12x12 Scrapbook Albums: An Industry Standard? - by Christine Perry
Many Scrapbooking Materials are Available Free Online - by Sherry Frewerd
Graduation Scrapbook - What Do I really Need to Make a Great Graduation Scrapbook? - by Genie Balfour
Creating an Encyclopedia of Keepsakes by Scrapbooking - by John Foster
Why the Concept of Scrapbooking Rooms is Gaining Popularity by the Day - by Muna wa Wanjiru
Scrapbooking Ideas And Quotes For Exciting Pages - by Karen Lincoln
Cool Scrapbooking Ideas and Free Scrapbooking Software to Use - by James Kara Murat
Scrapbooking Trends: What Are Artist Trading Cards? - by Christine Perry
Baby Girl Scrapbooking Kits - by Tracy Ballisager
Starting a Successful Creative Scrapbooking Business, Part I - by Michele Cardello
Starting a Successful Creative Scrapbooking Business, Part II - by Michele Cardello
Starting a Successful Creative Scrapbooking Business, Part III - by Michele Cardello
Scanning Photos For Your Digital Scrapbook - by Pete Fontaine
Photo Books - by Melanie Cath
Other ways to use scrapbook paper - by The Scrapbook Paper Site
History of modern Scrapbooking - by Erin Reason
Digital Scrapbooking With Adobe: Create Beautiful Photos - by Christine Perry
Free Printable Scrapbooking Page Kits - Make Stunning Scrapbooks Easily - by Erik Birkeland
Art Rubber Stamps - by Adam Raidabaugh
Beware Of Affiliate Programs Designed To Cheat You - by Ba Kiwanuka
My top 10 online blog advertising tips - by Emma Howarth
Candy Bar Wrappers - Easy Ways to Create These Chocolate Party Favors - by Linda Kling
How to Make ABC Scrapbooking Albums - by Christine Perry
In the Words of Others - Choosing the Right Quote For Your Scrapbook Pages - by Alecia Lehmann
Scrapbooking Borders - by Katie S. Turner
Many Benefits When Scrapbooking - by Carole DeJarnatt
Showing posts with label articles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label articles. Show all posts
[article] Many Benefits When Scrapbooking - by Carole DeJarnatt
The scrapbooking hobby has been around for a long time and people do it for a variety of reasons. If you are an outsider to the world of scrapbooking, then you will not understand until you experience the craft the many reasons a person invests so much time and energy into a scrapbook page.
When I was first introduced to scrapbooking via my church family, I told them I had neither time nor energy to invest in creating pages of photos matched up with paper and cute little embellishments. I thought those people were crazy staying up all hours of the evening, dragging around tons of supplies, just to sit and create scrapbook pages. One evening I was invited to a scrapbook night and I agreed to come with the intent of visiting and watching. No scrapbooking for me. I was a business professional who could not imagine investing time or energy into something I felt was for stay-at-home moms or those who had nothing better to do.
Little did I know I was about to change my mind and attitude…during the evening of socializing and viewing all the pages of creation, something changed in me. One person in particular needed help with color coordinating and matting her photos. I started working with her and ended up finishing her page for her. The scrapbooking bug bit me and it bit hard! The very next day I was out buying all the essential tools to create my very own pages of photos.
What is it about scrapbooking that captures so many people's devotion and attention?
Focus--You lose your focus on everything except for the scrapbook page you are working on. You forget the world exist for a few moments and you focus on nothing but what is in front of you.
Creativity--All it takes is a sheet of paper and a few ideas to get your creative juices going. Whether the ideas are from a magazine, your surroundings, or the scrapbook paper held in your hand; the end result is pure enjoyment.
History--When I think of a scrapbook, to me it is the history of the day, moment, or event. The page was created for future generations to learn of their family.
Expressing myself--The scrapbook is made by someone and that in itself is a source of pride and joy. The feeling you get from completing, giving, or sharing your scrapbooks is indescribable.
Giving--When working on a scrapbook layout, you are giving your thoughts, feelings, and memories to an event to share with others. The joy you feel when others express pleasure and enjoyment from your work is worth all the time and energy.
Scrapbooking has become so sophisticated you do not even need to leave the comfort of your home to get started. If you are experienced with computer programs such as Photoshop Elements, your tools are at the tips of your hands. If you prefer traditional scrapbooking, you still have the ability to order supplies and tools at the comfort of your home and within days you will be completing your own scrapbook.
People today have a variety of reasons for making their own scrapbooks and/or creating creations of beauty with their supplies. The majority of my experience has been to create something to share with future generations. People want to be remembered and through a scrapbook their lives are shared.
About the Author
Carole DeJarnatt began her love with paper but now also designs digitally for the future generations of her family. Visit Bestscrapbookingresources.com for ideas, supplies, and learning guides. From beginner to expert, traditional scrapbooker to digital, the resources are available at http://www.bestscrapbookingresources.com/ to find what you need to create your own scrapbook or gifts for your friends and family.
==> END of ARTICLE <==
When I was first introduced to scrapbooking via my church family, I told them I had neither time nor energy to invest in creating pages of photos matched up with paper and cute little embellishments. I thought those people were crazy staying up all hours of the evening, dragging around tons of supplies, just to sit and create scrapbook pages. One evening I was invited to a scrapbook night and I agreed to come with the intent of visiting and watching. No scrapbooking for me. I was a business professional who could not imagine investing time or energy into something I felt was for stay-at-home moms or those who had nothing better to do.
Little did I know I was about to change my mind and attitude…during the evening of socializing and viewing all the pages of creation, something changed in me. One person in particular needed help with color coordinating and matting her photos. I started working with her and ended up finishing her page for her. The scrapbooking bug bit me and it bit hard! The very next day I was out buying all the essential tools to create my very own pages of photos.
What is it about scrapbooking that captures so many people's devotion and attention?
Focus--You lose your focus on everything except for the scrapbook page you are working on. You forget the world exist for a few moments and you focus on nothing but what is in front of you.
Creativity--All it takes is a sheet of paper and a few ideas to get your creative juices going. Whether the ideas are from a magazine, your surroundings, or the scrapbook paper held in your hand; the end result is pure enjoyment.
History--When I think of a scrapbook, to me it is the history of the day, moment, or event. The page was created for future generations to learn of their family.
Expressing myself--The scrapbook is made by someone and that in itself is a source of pride and joy. The feeling you get from completing, giving, or sharing your scrapbooks is indescribable.
Giving--When working on a scrapbook layout, you are giving your thoughts, feelings, and memories to an event to share with others. The joy you feel when others express pleasure and enjoyment from your work is worth all the time and energy.
Scrapbooking has become so sophisticated you do not even need to leave the comfort of your home to get started. If you are experienced with computer programs such as Photoshop Elements, your tools are at the tips of your hands. If you prefer traditional scrapbooking, you still have the ability to order supplies and tools at the comfort of your home and within days you will be completing your own scrapbook.
People today have a variety of reasons for making their own scrapbooks and/or creating creations of beauty with their supplies. The majority of my experience has been to create something to share with future generations. People want to be remembered and through a scrapbook their lives are shared.
About the Author
Carole DeJarnatt began her love with paper but now also designs digitally for the future generations of her family. Visit Bestscrapbookingresources.com for ideas, supplies, and learning guides. From beginner to expert, traditional scrapbooker to digital, the resources are available at http://www.bestscrapbookingresources.com/ to find what you need to create your own scrapbook or gifts for your friends and family.
==> END of ARTICLE <==
Damask B&W papers and seamless patterns
[article] Damask Scrapbooking - by Cijaye DePradine
This (http://scrapbookingdirections.com/2009/damask-scrapbook-paper-ahhhh-beauty/) is Damask.
And it's beautiful and classy. You can use it on your walls, your pillows, your skirts and now even your scrapbook papers!
Yes…Damask Scrapbook Papers are the new HOT ITEM in Scrapbooking.
They are a tad hard to find as not everyone is calling them damask scrapbook papers…some people don't even know what to call this sort of pattern. They just know it's beautiful.
But here's the thing…Damask Scrapbook Papers lend themselves beautifully to your scrapbook pages as backgrounds, borders, frames and mats.
You can even take the scrapbooking skills you have and turn your damask scrapbook papers into wedding invitations or elegant party favors at your next shower.
Keep in mind as well that your damask paper products don't need to stay BLACK AND WHITE - they can be black on ANY color and they can also be ANY COLOR on BLACK…Or…even Light Colors on other Solids. If you want to get even MORE creative with your damask scrapbook papers you can even touch up some of the intricate spaces (within your damask designs) with color - creating the mosaic or stained glass sort of effect.
Whatever you do with your damask scrapbook supplies I am sure it will be beautiful.
*Don't be afraid to share them in our scrapbook photo gallery too. We would LOVE to see them.
About the Author
Cijaye DePradine is the owner of http://www.scrapbookingdirections.com/ Through her website you can find scrapbooking ideas and directions whether you are just getting started with scrapbooking or your own a scrapbooking business ...please visit: http://www.scrapbookingdirections.com/ & http://scrapbookingdirections.blogspot.com/ for more scrapbooking ideas now.
==> END of ARTICLE <==
Damask B&W seamless patterns or backgrounds:
Click on images for available sizes, formats, prices and licenses. To open product page in a new window right click and choose new window option.
Vector seamless damask pattern:
© Photographer: Gromaler Agency: Dreamstime.com
Traditional black and white pattern:
© Photographer: Ng Agency: Dreamstime.com
Vector seamless damask pattern:
© Photographer: Gromaler Agency: Dreamstime.com
Damask pattern, black and white:
© Photographer: Thijsone Agency: Dreamstime.com
Keywords: damask, seamless, pattern, swatch, overlay, bw, b&w, black, white, monochrome, repeatable, repeat pattern, tile, tilable, abstract, antique, background, floral, flowers, page, paper, retro, digital, scrapbooking, scrapbook, texture, textured, vintage, baroque, classic, victorian, traditional, rococo, ornate, decorative, design, sheet, vector, illustration, graphics, eps.
This (http://scrapbookingdirections.com/2009/damask-scrapbook-paper-ahhhh-beauty/) is Damask.
And it's beautiful and classy. You can use it on your walls, your pillows, your skirts and now even your scrapbook papers!
Yes…Damask Scrapbook Papers are the new HOT ITEM in Scrapbooking.
They are a tad hard to find as not everyone is calling them damask scrapbook papers…some people don't even know what to call this sort of pattern. They just know it's beautiful.
But here's the thing…Damask Scrapbook Papers lend themselves beautifully to your scrapbook pages as backgrounds, borders, frames and mats.
You can even take the scrapbooking skills you have and turn your damask scrapbook papers into wedding invitations or elegant party favors at your next shower.
Keep in mind as well that your damask paper products don't need to stay BLACK AND WHITE - they can be black on ANY color and they can also be ANY COLOR on BLACK…Or…even Light Colors on other Solids. If you want to get even MORE creative with your damask scrapbook papers you can even touch up some of the intricate spaces (within your damask designs) with color - creating the mosaic or stained glass sort of effect.
Whatever you do with your damask scrapbook supplies I am sure it will be beautiful.
*Don't be afraid to share them in our scrapbook photo gallery too. We would LOVE to see them.
About the Author
Cijaye DePradine is the owner of http://www.scrapbookingdirections.com/ Through her website you can find scrapbooking ideas and directions whether you are just getting started with scrapbooking or your own a scrapbooking business ...please visit: http://www.scrapbookingdirections.com/ & http://scrapbookingdirections.blogspot.com/ for more scrapbooking ideas now.
==> END of ARTICLE <==
Damask B&W seamless patterns or backgrounds:
Click on images for available sizes, formats, prices and licenses. To open product page in a new window right click and choose new window option.
Vector seamless damask pattern:
© Photographer: Gromaler Agency: Dreamstime.com
Traditional black and white pattern:
© Photographer: Ng Agency: Dreamstime.com
Vector seamless damask pattern:
© Photographer: Gromaler Agency: Dreamstime.com
Damask pattern, black and white:
© Photographer: Thijsone Agency: Dreamstime.com
Keywords: damask, seamless, pattern, swatch, overlay, bw, b&w, black, white, monochrome, repeatable, repeat pattern, tile, tilable, abstract, antique, background, floral, flowers, page, paper, retro, digital, scrapbooking, scrapbook, texture, textured, vintage, baroque, classic, victorian, traditional, rococo, ornate, decorative, design, sheet, vector, illustration, graphics, eps.
[article] Scrapbooking Borders - by Katie S. Turner
Are scrapbooking borders really necessary or are they becoming a thing of the past?
Fashions come and go & admittedly at one time, to create a scrapbook and not think to include borders would have been sacrilege.
They frame a page beautifully and can often entail themes of a certain event or day that took place. I've often colour-coded my borders within a scrapbook, denoting different countries visited and/or different ages of nieces and nephews when collating family memorabilia. So, in the past I've been grateful for borders. They certainly have more uses than just adding decoration and a frame.
However, of late I've been scrapbooking and have deliberately not included borders.
Maybe it's because I've more time on my hands now and I want to break out of a rut but I'm trying to make my pages more interesting. Having no borders is making me explore other options and making me literally think outside the box.
Scrapbooking borders have been useful for framing a page but when I really want to hold my reader's interest and draw attention to something, not having a border surprises them and that in itself; I find, draws them into the page.
I personally like the look of parchment or anything that gives an aged effect to my work and often this entails less than perfect finishes and plenty of texture.
Borders, I find can be too neat and exacting for this style & instead I like the occasional piece of a journal to stick out beyond a page, inviting the reader to think "oh, I wonder what that's about". As long as it is presented sturdily and in not too outlandish a fashion, I think it works rather well.
Then instead of a border, a momento can be affixed to a corner of the page and a little quote or explanation can be included near to it. This allows more to be included on each page and gives a more unique and personalised effect for your treasured scrapbook.
Scrapbooking borders, to be or not to be? The choice is yours.
For a whole range of scrapbooking ideas, offers and freebies check out my website http://scrapperscrop.blogspot.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katie_S_Turner
==> END of ARTICLE <==
Fashions come and go & admittedly at one time, to create a scrapbook and not think to include borders would have been sacrilege.
They frame a page beautifully and can often entail themes of a certain event or day that took place. I've often colour-coded my borders within a scrapbook, denoting different countries visited and/or different ages of nieces and nephews when collating family memorabilia. So, in the past I've been grateful for borders. They certainly have more uses than just adding decoration and a frame.
However, of late I've been scrapbooking and have deliberately not included borders.
Maybe it's because I've more time on my hands now and I want to break out of a rut but I'm trying to make my pages more interesting. Having no borders is making me explore other options and making me literally think outside the box.
Scrapbooking borders have been useful for framing a page but when I really want to hold my reader's interest and draw attention to something, not having a border surprises them and that in itself; I find, draws them into the page.
I personally like the look of parchment or anything that gives an aged effect to my work and often this entails less than perfect finishes and plenty of texture.
Borders, I find can be too neat and exacting for this style & instead I like the occasional piece of a journal to stick out beyond a page, inviting the reader to think "oh, I wonder what that's about". As long as it is presented sturdily and in not too outlandish a fashion, I think it works rather well.
Then instead of a border, a momento can be affixed to a corner of the page and a little quote or explanation can be included near to it. This allows more to be included on each page and gives a more unique and personalised effect for your treasured scrapbook.
Scrapbooking borders, to be or not to be? The choice is yours.
For a whole range of scrapbooking ideas, offers and freebies check out my website http://scrapperscrop.blogspot.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katie_S_Turner
==> END of ARTICLE <==
[article] In the Words of Others - Choosing the Right Quote For Your Scrapbook Pages - by Alecia Lehmann
It may be true that a picture may be worth a thousand words, when you are trying to preserve a memory for future generations it helps to add a little verbiage to your pages. Memory isn't always accurate, and to really get the most out of your scrapbooking efforts, you may want to consider adding some quotes or phrases to your pages.
Think of using quotes as a sort of bridge between writing an entire diary entry about your photos and losing the meaning behind the pictures by leaving words out entirely. Quotes can serve as both an embellishment and a form of journaling. They an convey the essence of a memory, allowing you to provide the substance through more detailed journaling.
By implementing scrapbooking quotes, you can convey universal emotion to accompany your very personal memories. When taken together with your photos, memorabilia and other embellishments, scrapbooking quotes can help you create a complete layout that will inspire reminiscing, even years after the event has taken place.
But what makes a good scrapbooking quote? A good scrapbooking quote will be:
Catchy - An effective scrapbook quote should be easily remembered. It should stick in your head and make an impact. Think of your favourite song or artist. The best ones get to be that way because they have staying power.
Relevant - The scrapbooking quote may come off as trivial to the reader. However, the meaning of the scrapbooking quote should not be so vague that the reader has to use all of his or her brainpower to understand it. That is, unless you intend for the scrapbook to take on an air of mystery and clue-finding.
Short - A good scrapbooking quote should be able to grab the reader's attention quickly, in just a few words. Unless it is the goal of your layout to have the quote be the center of attention, it should not overpower the photos or memorabilia on your page. The goal of the quote is to bridge the gap between your own words and the images on the page.
Emotional - This does not mean that every quote has to incite tears! A quote should evoke some kind of emotion, sadness, nostalgia, happiness, excitement, etc. - whatever the intended emotion of the layout is.
These are just a few ideas for how scrapbooking quotes can enhance your layouts and your memories. But scrapbooks are personal, and the choice of what makes a good quote is ultimately up to you. If it complements your memories in a way that is meaningful to you, it's the right choice.
Search the Internet for a wealth of ideas for scrapbook quotes. There's a treasure trove of choices out there!
Article written by Alecia Lehmann ... a Scrapbook enthusiast! If you enjoyed this article and would like to create professional looking scrapbooks using simple (and often free) ideas, then go to http://www.megascrapbooking.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alecia_Lehmann
==> END of ARTICLE <==
Think of using quotes as a sort of bridge between writing an entire diary entry about your photos and losing the meaning behind the pictures by leaving words out entirely. Quotes can serve as both an embellishment and a form of journaling. They an convey the essence of a memory, allowing you to provide the substance through more detailed journaling.
By implementing scrapbooking quotes, you can convey universal emotion to accompany your very personal memories. When taken together with your photos, memorabilia and other embellishments, scrapbooking quotes can help you create a complete layout that will inspire reminiscing, even years after the event has taken place.
But what makes a good scrapbooking quote? A good scrapbooking quote will be:
Catchy - An effective scrapbook quote should be easily remembered. It should stick in your head and make an impact. Think of your favourite song or artist. The best ones get to be that way because they have staying power.
Relevant - The scrapbooking quote may come off as trivial to the reader. However, the meaning of the scrapbooking quote should not be so vague that the reader has to use all of his or her brainpower to understand it. That is, unless you intend for the scrapbook to take on an air of mystery and clue-finding.
Short - A good scrapbooking quote should be able to grab the reader's attention quickly, in just a few words. Unless it is the goal of your layout to have the quote be the center of attention, it should not overpower the photos or memorabilia on your page. The goal of the quote is to bridge the gap between your own words and the images on the page.
Emotional - This does not mean that every quote has to incite tears! A quote should evoke some kind of emotion, sadness, nostalgia, happiness, excitement, etc. - whatever the intended emotion of the layout is.
These are just a few ideas for how scrapbooking quotes can enhance your layouts and your memories. But scrapbooks are personal, and the choice of what makes a good quote is ultimately up to you. If it complements your memories in a way that is meaningful to you, it's the right choice.
Search the Internet for a wealth of ideas for scrapbook quotes. There's a treasure trove of choices out there!
Article written by Alecia Lehmann ... a Scrapbook enthusiast! If you enjoyed this article and would like to create professional looking scrapbooks using simple (and often free) ideas, then go to http://www.megascrapbooking.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alecia_Lehmann
==> END of ARTICLE <==
[article] How to Make ABC Scrapbooking Albums - by Christine Perry
If you are unsure of what ABC scrapbooking albums are, quite simply they are albums for anyone or any event that work similar to a school book. Each page is a different letter of the alphabet, in order from A to Z. ABC albums aren't meant to be just A-B-C in order with no real rhyme or reason, but they are supposed to center around a particular theme.
For example, suppose you wanted to make a baby ABC scrapbooking album. For the first page, you would have a phrase or words that start with A, such as "apple of our eye," "adorable," or "angel." You would decorate the page with embellishments or cutouts or other items that highlight these same words. If you used "apple of our eye," you would of course make it a red and apple green colored page, with apples or apple trees, along with a picture of your smiling baby. Your B page might have words and phrases such as "beautiful baby boy," "bath time" or "blessing from above." Your decorations could be anything that starts with a B, such as balls, bats, bells, bibs, and so on.
The real trick to ABC scrapbooking albums is that you want it to be obvious what you're doing with every page. The ABC order and the theme should be clear. For your pages, make sure you have several styles of the letter scattered throughout the page and on top of the elements and embellishments you are using so that it is obvious you are doing these letters in order.
Babies are not the only theme you can use for ABC albums. You can also do Christmas albums or other holidays, graduation albums, or albums that just have a certain someone's pictures. Usually you can find phrases, words, or elements to use that fit on every page. For instance, for weddings you could have announcements, aisle, altar, and arrangement, then bride, bouquet, best man, and so on. Each page simply needs to revolve around the next letter of the alphabet.
ABC scrapbooking albums make great gifts. Children love the idea of going through the alphabet on each page. Consider making an album for a child that lists all the people who love him from A to Z. For example, A is for Aunt Marge, B is for Betty and C is for Cousin Ann. Get creative with themes. How about a recipe ABC album for a bridal shower gift?
You can make ABC scrapbooking albums very simply if you just get creative with your words and phrases, and make sure to include that particular letter throughout the page. Mix up your lettering style from large block letters to script style. If you get stuck on certain letters, such as X, Q or Z, don't hesitate to cheat a little and check the dictionary, or take some creative license. X can be "x-tra special" or "x-cellent." After all, the entire point of any scrapbooking project is to be creative and whimsical.
Christine Perry is an avid scrapbooker and has over 10 years of scrapbooking experience. Her favorite scrapbooking subjects are her reluctant teenagers. She invites you to her website, http://www.intoscrapbooking.com/ for more on beginner scrapbooking and scrapbooking tags.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Perry
==> END of ARTICLE <==
For example, suppose you wanted to make a baby ABC scrapbooking album. For the first page, you would have a phrase or words that start with A, such as "apple of our eye," "adorable," or "angel." You would decorate the page with embellishments or cutouts or other items that highlight these same words. If you used "apple of our eye," you would of course make it a red and apple green colored page, with apples or apple trees, along with a picture of your smiling baby. Your B page might have words and phrases such as "beautiful baby boy," "bath time" or "blessing from above." Your decorations could be anything that starts with a B, such as balls, bats, bells, bibs, and so on.
The real trick to ABC scrapbooking albums is that you want it to be obvious what you're doing with every page. The ABC order and the theme should be clear. For your pages, make sure you have several styles of the letter scattered throughout the page and on top of the elements and embellishments you are using so that it is obvious you are doing these letters in order.
Babies are not the only theme you can use for ABC albums. You can also do Christmas albums or other holidays, graduation albums, or albums that just have a certain someone's pictures. Usually you can find phrases, words, or elements to use that fit on every page. For instance, for weddings you could have announcements, aisle, altar, and arrangement, then bride, bouquet, best man, and so on. Each page simply needs to revolve around the next letter of the alphabet.
ABC scrapbooking albums make great gifts. Children love the idea of going through the alphabet on each page. Consider making an album for a child that lists all the people who love him from A to Z. For example, A is for Aunt Marge, B is for Betty and C is for Cousin Ann. Get creative with themes. How about a recipe ABC album for a bridal shower gift?
You can make ABC scrapbooking albums very simply if you just get creative with your words and phrases, and make sure to include that particular letter throughout the page. Mix up your lettering style from large block letters to script style. If you get stuck on certain letters, such as X, Q or Z, don't hesitate to cheat a little and check the dictionary, or take some creative license. X can be "x-tra special" or "x-cellent." After all, the entire point of any scrapbooking project is to be creative and whimsical.
Christine Perry is an avid scrapbooker and has over 10 years of scrapbooking experience. Her favorite scrapbooking subjects are her reluctant teenagers. She invites you to her website, http://www.intoscrapbooking.com/ for more on beginner scrapbooking and scrapbooking tags.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Perry
==> END of ARTICLE <==
[article] Candy Bar Wrappers - Easy Ways to Create These Chocolate Party Favors - by Linda Kling
Are you looking for a great idea for party favors for your next celebration? How about covering chocolate bars with wrappers customized for your occasion? You can even make them yourself. They're cheap, easy and appeal to all age groups. Besides, everyone loves candy. Here's some simple ways to create these festive treats.
Wrapping paper
You don't have to be crafty, if you want to make these yourself. An easy way to make candy bar wrappers is to simply cover the bars with gift wrap. This material is great because it's thin enough to mold around your chocolate. Plus, it's available in festive prints, like balloons for a birthday or hearts for a wedding.
Use the rolls and not the folded sheets of paper, to avoid creases where you don't want them. Choose quality paper. Dollar store wraps may be cheap, but can easily tear. It's better to pick something a little stronger, even if it costs more.
Next, measure and cut out your candy bar wrappers from the paper. If you're covering regular 1.55 ounce Hershey bars, for example, you will need to cut pieces that are 5.25 inches by 5.5 inches. Then all that's left to do is to place the chocolate face down on top of the unprinted side of the gift wrap and pull both sides of the paper to the center of the treat. Use double stick tape or a glue stick to hold in place.
If you want to personalize these even further, you can print out a message on paper. Use fancy fonts in complimentary colors. Cut out your text with regular, scallop or other decorative edge scissors. Then use a glue stick to adhere to the top of your completed bars. Or, you can set up your personalization in your label software on your computer and print it on inkjet peel and stick labels. Also, check the scrapbooking section of your local craft store for adhesive backed tags and journaling blanks that you can write on and attach to your treats.
Free stuff online
If you want something that looks a little more polished, you can find websites that offer free printable candy bar wrappers or templates. Try looking for these on your favorite search engine. You'll be surprised how many nice people are giving these away. They're available in many sizes to fit different chocolate treats. You may have to hunt a little to find something close to what you want, but most of the work has already been done for you.
You will find two types of freebies. First, there are the printable designs. With these, all you have to do is print them directly from your web browser. Then cut up, wrap and glue. The other type are templates that you download. These are generally set up for specific programs, such as Microsoft Word. After you save it to your computer, you open the template in the corresponding program. You can then edit it, if you want.
Some extra tips
If you will be making a lot of these party favors, you may want to consider investing in an inexpensive paper trimmer. It will make all that cutting go faster and your cuts will be straight.
Another thing to keep in mind is that a lot of popular commercial candy bars are now packaged with plastic wrappers that are crimped at the edges. They no longer have the foil covering underneath. So, if you like the look of the old-fashioned chocolate bar with foil peaking out of the edge, you can still achieve it. First, tape down the crimped edges, so they don't poke through. And cover the whole thing with either thin aluminum or confectionery foil (found online). Then place your personalized wrapper around it.
Also, you may want to experiment to see what will work best to hold your wrappers together. Glue sticks don't seem to hold as well as double stick tape. Adhesive dots and strips are even better. You can find these at the local craft store.
The easiest method
If you don't have the time, inclination or ability to make these chocolate party favors yourself, you can still be involved in creating them. You choose the design, message, fonts, color and maybe even add a photo or two, and let the professionals do the work. Since these candy bar wrappers will be personalized according to your specifications, they are uniquely your creation. Search online for a company that has great designs and prices, and will work with you to customize your favors. They may even offer you a choice in chocolates from popular brands to those freshly made by a chocolatier.
Whether you make these yourself or create them with a professional, candy bar wrappers are fast, affordable and fun. So, the next time you have a special occasion on the horizon, consider these personalized chocolate favors. Your guests will love them!
About the Author
Linda Kling, as the owner of Photo Party Favors, has offered ideas to people planning parties since 1992. Visit her website for more information on photo chocolate favors, including personalized candy bar wrappers with gourmet chocolate bars.
==> END of ARTICLE <==
Click on image for available sizes, formats, prices and licenses. To open a new window right click and choose new window option.
Young boy eating bar of chocolate, showing OK sign (isolated on white background):
© Photographer: Gbh007 | Agency: Dreamstime.com
Wrapping paper
You don't have to be crafty, if you want to make these yourself. An easy way to make candy bar wrappers is to simply cover the bars with gift wrap. This material is great because it's thin enough to mold around your chocolate. Plus, it's available in festive prints, like balloons for a birthday or hearts for a wedding.
Use the rolls and not the folded sheets of paper, to avoid creases where you don't want them. Choose quality paper. Dollar store wraps may be cheap, but can easily tear. It's better to pick something a little stronger, even if it costs more.
Next, measure and cut out your candy bar wrappers from the paper. If you're covering regular 1.55 ounce Hershey bars, for example, you will need to cut pieces that are 5.25 inches by 5.5 inches. Then all that's left to do is to place the chocolate face down on top of the unprinted side of the gift wrap and pull both sides of the paper to the center of the treat. Use double stick tape or a glue stick to hold in place.
If you want to personalize these even further, you can print out a message on paper. Use fancy fonts in complimentary colors. Cut out your text with regular, scallop or other decorative edge scissors. Then use a glue stick to adhere to the top of your completed bars. Or, you can set up your personalization in your label software on your computer and print it on inkjet peel and stick labels. Also, check the scrapbooking section of your local craft store for adhesive backed tags and journaling blanks that you can write on and attach to your treats.
Free stuff online
If you want something that looks a little more polished, you can find websites that offer free printable candy bar wrappers or templates. Try looking for these on your favorite search engine. You'll be surprised how many nice people are giving these away. They're available in many sizes to fit different chocolate treats. You may have to hunt a little to find something close to what you want, but most of the work has already been done for you.
You will find two types of freebies. First, there are the printable designs. With these, all you have to do is print them directly from your web browser. Then cut up, wrap and glue. The other type are templates that you download. These are generally set up for specific programs, such as Microsoft Word. After you save it to your computer, you open the template in the corresponding program. You can then edit it, if you want.
Some extra tips
If you will be making a lot of these party favors, you may want to consider investing in an inexpensive paper trimmer. It will make all that cutting go faster and your cuts will be straight.
Another thing to keep in mind is that a lot of popular commercial candy bars are now packaged with plastic wrappers that are crimped at the edges. They no longer have the foil covering underneath. So, if you like the look of the old-fashioned chocolate bar with foil peaking out of the edge, you can still achieve it. First, tape down the crimped edges, so they don't poke through. And cover the whole thing with either thin aluminum or confectionery foil (found online). Then place your personalized wrapper around it.
Also, you may want to experiment to see what will work best to hold your wrappers together. Glue sticks don't seem to hold as well as double stick tape. Adhesive dots and strips are even better. You can find these at the local craft store.
The easiest method
If you don't have the time, inclination or ability to make these chocolate party favors yourself, you can still be involved in creating them. You choose the design, message, fonts, color and maybe even add a photo or two, and let the professionals do the work. Since these candy bar wrappers will be personalized according to your specifications, they are uniquely your creation. Search online for a company that has great designs and prices, and will work with you to customize your favors. They may even offer you a choice in chocolates from popular brands to those freshly made by a chocolatier.
Whether you make these yourself or create them with a professional, candy bar wrappers are fast, affordable and fun. So, the next time you have a special occasion on the horizon, consider these personalized chocolate favors. Your guests will love them!
About the Author
Linda Kling, as the owner of Photo Party Favors, has offered ideas to people planning parties since 1992. Visit her website for more information on photo chocolate favors, including personalized candy bar wrappers with gourmet chocolate bars.
==> END of ARTICLE <==
Click on image for available sizes, formats, prices and licenses. To open a new window right click and choose new window option.
Young boy eating bar of chocolate, showing OK sign (isolated on white background):
© Photographer: Gbh007 | Agency: Dreamstime.com
[article] My top 10 online blog advertising tips - by Emma Howarth
In general, I would say advertise your blog anywhere and everywhere! That doesn't mean to say you should be spamming your blog to the extent you become blacklisted, but that there are key places or sites to focus on!
1. Article writing - many bloggers have got where they are because they have submitted useful articles to directories such as ezine articles and articlebase that become linked to by other sites, followed on Twitter etc and become known as 'an authority' on this particular area.
2. Search engine submitting - Now this might seem an obvious point, but rather than waiting for Google and other sites to pick up on your blog, submit it manually, as it usually will get indexed a lot quicker. There are sites that will do this for you, but if yours is a pretty mainstream blog, I would suggest submitting them manually saving you both time and money.
3. Social media - Sites like Twitter, Facebook, Myspace have really taken off and are a fantastic resource for advertising your blog. Aside from being able to message friends with updates on your blog, Facebook in particular offers paid advertising which you can use to target certain groups, you can also set up your own groups inviting like minded people, or join groups yourself. Twitter can be used for posting announcements about you blog, and following other like-minded people in the aim that they will also follow you. If you don't wish to target people in this way, Youtube allows users to post videos of interest while at the same time advertising their content.
4. Forums - Again, forums, like social media can be used to target people with similar interests. In most forums you can create a signature which appears in your posts (I would advertise checking though so it doesn't seem like spamming), and as you gradually build up a presence on the forum, you can introduce your site into your posts. This is a longer term method however so that it doesn't come across as spamming your site.
5. Classified Ads - Another useful method is Classified Advertising. Sites such as Craigslist provide a method of posting an advertisement advertising your site rather than advertising goods themselves, but can be used in the same way. Another UK based option is gumtree or Adtrader.
6. Digg.com - Digg is a site allowing users to publish news items, videos and images of interest to the general public in the form of original content you have published on your site. By submitting it, the more 'diggs' (hits) an item gets, the more likely it is to appear on the home page or become one of the more popular items.
7. Signatures - Linked to forums to some extent, but that can also be based around your email, are signatures, providing both a link and some relevant text to your site.
8. Link exchanges/submission/rss feeds - These vary, in that link exchanges are exchanges with other sites of relevance to yours, generally I would aim for higher PR ones, the higher the better, whereas link submissions are submissions to link exchange sites without having to provide them with a link back on your site. I would limit both these though as Google can sometimes see it as link farming.
9. Paid advertising - In some cases this can work, using methods such as Facebook, or Google adwords, but you need to word your adverts very carefully, and do the same with keywords, otherwise you're targeting the wrong people with the wrong keywords totally.
10. Press releases/ news items - Sites such as searchbyheadlines.com, as well as many others, allow you to submit your own press releases to them which are then distributed to various companies.
About the Author
Having never been into designing websites, advertising etc over the past few months I;ve found that I've really got into it, finiding news methods that work etc. These are my top 10 tips for advertising your site online.
==> END of ARTICLE <==
1. Article writing - many bloggers have got where they are because they have submitted useful articles to directories such as ezine articles and articlebase that become linked to by other sites, followed on Twitter etc and become known as 'an authority' on this particular area.
2. Search engine submitting - Now this might seem an obvious point, but rather than waiting for Google and other sites to pick up on your blog, submit it manually, as it usually will get indexed a lot quicker. There are sites that will do this for you, but if yours is a pretty mainstream blog, I would suggest submitting them manually saving you both time and money.
3. Social media - Sites like Twitter, Facebook, Myspace have really taken off and are a fantastic resource for advertising your blog. Aside from being able to message friends with updates on your blog, Facebook in particular offers paid advertising which you can use to target certain groups, you can also set up your own groups inviting like minded people, or join groups yourself. Twitter can be used for posting announcements about you blog, and following other like-minded people in the aim that they will also follow you. If you don't wish to target people in this way, Youtube allows users to post videos of interest while at the same time advertising their content.
4. Forums - Again, forums, like social media can be used to target people with similar interests. In most forums you can create a signature which appears in your posts (I would advertise checking though so it doesn't seem like spamming), and as you gradually build up a presence on the forum, you can introduce your site into your posts. This is a longer term method however so that it doesn't come across as spamming your site.
5. Classified Ads - Another useful method is Classified Advertising. Sites such as Craigslist provide a method of posting an advertisement advertising your site rather than advertising goods themselves, but can be used in the same way. Another UK based option is gumtree or Adtrader.
6. Digg.com - Digg is a site allowing users to publish news items, videos and images of interest to the general public in the form of original content you have published on your site. By submitting it, the more 'diggs' (hits) an item gets, the more likely it is to appear on the home page or become one of the more popular items.
7. Signatures - Linked to forums to some extent, but that can also be based around your email, are signatures, providing both a link and some relevant text to your site.
8. Link exchanges/submission/rss feeds - These vary, in that link exchanges are exchanges with other sites of relevance to yours, generally I would aim for higher PR ones, the higher the better, whereas link submissions are submissions to link exchange sites without having to provide them with a link back on your site. I would limit both these though as Google can sometimes see it as link farming.
9. Paid advertising - In some cases this can work, using methods such as Facebook, or Google adwords, but you need to word your adverts very carefully, and do the same with keywords, otherwise you're targeting the wrong people with the wrong keywords totally.
10. Press releases/ news items - Sites such as searchbyheadlines.com, as well as many others, allow you to submit your own press releases to them which are then distributed to various companies.
About the Author
Having never been into designing websites, advertising etc over the past few months I;ve found that I've really got into it, finiding news methods that work etc. These are my top 10 tips for advertising your site online.
==> END of ARTICLE <==
[article] Beware Of Affiliate Programs Designed To Cheat You - by Ba Kiwanuka
There are few things more annoying than those moments when you've put in a considerable amount of effort, sweat, mental anguish and pain in promoting an affiliate program product just to get cheated out of your hard-earned commission by of all things the affiliate program itself! Sure who doesn't know that there are and will always be wily marketers ready to pounce on your affiliate Id and swap it with theirs if you haven't disguised or cloaked it (and no this is not an article promoting affiliate cloaking software...all the ones I have ever bought never ever worked! If you truly want to mask your links for free go to tinyurl.com) But back to the problem on hand...getting conned by the affiliate program itself? OUCH! Now that's a low blow indeed!
So let's break it down and see how this can happen. Let me add here that just occasionally by the way, such scenarios are the results of a mistake, but more often than not it is done intentionally. The real kicker though is that those websites offering affiliate programs designed to enrich the merchant yet leave you, the affiliate, out in the cold are legally well within their rights; i.e., you can't go blabbing to the web police crying foul play and expect any retribution or justice so the onus is on you to sniff out those sneaky merchants.
Case Of The 7-Day Affiliate Cookie Versus The 15-Day Free Trial!
Huh? A 7-Day cookie yet the merchant is offering a 15-day free trial! Can you see what's wrong with this picture? But just in case you don't, let me clarify things by explaining what cookies are. Simply put, a cookie is a harmless piece of computer code or script that captures harmless information (such as identifying a computer through current and subsequent visits, websites visited and date of visit). This is of importance to you because this is how a merchant can tell that a particular customer who purchased from them was referred by you, thus ensuring you get your commission. The importance of cookies does not stop there.
There're cookies and there are cookies!
Cookies are coded to expire after a set period of time. So if a merchant supplies you (the affiliate) with cookies programmed to expire after 120 days, this means that if one of your referrals makes a purchase anytime within those 120 days, you'll get credited for that sale and get paid your commission. Remember, it generally takes at least several instances of exposure to a product before a person is ready to buy! So the longer lasting the cookie, the better...at least from your point of view as an affiliate.
Right, so let's take a closer look at the merchant website that offered a 7-day cookie for its affiliate program yet at the same time offers its visitors a 15-day free trial period of the product. I'm sure you've caught on to the scam now...there's no way that you are going to get any commission because by the time the prospective buyer (who originated from your website through your affiliate link) is ready to purchase once their 15-day free trial is up, the cookie encoded with your affiliate link would have already expired!
So what can you do in such a case? If you really like the product and feel quite strongly about promoting it, you could contact the merchant and inform them that you'd love to promote their product but you happened to notice that they also offered a co-existent 15-day free trial period. Politely point out to them that that 15-day free trial effectively nullifies any possibility of you being able to generate any commissions with a 7-day affiliate-link cookie in place. Then graciously ask if they could extend the cookie duration to a 30-day period which should at least make it possible for you to actually get awarded your rightful commissions.
Nine times out of ten the reply (if you get any at all) is going to be NO unless you are a heavy hitter with an impressive volume of traffic or an extensive subscriber list...and if you also have evidence to backup your claims of heavy-hitter stardom . If, however, you still get a negative response or no response at all then don't waste any more time and simply move on and forget all about promoting that program, unless you are a natural born altruist (a selfless person dedicated to help others at no personal gain).
The Multi-Pay Option Game
This is another sneaky way in which you can be duped out of your rightful commissions, although this is not as deadly effective as the free-trial-period scam. Okay let's consider a scenario in which you're promoting an affiliate product listed at Click Bank (probably the largest online directory listing of digital marketing products available for affiliate promotion). A scenario such as this would have you send visitors from your site to the merchant's website via a link encoded with your Click Bank affiliate Id (the click bank Id is part of the cookie encoded with your affiliate information enabling them to distinguish that it was indeed you who referred the purchaser.)
In an ideal situation, the prospect who you referred would then purchase the product and hey you just got commission! But what if the sneaky merchant gives that prospective buyer another payment option on their landing page, such as payment through PayPal? Your referral might decide hmmmm, lemme use the funds in my PayPal account instead... and just like that your commission is gone! As I pointed out earlier, this method does not cheat you out of your commissions as effectively as the free-trial one above, because in this case you have a 50/50 chance of getting your commission but in the other case you basically have none!
Money Making Tips
About the Author
Click To Get Free Report On How To Make Money Online
==> END of ARTICLE <==
So let's break it down and see how this can happen. Let me add here that just occasionally by the way, such scenarios are the results of a mistake, but more often than not it is done intentionally. The real kicker though is that those websites offering affiliate programs designed to enrich the merchant yet leave you, the affiliate, out in the cold are legally well within their rights; i.e., you can't go blabbing to the web police crying foul play and expect any retribution or justice so the onus is on you to sniff out those sneaky merchants.
Case Of The 7-Day Affiliate Cookie Versus The 15-Day Free Trial!
Huh? A 7-Day cookie yet the merchant is offering a 15-day free trial! Can you see what's wrong with this picture? But just in case you don't, let me clarify things by explaining what cookies are. Simply put, a cookie is a harmless piece of computer code or script that captures harmless information (such as identifying a computer through current and subsequent visits, websites visited and date of visit). This is of importance to you because this is how a merchant can tell that a particular customer who purchased from them was referred by you, thus ensuring you get your commission. The importance of cookies does not stop there.
There're cookies and there are cookies!
Cookies are coded to expire after a set period of time. So if a merchant supplies you (the affiliate) with cookies programmed to expire after 120 days, this means that if one of your referrals makes a purchase anytime within those 120 days, you'll get credited for that sale and get paid your commission. Remember, it generally takes at least several instances of exposure to a product before a person is ready to buy! So the longer lasting the cookie, the better...at least from your point of view as an affiliate.
Right, so let's take a closer look at the merchant website that offered a 7-day cookie for its affiliate program yet at the same time offers its visitors a 15-day free trial period of the product. I'm sure you've caught on to the scam now...there's no way that you are going to get any commission because by the time the prospective buyer (who originated from your website through your affiliate link) is ready to purchase once their 15-day free trial is up, the cookie encoded with your affiliate link would have already expired!
So what can you do in such a case? If you really like the product and feel quite strongly about promoting it, you could contact the merchant and inform them that you'd love to promote their product but you happened to notice that they also offered a co-existent 15-day free trial period. Politely point out to them that that 15-day free trial effectively nullifies any possibility of you being able to generate any commissions with a 7-day affiliate-link cookie in place. Then graciously ask if they could extend the cookie duration to a 30-day period which should at least make it possible for you to actually get awarded your rightful commissions.
Nine times out of ten the reply (if you get any at all) is going to be NO unless you are a heavy hitter with an impressive volume of traffic or an extensive subscriber list...and if you also have evidence to backup your claims of heavy-hitter stardom . If, however, you still get a negative response or no response at all then don't waste any more time and simply move on and forget all about promoting that program, unless you are a natural born altruist (a selfless person dedicated to help others at no personal gain).
The Multi-Pay Option Game
This is another sneaky way in which you can be duped out of your rightful commissions, although this is not as deadly effective as the free-trial-period scam. Okay let's consider a scenario in which you're promoting an affiliate product listed at Click Bank (probably the largest online directory listing of digital marketing products available for affiliate promotion). A scenario such as this would have you send visitors from your site to the merchant's website via a link encoded with your Click Bank affiliate Id (the click bank Id is part of the cookie encoded with your affiliate information enabling them to distinguish that it was indeed you who referred the purchaser.)
In an ideal situation, the prospect who you referred would then purchase the product and hey you just got commission! But what if the sneaky merchant gives that prospective buyer another payment option on their landing page, such as payment through PayPal? Your referral might decide hmmmm, lemme use the funds in my PayPal account instead... and just like that your commission is gone! As I pointed out earlier, this method does not cheat you out of your commissions as effectively as the free-trial one above, because in this case you have a 50/50 chance of getting your commission but in the other case you basically have none!
Money Making Tips
About the Author
Click To Get Free Report On How To Make Money Online
==> END of ARTICLE <==
[article] Art Rubber Stamps - by Adam Raidabaugh
Rubber stamping, which is often called art stamping is a wonderful hobby or craft. Art stamping is the process where you create a pattern or image on anything in order to present it in an artistic manner with the help of a stamp. Art stamping is extensively applied to paper, glass, wood, canvas, metal and plastic. When you apply a creative image on something, you are enhancing its look as well as its value. Because of this and at the same time affordability, art stamping is gaining in much popularity. People, now-a-days incorporate creative image with the help of rubber stamps on gifts and many more.
If you have no idea about how art stamps look, you can go through various online stores that boast a variety of art rubber stamps, instead of taking the pain to go to many local stores. Art stamps available on online stores are very fashionable and trendy. They can be used to decorate a variety of things. People, most commonly use them for scrapbooking, gift decoration, wall decoration and fabric decoration.
Art rubber stamping is an excellent way to express and present your creativity. Rubber stamps allow you to create your choice of stamps or images. With a variety of art stamps, you can use them on various occasions. Use them in scrapbooking your cards, albums; stationery, invitations, greeting cards and gift wrap and fabric. Art rubber stamps make great tool for scrapbookers, entrepreneurs and stationery lovers around the world.
Art rubber stamps are available in thousands of stamp designs. Manufacturers offer you with custom stamp-making services, so that you can make your stamp personalized. These stamps are found in two forms- mounted and unmounted. Mounted art rubber stamps come pre-assembled with the stamp that is already adhered to a wooden or acrylic block, which make handling and stamping convenient, easy and clean. But, with unmounted art rubber stamps, you are required to keep several different sizes of mounting blocks. Additionally, you need to purchase special adhesives in order to remove the stamps from the blocks once you are done. Unmounted stamps are favored by stamp lovers, since they allow stampers to create a large variety of designs very quickly!
About the Author
This article has been written by an expert at Acorn Sales. Find more information on Art rubber stamps here.
==> END of ARTICLE <==
If you have no idea about how art stamps look, you can go through various online stores that boast a variety of art rubber stamps, instead of taking the pain to go to many local stores. Art stamps available on online stores are very fashionable and trendy. They can be used to decorate a variety of things. People, most commonly use them for scrapbooking, gift decoration, wall decoration and fabric decoration.
Art rubber stamping is an excellent way to express and present your creativity. Rubber stamps allow you to create your choice of stamps or images. With a variety of art stamps, you can use them on various occasions. Use them in scrapbooking your cards, albums; stationery, invitations, greeting cards and gift wrap and fabric. Art rubber stamps make great tool for scrapbookers, entrepreneurs and stationery lovers around the world.
Art rubber stamps are available in thousands of stamp designs. Manufacturers offer you with custom stamp-making services, so that you can make your stamp personalized. These stamps are found in two forms- mounted and unmounted. Mounted art rubber stamps come pre-assembled with the stamp that is already adhered to a wooden or acrylic block, which make handling and stamping convenient, easy and clean. But, with unmounted art rubber stamps, you are required to keep several different sizes of mounting blocks. Additionally, you need to purchase special adhesives in order to remove the stamps from the blocks once you are done. Unmounted stamps are favored by stamp lovers, since they allow stampers to create a large variety of designs very quickly!
About the Author
This article has been written by an expert at Acorn Sales. Find more information on Art rubber stamps here.
==> END of ARTICLE <==
[article] Free Printable Scrapbooking Page Kits - Make Stunning Scrapbooks Easily - by Erik Birkeland
Digital scrapbooking page kits can really simplify the process of making a scrapbook. Not only do they simplify the process but you can also get free digital scrapbooking page kits and save a lot of time and money when making your scrapbooks. These kits allow you to create high quality scrapbooks. A number of websites provide sampler kits for free and are well worth taking a look at.
If you are just starting out then using free digital scrapbooking page kits will get going quickly. Instead of spending your time developing your own pages you can use these kits and get your scrapbook project completed fairly quickly and it will look fantastic!
In the free digital scrapbooking page kits you will get the designed backgrounds, frames, titles and possibly stickers. These will already be placed for you. This means you don't need to spend your time preparing each element that you plan to use. You will just need to put your pictures onto these pages. Once you have placed your picture then you should add some text as to what the picture is about. This is called journaling.
Don't forget to add journaling to each of your scrapbooks. When you create a scrapbook you are trying to tell a story. The pictures are just one part of that. The journaling, title and captions lend context to your pictures and complete the story. I have scrapbooks from my grandparents and since they didn't do a lot of captions I unfortunately don't know who is in a number of the pictures. Don't let his happen to you.
In order to use your free digital scrapbooking page kits you'll need the following:
* Photo editor. You can use Microsoft Word or Adobe Photoshop Elements (regular Photoshop is quite expensive). If you don't have these and don't want to spend money on a photo editor then you can find a free digital editor at my website.
* Digital scrapbooking page kit
* Quality printer
* Digital camera
* Scanner (if you want to work with older pictures)
Free digital scrapbooking page kits can definitely make the experience of creating a scrapbook much less stressful, especially if you are just beginning to scrapbook. Happy scrapbooking
About the Author
If you would like to learn more about Free Digital Scrapbooking Page Kits then visit my site at http://www.freeprintablescrapbooking.com/free-digital-scrapbooking-page-kits.html
Erik Birkeland writes on business and family related issues.
To read more about scrapbooking and how to enhance your experience with it then visit http://www.freeprintablescrapbooking.com/
Article source: http://www.goarticles.com/
==> END of ARTICLE <==
If you are just starting out then using free digital scrapbooking page kits will get going quickly. Instead of spending your time developing your own pages you can use these kits and get your scrapbook project completed fairly quickly and it will look fantastic!
In the free digital scrapbooking page kits you will get the designed backgrounds, frames, titles and possibly stickers. These will already be placed for you. This means you don't need to spend your time preparing each element that you plan to use. You will just need to put your pictures onto these pages. Once you have placed your picture then you should add some text as to what the picture is about. This is called journaling.
Don't forget to add journaling to each of your scrapbooks. When you create a scrapbook you are trying to tell a story. The pictures are just one part of that. The journaling, title and captions lend context to your pictures and complete the story. I have scrapbooks from my grandparents and since they didn't do a lot of captions I unfortunately don't know who is in a number of the pictures. Don't let his happen to you.
In order to use your free digital scrapbooking page kits you'll need the following:
* Photo editor. You can use Microsoft Word or Adobe Photoshop Elements (regular Photoshop is quite expensive). If you don't have these and don't want to spend money on a photo editor then you can find a free digital editor at my website.
* Digital scrapbooking page kit
* Quality printer
* Digital camera
* Scanner (if you want to work with older pictures)
Free digital scrapbooking page kits can definitely make the experience of creating a scrapbook much less stressful, especially if you are just beginning to scrapbook. Happy scrapbooking
About the Author
If you would like to learn more about Free Digital Scrapbooking Page Kits then visit my site at http://www.freeprintablescrapbooking.com/free-digital-scrapbooking-page-kits.html
Erik Birkeland writes on business and family related issues.
To read more about scrapbooking and how to enhance your experience with it then visit http://www.freeprintablescrapbooking.com/
Article source: http://www.goarticles.com/
==> END of ARTICLE <==
[article] Digital Scrapbooking With Adobe: Create Beautiful Photos - by Christine Perry
One of the reasons that Adobe is such a great company for modern-day computer users is that they offer a wide range of products. These products help you to not only create documents, but to really enhance them when you're working with photos and other graphics. So, using Adobe for digital scrapbooking can be a fun and enjoyable way to create stunning graphics and pages for your own albums.
Getting started with digital scrapbooking with Adobe doesn't need to be difficult. You might have many questions about the basics and how to begin. Taking the time to learn Adobe Photoshop can add more interest and variety to the page layouts in your scrapbooks.
Photoshop is the most commonly known Adobe software program. Most people will think of Photoshop when they think of digital scrapbooking with Adobe. Photoshop is a flexible software that allows users to crop, edit and manipulate their photographs on the computer. People can create all sort of funny pictures using Photoshop. They can put their face on the body of a supermodel or create a silly photo like a cat riding a motorcycle.
The selection tool is a unique feature in the Adobe Photoshop software. It allows you to isolate any area of a picture and remove it from the other file into another file or an entirely new file. Scrapbookers can use this tool in many ways. You might have a picture of you and your husband. With the selection tool you can separate that photo into two individuals photos of each of you.
Photoshop allows you to select and manipulate the part of that original picture you want and make it into its own new picture. This is one of the best ways to begin scrapbooking with Adobe, as you are not limited by the pictures you have and the way they've come out.
Some of the most creative scrapbooking pages are those that have more than one copy of the same picture, or several shots that were taken right after one another, and so on. When digital scrapbooking with Adobe Photoshop, you can copy your pictures, reduce their size, expand their size, and add as many other pictures as you want, all with the click of a mouse. This way there is no damage done to your original photos, and you don't need to keep copying, cutting, pasting, and so on, until you get it right.
Adobe Photoshop offers several different versions depending on your level of computer skills. You will want to decide how much of a learning curve you want for your digital scrapbooking software. There are full versions used by professionals. These are quite expensive and take a considerable amount of time to master. For most scrapbookers, Adobe Photoshop Elements is a more reasonable and cost-effective option.
Using Photoshop for your digital scrapbooking can be a great tool to work with your photos and create beautiful and stunning scrapbook page layouts. It has a full range of special effects that you can add to your photos. Taking the time to learn Adobe Photoshop will add a new techniques to your digital scrapbooking projects.
Article Source: http://www.search-raven.com
About the Author
Christine Perry is an avid scrapbooker and has more than 10 years of experience scrapbooking. Her favorite photography subjects are her two children. She welcomes you to her website, http://www.intoscrapbooking.com for more beginner scrapbooking and ideas for scrapbooking horse pages.
This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution - No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License, which means you may freely reprint it, in its entirety, provided you include the author's resource box along with LIVE links (without "nofollow" tags).
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Getting started with digital scrapbooking with Adobe doesn't need to be difficult. You might have many questions about the basics and how to begin. Taking the time to learn Adobe Photoshop can add more interest and variety to the page layouts in your scrapbooks.
Photoshop is the most commonly known Adobe software program. Most people will think of Photoshop when they think of digital scrapbooking with Adobe. Photoshop is a flexible software that allows users to crop, edit and manipulate their photographs on the computer. People can create all sort of funny pictures using Photoshop. They can put their face on the body of a supermodel or create a silly photo like a cat riding a motorcycle.
The selection tool is a unique feature in the Adobe Photoshop software. It allows you to isolate any area of a picture and remove it from the other file into another file or an entirely new file. Scrapbookers can use this tool in many ways. You might have a picture of you and your husband. With the selection tool you can separate that photo into two individuals photos of each of you.
Photoshop allows you to select and manipulate the part of that original picture you want and make it into its own new picture. This is one of the best ways to begin scrapbooking with Adobe, as you are not limited by the pictures you have and the way they've come out.
Some of the most creative scrapbooking pages are those that have more than one copy of the same picture, or several shots that were taken right after one another, and so on. When digital scrapbooking with Adobe Photoshop, you can copy your pictures, reduce their size, expand their size, and add as many other pictures as you want, all with the click of a mouse. This way there is no damage done to your original photos, and you don't need to keep copying, cutting, pasting, and so on, until you get it right.
Adobe Photoshop offers several different versions depending on your level of computer skills. You will want to decide how much of a learning curve you want for your digital scrapbooking software. There are full versions used by professionals. These are quite expensive and take a considerable amount of time to master. For most scrapbookers, Adobe Photoshop Elements is a more reasonable and cost-effective option.
Using Photoshop for your digital scrapbooking can be a great tool to work with your photos and create beautiful and stunning scrapbook page layouts. It has a full range of special effects that you can add to your photos. Taking the time to learn Adobe Photoshop will add a new techniques to your digital scrapbooking projects.
Article Source: http://www.search-raven.com
About the Author
Christine Perry is an avid scrapbooker and has more than 10 years of experience scrapbooking. Her favorite photography subjects are her two children. She welcomes you to her website, http://www.intoscrapbooking.com for more beginner scrapbooking and ideas for scrapbooking horse pages.
This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution - No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License, which means you may freely reprint it, in its entirety, provided you include the author's resource box along with LIVE links (without "nofollow" tags).
==> END of ARTICLE <==
[article] History of modern Scrapbooking - by Erin Reason
Welcome to the world of scrapbooking!
Scrapbooking is not only a fun hobby, but also a way to share your family's special moments.
Scrapbooking has been around for generations, but it really seemed to gain momentum in popularity in the late 80's. Today, there are a multitude of papers and embellishments available to create everything from the most basic pages to absolute works of art.
Manufacturers have heard the call of preservationists and have created photo-friendly products. Albums of the past utilized PVC page protectors, acidic pastes and lignen ridden papers. The harsh chemicals caused photo deterioration, which resulted in color distortion and fading. Today's products are acid-free, lignen-free and pvc-free, leaving scrappers nothing to fear when assembling their precious family albums.
Often times, new scrappers may find it a bit intimidating to layout the perfect page and find coordinating materials to use. Many books, magazines and online websites offer detailed instructions for page design. Stores have multiple offerings with page kits that have all coordinating elements included, as well as classes educating participants on how to put it all together.
In today's technological world, many scrapbookers have discovered digital scrapping. Photos can easily be uploaded from a camera and added to pre-formatted pages in a software program that also allows photo editing. No matter what you choose, there is something out there that appeals to every type of scrapbooker. The best part about scrapbooking is that it is something you can do and share with others. Many friendships and family relationships benefit from the time spent together creating and sharing.
If you have any questions about scrapbooking, please contact Erin at heronline scrapbooking store.
About the Author
Erin Reason has been in the business of scrapbooking and scrapbooking supplies for over 10 years.
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Scrapbooking is not only a fun hobby, but also a way to share your family's special moments.
Scrapbooking has been around for generations, but it really seemed to gain momentum in popularity in the late 80's. Today, there are a multitude of papers and embellishments available to create everything from the most basic pages to absolute works of art.
Manufacturers have heard the call of preservationists and have created photo-friendly products. Albums of the past utilized PVC page protectors, acidic pastes and lignen ridden papers. The harsh chemicals caused photo deterioration, which resulted in color distortion and fading. Today's products are acid-free, lignen-free and pvc-free, leaving scrappers nothing to fear when assembling their precious family albums.
Often times, new scrappers may find it a bit intimidating to layout the perfect page and find coordinating materials to use. Many books, magazines and online websites offer detailed instructions for page design. Stores have multiple offerings with page kits that have all coordinating elements included, as well as classes educating participants on how to put it all together.
In today's technological world, many scrapbookers have discovered digital scrapping. Photos can easily be uploaded from a camera and added to pre-formatted pages in a software program that also allows photo editing. No matter what you choose, there is something out there that appeals to every type of scrapbooker. The best part about scrapbooking is that it is something you can do and share with others. Many friendships and family relationships benefit from the time spent together creating and sharing.
If you have any questions about scrapbooking, please contact Erin at heronline scrapbooking store.
About the Author
Erin Reason has been in the business of scrapbooking and scrapbooking supplies for over 10 years.
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[article] Other ways to use scrapbook paper - by The Scrapbook Paper Site
There are so many ways to use scrapbook paper to enhance and add texture and dimension to your scrapbook pages and albums. We will try and cover some of the ways we have seen it being used, other than just a background. The first technique we have seen is tearing. This technique requires no tools and is very easy to do. Here are some of the ways you can tear and what it gives you. Tear toward you for a rough white edge, tear away from you for a rough edge without the white, use water to draw the design and to make tearing easier. You can crease the scrapbook paper with your nail and use your thumb to make more intricate tears.
To add more dimension to your torn paper, chalk the edges. You can roll the torn edges for an even more dimensional look. Here are a few uses for torn scrapbook paper: journal blocks, borders, flowers, mosaic with torn cardstock pieces, water, sand, mountains, and mats for photos.
You will also find that there is scrapbook paper out there that has asymmetrical shapes for placing the pictures on the paper. When you use this paper, you can use tracing paper for a perfect photo fit. Simply trace the design onto the tracing paper. Then place it over the portion of picture required. Using a little adhesive on the part of the photo to be discarded, trim along the traced line and place the photo where the shapes indicate.
If you are pressed for cash, a good way to go is to download digital scrapbook paper. We don't recommend this because you might use regular paper to print out the scrapbook paper designs. See our other post on why you need to have special acid and lignin free paper. If you do choose to use downloadable designs, digital designers have created inexpensive alternatives to papers by popular manufacturers such as Basic Grey, Ki Memories, K & Company, Chatterbox, My Mind's Eye, and American Crafts. When you download scrapbook paper from a digital scrapbooking website, it is very easy to create affordable and memorable layouts for your albums.
Other ways to use scrapbook paper is for cards. It is like making mini-scrapbook pages and your friends and family will love to receive handmade cards. Use embellishments such as brads, fabric, gel, buttons, glitter & confetti, inks, dyes & chalk and rivets to add that extra flare. And make sure you never throw out any so-called "useless" scraps; they might be good to add that extra dimension to your pages.
One of the most creative things we have seen is to use it is to bring a specific theme into a tablescape. Look for camping-themed paper and use it as placemats or you can use coordinating scrapbook embellishments such as stickers and chipboard cutouts to make mini-signs for the table or food area, decorate drink ware or even as coaster.
As you can see there are many ways to use scrapbook paper and you are only limited by your imagination.
About the Author
Your complete Scrapbook Paper guide. What to use and some ideas to get you on your way!
The Scrapbook Paper Site
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To add more dimension to your torn paper, chalk the edges. You can roll the torn edges for an even more dimensional look. Here are a few uses for torn scrapbook paper: journal blocks, borders, flowers, mosaic with torn cardstock pieces, water, sand, mountains, and mats for photos.
You will also find that there is scrapbook paper out there that has asymmetrical shapes for placing the pictures on the paper. When you use this paper, you can use tracing paper for a perfect photo fit. Simply trace the design onto the tracing paper. Then place it over the portion of picture required. Using a little adhesive on the part of the photo to be discarded, trim along the traced line and place the photo where the shapes indicate.
If you are pressed for cash, a good way to go is to download digital scrapbook paper. We don't recommend this because you might use regular paper to print out the scrapbook paper designs. See our other post on why you need to have special acid and lignin free paper. If you do choose to use downloadable designs, digital designers have created inexpensive alternatives to papers by popular manufacturers such as Basic Grey, Ki Memories, K & Company, Chatterbox, My Mind's Eye, and American Crafts. When you download scrapbook paper from a digital scrapbooking website, it is very easy to create affordable and memorable layouts for your albums.
Other ways to use scrapbook paper is for cards. It is like making mini-scrapbook pages and your friends and family will love to receive handmade cards. Use embellishments such as brads, fabric, gel, buttons, glitter & confetti, inks, dyes & chalk and rivets to add that extra flare. And make sure you never throw out any so-called "useless" scraps; they might be good to add that extra dimension to your pages.
One of the most creative things we have seen is to use it is to bring a specific theme into a tablescape. Look for camping-themed paper and use it as placemats or you can use coordinating scrapbook embellishments such as stickers and chipboard cutouts to make mini-signs for the table or food area, decorate drink ware or even as coaster.
As you can see there are many ways to use scrapbook paper and you are only limited by your imagination.
About the Author
Your complete Scrapbook Paper guide. What to use and some ideas to get you on your way!
The Scrapbook Paper Site
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[article] Photo Books - by Melanie Cath
Our grandparents had photo albums with grey or brown pages and little corners to hold their sepia photos in place. Then photo albums progressed to white pages with magnetic strips to hold the many, coloured photos we took. The next step was scrapbooking for those crafty people who could be bothered, while others preferred digital photos. But digital photos are limited too. You need a computer, TV or digital photo frame of some kind to display them on.
But how about printing your favourite photos into a real book, just like one you would buy from a bookstore? This is the next option and must surely be a delight to many, especially when it is so easy to do online. All you have to do is download the picture book designer, choose what size you want and the style of cover you like best, insert your images into the templates and add text if you want it. Then you will need to preview it all to catch any mistakes or change something around before ordering however many copies you want.
The whole thing is quite cost effective, when you compare what it will cost you to buy your photo album plus all the accessories you need. Then some years down the track you may find that the photos are degrading, or the adhesive is drying out and it must all be done again. But with your precious photos made into a areal book you will have something that lasts in a beautiful form forever.
About the Author
Mel writes about photobooks, digital printing and other photo gift topics.
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But how about printing your favourite photos into a real book, just like one you would buy from a bookstore? This is the next option and must surely be a delight to many, especially when it is so easy to do online. All you have to do is download the picture book designer, choose what size you want and the style of cover you like best, insert your images into the templates and add text if you want it. Then you will need to preview it all to catch any mistakes or change something around before ordering however many copies you want.
The whole thing is quite cost effective, when you compare what it will cost you to buy your photo album plus all the accessories you need. Then some years down the track you may find that the photos are degrading, or the adhesive is drying out and it must all be done again. But with your precious photos made into a areal book you will have something that lasts in a beautiful form forever.
About the Author
Mel writes about photobooks, digital printing and other photo gift topics.
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[article] Scanning Photos For Your Digital Scrapbook - by Pete Fontaine
The art of digital scrapping is soaring in popularity. A quick online search will give you an idea of how many free or low cost tools, templates, and tutorials there are for the taking. It's easy to find design concepts, creation software, and personalized help. Online scrapbooking chat rooms and communities help with technical information and ideas. It's never been easier to produce gorgeous custom creations.
Restricting yourself to using just your digital photographs is no longer necessary. You can add hundreds of your older photos to your digital photo gallery for as little as 5 cents each. By sending your pictures to an inexpensive scanning service you can fill in those missing decades in your digital scrapbooks.
Scanning photos for your scrapping hobby has the added advantage of preserving them from deterioration due to moisture, mold, or age. Saving your photos to a DVD also allows you to store a copy in two or more places permanently shielding them from loss or damage. Scanning services make it possible to give a complete set of all your pictures to family members.
Once you've gotten your photos scanned for scrapping you can use them to build photobooks online and upload them to a free photo sharing site to share with your friends. Online businesses that sell photo novelties like cards, calendars, and T-shirts are easy to find and use. With a few services you can even build a slideshow with music that you can view on a TV or on a digital picture frame.
Make sure your photo scanning service will scan at 300 dpi. No more, no less. 300 DPI is the best choice for almost all photo scanning purposes, so don't pay for more. Also make sure that your photos are saved as a high quality jpeg. You will be using jpeg files in your scrapbooking efforts, and though high quality jpegs have bigger files, you can always use your photo editing software to reduce the file size for a copy of the original.
Automatic photo enhancement can improve many of your photos. But don't pay a lot for this service because it won't perform miracles, and it won't make a difference on some photographs. Insist that your photo enhancement is performed on a copy of your master scans. Manipulation of your scans causes them to be recompressed and that, if repeated, will cause quality issues. Make sure your scanning service provides both set of master scans and a set of enhanced scans.
The web is loaded with digital scrapbooking accessories, communities, and educational materials. You can find e-books and embellishments of every kind. Put these tools together with scans from an economical photo scanning service and you're on your way!
About the Author
Scanning photos for digital scrapbooking has the added benefit of permanently protecting them from destruction and deterioration. Photo Scanning makes it easy and inexpensive to share a complete copy of your family's photographic history with everyone in the family. Learn more about photo scanning at Pete's website http://www.nickelscan.com/
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Restricting yourself to using just your digital photographs is no longer necessary. You can add hundreds of your older photos to your digital photo gallery for as little as 5 cents each. By sending your pictures to an inexpensive scanning service you can fill in those missing decades in your digital scrapbooks.
Scanning photos for your scrapping hobby has the added advantage of preserving them from deterioration due to moisture, mold, or age. Saving your photos to a DVD also allows you to store a copy in two or more places permanently shielding them from loss or damage. Scanning services make it possible to give a complete set of all your pictures to family members.
Once you've gotten your photos scanned for scrapping you can use them to build photobooks online and upload them to a free photo sharing site to share with your friends. Online businesses that sell photo novelties like cards, calendars, and T-shirts are easy to find and use. With a few services you can even build a slideshow with music that you can view on a TV or on a digital picture frame.
Make sure your photo scanning service will scan at 300 dpi. No more, no less. 300 DPI is the best choice for almost all photo scanning purposes, so don't pay for more. Also make sure that your photos are saved as a high quality jpeg. You will be using jpeg files in your scrapbooking efforts, and though high quality jpegs have bigger files, you can always use your photo editing software to reduce the file size for a copy of the original.
Automatic photo enhancement can improve many of your photos. But don't pay a lot for this service because it won't perform miracles, and it won't make a difference on some photographs. Insist that your photo enhancement is performed on a copy of your master scans. Manipulation of your scans causes them to be recompressed and that, if repeated, will cause quality issues. Make sure your scanning service provides both set of master scans and a set of enhanced scans.
The web is loaded with digital scrapbooking accessories, communities, and educational materials. You can find e-books and embellishments of every kind. Put these tools together with scans from an economical photo scanning service and you're on your way!
About the Author
Scanning photos for digital scrapbooking has the added benefit of permanently protecting them from destruction and deterioration. Photo Scanning makes it easy and inexpensive to share a complete copy of your family's photographic history with everyone in the family. Learn more about photo scanning at Pete's website http://www.nickelscan.com/
==> END of ARTICLE <==
[article] Starting a Successful Creative Scrapbooking Business, Part III - by Michele Cardello
Author: Michele Cardello
About the Author:
Every scrapbook is unique and inviting; as a creative scrapbooking professional, your marketing should be as eye-catching and irresistible as your creations. Even if you have only a few hundred dollars to spend, you can absolutely woo clientele using grassroots methods to showcase your creative scrapbooking acumen.
Educate Others in the Art Form of Creative Scrapbooking
One of the fastest ways to turn yourself from an unknown scrapbooker into a creative scrapbooking “expert” is to teach a class on the art of creating a fabulous, memorable scrapbook.
Though you might initially be wary that if you tell others your creative scrapbooking “secrets”, they won’t use your creative scrapbooking business, that usually doesn’t happen. Instead, what occurs is that your students see you as a professional in the arena of scrapbook design and development. Thus, when they want an important scrapbook (e.g., for their daughter’s Bar Mitzvah or husband’s retirement celebration), they will immediately think of you. After all, they might enjoy creative scrapbooking, but they don’t necessarily feel confident enough to construct a special scrapbook on their own.
You can work with many community centers, schools, college campuses, and libraries to offer your creative scrapbooking courses. Expect to spend a bit of money on advertising, room rental (though you can often snag a free space if you’re a start-up), and creative scrapbooking paraphernalia, though it’s still much less of an investment than if you paid for a full page, 4-color ad in the Sunday paper.
Write About Scrapbooking
Another way to become an instant creative scrapbooking “guru” is to write articles or tips about creative scrapbooking. Sometimes, smaller community papers will print such items as “filler” for their circulars. Alternately, if a local sewing center or arts and crafts store offers a newsletter to patrons, you might be able to become a “guest columnist.” (Or perhaps you can offer to write your own “creative scrapbooking newsletter” gratis if they agree to pass it out to consumers.)
Will you receive a ton of creative scrapbooking business from this type of subtle “marketing”? Probably not. But you will be building your reputation as your area’s premier creative scrapbooking authority. You will also be able to tell prospective customers that you’ve published items on the topic of creative scrapbooking, always an impressive credential to tout (and a resume booster as well.)
Start a Scrapbooking Blog and/or Web site
In today’s cyber society, blogs and Web sites are fairly inexpensive, so there’s no reason not to get online and start talking about your creative scrapbooking know-how and burgeoning creative scrapbooking company.
For example, you could quickly set up a blog 100% devoted to the tricks of the creative scrapbooking trade in an effort to attract persons from around the world to your site. Though most of them won’t become clients, you stand to gain instant exposure. And who knows? The family down the street may wind up stopping by your creative scrapbooking Web site and hiring you to redo their three sons’ baby books!
Never Stop Selling Yourself or Your Scrapbooking Abilities!
It’s critical that you never stop selling yourself and your creative scrapbooking business if you are serious about succeeding in this infant industry with huge profit potential.
This may mean stepping out of your “comfort zone” and becoming a master at self-promotion. If you have an innate fear of networking, it’s time to overcome your worries and learn how to shake some hands. Remember that you won’t be the first entrepreneur who took a plunge into the unknown.
To become a better press generator on behalf of your creative scrapbooking business, you’ll have to force yourself to try again and again. However, if the process becomes achingly difficult and hampers your desire to scrapbook, it may be time to hire someone to promote your business on your behalf. Yes, this is a “last ditch” measure, but if it keeps your dream alive, it’s worth the cost to bring on a partner who isn’t afraid of a good sales pitch. (And many individuals will work with start-ups on a commission basis, which is terrific news for your budget!)
A Final Note about Ethics and Your Scrapbooking Venture
Though it’s imperative that you keep up standards and operate ethically and legally (the tax man will cometh whether you like it or not!), that doesn’t mean you can’t be innovative. Constantly seek out ways to differentiate yourself from other scrapbook artists and allow yourself to grow personally and professionally.
Love your work, and that positive attitude mingled with creative scrapbooking talent will draw customer inquiries and have you wondering why you didn’t begin your creative scrapbooking company sooner.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/starting-a-successful-creative-scrapbooking-business-part-iii-177994.html
About the Author:
Michele Cardello, director of marketing and creative for Life Imprints, a creative scrapbooking supplies company also offering contemporary picture frames, in Cleveland, Ohio, has worked in the photo packaging industry for 10 years. Cardello helps customers find creative ways to preserve and appreciate a lifetime of memories.
Article is licensed under a Creative Commons License
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[article] Starting a Successful Creative Scrapbooking Business, Part II - by Michele Cardello
Author: Michele Cardello
About the Author:
It’s ironic; what makes a creative scrapbooking business unique attractive to entrepreneurs seeking a work-at-home venture is also what makes it so incredibly challenging. After all, there are no definitive “rules” when it comes to pricing your scrapbook creations or determining where and how to advertise your services.
However, there are general business planning techniques you can use as a starting point to give your creative scrapbooking company the best chance of long-term success.
Setting Your Creative Scrapbooking Price Rates
Whether you specialize in wedding scrapbooks, memory scrapbooks, award/honor scrapbooks, or other creative scrapbooking creations, you’ll need to develop a price guideline. Otherwise, it will be difficult to negotiate with clientele.
Determining your creative scrapbooking business price guideline may seem daunting at first blush, but it’s actually not that complicated when broken down into “bite sized” pieces.
Hourly Rates or Standard Price per Scrapbook?
First, you’ll need to determine whether you want to set prices per project or per hour.
One huge advantage to charging per creative scrapbooking project is that consumers are accustomed to paying for products this way. After all, people don’t purchase a pair of shoes based on how long it took a cobbler to make them; they simply look at the price tag or retail value and decide if they feel it’s a worthwhile investment.
That being said, setting a price per creative scrapbooking project may not always be beneficial for you. If you discover you’re spending inordinate amounts of time on each scrapbook you create, your originally quoted price might not match your efforts. (Remember the old adage: Time is Money.)
Essentially, you can expect to experiment with your creative scrapbooking cost methods at first. Perhaps with some clients, you could offer a “per project” rate, but with others, you might try an hourly approach. There’s no “right or wrong” process–you simply want to find the best one for your creative scrapbooking business.
Remember to Consider “Hidden Costs”
Before “going public” with your scrapbook price structure, make sure you’ve accounted for the many costs (both direct and indirect) associated with owning a creative scrapbooking business. Be certain to include the amount you expect to spend on basic creative scrapbooking supplies such as specialty paper, a scrapbook, adhesives, stickers, markers, and fabrics.
Add into your creative scrapbooking price figures telephone calls, mileage (if you’ll travel for consultations), babysitting costs, and any overhead.
At this point, your initial price estimates may seem too high or low. Consequently, you can modify them accordingly, although you should never underestimate what people will pay for a one-of-a-kind scrapbook.
Selling Your Creative Scrapbooking Services
You’ve determined your basic scrapbook price. Creative scrapbooking supplies are on hand and on order. You’re organized, primed, and ready to go. But wait! You still need to attract that first key customer.
Advertising and marketing are stumbling blocks for many creative scrapbooking business start-ups; consequently, plenty of scrapbook enthusiasts shy away from becoming entrepreneurs because they assume they’ll never be able to publicize their talents. However, if you approach the selling of your creative scrapbooking services pragmatically, you’ll have an excellent chance of attracting clientele.
Initially, you may want to try a technique that has worked for many other creative scrapbooking aficionados – scrapbook “parties”. These get-togethers are akin to the “tupperware” gatherings made famous in the 70s. Put simply, a friend offers to host a scrapbook party at his or her residence for several persons interested in the world of creative scrapbooking.
Your role at the scrapbook party will be to introduce them to creative scrapbooking and to talk about what you can do for them. Obviously, it will be crucial to bring along business cards (why not design handmade “mini scrapbook cards” for the occasion?) as well as sample scrapbooks you’ve created. Coupons for discount scrapbook services make nice add-ons and will encourage scrapbook party guests to hire you. From this party, you can expect to get a few “nibbles” and perhaps one or two customers.
Naturally, it’s essential to do a fabulous job on your first scrapbook assignment. You must give it “your all”; that way, your client will have a reason to brag about and show off your customized (and exceptional) creative scrapbooking services to friends, family, and coworkers. You can also use your satisfied customer (if he or she agrees) as a “spokesperson” for your creative scrapbooking business in future advertising campaigns.
Next … Beyond Marketing 101
In the final article of our three-part creative scrapbooking business piece, we’ll examine particularly creative scrapbooking business marketing ideas and provide hints on running your creative scrapbooking company wisely, ethically, and efficiently.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/starting-a-successful-creative-scrapbooking-business-part-ii-177992.html
About the Author:
Michele Cardello, director of marketing and creative for Life Imprints, a creative scrapbooking supplies company also offering contemporary picture frames, in Cleveland, Ohio, has worked in the photo packaging industry for 10 years. Cardello helps customers find creative ways to preserve and appreciate a lifetime of memories.
Article is licensed under a Creative Commons License
==> END of ARTICLE <==
[article] Starting a Successful Creative Scrapbooking Business, Part I - by Michele Cardello
Author: Michele Cardello
About the Author:
Creative scrapbooking has taken the world by storm. It’s relaxing, fun, social… and, let’s face it, incredibly addictive! After all, what scrapbooker doesn’t smile with pride when she or he finishes a decorative project?
If you have the talent to create eye-catching, creative scrapbooks, you can actually turn your hobby into a lucrative creative scrapbooking career. In this three-part series, we’ll show you some of the secrets to running a home-based creative scrapbooking company that regularly adds extra coins to your coffers!
Why Creative Scrapbooking?
People from all walks of life have photos and mementoes cluttering their homes. They’d love to organize and arrange them, but don’t have the time (or, in some cases, the ability.) That’s where you, as a professional scrapbooker, can step in!
Through creative scrapbooking, you can create delightful, entertaining, and touching memory books that will be certain to have a very long shelf life. Imagine… your scrapbook creations could someday become precious family heirlooms passed down from generation to generation!
What Types of Scrapbooks Sell?
Creative scrapbooking is an incredibly versatile field because you have virtually no boundaries. Graduation scrapbooks, family tree scrapbooks, baby scrapbooks, wedding scrapbooks, and achievement scrapbooks are only a few of the countless styles of creative scrapbooking inventions you can market.
Use your imagination; anything that’s relatively flat can go into a scrapbook, so the sky’s the limit.
Can Scrapbooking Really Be Profitable?
Creative scrapbooking, as with any legitimate business, won’t make you rich overnight. But if you’re determined and plan your creative scrapbooking operation pragmatically, you can absolutely make money from this burgeoning industry.
Best of all, creative scrapbooking is a low overhead industry. You’ll need to start with a modest amount of scrapbooking supplies, but you can build your stock over time thanks to fast shipping and wholesale prices offered at Internet scrapbooking supply stores.
How Can I Start Professionally Scrapbooking?
Obviously, the first step to starting a creative scrapbooking company (even one with a single employee, aka “you”) is to develop a business plan. This document should include an overview, financial information (including income and expense projections, marketing ideas, local competition statistics, and realistic growth rates.
Though you may not be able to find exact data to work into your creative scrapbooking business plan, try to be as complete as possible. The more information you include, the better your chances of success.
Do I Need Any Formal Training?
Though there are no credentials needed to call yourself a creative scrapbooking pro, you may want to take a few community courses on scrapbooking design. Doing so will keep you “in the know” as far as the latest products and trends are concerned; it will also provide you with fresh ideas to propose when working with clientele.
What Do I Need in Terms of Stock?
One of the most essential items you’ll need to start a creative scrapbooking venture is scrapbooking paraphernalia. Chances are, you already have some supplies around your home, but if they aren’t organized, it’s time do so.
Invest in some bins (dollar stores have a plethora of options) and label them according to scrapbooking supplies, such as stickers, papers, backgrounds, adhesives, albums, markers, scrapbooking magazines (for inspiration), and borders. This way, you’ll always know exactly how much of each scrapbooking necessity you have and can order more before you run out.
Do I Need to Rent a Space for My Scrapbooking Business?
Though it would certainly be wonderful to have an “offsite” locale for your creative scrapbooking enterprise, it’s more likely that you’ll need to make due with your current digs.
Anything from a corner of your family room to a renovated closet can serve as your creative scrapbooking “headquarters”. Just make certain that you have enough space and light to work your magic and store your scrapbooking supplies!
What Will I Tell My Family?
If you’re worried about “breaking” the news to your family that you’re setting off on an entrepreneurial scrapbooking journey, you’re not alone. Many first-time business owners are reticent to reveal their plans to loved ones for fear that their significant others will not be supportive.
With that said, it’s critical to the long-term success of your creative scrapbooking business that you have the “buy in” of your kin. So take a deep breath, muster up all your courage, and boldly state, “I’m going to become a professional scrapbooker! And when the money starts coming in, the first dinner out is on me!”
The Next Step
Are you eager to start your creative scrapbooking adventure? In our next article, we’ll explore how to set your prices and market and advertise your home-based scrapbooking services…
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/starting-a-successful-creative-scrapbooking-business-part-i-177988.html
About the Author:
Michele Cardello, director of marketing and creative for Life Imprints, a creative scrapbooking supplies company also offering contemporary picture frames, in Cleveland, Ohio, has worked in the photo packaging industry for 10 years. Cardello helps customers find creative ways to preserve and appreciate a lifetime of memories.
Article is licensed under a Creative Commons License
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[article] Baby Girl Scrapbooking Kits - by Tracy Ballisager
For the old fashion photo album, it does take time, patience, or creativity to pull together a masterpiece. A scrapbook, on the other hand, is something that can be stressful, take time, and quite frankly, isn't for everyone. So, what do you do if you really want a scrapbook but you don't want to put in the work ? You buy a baby girl scrapbooking kit. And don't worry; there are options to choose from!
Pre-Made Book
Chances are, you're reading this because you're not sure you have what it takes to create a handmade scrapbook.
Your local craft stores and the internet do sell premade scrapbook kits that are more like completed books with very little work left to do. Here, you just have to print out your photos and have them ready. The book is already completed (every page is stuck together and embellished) and you just have to add your photos. It's a simple way to get a scrapbook made without all of the work.
Pre-Made Pages
If you're semi- creative, but not as patient, this option may work for you. Instead of purchasing a completely finished book, you can buy completed pages at craft stores. The baby girl scrapbooking kits have everything you need to complete the page, all you have to do is insert your photos and put the pages in a book. This option requires a little more work on your part, but definitely doesn't cause a huge mess.
Go Digital
If the thought of tape and cardstock makes you want to cringe, then head for the computer. Many photo sharing sites offer digital scrapbooking kits. This means that you get to pick all of your options on the computer (including theme, photos, text, etc.) and then the company prints it, binds it, and ships it to you! A few hours at the computer will totally pay off!
Completely Personalized
Some companies now offer completely personalized books to fit your needs. Instead of you purchasing a baby girl scrapbooking kit that requires work, tape, and time, this option lets you pick a design and theme and someone else creates the book for you. The price is usually a little higher, but the work is uncanny and it will be wonderful to look at such a masterpiece knowing you didn't have to do the work!
Your options for baby girl scrapbooking kits are endless. Just put into perspective the time that you really want to spend and go from there.
About the Author
Tracy Ballisager is a stay at home mum. To read more on baby scrapbooking go to http://www.babyscrapbooking-ideas.com
Article source: http://www.goarticles.com/
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Pre-Made Book
Chances are, you're reading this because you're not sure you have what it takes to create a handmade scrapbook.
Your local craft stores and the internet do sell premade scrapbook kits that are more like completed books with very little work left to do. Here, you just have to print out your photos and have them ready. The book is already completed (every page is stuck together and embellished) and you just have to add your photos. It's a simple way to get a scrapbook made without all of the work.
Pre-Made Pages
If you're semi- creative, but not as patient, this option may work for you. Instead of purchasing a completely finished book, you can buy completed pages at craft stores. The baby girl scrapbooking kits have everything you need to complete the page, all you have to do is insert your photos and put the pages in a book. This option requires a little more work on your part, but definitely doesn't cause a huge mess.
Go Digital
If the thought of tape and cardstock makes you want to cringe, then head for the computer. Many photo sharing sites offer digital scrapbooking kits. This means that you get to pick all of your options on the computer (including theme, photos, text, etc.) and then the company prints it, binds it, and ships it to you! A few hours at the computer will totally pay off!
Completely Personalized
Some companies now offer completely personalized books to fit your needs. Instead of you purchasing a baby girl scrapbooking kit that requires work, tape, and time, this option lets you pick a design and theme and someone else creates the book for you. The price is usually a little higher, but the work is uncanny and it will be wonderful to look at such a masterpiece knowing you didn't have to do the work!
Your options for baby girl scrapbooking kits are endless. Just put into perspective the time that you really want to spend and go from there.
About the Author
Tracy Ballisager is a stay at home mum. To read more on baby scrapbooking go to http://www.babyscrapbooking-ideas.com
Article source: http://www.goarticles.com/
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