetings, or do your scrapbooking anywhere that isn’t at home, you need to have a convenient way to transport your materials easily and safely. Remember, you don’t need to take EVERYTHING with you when you go, just enough to work on a few layouts.

You will want to get a bag bigger than you think you need, because you’ll inevitably remember something you haven’t considered. Then you’ll be grateful for the extra space. Another good idea is to label everything you take with you. That way your can easily find your cutting tools or ribbons without having to sort through the whole bag and when you share supplies it will get back to you.

The most important thing for keeping your stuff organized is to pick a system and stick with it. You can organize by color sizes, themes, patterns; you can even use multiple schemes to organize. Someone you know might have a system that’s great for them, but that doesn’t mean it’s great for you. All that really matters is that it’s organized in a way you can easily find what you’re looking for.

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When handled carefully, your memorabilia can look its best even after years of display. Here are some tips to keep your treasures safe.

Keep all of your scrapbooking supplies, albums, photos and negatives in a cool, dry place. Humidity and liquids will destroy these sensitive scrapbook materials.

Handle your photos carefully. Oil from your skin and fingerprints can become visible after time. Wash your hands frequently or wear thin cotton gloves.

Store your memorabilia in acid-free envelopes or plastic sleeves to prevent scratches, tears and bending. Direct sunlight will eventually diminish the quality of your heirlooms.

Use sheet protectors, binders, photo enclosures and photo corners that are made of acrylic or polyester. Some of these items could be made of PVC that will eventually corrode your photos and historical items.

Remove any items that you may have in a magnetic photo album and put them in a safer place. Magnetic albums have an acidic adhesive that may be difficult to remove from your photos. High levels of acid in items like newspaper, regular paper or other memorabilia can cause a chemical reaction with your other photos. Use acid-free paper next to or behind these items.

Portraits are not usually replaceable. Scan and save all portraits before putting them in an album. Use photo corners to mount on acid-free paper. Do not crop Polaroid photos. When the protective seal is broken the image will eventually disappear. Document and file all photos as soon as possible without writing on the back of the photos.

And finally, for long-term album storage, do not lay albums on a flat surface and stack them. Doing this will damage the bindings and put pressure on your photos and embellishments.

Knowing how to care for your scrapbook materials can save you much time, money and effort in the end.

Article Source: http://www.scrapventurearticles.com

Vera Raposo has been scrapbooking since her oldest child was 5. With tons of scrapbooking tips and ideas, Vera is now sharing some of her best scrapbooking ideas on her radio show at www.ScrappersTalkRadio.com.

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When you make the decision to start making scrapbooks, you are very likely to go out and buy all the materials you think you need and then some.  This will lead to some buyer’s remorse when you realize you have a bunch of stuff you don’t need and you totally overspent your budget.

It’s easy to make a scrapbook on a budget with a lot of stuff you already have, you just need to know where to look.  Here are some things you probably already have that can help get you started

Trashed Clothes.  If you have clothes that are too worn out or stained to make good hand me downs or donations, why not add pieces of them to your layouts.  Not only will you be saving money and making less trash, you’ll also be reminded of great memories of your loved ones even if you didn’t manage to get a picture.

Broken Jewelry.  Have an earring that’s missing it’s mate?  A necklace with a broken clasp?  What about a bracelet your child has outgrown?  Instead of getting rid of them or just filling up space in a box, why not use them to add a little sparkle to your scrapbooks?  Make a photo frame or make your own cool ornate embellishments by adding the jewelry to the bits of clothes from the previous suggestion.

Gift Wrappings.  Think about all the birthday, Christmas, baby, wedding, and any other gifts you’ve ever given or received.  Now think about all the money you spend on wrapping paper, bags, bows, ribbons, and other decorations.  Sometimes old decorations can be reused, but often they just get shoved in a closet or thrown away.  Using them in your scrapbooks can make beautiful layouts and bring you back to the special occasion where you got them.  Just watch out, some of these products can have high acid content.  ( Please see special note at bottom of post )

Otherwise Trash.  Yes, some trash belongs in a trash can (or a compost heap), some might just make for a creative new layout.  Next time you go to throw something away, take a good hard look at it first.  It might just make a great background, border, or embellishment.  If you are doing a BBQ layout, that pop top or bottle cap may just make the perfect little free addition to your page.

Souvenirs and Memories.  Pictures aren’t the only way to spark your memories.  Add to pictures of your ski trip by using your lift ticket or trail map in your scrapbook.  If your son won the science fair, use his blue ribbon to add a special touch.  Remember good times with friends by scrapping the tickets stubs from a movie you saw together or a matchbook from the restaurant you always eat at

Recycled Storage.  You can not only use things you already have to put in your scrapbook, you can also store your supplies in items that may be taking up closet (or trash) space.  Old jars and cups work great for storing ribbons and other embellishments.  Did your husband get a new tackle box and hasn’t gotten rid of the old one?  All those little spaces are great for organizing buttons are even different adhesives.

Creativity.  The only limit you have when you scrap is your own imagination.  There are all kinds of things you can use in a scrapbook that aren’t found at a scrapbooking store; you just need to teach yourself to recognize them.

So get up, look around your house, and start scrapping.

**special note** when unsure about the acidity of products, make sure they do not touch your photos and you will be safer.

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When you look at old photos what do you usually see? The reddish cast of the photos? The yellowing of newspaper clippings?

In the past, products used for scrapbooks were not safe for photo preservation. Manufacturers didn’t put much research into the products they sold. They had no idea what kind of damage their products would do years down the line. How do you prevent this from happening to your photos?

Knowing a few basic things about photo preservation is the key!

The number one enemy of a photo is acid. When a product containing acid comes in contact with photos it migrates. This causes permanent damage and decay to the photo. So the first thing you need to look for are acid free products.

Newspaper clippings contain a high amount of lignin. This causes yellowing and discoloration. Lignin free products, including buffered pages neutralize the lignin and make it safe to include newspaper clippings in your scrapbooks.

If you use acid and lignin-free products you prevent the damage. And believe me; it is worth purchasing these products. Trying to repair or correct photos damaged from acid and lignin can be costly. And in most cases, the damage is irreversible.

Where do you find these types of products? That is the beauty of it! They are readily available anywhere scrapbook products can be purchased. It is actually harder to find products that are not acid and lignin free.

Are they affordable? Definitely. Making a scrapbook that is safe for your photos does not have to cost a fortune. And, the choices are endless no matter if you use average or high priced products.

Your memories are important. A quick look at what you are purchasing makes all the difference. Help ensure the safety and longevity of your photos for generations to come.

Vanessa Calleja is a freelance writer specializing in scrapbooking, pets, family relationships, & health and wellness topics. Learn more secrets and tips on organizing the memories you cherish at memories to cherish.

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