Craft Blog

Scrapbooks are filled with layering. Some are intricate and some are not. Paper layering is the most common form of layering in scrapbooking. There is also text layering, punch layering, the photos themselves, die cuts or just about anything you can think of. You can use just about anything  Layering is adding pieces one on top of the other to form a 3D or floating type of effect. Learning to layer like an expert is not as hard as it would seem. Taking the first step is the hardest but once you start you might find that you can’t quit.

Paper layering is taking solids or patterned papers and putting them on top of each other to form parts of your page. Paper layering can become easier to finish your scrapbook pages. Paper layering can take the place of backing your photos with paper or cardstock and then adding other embellishments. Most papers can work with layering, just try to keep the colors coordinated to make a more fluid look.  When starting on paper layering look at your photos. What colors do you want to  help standout? Choose papers in patterns and solid colors to match or enhance your picture colors. You can buy paper kits that have a wide variety of coordinating colors and patterns for many layering combinations. Start playing around with the photo on the papers. This doesn’t have to  be perfect, just try and make the edges visible. This creates the floating effect. You can use as many papers and patterns as you wish.  Once you find a design that you are pleased with then go for it.

Text layering can be done in much the same way. You can add your journaling to one of the coordinating prints. Then you can add it to a bigger page and it has become layered. Text layering can also be done with a simple phrase like  Beach House. You can create the word beach in small letters and then blend it over the word House that is in bigger letters. The words can weave in and out of eachother or be printed to the side of eachother. No matter what you have a layering text. There are stickers available to buy that have the same effect. You can also use text layering on computer programs. This may make it a bit easier then freehanding.

Punch layering can be done with your shape punches. Make a few of one shape or size in different colors and then layer them next to eachother. Using red and white circles you can layer the pieces to become a candy cane. Punches can be used as one piece or torn apart to make a hole new piece. Punch layering may take more time but it adds an extra dimension to your page. Layer like punches together in different colors. There are ways to make your punches 3D with a basic slice and slice technique. This style can really make your pages stand out.

Photo layering is just as easy as. Put Some of your photos closer together then normal. Make a "stairway" effect. Add different coordinating  pages to the backs. You’ll start to see the photo lift off the page. Maybe crop more of your picture then intended but then layer a cut piece under a different photo on the same page.

Layering does not have alot of rules. Layering is an easy way to add dimension to your pages. It doesn’t require alot of embelleshments making it easy on the pocket. Let your imagination run wild. Layer where you want and experiment. Try new ideas.  Think of layering like you layer your clothing, one on top of the other and layering like an expert will become natural.

Starting out scrapbooking can be intimidating. There are many options to choose from. Finding your own scrapbook style may seem impossible. When starting to scrapbook it is best to remember that not all albums or even pages will turn out the same. There is no right way or wrong way to do a scrapbook. Your style should be as unique as you are.

Themes are a great way to start out for beginning scrapbookers. Possible themes could be favorite characters like Winnie the Pooh, Precious Moments, or artists like Mary Engelbreit. You can even use favorite games as a theme like Monopoly or Life throughout the album. Special events such as weddings, or births are always a great way to start out. Whatever theme you choose it should continue through the whole album. Choosing different themes for different albums can become a great personal style. Themed albums can help reduce all the choices out  there making it easier to find a personal style.

Style is a set of characteristics that classify layouts into a specific category. When trying to find your scrapbook style, look around your house. What types of colors are on your walls and floors? How do you display your wall hangings? What characteristics are common among your house? Is there a lot of country? New age? Romance? All this can be put into your scrapbook style. Your scrapbook will truly reflect your personality.

 If you are still unsure where to start there are about five general categories of scrapbook styles. All of them with their own complexities and range of work. Here are the basic five with a brief description.

Classic or Traditional:
These are great for beginners. Classice pages are usually done in darker, solid colors. There is little embellishments and lines are straight. Journaling on these pages is usually exact and to the point. Photos are rarely matted.

Contemporary:
These albums are bold and modern. They are generally for the more advanced scrapbookers. They use the newest products in different ways. Colors are bold with different patterns. Journaling is extensive and can tell the whole story.

Romantic:
These types of albums can be easy or hard. Colors are soft and torn. The albume has more of a feminine feel. Embellishments would include lace and buttons. Journaling is very personal.

Playful or Whimsical:
This is where your personal style can really show up. This style has coordinating bright color papers with patterned papers and embellishments. This can focus on the photos themselves and the pages built around the photo. Journaling is short yet funny or touching.

Naturalistic or Artistic:
These types of albums can be adjusted to your level of skill. The colors are very natural greens, blues, and browns. Natural fibers can be used as embellishments. Journaling can be seen as quotes or words that are weaved throughout your pictures.

Your personal style may reflect many of these in only one album. Do what feels comfortable but also try out new ways. As your skill level improves you will see a distinct style that is all your own.
 
    
    

Other supplies that can become essential at some point in your scrapbooking are:
1.Paper trimmer-This makes trimming photos and papers easier and you get a straighter line.
2. Embellishments- This can be anything extra you add to your album besides the photos. Stickers, buttons, ribbons, eyelets are just a few embellisments that can be added.
3. Idea books- These will give you ideas for your own books. There are so many different ways to scrapbook that a new book or magazine is a great idea.
4. Die cutting machines-These make it easier to add letters in matching paper to your pages. They come in more then just the alphabet and there are many different designs available.
5. Circle or oval cutter- This will help you cut a better circle and make the pages of your album look great.

No matter what essential you have you can always add more. Scrap booking continues to grow. There are new styles coming up all the time. Add to your inventory as time and budget allows.

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With scrapbooking growing so fast there are lots of product out there to choose from. When looking at the scrapbook aisle or even a scrapbook store you may not know where to begin. There are many supplies but there are essentials that a beginning scrapbooker needs.

1. An album: This is one of the most essential items. You can not have a scrapbook if you don’t have an album. Albums are available in many shapes and sizes. Whatever one you chose for your product should go well with the theme you have in mind. The pages should be acid free. The binding is best if you can add or remove pages. These can be post bound albums or even 3 ring binders.
2. Refill Pages: It is a good idea that once you have your album to buy extra pages for that particular album. This can be an essential because refills are not a standard size. If you buy some extra refills along with your album you can save time searching for the right size. Manufacturers are also different you may have the right size but the color or texture may be off a little.
3. Sharp Scissors: Dull scissors just don’t do a good job. Sharp scissors make a nice even cut and won’t damage the photos or paper. These scissors should be kept with your Scrapbooking supplies and only used for scrapbooking. This will keep them sharp and you’ll know where they are. This is one area where you might want to spend more money. Get a pair of scissors that fit comfortably in your hand and you can easily maneuver.
4. Adhesives:  This is what you use to keep the photos and other embellishments in place on your album pages. There are many different kinds of scrapbook friendly adhesives. There are glue dots or tape dots, gluesticks or tape that are specifically for scrapbooking. You’ll need to find one that works best for you and your needs. Mainly you’ll want one that works well with both cardstock and photos.
5. Papers and Cardstock: These are used for backgrounds or mounting your photos. They can be colored or patterned but should go with the colors you want accented in your photos. Scrapbook stores sell sheets individually or in books. The books go well if you have a full theme for your scrapbook. Individual sheets are great when you want something specific. Single sheets are also great when you want different looks on every page, like in a family album. Cardstock can be bought in full books with color coordinating patterns or colors that go well together. Cardstock is used for layering or mounting photos on.
6. Pens: Journaling is a big part of your scrapbook and so pens become essential. The pens should be acid free, permanent and most need to have a fine tip. This makes it easier to write. Some pens come with fine tip and a thicker tip on the other end. What type you get depends on what type of journaling you want to do. Scrap booking pens are best but if you use other pens make sure they are acid free and don’t bleed through your pages. Pens can also be bought in sets or individually.

Those are the basic essential for a beginning scrapbooker. The supplies give you a place to put the photos and to start with layouts. Once you have the basic essentials then you can add other supplies when time or budget allows.

Other supplies that can become essential at some point in your scrapbooking are:
1.Paper trimmer-This makes trimming photos and papers easier and you get a straighter line.
2. Embellishments- This can be anything extra you add to your album besides the photos. Stickers, buttons, ribbons, eyelets are just a few embellisments that can be added.
3. Idea books- These will give you ideas for your own books. There are so many different ways to scrapbook that a new book or magazine is a great idea.
4. Die cutting machines-These make it easier to add letters in matching paper to your pages. They come in more then just the alphabet and there are many different designs available.
5. Circle or oval cutter- This will help you cut a better circle and make the pages of your album look great.

No matter what essential you have you can always add more. Scrap booking continues to grow. There are new styles coming up all the time. Add to your inventory as time and budget allows.

With scrapbooking growing so fast there are lots of product out there to choose from. When looking at the scrapbook aisle or even a scrapbook store you may not know where to begin. There are many supplies but there are essentials that a beginning scrapbooker needs.

1. An album: This is one of the most essential items. You can not have a scrapbook if you don’t have an album. Albums are available in many shapes and sizes. Whatever one you chose for your product should go well with the theme you have in mind. The pages should be acid free. The binding is best if you can add or remove pages. These can be post bound albums or even 3 ring binders.
2. Refill Pages: It is a good idea that once you have your album to buy extra pages for that particular album. This can be an essential because refills are not a standard size. If you buy some extra refills along with your album you can save time searching for the right size. Manufacturers are also different you may have the right size but the color or texture may be off a little.
3. Sharp Scissors: Dull scissors just don’t do a good job. Sharp scissors make a nice even cut and won’t damage the photos or paper. These scissors should be kept with your Scrapbooking supplies and only used for scrapbooking. This will keep them sharp and you’ll know where they are. This is one area where you might want to spend more money. Get a pair of scissors that fit comfortably in your hand and you can easily maneuver.
4. Adhesives:  This is what you use to keep the photos and other embellishments in place on your album pages. There are many different kinds of scrapbook friendly adhesives. There are glue dots or tape dots, gluesticks or tape that are specifically for scrapbooking. You’ll need to find one that works best for you and your needs. Mainly you’ll want one that works well with both cardstock and photos.
5. Papers and Cardstock: These are used for backgrounds or mounting your photos. They can be colored or patterned but should go with the colors you want accented in your photos. Scrapbook stores sell sheets individually or in books. The books go well if you have a full theme for your scrapbook. Individual sheets are great when you want something specific. Single sheets are also great when you want different looks on every page, like in a family album. Cardstock can be bought in full books with color coordinating patterns or colors that go well together. Cardstock is used for layering or mounting photos on.
6. Pens: Journaling is a big part of your scrapbook and so pens become essential. The pens should be acid free, permanent and most need to have a fine tip. This makes it easier to write. Some pens come with fine tip and a thicker tip on the other end. What type you get depends on what type of journaling you want to do. Scrap booking pens are best but if you use other pens make sure they are acid free and don’t bleed through your pages. Pens can also be bought in sets or individually.

Those are the basic essential for a beginning scrapbooker. The supplies give you a place to put the photos and to start with layouts. Once you have the basic essentials then you can add other supplies when time or budget allows.

Other supplies that can become essential at some point in your scrapbooking are:
1.Paper trimmer-This makes trimming photos and papers easier and you get a straighter line.
2. Embellishments- This can be anything extra you add to your album besides the photos. Stickers, buttons, ribbons, eyelets are just a few embellisments that can be added.
3. Idea books- These will give you ideas for your own books. There are so many different ways to scrapbook that a new book or magazine is a great idea.
4. Die cutting machines-These make it easier to add letters in matching paper to your pages. They come in more then just the alphabet and there are many different designs available.
5. Circle or oval cutter- This will help you cut a better circle and make the pages of your album look great.

No matter what essential you have you can always add more. Scrap booking continues to grow. There are new styles coming up all the time. Add to your inventory as time and budget allows.

Using Ribbon on your scrapbook pages is a newer trend. There are many ways of adding ribbon. Scrapbook friendly Ribbon can be found in scrapbook stores or in the craft area of other stores. Ribbon should be acid free, this helps from color bleeding over time or the ribbon becoming brittle.

Ribbon Can come in any shape, size, colors, or patterns. They can be fuzzy or have pom poms on the ends. It is should be very easy to find the types of ribbon that your scrapbook pages need. You can find ribbon kits with coordinating colors and themes. You can buy ribbon already shaped into the size of bows you want. Ribbon can also come in single rolls for  you to create your own looks. There is also self adhesive ribbon available for purchase. Here are some ideas on how to use ribbons.

 As an accent on corners of pages.
 For anchoring a picture. You can use these in all corners or just a few.
 To "string" other pictures together. Looping string in between a few of your favorite pictures.
 To make things look like they are hanging. This is great for text boxes or for ornaments on Christmas pages.
 You can fold the ribbon making it look slightly like an accordion, then use it as a frame for your page or just to line a side.
 Punch holes on the side of your page and use ribbon to "lace" the page together.
 You can use ribbon with a tag. Making it look like a gift.
 Use as outlines of pages or pictures.
 You can loop the ribbon into different shapes to create a unique look.
 Use different lengths of ribbon to frame several smaller pictures to look like a filmstrip.
 Put a ribbon bow on one side of your picture, top, bottom, left or right.
 Line up different types of ribbon next to eachother on your pages.
 Glue a bunch of ribbon together and use a punch to create shapes. When you have a bunch of shapes use them as an outline to your page.
 For die cuts use premade ribbon bows in hair, shirts for buttons or shoes for laces.
 You can use some to spell out words.
 Line a whole page with ribbon and then add your  pictures or journaling page to the top.
 Use the ribbon as a divider in a pool.
 Use them as decorations on a Christmas tree.
 Cutting ribbon into smaller pieces and using them for stars, raindrops, or snow.
 Use them as dots on letters.
 For a kids counting book use pieces for the numbers.
 Use ribbon with eyelets.
 Use smaller ribbon to look like the page has been sewn.
 Use as collars for animals in your  pictures or embellishments.
 Strings on balloons.
 Outline of clouds.
 Use bigger ribbon to write on.
 Cut shapes from the ribbon, triangles, diamonds, squares and use them to anchor your pictures.
 Use your ribbon with soda tabs for a cute buckle look.
 Outline your journaling pages.
 Ribbon can be used as bullet points in your journaling.
 Use as arrows to draw attention to your pictures.

There is no real rules for using ribbon on your scrapbook pages. Try things out to see how they fit. Don’t adhere anything to your pages until you find something that is pleasing to you. If you want new ideas for scrapbooking with ribbons there are scrapbook challenges online. Joining a scrapbook challenge club online will not only allow you to share your thoughts and ideas but will also allow you to find other ideas.

Scrapbooking is growing fast. It takes a lot of time and money to make your desired scrapbook. When you are finished you want to make sure your scrapbook memories are protected. There are many ways to keep them safe, from what you use in the scrapbook to how and where you store your scrapbooks. 

When looking for albums not only do you need to find one that will fit with your theme but you also need to find an album with archival safe pages. This means they are acid free and will help keep your pictures or extra embellishments from yellowing or decay. Magnetic self stick albums are not archival safe and should be ignored. You can find appropriate and acidic free scrapbooks or albums in many specialty stores or on-line.

 
To keep your photos and accessories in place you need to have adhesives. To keep your scrapbook memories protected these also need to be acid free. Regular tape or glue becomes yellow and brittle after awhile causing damage to pictures or other precious items. There are many options for adhesives. These can also be found in scrapbook stores, aisles or on-line. Some of the more popular types are glue dots, mounting squares, adhesive foam, and liquid gel.

The most basic part of your scrapbook is the pictures. They can become the center piece of your scrapbook page. The pictures should be printed on acid free paper already. If you have older photos they should be put into a page protector that is acid free and then mounted into your scrapbook. If you are unsure of the paper you can always test with a PH testing pen. These can be found at scrapbook stores. Your pictures should first be cut with a straight edge scissor for cropping or shaping. This way you don’t cut away too much. Then you follow it up with the decorative edge or a favorite template.

 
For journaling or writing in your scrapbook or on the photos you also need to use acid free pens. These should be permanent to reduce fading and not "bleed". For marking on the back of photos it is best to use pencil or a film marking pen that is fully dry before using the photo. The ink could rub off onto other papers and it is permanent.

All other embellishments you  put into your scrapbooks should also be acid free. This includes stamps, chalks, stickers, and ribbons. Most supplies you buy at scrapbook stores are safe. If you are unsure then ask an associate or look for something else.  Scrapbook supplies that are safe will say they are acid free. Time researching the products you put into your scrapbooks will insure that your memories are protected.

Once you have your scrapbook finished you need to store the book and all the supplies. For the supplies there are specialty organizers to use. These can be purchased at many on-line retailers and Scrapbooking stores. You can also use inexpensive tackle boxes or smaller toolboxes. These are also easy to carry to scrapbook parties or classes. They will help keep your supplies in good condition to insure a better scrapbook.

The books themselves should be stored spine down in  boxes or totes. If you have them on shelves then it is best to keep them together with the same size books so that the edges don’t get frayed. Keep the books themselves out of direct sunlight to protect the pictures inside. Keep in moderate temperature rooms with little to no humidity.

There is a lot of work that goes into scrapbooking. Keeping your pages and embellishments acidic free, using the right types of ink, and storing your extra supplies in containers will help you protect your scrapbook memories for years to come. 
    

Journaling is one of the basics for scrapbooking. It helps you tell the story of your pictures. It answers the main questions of who, what, where, when and why. It enhances your pages and your photos. There are a lot of ways to become great at journaling. Remember to tell the story by answering the questions of who, what, where, when and why.  Then you can use any of the following ideas alone or in a combination.

 Write a sentence about the event. Describe more then just the facts.
"At Beth’s sixth birthday party  the kids had fun playing pin the tail on the donkey"
 If there is something funny that happened around the time the picture was taken, then include a phrase about it on your page. The memory will be kept alive. A great journaling technique. 
 Write the cute things your kids say if it fits the theme of your page.
 Include favorite quotations.
 Use parts of great conversations.
 Describe emotions or the sentiment brought out by the page layout.
 What are your thoughts while looking at your photo? Write it down.
 Tell the story of the picture in detail write it on paper to match the layout.
 Write about the things you know, real things that have happened to you.
 Practice daily, the more you use writing the easier it becomes.
 Use bullets, varying the forms to fit your need. These can be dotted bullets, stripped bullets, or any other range you can think of.
 Find a tone, your personal attitude and how it fits with your page. Is the tone sentimental, silly, or just factual? Think of the tone before writing.
 Think of your audience and what you want them to know about the page.
 Include favorite scriptures.
 Put favorite poetry lines in your journaling.
 Look for hidden stories in your photos, not just what the picture is of but what could be lurking in the backgrounds.
 Use the computer to print out your story and you can fit more onto a page. You can find the perfect font and it will be a cleaner copy.
 Use your own handwriting. Future generations may cherish that you took the time to write your own memories.
 You can use stickers. If they say what you want and add something to your page it can still be thought of as journaling.
 Filing a mock report can add humor to a page.
 Include menus or recipes for parties or special dinners.
 Write from the heart.
 Write on precut templates. These come in many different shapes and sizes making it easy to find one that fits your mood of the page.
 Use nursery rhymes in children’s or baby books.
 Use lists. Grocery items for a big dinner, things to see on vacation. There are any number of lists that you can include on your page. Add lists of favorite things.
 Include song lyrics from favorite songs.
 Write around the edges of your photos. You can do whole verses, songs, or stories or just repeat a line.
 Journal on every page with a description of the page. This will help others understand your page and the event.
 Write on die cuts to reflect the mood of your page. One that will enhance and compliment the work you want to focus on.
 Use postcards to journal while on vacation. Send them to yourself and then mount in your scrapbook. Instant journal and a nice picture.
 Write like in a diary.

Journaling is something that needs to be practiced. The more you do the better you’ll feel. Keep trying, look around you for ideas. Look at other scrapbooks, or magazines. Look at journals of others and decide what you like about them. With practice and time you’ll find what you like and don’t like and can become great at journaling.

With all the supplies you have for scrapbooking you are sure to end up with some clutter. Either in your workspace or on your pages. If you have too much clutter in your workspace it will be hard to find what you need and may become overwhelming. Scrapbooking is supposed to be something you do for enjoyment and being overwhelmed does not help. There are ways of organizing your space whether your space is large or small. Decide what type of scrapbooker you are and what are your major areas of clutter. Where do you need the most help? Do you scrapbook at home or travel to friends homes? These will help in deciding what products to buy to help control the clutter in your scrapbooking.

There are specialty stores that make organizing products just for scrapbooking. These items can be found in scrapbook stores and some craft stores. You can also purchase some on-line. These can make it easier to organize but they also cost a bit more. If scrapbooking is a passion this may be the best for you. These products were made for your supplies so may be easier then looking for something that will fit. You’ll also need some room to put these and if space is tight in your home you may want to look at some other options. You could also buy these and dedicate a corner of a room to whichever product you choose. The goal of these products are to make it easier for you to get at what you need for your pages. You can purchase rolling bins for scrapbooking on the go. There are many products available you need to decide what is best for you, your pocket book, and your clutter.

While out shopping look around in hardware stores, super stores, and office supply stores. While these products may not be geared especially for your scrapbook supplies they can be very useful. Booksheves are great for finished or extra albums. They can also hold bins that you put your products into. You can buy some wall shelves and this would save you floor space for a table or storage drawers. Kitchen or laundry cabinets would work to hide away some of the clutter. But it should still be organized for easy access.

You can buy products that can help organize the clutter. Pen and magazine holders at office supply stores will get some of the smaller items off the table and out of the clutter. Plastic storage bins are great for ribbons, stamps, chalks, or little embellishments. Take pictures of what is in the bins for an easier time when doing a page. Three ring binders are great for sticker sheets. Use tabs to organize by themes or Seasons. This way you don’t spend all of your time searching.

If your scrapbook space is also the dining room table then you may need to be more creative with how you de-clutter your scrapbooking. Puzzle carriers would be great for transporting a page in construction. You can move the pages without disturbing pages that aren’t glued down yet. Buy an over the door shoe rack holder. Put your smaller embellishments like eyelets or ribbons into plastic baggies and then put them into the shoe space. You can even put a picture on the front to help you find what  you need.

If there is clutter on your scrapbook pages it is harder for someone looking to know what to focus on. Not all scrapbook pages need to have tons of embellishments. Simplify some  pages and overdo others, but don’t do everything on every page. Don’t add little bits of everything onto your pages. Maybe add one or 2 of your favorites and save some for another page. Matting photos is great for bringing the eye in a showing the focus. A simple white matte with very little journaling can have a powerful impact. Make just one photo the centerpiece and journal directly on the photo. Don’t overdo it with the photos or you once again will be distracting the viewer.

Controlling the clutter in your scrapbooking requires thought and creativity. The very things that scrapbooking are about. Take simple steps into organizing the clutter and little by little your workspaces will look better.

Every scrapbooker has paper.  Patterned paper, plain paper, paper in every color, and scrap papers and yet they always want more. But after you get all these papers what do you do with all of them? How do you organize this mountain of paper? After all, you’ve spent money on all these cute pieces of paper to add character  to your pages. You want to keep them in shape for the next time a page calls for that certain style of paper. Let’s take a look at the different options to store the papers and the characteristics of each.

You should start by organizing the papers themselves. You can do this by color, or theme. For organizing patterned papers such as gingham or plaids you can sort them by the predominant color. Make other categories according to the types of paper you have.

You can organize your papers by the brand. This method is good for color matching. If it is a favorite paper and you run out you’ll know what brand to look for. Scrappers who do a lot of contests seem to like this method. It makes it easier for them to then list the products they used on the page.

If you use a lot of paper in your scrapbooking you will most likely have scraps of paper. You can also organize these paper scraps  and use them again for smaller projects. Ziploc bags are great for scraps. The scraps can also be organized by color and theme like you organized the full sheets of paper.

You have your papers organized and now you are ready to find somewhere to store them.  Look for options that fit what you have now and something to grow into. Think of your needs and how you scrapbook. If you travel a lot you may want something that is easy to move. If you do most of your Scrap booking at home then something more permanent might be a good idea.

Look in any scrapbook store or aisle and you will find storage containers for just about anything. There are many storage systems out there for paper. Necessities in a storage system are keeping your papers clean, flat, and organized. You’ll need to know what type of space you have to put your storage system into before heading out to buy one. There are many brands and choices to these specialty storage systems. Prices vary according to what style and size you want.

You don’t have to buy a system specially made for scrapbooking. There are other options out there. There are many makeshift solutions to consider. Some of these options are easy to add on to. The less specialized your system is the easier it will be to find add ons. You still need to make sure it fits the basic requirements of keeping your papers clean, flat and organized.

Vertical storage systems allow for easy browsing of the paper. It’s also a great space saver. Keep the papers tight to prevent bending or bowing. To keep dust from getting on the paper look for a storage system with a cover.

Hanging file systems are another great option. You can group your papers here by color, pattern or design. You need to make sure the system is sturdy to hold all the papers. Having a hanging system on wheels makes it easy for transporting around to where it is needed.

Accordion folders are great for a traveling scrapbooker. It can come with a strap or handle for easy toting. These folders can hold around 500 sheets. Accordion folders are fairly cheap. You can dedicate an entire folder to one color or pattern, making it easy to choose and tote.

Magazine holders make a great storage system. You can add as many or as few as needed. They easily fit onto shelves and you can use just one holder to sort through when needed.

Plastic tubs are also a good option. It is wallet friendly and if you buy big enough you can keep a lid on top to protect from dust. Keep a heavy book or paper weight in the back to prevent your papers from falling.

Horizontal storage systems can also be used. This is how most scrapbook stores display their papers. It takes up a lot of space but if you have many compartments it could save you time finding the desired paper. This would be one of the better ways to organize patterned papers.

There are many different ways to organize your scrapbooking papers.  As long as your papers are kept flat and clean then any storage system you decide on is good.   
    

Scrapbooking is always changing with new and different techniques. A fairly new way to add dimension to your scrapbook page is eyelets. Eyelets, or grommets are reinforcements to a hole in fabric or paper. They are the metal that surrounds your shoelace holes to keep the laces in place. Eyelets have been used on clothing for snaps. They come in different shapes, sizes and colors. Eyelet setting methods have changed over the years, there are some that come as an all in one tool and some that have many different parts.

Older method
Eyelet setters that come with different parts are usually a little more noisy and requires time and patience. You punch the hole in your paper or fabric gradually with a hammer and hole punch until you reach the desired hole size. You need to have a self-healing mat, leather hole punch, hammer and an eyelet setter to set the eyelet where you like. When using this eyelet setting method you need to keep in mind the size of the eyelet. There are also sets for this type of eyelet setting and some come with interchangeable parts to fit your desired eyelet.  It is wise to remember the mat underneath the paper and hole punch as to avoid punch outlines on your worktable. Punch the hole in your paper and then insert the eyelet. Flip the paper over and flatten the backside of the eyelet. You have finished the eyelet and can now add to your scrapbook page.

Newer method
In the past few years there are more kits on the market for eyelet setting. These kits sometimes contain all the parts you need or you can buy parts for them on an as needed basis. These kits require less work and can sometimes be done with one hand. 

The Clikit is one of these eyelet setting kits. The tool is spring-action and helps you punch holes and set eyelets with a simple push on the handle. It comes in a wooden box with ten interchangeable tips two sets of different sized eyelets and a setting pad. It is available in scrapbooking stores or on-line. The price ranges from $12 to $40 and has themed kits also available.

The Making Memories instant setter is much the same. It is spring loaded with adjustable tension and not as loud, although not entirely silent. It has three interchangeable punching tips, four setting tips, and a setting mat that comes in a Making Memories metal box. It is comfortable and easy to use. Pricing is cheaper at around $20.

The Provo craft silent setter comes in a zippered pouch with three punch tips, three setting tips and a setting mat. It really is silent but does take some getting use to. You need to use a little more pressure and a slight twist to set the eyelet. The price is also around $20.

Last of the most popular newer methods is the Crop-A-Dile. This tool can punch anything from paper to metal and even wood. It is silent and looks much like a regular hole punch. But because of its design you it is hard to reach the center of some projects you have. The price tag is about $30.

With all the different eyelet setting methods it is best to try some out at scrapbooking parties to find which fits you and your crafting needs. You may even come up with a new variety to use. All the methods are basically the same it just depends on what you feel comfortable with and the results you want.

Eyelets can be used for many things on your scrapbooking pages. They add dimension to your page. Eyelets are great for holding ribbon between your pages. They can be used as anchors for layering, buttons or eyes on a snowman, stars in the sky, or with many of the same colors as a rainbow. Eyelets can become anything you can imagine.