Scrapbooking: An Old Pastime, Reborn!

Posted on August 20th, 2006 by wwaddell.
Categories: Scrapbook Articles.

“To our children’s children… My scrapbook of memories.” Wes Waddell

Scrapbooking: An Old Pastime, Reborn!

From: Divertimento Dell Album

The process of scrapbooking–pasting photos and other precious documents into a blank book–has been around for centuries. You may even have one of those yellowed books with their brittle pages lying around your house, an old family heirloom. It’s no wonder that scrapbooking remains such a popular practice. It can be a wonderful way of preserving treasured memories and of transmitting them from one generation to the next.

Contrary to what you may believe, scrapbooking isn’t simply the arrangement of old photos and worn newspaper articles between the plastic sleeves of a photo album. Modern scrapbooks include innovative design layouts, a flair for creativity and originality, and, in many cases, specific themes that are relevant to the person who’s being highlighted in the book, or a particular section of the book.

Yes, there’s a real art to the composition of a scrapbook.

Many people who are adept in this area offer classes for those who are interested in obtaining the necessary skills to make their scrapbooks. Such classes, or workshops, are offered on a regular basis and are easily found through newspapers, online searches and bulletin board postings. Most communities offer at least one resource for such opportunities.

If classes aren’t your cup of tea, there are now scrapbooking kits which are designed to walk you through the process at your own pace. These kits contain covers, pages, layouts and design items which will assist you in putting together your very first scrapbook. This is a wonderful option for those who are interested in creating such an item for the holidays or some other gift-giving occasion, but aren’t necessarily interested enough to seek ongoing instruction.

If you’re computer savvy, there’s plenty of software available to purchase specifically aimed at scrapbookers.

The software offers things like pictures, frames, borders, layout options and more. You can decide either to design your whole scrapbook online, then print it out and compile it in a binder, or to print out bits and pieces that you can then glue or attach to a hand-made project. Using this software is a great way to give your scrapbook a professional feel, inexpensively.

Ask any avid scrapbooker, and they’ll tell you that it’s not only lots of fun, but that it provides a wonderful social arena for those who share a common interest. Many people make a regular habit of scrapbooking at designated times each week, creating breathtaking products that rival professionals. Others are more relaxed in their approach, and spend bits of available time constructing the items at their leisure. Regardless of your level of interest and participation, scrapbooking is a great way to spend free time and provides spectacular results.

Divertimento Dell Album is the administrator and delegate of AC Decorating, Inc. which is a premier resource for scrapbooking information. For more information, go to: http://www.acdecorating.com

Brought to you by:

Wes and Kathy

www.PrincessCrafts.com   
www.MyPrincessCrafts.com
www.ComputerScrapbookLayouts.com
www.TwasTheNightScrapbook.com
5505 Whipshaw Rd. Peyton, CO 80831 (877) 751-6368

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Aug Mid Month News

Posted on August 15th, 2006 by wwaddell.
Categories: Scrapbook Articles, Scrapbook Tips, Site Information.

Subject: Aug Mid Month Newsletter

First the bad news… Russ and Kacey have decided to quit the stationery business and have sold the 1-Computer-Stationery.com site.

The good news is that Kathy and I are the ones that bought it and are in the process now of remodeling it to turn it into a FREE site.

You heard us correctly… we are going to give away membership to everyone for FREE.  We don’t have all the details worked out yet, but here’s what we do know at this time.

Those who had a paid membership to the stationery site are eligible for a free membership in any of our other single sites through the duration of your current stationery membership.  Just let Kathy and I know which site you want in its place.

Since the stationery site was part of our 8.5×11 and Assorted Gold Memberships, we will be replacing that site with another one of our sites.  All current gold members will see the change some time in the next month.  What we haven’t decided yet is which site to replace it with.  If you have any preferences…  now’s the time to let us know.  Drop us a line and tell us what you want.

We would always prefer to give you what you want rather than what we think you want.

We’ll send out notice when the remodel is done and you can start signing up for the FREE Membership.

New elements added to element site:

The new Elements for August are on the PC-ScrapbookElements.com site. Kathy’s added a new Bath Alphabet Tags set in both upper and lower case, a new Photo Corners Category, a new Photo Light bulbs set, some new Frames and a brand new Food category this month. WOW!

And, I almost forgot, she’s also added more new Tags.  So, get to the site and check them out on the Recently added page.

Many of you have been requesting… so here they come:

We have a new designer on our team, Linda La Rue.  Linda specializes in designing Kits for digital scrapbookers.  This means that coming in November 2006, you’ll be able to purchase Linda’s individual kits for the first time anywhere.  We can’t wait to show off Linda’s talents to you.

Going, going and almost gone…

Kathy will be removing some of the Patriotic papers at end of month to make room for our new multi-national patriotic series.  Go download Patriotic 17-18-19, Australia 1 and Canada 1 now, before they’re off the site.

Updates to work in Progress:

The new Baby site, coming in September, is in the final design phase for the site design.  We hope to start posting to the new site late this week.  We are a bit behind due to the stationery site conversion that wasn’t planned, but still plan on a September (first half) grand opening.

Kathy’s getting close to finishing up the new New Holiday Scraps site pages, so you can look for more info on that coming real soon.

Kathy’s also begun design work on a New Word Scraps site. I’m not fully up to date on this one, but we’ll get her to tell you all about it in the next month or two as the scrapbook page template sets start to come together.

That’s it for the news so far this month.

But, before we go… in honor of our new Baby Scrapbook Templates site coming early next month; I’ve got a great article on Baby Showers for you. Author Cathy Cripps has some great ideas that will help you pull off the best shower you’ve ever seen on a budget that fits just about any pocketbook.

Title: Baby Shower On a Budget

Author: Cathy Cripps

ON A BUDGET

Just because people are on a tight budget does not mean the baby shower cannot be fun. For this, the guests would all be asked to pick up unique gifts from thrift stores, garage sales, antique stores, estate sales, or consignment shops. Not only are the gifts affordable but the expectant mother will end up with some very eclectic items.

PURE PAMPERING

When a woman reaches about the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, the cute maternity clothes are no longer “cute”. The rounded stomach is in the way, sleeping and getting comfortable is nearly impossible, and all the woman can think of is “getting the pregnancy over with.”

Obviously, nature has an amazing way of preparing women to give birth but while in that stage of pregnancy, she feels miserable. Instead of or in addition to throwing a standard baby shower, why not throw a “pamper party” for the soon-to-be mom. For this shower, have everyone bring something just for the expectant mother.

This might include some comfortable lounge clothing, chocolate covered cherries, takeout Chinese food, you name it, do it. She will feel so much better about herself and gain a much better outlook about the hard work of labor ahead of her.

PREGNANT GUESTS

When hosting a baby shower, to create a ton of laughs while also making the expectant mom feel good about her situation, have every guest come “pregnant” – men and women. A simple bed pillow rolled up and tied around the waist with an oversized shirt will do the job. While this is fun for an all-girl shower, it is even a better theme for a coed shower.

BABY TOYS

Rather than baby clothing, have each guests bring a special baby toy that could be used in the child’s first three years of life. The variety will be wonderful and the cost savings to the parents huge. Not only is this baby shower theme excellent for a first baby but it also works very well for a second or third baby, as well as adopted children.

MEMORIES

For a special baby shower, create one filled with memories. In this case, each guest would bring a gift made in or representing the year the baby is born. For example, one guest might create a scrapbook with newspaper and magazine articles, another guest might bring a new toy developed that year, and another guest a picture frame with the year as part of the design.

BABY’S FIRST

With this theme, each family member or friend would choose something to represent the baby’s first. As an example, a pewter fork and spoon for the first solid food, a pair of baby shoes for the first attempts of walking, a tooth fairy box for the first lost tooth, a silk or satin case for a lock of hair from the first haircut, or perhaps a cake gift certificate for his or her first birthday.

NURSERY TIME

If the theme of the baby’s nursery is known, the shower could be specific to the decorations of that room. For instance, if the nursery were done in Walt Disney, then lamps, blankets, sheet, bibs, sleepers, diaper bag, and so on, all focusing on Disney would be on the gift list.

NAMING A BABY

For a fun baby shower filled with laughter and some very interesting names, create a theme around naming the baby. Throughout the day or evening, the guests will be asked to wear nametags of the name for a boy and girl they like best.

In addition, each guest will be given an envelope with anywhere from five to nine letters, chosen at random. Their mission, if they choose to accept it, is to unscramble the letters to come up with a baby name. This theme is wonderful and creates a light environment and some very strange names.

If the weather is expected to be nice and there is adequate room outdoors, set up a tropical oasis, complete with lights strung up outside, floating candles in the pool, Tiki torches, Hawaiian leis, and so on. Have beach music playing in the background and for food, serve ham, fresh fruit, barbecue, fruit punch, etc. This provides a relaxing environment for the expectant couple as they prepare for the big day.

AROUND THE CLOCK

For this baby shower theme, each guest would be assigned a gift that would be used at a specific time of day. For example, 7:00 a.m. could be a baby bottle, 8:00 a.m., burping pads, 9:00 a.m., baby food and spoon, 1:00 p.m. baby blanket for naptime, 5:00 p.m., bib and so on.

LIBRARY TIME

In this case, every guest would be asked to bring a book for the baby, ranging from those appropriate for six month to three years of age. Since books are so affordable and the variety so great, guests could bring one book, three books, or a book along with another gift.

SAFETY FIRST

With this baby shower theme, each of the items brought would be things to support child safety. This might include a non-slip bathtub, warm hooded bath towels to keep the little one warm, cabinet and drawer stops, power outlet plugs, soft toys, etc.

SPRINKLE SHOWER

If the expectant couple will have more than one shower, this would be an excellent option. For this theme, rather than guests buying large items, they would bring a sprinkling of small items that are used on a daily basis.

As an example, this would include things like shampoo, powder, diapers, baby wipes, lotion, socks, pacifiers, diaper cream, and so on. Mothers are always running out of supplies. With this theme, she would have a nice supply for months while enjoying the convenience and cost savings.

As you can see, when it comes to baby shower themes, the possibilities are limitless. As mentioned briefly, the most important factor to make any baby shower a success is to create a treasured memory. Yes, the shower is for the baby but it is also for the parents to share in their joy and help them celebrate the miracle of birth or adoption.

(c)2004 Babyshowermoments.com, All rights Reserved

About the author: Cathy is the Owner of Baby Shower Moments and the author of Baby Shower Moments A to Z Guide. If you are looking for baby shower ideas pay Cathy a visit.

As always, thanks for you time and your friendship.  You are why Kathy and I love this business so much.  Happy Scrapping!

Wes and Kathy

www.PrincessCrafts.com
www.TwasTheNightScrapbook.com
www.ComputerScrapbookLayouts.com
5505 Whipshaw Rd.
Peyton, CO 80831
(877) 751-6368

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End of Month News

Posted on August 1st, 2006 by wwaddell.
Categories: Scrapbook Articles, Scrapbook Tips, Site Information.

Good Day Scrapbook Friend,

July has come and gone and Fall, here in the Northern Hemisphere, is fast approaching…

* New Con Uses Internet Phones
* New Sets Added: See Below for where
* New Baby Theme Site Coming in Sept
* Baby Shower Invitations Ideas
* More Landscape Scrapbook Pages Coming Soon

Criminals are now using Internet phones to fool the public

We wanted to let all our members know about the latest con that has begun to spread across the world. The criminal element has begun to use the new Internet phone technology to fool the public into believing that the call is from a local business.

Read all about it in the article: A New Twist on an Old Business Bunco Con

You’ll find it in full just below our End of Month News on this blog.

New Sets on PrincessCrafts and 1-Computer-Scrapbook

Kathy added a brand new category to both PrincessCrafts and 1-Computer-Scrapbook this month. You can check out the new “Fantasy” category now on both sites. It’s full of children’s storybook characters and fantasy creatures of all sorts.

Kathy wants to let you know that she will be removing more old papers from both sites to make room for new sets the middle and end of August. She’s not sure which ones, so get your membership and get all your favorite pages downloaded now… Before they’re gone from the sites.

As always, all the new sets can be found on the Recently Added pages of both sites.

New Baby Theme Site Coming in September 2006

Kathy has finished more than 500 new Baby Theme digital scrapbook templates and is just waiting for me to build the site and turn it on.

Many of you have been asking for more baby computer scrapbook papers for over a month now. Well, Kathy’s created the cutest pages I’ve ever seen for you. Now it’s up to me to get the new web site built and loaded so that you can start downloading all the beautiful templates.

If you have a new little bundle of joy (read bundle of noise some days :-) ) or a new grandchild to scrap. you’re going to be creating your best baby scrapbook ever in no time starting in September 2006.  Stay tuned…

Baby Shower Invitations Ideas

Author: Randy WilsonThe best baby shower invitations ideas are both practical and sentimental. Plan your baby shower the way you would any other celebration, starting with the baby shower invitation.

Invitations let everyone know the details of the upcoming event. The baby shower invitations set the tone and the theme for the event. Everyone gets excited when they see a baby shower invitation arrive in the mail. Again, the best baby shower invitations are beautiful, simple, and informative.

The first thing you need to do before you order invitations or make your own baby shower invitations is to decide on the theme of your party! You can choose from baby shower invitations ideas like teddy bears, ducks, baby bottles and diaper pins. And what colors do you want? Blue for boys, pink for girls, or yellow and green for the baby yet unseen?

You need to consider the mother’s personal style. Would she prefer bright and bold or subdued and sweet? If you’re not sure, don’t hesitate to get some input from those who know her best. Most of all what kind of baby shower invitations ideas would she like best? That’s the thing that will be saved in the baby scrapbook for the rest of the child’s life. After all, as much fun as it is for you to plan the baby shower, it is the mother and child who will cherish the special, once in a lifetime memory forever. So, plan well!

Once you have decided the theme for your baby shower party. Designing the baby shower invitation is the first step in letting all the family, friends and co-workers know. So you want to make a great first impression. Using the baby shower invitations ideas will help make everything run smoothly, and that’s the impression you want to give.

Now let’s get on with it, because those baby shower invitations need to be sent out weeks in advance to allow everyone time to shop for the perfect baby gifts and make travel plans if necessary. And you’ve got to figure in printing and delivery time as well. There is no time to waste.

You’ve finally chosen your theme, colors and you’re confident you know the mother’s style. What important details should be included? First and foremost is the date and time of the event and the location. You may consider including a map to the location if necessary for out of town guests. Include the RSVP information and the places where mother and baby are registered.

If the event is open to the guys, you need to say so. Otherwise, they will assume that this is a ladies only event. But having the guys around can be great fun! Don’t rule it out as a possibility.

Once you think you’ve got the details of the baby shower invitation down pat, it’s time to decide whether you should create them yourself or look for a printer. Creating baby invitations yourself is always an option, but you may decide it’s worth paying an expert for their services.

They can help you make decisions about baby shower invitations ideas you may be less familiar with. Like font colors, paper styles, baby shower invitation wording, and matching accessories like envelopes, thank you notes, and baby birth announcements.

If you decide to use a professional printing service, make sure you know what you’re paying for up front. Let them know your budget, but be aware that they will try to add on services. Know before you go into the sale exactly what you will and will not pay for.

Do you really want to pay for embossing or engraving or custom design? Do you want the heavier paper with accent ribbon that will cost more postage to mail as well as take longer to print and deliver? There are lots of choices for you and a little time spent in researching your options and asking good questions will go a long way and possibly save you money.

Whatever you decide, make the mother to be a special keepsake with these wonderful baby shower invitations ideas. Perhaps frame an invitation and display it at the baby shower, and then let her take it home as a gift. Or find a picture of the expectant mother. Then tuck it along with the baby invitation into a new baby scrapbook.

This will help get her started in saving all of her precious memories. She will be touched by your thoughtfulness. This is a special time in the mother’s life, and you will be appreciated for all that you do to welcome the newborn into the world.

(c) Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

About the author:

Randy is owner of http://www.planning- a-baby-shower.com where you will find further tips on baby showers and baby shower games.

Last, but not least…
Kathy’s working on new landscape digital scrapbook templates for PrincessCrafts.com. These are the perfect page layouts for use in creating all digital shows of your pages on CD or DVD. They are also great for making screen savers and computer backgrounds for family and friends.

If you haven’t tried them yet, then you’re not taking full advantage of your digital creativity.

That’s it for the end of the month… We hope everyone had a great weekend and is enjoying the last days of summer.

Until next time…

Wes and Kathy

PrincessCrafts.com
5505 Whipshaw Rd.
Peyton, CO 80831
(877) 751-6368
www.PrincessCrafts.com
www.MyPrincessCrafts.com
www.PC-ScrapbookElements.com
www.TwasTheNightScrapbook.com   

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