Scrappers Talk Radio

“We’re having a heat wave, a tropical heat wave.”  No doubt you are one of many in our nation trying to get through a long hot summer.  Well, take heart!  There is one activity which will not only give you pleasure, but memories to last a lifetime.  It’s time to take out your new scrapbook, dust it off, and add new pages of photos to it. Use a photo tip in the next section to make sure you are capturing the best summer pictures ever.

Summer yields a myriad of opportunities.  Photograph your favorite flower, plant or tree.  If you enjoy the beach or pool, flash the splash!  Take different shots of children at play using color and/or black and white.  Dare to be different!

If you enjoy early morning walks, take your camera with you.  Whether you walk around Central Park or simply around your own block, nature has a way

Get your albums done with power-layouts and learn how to get organized here.

Keeping Organized

STORAGE

Take your photos OUT of the envelope they came in and put them into a storage box or file folder. A great way to store your negatives is to put them into a storage sheet and into a binder. This way all your negatives are stored together, safely, and out of the way.

STAYING ORGANIZED

A great way to stay organized and up to date is to take at least 1 roll of film of the baby each month. This way the next time you go grocery shopping just drop the film in and pick it up on your way out, quick & easy. You can now sit down and do your 2 page layout. When you’re finished, put the extra pictures away in storage.

COMMIT YOURSELF

We all have such busy lives these days and usually the only time we

One of the biggest reasons many of us don’t touch our scrapbooks for months is that supplies and photos are scattered all over the place. Having to hunt for a book of stickers or a special pair of scissors takes all the fun out of creating a new page for your scrapbook. Here are few ideas how you can create a scrapbooking organization process.

Group your supplies by theme. Create one general supplies container that has all your essential tools and materials in it. Then sort your stickers, special papers and accessories by category. Depending on what scrapbooks you are working on, you could organize them by particular scrapbook (i.e. wedding scrapbook, child’s scrapbook etc.), or you could organize them by season (Christmas stuff, summer themed supplies etc.) or overall theme or color scheme.

Get the pictures you are planning to use as well. I usually sort them into separate envelopes, or

When handled carefully, your memorabilia can look its best even after years of display. Here are some tips to keep your treasures safe.

• Keep all of your scrapbooking supplies, albums, photos and negatives in a cool, dry place. Humidity and liquids will destroy these sensitive scrapbook materials.
• Handle your photos carefully. Oil from your skin and fingerprints can become visible after time. Wash your hands frequently or wear thin cotton gloves.
• Store your memorabilia in acid-free envelopes or plastic sleeves to prevent scratches, tears and bending. Direct sunlight will eventually diminish the quality of your heirlooms.
• Use sheet protectors, binders, photo enclosures and photo corners that are made of acrylic or polyester. Some of these items could be made of PVC that will eventually corrode your photos and historical items.
• Remove any items that you may have in a magnetic photo album and put them in a safer place. Magnetic albums have an