:REVIEW: PageMaps by Becky Fleck

I don't always use sketches when scrapbooking, but sometimes they can be just the boost of inspiration needed when in a rut or simply to help a busy scrapper who's short on time.

When it comes to sketches, Becky Fleck has been a long-time favorite. I was lucky enough to have one of my layouts featured in her PageMaps newsletter last June and have featured several more of my layouts created from her sketches on this blog in the past.

So, I have to say that I was pretty excited when I found out that she was coming out with a book - Scrapbook Page Maps: Sketches For Creative Layouts.

The book is divided into four chapters:

1 - Using Sketches & Making Them Your Own
2 - The Versatility of Sketches
3 - One Sketch, Three Ways
4 - From Simple to Savvy

In this book there are 60 sketches featured in 5 common scrapbook layout sizes:

8 1/2 x 11 vertical
8 1/2 x 11 horizontal
8 1/2 x 11 double
12 x 12
12 x 12 double

Every sketch has at least 2-3 very unique examples - with totals up to a whopping 144 inspiring layouts in a wide variety of sizes and styles!

The book includes many layouts by Becky herself, but also features the talented work of 14 other contributors as well: Marla Kress, Mindy Bush, Tiffany Tillman, Judi Vanvalkinburgh, Denine Zielinski, Shawna Martinez, Amy Goldstein, Dawn Inskip, Kim Kesti, Patti Milazzo, Becky Heisler, Sheredian Vickers, Vicki Harvey, and Connie Petertonjes.

You can tell that Becky really does admire her designers. Each layout is accompanied by a commentary from her about how it is unique and highlights any special elements or techniques that deserve a little more attention.

There are also a few other fun little features in this book. Eye spy's call attention to creative little details on layout that really help it to stand out in the crowd. Tips come from the artists to help you create more successful layouts. Give it a try's are step-by-step instructions of how to achieve some of the techniques featured in the book. There are over four dozen of these three features throughout the book.

Last, but certainly not least, the book comes with a deck of sketch cards! The laminated cards featuring each of the sketches in the book are ready to be popped out and put into the box (also included and super easy to assemble). The sketch box is PERFECT for taking to crops or anytime you need a little on-the-go inspiration!!

MY RATING:
5 STARS!!

YOUR RATING:
??? I am always curious and open to hearing the opinions of others. If you own or have read this book, please feel free to share your opinion of it in the comments below.

WANT TO READ MORE OR PURCHASE?
Visit the Scrapbook Page Maps: Sketches For Creative Layouts page at Amazon.com. You can also read more of my reviews for other recommendations.

Upcoming Review:
Computer Tricks for Scrapbooking 2 by Jessica Sprague

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: A Page Out of Life by Kathleen Reid

REVIEW:
For almost all my life I've loved reading novels and for quite a few years now I've loved scrapbooking, but a novel about scrapbooking? I wasn't so sure...

Then I read A Page Out of Life by Kathleen Reid. It is a great book! The main premise of the book isn't about scrapbooking itself, but more so about the way that this wonderful hobby can truly bring people together and how these friendships and the creative release that scrapbooking can bring can help a person through some of the toughest times.

The novel focuses on several women which are part of a weekly scrapbooking group and the joys and sorrows of their everyday lives. I really found the characters the Reid developed to be very unique and complex in their own right, but yet could totally see the hobby of scrapbooking bonding these very different women together.

I also found myself really relating to some of the women depicted in this well-written novel. This book would be a great gift for any of the scrappers in your life...but don't forget to pick one up for yourself as well!

GIVEAWAY:
Before you rush out and buy a copy, you might just want to read a bit further.

I have four brand new copies of A Page Out of Life to give away!! Yes, FOUR! So, over the next few weeks, I am going to be holding drawings using the Random Integer Generator and sending out one copy to four lucky recipients.

To enter for your first chance to win, simply leave a comment below answering the following question:

How has scrapbooking enhanced the relationships in your life, either existing or new?

Only one answer per person please. But if you'd like a way to double your chances to win, make a post to your blog about this giveaway (be sure to give them the link to this post and leave a separate comment here with a link to that post. Don't have a blog? You could also post a new thread in your favorite scrapbooking message board and do the same.

I will except new comments through Wednesday, June 4th at 11:59 p.m. CST and the first random winner will be announced on Thursday. Be sure to check back for the announcement!

REVIEW: The Designing with Recipe Book by Autumn Leaves

If you're the type of person who loves to cook with recipes, I'll bet that you'll also love The Designing with Recipe Book by Autumn Leaves. It offers the ingredients and preparation instructions for a great layout EVERY time...no guess work involved here!

The book contains 6 chapters based on the number of photos you wish to include in your entree (aka 'layout'):

Chapter 1 - One Photo Layouts
Chapter 2 - Two Photo Layouts
Chapter 3 - Three Photo Layouts
Chapter 4 - Four Photo Layouts
Chapter 5 - Five Photo Layouts

I bet you caught the pattern there. :-) And for those of you that just love scrapping up a storm with a ton of ingrediants -

Chapter 6 - Multi-Photo Layouts

In the final chapter, there are layouts with as many as 15 photos!!

Throughout each chapter, the examples come with four basic componants:

1. a sketch of the layout
2. a beautiful example from one of the 11 very talented scrap artists featured in this book (see list of artists below)
3. details on any special techniques used on the sample layout
4. and finally, a detailed 'recipe' which acts as a guide in explaining the process of creating the layout in easy to follow steps

At the end of each chapter, there is also a 'bonus' layout with a recipes for two variations. It's always nice to see how the same sketch or recipe can be tweaked and modified in creative ways to have a completely unique look.

The book includes work from the following amazing artists: Cathy Blackstone, Emily Falconbridge, Jackie Bonette, Jennifer McGuire, Kelli Crowe, Leslie Lightfoot, Lisa Russo, Margie Scherschligt, Mellette Berezoski, Robyn Werlich, and Tia Bennett.

In all, there are 93 layouts - some traditional, some hybrid and some entirely digital...and all inspiring!

MY RATING:
4 STARS

YOUR RATING:
??? I am always curious and open to hearing the opinions of others. If you own or have read this book, please feel free to share your opinion of it in the comments below.

WANT TO PURCHASE?
Visit the The Designing with Recipe Book by Autumn Leaves page at Scrapbook.com (not available at Amazon). You can also read more of my reviews for other recommendations.

Upcoming Review:

Scrapbook Page Maps: Sketches For Creative Layouts by Becky Fleck

REVIEW: Scrapbook Max! Digital Scrapbooking Software

I was recently asked to review the digital scrapbooking software called "Scrapbook Max!" by Indigo Rose Software Design Corp.

I am not a digital scrapbooker - hybrid certainly, but not digital. I have been collecting beautiful free digital kits from various online sources for a couple years now, but still haven't made the switch to pure digital.

So, even though I'm not a digi scrapper, I am always interested in the software and technology and software available to scrapbookers. I wasn't sure what to expect of Scrapbook Max!, but was pleasantly surprised by its abilities.

The installation was SUPER simple - just put in the CD and within a few minutes the software is installed and a short video tutorial gives you the basics of operation. This software is very user friendly - no big learning curve here.

As I said before, I'm not a digi scrapper, but within 20 minutes of popping in the CD for installation, I had created this layout:

The software comes with numerous pre-designed scrapbook templates and hundreds of additional backgrounds and embellishments. At first glance, I didn't really care for the layout of many of the pre-designed templates, but all elements are fully customizable and require a simple drag-and-drop to move them around to more pleasing arrangements. Elements can also be easily added and deleted to produce truly unique creations.

Another great thing - if you use up the templates and elements provided or just want to try something new, you can use any of your saved digital kit elements by simply dragging them from their file on your computer to the layout window and presto...new backgrounds and elements! I made the following layout in just a few minutes using a free kit called "Echoes of Asia" by Jessica Sprague that I downloaded sometime last year:

Your creations can be shared in numerous ways in just a few clicks by converting scrapbooks to jpeg images, photo CD, PDF documents and more. You can also add music to personalize your scrapbooks even more.

Do I like this software? YES!

Am I likely to switch completely over to digital? Probably not...

Even though I certainly see the benefits of digital scrapbooking (less space required, less mess, easier sharing), for me there is just something about have pictures and product in hand and the act of physically moving them around a page that has yet to lose its attraction and fascination for me.

However, if you're someone who's just getting started with this wonderful hobby or an old paper pro for whom the draw of digital is undeniable (and their are many of you out there), Scrapbook Max! is definitely a great program with which to start! It will have you up and running and creating beautiful layouts and complete scrapbooks within minutes!

If you interested in learning more about Scrapbook Max! or would like to give their free trial a whirl, you can visit their website here.

Five photography books on my Amazon wishlist...

As a result of having a child and obtaining this obsession with scrapbooking, a natural result (at least I tell myself it's natural) is that I have a growing interest in improving my photography.

I have read several photography-related books in the past couple of years, yet, somehow, my Amazon.com wishlist keeps getting longer instead of shorter!!

Here are 5 photography books currently on my wishlist:

1. Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera by Bryan Peterson - Exposure is something I can definitely say that have do not really have a good handle on...I usually just let my camera choose, so I'd like to learn more and from what I've heard, this book is a great guide.
   
2. Professional Children's Portrait Photography: Techniques and Images from Master Photographers by Lou Jacobs - "Blending advice with example images, this guidebook marshals the wisdom and experience of 15 seasoned professionals to present a comprehensive resource on one of the most challenging subfields in the portrait-photography genre." (taken from Amazon.com book description) All I know is that photographing Kaitlin can certainly be challenging sometimes and any pro tips would be great!
   
3. Complete Digital Photography, Fourth Edition by Ben Long - I've been shooting digital for quite some time, but I have been letting my camera do most the work. From the description and reviews, I am hoping that this book could help me to step over into the manual world a little more comfortably.
   
4. Capture the Portrait: How to Create Great Digital Photos by Jenni Bidner - This book isn't even released yet, but I liked the cover (yes, I tend to be a cover judger...sorry), so I'll be watching Amazon for more details in the future.
   
5. The Moment It Clicks: Photography secrets from one of the world's top shooters by Joe McNally - "The first book with one foot on the coffee table, and one foot in the classroom." (taken from Amazon.com book description) What can I say...I LOVE book with pretty pictures. It also helps that this book comes highly recommended by Scott Kelby, whose books I love.

If any of you have or have read any of these books, I would love to hear your opinion on them. Should they stay on my wishlist? Do you have others that you would recommend in addition to these or instead of any the above listed books??

Here are a few photography-related books I have reviewed on this blog in the past:

1. The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby


2. Photo Idea Index by Jim Krause


3. Expressions: Taking Extraordinary Photos for Your Scrapbooks and Memory Art by Allison Tyler Jones

Here are a couple photography-related books that I have on my book shelf from before my reviewing days:

1. Photographing Children and Babies: How to Take Great Pictures by Michal Heron


2. Creating Keepsakes: Photography for Scrapbookers by Tracy White

Note on Amazon.com preorders: You might have noticed that I listed a book above that isn't even available yet and wanted to make sure that you were aware of one VERY neat feature at Amazon.com. Another way to save even more money by buying your books through Amazon.com is to PREORDER your books through Amazon.com. On most preorder books, you will see a "Special Offers Available" link just below the price info. The special offer is that if you preorder the book, you will receive an additional 5% off at checkout. Also, if the Amazon.com price decreases between your order time and release date, you'll receive the lowest price as well as the 5% pre-order discount. Pretty good deal, I'd say!

REVIEW: Paper + Pixels: Scrapbook Layouts by May Flaum and Audrey Neal

Even though I do use my computer to edit my photos, type my journaling and create an custom embellishment now and then, I really still considered myself a 'traditional' paper scrapper.

May Flaum and Audrey Neal's Paper + Pixels: Scrapbook Layouts has really made me realize that I really am a hybrid scrapbooker.

They define hybrid scrapbooking as:

"...using your computer software (whether its a word processing program, photo editing software or a full-out graphic design program) to create some aspect of your page design."

By this definition, there is no mistaking that I am, in fact, a hybrid scrapbooker!

This book starts out with "Getting Started: Technology + Materials" so that you know what's needed if you're just getting started with adding hybrid elements to your layouts.

From there, the book is divided into 4 parts:

1) Photos
2) Text
3) Paper
4) Embellishments

Each of these parts includes five lessons on how to incorporate hybrid techniques into your scrapbooking at a variety of levels - beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

The only two programs used in this book are Microsoft Word and Photoshop Elements, which proves that you don't need a bunch of fancy software to create some amazing effects. As I said in my intro, I have often created journaling blocks and such and thought I knew my way around Word pretty well, but even I learned some new tricks from this book that I will be trying out soon!!

The book wraps up with a beautiful gallery of layouts showing variations of the techniques outlined in the book.

There are 64 layouts in the book and that might initially seem light for an idea book, but the book has detailed, step-by-step instructions that guide the reader through the entire process to create some wonderful results to enhance their layouts.

The layouts within the lessons are all by the authors, but the gallery includes layouts by several other very talented artists - Linda Barber, Angela Daniels, Caroline Ikeji, Amy Martin, Wendy McKeehan, Jennifer Olson, Cathy Pascual, Katrina Simeck, Kathleen Summers.

Want to know the BEST thing about this book??

It comes with a CD that holds 10 digital scrapbooking kits and 2 digital layout template kits!!! And, they are beautiful!! A great way to get started and try the techniques in this book!

MY RATING:
4 1/2 STARS

YOUR RATING:
??? I am always curious and open to hearing the opinions of others. If you own or have read this book, please feel free to share your opinion of it in the comments below.

WANT TO READ MORE AND/OR PURCHASE?
Visit the Paper + Pixels: Scrapbook Layouts page on Amazon.com to read other reviewers opinions and find out more about the book. You can also read more of my reviews or visit my aStore for other recommendations.

Upcoming Review:
The Designing with Recipe Book by Autumn Leaves

New items up for grabs in eBay store

Just listed some recent scrapbooking back issues (Creating Keepsakes, Digital Scrapbooking, Memory Makers, Paper Crafts, Scrapbooks, etc., Scrapbook Trends, and Scrapbooking & Cards Today) as well as some Creating Keepsakes special issues and idea books in my eBay store...some really great inspiration at can't miss prices!! Check 'em out!

My eBay Store

REVIEW: Scrap Simple: Using Minimal Design to Create Beautiful Scrapbook Pages

I have been admiring Hillary Heidelberg's scrapbooking style for quite some time and was not surprised when she was chosen as a Memory Makers Master for 2007.

So, when I found out about Hillary's book, Scrap Simple: Using Minimal Design to Create Beautiful Scrapbook Pages, scheduled to come out, I added it to my wish list right away.

The book is divided into 6 chapters:

1) Creating with Cardstock
2) Incorporating Patterned Paper
3) Adding Embellishments
4) Creating 2-page Layouts
5) Test as a Design Element
6) Utilizing White Space

There are over 100 fab layouts included within this book from Hilary and five other very talented contributors - Severine di Giacomo, Tracey Odachowski, Nichole Pereira, Amanda Probst, and Celeste Smith.

There are single photo and mulit-photo layouts in 12 x 12 and 8 1/2 x 11's. Hillary focuses on the craft of scrapbooking in a way that is liberating. One does not need to use a plethora of embellishments to create a stunning and memorable layout. My favorite piece of advice from this book is to focus on 'open-ended' or 'basic' embellishments rather than themed as themed can actually be very limited in their uses.

I also love the general designs of Hillary and the other contributors to this book. I found myself making sketch after sketch in my idea binder after the wonderfully inspiring designs.

MY RATING:
5 STARS

YOUR RATING:???
I am always curious and open to hearing the opinions of others. If you own or have read this book, please feel free to share your opinion of it in the comments below.

WANT TO READ MORE AND/OR PURCHASE?
Visit the Scrap Simple: Using Minimal Design to Create Beautiful Scrapbook Pages, page on Amazon.com to read other reviewers opinions and find out more about the book. You can also read more of my reviews or visit my aStore for other recommendations.

Upcoming Review:
Paper + Pixels: Scrapbook Layouts by May Flaum and Audrey Neal

5 NEW Scrapbooking Idea Books

This should come as no surprise to any of you...I'm as addicted to scrapbooking idea books as I am to scrapbooking (maybe even more!).

Here are some sneak peaks at a few idea books coming out later this year that I am quite excited about:

1. Show It Off!: Scrapbook Pages And Projects To Display by Memory Makers


2. Scrapbook Page Maps: Sketches For Creative Layouts by Becky Fleck


3. Get It Scrapped!: Organize, Visualize, Create by Debbie Hodge


4. Oh, Baby!: Precious, Adorable, Lovable Ideas For Scrapbooking Baby Pages by Memory Makers


5. Modern Memory Keeper: A New Approach To Scrapbooking Your Family Legacy by Ronee Parsons

You might be wondering why I am so excited about books that aren't even available yet. Well, I'm just weird that way, I guess...excited about scrapbooking inspiration yet to come.

BUT, I also wanted to make sure that you were aware of one VERY neat feature at Amazon.com. Another way to save even more money by buying your books through Amazon.com is to PRE-ORDER your books.

On most pre-order books, you will see a "Special Offers Available" link just below the price info. The special offer is that if you pre-order the book, you will receive an additional 5% off at checkout. Also, if the Amazon.com price decreases between your order time and release date, you'll receive the lowest price as well as the 5% pre-order discount.

Considering you already save an average of 30% on these books through Amazon.com, that's one pretty sweet deal, I'd say!

Also, don't forget about FREE SHIPPING on all orders above $25. Basically, buy two books and you get free shipping, too!

Note: No, I don't work for Amazon.com, nor am I getting paid for endorsing them (wouldn't that be cool!), but it really is where I do virtually ALL of my shopping for scrapbooking idea books. They really do have the best prices around and with these added benefits (pre-order discount, free shipping), the savings really do add up...which helps me to be able to buy more books for my money!!

REVIEW: The Scrapbooker's Almanac by Elizabeth Dillow

*al·ma·nac - n.
1. An annual publication including calendars with weather forecasts, astronomical information, tide tables, and other related tabular information.
2. A usually annual reference book composed of various lists, tables, and often brief articles relating to a particular field or many general fields.

While there may not be any layout ideas based on tide tables in The Scrapbooker's Almanac by Elizabeth Dillow, it certainly is one reference book that I'll be consulting repeatedly over the course of the coming year.

I was immediatly excited when I first heard about this book simply because of it's unique format which is, of course, divided by month and offers YEARS of ideas based on some well-known as well as some little-known dates on the calendar.

The book holds 103 layouts and other projects created by the author herself as well as 5 other contributors: Laura Kurz, Michelle Larsen, Anna Aspnes, Margaret Scarbrough, and Mary MacAskill.

The best way that I could think of to give you just a teenie taste of all the scrapbooking inspiration goodness in this book is to share my favorite idea from each month. Some of these ideas are straight from the book (put into my own words) and others I took what to book offered and put my own little spin on it.

January:

National Get Organized Month - Who couldn't benefit from a little organization (or reorganization)? I recently reorganized my scrap space and it has already made a difference in my productivity! Don't stop at simply organizing - scrap the organizing process or the end result on a layout to remind yourself why this creative space is so important to you in the first place.

February:

Ansel Adams' Birthday - Create a porfolio of your best photographs from one year. Adams said, "Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop."

March:

Youth Art Month - Create a layout featuring your child's artwork. I have been wanting to do this with Kaitlin's art for quite some time. (Maybe I'll finally get it done next month!)

April:

National Teach Children To Save Day - Create a layout based on your child's current perceptions/attitudes towards money. Share the story of how you are trying to shape those attitudes and help your child grow up with a healthy attitude towards the almighty dollar (or whatever your currency might be).

May:

Get Caught Reading Month - Create a layout of your favorite books, your child's favorite books, or what reading in general has meant to you in your life.

June:

Nature Photography Day - Go out a make a point to photograph nature...then scrap 'em.

July:

1st US Zoo Opening - I have been promising to take my daughter to the Omaha zoo for a couple years now...haven't done it yet. This July is it!

August:

Julia Child's Birthday - I am no gourmet, but I do have some favorite 'easy' recipes that are always crowd pleases. I need to make a mini-book highlighting these family favorites.

September:

Google's Debut - Create a layout listing every Google search you complete within one day, week, or month. What would your google's say about you?

October:

National Book Month - Create bookmarkers as gifts for family and friends.

November:

Life Magazine Debut - Create a "Day in the Life" layout following the photography style of Life Magazine.

December:

New Year's Eve - Create a layout listing your accomplishments for the year.

Remember, I only shared one little prompt from each month...and your favorites might be entirely different from mine, but they'll certainly have you looking at the calendar in a whole new way.

MY RATING:
4 1/2 STARS

YOUR RATING:
??? I am always curious and open to hearing the opinions of others. If you own or have read this book, please feel free to share your opinion of it in the comments below.

WANT TO READ MORE AND/OR PURCHASE?
Visit the The Scrapbooker's Almanac by Elizabeth Dillow page on Amazon.com to read other reviewers opinions and find out more about the book. You can also read more of my reviews or visit my aStore for other recommendations.

Upcoming Review:
Scrap Simple: Using Minimal Design to Create Beautiful Scrapbook Pages by Hillary Heidelberg

REVIEW: 601 Great Scrapbook Ideas by Memory Makers Books

Definitely one of the largest collection of layouts I've ever seen, 601 Great Scrapbook Ideas by Memory Makers doesn't disappoint in the area of eye-candy!!

It's not too hard to guess how many layouts are featured in this book, but an even bigger asset to this book is the fact that there were nearly 200 contributing artists!

I was certainly very happy when I saw that several of my favorites, such as Susan Weinroth, Greta Hammond, Kay Rogers, and Hillary Heidelberg had creations included. I also found a new favorite in Michelle Coleman whose digatal creations are just amazing! I am not a digital scrapper scrapper, but still get much inspiration for digital scrappers like Michelle.

I was also excited to see a fellow South Dakotan with a beautiful layout featured in the book - Mary Palmer Chapman from Watertown, SD.

The book itself is divided into five chapters:

1) Everyday Life
2) Hard to Forget (consists of layouts about holidays, seasons, major events, etc.)
3) More than a Princess
4) More than Prince Charming
5) Open Heart

Another great thing about this idea book is that through the sheer number of layouts it includes pretty much every scrap style out there and at a variety of levels - from the beginning scrapbooker to the expert. The are one photo layouts and multi-photo layouts. There are one page layouts and 2-page spreads. There are 8 1/2 x 11's and 12 x 12's. So, in essence, there is something for every scrapbooker in this book.

About the only limitations that I found in this book are that the chapters did seem to somewhat focus the types of layouts included in the book a little too tightly. For example, if you looking for ideas on pet layouts, you won't find them in this book. In addition, the book is strictly layouts. If your looking for specific ideas for mini-books, cards, altered art or any other ways in which to create with your scrapping products or photos, you won't find that here either.

Also, as I said in the intro, this is pure eye-candy and that can be both good and not-so-good. There is definitely not much in the way of editorial content in this book (in other words - not much to read). There are short blurbs every couple of pages or so to point out a special technique or idea, but that's about it.

All that considered, this book is still really a great source for scrapbooking ideas (just like the title says)!

MY RATING:
4 STARS

YOUR RATING:???

I am always curious and open to hearing the opinions of others. If you own or have read this book, please feel free to share your opinion of it in the comments below.

WANT TO READ MORE AND/OR PURCHASE?
Visit the 601 Great Scrapbook Ideas page on Amazon.com to read other reviewers opinions and find out more about the book. You can also read more of my reviews or visit my aStore for other recommendations.

Upcoming Review:
The Scrapbooker's Almanac by Elizabeth Dillow

REVIEW: The Organized & Inspired Scrapbooker by Wendy Smedley & Aby Garvey