How to Scrapbook

Jun 06

It looks like one big book, but here are actually three - a compendium volume containing Start Scrapbooking, Cropping For Scrapbooks and Eyelets For Scrapbooks. In true Search Press tradition, you get to grips with the nature of the beast first (why modern scrapbooking is better than more traditional approaches, all about the materials and how to use them) and then it is on with the primer and projects. This happens three times in three different ways (do read it in order, though) so you can not only learn the basics but also cut your photos creatively and add eyelets, too.

This is another real hands-on book that has me reaching for the materials and wanting to get cracking right away. Maybe it is the glorious color and attractive layouts, or could it be the easy-to-follow instructions and materials all laid out as if on the instructor's table? Whatever it is it seems to work and I thought I was an old hand but still learned plenty of new tips. There are no drawings here to illustrate what needs to be done, just lots of large photos which I think is better for this sort of work. With scrapbooking though, as with a lot of crafts, there is a temptation when compiliing a book like this to use every craft item in the shop and if you wanted to kit yourself out with this little lot a second mortgage might be advised. Maybe somebody will come along one day and write a book called Scrapbooking on a Budget, but until then it is best to read it through first and then visit the store after a long think. You really don't need it all, but this does at least show you what it can do so you can pick the methods you like best and which suit your photographs. I could think of more ways to crop my photos or use eyelets, but the layouts in here got me thinking in ways that sparked my imagination to think of more. Useful for all levels of scrapbooker.

May 06

It looks like one big book but here are actually three - a compendium volume containing Start Scrapbooking, Cropping For Scrapbooks and Eyelets For Scrapbooks. In true Search Press tradition you get to grips with the nature of the beast first - why modern scrapbooking is better than more traditional approaches, all about the materials and how to use them - and then it is on with the primer and projects. This happens three times in three different ways (do read it in order though) so you can not only learn the basics but also cut your photos creatively and add eyelets too.

This is another real hands-on book that has me reaching for the materials and wanting to get cracking right away. Maybe it is the glorious color and attractive layouts, or could it be the easy-to-follow instructions and materials all laid out as if on the instructor's table? Whatever it is it seems to work and I thought I was an old hand but still learned plenty of new tips. There are no drawings here to illustrate what needs to be done, just lots of large photos which I think is better for this sort of work. With scrapbooking though as with a lot of crafts there is a temptation when compliing a book like this to use every craft item in the shop and if you wanted to kit yourself out with this little lot a second mortgage might be advised. Maybe somebody will come along one day and write a book called Scrapbooking on a Budget, but until then it is best to read it through first and then visit the store after a long think. You really DON'T need it all, but this does at least show you what it can do so you can pick the methods you like best and which suit your photographs. I could think of more ways to crop my photos or use eyelets, but the layouts in here got me thinking in ways that sparked my imagination to think of more. Useful for all levels of scrapbooker.

Dec 06

This book is really good. It has three main chapters, which are Start Scrapbooking, Cropping For Scrapbooks and Eyelets For Scrapbooks. Each has loads of full-colour photographs, step-by-step instructions and clear text making it easy to follow. Start Scrapbooking includes useful information on the equipment you will need and what albums are the best and why. Cropping For Scrapbooks has a detailed double page of equipment needed. It also includes techniques, which are easy to use but produce great results. I liked Eyelets For Scrapbooks because it gives a good description of the terms used, what types of eyelets are available to buy, how to set them and how they can be used. It shows how effective they can be when used on stamped images.

Jun 06

This book is actually three books in one...The result is a beginner's bible for budding scrappers out there! You'll find helpful advice on mastering the basics, creating focal points on your layouts and ideas to try once you're ready to experiment with more detailed and decorative techniques. The clear layout and colourful images make this a great starting point for anyone who has always fancied having a go at scrapbooking, but hasn't been sure where to start!