Chip It Good

My local scrapbook supply shop has a huge “Dads and Grads” display in the front of the store. The table includes a massive array of graduation and Father’s Day-themed albums, embellishments and paper. In addition, the owner of the shop created the most incredible selection of chipboard scrapbooks. One spells out “Daddy,” another “Graduate,” and another “Congratulations.” For as long as I have been creating memory albums, I have yet to master the art of crafting chipboard scrapbooks. I’m not sure what intimidates me so much about these unique albums, though I have a feeling it has to do with … Continue reading

Unique Memory Albums

I’m hooked on chipboard scrapbooks. Not chipboard embellishments; I am head over heels in awe of chipboard memory albums whose pages spell out words, such as “Mother,” “Love,” “Family,” “Vacation,” or “Sister.” I rarely stray from crafting anything but traditional albums. Typically, my focus is on squeezing as many photos on a single layout as possible, so using a standard 12×12 page works best for me. However, after seeing how many mini images I could fit on a page from a chipboard scrapbook, I am obsessed. Granted, when creating page designs in a chipboard scrapbook, you have to be a … Continue reading

Spice Up Chipboard

Painting plain chipboard is an easy and affordable way to give your layouts a boost. However, it’s not the only way to breathe new life into the popular embellishment. If you are trying to save money by making your own chipboard accents, consider decoupage. Frugal scrapbookers know the value of this technique, which can be used on a myriad of materials, including chipboard. Start by collecting patterned paper scraps. Any leftover scrapbook paper that features colors that complement your layout will do. Next, adhere the paper to the chipboard with Mod Podge, and allow it to dry thoroughly before trimming … Continue reading

We R Memory Keepers Big Bite Crop-A-Dile II All-In-One Tool

Introducing the We R Memory Keepers Big Bite Crop-A-Dile II All-In-One Tool. Well, actually I’m introducing it to you, but if you don’t get one TODAY, you won’t get one again until March. The new Big Bite is being showcased on HSN today, and will only be available while supplies last. For those of us who own the original Crop-a-dile, we’ve enjoyed a lot of awesome features. punches through cardstock like it’s nothing and sets eyelets in place just as easily. It’s extremely quiet which is a nice change from the pounding I used to do with my eyelet setter. … Continue reading

A Memory Chip

It was Christmas Eve, and I was cooking a special meal for the family. Outside, a blizzard had just quieted to a few wandering flakes. A thick blanket of snow hushed all the early evening sounds. I checked the turkey in the oven and then went outside to marvel at how beautiful and peaceful it all was. Stars. Snow. I walked down the steps of our porch, across the yard. Then suddenly, I allowed myself to fall backward and make a snow angel. I wondered how old I was the last time I made one. Probably eight or ten. Then … Continue reading

Barbara’s Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Barbara Fowles, a dear woman in our church, passed away recently, leaving all of us who knew her in saddened shock. While flipping through my recipe collection, I came upon her instructions for pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. In loving memory, I’d like to share this recipe with you today. 3 c. sugar 1 c. shortening (I use margarine when I make them – Tristi’s note) 3 eggs 1 large can pumpkin 6 c. flour ¾ t. nutmeg 3 t. cinnamon 1 t. salt 12 t. baking powder 1 ½ t. vanilla 1 t. lemon juice 1 ½ bags chocolate chips … Continue reading

Beach Fun on a Budget

April is almost over.  Time is marching on.  Soon, your spring flowers will be a distant memory as the dog days of summer hit and all you care about is watering yourself rather than your blossoms. Summer fun means picnics, barbeques and visits to the beach, but those good times can add up quickly if you aren’t careful.  To avoid busting your budget on trips featuring the sun, sand and surf, consider these money-saving ideas: DIY Beach Towel Large decorative beach towels don’t come cheap.  If you have a large family, buying a new towel for each member can put … Continue reading

Holiday Gifts from the Heart

The holiday season is an ideal time to teach kids about the importance of giving.  This year, though, consider doing one better by giving your children the opportunity to take a hands-on approach to gift-giving. There’s no need to break the bank purchasing expensive holiday presents for loved ones when you can use your creativity and other talents to craft a slew of special treats.  Show kids that by putting their heart into making a personal present for a loved one they will be giving a giving a gift you can’t put a price tag on. Some simple ideas include: … Continue reading

Signs of the Season

Most people look to falling leaves as a sign of autumn. In my home, it’s a set of blood red fangs rather than rust-colored foliage that marks the change of seasons. My 5-year-old nephew likes to scare my 8-year-old daughter with photos of his Halloween get-ups, which are designed around a pair of well-worn plastic fangs and loads of fake blood that drips from his mouth, down to his chin and throat. The pictures always score at least a couple of layouts in my holiday scrapbook. Yesterday, as I paged through past Halloween-themed memory albums I was reminded that All … Continue reading

Home Makeover Layouts

Not everyone is in a position to purchase a new home right now; however, that shouldn’t stop you from documenting any improvements you make to your current abode. Each year our neighbors spend their tax return on home improvements. Two years ago they refurbished their kitchen, last year they purchases new windows for the entire house and this summer they are giving their master bathroom a facelift. Given her passion for scrapbooking, it’s no surprise that each time my neighbor embarks on a redo the process ends up as the subject of yet another memory album. Personally, I think scrapbooking … Continue reading