A Shot in the Dark

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays to scrapbook. All those fun red, white, and blue stickers, and stars and stripes papers make me feel patriotic. I also love dressing my kids up in red, white, and blue so they look festive and match the scrapbook pages.

Have you ever considered trying to capture pictures of the fireworks for your scrapbook? They make awesome pictures, but can sometimes be hard to photograph.

One of the most important things to remember is to choose a good location. Make sure you have a clear view of the fireworks. And also make sure you know which way the wind is blowing, as this will determine which direction the smoke will move. You want to shoot upwind so it goes camera, fireworks, smoke. Otherwise, your pictures will be hazy.

A tripod is helpful to eliminate the pictures being blurry from shaky hands. A camera with a remote button is helpful, but not absolutely necessary. As soon as you 'hear' the explosion, press the button to take a picture. If you wait until you can 'see' the firework, all you'll get is the smoke.

One of the most difficult parts of photographing fireworks is deciding where to aim your camera. The challenge you’ll face in doing this is that you generally need to aim your camera before the firework that you’ll be photographing goes off--anticipation is key.

Some people think you need a fast lens to capture fireworks because you are shooting in the dark, but the opposite is true. The light the fireworks emit is actually quite bright and any good digital camera should do. You will not need to use a flash.

If you are using a digital camera, periodically check your results and make adjustments as needed.

I hope you have a FUN and SAFE holiday and create lasting memories you'll be excited to scrapbook.

Below are some 4th of July Scrapbooking Quotes you can use to embellish your pages:

"Freedom is never given, it is won." --Author Unknown

"Where liberty is, there is my country." --Benjamin Franklin

"Life without liberty is like a body without spirit." --Kahlil Gibran

"Sparkling glitter way up high, fireworks light up the sky!" --Author Unknown

"Freedom isn't free." --Author Unknown

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Handmade Cards for all Occasions

I think it's sad that because of advanced technology, the handwritten word, has pretty much gone by the wayside. Because of email it is rare to receive a handwritten letter in the mail anymore. You can even send greeting cards by email now.

There is something sentimental about receiving a letter or card that has the personal touch of being handwritten. One of my favorite things to do with my scrapbooking supplies is to make handmade cards. I suppose, because it's something creative I can do without having to take a lot of time.

I've included a few simple instructions and ideas below (along with lots of sample pictures) to get you started creating cards of your own:

1) Choose your paper. I love to use double-sided cardstock that has a different pattern on each side. When you fold the paper to make a card, there is a different pattern inside the card. If you don't have double-sided cardstock, gluing on other pieces of coordinating paper creates a nice layering effect.

2) Fold your paper in half, making a deep crease. You can run a pencil or other hard object along the fold to crease it, but be careful, some paper will crack. There are also other fun, unique ways to fold your paper other than in half. A gate-fold is one of my favorite. You can also fold up the bottom half of the paper and fasten the sides, creating a pocket to put a note in.

3) If you plan on using an envelope, make sure the paper is cut slightly smaller, so the finished product will fit inside. A fun effect is to use scraps of paper, or stickers that match the card and create an embellishment for the outside of the envelope as well.

4) Decide how much text you want to use. Often a title of some sort looks nice on the outside. You can handwrite it, use alphabet stickers, stamps, or print it on your computer and glue it on or fasten with brads, staples, or ribbon. There are also tons of fun rub-on titles available with common sayings such as Thank You, Happy Birthday, and You're Invited.

5) Be creative. There are tons of fun things you can use to embellish your card: ribbon, brads, paper flowers, staples, stickers, etc.

6) After you have created the outside of your card, don't forget the most important part--the message inside.

Nothing quite says I love you like receiving something that has been handmade. I love receiving cards and always add them to my scrapbook pages. I've got entire birthday pages designed around cards my children have received. And besides that, creating cards is a great way to get your feet wet if you are new to scrapbooking and a good way to use up all those leftover scraps.

**All the cards pictured here were made using Pebbles, Inc. products.

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Blog Tour: Heaven Scent by Rebecca Talley

I thoroughly enjoyed Rebecca Talley's latest book, Heaven Scent. I bought it to read, but my fifteen year old daughter quickly snatched it away before I could even read it. She couldn't put it down, and I think she read the entire book in one sitting.

When I got my turn to read it, I could see why. It was a compelling story about a young girl and the trials she faced. It takes an unexpected turn that is very touching. You'll definitely need a box of tissues!

My favorite part of the book was Rebecca's portrayal of the main character, Liza. It was perfect. She captured the angst, self-consciousness, and the up and down rollercoaster emotions, we all have as teenagers, in a way that made me feel what Liza was feeling. I loved the character and would like to read more of her story.

Rebecca agreed to answer a few questions about this book and writing in general:

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I actually kept my writing a secret for a long time because I was afraid people would laugh at me or think I was wasting my time. I finally realized that publication doesn't make you a writer, writing makes you a writer. When I realized this, I gave myself permission to be a writer.

Is there a message in your novel you are wanting readers to grasp?

The message of "Heaven Scent" is that no matter what life throws at us, there is always hope.

How long did it take you to write the book?

I worked on "Heaven Scent" off and on for years in between pregnancies, nursing newborns, toddlers, kids, teenagers, and caring for my ailing grandparents. I wasn't sure I'd ever finish it. It actually started as a short story in high school. So, yes, for me it took many, many years to finally finish it.

What books or authors have most influenced your writing?
I love to read books by Jerry Spinelli and loved his book, "Stargirl." I try to not let anyone influence my writing so I can maintain my own voice.

What can we look for next? What current projects are you working on?
I'm currently working on an LDS romance that's been a lot of fun to write. It's a simple, fun love story.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your book?

Nope. That's the story that played in my head that I wanted to share.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Time. Time seems to be a luxury I don't always have. Maybe if I didn't sleep, I would have enough time to do everything!

I know you have lots of children, so when do you find time to write?

I squish it in here and there. I'd love to have a chunk of regular time that I could write, but that just ain't happenin' right now. Another season of my life perhaps. For now, I just take what I can get and try not to get frustrated that I don't produce as much as I'd like.

Do you have any advice for other authors?

Never give up. If writing is your dream, don't let anyone convince you to abandon it. Learn the craft, meet other writers, join critique groups, go to conferences, but most of all, write the story that's in your heart.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Eat ice cream, play with my kids, read, help my kids develop their talents, work on family history.

Thanks Rebecca! It was so fun to read Heaven Scent and to get to know you better. I look forward to reading more from you in the future.

You can purchase a copy of Heaven Scent at Amazon or your local LDS Retailer.

Scrapbooking 101: Where do I start?

Have you always wanted to scrapbook, but don’t know where to start? Do the rows and rows of stickers, embellishments, adhesives, and albums at your local craft store make you feel completely overwhelmed? Do you have piles and piles of pictures in no semblance of order?

Don’t worry. You’re not alone.

First, buy a large plastic container then go through your house and gather all of your photos and memorabilia into one place. Look in drawers, old photo albums, shoeboxes, picture frames, closets, files, the attic—wherever you tend to stash stuff. Then purchase archival quality photo boxes for all of your photos.

Decide on the types of albums you would like to complete. Are you doing one large family album? Or, would you rather do an individual album for each child? Will you be making themed albums such as Christmas and Vacation, or will these pictures go into the family album? Make these decisions now, before you sort.

Start with the last roll of film you developed. Don’t try to tackle years of old photos yet. Get the current ones into an album first, and then work backwards. Plan an evening of sorting, or month of sorting if the need requires, and keep in mind the types of albums you want to create while you are sorting. If you have lots of pictures, divide the pictures into decades. Then you can tackle one decade at a time and divide them into years.

Start out with just a few supplies. Patterned paper and stickers are the basics. You will also need a small paper trimmer and some sort of adhesive. Try to stick with the same type of adhesive throughout your scrapbook. Mixing adhesives can possibly create an undesired chemical reaction that would damage your photos.

If you are a beginner, it’s a good idea to purchase a scrapbooking magazine to see some layout ideas and get your creative juices flowing. But, don’t let the huge variety of tools and gadgets available overwhelm you. Add one tool at a time, and before you know it, you’ll be scrapping like a pro.

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Memories of Dad

I realize I’m a week late with a post about Father’s, but I’ve been moving, so I’m allowed to be a week behind. Right?

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.”
—Jim Valvano

Valvano’s quote pretty much sums up my relationship with my dad. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I finally realized all the things he’d been telling me all along were really for my own good. He is the most patient, loving man I know and I count myself lucky to be his daughter.

From the time I was a little girl, I knew I could count on my dad.

When I was just tiny, I used to have terrible leg cramps at night. It never failed, my dad would hear me crying and come in and rub them for me until I was able to fall back asleep.

When I was in elementary school, I discovered I was good at spelling. I loved to be in the school spelling bee, and my dad put in countless hours helping me study the words so I could do my best. He was proud of me the year I won, and just as proud the year I didn’t.

My teenage years were rough on both of us, especially on my dad. Regardless, he always stood behind me. I remember one poignant moment when I watched my father cry, hurting for me and shedding tears I was unable to shed. He guided me back to safety through his never-ending love and acceptance.

Since I've been married and had children, my dad is a fun-loving grandpa. He takes the grandkids to the movie, for bike rides, and to the park. The kids’ favorite activity is going on walks with grandpa and collecting pockets full of treasures along the way.

Since Father’s Day just passed, take the time to record memories of your father. Whether they be good or bad, they are important to remember and preserve for your family. Jot down memories you have and then create a special scrapbooking layout about your dad.

Below are a few ideas to spark your imagination:
- Traditions with your dad.
- Physical characteristics you and your dad share.
- Activities you’ve done together.
- Things your dad would say.
- Places your dad lived.
- Jobs your dad had.
- Now and then pictures.
- Timeline of pictures through the years.
- Help your kids create a page about their dad.

Father’s day is the perfect time to remember Dad, but don’t forget to watch out for memorable moments you can scrapbook all year long. After he is gone, the pages you create will live on and help you and your children revisit all the precious memories.

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Digital Freebie's

I'm in the middle of moving and I’m going through withdrawals without internet access. I’m at my parents today using their SLOOOWWW . . . dial-up connection, so my blog today isn’t going to be long.

With the advent of digital scrapbooking there are lots of places on the internet where you can get free digital layouts and products.

Digifree – The digital scrapbooking freebie search engine uses an automated system to search blogs for digital scrapbooking freebies and then posts them (with images) for all to see and download. What a great way to find free layouts and embellishments - no wonder this site is Top 50 Scrapbooking Blogs number one site! Check it out. You'll be amazed at all the fun free things you'll find.

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5 Tips to better photos

Do you want to take better photographs? There are simple ways to make photos more engaging. I recently read an amazing book, Photography for Scrapbookers, by Tracy White. She presented 5 tips for better photos:

1- Pick up your camera, hold it to your eye and look around. What do you see? Are there toys on the ground? Are you cropping your husband’s head off as you focus on your little one? Now move the camera around so you eliminate those distractions.

2- Stand up, then take 3 giant steps forward. You’ll get better photos by simply moving closer to your subject.

3- Try taking photos kneeling down. Taking photos from different perspectives will help you take amazing images.

4- Turn off your flash. It sounds contradictory, but in most situations you don’t need a flash. Instead, place your subject next to a window or open door and use the natural light to illuminate them.

5- Read your camera’s manual. By understanding your camera, you’re going to get better photos.

Try these fun photo ideas:

-Capture candid shots of friends and family: playing football, doing homework, sharing a bowl of popcorn.

-Take multiple photos to tell a story: baking a cake, building a sandcastle, remodeling a house.

-Take pictures in nature: children jumping in puddles after a rainstorm, a husband fishing, a couple sitting by the lake showing their reflection.

-Photograph details: buttons on the back of a prom dress, flowers on lapel of groom, bows on birthday presents.

-Take pictures of traditional holiday food to embellish holiday pages: frosted valentine cookies, caramel apples lined up at Halloween, turkey on thanksgiving.

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