Welcome Wednesday

May you pass quickly and smoothly as Friday is right around the corner.

---
Denise aka Aunt2Jaymz
Sent from my iPhone

Today's Tip! - More Photo Organization

Ways to Organize Photos of Any Kind

1. Time and Place - Set aside a time when you can sit uninterrupted. Depending on how many photos you have, taking the time to organize them can be very time-consuming and will take more than one session. Decide on a place that allows you to spread out.
2. Gather - Gather all of your photos from everywhere in the house. Include every closet, drawer, box, nook, and table where they have been accumulating.  Don't forget the portrait extras and smaller photos from holidays or school pictures.
3. Sort Chronologically - Sort through every envelope. First, group them by year, then go through each year and sort by month. If you did not have the date on the photo, make your best estimation. It is better to give a rough estimate now than to try guessing 10 years from now or, worse yet, leaving it for others to figure out. This is the most commonly used way to organize photos.
   Or Sort by Categories - Simply make a group of categories appropriate for your family.  Some examples may be friends, family, vacations, school, kids, grandchildren, graduations, holidays, birthdays, or religious events.  This method is not used as frequently because there tends to be categories that overlap and it is difficult to divide the photos.
4. Label - As you go through each pile or envelope, label the back.  You should include the full names of people in the photo,the date, the location, and the event. Use a special pen made only for this purpose. Do not use a regular pen because it makes indentions on the front of the photo.
5. Delete - Remember you don't have to keep every photo that you take. Some just end up not being, so don't feel guilty. Throw away, or pass on, any duplicates that no longer have a use.  This will sometimes cut down the pile considerably and make your task easier.
6. Start Somewhere - A good way is to just pick an event such as a birthday or a recent month or year. You could always work backwards when you have extra time. It is best to pick a recent time and move forward until you are caught up to the present. It keeps you motivated and at least currrent on your present photos.

Wedding Card I made tonight

Today's Tip! - Organizing Digital Photos

Organizing Digital Photos in 5 Simple Steps


Organizing digital photos can be tedious, frustrating, and VERY time-consuming.


Like most people, I love taking tons of photos, without worrying about how much film I was using. I also love viewing my photos right away through the LED screen.  What I didn't know initially was that organizing digital photos takes time.  LOTS of time.  But, in the long run, you will end up with a system that is great for storing and retrieving your precious digital photos.

1. Download - The first thing you want to do is download your pictures to your computer. This can be done in one of 3 ways:
   ◦ Through a USB cable from your computer to your camera;
   ◦ Through a memory card reader; or,
   ◦ Through a memory card readers built right into your computer.
2. Delete and Edit - Firstly, delete any photos that you do not want to keep. Don't feel guilty here. That is the great part of a digital camera, you delete the bad, out-if-focus, or otherwise unworthy photos and keep only the pictures that you really love. Next, edit the photos that you are going to keep.
3. Rename the Image File - This has to be the most tedious part of organizing digital photos. All photos come with a file name that really doesn't mean anything to you - just a bunch of numbers and letters. So, in order to find a photo years down the line, you must name the photo.  Be specific.  Don't name the picture "Mary at the park". Include the name of the person, place, month and year, and what the person was doing or something about the photograph that will help you remember.
4. Categorize Albums - Most cameras come with software which allows you to make albums in which to place your photos. You may wish to use categories such as family, friends, vacation, etc. But you can also do it by time. Some examples may be by year, month, etc.  I file mine chronologically such as 2010-04 (April), 2010-03 (March), etc. and then make sub-directories within such as Birthday Party, Vacation, etc.  However you choose, think about it carefully and decide what will work best for you.  It may also depend on the software program you are using and how much you want to do. Deciding on a method now will save you tons to time and energy later.
5. Save Them Forever - After following the above steps, it is time to think about how you will save your photos.  This can be done in one of 3 ways:
   ◦ Burn them to a CD/DVD;
   ◦ Use an external storage device found at any office supply or home electronics center; or,
   ◦ Use digital photo online storage.

This is a basic step-by-step way to organize your digital photos. If you are new to cameras, digital, or computers, give yourself time to learn and take the time to read.  Get to know what your electronics can do and you will be surprised at the possibilities.  Organize your digital photos now and they will supply a lifetime of memories.

Here is one of the Christening cards I made

For my cousin's little girl

Happy Monday

If you're like me and have to say it to feel it, then say it out loud
to someone. They may need to hear it!!!

--

Denise
Sent from my iPhone

Today's Tip! - Photo Storage

Archival Photo Storage


Using the correct archival photo storage is important so that you can preserve your images for as long as possible.  The following tips will assist you and improved the chances of your photos lasting as long as possible.  If you use the correct photo storage system, you can actually extend the life of your photos.


Tips On Correct Archival Photo Storage


Choose a Place - First, you must choose a favorable place for your photos. Photos do best in any cool, dark, dry area. Ensure the spot you pick is free of any water pipes or sprinklers that may damage the photos if broken or triggered.  Do not store your photos in a garage, basement, atttic, or any room where the temperature and humidity can not be controlled.  Do store them in an area of your home within your main living space.  Think of it this way - if you don't live in the space neither should your pictures. A perfect place is a hall or bedroom closet. These usually have all 3 requirements of cool, dark, and dry.  Make sure there is adequate air circulation around your box or album. Do not push them up against the wall tightly, leave an inch or so between the box/album and the closet wall.


Choose the Correct Products - Make sure all of the products you use for archival photo storage are made specifically to store photos or negatives.  Do not trust your precious photos and momentos to old shoeboxes or cardboard boxes.  Do use special photo sto/trage boxes that are made to store photos correctly. They should be labeled PVC-free, non-magnetic, and/or acidic-free.

Correct Products to Mount your Photos - If you do not use the correct items to adhere your images, they will be damaged over time.  Do use special tape, mounting tabs, or glue made specifically for photos.  DO NOT use regular clear tape, regular school glue, or regular stick glue to mount your pictures.

Save the Originals - If you have a favorite photo or portrait, consider scanning the original and storing it in a safe place.  Then display the copy in a frame or album.

Think Retro - Those old black and white photos from older relatives are still around for a reason.  Black and white photos tend to hold up better over time than color photos so make an effort to take one or two rolls a year.  Another good reason is simply that they just look really cool!  Some of my favorite snapshots are on black and white film.


Photos are so precious. Some shots you plan, while others are spontaneous and fun.  Regardless of how the photo was captured, though, you want to keep it forever.  If you follow the above tips you improve your chances of keeping those images, and memories, in the best shape for the longest period of time.

NSD Weekend

As National Scrapbooking Day weekend comes to a close, show us what YOU worked on.

Share your favorite project from the weekend; we'd love to see what you worked on.  I had hoped to finish some canvases, but today got away from me.  Please inspire me.....

Today's Activities

The baptism of my cousin's beautiful little girl, Julia, was lovely and now we move on to the First Birthday Party!!!!!  After that, a few errands including consulting with a friend for her kitchen renovation, and then home to clean and create! Maybe I will defer some grocery shopping to Monday...... I may need a nap!!!!!
---
Denise aka Aunt2Jaymz
Sent from my iPhone

Today's Tip! - Paper Storage

Scrapbook Paper Storage That Works!


Scrapbook paper storage is a challenge! Ask anyone who scrapbooks and they will agree. There are so many different colors, patterns, type, and sizes to consider.


How many times did you cut a new sheet because you couldn't find the smaller size you needed only to find it the next day? How many times did you buy a new piece of paper only to find you already had that color or pattern? What about the precious time wasted looking for just the right piece?


Well, all of those frustrating moments can be history if you organize your paper and use scrapbook paper storage items. To help you with your scrapbook paper storage, here ares some ideas:

Stackable Paper Trays (8.5"x11: and 12"x12") - Paper trays are a good choice to keep your paper right where you need it.  It makes your paper easy to see and easily accessible!

Expandable Organizer - These are great expandable organizers that can hold up to 500 pieces of 12"x12" paper, has a locking tuck tab and of course in acid free. A perfect choice for small space scrappers or scappers on the move.

Cropper Hopper Paper Holder - I LOVE my Cropper Hopper but don't see them anymore.  It's convenient and sturdy and, on a wheeled base, easily moved.  The unit holds up to 200 pages of 12"x12" papers. Add dividers (found below)to separate colors and patterns.

Cropper Hopper Vertical Value Pack - This is another favorite of mine.  Pages are protected and easily stored.  There are a few different sizes and it's easy to sort by color, theme, or whatever works for you.
















Using scrapbook paper storage can help you get more done in less time by using your time efficiently and for what you love - building great scrapbook pages!


Happy Organizing!!!