What an awesome time of year! It’s truly a season for the senses - the smells, colors, sights, tastes, emotions, and the joy! And this is truly a season for scrapbooking. I’m excited to be able to share a little bit of my love for this craft as the manufacture spotlight this month. Everyone has their lists of top ten and I’m inspired to share my top ten tips for successful scrapbooking with you. Unlike David Letterman, I’m giving you my “numero uno” tip first! Actually, all of them are great but without number one, you don’t have a scrapbook!

1. Invest in a good camera. You need a good camera because you want the pictures to last for generations. Take a simple photography class it can improve your pictures 100%! A class can teach you how to get the most out of your camera and it can also teach you how to be brave and get “up close and personal”. Learn about lighting, how to take the best pictures using natural daylight. Your whole picture-taking mind-set will be forever altered!

2. Learn to use your computer. Your computer can be your best friend because it can cut your work it half! Find out how easy it is to scan an old photo then zero in on the desired image bring it in closer, making it bigger, cutting out all the surrounding, should we say, garbage and finding the perfect picture. It’s also a great source for the “writing-challenged”. It can help with journaling, titles using fabulous fonts and it can spell!

3. Straight Cut. Let’s cut straight to the point, straight edges mean clean and simple lines. Use your decorative scissors for accents or other things; never use them on your photo or frames. Keep those lines simple and straight to draw the attention to the most important thing – your photo!

4. Become a magazine addict (to go with your chocolate addiction). By simply devouring your favorite magazine every month (again, like you do your chocolate), you will feed your over-worked brain with awesome tips, techniques, problem solving, and fabulous ideas and designs.

5. Try New Techniques. Try using extra-fine sandpaper to sand the edges of your frames and pages. All My Memories “Time Savers” are perfect because of the embossed edges on printed cardstock. With very little effort (and talent), you too can have pages with a designer look!

Whoa, I’ve gotten a little long-winded so you’ll have to wait until next week for my final five tips! (I know you can hardly wait!). Meanwhile, take minute and check out our award winning pages using some of these tips. I know you’ll love them!

Happy Scrapping!
Jorjana