Map Week Day 6: Travel Paper Bag Scrapbook Journal Craft Along Day 6

Today we will create some cool inserts for the side pockets in your travel journal.

Day 6

If you missed the previous days:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Tomorrow will be the last day of the Craft Along and the final day of Map week.

Map Week Day 3: Travel Paper Bag Scrapbook Journal Craft Along Day 3

Are you crafting along?  How's your Travel Paper Bag Scrapbook/Travel Journal coming along?

In case you missed them:

Day 1

Day 2

and today is Day 3

Wonderful Wednesday! I Don't Have Time to Scrapbook!

This week's Wonderful Wednesday Freebie:

 Click here to get the freebie

(This freebie works with My Memories Digital Scrapbook Software, but you don't have to have My Memories to use it!

I don't have time to scrapbook.

I have said that before.  Many times.

When I think about scrapbooking, I used to think it meant pulling out piles of paper, glue sticks or double sided tape, embellishments and tons of photos.

A two - page layout could take me hours!

Then if something happened like, for example, you run out of glue, etc., and you have to put everything on hold and run to the store.

Or worse yet, you can't even get started because you have a creative block.

Or you cut your photo wrong and have to wait to get another copy.

Well, scrapbooking has come a long way, baby!

Ways to capture memories without taking so much time:

1.  Smashbook

 

A smashbook is the unscrapbook, actually. 

It is completely freeing.  You don't have to do anything special.  Just use the pen/glue stick to add stuff to your book.  Save the memories without the fuss.  

I love this idea of just documenting your day without perfection.

You can get the actual Smashbook or just make your own!  Use any sketchbook and add stuff to it!  (Of course, you won't have the cool pen/glue stick, though)

(*Please see below for my disclosure statement.)

2.  Paper bag Scrapbook

My first paper bag scrapbook, which is really simple and quick to make.

Or use the tutorial I used for my business plan paper bag scrapbook.  It's not simple and takes a little time, but once it's done, it will save you time.

You can use it just like a smashbook, with the added feature of pockets to stash memories in as well!

3.  Digital Scrapbooking

I have discovered digital scrapbooking several months ago and I will never go back to regular scrapbooking.  

Everything is on your computer - no searching for glue sticks, trying to find photos, etc.  Your photos are on your computer anyway, right?

If you need a different kit it's so easy, just purchase it from your computer - you don't have to run to the store!  Plus, My Memories (my preferred digital scrapbooking software) has so much free stuff, it will keep you going for a while!  

I have a special offer for my readers from My Memories, too!  Use the code  STMMMS70060 to get $10 off your digital scrapbooking software + $10 additional to use in the My Memories shop.

Plus, until March 31st, you get a Free 1 year membership to RAKstar!  ($247.00 value!)  

1. Just purchase the software with the code STMMMS70060 
2. Email me your receipt (to BBBellezza@hotmail.com) 
3. I will email you a gift certificate for RAKstar! 

* Disclosure:  In this post I have posted links for products that I would receive a small commission for if you purchase.  I only talk about products that I truly love and believe in.  Those payments do help keep this blog going.  Thanks!

Paper Bag Scrapbook Business Plan

Creating a business plan in writing is always a goal of mine each year.  Some years I do accomplish it, save it on my computer and move on with my business.  Some years I don't even do it.  I know what my plan is, why write it down?

This year I am changing my business and really wanted to get things down in writing.  I did that, on my computer, like normal.  Here's the thing, though, I don't actually USE my business plan in that way.  I never see it again.

Then I got an inspiration.  I wish I could remember who gave me the idea, but it was on one of my favorite blogs, but I'm not sure which one (I tried to figure it out, but with no luck!)

 

 I transformed my business plan into a fun, crafty, interactive book!  I made a paper bag scrapbook and then added all my business info.  There's plenty of room for adding in the pockets.  I can change things, add things, remove things. 

And I love it.  I love having it out and adding more to it.

The other great thing about making my business plan scrapbook that I didn't realize is that while I was making the pages and adding information, I thought much more about my business and each response to each section.  It's one thing to type it out and save it on a printer or print it; it's a entirely different thing to physically write out information by hand and make special pages.

I used this Crafty U Tutorial to make my scrapbook.  I am planning on making more, for sure!  I used paper bags I had around left over from when I sold Avon, so my bags are white.  If you want to make a paper bag scrapbook for a business plan like I did, you can just do a search to find business plan samples to get started.  I have some blank pages/empty pockets to add to my book as needed.


What do you think?

MyMemories Digital Scrapbooking Software Giveaway!!

-> The Giveaway is now closed.  Thanks to all who participated!  Please read about my experience here.  You can still get the discount mentioned below, too! 

Each Wednesday check in for Wonderful Wednesdays to get a free download from My Memories! <-

Scrapbooking:

I started scrapbooking at a young age.  I remember when I was in elementary school – in 3^rd or 4^th grade – I was a pom pom girl.  (Basically a cheerleader.  We did a halftime show during the pee wee football game.)  My mom suggested that I start a scrapbook.  Back then scrapbooking was not at all what it is now.  I basically used an album with sticky pages, cut out newspaper clippings, ribbons and whatever I felt was important at the time and then put the plastic back over the page.

As I got older and the scrapbooking supplies got better, so did my scrapbooks.  I have more than 20 scrapbooks for the first 25ish years of my life. 

Then I started to get really busy.  I would save bits and pieces of things that I would someday scrapbook in a drawer.  I had probably close to 10 years of stuff in various places.  When I moved about 10 months ago to a much smaller place, I went through and got rid of a lot of that stuff and the rest got put in boxes and put into storage. 

I rarely even print photos these days.  To think, I was the person who would never switch from film cameras and boycotted digital.  Yes, I still love film cameras.  I still have one.  I just rarely use it.

Digital:

Now most of everything I do is digital.  My photos are on flickr and I share them on facebook, too.  We order tickets for events online so we don’t have the cute ticket stubs anymore.  I don’t have the time – or the room – to collect things, have photos printed and spend a day on a 2 page scrapbook layout anymore.  I think that people who still do are amazing.  (If I really wanted to devote that much time anymore I would – the time thing is a cop out.  I just use my time differently these days.)

Take a lot of photos.  Sometimes over 250 per week.  Sometimes even more.  I rarely print them.  I'm happy if I just get them on my flickr photostream or share them on facebook.  I have thousands of photos on my computer.

I'll be honest, I was skeptical about trying digital scrapbooking.  I was really interested, but I didn't think I would really like it.

Boy was I wrong!!  My Memories digital scrapbooking software is the perfect solution for me.  Let me tell you, digital scrapbooking is awesome!

It’s easy, it’s quick.  I don’t have to dig through photos, paper, embellishments, pens, scissors, etc.  In fact, I don’t have to store everything.  I don’t have to put off scrapbooking because I forgot that I ran out of glue dots. 

It’s all on your computer, right at your fingertips. Plus when you want new background paper or embellishments, you just go to the My Memories online store for instant download!  Instant gratification.

My photos are all on my computer, too.  So it works great!

How it works:

To my surprise, it is so easy to use! You can even create an entire album with one click! 

At first, I used one of the free layouts that came with the software.  I just picked it, opened it and clicked on the spots where the photos were to insert photos.  Add a little journaling and I was done.

You can see my AVAM post to see my first layouts.  Here's one page:

This is my FIRST try!  See how easy it is!

I have since downloaded freebies from MyMemories and made some purchases as well.

This is an example of a layout I actually made from scratch.  I chose the background, the embellishments, the layout of the photos, etc. 

I haven't even scratched the surface here!  You can make interactive albums with videos and music!  You save the album and then decide what to do with it.  You can make books for your family, friends, etc.

Here's a video from My Memories to learn more about what you can actually do with the software:

I can't wait to use with with my wedding photos in May!  Think of the awesome personalized Christmas presents you can make.  (You know the grandparents are waiting for photos!  Think how impressed and excited they would be with a book, or a calendar!)

If you have problems, don’t worry, they have tons of tutorials to help you through!

My new blog header was made using My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Suite!

GIVEAWAY!!

The folks at My Memories have given me the opportunity to give away a free copy of their digital scrapbooking software!

To enter, just leave me a comment below.  Comment about anything about scrapbooking – have you done it before, are you new, why do you want to try it, etc.  Anything, really!  Click on “comments” and type.  Make sure that you enter your email address (if you don’t have a google account and are leaving an anonymous comment, please make sure to put your email address in your comment so I can get a hold of you if you win!)

----> UPDATE:

Extra chances:

• Receive an extra chance by heading over to MyMemories and picking out your favorite digital paper pack and commenting here with the link.
• Tweet about this and leave a separate comment to let me know you did. 
• Fan MyMemories on facebook (you're gonna want to anyway!  They have lots of fun events and lots of freebies!!) and leave a comment that you did or already are a fan
• Fan B.B. Bellezza on facebook and leave a comment that you did or you're already a fan

Every Wednesday I will be giving away a My Memories freebie to add to your scrapbooking!  Yep.  Right here.  Every week!

If you don’t win, or can't wait to get started,  I have a great deal for you:

You can still get the software for $10 off!!  Find it here My Memories Scrapbooking Software and use code STMMMS70060 when you check out.  Plus, use the code to get $10 off in the My Memories store.  ($10 goes a LONG way in the My Memories store!)

That's $20 off!! 


Make sure to use the code above to get the discount.

To Enter the giveaway:

Leave your comment below to be entered to win free software!  I’ll choose the winner next Wednesday evening, October 19^th around 7 pm.  (Also there will be freebies for everyone that day!!)

Good Luck!!

Cereal Box Castle Scrapbook Idea

How cute is this castle scrapbook?

You can see more photos at Frugal Ideas from the Parsonage.  They are made using upcycled cereal boxes.

Really, the possibilities are endless for the shapes and designs of these scrapbooks.  

Start saving your cereal boxes!

Reuse Paper Bags and Make a Cool Scrapbook

Paper Bag Scrapbook

This is a simple tutorial to make a paper bag scrapbook. It is a great way to use up paper bags that you have laying around.

Once you make the basic book, you can embellish it however you would like. Other ideas I have thought about is to use just one bag and make a cool card for someone, filled up with something fun. Or fill the inside with paper and you have a really cool notebook or journal - take notes and save mementos in the open part.

One thing to note: This is not acid-free! Don't use your irreplaceable photos for this project because they will be ruined eventually. You could make copies of your precious photos and mementos.

What you need for this project:

1. Paper bags (I used 3, but you could use less or more)
I used smaller bags, but you can use larger bags to make a larger scrapbook.
2. Ribbon, lace, string or yarn
3. Hole punch
4. Any embellishments and glue to attach them - scrapbook paper, fabric, buttons, etc.

How to:

1. Fold each paper bag in half.


2. Line up the bags. Alternate the closed ends and open ends.

3. Line up folds like a book one bag inside of the next as pictured below.

4. Punch holes in all the bags at the spine side. I punched holes in each bag individually and then marked all the other bags from the first bag. Ideally, your holes will be in a straight line, unlike mine! :)

5. Cut pieces of ribbon, lace, string or yarn to tie through the book.

6. Tie each piece of ribbon, lace, yarn or string through the holes you punched out - through all of the bags and tie on the outside.



Now you have your basic scrapbook/journal/card/etc. Every other page has an opening to put things in. You can add extra photos there or save other things.

7. Finish your scrapbook by adding whatever embellishments you would like.
I added a fabric flower with a button on a piece of paper, then glued that to the front. I also make a pull-out with ribbons from a piece of scrapbook paper that I can add photos to or journal on.

This project is only limited by your imagination! So have a great time!

Again, remember that these books are not acid free and will not last forever.

* * * * * *

Update:  Since writing this tutorial I have an even better, more professional looking paper bag scrapbook tutorial.  It takes a little more time, but it's completely worth it!

This paper bag scrapbook was made using old maps for the decoration to make a fun travel journal scrapbook.

And this paper bag scrapbook is what I used to make my business plan much more fun!

To learn how to make this more professional and nicer looking paper bag journal, just fill in the form below to join my tutorial newsletter and you'll receive instant access to a private, password protected webpage with the step-by-step instructions plus many other exclusive tutorials.  

(Note:  my tutorials are now found on a separate website:  http://www.KimberlieKohler.com )

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