Hello and happy summer! We're almost through June *sob, which means you already have summer memories made. But the summer holiday season is also in full swing, which usually = busy. What have you got cookin' for the 4th?
So, we appear to have a challenge on our hands--more memories being made but less time to document them. No problemo! Today on Studio 5, a local TV program, I'm sharing five simple memory-keeping ideas to try. Any one of them will get those beautiful memories captured in record time.
Simple Scrapbooking Tip #1: Group Effort
Hosting a summer party? Take some of the work off your plate by creating a group book that all can add to. Like a guest book, this is a simple way to capture your story and also brings in many viewpoints, which is extra special. After all, there's no reason you should do all the work, even if that work is fun work.
I create a birthday book for Maggie each year. We love having them to flip through. It's fun watching Maggie's friends growing up with her through the photos we include from year to year.
Basic Supplies
1. An Album
You don't need much to make a guest book for an upcoming event. Any basic album or notebook will do. For this project, I've used the Spiral Bound Mixed Media Journal by Prima Marketing, which has a mix of white pages, kraft pages (think brown paper sack), and photo sleeves. It also has pockets on the inside front and back covers, which I love.
2. Pictures
If you know anything about me, you know my Fuji Instax Share Printer is a MUST for just about any scrapbooked project, whether I'm scrapping in my album, my planner, or in a book like this one. Sometimes I reach for my Instax Mini camera. Other times, I go for the Instax Share Printer.
Maggie's friends party had a rainbow theme, so I ordered this awesome rainbow film for the occasion. With this fab portable printer, I was able to print photos for our guests to take home before the party was even over. Nice! And the duplicates went into Maggie's book.
3. Something to Write With
I like to have a fun assortment of pens on hand so guests can have fun coloring and putting their unique stamps on their notes.
4. Washi Tape
Both decorative and functional, this pretty tape is perfect for adhering the photos to the pages. Note: I also keep an adhesive runner on hand for this purpose, just as a little reinforcement.
5. Stickers and/or Accents
As an optional extra, have a few fun doodads on hand. I loved adding the newest goodies from Fancy Pants Designs to my book.
Simple Scrapbooking Tip #2: Minimalism
Embrace the trend! Right now, many scrapbookers are going for minimal designs. Rather than a bunch of layers, pages are flatter and dressed up with pre-made accents. This makes scrapbooking quick. Yay for efficient trends!
I created this layout for the summer 2016 issue of Scrapbook & Cards Today magazine. (Download a free copy or order your issue here.) With only two sheets of paper and a few pre-made embellishments from Pink Paislee, I was able to easily dress up my photos.
Simple Scrapbooking Tip #3: Put it in a Pocket
This drop-and-go approach can't be beat. Simply use page protectors with designated pockets. fill those pockets photos, memorabilia, notes--anything that floats your creative boat.
Simple Scrapbooking Tip #4: Phone Booking (the layout edition)
Creating layouts right on your phone is easier than ever to do, and you don't even have to have a wifi connection to do it. With apps like Project Life, Rhonna Collage, and Pic Stitch, it's easy to make grid-style pages to then print (Persnickety Prints is a great option) and add to your album.
Sometimes I'll dress my printed pages up some post-print. I trimmed this example down and matted it on this cute paper from Fancy Pants Designs. I also added a bit of machine stitching to bring in more texture. The entire project probably took no more than 30 min. to complete. That has to be some kind of record for me. :) Here's the progression:
Simple Scrapbooking Tip #5: Phone Booking (the album edition)
Just as you can create single scrapbook pages on your phone, you can also create full (and gorgeous!) photo books. *Note: Wifi may be required.
Chatbooks
For an effortless mini book option, consider Chatbooks, which create books directly from your Instagram account. I signed up once about a year ago (thanks for the lead, Nicole Larkin!) and have had books making my mailbox a little brighter ever since.
Mixbook
Mixbook = stylish! Their books are so well made and completely customizable. This means you aren't locked into specific page design or photo placement. You have the freedom to make the book all your own. Or not. It's all about doing what is more comfortable to you. And they're called MIXbook because you can create a book as a group, with contributors in unique locations each adding to the memories. Isn't that cool?
The new lay-flat design option is stunning! With it, you can seamlessly stretch a photo across two pages for real impact.
DISCOUNT FOR YOU!
My friends at Mixbook want you to give it a try, so they've generously offered a coupon code, good for up to 50% off a book from now through July 7. Simply put in STUDIO50 at checkout to receive this screamin' deal. Thanks, Mixbook!
WIN A $50 MIXBOOK CREDIT!
Now's your chance to order anything you want from Mixbook (up to $50) on the house! Simply leave me a comment here or email an entry to meghoeppner@gmail.com between now and July 7. From entires received, I'll randomly select a winner to try Mixbook for free! Sweet!
As Seen on TV
You can see all of my projects on Studio 5 today at 11:00 am (channel 5 in Utah), or you can watch the streaming version from anywhere in the world by clicking here. Once the segment is online, I'll be sure to include it here as well.
Enjoy making (and scrapping!) those wonderful summer memories!