Book Review:
What I liked most about this book is there is something for everyone.
Even though the first chapter of the book covers the basics of scrapbooking
there are sections that could be of use to even a seasoned scrapbooker.
I found the section on the use of rubber-stamping and embossing
very informative because it is something I have not yet attempted
but would like to. There is also a section on embellishment and
notions that would help the scrapbooker that is reluctant to use
unusual items such as buttons, ribbons or charms in his or her layout.
These sections go into great detail about the use, availability
and practicality of the when and where you are applying the special
techniques. It takes the fear out of exploring new mediums in your
scrapbooking when you see it being used successfully in layouts
and explained thoroughly using step-by-step instructions.
After you have learned about the various techniques available for
you to use in your scrapbooking experience, they are applied to
various themes in the Projects chapter. Some of the sections in
the Projects chapter are more detailed than others (i.e. Creating
a Heritage Album) because there is more information to be covered
to ensure your scrapbooking experience is successful. If you have
never attempted a Heritage Album you can get some direction as to
where to start and what type of items you have that you may wish
to include. There are also useful tips in most of the sections in
this chapter (i.e. Chalking Tips in the Babies section) that cover
very important information the author considers being especially
important. Another example of an important tip is the necessity
of using a de-acidification spray on paper documents, which will
protect the document as well as the rest of your layout. Once again
there are step-by-step instructions for techniques such as paper
crumpling which will add texture to the papers you are using in
your layout.
There are so many good ideas in this book, too many to go into
here. I feel this is a very useful book and look forward to trying
some of the techniques, especially the rubber stamping and chalking.
A bonus part of this book is the section at the back following the
index. There are punch out die cut templates for use in your scrapbook.
They include circular and oval frames in a variety of colors, uppercase
and lowercase stencils, upper and lower case letters, numbers, baby
frames, borders, baby die cuts, romance and activities die cuts.
If you haven’t bought any of these items for your scrapbook
these are a good start. Along the same lines, if you haven’t
bought a book about scrapbooking, this is a good one with which
to start. The only drawback to this book isyou have to order it
from Australia as it doesn't seem to be available in any of the
mainstream North American bookstores.
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