Handy Scrapbooking Tools
Tools for Making Distinctive Scrapbooks
Stuck for a great project idea? Check out
10 Great Scrapbooking Projects To Welcome Spring!
Making the scrapbook process easier with the right tools
Scrapbooking can be a very challenging task for the beginner. For one thing, you need creativity in order to create a beautiful work of art. You also need to think up a distinct theme which forms the backbone of the scrapbook. The items you put inside the scrapbook should also be arranged in such a manner that their significance is unmistakable. With all these complexities, many people would be hard-pressed to complete a scrapbook without the proper tools.
Here are some tools to enhance your experience with scrapbooking, give you more options for creativity and make it easier to scrap successfully.
1) Scissors – We covered this in the last section, a little. Seems like everyone has scissors but, for scrapbooking, it’s important to have the right scissors.
Everyone knows what scissors are, right? Well, here is a metaphor for the scissors in scrapbooking. Scissors are like bringers of order. Scissors shape the little bits of paper into forms that you can use in your scrapbook. This scrapbooking tool is very important in making pieces fit together. Some people may refuse to cut the pieces of paper, but only through this, can the scrapbook be completed.
In that sense, a pair of scissors can symbolize the truth. Why, you ask? Well, the truth hurts. But it has to hurt, doesn’t it? It has to hurt if it is to set you free.
There are two distinctive types of scissors you can use as scrapbooking tools:
a) Conventional paper-cutting scissors – These scissors are made to cut and to cut straight. This is the type of scissors people encounter from the very beginning of their childhood. You need to be able to trust your scissors to cut straight, because it just looks ugly if you unintentionally use dull scissors and mess up the cut of the paper.
b) Crafting scissors – This type of scissors can be bought at different art supply shops. These scissors are distinctively shaped in order to produce different types of cuts. Using this scrapbooking tool can be a whole lot more convenient than trying to follow a pattern using straight-cutting scissors. You see, using conventional scissors can give you carpal tunnel because of the stress your fingers will be taking. Nobody wants that.
In addition to scissors, there are some other tools you may find very helpful in creating professional looking scrapbooks:
2) Puncher – This nifty scrapbooking tool is used mainly to punch holes into paper. There are, once again, two types of punchers available out there:
a) Conventional – This type of puncher produces round holes. Funnily enough, this type of puncher was not designed as a scrapbooking tool, but as an office supply. For those of today’s generation, files are known as the thing you keep documents in your computer. However, for other people, files consist of important papers and documents which are organized together. Punchers were used to put holes into those documents in order to accommodate a fastener.
However, punchers are now used today to make perfect circles on scrapbooking pages.
b) Shaped – This type of puncher, pretty much works in the same manner as the conventional puncher. However, the edges of the punching mechanism take different shapes in order to accommodate your crafting needs. This scrapbooking tool is used to make different shaped holes in the pages of the scrapbook.
3) Tweezers – Tweezers are often used as scrapbooking tools in order to enable the crafter to put in a design or to glue in a bit of paper neatly. You see, when making a scrapbook, you will be working with different materials together with a lot of glue. Because of this, there is a high risk of you smudging the different pictures of the scrapbook. Tweezers are excellent scrapbooking tools to maintain the cleanliness of your handiwork.
4) Computer – This can be an excellent scrapbooking tool because of the fact that it can do a variety of things. On the computer, you can do research on what scrapbooking theme to use. This means you are given more resources on the varieties of different themes and the ways you can incorporate them in your scrapbook. You can also use the computer to get more images to put in your scrapbook. By using the computer, you get all the advantage of modern technology and can therefore, make your scrapbook into anything you like.
Scrapbooking tools allow people to have an easier time crafting their handiwork. However, you should remember that sometimes. Mistakes actually make a scrapbook more personal. Mistakes show the human side of you. Like the memories you show on a scrapbook, the making of it should not necessarily be perfect, but it should be fun.
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And be sure to read our other articles in the Making a Scrapbook Fun article series:
Scrapbook Making Checklist
Checklist for Beginning a Scrapbook
Want to make money from your scrapbooking hobby?
Quickly Start Your Own Scrapbooking Business From Home - Written for beginners and easy to understand
Items Required to Begin a Scrapbook
You want to make a scrapbook but don’t know what you need and don’t want to be halfway into it and realize you are missing something important? No problem. Here are the bare essentials you will need to start your new scrapbook:
Scrapbooking Album
Choose the right size of the scrapbooking album which you will be using. Also take note of the color details that will add more of an artistic and personal touch to it. Also consider how large an album you may need, based on what size pictures you will most likely be using within it.
Sufficient Refill Pages
The refills for the album do not come available in one standard size. It is only proper that you first buy the album so as to know what size will be right for the refill pages that you will purchase. If you buy bargain refill pages, be sure to find out if they are close-out. If so, more of same may not be available so you need to make sure you get enough pages the first time.
Scissors that cut neatly
Even if you have scissors, check out the comfort level because even though it may not seem like a big deal, it can really make a difference in how much fun your scrapbooking to have the right scissors. The scissors that you must use should be sharp and the handles should be comfortable in your hands. Make sure that they don’t hurt you or else your cut outs will not turn out to be right.
Scrapbook-appropriate glue
There are obviously different kinds of adhesives which you can buy from the educational supplies. For a scrapbook, the acid-free adhesive is very much advisable. They work well both on photos and cardstocks.
Printed and colored paper and cardstock
The printed papers that you will choose must complement the photos that you will include. They should be able to provide accent in the overall appearance of the scrapbook.
Acid Free Scrapbooking Pen for Entries
The pen that you will make use of must be acid-free, with fine tips, and permanent. It would not be good to look at pens with ink that smudges.
Now these are the basic and essential scrapbooking products which must not be left out in your shopping. But then if your budget allows you, you can always add more. Ribbons, glitters, sequins, stones, and many more items which you think will serve as great embellishments can be included in your list. You may also add some more items such as the die cut machine, set of journaling pens in various colors, oval or circle cutter, and so on.
Actually, the ideas presented online can help you a lot in your scrapbooking venture. You always have a choice when it comes to design, color schemes, and layouts. The more artistic you get… the better. Good luck then!
Want to save money on your scrapbooking supplies?
Check out WeScrap - For members only. Take advantage of the lowest priced scrapbook supplies anywhere!.
Scrapbook Frames Information
What to look for in a scrapbook frame
Suggested Resource, Especially for Scrapbooking Newbies:
Ultimate Fast Start Scrapbooking Guide - A Step By Step Guide To Creating Beautiful Scrapbook Layouts!
<Scrapbooking Fun - Focus on Scrapbook Frames
When choosing a scrapbooking frame, you should be cautious. There is a wide array of choices of scrapbooking frames made available in arts and crafts shops. Scrapbooking frames vary in styles and designs so you’ve got to bear these things in your mind.
Also take note of the theme which you need to employ in your scrapbook frames. Scrapbook frames come in a variety of themes such as Weddings, Birthdays, Halloween, Christmas, baptism, etc.
If thinking of a themed scrapbook, make sure you are going to have enough photos to justify one. One neat idea might be to start a yearly scrapbook for Halloween, Christmas or Birthdays and update with the new pictures each year. Over time, this sort of yearly update scrapbook could be something you will treasure.
There are even websites that offer printable scrapbook frames. That way you can just print them out on your computer and save both time and money. However, be sure you have a good printer that can do color well and keep in mind that a color ink cartridge is not cheap. Still, having the convenience of printing right at home has it’s perks.
Some Scrapbooking Secrets to Remember
When scrapbooking is what you wish to do, always never fail to conduct research. Always look for little things which can be employed in your scrapbook frames such as trinkets, ribbons, stickers, and many more. Thrift stores are an excellent and inexpensive place to pick up lots and lots of unique and unusual trinkets for your scrapbooks. You might make a list of colors and themes before going so you know what to look for and what will match your scrapbook theme.
Where should you conduct your research? Wander through your local arts and crafts shops taking notes of designs and themes that please you.
Also never forget to browse through the internet as it is a deep well of information. Online shopping has never been boring. Via the internet, you’ll grasp the essential and the hottest materials in scrapbooking. You can pick up great tips from most of these online scrapbook sites too. This one has articles on scrapbooking.
Scrapbooks as Gifts
Among the best attributes of scrapbooks is that they count as a gift for all seasons. Whether it is for Christmas, graduations, birthdays, weddings, and many other events, scrapbooks are always one of the best gifts to give to people. So always find time and collect your photos of friends and family members. You can certainly paint a smile on their faces as you hand them your scrapbook gifts.
Why Bother with Scrapbooks?
Why Make a Scrapbook at all?
Suggested Resource: 500 Scrapbook Sketches - Discover The Secret To Creating Scrapbooking Layouts You Absolutely Adore Easily And Effortlessly Every Time.
The Benefits of Scrapbooking
Why waste time for scrapbooking? What can you actually get from it? As everybody knows, scrapbooking is one avenue of keeping memories alive and continuously fresh. It has been everybody’s custom to take photos of every single important occasion in their lives whether they may be in the past, present, or in the future. Why just stick them in plain-looking photo albums when in fact you can add some artistic and personal touch to them?
For many, scrapbook is an artform and also a very personal way to store memories of loved ones, wonderful events and special times in their lives. However, there is a trick to making good scrapbooks. Even the best intentions without a little preparation and thought, can end up just being a messy photo album.
The basic problem which many scrapbookers face is that they tend to have an overflow of ideas right on the first page that they eat up too much time on it. But then this is not something to get disappointed with since the finished product will always be worth it.
The real score in scrapbooking is not really to include all those photos you’ve taken. It is all about choosing some pieces that best stand as the representations of the certain occasion. Remember that scrapbooking balances the role of the photos plus the chosen layout for all those photos. Frankly speaking, the design of your choice will aid in telling the real story behind the concept more than those pictures will do.
When you had never tried scrapbooking but you are actually craving for that experience, you can watch other people do it so you will be able to grasp some essential ideas. You can likewise take the opportunity of attending classes. Yes, there are classes especially held for the benefit of the budding scrapbookers.
There are certainly a lot of local arts and crafts shops that conduct classes for individuals of all levels. You may opt whether or not to buy your supplies there. Likewise, several community colleges make such classes available also for outsiders.
These courses can really be of great help for the beginners in the world of scrapbooking. For a minimal fee, all supplies are included and you can start enjoying the experience.
Some classes will already provide you with the ready-made scrapbooks while there are those that will require you to bring your personally-owned scrapbooks. But of course, you’ve got to bring your very own pictures! For sure you can’t wait how your scrapbook frames will look like in the end.
Really into scrapping? Why not join the International Scrapbook Association?
Scrapbooking Ideas
Ideas for Scrapbooking Pages
Suggested resource: Thousands Of Fun Scrapbooking Titles, Phrases, Captions, Quotes, Sayings & Ideas! Lots of free sample downloads too
<Some Creative Options for your Scrapbooking Passion
So you love scrapbooking but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you created a scrapbook but it feels scattered and without a good theme? Finding ideas to apply to your scrapbooking can be the most challenging aspect of this fun craft. Hopefully this series of articles on making scrapbooks can be helpful. If you are an avid scrapper, you may also want to check out the International Scrapbooking Association
1) Color – The simplest idea for a scrapbooking page should be a color. Basing your scrapbook pages on a single color though, can be quite complex if you want it to be. There are shades to experiments with. By trying on different shades of a color, you can have variety and yet stick with the same scrapbooking idea.
Another fun scrapbooking page idea that involves colors has you researching their different interpretations. By using colors this way, you can actually have a message that means something special to you.
2) Literature – Think of your favorite piece of literature and base your scrapbook on that. Taking inspiration from books or a poem is a really good scrapbooking idea. You see, authors sometimes picture their characters and stories so vividly, that you can visualize them in your mind. By placing these images on paper, you can actually share with people something that so inspired you.
Basing your scrapbook on a piece of literature can be pretty deep for some people to take. You may have to do a bit of explaining before someone gets the message of the scrapbook. In doing so, you get to show a part of your soul to the readers. It may also inspire people to take up reading.
3) Characters –Characters abound in the world that people can take inspiration from. In using characters, you have two options:
A. Fiction – this idea for scrapbooking pages involves you taking a fictional character and using that character as an inspiration for your scrapbooking page. Contrary to what most people think, fictional characters are actually harder to research on than actual, living characters.
One reason is the fact that different people have different interpretations of them. Take Batman, for example. In the sixties, the TV series portrayed him as this campy superhero who wears grey and blue spandex. In the 1989 movie, he’s a bit more brooding, and wears protective armor. In the movie “Batman and Robin” he is portrayed as this not so brooding, talkative character who wears a rubber suit with nipples. See how different people’s perceptions of a fictional character can be?
One advantage to this, though, is the fact that you can have more freedom with this idea for a scrapbooking page. You see, not many people will question your interpretation of a fictional character.
B. Non-fiction – In this idea for a scrapbooking page, you take your inspiration from a real person. It doesn’t really matter if they are alive or dead. However, remember that people change all the time. Just take a look at Britney Spears and you’ll probably realize the meaning of this statement.
By using real persons as your inspiration, you are actually offered a whole lot of detail on their lives. However, you won’t really have the same freedom as when you are trying to do a fictional character.
4) Activities – Try getting an idea for scrapbooking pages from your favorite activity. Most guys would choose sports and stuff, and nothing’s wrong with that. However, you may want to try being different and think outside the box. Base your scrapbook on an interest which no one can really guess. In doing this, you’ll get to have additional fun by having people guess the connection of the page to the activity.
Sometimes, people tend to categorize us through our activities. However, you might want to prove to others your true depth by showing in your scrapbook that a certain activity foes not define the “whole” you.
You might want to show, using your scrapbook that even though you enjoy a particular activity, it is only a minor part of your existence and that you have a deeper facet to your personality than being a computer whiz, basketball jock and other stereotypical labels.
There you go: those are just some ideas for scrapbooking pages you might think about trying out. By trying out different things before you actually use them, you can actually see if those ideas for scrapbooking pages fit your personality.
4. February 2009
W. Hanna Thomson Book
Antiquarian Books / Medical Collectibles
1910 Brain and Personality
by W. Hanna Thomson
Green hardcover with gold print.
8th edition, printed 1910
This medical text by W. Hanna Thomson has scuffing at corners and spine and a little bit of staining on the front. All pages are in tact and clearly readable. This is, of course, not acid-free paper so the pages have yellowed on the corners but words are all clearly visible. Name of previous owner on first page, in pencil.
This copy also has a small sticker on the back inside page that reads Bretano’s Booksellers & Stationers, New York.
Brain and Personality is $10. I will pay bookrate shipping but if you want first class, it will be added to total invoice. You pay for insurance, if desired. Order Brain and Personality by W. Hanna Thomson
Light Blue M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures
Collectible Figures / M.U.S.C.L.E. Monsters
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