Jill says:
I had a friend ask this morning if I had any tips about taking photos for the year and keeping/making a mini album. Thanks for the inspiration to create this post, Margaret.
The first thing I would say is "Keep it simple". If you have a busy life, you will definitely drop this project if it's too fussy when life moves up a notch. Simple photos, simple recording and simple album.
Here's what else I found that works:
1. Purchase an inexpensive 1 month to an opening diary in A4 size to record the days you took the photo and any journalling you might want to remember. Leave it open somewhere prominent so you will write in it. This saves time at the end of the month or whenever you get a chance to get ready to put it into paper form.
2. ATC pockets are great for this. They are inexpensive to buy, you can keep them in an inexpensive but attractive ring binder from an office shop (rather than an expensive scrapbooking album), there isn't much area to scrap so it doesn't allow you to "over" create (back to the keeping it simple idea), there is ample room on the reverse of the card for journalling (they are 3 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches) and due to the size of the pockets you can save money by mixing and matching papers and using scraps. My album last year consisted totally of scraps.
3. Keep your Lifescrap digital photos organised in a monthly folder so they are easier to print out and keep track of.
4. Take your camera with you at all times. If your phone has a camera, use that or make a point of taking your camera. Try to see things from a different perspective or give the camera to someone else to take the photos. Take photos of things you normally wouldn't take photos of: coffee shop signs, menus, the road, road signs, medicines, the washing from underneath or in the basket or machine, sports equipment, kids drawings, etc. To get some more ideas for photos look at our monthly posts of our finished product from 2010.
5. In saying that, it doesn't always have to be a photo. Use whatever you have: clothing labels, movie or show tickets, sticky notes your family has written, love notes, school notes, the list really is endless.
6. Dont' be afraid to mix it up. If it's not inspiring you, change it no matter where you are at in the year. Better to be mixing it up than to be uninspired and have it as a drag or another project that is unfinished.
This blog holds many more ideas and tips, starting from it's inception in January, 2010. Have a read over the posts from last year and if you get stuck, come back and look some more.
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Monday, December 13, 2010
Jill says:
An interesting thing happened in November. Usually I would purposely make a point of taking some photos specifically for Lifescrap. In the month of November, I didn't take any photos 'specifically' for November. I was a little concerned that I would have to wing it on quite a few, thinking I wouldn't have taken enough photos on different days. As it turns out, I had more than enough and actually had to choose to leave some photos out. So here is my Lifescrap for the month of November.
I am also looking forward to our planning night tonight. Mel and I have some quite different ideas for where Lifescrap might take us next year. Tonight we are going to sit down and plan so we are ready to go on January 1. It's very exciting. I have already been practicing with what I am going to do and I might put up a snippet on my own blog to wet the appetite before January 1.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Where Lifescrap Takes Me
Jill says:
Thanks to a fantastic scrapping retreat, organised by http://www.scrapbookingwarehouse.com.au , I have pumped out two pages today. Only single layouts, admittedly. Two more than I have done on any other given day in November prior to the retreat. I thought I would post this one as I wanted to share how the photos of Lifescrap365 are proving to be very special memories. Originally, this photo was simply to record the day. It now is a record of my and my son's lengthy desire to plant sunflowers and it is also a record of that day when I really needed a pick me up and looked out into the garder and there was this little ray of sunshine shining back at me. Your photos don't always have to be of people or places to record your journey. Something as simple as a flower can be utilised to record passions, moments in time, thoughts, feelings, etc.
As I had been very busy and hadn't checked in with the blog for a while, I looked in today to check out Mel's October Lifescrap365. Sadly, it wasn't here. A quick text message to check if everything was ok uncovered a busy time for a lady who scraps for a living and is at present pumping out the pages with another goal in mind. She says she might have it up by December 31....Can you wait that long? I know I can't. Come on, Mel. Maybe just do half of what you usually do. It wouldn't matter what you did, I know I would be in awe of it.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Today's Adventure
Jill says:
Today we(Mel & I) took a 'creative trip' to Brisbane. We were home very close to midday so we took the rare opportunity to sit and enjoy lunch and some stimulating conversation.
We were talking about some things that have come about from us part-taking in our very own Lifescrap 365. For me, I have a simple style of scrapbooking. At times I like to do fancy stuff however mostly my scrapbooking style is simple, no fuss. I scrapbook to display my photos and to tell a story, with a little creativity. Don't get me wrong, I love the creative process of scrapbooking. I guess I just don't spend hours over designing and creating my pages. I mostly choose scrapbooking products by whether I like the look of them or not and to use Mel's old saying "Can I use it 5 times?". As for names of products etc, I leave that up to Mel. Usually I can explain how something looks and Mel can put a name to it.
Mel is very in touch with all the latest cool and funky scrapbooking supplies. She usually knows about them before anyone else I know. She stays connected to the main trend leaders in scrapbooking and she has a real passion for everything scrapbooking. It's usually Mel who introduces me to products and at times I may have already seen them in magazines etc and Mel puts a name to them for me and shares with me her own spin on the product.
It is fantastic to be able to see things through other's eyes. I find it very inspirational to hear Mel's ideas and uses for products. She thinks outside the box. This kind of thinking inspires me to think outside the box also. Usually after a conversation with Mel, I have come away with a new use for something in my stash.
The example from today is using different sized album refills. I have over my time bought different sized albums for one project or another and inevitably there are always album refills left over. I have always thought that I can't use the leftover refills so they have sat in my cupboard collecting dust. After discussing Mel's Lifescrap album today and another project she is working on, I realised there are no rules about using only 12" x 12" album refills in a 12" x 12" album. I realised that I can also use other size album refills as well; 8.5" x 11", ATC's, anything really. And as Mel says, if it doesn't have the right holes, I can use an anywhere punch or crop-a-dile to put holes where I need them. I was thinking you could either keep all the different sized pages/refills together or you can mix them up and place them throughout the album (this would probably take a little more planning than I am used-but it's still an option). I do get a bit bored with always scrapping 12" x 12", hence my passion for scrapping "projects" like different sized albums for gifts and 'off the page' scrapping, just to spice it up a bit. My revelation for today is I can still mix it up and at the same time continue scrapping my photos in my own simple style.
Today we(Mel & I) took a 'creative trip' to Brisbane. We were home very close to midday so we took the rare opportunity to sit and enjoy lunch and some stimulating conversation.
We were talking about some things that have come about from us part-taking in our very own Lifescrap 365. For me, I have a simple style of scrapbooking. At times I like to do fancy stuff however mostly my scrapbooking style is simple, no fuss. I scrapbook to display my photos and to tell a story, with a little creativity. Don't get me wrong, I love the creative process of scrapbooking. I guess I just don't spend hours over designing and creating my pages. I mostly choose scrapbooking products by whether I like the look of them or not and to use Mel's old saying "Can I use it 5 times?". As for names of products etc, I leave that up to Mel. Usually I can explain how something looks and Mel can put a name to it.
Mel is very in touch with all the latest cool and funky scrapbooking supplies. She usually knows about them before anyone else I know. She stays connected to the main trend leaders in scrapbooking and she has a real passion for everything scrapbooking. It's usually Mel who introduces me to products and at times I may have already seen them in magazines etc and Mel puts a name to them for me and shares with me her own spin on the product.
It is fantastic to be able to see things through other's eyes. I find it very inspirational to hear Mel's ideas and uses for products. She thinks outside the box. This kind of thinking inspires me to think outside the box also. Usually after a conversation with Mel, I have come away with a new use for something in my stash.
The example from today is using different sized album refills. I have over my time bought different sized albums for one project or another and inevitably there are always album refills left over. I have always thought that I can't use the leftover refills so they have sat in my cupboard collecting dust. After discussing Mel's Lifescrap album today and another project she is working on, I realised there are no rules about using only 12" x 12" album refills in a 12" x 12" album. I realised that I can also use other size album refills as well; 8.5" x 11", ATC's, anything really. And as Mel says, if it doesn't have the right holes, I can use an anywhere punch or crop-a-dile to put holes where I need them. I was thinking you could either keep all the different sized pages/refills together or you can mix them up and place them throughout the album (this would probably take a little more planning than I am used-but it's still an option). I do get a bit bored with always scrapping 12" x 12", hence my passion for scrapping "projects" like different sized albums for gifts and 'off the page' scrapping, just to spice it up a bit. My revelation for today is I can still mix it up and at the same time continue scrapping my photos in my own simple style.
Monday, May 10, 2010
The month of May in progress
Melissa says:
When the beginning of the month rolls around, I love to create an overall look. Not only does it make it easy to just add photos and journalling, but a massive timesaver when you can just reach for the same thing for a block of time. Here's a sneak peek at the process. Maybe it will help when it comes to planning your next project.
Step 1.
I like to choose 7 complimentary patterns or cardstock. They are sometimes from a collection but mostly they are a general mix of things I already have at home. I have found that 1 full sheet of each pattern is more than enough. 2 pieces of cardstock to flesh out the title pages completes the set.
Step 2.
Next I start looking in my scraps folders to find any of the papers or cardstock that I have previously used. Stickers and rub on's with numbers are essential when labelling the date and I have a set of acetate months that I am using all year.For me, stitching is a pre requisite, so I find the matching shades of DMC cotton and any embellishments that will compliment the colour grouping.
Step 3.
I take the time to cut all of the pieces I will need to fill the page protectors ear marked for the month. A cardstock base for the title and final page of the month and all of patterns are cut into journalling size rectangles to fit the ATC refills. This is where all of your scraps can start to be very handy.
Step 4.
I place all of the pre cut pieces in all of the sleeves, so I can move colours around and get the placement just the way I want it before I start any of the entries. Usually I like to get this done within the first few days of the month so it allows me no time to fall behind on taking a photo most days.
Step 5.
When I have done all of those things, I keep all of the supplies together for the entire month so I can quickly just grab, create and move on to something else. Great for dashing into my workroom to do a few minutes between hanging out the washing and mopping the floors.
When the beginning of the month rolls around, I love to create an overall look. Not only does it make it easy to just add photos and journalling, but a massive timesaver when you can just reach for the same thing for a block of time. Here's a sneak peek at the process. Maybe it will help when it comes to planning your next project.
Step 1.
I like to choose 7 complimentary patterns or cardstock. They are sometimes from a collection but mostly they are a general mix of things I already have at home. I have found that 1 full sheet of each pattern is more than enough. 2 pieces of cardstock to flesh out the title pages completes the set.
Step 2.
Next I start looking in my scraps folders to find any of the papers or cardstock that I have previously used. Stickers and rub on's with numbers are essential when labelling the date and I have a set of acetate months that I am using all year.For me, stitching is a pre requisite, so I find the matching shades of DMC cotton and any embellishments that will compliment the colour grouping.
Step 3.
I take the time to cut all of the pieces I will need to fill the page protectors ear marked for the month. A cardstock base for the title and final page of the month and all of patterns are cut into journalling size rectangles to fit the ATC refills. This is where all of your scraps can start to be very handy.
Step 4.I place all of the pre cut pieces in all of the sleeves, so I can move colours around and get the placement just the way I want it before I start any of the entries. Usually I like to get this done within the first few days of the month so it allows me no time to fall behind on taking a photo most days.
Step 5.
To keep track of the photo's I take every month, I have a cheap diary to keep important details in. Each day that I take a photo, I circle the date, write what the photo was as well as a quick bit of journalling. It's also a great place to keep a note of anything else I need to keep track of.
When I have done all of those things, I keep all of the supplies together for the entire month so I can quickly just grab, create and move on to something else. Great for dashing into my workroom to do a few minutes between hanging out the washing and mopping the floors.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Lovin' April
Melissa says:
When I look how Jill's April went, I'm reminded of something we said to each other all those months ago when Lifescrap first began. We loved the idea of documenting a whole year in the life scrapbook, but wanted to make it easy to keep up with and maintain. Despite a challenging month, we both managed to achieve great glimpses of day to day activites and create a legacy to treasure. So take a deep breath! Exhale! And embrace the final pages of my April!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
On Fire!
Jill says
Well, I think I am first up with my month to be completed for the first time in a long time. Not that it's a race or anything........it does feel nice to be all finished. It felt nice to reflect over the month that has been too and I noticed that the middle of the month was not really recorded (for reasons I shall not go into!). I loved getting my camera out for the last couple of shots and have fired off a few for May already. I have held onto my scrapbooking magazines since I started scrapping (which is 6 years now) and have been slowly going through them, cutting out the articles and layouts I love and decluttering. I have found loads of great articles on photography and some fantast ideas on layouts and embellishments. It has given me a huge inspirational boost.Thursday, April 29, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
On Top of it
Jill says:
On the home front, the health issues aren't as pressing as before and I have found that since the pressure is less, I have felt a heightened need to create. This morning I sat down and finished off March's Lifescrap365. Look, I even took a photo of it and have already posted it here! This month as I didn't have too much of an opportunity to carry my DSLR with me, I relied more on different media to tell my story. You'll see parts of a brochure for the craft expo, a cut out letterhead from an email, wrist bands from hospital (my son didn't want his photo taken with the tube in his nose-I guess a memory he didn't want to keep looking at forever and fair enough) and a clothing label. I even used my phone camera in the hospital because I had enough other stuff to cart in there, I didn't want the added responsibility of lugging my good camera. Ah! It definitely feels good to finish March's record of my goals.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Goodbye March
Melissa says:
There is one thing that became obvious this month. I was inspired by everything. From making a costume for my little man to cosy night in the lounge. I found that instead of my usual 2 ATC pages, it stretched and was filled so easily. Here are the first few photo's to inspire you to either start appreciat
ing the little things or get your lifescrap up to date.
ing the little things or get your lifescrap up to date.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
February at last!
Jill Says:
Well I do feel a bit slack. Lucky we made the rule that we can change things as we go along. I have certainly done that this month. I was very speedy for the start of Feb then I needed one photo which Mel had sent me (it was of her ear cos I needed her to listen to me a lot throughout Feb & March for that matter!). I had it and I didn't print it. I used the excuse that I was waiting to print out photos for March as I needed four photos to print out at one time. Well, tomorrow will be a scrap day to get March up to speed (not much done there either!) so I thought it best to finish Feb and print March photos at the same time. So I'm now finished Feb and on my way for March. It's amazing how little time and effort is required to get back on track. You just really need to decide to do it.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Melissa says:
Finally the month of February has been finally been put to bed. Sometimes it takes me a bit longer as I like to add my own personal touches to each of the journalling cards. Either stitching, rub on's and embellishments can make each month look so different.
I have March well and truly under way. My design was inspired by a few of my workmates interpretation of a kit we worked with recently.
Monday, March 8, 2010
International Women's Day
I'm not sure if you are aware that today is International Women's Day. I Googled the celebration to find out some more about this day so I could share it. Normally I would paste in the link, however it wouldn't work with this site. It's called "Only Kent-Breaking World News" and it claims that International Women's Day celebrates and recognises women's achievements in social, political and economic fields. It began in 1909 in the United States. The event faded in popularity between the 1930's and the 1960's due to the feminism movement and it's popularity.
This year, International Women's Day focuses on the women trying to escape armed conflict who are facing intimidation and violence.
Today I have taken a few moments to think of the women in my life who have or still do make a difference. The reason why I posted to this blog is because Mel, the other 'project manager' on this blog, has made a huge difference in my life. She motivates me, she inspires me, we laugh together, we share our tears with each other and we grow together. She is such an amazing person and I wanted to especially say thank you to her today even though she makes a difference in my life every day. Thanks Mel.
This year, International Women's Day focuses on the women trying to escape armed conflict who are facing intimidation and violence.
Today I have taken a few moments to think of the women in my life who have or still do make a difference. The reason why I posted to this blog is because Mel, the other 'project manager' on this blog, has made a huge difference in my life. She motivates me, she inspires me, we laugh together, we share our tears with each other and we grow together. She is such an amazing person and I wanted to especially say thank you to her today even though she makes a difference in my life every day. Thanks Mel.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Scrapbooking Styles
Today we scrapped together and after pouring over the pages of Elizabeth Kartchner's new book, 52 More Scrapbooking Challenges (you can see it here: http://elizabethkartchner.blogspot.com/), we decided we would like to write our own questionaire and post it on our blog to share more about our scrapbooking lives. So here is the Quiz and our answers. If you feel that way inclined, please put your answers in a comment and add them to our blog. We would love to read your responses:
1. How many scrapbook albums have you filled?
Mel says: 10, but I have 100's of layouts still waiting for albums. I need at least another 15.
Jill says: 20
2. The number of hours you would spend on average creating a double layout?
Mel says: Sometimes it can take me up to a week. Creating pages to inspire my students takes me time. I can't make it too easy for them or they wouldn't need me to teach them new techniques.
Jill says: 2-3 hrs
3. Where does your inspiration mostly come from?
Mel says: The product calls to me from the shelves when I'm suppose to be working and Elizabeth Kartchner's blog is my daily inspiration starter.
Jill says: A toss up between chatting with Mel and magazines (sometimes at the same time!)
4. What is your favourite accompaniment to scrapping? e.g. chocolate, listening to Robbie Williams, etc
Mel says: I love to play my favourite Dvd's when I'm scrapping on my own. True Blood is my guilty pleasure.
Jill says: My friends, Mel and Sandra
5. How old is the oldest piece of scrapbooking embellishment still in your stash and what is it?
Mel says: I first bought a coluzzle cutting system nearly 10 years ago and I still use it occassionally.
Jill says: When I first started scrapping I bought some bright blue letter stickers and I still have them six years later, used a little but still there!
6. What would you say are your 3 most used tools?
Mel says: Edge distresser, sanding block and paper piercer.
Jill says: Paper trimmer, paint brush and cutting mat
7. If you were to describe your scrapbooking style, how would you describe it?(30 words or less)
Mel says: Symetrically distressed with hand stitched elements.
Jill says: Clean lines and simple design
8. What is the thing you dislike experiencing the most when you are scrapping? e.g. dogs barking, loud music, etc
Mel says: People knocking on my front door. I have been known to close it, so it looks like I'm not home.
Jill says: Let me start off by saying I love my child dearly. I do find it hard to be creative when I am constantly hearing my name "mum......." "mum......." You know how it goes. I cannot stay in my creative zone when I hear this.
9. When do you "pack away" your supplies that you have got out to use on a layout/project?
a) as you go
b) after you have finished the page/project
c) "pack away", what do you mean?
d) other, please explain..............................................................
Mel says: d) I clean up at the start of every day, usually as Griffin is getting ready for school, so I can yell across the hallway to tell him to hurry up. I'm a multi - tasker!!!
Jill says: b) I like to have a clean desk to start my next page/project
10. In regards to alphabets, what do you like to use the most:
a) Stamps
b) Chipboard
c) Stickers
d) Rub-ons
e) A combination of 2 or more
Mel says: Chipboard, but always mix the fonts because I'm always out a particular letter.
Jill says: I would have to say chipboard and soon this will translate to using my Pazzle machine (when I am the full box and dice on how to use it).
11. Who is your biggest fan when it comes to your scrapbooking?
Mel says: I would have to say my students at Scrapbooks Etc are. I get a kick out of the fuss they make when they see a layout I created for the first time.
Jill says: Me! And only me! Glad I don't do it for anyone else.
12. What's the latest or earliest time you have found yourself scrapbooking and breifly explain?
Mel says: Being a night owl, anytime is a good time.
Jill says: 3.30 am. I was at a retreat and someone in our cabin was snoring very loudly and I couldn't sleep. So I went up to the hall and started scrapping. Next thing you know it's 3.30 am.
13. What is your favourite technique?
Mel says: Hand stitching with embroidery cotton.
Jill says: Ripping
14. What is your favourite supply at the moment?
Mel says: I just bought a set of Nestabilities Classic scalloped circles today. When I got to work it will be something else.
Jill says: Acrylic stamps
1. How many scrapbook albums have you filled?
Mel says: 10, but I have 100's of layouts still waiting for albums. I need at least another 15.
Jill says: 20
2. The number of hours you would spend on average creating a double layout?
Mel says: Sometimes it can take me up to a week. Creating pages to inspire my students takes me time. I can't make it too easy for them or they wouldn't need me to teach them new techniques.
Jill says: 2-3 hrs
3. Where does your inspiration mostly come from?
Mel says: The product calls to me from the shelves when I'm suppose to be working and Elizabeth Kartchner's blog is my daily inspiration starter.
Jill says: A toss up between chatting with Mel and magazines (sometimes at the same time!)
4. What is your favourite accompaniment to scrapping? e.g. chocolate, listening to Robbie Williams, etc
Mel says: I love to play my favourite Dvd's when I'm scrapping on my own. True Blood is my guilty pleasure.
Jill says: My friends, Mel and Sandra
5. How old is the oldest piece of scrapbooking embellishment still in your stash and what is it?
Mel says: I first bought a coluzzle cutting system nearly 10 years ago and I still use it occassionally.
Jill says: When I first started scrapping I bought some bright blue letter stickers and I still have them six years later, used a little but still there!
6. What would you say are your 3 most used tools?
Mel says: Edge distresser, sanding block and paper piercer.
Jill says: Paper trimmer, paint brush and cutting mat
7. If you were to describe your scrapbooking style, how would you describe it?(30 words or less)
Mel says: Symetrically distressed with hand stitched elements.
Jill says: Clean lines and simple design
8. What is the thing you dislike experiencing the most when you are scrapping? e.g. dogs barking, loud music, etc
Mel says: People knocking on my front door. I have been known to close it, so it looks like I'm not home.
Jill says: Let me start off by saying I love my child dearly. I do find it hard to be creative when I am constantly hearing my name "mum......." "mum......." You know how it goes. I cannot stay in my creative zone when I hear this.
9. When do you "pack away" your supplies that you have got out to use on a layout/project?
a) as you go
b) after you have finished the page/project
c) "pack away", what do you mean?
d) other, please explain..............................................................
Mel says: d) I clean up at the start of every day, usually as Griffin is getting ready for school, so I can yell across the hallway to tell him to hurry up. I'm a multi - tasker!!!
Jill says: b) I like to have a clean desk to start my next page/project
10. In regards to alphabets, what do you like to use the most:
a) Stamps
b) Chipboard
c) Stickers
d) Rub-ons
e) A combination of 2 or more
Mel says: Chipboard, but always mix the fonts because I'm always out a particular letter.
Jill says: I would have to say chipboard and soon this will translate to using my Pazzle machine (when I am the full box and dice on how to use it).
11. Who is your biggest fan when it comes to your scrapbooking?
Mel says: I would have to say my students at Scrapbooks Etc are. I get a kick out of the fuss they make when they see a layout I created for the first time.
Jill says: Me! And only me! Glad I don't do it for anyone else.
12. What's the latest or earliest time you have found yourself scrapbooking and breifly explain?
Mel says: Being a night owl, anytime is a good time.
Jill says: 3.30 am. I was at a retreat and someone in our cabin was snoring very loudly and I couldn't sleep. So I went up to the hall and started scrapping. Next thing you know it's 3.30 am.
13. What is your favourite technique?
Mel says: Hand stitching with embroidery cotton.
Jill says: Ripping
14. What is your favourite supply at the moment?
Mel says: I just bought a set of Nestabilities Classic scalloped circles today. When I got to work it will be something else.
Jill says: Acrylic stamps
Friday, January 22, 2010
Yesterday
Jill says:
Well, Mel sent me a message this morning pointing out to me that yesterday was the first time since the inception of this idea that we hadn't in some way discussed it. There was also some texting about how our inspiration and motivation was just as enthusiastic with both of us taking some steps toward documenting our achievements.
I spent some time networking my own personal blog and making a post or two. I also began my visionboard and posted my goals up for the world to see. It felt good to do that; I was proud to shout my goals to the world because I feel ever so confident, whatever happens, it's going to be a pretty darn good year!
What did you do for your life scrap 365 challenge?
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