In this chapter you will learn several tips and helpful hints with your scrapbook. Whether you are a first time scrapbooker or an old pro, these tips should help with your scrapbook budget and ideas.

• First, to prepare for your future scrapbooks always carry a camera with you. This way you will never miss that once in a lifetime moment. If you have a digital camera it may be a good idea to also carry a disposable camera too. In case your program is full you will have a backup.
  
  
• When taking photos of your children it is good idea to get down to their level. This will give them a natural position instead of having the children look up at you. Catching them doing their daily activities and not posing is also a great photograph to capture.
  
  
• The type of paper your photos are processed on can determine how long your pictures will last. Fuji film will last about 75 years, while Kodak film will only last an average of 20 years. Wal-mart uses Fuji film and offers a great deal for processing pictures.
  
  
• When you are capturing those special moments take more than one picture and use different angles. This will ensure you to have at least one quality picture. If you want to include the background of a vacation spot or landmark you can use a wide angle lens.
  
  
• An easy way to remove pictures from an old photo album is to use dental floss. Simply place the dental floss under the top of the picture and slowly slide it down like a saw. The picture should peel away once this is done.
  
  
• If the photo is glued to an album page you can use a hairdryer to help remove the photo. First, you would place a small towel or light piece of fabric over your photo to protect it from the heat. Next, you would turn the hairdryer on medium heat. After a few minutes the glue should begin to soften and the photo should start to peel away.
  
  
• Remember to get extra copies made of the pictures you are getting developed. This way you will have them ready for your next scrapbook project. Many photo labs will offer free doubles or at least a discounted price. Another way to save your pictures is on a cd. Check your local newspaper for coupons or special savings.
  
  
• Before you toss those pictures in a storage container label the back of the pictures with the names, dates, and any important information you want to remember about the occasion. This will come in handy for journaling on the scrapbook pages. Take the time to write the information down while it is fresh in your mind. It will guarantee accuracy of the events and subjects in the picture. Always write the information with an acid-free pen. An ordinary pen can rub and ruin your photos.
  
  
• Keep your photos organized and stored in proper containers. Being organized now will provide you with a stress free start on your upcoming scrapbook projects. Only use containers that are labeled archival quality. They can be found in photo shops or hobby stores. If your finances does not allow you to purchase photo containers at least purchase an air tight container. Your photos are the only thing you have to remember the past, so take the time and effort to ensure the quality of your pictures.
  
  
• Storing your pictures in their proper place will guarantee their longevity. Keep them stored in areas away from humidity and sunlight. Preferably a closet on the main level in your home. If you must store them in the basement keep them away from the furnace or laundry area. On a top shelf in a far corner would be ideal for storing. You may want to invest in a dehumidifier to keep the moisture away from your photos.
  
  
• Saving your scraps of any size from your previous scrapbooks will cut down on the cost for purchasing extra items for your next album. Keep old scraps from background paper, cardstock, and old fabric in a Ziploc bag or air tight container. Remember to label the outside of the container or bag so it is easy to locate when you need it.
  
  
• Keep your scrapbooking tools organized in a clear container. This will allow you to view what is inside without having to sort through all your materials. Use a low-cost tackle box to store your small embellishments and other enhancements like brads, eyelets, and safety pins. An inexpensive silverware organizer works great for holding your pens and glue sticks.
  
  
• For a different background idea using photo copied newspaper and laying out your pictures as id they were displayed in the newspaper. You can place your children’s sports photos in the sports section and add your own captioning. Another great idea is to place a picture of your newborn in the birth announcement section. Remember not to use original newspaper because it is extremely acidic. Copy the newspaper onto acid-free and lignin-free paper.
  
  
• Using words from a magazine or newspaper article will add some flair to the title on your scrapbook page.  There is a spray you can purchase from the hobby store that will make the paper from the magazine or newspaper less acidic.
  
  
• To achieve perfectly straight borders with even sides use a clear ruler and an exacto knife.
  
  
• There are several ways to create some different cardstock textures. You can lightly mist the cardstock with water and let it dry for a wrinkled look. To create a distressed look on your cardstock you would use a course piece of sandpaper and rub back and fourth until you have achieved the look you want. This is less expensive than purchasing textured cardstock known as Mulberry paper.
  
  
• Mulberry has a deep textured look to it. This can be a wonderful accent to a vintage theme. You can purchase Mulberry paper in single pieces. This will not cause a huge dent in your finances.
  
  
• To make your wrinkled cardstock stick to the page easier you can iron the edges flat. Use an iron on low heat and place a light cloth between the cardstock and iron.
  
  
• Run your paper through a crimping machine to add texture for backgrounds and titles.
  
  
• Choosing the color of cardstock to use is very important. You want the cardstock to bring out the bold colors in your photos. Solid cardstock is the most useful. Craft stores often sell cardstock as a package or in individual sheets.
  
  
• Patterned paper can also be used as a background or to mount pictures on. This can add accents to your photos with similar themes. Using a Christmas patterned cardstock with your Christmas photos can be an easy way to coordinate the photos on that page. If you use patterned cardstock keep the background paper a solid color. This will avoid your page becoming to busy with different colors and patterns.
  
  
• You may want to purchase extra sheets of black and white cardstock, since these colors are the most commonly used. Neutral colors in tans are also nice to have on hand.
  
  
• Whatever type of cardstock you select, it should be sturdy and acid-free.
  
  
• If your cardstock has a large print, it may look better if you create the border a little wider than normal. This will give you a better look at the large design. Do the same for small print cardstock and make a thin border.
  
  
• Purchasing cardstock will bulk will cut the costs for future scrapbooking projects. Also buying extra cardstock of the colors you use the most will eliminate those last minutes trips to the store. You wouldn’t want to stop in the middle of designing your page and leave.
  
  
• Using pieces of scrap paper for die cuts and paper punches is a great way to save on buying embellishments.
  
  
• Sharpen your paper punch by punching it through a piece of fine grade sandpaper. Do this on both sides of the punch.
  
  
• Save old birthday cards and invitations and color copy them onto photo safe paper for fun background ideas. Using all of those holiday cards you receive will work great also.
  
  
• Test your new rubber stamps several times on scrap paper. This will ensure an even stamp print on your page.
  
  
• Get creative by using alphabet stamps. These come in a variety of sizes and styles. Using different colors of ink for each letter will help brighten the scrapbook page.
  
  
• Always ask your friends and family to borrow scrapbooking supplies you currently don’t have. You can also swap scrapbooking items you are not using.
  
  
• Use your alphabet stencils and save money on purchasing stickers. Combining your stickers while using your stencil will give a nice effect to your journaling or title.
  
  
• Use stickers or paper punches for some of the letters you are using in your journaling. For a sports theme you can place a baseball where the letter “O” would belong. For a baby theme, you could place a safety pin if the name of the baby had the letter “I” in it. You can use this technique for several themes.
  
  
• Cut out a center piece of the sticker and place a photo in it. Using the center of a flower sticker is an ideal design for a spring theme. Add your children’s faces to different types of flowers.
  
  
• To remove an unwanted sticker from a scrapbook page, simply slide the waxy part of the sticker page under the sticker until it peels away.
  
  
• Matting your journal on another piece of colorful cardstock will make it stand out from the rest of the page. I recommend using a coordinating color from your photo.
  
  
• Using a post it note will keep your stencil from slipping while creating your design.
  
  
• There are a variety of ways to create a distressed look to your paper and embellishments without spending extra income on the tools. All you will need is some steel wool or course sandpaper. You can use then sandpaper to distress the corners of the cardstock. Simply rub back and fourth until you achieve the desired look you want. You can move in different ways for different effects. You can move in a diagonal motion, a criss-cross pattern or in a circular movement. Decide on which pattern works best for you. Steel wool works best for distressing your embellishments. This adds a nice touch for a vintage or heritage look.
  
  
• Embossed foil adds wonderful highlights to pictures. This is a great accent to a vintage or a heritage look. Place a piece of carbon paper on top of the foil and place the picture on of the foil. Trace around the picture with an embossing tool. You can also purchase ready made embossing foil at your local hobby store.
  
  
• Use a Clorox bleach pen to create different effects on titles or journaling. Dark colored paper works best for the bleaching process.
  
  
• Using coffee grounds or different juices will add a subtle effect to your paper. Use plan white paper with either of these items. Cranberry or grape juice will offer the best staining to your paper.
  
  
• Make a color copy of your child’s favorite piece of clothing or special blanket. This is a great way to personalize your background paper for their page. Use this as cardstock and place it behind a photo of your child with their favorite outfit on, or holding their special blanket.
  
  
• Try to use at least two colors from your photos for your scrapbook pages. You can overlap the two colors of cardstock or use one color for the background and the other for mounting paper. If you choose this design use the lighter color for background and the darker color for mounting your pictures.
  
  
• Carry a small size journal with you at all times to write down any new ideas you have for your scrapbook. Add any journaling you may think of at any time.
  
  
• Use your computer for scrapbooking ideas and free coupons.
  
  
• Check your local newspaper for coupons to Michael’s craft stores. They are most often in the Sunday store ads.
  
  
• Ask for a gift card to a craft store for an upcoming birthday or holiday.
  
  
• If you have been eyeing a quite expensive album for your next scrapbook, let someone else purchase it for you. This would be a great present.
  
  
• Don’t be afraid to ask your local church to use their die-cut machine. Many schools may also have these for your services. There may be a small fee to pay, but is worth the few dollars it might cost. Remember to bring your own acid-free paper.
  
  
• Go to a scrapbooking workshop. You would be surprised at how many are available to you in your area. This is a great way to get new ideas for layout designs and different techniques. You will be able to use their tools and supplies while attending the workshop. Bring a friend along to enjoy this wonderful class.
  
  
• Visit your local library and utilize their wide assortment of books. Some public libraries also offer a free video rental. Check to see if they carry scrapbooking videos.
  
  
• Subscribe to scrapbooking magazines. Many magazines offer a free renewal or a significant discount. This is a better deal for your money rather than purchasing a magazine off the rack every month.
  
  
• Scrapbooking with a relative or friend will spare the both of you unnecessary expenses. You can swap scrapbooking items you are not using. Having someone close to you share this experience can be rewarding and a great time to bond.
• Consider making your hobby into a profession. There are opportunities for scrapbooking consultants in many areas. This would be great for stat at home mothers, part time work or just to get out of the house. You receive awesome discounts and some free start up merchandise.
  
  
• Copy stencils by tracing them onto a folder and cutting it out.
  
  
• Save an extra page in your baby’s scrapbook album to write any memories you want to remember about the day they were born. Include any visitors you had, the weather on that day, and other important facts.
  
  
• Emboss the corners of your pictures to make them stand out. Wear gloves while performing this technique to your photos. They can get quite hot. You can use a clothes pin and hang the pictures while doing this also.
  
  
• Vellum is a fun way to create an interesting look to your scrapbook. Vellum is most often used to layer on top of other papers. You can create several deigns with vellum including, greeting cards, invitations, and embellishments like a pond or moon and stars. Your limits are endless, use your imagination.

 I hope these many tips and hints will provide you with some ideas to help you in any way possible. Feel free to add your own interpretation to any of these tips.        

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