I used to scrapbook more than I do now. It seems to be such a HUGE task, and my time is short…so I constantly put off my scrapping. (For example, my 6-year-old still does not have a baby scrapbook. Sorry, BK!)
So I was open to reviewing The Big Book of Scrapbook Pages: 500+ Designs for Capturing All Your Memories, edited by Kelly Biscopink. I was ready to get my scrapbooking mojo back!
The book, put out by Northern Light Craft Books (a division of FW Media) is broken out into these chapters:
- Everyday Memories
- Fun Times
- Holidays, Seasons, and Special Occasions
- Special Relationships
- Kids, Babies and Pets
There are also indexes for single-page layout sketches, double-page layout sketches, a source guide, and contributors. There are even little icons that indicate if the layout is digital, or if it has an associated sketch in the back. Handy!
As I started flipping through the pages, I was amazed at the sheer number of scrapbooking pages represented- and wow, there are a ga-jillion contributors! This is actually really good, though, because I saw a large representation of styles. I also ran across the “Spotlight on..” pages, which are scattered throughout. They give you an in-depth look at on of the contributors, so you can dig a little more deeply into their work. I also enjoyed the “One Sketch, 3 Ways” features. I love these for cards and scrapbook layouts alike!
There are lots of little tips, tricks, and ideas scattered around, too. This is strictly an “idea-book”- you won’t find any step-out tutorials here- but there were little gems called “Inspired Ideas” that help you think of your scrapbooking in a different way. My favorite was this one- here’s just a part:
You captured that special moment, but the photos are all blurry, Instead of getting upset and enrolling in a photography class, consider the alternative- scrapping it anyway! Documenting the memory-even in an imperfect photo- is better than not documenting it at all….
I took this advice to heart when trying my first layout. My son had just participated in his first talent show, and I only got 2 pictures- one a very blurry shot taken with my phone! But I was inspired by this layout and decided to scrap it anyway.
I printed out my blurry photo (after converting it to black and white) and pulled some papers that I had on hand. Since there were only a few embellishments and a simple design, this one looked like it was “do-able.”
After about an hour, I had this:
Pretty close, right? I did add the text block, and changed the title location a little just because I used the Tattered Angels chipboard shapes I had on hand. But I was really pleased with the result, and it took a lot less time than I thought it might. And I didn’t even mind my blurry photo!
Next, I moved on to a really “arty” and sparse layout to try:
I really love the use of the gesso and the very sparse embellishments. I set about trying to get the same feel. But as I worked on it, the page started to evolve to tell my story. “Your friend loves flowers,” the page whispered. “Add those.” So I did. “You and Vicki love bling!” It squealed. “Glitter!!” And I complied. My final layout is VERY different…
OK, very VERY different- but the inspiration came from the Gesso’d layout. (For more information on how I made this layout, step-by-step, visit CraftsUnleashed.com. With the supply list, too.)
So yeah, it’s different. I think that’s important to recognize that a good book inspires you to take an idea and make it your own, prompt you to tell your own story. The Big Book Of Scrapbook Pages does that- there is just enough to get you motivated-but with no gnarly step-outs to get you bogged down in the how-to details. (Sorry, perfectionists, you’ll just have to be consoled by the extensive list of products used and contact information in yet another index.)
So for a gal who is self-admittedly NOT a “hard-core” scrapbooker, I’m really happy with this book and intend on dipping back into it. Maybe it’ll propel me towards finally making that baby book!
Now for the fun- a GIVEAWAY! I’ve got a spare! (Thank you so much, Kelly, for providing the book to review and share.) If you’d like a chance to win this book, just leave me a comment sharing the last event/thing you scrapbooked about. The contest will close on Sunday, May 8th at midnight and I’ll announce the winner Monday AM, around 9:00AM EDT. (5/9/2011) Since this is a book, international readers are welcome!
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Suzy Boni says
Last thing I scrapped about was my son being picked to light saber battle with Darth Vader at WDW.
Would love to have this book. If I don’t win I’ll buy it I’m sure! Thanks for the great review and the opportunity to win.
jengd says
I’ve recently been using a lot of sketches so this looks FABULOUS to me. The last thing I scrapped was a small “opinion” page of spring in the south. Before that, it was a page featuring my husband taking our son out for his first kayak ride.
Jenfrog says
The last thing I scrapbooked was my 15th anniversary. This was last year. I am up to September of last year. The first year that will actually be scrapbooked! (I won’t tell you about all the part finished albums in my craft room!)
karla a says
Scrapping is my downnfall..I did great from 92-98, then nothing until recently. I try to do at least 2 layouts a month, I need to do way more! I do love sketches and idea books, and i am sure out of 500 ideas I should be inspired right? Thanks for the review and the chance to win.
Candy says
I would love a book like this! I lent out my last how to/example book and never got it back! I am currently doing my son’s Senior year…so many memories! Thanks so much!
Gretchen says
A good book will definitely help me with my
“creativity” it will be VERY helpful!
Kelly thank you for the spare book! ;o)
Vicki O'Dell says
The last thing I scrapbooked was for SOMEONE ELSE! I’ve made more scrapbooks for other people that I have for my ownself. How crazy is that?
BTW, LOVE the final layout. hehe!
Jenny says
Well…it’s not EXACTLY final…I need to sneak a few buttons on..; )
Angela says
The last thing I scrapbooked was our trip to Europe in 2007. Still have to finish that trips pages!
Magdi says
The last thing I scrapbooked was my last summer’s vacation to Austria and Hungary. I just finished a 2 page layout of pictures of the Swarovski Crystal factory in Innsbruck, Austria. It would be great to have this book for some ideas and inspiration. Thanks for the chance to win!
Jackie says
I love a good scraplift! Great pages 🙂
I’ve been digi-scrapping lately, and haven’t touched my paper supplies in years! The last thing I paper scrapped was probably my honeymoon…6 years ago. My SIL got me a personalized album for my wedding, and I have barely touched it. It’s on my to-dos! Thanks for the chance to win!
Nancy says
I’ve wanted to start scrapbooking since the birth of my daughter. She is graduating from high school in June! My first attempt at scrapbooking will be a photo display board for her grad party. My daughter and I are going to work on it together and we would love to win this great book to help us with ideas for our future scrapbooking.
Renee J. says
I scrapped one of my daughter’s birthday’s. It sure was fun! Thanks for the chance to win. I really like your layout, too!
AngelaL says
The last thing I scrapped was my 2008 Christmas photos. I rarely scrap in chronological order and tend to scrap what I’m inspired by at the time. Thanks for a chance to win the book which would be an endless supply of inspiration.
Jaimi says
Your layout looks great! I am a new scrapbook junkie and could really use all the help I can get. Templates and great ideas are what I’m always searching for.The Single Page Sketches look like just the ticket. Thanks and happy scrapping!