By Christina VanGinkel
I snap photos of everything. My kids, our dogs, the moon, and the local black bear population among my favorites. I will also snap a photograph of a spider that was kind enough to spin his web on the opening of an empty birdhouse, an upended wheelbarrow with a flat tire that is in the middle of a field and a close up of a Sandhill Crane (the feathered kind) after it landed in our yard. He appeared lost, and in need of a break. Our yard must have looked appealing for some odd reason.
I have photographs of all sorts of odd and unusual things, and just as many of more ordinary happenings and items. Sometimes something catches my attention and I am just compelled to take a photo of whatever it is, and other times I am just in what I call a snap happy mood, literally snapping photos of anything that is lucky (or unlucky depending on your own point of view) enough to pass in front of my lens.
Back before my ownership of a digital camera, many of these odd photo opportunities were developed into the traditional 4 x 6 format. With the advance of digital ownership, I have accumulated hundreds of these photo opportunities that are stored in a folder on my computer labeled simply as Tina's Snapshots. A friend who knows of my habits asked me what plans I had for all of these assorted photos. Why, I use them all the time was my instant response.
As a scrap booker, some have ended up as page backgrounds; some have been used as layovers, with journaling added, and some have actually been used as the focal point of a layout, as was the spider.
I have included some of my more silly photos in cards I send to family and friends. This has become sort of a tradition actually, and if I send a card to someone and do not include a snapshot or two, I am always asked why they did not get any! My Sandhill Crane photo was sent to a friend who had become totally lost the first time I had given her directions on how to find my house.
I once used a bunch of them to create an alphabet album for my two older kids when they were little, and in remembering this, I should make another one for my grandson. He loves to look at Nana's photos, so I imagine he would enjoy a book of twenty-six of them!
I have also discovered some amazing photos among the mix through the years, and these have been enlarged and used as art in my home.
Lastly, I learned so much taking all of them, and continue to do so each time I depress my shutter button, that the main thing I have gained from taking all of these 'silly' pictures is the knowledge to take better pictures of my kids, my dogs, the moon, and the local black bear population. I have learned about lighting, about moving in to get a shot of the subject itself and not all of the empty space or distracting background around it. I have learned that my flash is not always just for indoor shots, that it comes in handy for dispelling shadows even on outside sunny day shots. I have learned that the best composition does not mean that the focal subject of the picture always ahs to be in the middle, that moving it off to one side or the other will often give me a much better photo than I ever imagined. I have learned more in taking all of my silly photos than I could have ever learned by just taking the photos that I wanted. The learned knowledge has been indispensable when it comes to taking good photos. The next time you have your camera out take a few unexpected pictures. Experiment with the settings; learn what works and what does not through trial and error. Only by using your camera as much as possible will you ever learn to use it with comfort and ease, and only then will you be able to get that perfect photo (perfect to yourself that is) you have always wanted to capture!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
When Scrapbooker's Block Strikes
By Christina VanGinkel
One of the most common issues I hear from fellow scrap bookers is that while they might have all the latest tools, a good supply of paper and embellishments, and photos galore just waiting to be scrapped, they just do not know where to start. They might have dozens of layouts finished, even complete scrapbooks, but then one day, they pull out their supplies or walk into their room they use just for scrapping, and the mood they encounter is similar to coming face to face with a brick wall. For all the supplies around them, and all the photographs calling out to them to be used, they just seem to run out of steam.
Many will say that they try, they really do. They will pull out a sheet of cardstock, maybe even create a title, or assemble a few embellishments on a page. However, when it comes time to pull it all together into a layout, nothing seems to work.
Take a Breather
Scrappers block can be dealt with though, and almost always successfully. Admitting that you might be a bit burned out is often the first step to recovery. If everything in your supplies looks blah, ho-hum, common, whatever terms you want to use, do not rush out to buy more. I know that is the first instinct of many of those who spend their leisure time scrapping. They figure if nothing looks good, maybe they just need to gather a few new supplies. You might need to, but before you do, first, take a breather. That is right, close the door or fold up your organizer, and put it all away for a few days. Resist the urge to scrap, if it even calls to you. If you are truly in the midst of scrappers block, chances are it will not.
Make a Scrapbook Starter List
Next, either search out a list of scrapbook starters, or create your own. Scrapbook starters are generic ideas that you can use when the scrapper's block strikes, to get you motivated to make a layout. Some scrapbook starters I have in my list are:
Create a layout completely in black and white.
Take your favorite photo you have not scrapped yet, and transform it on the computer into a sepia toned print.
Take a photo of your child's or pet's favorite toy.
Sort just your die cuts.
Sort your stickers.
Sort your rub-ons.
(Do not sort all of them, just pick one, and sort those. If you start sorting everything, you risk getting into an organizational mode, and that can explode into a cleaning frenzy whereas you will be lucky to scrap again for weeks, lest you be constantly cleaning!)
Create a sketch.
This is just a small sampling from my scrap starter list. I add to it whenever I am in the mood to scrap, so when I have times that I just cannot come up with any good ideas, I can turn to my list and possibly jump start my lack of enthusiasm. I include very specific ideas in my list too, such as Create a page about my son's love of snowboarding wax, including pictures of the various waxes, the iron he uses, and the photo I have of him actually waxing his board. In the heat of summer, without this note in my list, I probably would not even think about creating that particular layout, yet it was one I had always intended doing, yet other layouts always seemed to take preference. So, when I was having a case of scrapper's block, my note about this particular layout was just what I needed to get going.
Create Something Else
I have also found that working on an alternative project, such as altering a tin, or creating a card, are great ways to get over scrapper's block when nothing else will work. These tasks are great ways to see your supplies in a new light, without the pressure of incorporating photos. After making a card, or working on a project that includes altering something, I always seem rejuvenated to get scrapping once again. Work on a project that is for one of your other creative hobbies, such as crochet or painting. Be warned though, that this will often lead to ideas for incorporating those hobbies into your next scrapbook layout! If you are having a serious case of scrapper's block, try some of these tips to get you scrapping and on the road to recovery. Happy scrapping!
One of the most common issues I hear from fellow scrap bookers is that while they might have all the latest tools, a good supply of paper and embellishments, and photos galore just waiting to be scrapped, they just do not know where to start. They might have dozens of layouts finished, even complete scrapbooks, but then one day, they pull out their supplies or walk into their room they use just for scrapping, and the mood they encounter is similar to coming face to face with a brick wall. For all the supplies around them, and all the photographs calling out to them to be used, they just seem to run out of steam.
Many will say that they try, they really do. They will pull out a sheet of cardstock, maybe even create a title, or assemble a few embellishments on a page. However, when it comes time to pull it all together into a layout, nothing seems to work.
Take a Breather
Scrappers block can be dealt with though, and almost always successfully. Admitting that you might be a bit burned out is often the first step to recovery. If everything in your supplies looks blah, ho-hum, common, whatever terms you want to use, do not rush out to buy more. I know that is the first instinct of many of those who spend their leisure time scrapping. They figure if nothing looks good, maybe they just need to gather a few new supplies. You might need to, but before you do, first, take a breather. That is right, close the door or fold up your organizer, and put it all away for a few days. Resist the urge to scrap, if it even calls to you. If you are truly in the midst of scrappers block, chances are it will not.
Make a Scrapbook Starter List
Next, either search out a list of scrapbook starters, or create your own. Scrapbook starters are generic ideas that you can use when the scrapper's block strikes, to get you motivated to make a layout. Some scrapbook starters I have in my list are:
Create a layout completely in black and white.
Take your favorite photo you have not scrapped yet, and transform it on the computer into a sepia toned print.
Take a photo of your child's or pet's favorite toy.
Sort just your die cuts.
Sort your stickers.
Sort your rub-ons.
(Do not sort all of them, just pick one, and sort those. If you start sorting everything, you risk getting into an organizational mode, and that can explode into a cleaning frenzy whereas you will be lucky to scrap again for weeks, lest you be constantly cleaning!)
Create a sketch.
This is just a small sampling from my scrap starter list. I add to it whenever I am in the mood to scrap, so when I have times that I just cannot come up with any good ideas, I can turn to my list and possibly jump start my lack of enthusiasm. I include very specific ideas in my list too, such as Create a page about my son's love of snowboarding wax, including pictures of the various waxes, the iron he uses, and the photo I have of him actually waxing his board. In the heat of summer, without this note in my list, I probably would not even think about creating that particular layout, yet it was one I had always intended doing, yet other layouts always seemed to take preference. So, when I was having a case of scrapper's block, my note about this particular layout was just what I needed to get going.
Create Something Else
I have also found that working on an alternative project, such as altering a tin, or creating a card, are great ways to get over scrapper's block when nothing else will work. These tasks are great ways to see your supplies in a new light, without the pressure of incorporating photos. After making a card, or working on a project that includes altering something, I always seem rejuvenated to get scrapping once again. Work on a project that is for one of your other creative hobbies, such as crochet or painting. Be warned though, that this will often lead to ideas for incorporating those hobbies into your next scrapbook layout! If you are having a serious case of scrapper's block, try some of these tips to get you scrapping and on the road to recovery. Happy scrapping!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Is Becoming a Scrapbook Consultant Right for You?
By Christina VanGinkel
My enjoyment from, and time spent, scrapbooking has grown substantially over the last few years. What was once something that I spent only the occasional hour here or there taking part in, has now gone on to be something I do whenever I can grasp the opportunity. Sometimes, even when I do not have the time, I will one way or another find it, especially if it means I can sit down with my embellishments, papers, and pictures, and spend that time creating a memory. I have actually discovered all sorts of ways to make time for this hobby that I so enjoy. Two examples are:
Waiting at appointments provides me with the time to pull out my small notebook and create sketches of future designs, helped along by a short list detailing photographs and occasions that I would like to scrap.
If my husband and son are watching something on television, and want my company, I grab a single layout that I have been struggling with, and just study it. I will also take this time to sort through found embellishments, one of my favorites. Found embellishments are things like jars of buttons or bags of old sewing trim that I purchased at rummage sales or second hand shops. I have an old cafeteria tray that I keep handy for these times, and I can just dump whatever it is I am sorting through on there, and still watch the show with my guys.
With all of this interest in scrapbooking in mind, I have been mulling over the idea that I should become a consultant for one of the many companies that carry products I would personally use and would be more than willing to promote, essentially, to family and close friends.
While I cannot see myself selling on a large scale, to strangers and others I barely know, as I hardly have time to keep up with all of my current responsibilities, a few companies do offer a hobbyist level. This is a way for those (Like me!) who might not have access to a good scrapbook supply outlet (the closest scrapbook store to me is almost fifty miles away, save for Wal-Mart), to obtain the supplies that they would like, and at a discount. Somebody who is interested in just the hobbyist level might also choose to sell to a few friends and family. My daughter is very interested in me becoming a consultant, as it would mean access to supplies for her too.
Some people might make the choice to become a consultant to share the availability of the supplies the company in question carries, possibly earning a few dollars or else sharing in the discount, but ultimately, they are only becoming a consultant, per se, to gain the discount that other full-time consultants do. Some companies that offer a hobbyist level may have limits as to what the discount is, but at the same time, their quotas are often much less than what the other consultants are indebted too. Depending on the company, keep in mind that the rules for those joining to purchase on a smaller scale in comparison to becoming an actual full-time consultant, may vary greatly.
For others, becoming a consultant is a way to not only obtain their own supplies at a discount, but to also earn money by selling to others. Consultants that plan to sell products in order to make money, beyond their own personal savings, may do so on a part-time basis, or on a full time basis. Some scrapbook consultants even go on to make a career out of this opportunity. Making a career out of a hobby is the ultimate way to enjoy the best of both worlds, work, and play!
I have found the company that I believe will work best for me, I Remember When. They carry top quality products by many of the same brands that I already buy on a frequent basis, and they offer a hobbyist level with lower monthly quotas than their instructor level.
Whichever level happens to be the one you would fall under, be it hobbyist, part-time, or with true career aspirations, there are numerous scrapbook companies to choose from. Do not just pick one assuming they are all the same. Choose one whose products and services fit your needs, else wise you will just be wasting your own time and money. Happy scrapping!
My enjoyment from, and time spent, scrapbooking has grown substantially over the last few years. What was once something that I spent only the occasional hour here or there taking part in, has now gone on to be something I do whenever I can grasp the opportunity. Sometimes, even when I do not have the time, I will one way or another find it, especially if it means I can sit down with my embellishments, papers, and pictures, and spend that time creating a memory. I have actually discovered all sorts of ways to make time for this hobby that I so enjoy. Two examples are:
Waiting at appointments provides me with the time to pull out my small notebook and create sketches of future designs, helped along by a short list detailing photographs and occasions that I would like to scrap.
If my husband and son are watching something on television, and want my company, I grab a single layout that I have been struggling with, and just study it. I will also take this time to sort through found embellishments, one of my favorites. Found embellishments are things like jars of buttons or bags of old sewing trim that I purchased at rummage sales or second hand shops. I have an old cafeteria tray that I keep handy for these times, and I can just dump whatever it is I am sorting through on there, and still watch the show with my guys.
With all of this interest in scrapbooking in mind, I have been mulling over the idea that I should become a consultant for one of the many companies that carry products I would personally use and would be more than willing to promote, essentially, to family and close friends.
While I cannot see myself selling on a large scale, to strangers and others I barely know, as I hardly have time to keep up with all of my current responsibilities, a few companies do offer a hobbyist level. This is a way for those (Like me!) who might not have access to a good scrapbook supply outlet (the closest scrapbook store to me is almost fifty miles away, save for Wal-Mart), to obtain the supplies that they would like, and at a discount. Somebody who is interested in just the hobbyist level might also choose to sell to a few friends and family. My daughter is very interested in me becoming a consultant, as it would mean access to supplies for her too.
Some people might make the choice to become a consultant to share the availability of the supplies the company in question carries, possibly earning a few dollars or else sharing in the discount, but ultimately, they are only becoming a consultant, per se, to gain the discount that other full-time consultants do. Some companies that offer a hobbyist level may have limits as to what the discount is, but at the same time, their quotas are often much less than what the other consultants are indebted too. Depending on the company, keep in mind that the rules for those joining to purchase on a smaller scale in comparison to becoming an actual full-time consultant, may vary greatly.
For others, becoming a consultant is a way to not only obtain their own supplies at a discount, but to also earn money by selling to others. Consultants that plan to sell products in order to make money, beyond their own personal savings, may do so on a part-time basis, or on a full time basis. Some scrapbook consultants even go on to make a career out of this opportunity. Making a career out of a hobby is the ultimate way to enjoy the best of both worlds, work, and play!
I have found the company that I believe will work best for me, I Remember When. They carry top quality products by many of the same brands that I already buy on a frequent basis, and they offer a hobbyist level with lower monthly quotas than their instructor level.
Whichever level happens to be the one you would fall under, be it hobbyist, part-time, or with true career aspirations, there are numerous scrapbook companies to choose from. Do not just pick one assuming they are all the same. Choose one whose products and services fit your needs, else wise you will just be wasting your own time and money. Happy scrapping!
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