14/04/2010

Free Scrapbooking Templates

How to Search for Free Scrapbooking Templates on the Internet

Free scrapbooking templates can be a great help to the scrapbooking enthusiast. Here are some advantages of free scrapbooking templates:

1) Saves effort – Few people realize the complexity of having to select an overall theme for your scrapbook. Free scrapbooking templates relieve you of the trouble of having to come up with an overall theme. Free scrapbooking templates also save you the effort of having to do research on different ideas and finding out how to relate that idea to your scrapbook. You are also saved the trouble of having to try and connect the different parts of your scrapbook to the overall theme which you decided upon.

2) Saves time – In today’s world, no one has a lot of spare time. In fact, today’s world moves so fast that people always feel like they are lacking time. Of course, time is the only resource that we cannot get back, so everyone really does not have enough. We all find ways of saving time whenever we can, and scrapbooking is just one of those activities that need time and dedication in order to come out great.

Free scrapbooking templates can actually help you save time by providing you with the base on which to stick your pictures and memorabilia. This actually means that you only need to place your pictures on the template and voila! You’re done!

3) Saves money – Creating your own template can be quite expensive, since scrapbooking materials today do not really come cheap. However, by availing of free scrapbooking templates, you don’t really need to spend anything to have a quality design. Another advantage of free scrapbooking templates is the fact that you do not have to spend anything on tools to get them done.

Where do you look in the internet for free scrapbooking templates?

a) Crafts sites – There are actually websites in the internet which are dedicated to crafts and arts. These sites can offer you different resources on different types of do-it-yourself projects. This means that you are most likely to get free scrapbooking templates from these sites.

These sites can also offer you various tips and articles on how to put your scrapbook together. This help may actually prove valuable should you encounter a difficulty in making a scrapbook.

b) Photo sites – These sites often group different types of photographs together and allow you to search their database for pictures of a certain theme. This may not be a free scrapbooking template per se. However, you will be able to get different images that relate to a single theme. This means that you will be able to make your own template.

c) Theme sites –These sites actually focus on certain themes and allow you to browse different images and other downloads concerning a certain subject. Think of a theme and search on the internet if that theme has a specific site dedicated to it.

You are likely to find free scrapbooking templates on these sites based on the fact that these sites often contain different types of resources for people who wish to make anything based on that theme.

These sites offer you the opportunity to actually incorporate a single theme in all your scrapbooking pages. This means that you can have unity within your scrapbook

Others may actually find that a sort of organized chaos look works for them. However, you need a lot of talent and hard thinking for you to make this work. Having free scrapbooking templates can actually help you organize your scrapbook around a single theme. This way, you can actually easily relate to other people the main reason why you put a scrapbook together.

d) Group sites – These sites actually provide you free scrapbooking templates based on a single group you belong to. This is so that members of these groups can create scrapbooks based on their experiences within the group. By going this route, you actually are able to have a special bond, through your scrapbook, with the other members of the group. You can get together and compare scrapbooks to se how much you have done with that single theme.

There you go; those are just some suggestions on where to look for free scrapbooking templates. Hopefully, this article has helped you get into the path of scrapbooking perfection.


Free Scrapbooking Software

Free Scrapbooking Software: A Guide to a Simple Scrapbook
A lot of free scrapbooking software is widely available for download from the Internet. You simply have to surf for those free downloadable software and presto! You can enjoy creating the layouts for your scrapbook.

There is what we call the simple scrapbook. But do not however misconstrue it for something which is plain and dull-looking for it is not at all what you think. A simple scrapbook is not meant for novices or the inexperienced. It is not also an album that misses out too much creativity or content that must be covered by the album. So what are they? You might be wondering.

When we say simple scrapbooks, we mean to say that it is an album which is generally smaller and which is much manageable. If you do want to keep track of the “non-event” occurrences in your life such as hopes, relationships, dreams, fantasies, beliefs, and family traditions, you can go for simple scrapbooks. Overall, simple scrapbooks do away with the very traditional thing of keeping all your photos in an album.

Elements of the Simple Scrapbook
In reality, there are five elements comprising the successful venture to a simple scrapbook. They are the framework, format, finished, fast, and freedom. Let us discuss them one by one so that you will get a grasp of its entire idea.

The Framework
Almost every little thing that we start with needs a framework or an outline. It is the overall guide structure that will let us have an overview of the finished product. In a simple scrapbook, the framework plays an utmost role. The framework is chiefly composed of the group of pages which includes the table of contents and title pages. These pages on the whole provide the structure for the output. As a basic, the framework must be first completed so that you will know the sections of the album which you need to comply with.

The pages that make up the framework are the title page, the introduction or dedication page, the table of contents page, the section pages, the filler pages, the closing page, and the materials to be put on file.

The Format
There should be a format that must be desired for in a scrapbook. The format comprises the physical attributes which must be borne by the album itself. Among the considerations in the format are the size of the scrapbook, the organization of all of the contents, the design to be employed which includes the colors and materials to be used, the arrangement of the elements, and many more. Such scheme to be followed in the elements of the design allows the continuity of the flow of thought all throughout the album.

The Finished
When you plan to start on something, make sure that you will be able to finish it. Do not simply go on with a project and later on abandon it. It is not a good practice at all. When we talk about simple scrapbooks, we know for a fact that it is an album which can be finished in due time. The advantage that you can lean on is that a simple scrapbook has a framework so you know exactly what to work with. Overall, scrapbooking is an enjoyable experience. So, savor it!

It is Fast
Generally, a simple scrapbook is easy and hassle-free. Therefore, it is fast to finish! As soon as you’ve thought of the format and design to employ for your album, you are now ready to start and finish it all the way down. You just simply have to place your pictures where they should be!




There is Freedom
One of the most thrilling elements of the simple scrapbook is that is allows you to be free. It gives you freedom in the sense that you are able to explore what you have in mind, what you want to create, and how you want them to appear in the end. With simple scrapbooks, you know that you will be able to come up with something that satiates your taste when it comes to style and trend.

So are you ready? Then get now the free scrapbooking software that comes your way! After all, it is all fun and easy!

Free Scrapbooking Printables

Free Scrapbooking Printables for Mother’s Day

One of the hardest ideas to come up with is the scrapbooking layout. In fact, scrapbookers usually spend days on conceptualizing the layout that they will employ in the design of the scrapbook that they will be starting with. If you have constantly ventured into scrapbooking, you may already be experiencing a mental block with regards to scrapbooking layout ideas. Such thing comes naturally.

Sometimes people really ran out of ideas not to mention when it comes to ideas about scrapbooking layouts. But then worry not because sooner or later you will be able to come up with one brilliant idea.

As mentioned by most people, scrapbooks are worth to be given as gifts to other people whether they be your family, peers, superiors, and so on. Scrapbooks are for all seasons. These clippings of photos transcend the boundaries of time. Or it can rather represent the time being. For special occasions, scrapbooks can be planned out ahead of time. So when Mother’s Day is about to come, you can beforehand already think about the layout of your scrapbook.

A Gift for Mom
Your mom is naturally one of the most important personas in your life. Aside from being your life-giver, she is also there by your side whenever you need her. She listens to your problems, helps you out with all your ordeals, and supports your every endeavor. During her special day, it is your chance to show her how much you’ve appreciated every little thing she’s done for you. If you’ve got a collection of her photos, you may as well design a scrapbook for her. For sure, she’ll love your gift.

Whatever your gift to her needs not to be expensive. Simple things will exude great thoughts. As the clichéd saying goes, it is always the thought that counts. Aside from less expensive gift ideas such as breakfast in bed, dinner treat, spa get away, and all other ideas, a scrapbook will form a wonderful gift. In this manner, your mom will be able to take a glimpse of the past events in her life through a collection of photographs.

When it comes to the layout for your scrapbook gift, it needs to be something special and fit to the purpose too. You may already be tired of the stereotype layouts basing on the collection of scrapbooks you’ve already made. When you would want to break away from your tradition, you may prefer to do some little research from the internet. As you know, the internet provides several courses of information.

You surely will get valuable ideas from it. When scrapbooking layouts are your problem, you can check out several scrapbooking websites wherein there are lots of free scrapbooking printable that are made available. With this, you can simply print them and employ them in your design. Presto! You get rid of the mind-boggling step of thinking so hard for a layout design. In fact, special occasions such as Mother’s Day always have free scrapbook printable available in the internet.

If you still want to put on some touch of originality from your own self, better improve the free scrapbooking printable that you’ve gained access from the internet. You can redesign it, add some accents and embellishments, and then scan it. After which you may print it all over and make use of the newly designed layout format for your scrapbook.

A Tip to Consider

When redesigning a free scrapbooking printable you’ve got from the net, remember to use colors that will not mess up the entire concept. You can likewise add some more artistic touch to the borders but then not messing up the original form in a sense that it will already look crowded or displeasing to the eyes.

In truth, mothers love most the handmaid items crafted by their very own children. This act brings severe joy to their hearts. They likely appreciate personally crafted things rather than the materials which have been readily made and bought from the department stores. Creating a scrapbook for Mother’s Day is one unique way of valuing the events in your mother’s life. The internet is a great source of free scrapbooking printable for a gift on Mother’s Day.

Scrapbooking Mistakes

Scrapbooking Mistakes Continues: Are you one of the perpetrators?




Caught by scrapbooking fever? Well, you are not alone in this hobby. In fact, there are thousands of people who are addicted to it. Scrapbooking is their outlet to express their artistic side at the same time it is their way to give legacy that can be handed down to their descendants.

Scrapbooking has been around for more than a decade now. They are done to keep the memoirs as well as other precious memorabilia. It can be recalled that the first photos were taken in the year 1839. Since then, different attempts were tried to preserve the memories. In today’s modern era, the knowledge to discern safe and destructive materials and methods are already obtainable. Moreover, scrapbook is now made a ‘safer haven’ for pictures and memorabilia.

If you are still clueless about scrapbooking and everything about it, you can consult reliable scrapbooking sites on the net. If in case you have started a scrapbooking project, you will agree that your first page is the hardest. Nonetheless, it is worth the endeavor. If you are new to scrapbooking, you are susceptible to committing mistakes that can ruin all your effort and determination. To guide you in doing the right thing, scrapbooking references and sources can guide you pretty well.

According to some scrapbooking sites, there are some mistakes that need to be avoided. These mistakes are fatal. To preclude you from doing same mistakes, you must know them by heart before you start a project.

MISTAKES

Mistake #1
Overwhelmed by Pictures
If so many pictures are placed in front of you, the tendency is to be confused or worst fret. This should not be the case. The key factor is organization. Get your photos organized and available without difficulty. You can organize the pictures chronologically. You can start from infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood. This way you will leave no stones unturned at the same time, you will not easily be baffled.

Mistake #2
Over-cropping

Cropping is the manner of resizing photos to make it smaller or more focal. Nonetheless, you must not crop anything that is interesting to your concept. Let your creativity flow. You can crop to achieve a silhouette look or to put emphasis on a given matter. Just a word of caution, never cut Polaroid pictures because they will deteriorate or fall apart when you do so. Over-cropping or abundance of photos loses emphasis and control.

Mistake #3
Using horrific albums

There are so many albums available in the market. There are the 3 ring binder albums, strap-bound, spiral bound albums and the expandable strap-bound albums. Choosing an album is like choosing your dress. It reflects your likes and dislikes. Moreover, all the aspects – from the materials, colors, layouts, methods, embellishments and the like must be considered to give the scrapbook a touch of sophistication. Be sure to get the album that will best boost your scrapbook project.

Mistake #4
Buying Over-priced scrapbooking supplies

You might be a victim of overpricing. Shop around. There are overwhelming supplies in the market. Some are expensive, others not. You can choose discount scrapbooking supplies to save a hefty savings. Price is not the factor to consider in buying supplies, it is the quality.

Before you purchase supplies, know first your ‘needs’ from ‘wants’. Prioritize the former from the latter. Moreover, there are supplies that you need not purchase.

Mistake #5
Staying Clueless

Scrapbooking is a dynamic realm. Hence, trends change and concepts evolve. Even your choices do change, furthermore you have to keep yourself abreast of what’s hot or new. You can get information from your scrapbooking buddies or from magazines and websites about scrapbooking.

Scrapbooking Source

You can turn to scrapbooking books, magazines, books and websites to gain knowledge about your newfound hobby. Here is a list of reliable scrapbooking companies:

1. Best Scrapbooking Sites

2. About

3. Scrapbook Super Center

4. Scrapbook

5. Create For Less

6. Scrapbook Pal

7. KT Craftsscrap Bookshop

8. Crafts Products Australia

9. Creative Scrapbooking

10. Creative Memories

11. A Lifetime of Memories

12. The Mad Crafter

13. Remember Me Scrapbooking

14. Ultimate Scrapbook Page

15. Scrapbooking Resource Center

There are so many sources on scrapbooking. All you have to do is to search for them to be benefited by their wisdom about the craft. The aspects in scrapbooking that come into play must be considered and dealt with to complement your project. Shun mistakes from recurring!

Free Scrapbooking Layouts

Free Scrapbooking Layouts for All Types of Scrapbooks




One of the hardest challenges you have to encounter when you are making any type of scrapbook is creating different layouts one after another. Yes, you simply run out of ideas on how to make each page unique and the tendency is, as you add more pages, you develop a certain arrangement of pattern layouts. And this of course makes your scrapbook boring and predictable.

To ensure you avoid scrapbook monotony from happening, here are several scrapbook layout ideas you may want to add on your existing ideas on your mind.

·  Work on the background
There are thousands of backgrounds you can use as a layout. All you have to do is pick one. But in the event that you are working on few backgrounds, then it is time for you to improvise. Remove some details and add something different.

·  Work on the design
If you are working on one background for your entire scrapbook, the best way to make each page different from another is by working on the design. Normally, a scrapbook page would include a photo(s), text, letter cut outs, and embellishments. You can rearrange all these to create a new and unique page. You can also use varieties of embellishments on each page. Use every part of the page. This means, you can always decide where to place important things on each page. For example, on the first page, the picture is located at the middle. Then on second, you can bring the photo on the upper left corner of the page. Then on the next, you can the other side of the page… and so forth.

·  Start with a blank
The best way to create a unique page is to start with nothing and work your way from there. A blank page would certainly open endless possibilities for design. And these endless possibilities would come up different every time you start working on it.

·  Use color combination
Colors can be used to enhance the image of the scrapbook while using them in different ways would create an entirely different page. Use different color combination to make each page stand out.

·  Use different arrangements
One each page of the scrapbook, make sure you arrange all the elements differently. Ask yourself: where to place the pictures; where to put the captions; what color should I use; what shape would work best; and what materials can be used?” These questions will lead you to anticipation every time you lift the pages.

·  Use events
Take advantage of the events you want to highlight. For example, the page you will work on is for the birthday celebration or a summer outing. Use materials that are relation to these events. For birthday celebration, you may want to add the inflated balloons or invitation together with the photos. For summer outings, you may want to glue some sands and things found at the beach or resort you went. The thing is, if you are making a page for a certain event, there are always enough ways to highlight them by using materials related to them.

·  Get inspiration
If you want to get inspiration, you may want to consult the things around you. The flowers and plants at the garden, the houses around your neighborhood, the trees at your backyard, the sun setting at the horizon, the lake near you, the sights you have seen while you travel, and so forth. These things will surely give you enough inspiration to create and finish unique scrapbook layouts.

If these things do not work, there is another way… search for layouts on the internet.

There are thousands of scrapbook layouts on the internet that you can adapt. Look for certain theme that would work best in your imagination and expand from there. The internet can offer several types of scrapbook templates you can also adapt. These templates are printable but you can always make a version of your own, using the materials you have.

Each scrapbook is different and so as its pages. Using your imagination, creativity and all these mentioned above will give you page after page variety.

Free Scrapbooking Layout

Samples of Free Scrapbooking Layout Plans





Scrapbooking is no longer the simple collection of magazine cutouts which we happen to find interesting. Or the bare collection of photos with minimal designs bounded together in a book.

In fact, this hobby has already become a craze and believe it or not, its popularity has exceeded golf. At a conservative measure, there are four scrapbookers in every American family while there are only three golfers who could play golf in each household.

Its popularity was added by multi-level marketing enterprises, which seemed to have raised the overwhelming collections of scrapbooking materials. Add to this the fact the myriad of collectors and vendors who seem to have their entire lives with scrapbooking.

While it already has evolved into a pool of vendors, collectors, traders and buyers we should still have to trace back the origin of scrapbooking.

It of course has started as a hobby. But with entrepreneurs seeing the lucrative prospects from scrapbooking, many has now toughed the tides and made this a billion dollar industry.

From scrapbooking product designs to product selling. From scrapbooking softwares to the nitti-gritties like charms, stickers, stick-ons and everything in between, there surely is some place for tactics that would help better the industry. And that including the free bees that we normally get from the web.

Well, the free scrapbooking layouts here that we are talking about are not the exact layouts that you would use step by step. Instead, we have prepared free scrapbooking layout plans that will contribute largely with the development of your craft and your own style. After all, scrapbooking is one good way for your personality to radiate.

Here are the following layout plans:

The newspaper style
One of the most obvious mediums by which we can see effective layouting are from the newspapers. There no boundaries in making the layouts for your scrapbooking, anything and everything is possible. Now if you would want to layout your family pictures or personal photos in tabloid form, you may choose to lay them on columns. Just like the ones you see posted in tabloids. Birthdays, weddings an sporting events all fit well in this type of formatting. For optimized results, you may use an old English font for the script and Times New Roman for the titles.

Try the handprints
This works best with an album for your child. You may trace his hand print or his foot print and do whatever that pleases you. You may have it traced on the cardstock or the paper itself. For an alternative, you may mount a picture of your child on any traced medium and make use of the area around the page.

Use the rub on transfer technique
Rub-ons for long, had been the favorite among both amateur and veteran scrappers. They create pretty effects that make layouts extra special. There are plenty of ways for which you may use rub-ons. The most common of which is to apply them on the cardstock, photos or any sort of papers, may it be patterned or plain.

Rub-ons need some learning curve. It might even take time before you master the technique. They come in helpful tools though like a rubbing would for easy design transfer. However, once you have mastered the craft, you would be able to use it even to trickier mediums like ribbons, glass, mesh, and ribbons. Please assure to it that when doing the techniques on these materials, the rub-ons are adhesive enough so as to create better effects.

Chalk solutions for your scrapbooking layouts
Texture, color and dimension…that are what chalks do. chalks appeal to most surfaces especially those that are paper-based so there really is no problem when using chalks. The soft color that they add makes baby albums a bit more babyish and solemn albums a bit more solemn. Somehow, chalks intensifies that concept in ways that cant be doe with any other medium.

However using chalks would mean that you have to prepare for messy works. Nevertheless, it's all worth it.

There. Now you have more ideas from our free scrapbooking layout designs. They can be combined with other techniques to complement for the concepts and for intensifying the design on minimal degree or to make them as the general idea for your layout concepts.