Help Storing Your Rub-ons, Stickers & Other Embellishments

One of the things I continually struggle with is organizing my work area so I have an effective place to scrapbook. Unfortunately, I don't have a dedicated scraproom - I have a space set up in our spare bedroom (and keep hoping nobody comes for an overnight visit!!). Adding to the problem of limited space is my addiction to shopping for all things scrapbook related!!

I've lost track of how many times I've gone searching through my supplies for something I'm sure I had, but been unable to find. Even worse, I finish a page and afterwards find the perfect embellishment(s) that would make a good layout a great layout! But it was too late! I couldn't change what I had already done without starting over. So, I decided it was time to do something to get some of my extras out in full view. The only problem was with limited space, I couldn't afford to lose any of my table space, so needed something that didn't sit on top of my workspace, but would still give me easy access.

The solution ...





This handy little wire is actually a "curtain rod" and comes complete with two styles of clips - a loop type & a clip type - with extra clips available separately for when you run out. There are different ways to install the wire depending on what your wall-space is like. I have it set up between two opposite walls across the entire length, but you don't have to run the wire the full length if you don't want or if you have a door or window in the way! There are different styles of mounting posts to suit whatever configuration you need!

This has turned out to be a great organizational and space-saving tool for me! Now, while I'm working at my little table, I only have to glance up for some ideas on what little extras I can add to my scrapbook layouts.

Watch for New Stores to be Posted!

When I first was introduced to scrapbooking, there seemed to be a natural progression to get involved in rubber stamping. While I liked the idea of stamping, my first concern was that there would be nowhere that I could store all the stamps I wanted to get. That, and if I only got a few sets of stamps, you'd see the same ones throughout all my projects! So until recently, I steered clear of them.

But then it happened! I was introduced to acrylic stamps, and then not long afterwards, rubber "cling-on" type stamps! Some people have been very smart to discover a way that I can add many new items to my scrapbook area, and at the same time, be space conscious. I'm not sure if I should be thankful given that my wallet has become much lighter! But, I'm really not going to complain, as I'm seeing some wonderful ways to take my scrapbook pages to another level. That, and as I learn more about stamping and what can be done with it, I'm expanding my hobby into what I would call "paper arts" versus just scrapbooking. What fun it is!

As a result of this new-found knowledge, it became very clear to me that with this cross-over between scrapbooking and rubber stamping, there are a lot of stores that should be listed in Crop Across Canada's directory. Although many of these stores may have a stronger focus on rubber stamping than scrapbooking, those of you not taking the steps into the world of stamping will still find lots of little tools, gadgets and general supplies in these stores that would be useful for someone solely devoted to scrapbooking.

So ... have a browse through the store listings and plan a shopping trip for the new year. Support your local scrapbook store (and/or stamping store)!

A Scrapbooker's Best Friend

If you use a digital camera, you know how difficult it can be to organize and sort through the pictures you want to print for your next scrapbook project. Not only can it be a frustrating process to actually find them on your computer, but also once you have found them, you realize a little fix would turn your great picture into a fantastic picture!

There are many choices available to you if you’re looking for photo editing software. Unfortunately, not only can some of these programs be fairly complicated to learn and use, some of them are also fairly costly. A great solution is Google’s Picasa. Not only does it allow you to effortlessly edit your photos, but it sorts them on your computer so you can easily find them, view them, and if you want to take it one step further, share them on-line with your family and friends! All of this at no cost! Yes, that’s correct – Picasa is part of the Google Pack and is absolutely free!

Here are a just a few examples of how you can use Picasa for your scrapbooking needs.

• We all have great photos, but unfortunately, the flash has caused red-eye. Fix it with a click of the mouse!

• Would your scrapbook project better suit a black & white photo? Convert it to black & white, or consider giving it a sepia tone look.

• Have you ever seen a wedding photo that focuses in on the loving bride and groom, and then gradually blurs the background? This effect can be easily added to any of your photos!

• Do you need to re-size your photo before you print it? Crop it so it better fits the layout you’re working with!

• Is your photo a little too dark? Adjust the contrast so your subject is better highlighted!

You can experiment as much as you need to in order to get the desired effect to your photos. And, if you’re not happy with the changes, you can revert back to the original at any time, so you never have to worry about losing the original format.

All of this and much more ... at no cost! And, since it's a Google product, it's completely safe to download.

Crop Across Canada has Expanded!

It took longer than expected, but we've finally expanded Crop Across Canada to include on-line Canadian scrapbook stores! It's been great fun doing the research, and has also been very interesting to see how many great shops there are, and what fantastic scrapbooking goodies some of them have chosen to specialize in! For those who don't have the opportunity to get out to a traditional "brick & mortar" scrapbook store, or if you're looking for a special item your local scrapbook store doesn't stock, these are a great alternative!

We've also added a "Helpful Information" section, and have posted our first two articles. Hopefully, many more will follow in the future.

We hope you enjoy the new additions to the site, and look forward to continually updating this to provide fellow scrapbookers with a great Canadian Scrapbook Resource!

Canada's Scrapbooking Crop for Kids - October 12-14

I don't normally show my support for any one particular event or store, but I find myself making an exception for Canada's Scrapbooking Crop for Kids.

I recently attended a class taught by the organizer for Edmonton's event ... the class was great and made even better since a portion of the proceeds were donated to Canada's Scrapbooking Crop for Kids! More importantly though, I was able to hear about this fantastic event first-hand, in particular what motivated these ladies from across the country to take on the incredible task of organizing an event of this magnitude. It truly is a huge undertaking.

Not only are the local hospitals benefiting from their hard work, but those of us who love to scrapbook are also seeing some great benefits! Take some time to browse through the registration options available - check out the classes being offered and the incredible instructors who are volunteering their time and efforts to teach them. What a great opportunity for scrapbookers to crop, learn (and shop!), and at the same time, support your local children's hospital!

Don't miss out! Visit the Canada's Scrapbooking Crop for Kids web-site for additional details on how you can participate.

Watch for the Checkmarks ...

As you browse through the Crop Across Canada's scrapbook store directory, you'll start to see check marks appearing for a number of the scrapbook stores. This check mark indicates that particular store also offers on-line shopping from their web-site.

At this point, you'll see the enhancements for the BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba stores. Take a look through to see the number of these great Canadian scrapbook stores that also provide this service. The rest of the provinces will follow soon.

Also still to come ... the new section with Canadian on-line scrapbook stores!

What's Coming to Crop Across Canada

There's nothing quite the same as meandering through a scrapbook store looking for the perfect papers or embellishments to complete a page or project, or just browsing to see what catches your eye. Unfortunately, many people don't have that opportunity. Whether due to time, distance or another reason, sometimes the best shopping alternative is through an on-line store.

With that in mind, we're busy compiling all the information so we can bring you a new section - On-Line Scrapbook Stores! In addition, since there are many "brick & mortar" stores that also offer on-line shopping, we're updating that section on Crop Across Canada so you'll know which of your favourite scrapbook stores have on-line shopping available.

Check the site often - we should be ready to launch these improvements soon!