April 9th, 2009

Paperclipping 99 – Starting a Heritage Project

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New to Paperclipping? A few things you should know: This is a great place to learn all scrapbooking techniques (I've posted more than 100 video tutorials). Several are free downloads, and I consistently release new tutorials every month. Others are members-only, available when you become a member. Finally, I recommend you subscribe to my RSS feed, or the newsletter (the form is in the sidebar) to make sure you get new videos as they're released. Thanks for visiting!


Heritage photos and albums can be so fascinating, but sometimes we’re too overwhelmed and intimidated to start. In this episode I identify two questions you can answer that will help you know how to get started. Your answer will depend on your personal situation and in this episode I show you examples of two very different approaches.

You can also download the high-quality version.

Below are the pages I showed in the video…

Using Digital Prints & Journaling From Own Perspective

Dad On Stroller
It is a really fun experience to play with photos of your own parents when they were young, especially when digital photos allow you to get more creative with the design. I am taking a dual approach with the story in these layouts of my dad: I’ll share my own thoughts mixed with Dad’s explanations and I’ll give historical commentary when I can. Not only did I share my reflections of my dad’s pictures on this layout, but tucked away in the upper right corner is a tag with an explanation of the 1940’s Taylor-Tot stroller/walker that looks ridiculously dangerous for such a little guy.

This layout will sit in my “People We Love” album until I decide on a final album.

Journaling on front of layout reads: My dad–Silas “Teddy” or Ted Buckland–with his older brother, Jay. It’s 1945 and from my 2009 perspective, Dad is sitting in one of the more dangerous contraptions I’ve seen designed for a baby! I recognize that look on his face…it’s his “you caught me by surprise but I’m not quite ready to respond because I’m thinking about it” look. It’s often followed by a wonderful laugh or chuckle. Love you, Dad.

Historical commentary journaling on the tag at top: Taylor-Tot strollers had a metal play/snack tray with beads at the front (see his waste?), a metal wire bumper to keep the child in, and a removable stamped-metal foot tray (so it can become the walker). They were made with blue metal and a white painted cane insert. There was a white painted wooden seat, solid painted metal wheels with black rubber tires, and swivel front wheels.

Using Original Photos & Journaling From Someone Else’s Perspective

Heritage Album Page for Nancy
I never met my husband’s biological mother and he doesn’t remember her because she died when he was 1-1/2 years old. While I don’t have the creative freedom to do with this album what I do on other ones, it’s been a fascinating experience getting to know this person by remaking her scrapbook.

Journaling in her own words: Then came the big year, ninth grade. I have never had so much fun in my whole life as I did during that year. I was elected to president of our algebra class which put me in the student council. We had meetings throughout the year making plans and discussing problems of the school.

Seminary was my favorite class with Bro. Haws as my teacher. We studied the Book Of Mormon and everything else pertaining to the Gospel. I was president of our separate class. The testimony meetings we had were simply out of this world. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot.

We ended the week with a skit from each party. Our theme for the Gold Party was “South Pacific.” We made up words to the songs such as “Happy Talk,” Some Enchanted Evening,” etc.

I ran for secretary of the student body on the Gold Party along with Rose Bowers as mayor, Deena Riley as girls representative, and Dean Hendrickson as boys representative. For a week we campaigned with posters, hats, and all kinds of garbs. Results were announced at a matinee dance in the afternoon of the skits. Although I lost to Caren Curtis (who made the best secretary), every minute of trying was worth it.
Nancy Heritage Album

Choosing Products, Colors, Patterns

I wanted to give this subject more time than we could fit in this episode, so we will address heritage layouts at least a couple more times over the next couple months or so. Until then, I hope you get a few ideas from the layouts you see here.

If you’ve been working on your own heritage albums, I’d love it if you leave a comment about the format you’ve chosen for your albums. If you have pictures online, please share a link so we can see.

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April 2nd, 2009

Paperclipping 98 – Design Language for Crazy

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Paperclipping 98 - Design Language For Crazy
Paperclipping Members can now watch this week’s episode where I talk about design as a visual language. In it I share some ways to communicate a story that is fun, crazy, hectic, or silly plus a tip on how to avoid design-overkill.

Are you new to Paperclipping? We have free episodes you can watch. Find them in the column to the left or by scrolling down the blog.

You can view the layouts used as examples in today’s episode below:

Because Life Is Too Short

Because Life Is Too Short
Journaling written to Aiden reads: Blake and Trin are trying to relax on the sofa with Gatsby, and here you are making that totally impossible.

Supplies used: Patterned paper (Creative Imaginations) * Acrylic paint * Cardstock (Stampin’ Up) * Eyelets (Making Memories) * Transparent title (Creative Imaginations) * Epoxy sticker (Creative Cafe) * Ribbon (Stampin’ Up–audience member, Mandi Kehoe) * “Hello Life” digital text frame (Ali Edwards).

Good Laughs

Please see this layout in the post for Episode 95.

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March 27th, 2009

Paperclipping 97 – Embellishments In Action

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Learning the description of a design or artistic principle is not the same thing as being able to really use and understand it. You often need to try it, then see other examples, then try it some more, and over time it makes more and more sense. We’ve done lots of episodes on the principles that lead to great-looking embellishments that don’t detract from the photos. For today’s tutorial, you’ll watch me build, step-by-step, layers of embellishments for 4 different scrapbook pages.

You can watch the video here.

You do not need to have a Membership for this one–It’s free! If you like it and want more, please visit the Membership Information Page.

Design Principles For Great Embellishments

Once you’ve finished today’s episode, you might want to go back and watch other episodes on embellishments to refresh your memory on the principles:

Available for free:
Paperclipping 88 – Scale And Embellishments

Available for Members:
Paperclipping 94 – Embellishment Crescendo

Paperclipping 67 – Scared To Embellish

Paperclipping 25 – Layering Embellishments

Paperclipping 14 – Cluster Your Embellishments

Layouts From Today’s Episode:

Except for the one full-page sheet, all of the patterned paper you see below came from my scrap tray. No new papers were cut in the making of these layouts. In fact, I used most of the pieces as I found them–already cut or punched!

Aiden Rides
2-page 12×12 layout
Aiden Rides
Journaling to Aiden reads: Trinity got a new bike for her birthday so you’ve inherited her old one for a while. You were so excited to learn so Dad took you out and you were riding right away! The day after you learned you were out again and crashed, but you just kept at it.

Side note: At first you wanted to remove the fringe but once you watched Pee Wee Herman you decided it as cool.

Starbucks Adventures
12×12 layout
Starbucks Adventures
Journaling to my kids: Before Dad started working from home, these visits to Starbucks were a regular event. Dad and I could get some work done while you guys hooked your DS’s together to play a joint game. Nice out-of-the-house adventure. ‘08.

December Daily Page – Gift Wrapping
6×7 minibook
December Daily-Gift Wrapping
Journaling reads: One of my favorite parts of Christmas…dressing up the gifts and placing them under the tree.

Love And Ice Cream Cones
2-page 12×12 layout
Love And Ice Cream Cones
Journaling to Aiden and Trinity reads: While Blake was gone to Science Camp for three days with the 5th grade, we took you two to Crazy Subs for some Rootbeer Float Swirl ice cream cones. We love those huge 79 cent cones. We also love snuggling with you and joking and playing while we eat. 2-5-09

Alright, scrapbookers..are you ready to gather some patterned scraps, some brads or buttons, and maybe a chipboard swirl or rub-on border to add some pizazz to a layout? The key to getting good at this is to practice. I can’t wait to see what you have to show me.

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March 19th, 2009

Paperclipping 96 – Filtering the Photo Flood

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Paperclipping 96 - Filtering The Photo Flood
Alright, Paperclipping Members, your most recent episode was released last night. If you struggle to wade through all your digital photos–if you have a hard time choosing which ones to scrapbook–this is your episode.

Having received a cd of childhood pictures of my siblings, myself and my dad from my parents for Christmas this year, I cannot imagine what it would have been like had they taken the number of photos/per event that we take these days! No matter what type of photo manager you use, the steps I share will make your choices so much easier.

Don’t have a Membership?

You can find free tutorials in the right-hand column or by scrolling through the blog postings.

Want to watch ALL of the Paperclipping Tutorials? $42 gets you in for 6 months and then it’s only $15 to renew after that. With almost 100 episodes in the archives and new weekly releases, that’s a whole lot of classes for the price of one or two. Click here to see why it’s so worth it.

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March 11th, 2009

Paperclipping 95 – Editing Layouts in Photoshop

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Your layouts may be fabulous but if you’re not able to edit and crop them with the skill to match your pages, they won’t show as well as they deserve. Fair or not, good cropping and editing makes a difference.

Today’s episode is free for anyone and in it I share the steps I take using Photoshop to prepare my pages for online viewing. You can watch the video above, or you can the download it instead.

Of course, you can only crop your layouts as well as you photograph them. If you struggle to get straight photos, I recommend you also watch episode 86, How To Photograph A Layout, which is in the archives and available to the Paperclipping Members.

Below are the layouts I used in the episode…

Good Laughs

Good Laughs
Journaling reads: At Disneyland. Dad was taking pictures of our perennial model, Trinity. Blake moved in on her scene and even while pushing him and his “rabbit ears” out of the way (#3) she kept up her pose.

Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzil, Stampin’ Up) * Patterned paper and patterned circles (Sassafrass Lass) * acrylic paint.

Trinity Paints

Trinity Paints
Journaling to Trinity reads: Kindergarten ‘05-’06. You blow everyone away with your steady hand, artistic eye, your use of color and your love of beautiful things. I love this painting because it reminds me so much of you.

Supplies: cardstock (Bazzill) * sticker journal spots (Creative Imaginations) * ink (Stampin’ Up).

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March 4th, 2009

Paperclipping 94 – Embellishment Crescendo

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Paperclipping 94 - Embellishment Crescendo
We’ve now released a new episode for the Paperclipping Members on one of our most commonly requested subjects–embellishments. This episode shares the principles of how to make your embellishment gatherings look spectacular.

To give you a chance to get a good detailed look at the layouts and the embellishments, I’ve posted them below…

Sensitive Heart

2-Page Layout 9.5×12 + 12×12
Sensitive Heart
Journaling to my daughter reads: You’re so sensitive. You hurt easily. You feel deeply. And I think it gives you empathy, which explains why you take such good care of others.
Sensitive Heart Closeup 1
What looks like a black strip (above) is actually just clear transparency. It’s hard to tell in the photo, but it looks really cool in person to be able to see through that vertical strip there.
Sensitive Heart Closeup 2

Rock Stars

12×12 Layout
Rock Stars
Journaling to Aiden and Trinity reads: In the back of our yard there is a retaining wall about 1-1/2 feet high. It is directly across from our sliding glass door and when you stand on the wall you can see your reflection. As a result, that retaining wall has become a spot for rock-star fantasies and performing practice.

Today I was able to catch you two (Aiden and Trinity) with your “guitars.” That’s really all it takes–a couple rackets, a raised area, and a reflection–for you to pull the performers out of yourselves and put on a good show.

Life Explorer

12×12 Layout
Life Explorer
Journaling to my son reads: I love your zeal for life. Your curiosity. Your desire to know about everything. I love that you stay up late at night to read. And then you’re up at 5am, ready for another day of your life.
Life Explorer Closeup

Three different looks, topics, and embellishment gatherings–all using the same principles to make them look great without taking away from the photos. Today’s episode will show you how it works.

Wish you had access to this and to all of the Paperclipping tutorials? Please visit the Membership Information Page to see how you can.

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February 26th, 2009

Paperclipping 93 – Moving Panel Template

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You can watch today’s episode for free by clicking here.

If the video doesn’t download for you, please install the latest version of Quick Time.

If you like this episode, you’ll probably like all of the episodes! Members get access to our archives of almost 100 tutorials. Please visit the Membership Information Page to find out more.

I’ve posted the layouts from today’s episode below…

Red Boots

12×12 Layout
Red Boots
Journaling written to Aiden: Man, do I love you in those boots! We bought them for our upcoming trip-camping during the Monsoon Season. I never expected you’d want to wear them everyday: rain or shine * shorts or pants * and even to school. You get a lot of attention when you wear them, which probably makes them even more irresistibly cool to you.

**The polka dot and gold patterned papers are quite old scraps from a time when most everything came in a grungy-brown. Until I did this page, whenever I saw that paper, I felt bogged down b/c it’s so dark and heavy. Look how great it looks, though, with vibrant red, yellow-gold, and bright white!

Do you still have a lot of heavy browns from a few years back? Try using it in small amounts with other papers that make you happy.

After The Feast

2-page 12×12 Layout
After The Feast
I love how flexible these templates are. I think next time I’ll try making three panels instead of two. I’m excited to see what some of you do with the template.

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February 24th, 2009

Paperclipping 92 QT – A New Use For Masks

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Paperclipping 92 - A New Use For Masks
We did a couple of episodes last year using Heidi Swapp’s masks. Many of you went out and bought some as a result. Today’s Quick Tip, available to our Paperclipping Members, should invoke another reason to pull those masks out again and put them to use.

Update: I’ve posted the layout from today’s episode below…

95% Vegetarian

2-page 8.5×11 layout
95% Vegetarian
Many of you know that I am decidedly 100% vegetarian and mainly vegan, as well. I made this layout just over a year ago during a short time of transition. Please excuse the rather “enthusiastic” journaling on the subject! =)
95% Vegetarian Closeup-Leaves
95% Vegetarian Closeup Beaded Frames
If you are Paperclipping Member, you can watch Episode 35, which shows how to do the beaded frames you see above.

Don’t forget: if you’ve been considering a Membership with Paperclipping, you’ve got 5 days left to join in time for our drawing for a free FRED–one of the most fabulous and useful tools in scrapbooking. After March 2, we will draw from our pool of Members and one of you will receive a FRED with a black walnut base. (Winner must be at least 18 years and a U.S. resident).

Please click here to visit our Membership Information Page.

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February 18th, 2009

Paperclipping 91 – Put a Little Girl in Your Boy Layouts

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Paperclipping 91 - Put A Little Girl In Your Boy Layouts
We’ve released today’s episode for Paperclipping Members, so if you’re one of them, you can watch it now. I’ve taken a unique approach to a common problem and I hope you find it helpful and inspiring!

Want to learn more about getting a Paperclipping Membership? Please visit the Membership Information Page.

Below are the layouts you featured in the episode…

Life Explorer

12×12 inch layout
Life Explorer

Your Year

12×12 inch layout
Your Year

Best Decision

12×12 inch layout
The Best Decision

Self-Expression

12×12 inch layout
Self-Expression

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February 12th, 2009

Paperclipping 90 – Love Notes Minibook

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Today’s episode is free. You can watch the video by clicking on this link.

Below are photos from the featured book…

Love Notes

Inside pages are 5×7

Love Notes
Love Notes
The drawing on this picture is hard to see. Here is a closeup below, although it’s only slightly clearer…
Love Notes
Love Notes
Journaling reads: You kids show us so many expressions of love and some of those take form in love letters and drawings, both to us and to each other. This is that story of how you kids take love and spread it around.
Love Notes
Journaing reads: A year or two ago Trinity started taping envelopes to their doors and walls to act as mailboxes so the kids could write and send notes to each other. (Note: these aren’t just for Valentines. They stay up all year long).
Love Notes
Journaling reads: Aiden’s “mailbox” on the hallway wall just next to the boy’s bedroom door.
Love Notes
Love Notes
Love Notes
Journaing reads: This is Blake sending drawings and notes to Trin over his DS. Trinity is sending notes back to him and they were supposed to be sleeping. It was a school night, but how could we stop them when Dad had just read Trin’s note to Blake, “I love you!”
Love Notes
While we were out for ice cream, Dad turned one of Trinity’s lip drawings into a hat.
Love Notes
Love Notes
Love Notes
I plan to add more to this book, starting with this page. I will also be adding read paper to the inside cover of the back, which you see here on the right.

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