The Amazing Page : 650 New Scrapbook Page Ideas, Tips and Techniques

What is the true essence of the creative soul that lives within you? Do you record your personal characteristics, quirks and idiosyncrasies? Perhaps your hopes, dreams, passions, pleasures and even longtime favorite hobbies make a presence on your scrapbook pages. All these things make up the person that is uniquely you, and taking time to chronicle them is not only an exercise in self-discovery but in self-expression. So look deep within yourself or those you love, and record the true fibers that make that special person timeless in your heart.

An honest self-assessment led to this reflective, completely digital page. Josie created a layered collage of patterns, text and photos to represent the many improved facets she strives for. Her focal self-portrait is feathered into the collage accompanied to the side by the list of traits she hopes to gain. Her title is on the top layer of the collage and overlaps her introspective journaling.

Jayne created this touching computer-generated layout on the eve of her 35th birthday to celebrate the rite of passage to the next exciting stage of life. Youth may be slipping away in the eyes of others, but Jayne sees that being “middle-aged” holds many promises. The close-up photo is the focal point of the page while swirls and patterns lend a bohemian look.

all about me

After seeing this photo of herself taken by her husband, Linda decided to use it on an “all-about-me” page, documenting her current phase in life. She lists her circumstances and wishes on journaling strips bullet-pointed with brad-centered flowers. She chose a mostly monochromatic color scheme to give a serene focused feel. The punch of color adds femininity and ties her photo to the page.

Linda Harrison, Sarasota, Florida Photo: Robert Harrison, Sarasota, Florida

Supplies: Patterned paper (Arctic Frog); die-cut letters (QuicKutz); fabric letter tab (Scrapworks); flowers (Prima); brads; circle punches; cardstock

“When I saw this photo, I realized I should not only document what I look like at this moment, but also what my focuses are. These are the types of pages I would love to have been able to see about my mother and grandmother as they were going through life.”

Maria created this page to pass on a legacy of thankfulness to her daughters. Her gratitude journaling on torn paper is accented with stitching and a ribbon tab. A digital swirl graphic is printed on the kraft background and highlights her rub-on title.

Maria Burke, Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada
Photo: Howard Doerksen, Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada

Supplies: Patterned paper (Provo Craft, SEI); brads, rubons (SEI); digital swirl graphic (Rhonna Farrer); cardstock

Colleen discovered she symbolically used color on her layouts to reflect her life issues. Once sticking to dark shades to reflect sadness and confusion, Colleen is now renewed, moving past difficult issues and reacquainting herself with bright colors and happy page topics. She celebrates this milestone with a self-portrait on a spunky floral patterned paper coupled with bright stripes. A wooden frame with Colleen’s initial further personalizes the page.

Supplies: Patterned papers, cardstock stickers, wooden frame, wooden tag (Chatterbox); ribbons and fibers (Chatterbox, May Arts); letter buttons (Junkitz); stamping ink; cardstock

A self-portrait set against rich saturated colors and a mix of funky patterns results in a hip all-about-me page. Liana changed her photo to black-and-white and then added touches of color using image-editing software. The photo is further highlighted with a decorative corner punch pierced through the mat as well as the photo. Liana’s self-proclaimed descriptive words are printed on coin envelopes bound with a paper fastener.

Supplies: Patterned papers (Basic Grey); chipboard letter (Heidi Swapp); decorative punch (Anna Griffin); ribbon (KI Memories, Making Memories); flower (Michaels); coin envelopes; paper fastener; staples; brad; acrylic paint; library card; cardstock

A photo montage of interests and a self-portrait hint at the many facets of Rachel. She details the “hats” she wears in a handwritten list aged with one of her shown favorites—distress ink. A scrolly yet whimsical hand-drawn border inspired by an online store is evidence of one of Rachel’s many listed talents—art.

Supplies: Patterned paper (Daisy D’s); rub-on stitches (Autumn Leaves); stickers, “The Story of” card (7 Gypsies); letter stamps (Fontwerks); antique flora! brads (Making Memories); flowers (Prima); leaf punch; stamping ink; pen; cardstock

Amy savors the best aspects of motherhood on printed joumaling strips outlined with faux stitches and highlighted with jumbo brads. A backdrop of heart and striped patterned papers creates a warm setting for the heartfelt sentiments. Amy’s self-portrait reveals her sheer joy in being a mom and is wrapped with a grosgrain ribbon on love sentiment papers accented with a hugs-and-kisses charm.

Supplies: Patterned papers (Rusty Pickle); rub-ons (Making Memories); brads (All My Memories, Making Memories); acrylic letter (LazerLetterz); hugs-and-kisses charm (Go West Studios);cardstock

Denine celebrates her favorite day of the week—Sunday—her “do whatever I want to” day with a design emulating a sunburst. Her semicircle journaling block forms the sun’s center, and an arced title shines like rays set against a sunflower backdrop. A series of photos of Denine’s hobbies were labeled with text in image-editing software and show how she loves to spend her “just-for-me” day.

Supplies: Patterned paper (Basic Grey, Kl Memories); tags (EK Success); cardstock

A reflective look at life’s choices led to this pensive page by Annette. Her self-portrait shines against bright patterned paper. She symbolically created a path through her journaling with two colors of pieced- together cardstock on which she printed the details of her life’s path. The rub-on and chipboard title is underscored with a knot-tied ribbon.

Supplies: Patterned paper (MOD); flowers (Prima); chipboard letters, ghost flower (Heidi Swapp); rub-on letters (Kl Memories); brads; cardstock

With a husband and a son to usually scrapbook about, Danielle relished in the opportunity to make a girly “all-about-me” page. She printed the grayscale childhood self-portrait in three different sizes on blue cardstock and then cut and layered them with dimensional adhesive. The funky large graphics were made by enlarging symbols from a dingbat font and then printing them on green and pink cardstock. Hand-drawn scribbles add further whimsy.

Supplies: Patterned papers, letter stickers (American Crafts); buttons (Bazzill); paper flowers (Prima); fun foam; rub-on flowers (Kl Memories); pink acrylic paint; white gel pen; decorative scissors; cardstock

You may think this page is an “all-about-me” with Kimberly’s title and self-portrait. But her hidden journaling tucked inside a file folder reveals she believes it’s ultimately all about God and who he created her to be. She shares a few insightful details about her life in her own handwriting. A bucklelike accent made from notched paper and photo turns secured with brads draw attention to her stamped title.

Supplies: Patterned paper (Me & My Big Ideas); letter stamps (Wendy Speciale Designs); velvet letter stickers (Making Memories); file folder; stamping ink; cardstock

As though a yearly account of his life, Sam begins his journaling with the year then reiterates his title and page theme throughout his journaling with “I am being Sam.” Sam’s introspective story is as bright as his backdrop of patterned paper strips. A mix of inspiring woven thread sentiments hint at Sam’s attitude on life while rub-on numbers document his age.

Supplies: Patterned paper (Daisy D’s, Imagination Project, Kl Memories, Paperfever); rub ons (Deéjà Views, imagination Project); letter stickers (imagination Project); woven thread sentiments (Me & My Big Ideas); star punch (Emagination); circle punch; stamping ink; staples; cardstock

Minimal accents on neutral cardstock create a tranquil retreat for Linda’s self-portrait from a vacation. Centered on the page, the photo is delicately cornered with a silk flower secured with a decorative brad and scrolly rub-ons. Gingham ribbon underscores the photo and journaling, adding subtle texture. Printed in a simple font directly on the background, the journaling, destination and date memorialize the peaceful getaway.

Supplies: Rub-ons (Foofala); ribbon (Offray); decorative brads, silk flower (Jo-Ann Stores); die-cut letters (QuicKutz); cardstock

Kim shares a glimpse of herself with this self-portrait and list of self-proclaimed descriptive words on tags. The tags of printed adjectives are strung with ribbon through eyelets and are listed alphabetically, giving playful meaning to her chipboard ABC title.

Supplies: Patterned papers (ChatterBox, Memories Complete); self-adhesive vellum; decorative brad, rub-on letters, chipboard letters, acrylic paint, stamping ink, sanding block, eyelets (Making Memories); ribbon (Offray); corner rounder (Creative Memories); cardstock

Having achieved great personal growth, Amy journals about the freeing experience on a circle-cut transparency outlined with machine-stitching. Chipboard letters with button centers are accented with a trail of stitching as though they are dancing across the page. A circle cut into strips becomes a flower accent to highlight her self-portrait. A torn patterned paper strip adds a splash of pattern and color.

Supplies: Patterned paper, letter stickers, rub-ons (Basic Grey); chipboard flowers (Making Memories); acrylic paint; stamping ink; cardstock

A poem Dee found in a catalog inspired this reflective self-validating page. Dee printed the poem directly onto the background. Her portrait, taken by her husband, is framed with polka-dot photo corners, white distressed rub-ons, pink gems and a heart with a stapled “me” sentiment.

Supplies: Patterned papers (Autumn Leaves); rub-ons (Heidi Swapp, Li’l Davis Designs, My Mind’s Eye); heart accent (Kl Memories); poem (Female Creations Catalog); button (Making Memories); photo turn (7 Gypsies); preprinted transparency (Autumn Leaves); ribbon, photo corners, gems (Heidi Swapp); die-cut flower (Sizzix); word sticker (American Crafts); definitions (Embellish It); clear decorative sticker (Creative Imaginations); sandpaper; thread; staple

A mom’s admission of being unhip to fashion sets the humorous tone for this page. With a bold mix of contemporary patterns and funky fonts, you wouldn’t guess the page artist herself is the one claiming to be fashion-challenged. From the trendy barcode date to the arrow that points directly to her forehead, Jodi creates a cool page that contradicts her self-confessed title.

Supplies: Patterned paper (Kl Memories); letter stickers (Kl Memories, Sticker Studio); rub-ons (My Mind’s Eye); cardstock

Laura created this gratitude journal for abilities easily taken for granted. A black-and-white close-up of each celebrated body part accompanies Laura’s thankfulness. Coordinating patterned papers, stickers and tags along with a mix of stapled ribbons, flowers and brads accent the pages. The book is made of three folded 10 × 4″ cardstock sheets adhered back-to-back. A patterned paper strip secured with stapled ribbons forms a faux-binding on the cover.

Supplies: Patterned papers (Basic Grey, Chatterbox, Die Cuts With a View); stickers, tacks (Chatterbox); ribbon (May Arts); paper flowers (Prima); mini brads (Karen Foster Design); rub-ons, staples (Making Memories); stamping ink; cardstock

As a pledge to self, Sharon vows to be more optimistic about all aspects of her life in her handwritten journaling on this page. Her pensive self-portrait shares the journaling block as a photo mat. Bright pink geometric and floral patterned paper strips stitched to the background set a positive stage for this renewal page. Pink daisies accented with page pebbles add a happy touch.

Supplies: Patterned papers (Imagination Project); acrylic flowers (Heidi Swapp); page pebbles (Kl Memories); letter stickers (Chatterbox); letter tiles (Michaels); ribbon (May Arts); staples; stamping ink; pen; cardstock

Pulling through very difficult circumstances in her life found Julie redefining the label “normal.” She underscored the word several times in her printed journaling that splits the page with an enlarged photo of herself pensively looking at the water reflecting on the revolutionary experience. Simple patterned paper strips and handcut hearts accent the moving story.

Supplies: Patterned papers, sticker strip (Autumn Leaves); buttons (SE1); ribbon (Making Memories); chipboard sentiment (EK Success); cardstock

hopes & dreams

Heather documents her New Year’s resolutions with an optimistic backdrop of bright colors and fun shapes to mat her extreme photo close-up. The patterned paper is actually wrapping paper that inspired the circle theme that brings movement to the page. Heather printed her resolutions on paper strips stapled to the background. Letter stickers in a mix of colors spell out her title along with letter buttons secured with brads.

Heather Preckel, Swannanoa, North Carolina

Supplies: Patterned wrapping paper (Target); letter stickers (American Crafts); brads, letter button (junkitz); photo corners (Heidi Swapp); ribbon (May Arts); staples; cardstock

A mom’s hopes for her daughter to dream big come to life in color on this page. Courtney created a watercolor mural on notebook paper to vividly play up her dreamy childlike theme. Coordinating daisy patterned paper continues the youthful theme and allows the black-and-white photo of Courtney’s daughter to stand out. Handwritten sentiments add personal touches to Mom’s wishes for her daughter.

Supplies: Patterned paper (Kl Memories); notebook papers; letter stickers (source unknown); rub-on flowers (Kl Memories); watercolors; pen; cardstock

Shiny new sneakers have big dreams to fulfill as Chiara uses them symbolically as the wind beneath her wings. A focal photo shows her inspiration source along with smaller close-ups. The shoes’ sporty stripes are played up with touches of teal awakened by bold yellow. Her heartfelt journaling printed directly on geometric patterned paper is supported with inspirational sticker sentiments.

Supplies: Patterned paper, sticker sentiments (Arctic Frog); letter stickers (source unknown); cardstock

Whisper-soft monochromatic colors create a pillowy setting for this dreamy photo. Jodi changed the photo of her daughter to black-and-white to cure an otherwise busy background and then added a yellowish hue with image-editing software. A collection of gold-tone charms makes an eclectic border, emulating perhaps the visions dancing in this sleepy girl’s head. A song quote plays up Jodi’s “dream big” theme.

Supplies: Metal charms (Nunn Design); acrylic letters (Jo-Ann Stores); chipboard stars (Making Memories); buttons (Buttons Galore, Making Memories); flowers (Making Memories, Prima); wooden frame (Chatterbox); acrylic sentiments (Kl Memories); watch charms; metal photo corners; brad; cardstock

Becky’s thoughtful joumaling articulately expresses the sometimes-confusing path we all follow on the journey of life. But she’s reaffirmed that in the end we find ourselves on the path that brings us home. A mixture of fonts adds impact to the words, while a pensive black-and-white photo of Becky gleans insight into her inner self.

Supplies: Patterned paper, fabric (Imagination Project); rub-on letters, brads (Making Memories): stamping ink

At the age of 40, Sharon’s husband is college bound and, boy, is she proud. She celebrates his fulfilling of a lifelong dream with a masculine mix of retro-patterned papers that complement his photo. Paper flowers add rhythm to circles, while thin black paper strips stitched between each patterned strip give the eye a rest. Stamped letters on handcut tags and jumbo letter brads spell out the title.

Supplies: Patterned papers (A2Z Essentials); letter brads, mini brads, photo turns (Queen & Company); flowers (Prima); letter stamps (Fontwerks); stamping ink; cardstock

A woman’s tremendous strength and faith while battling breast cancer inspired this page. To convey Joanne’s grace, strength and elegance, Courtney chose a timeless color palette in rich tapestry patterns. The story is printed on cardstock with rounded corners for a soft effect. Courtney says the photo of Joanne without hair is the only evidence of her battle. “She is now completely healthy and out there changing the world.”

Supplies: Patterned papers (Daisy D’s); rub-ons (Chatterbox); ribbon (EK Success, May Arts); brads (Basic Grey, Making Memories); cardstock

The wait to adopt a baby seemed like an eternity for Melodee and her husband. And now that they’ve been parents to a precious son for 5½ years, the time is flying by. Melodee printed the entire adoption story from anticipation to the arrival on vintage patterned paper. A photo shows Mom feeding her blessed son. Rub-on sentiments and die-cut definitions bring added meaning to the heartfelt page.

Supplies: Patterned papers (Autumn Leaves, My Mind’s Eye); die-cut definitions (My Mind’s Eye); rub-on sentiments (7 Gypsies, Scenic Route Paper Co., Making Memories); epoxy (Creative Imaginations); charm (7 Gypsies); chalk stamping ink

Lisa savors the moments of motherhood and realizes her great blessing even if she only has one child. She created a clocklike element with circle-cut paper, number stickers and a clock hand anchored by a button. The clock points to the photo of her and her miracle daughter, and the chipboard fairy signifies her dreams as a child to be a mother.

Supplies: Patterned paper, stickers (Basic Grey); chipboard fairy, chipboard words (Provo Craft); button (Foofala); circle cutter (Creative Memories); clock hand; cardstock

Leora admires her daughter’s passion for living life to the absolute fullest. She chose this analogy to perfectly articulate her desire for her daughter to continue to live a life full of “color.” She cropped the paper in Photoshop to create a curve for added visual interest.

A montage of stunning photos graces Marsha’s computer-generated page about her appreciation and recognition of Cod’s presence in her life. Impactful journaling expresses her gratitude for all her earthly blessings and her utlimate comfort and joy she finds in her steady walk of faith.

Supplies: Image-editing software (Adobe Photoshop CS₂); digital papers (www.scrapbookelements.com)

A bedtime ritual of a mother singing her toddler to sleep with spiritual songs is sweetly preserved. If Mimi’s boy wasn’t asleep after several songs, she moved into “Amazing Grace.” This memory inspired her title that begins with a stamp word and moves into a die-cut Bible verse. The edges of the verse, sleepy photo and bold patterned paper are lightly sanded and quieted with a soft blue backdrop.

Supplies: Patterned paper, die-cut Bible verse (Crossed Paths); transparency; letter stamps (River City Rubber Works); beaded flowers (Xyron); brads; stamping ink; cardstock

faith & spirituality

Becky takes a moment to stop and smell the flowers in the photo on this page, but as a busy wife and mother, she strives daily to find balance and peace. A flower transparency placed over yellow cardstock ties in her photo. Ribbons stitched and gathered form a custom flower accent.

Becky Heisler, Waupaca, Wisconsin

Supplies: Patterned paper, letter stickers (Basic Grey); transparency (KI Memories); chipboard; ribbon (May Arts, Offray); stamping ink; cardstock

When Maegan heard the words to her inspired title while listening to Christian radio, she decided to instill an attitude of gratitude in her daughter with this page. Her daughter’s photo is accompanied by her handwritten list on cardstock strips of everything she is thankful for at her young age. A gratitude charm dangles from a girly ribbon bordering her photo while Bible verse reminders to give thanks are printed on tags.

Supplies: Patterned papers (Daisy D’s, Mustard Moon; Scenic Route Paper Co.); ribbon (American Crafts); word charm (All My Memories); chipboard letters (Heidi Swapp. Making Memories); sentiment sticker (EK Success); silk flower; acrylic paint; stamping ink; sandpaper; cardstock

Faith-based wisdom is at the heart of this page, supported by layers of patterned paper and black-and-white symbolic photos. As encouraging as a psalm, Sharon’s inspirational journaling and handcut title assures, “choose joy, receive comfort.” Handwritten on premade tags, the journaling is accented with stamped faith images. Topped with fibers and secured with a black hair fastener that slides off, the tag book opens to reveal Sharon’s faith journey.

Supplies: Patterned papers, fibers (Basic Grey); metal plaque (Making Memories); acrylic paint (Delta); faith stamps (Blue Hand Stamps, Greenbrier, Hero Arts, Inkadinkado, Limited Edition Rubberstamps. Paper Inspirations, PSX Design, Rubber Stampede, River City Rubber Works, Wendi Speciale); scalloped scissors; stamping ink; hair fastener; pen; cardstock

A message to walk by faith even through the most difficult circumstances is instilled by Christine on this page. A mixed-media title begins her testimony, accompanied by the words to a Christian pop song to support the faith-walk theme. Christine recorded her struggles and inspired strength in a hinged book with a photo of her in prayer on the cover. Dark and light colors symbolize despair and hope.

Supplies: Patterned paper (Chatterbox); mesh (Magic Mesh); faith sentiment (Reminders of Faith); paper flowers (Prism); ribbon snap (Melissa Frances); chipboard circle (Bazzill); chipboard letters (Heidi Swapp, Making Memories); metal accents (Paper Bliss); crystal lacquer (Sakura); metal letters, hinges, metal word, date stamp, definition (Making Memories); printed twill (7 Gypsies); cross charm (Westrim); tags; stamping ink; transparency; ribbon; acrylic paint; pen; cardstock

Maria wanted to capture the precious evidence of her young daughter’s faith before these stories are forgotten. A black-and-white photo may give a small glimpse of Maria’s daughter’s young face at age 3, but stories on three journaling blocks give great insight into her faithful heart, old beyond her years. A mix of patterned papers and ribbons in ruby red, brown and cream are rich accents to the heartfelt story.

Maria Burke, Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada
Photo: Frieda Doerksen, Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada

Supplies: Patterned papers (Making Memories, Scenic Route Paper Co., Scrapworks); letter stickers (Basic Grey); ribbon (May Arts); cardstock

Out of the mouth of a babe came the convicting question, “Who are you talking to?” Embarrassed that her daughter didn’t recognize what it meant to pray, Laura says she realized her family needed to go to church. She printed the life-changing moment on a transparency. It overlays a photo of her daughters doing what they now remind the family to do each night—bow in prayer.

Supplies: Patterned paper (Kl Memories); letter stickers (Arctic Frog, Li’l Davis); wire loop (Westrim); black halo eyelets (Cloud 9 Design); beads; ribbon; charm; transparency; cardstock

A gorgeous spring day spent swinging with her son at the park put Paula’s blessings in perspective as she records on this page. Circular patterned paper with a spiritual message adds movement and meaning to enhance the page theme. Paula’s heartfelt journaling printed on a transparency is cut to fit and adhered with paint on the circular background. Sentiment labels and threaded buttons highlight the photo of her blessed son.

Supplies: Patterned papers, sentiment labels (Crossed Paths); letter stickers, buttons (Chatterbox); floss (DMC); concho (Scrapworks); transparency; paint (Making Memories); stamping ink

After a beach vacation spent with family, thoughts of blessings were on Melanie’s mind, inspiring this gratitude page. She celebrates her love for faith and family with an upbeat color scheme of blue and brown. The soft colors complement her triple-matted desaturated family photo. Stitched borders and inked edges add a comforting down-home feel.

Supplies: Patterned papers (Scenic Route Paper Co., SEI); stickers (American Crafts, Kl Memories); ribbon, epoxy charm (Crossed Paths); chipboard letters, decorative tape (Heidi Swapp); decorative brad, date stamp (Making Memories); chalk (Craf-T); cardstock

The wisdom and unconditional love of a child is revealed in a conversation with her mother. Lisa documents her daughter’s compassionate heart on the journaling block shared with the photo mat. A complementary color scheme coordinates with the photo. Lisa handcut flowers from patterned paper to accent the photo and cut hearts from the same flower design. A handcut majestic font adds meaning to the spiritual title.

Michelle hopes to pass on a legacy of faith to her daughters and for them to take it into the world. Her prayers are printed on a tag hidden behind the photo of her daughters. Printed on textured cardstock with inked edges, the photo takes on a heritage look. Map patterned paper cut into a circle creates a globelike title backdrop. Metal letters and stamps spell out the commandment.

Supplies: Patterned paper (Karen Foster Design); textured cardstock (Bazzill); metal letters (Jo-Ann Stores); foam letter stamps, acrylic paint (Making Memories); small letter stamps; photo turns (7 Gypsies); ribbon; paper clip (EK Success); library card (Brodart.com); stamping ink; twill tape; staples; cardstock

Time alone is the coveted thing Vicki’s title alludes to. As a busy wife and mother, this once social butterfly now really cherishes a moment to herself. She matted her pensive self-portrait on a collage of patterned paper squares. Ribbons and daisy trim adhered to the back of the page burst to a frilly daisy overlapping her photo for a feminine touch.

Supplies: Patterned papers, ribbon (Making Memories); chipboard (Imagination Project, Pressed Petals); letter stickers (EK Success); pen; cardstock

Kelly created this computer-generated layout listing the many roles she takes on in both her life and her daily walk of faith. She included a Bible verse to express her personal relationship with Cod. The large focal photo shows a peaceful yet strong woman. A buckle combined with harlequin and brown papers lends a western feel.

A man visiting from Africa touched Kathleen with his moving message on revival and their common ground of faith. Images from a church brochure show the inspiring speaker and the poignant graphic of joining hands. Ribbons tied to spiral clips border the brochure. Kathleen’s handwritten journaling and Bible verse share hopes of revival with a personal touch.

Supplies: Patterned paper; letter stamps (Leave Memories); stamping ink; tag (Crossed Paths); spiral clips (Making Memories); ribbon; pen; cardstock

A simple psalm gives inspiration to this page that defines what Laura believes—her help comes from the Lord. With her eyes lifted upward, the enlarged cropped photo echoes the first words of Laura’s favorite Psalm. She printed the verse onto cardstock and then cut the sentences into journaling strips. Patterned sticker squares create a backdrop for her painted chipboard title. Rub-on stitches accent both the title and the journaling strips.

Laura Achilles, Littleton, Colorado Photo: David Achilles, Littleton, Colorado

Supplies: Patterned papers, patterned sticker squares (Basic Grey); ribbon (Shoebox Trims); rub-on stitches (Doodlebug Design); chipboard letters (Pressed Petals); tacks (Chatterbox)

When you pull the covers of this book back-to-back, it forms a beautiful star. But what’s inside the book is the real treasure. Mandi and her husband filled the pages with words of spiritual and practical truths to pass on to their children, offering life lessons in dating, marriage, handling disappointments, faithfulness, self-esteem and contentment. Metal accents, punch labels and ribbons accent the story, which ends with a family photo.

Supplies: Star album; patterned papers, tags, stickers (Crossed Paths); handle, key lock, paper clips (7 Gypsies); charms, printed twill tape (All My Memories); label maker (Dymo); stamping ink; letter dies (Sizzix); stamps (Hero Arts, Inkadinkado, Making Memories, Montarga, Paperbag Studios); liquid appliqué; letter stickers (Me & My Big Ideas); word tag (junkitz); buckles, letter eyelets, metal frame (Making Memories); ribbons (Doodlebug Design, Strano Designs); rub-ons (Doodlebug Design, Making Memories); lace; elastic; stamping inks; cardstock

favorites

Handmade touches personalize this page along with Cwen’s rhyming poem of her favorite things. She printed her poem on custom cardstock stamped with fleur-de-lis designs in watermark ink. Small black-and-white photos show her favorites with one of them called out, her garden, with a bottle cap charm created with clear gloss medium over a canvas flower.

Gwen Dye, Enterprise, Alabama
Photo: Gary Dye, Enterprise, Alabama

Supplies: Patterned papers (Basic Grey); ribbon (Offray); letter stamps (PSX Design, Stampcraft); ghost letters (Heidi Swapp); chipboard tag (7 Gypsies); bottle cap (Li’l Davis Designs); clear gloss medium (Ranger); brads, rub-ons, metal photo corners, eyelet phrase, fleur-de-lis foam stamp (Making Memories); hinge, canvas flower (Foofala); eyelet key; domino game piece; alcohol inks (Ranger); watermark and solvent inks (Tsukineko); stamping ink; cardstock

A wooded cemetery is Shannon’s thinking spot, and she memorializes it in this layout. Her title set on leaf embedded paper combines cork stamped letters with cardstock letters covered in green gloss medium. Twine and raffia wrapped around the title block bind a statue close-up covered in mica. The background photo was cut for inset journaling bordered with copper foil tape and green gloss medium.

Supplies: Handmade paper; corrugated paper; cork, handmade paper (Anima Designs); letter stamps (Stamp Craft); mica (USArtQuest); square page pebble (Making Memories); foil tape; metallic rub-ons (Craf-T); green gloss medium (judikins); raffia; twine; cardstock

A chocolate and peanut butter addiction is confessed with humor and photo evidence. Wendy’s journaling printed on vellum jokingly boasts about the combo she calls “a cheap thrill.” A focal photo shows the addictive duo and is repeated, printed on the backside of the vellum journaling block. When a chocolate wrapper commanded “Do what feels right,” Wendy saved the foil license-to-indulge on a metal-rimmed tag coated with clear gloss medium.

Supplies: Patterned paper (Close to My Heart); chipboard letters, acrylic paints (Making Memories); ultra thick embossing powder (Ranger); silver paint pen (Krylon); label maker (Dymo); tag (Jo-Ann Stores); chocolate wrapper; ribbon; embossing ink; stamping ink; vellum; cardstock

Playful pinks set the stage for this lighthearted story about a passion for ice cream. Tricia’s self-portrait showing her about to indulge in her ultimate comfort food, is secured with hinges and matted on patterned paper torn to look like melting ice cream. Small photos help tell the story from the sundae being created to the delicious masterpiece to, ultimately, the empty bowl.

Supplies: Patterned papers (Junkitz, Rusty Pickle); die cuts (QuicKutz); stamps (Inkadinkado. Scrappy Cat); brads, hinges, tags (Making Memories); photo corners (Daisy D’s); floss (DMC); twill tape; stamping ink

The moment Vicki’s daughter first tasted chocolate, she was hooked, wearing it all over her face in this photo. Vicki playfully preserves the Easter moment with a collage of patterned paper squares in bright pastels for the holiday and touches of brown to infuse the chocolate theme. The stamped and embossed title mimics chocolaty goodness. Brown ribbon layered with pink lace through a buckle makes for an ultra girly border.

Supplies: Patterned papers (Scenic Route Paper Co.); letter stamps (Scraptivity); rub-on letters (Autumn Leaves); label holder (Jo-Ann Stores); stickers (Colorbök); brads; embossing powder; ribbon; buckle; lace; stamping ink; cardstock

Sporting Ghirardelli chocolate hats and ear-to-ear grins, Lily’s page topic needs no further explanation than women with a passion for chocolate. Lily pays homage to the favorite treat with rich shades of brown and burgundy accented with fresh yellow. A playful stamp of faux nutritional facts gives license to indulge guilt-free.

Supplies: Patterned paper (Diane’s Daughter); stickers (American Crafts, SEI); stamps (Club Scrap); mailbox letters (Making Memories); rub-ons (Me & My Big Ideas); washers (Bazzill); circle cutter (Provo Craft); stamping ink; cardstock

What was a ritual with girlfriends, a mother and daughter now share—conversation over coffee for Leora and hot chocolate for her daughter. Leora printed journaling about the new ritual onto the black-and-white photo touting her drink of choice. Flowers cut from patterned paper, coated with gloss and secured with jumbo brads add girly punch to the stamped background.

Supplies: Patterned papers (Chatterbox, Junkitz); foam stamps (Making Memories); jumbo brads (Karen Foster Design); letter stickers (American Crafts); clear gloss finish (Plaid); stamping ink; cardstock

One must be careful with his or her coffee cup at the Minchuk household. If you look away for even one second, Madison will steal a sip. She was even caught downing chocolate-covered coffee beans once. Sandi tells all the mischievous details in hidden journaling behind the folder-matted focal photo showing the culprit grasping the jumbo cup. Brown painted rings and smudges enhance the playful coffee theme.

Supplies: Patterned papers (Chatterbox, Daisy D’s) stamps (Making Memories); rub-ons (Chatterbox); acrylic paint (Plaid); label maker (Dymo); cardstock

Lisa’s palate is very particular when it comes to coffee. A colorful close-up of her chosen cup of joe lights up with coordinating patterned papers. Lisa created her customized title using text boxes in a word processing program. A spunky two-tone ribbon borders the page, attached to a die-cut label holder containing the date.

Supplies: Patterned papers (Making Memories); die-cut label holder (Deluxe Cuts); ribbon (Michaels); acrylic charm (Kl Memories); pen; cardstock

A stop for treats is a road-trip tradition for Dee’s family. She got a close-up of the goodies and set it against retro patterned papers in bright colors and white scalloped cardstock. The crisp whites, cool oranges and sweet pinks give the essence of summer, which is just when Dee loves to indulge in flavored iced coffee and donuts. Black accents break up the bright mix.

Supplies: Patterned papers, tag, chipboard flowers, ribbon, safety pin (Making Memories); decorative rub-ons (My Mind’s Eye); rub-on phrase (Déjà Views, Li’l Davis Design); mesh (Magic Mesh); woven thread sentiment (Me & My Big Ideas); stamping ink; cardstock

“I had just gotten a digital camera this summer and, of course, I had it with me whenever we went on a trip. When my husband came out of Dunkin’ Donuts with coffee, I realized that this was the perfect item to symbolize our trips!”

A playful memoir showcases summertime favorites on this page. Katja used focal photos of her tan-lined feet and sequined flip-flops to begin her story. A flashlight effect in image-editing software makes the two main photos glow. Supported by mini photos, the montage basks against a fresh mix of nautical patterned papers. Eclectic groupings of spunky accents add whimsy and a touch of summer fun.

Supplies: Patterned papers (7 Gypsies, Chatterbox, Kl Memories); photo turns, flower charms (Jest Charming); metal word washers, rub-on sentiments, decorative brad, safety pin (Making Memories); word charm (Blue Moon Beads); letter stickers (American Crafts, Li’l Davis Designs); word stickers (Bo-Bunny Press); flowers (Prima); embossed word stickers (K & Company); daisy die cut (Paper House); ribbon (May Arts, Michaels, Offray); rub-on words, index tabs (Autumn Leaves); slide mount frames; letter stamps (Hero Arts); acrylic paint; fabric strips; eyelets; staples; cardstock

The sound of flip-flop sandals flopping against her feet is music to Greta’s ears. As her choice of shoe wear until the fall chill sets in, Greta playfully salutes the comfort, joy and freedom that flip-flops afford her with journaling printed on blue weathered patterned paper. Fresh aqua blues, citrus greens and crisp white accents beckon summer and match the enlarged close-up of Greta’s feet sporting her favorite shoes.

Supplies: Patterned papers (Junkitz, Kl Memories); ribbon (Junkitz, Making Memories); fabric (Imagination Project); woven label sentiments (Me & My Big ideas, Making Memories); letter template (Kl Memories); rub-on letters (Scrapworks); rub-on flowers (Autumn Leaves); epoxy fetters (Li’l Davis); brads; stamping ink; thread

Shades of bright pink and glitzy glam touches help tell the story of five sassy bridesmaids. Jessie accented punchy pink patterned papers strips with large gems to play up the jeweled flip- flops in the photo. A sequined and beaded “5” in iridescent pink, pulled straight from a pair of jeans, lights up the circular blocked title. Rub-on words placed directly on the photo sum up these bridesmaids— girly girls.

Supplies: Patterned papers (Karen Foster Design); woven label sentiment (Me & Big Ideas); rub-on letters (Making Memories); stickers (American Crafts, Kl Memories); ribbon; gems; sequined number; cardstock

A girl’s passion for reading started young and is documented from ages 1 to 4½ on this page. Sue created a photo montage in image-editing software that chronologically shows her granddaughter infatuated with reading. Her journaling about the young scholar is printed on a tag tucked behind the focal photo and is accented with braided twine strung through eyelets.

Supplies: Patterned papers, chipboard letters (Rusty Pickle); twine; ribbon charm (Making Memories); chipboard letters, clay tile letters (Li’l Davis Designs); letter tiles (EK Success); sentiment sticker (K & Company); rub-on letters (Creative Imaginations); cardstock

Though life rarely affords Lisa to get lost in a novel, reading big picture books to her toddler son is an investment in passing along her beloved hobby. The blurry photo caused by her son stepping in front of the camera was serendipitous as Lisa says it represents her life right now and his constant motion. Blocks of book cloth and leatherlike paper mimic the feel of a good book.

Supplies: Faux leather paper (source unknown); book binding cloth (source unknown); cardstock

For Susan’s 36th birthday there was a definite theme—green gifts. The enlarged focal photo shows a close-up of her birthday bounty while a small inset shows a self-portrait. Susan’s inspired title comes from the old adage “green with envy.” Green patterned paper strips in punchy stripes and polka dots festively dress the celebration page.

Supplies: Patterned papers, die-cut sentiment (Heidi Grace Designs); brads; fiber; cardstock

When it comes to vintage vehicles, Julie’s husband likes slammed (cool) and his dad appreciates original (classic). Her journaling represents both sides of classic vs. cool, but she decks the page in the one detail father and son agree on—paint color—shiny black. An embossed tin handcut title reflects like chrome against black-and-white patterned paper. The topics for debate in the black-and-white photo look tough against black and metal accents.

Supplies: Patterned paper, embossed tin, metal charms (EK Success); letter stickers (Chatterbox); cardstock

A mouthwatering close-up tempts the taste buds, but don’t worry, Amy provides her longtime favorite recipe. She’s been making the staple appetizer for years and documents the ingredients along with the directions in a vertical format. Striped patterned paper in red and greens makes the dish look even tastier.

Supplies: Patterned paper (Scrapworks); monogram coaster (SEI); image (www.clipart.com); cardstock

From atop the John Hancock Building, the hustle and bustle of big-city Chicago is silenced against this serene sunset over the cityscape and Lake Michigan’s shoreline. As one of Andrea’s favorite photos from her weekend escape, she reflects on the poignant memory in handwritten journaling on a bold floral graphic accented with a washer and gem center.

Supplies: Patterned papers, washer (Imagination Project); letter stickers (Patchwork Paper); brad; watermark ink (Tsukineko); pen; cardstock

An altered plastic stamp holder becomes an “all-about-me” book. Laura cut patterned papers to disguise the holder and covered its handle with tied ribbons. A tab closure opens to reveal pages bound with brads and adhered to the holder’s left flap. Each page touts a favorite and some include mini photos. The right flap showcases a self-portrait and journaling about Laura’s many life hats.

Supplies: Patterned papers (Kl Memories); ribbon (Doodlebug Design, May Arts, Offray); decorative tape (Heidi Swapp); letter stamps (PSX Design); rub-on letters; stickers (Carolee’s Creations, Making Memories, Pebbles); binder clip (Target); stamping ink; cardstock

Dominque used a double-entendre on this page about her love affair with her new EOS Rebel XT camera. While she may be wild and crazy when it comes to taking pictures, she’s certainly not a rebel without a cause. Each and every click of the button freezes precious memories for her to scrapbook. The pink and black color scheme combined with repeated circles makes the whole layout cohesive and unified.

Dominique Quintal, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
Photo: Martine Ciguére, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada

Supplies: Patterned paper (Chatterbox, Kl Memories); letter stickers (Arctic Frog); brads, anchors (junkitz); snaps (Making Memories); stamping ink; black pen; cardstock

“I thought it would be fun to do a play on words. When I got this camera as a gift from my husband, I thought the name of it was perfect to describe both my ‘outside the box’ approach to photography as well as the camera itself.”

Wedge-cut photos and journaling blocks form a large circle to whimsically tell of Barb’s passion for painting. The circle touts a paint-swatched self-portrait with handwritten journaling on patterned paper about how her love for the hobby began. Her bright and bold chipboard title is delicately embellished with hand-drawn silver scrolls and printed paint names. Colorful chipboard accents dress the page with artsy flair.

Supplies: Patterned paper (Basic Grey); cord (Stampin’ Up!); chipboard accents (Imagination Project); buttons (Hobby Lobby, Making Memories, Stampin’ Up!); pens; cardstock

hobbies

When Torrey’s artistic mother started to lose her eyesight, she switched art mediums to a more tactile one—handmade pottery. Torrey lovingly tributes her mother’s triumphant story with a series of photos showing her hands at work. To mimic her mother’s pottery, Torrey created a few handmade vessels of her own from polymer clay that border the page.

Torrey Scott, Thornton, Colorado

Supplies: Patterned papers (American Crafts); textured cardstock (Bazzill); polymer day (Sculpey); foam adhesive squares; stamping ink; sandpaper; cardstock

Ki documents a meaningful cross-stitch that she created after her first child was born with a tribute as beautiful and passionate as the stitched poem itself. She scanned the poem to capture this photograph and scanned the graph pattern from which she handcut her title. Journaling framed by a cross-stitched heart tells the story of the labor of love. Floss and a sewing needle add to the homespun feel.

Supplies: Metallic gold paper (Golden Oak); flowers (Prima); floss (Anchor); dimensional adhesive (EK Success); pearl beads (Westrim); needle; cardstock

Laurel thrives on chaos created by juggling her many interests in the little time she has to do them. Her husband affectionately calls her “chaos creator,” which she used as her title. Four doors created with folded cardstock frames, mesh and printed transparencies open to photos of Laurel’s many hobbies. Mini knockers adhered to the front of the interactive panels play up the door theme while photo turns secure them closed.

Supplies: Patterned papers (Kl Memories); vellum (Worldwin); metal mesh, cardstock frames, brads, acrylic paint (Making Memories); door knockers, clock charm (7 Gypsies); letter stickers (Creative Imaginations); die-cut letters (Li’l Davis); pen; cardstock

When Suzy was crowned with the title Memory Makers Master, she was simply shocked. She humbly journals about hopes and fears of filling her new shoes on vellum backed with distressed patterned paper. Photo turns secured with pink brads point to her enlarged self-portrait under which small photos show her range of emotions. Black rickrack and pink flowers add feminine punch to the page.

Suzy Plantamura, Laguna Niguel, California
Photo: Jordan Piazza, Laguna Niguel, California

Supplies: Patterned paper (Autumn Leaves, Basic Grey); vellum; letter stamps (SEI); stamping ink; flowers (Prima); brads (Making Memories); die-cut letters; rickrack; cardstock

Missy documents entering the annual Memory Makers Master artist contest with photos showing her mailing her entry. Her journaling describes the art and soul journey that led her to new heights of creativity, and despite not being crowned with the title, Missy is a winner for her creative efforts and skillful gain. Bright pink daisy and stripe patterned papers are stitched for added texture. The bold shapes and bright colors display optimism.

Supplies: Patterned papers, fabric strips, rub-ons (Imagination Project); foam letter stamps, photo corners (Heidi Swapp); acrylic paint, letter stamps (Making Memories); cardstock

Wanda has a weakness for anything girly or cute. She couldn’t resist purchasing this small iron to help her make her scrapbooking craftsmanship just perfect. The large close-up photo is the focal point on this computer-generated page while her own paper balances out the bottom. A purse, shoe and pink, purple and black color scheme make it all-girl.

Supplies: Image-editing software (Digital Image Pro); stitching (www.shabbyprincess.com); purse, ribbon, shoe (source unknown)

up close and personal

all about me

hopes & dreams

faith & spirituality

favorites

hobbies