Ladybug Layouts Weekend Retreat

2011 Retreat Dates

June 3-5 (CANCELLED due to location issues)
October 21-23, December 2-4 (BOTH CANCELLED due to family committments)

Monday, May 3, 2010

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.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

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!!!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Woohoo!!!!!! 2600 Hits!!!!!

We did it! 2600 hits. I can't wait for 3000! I'll find some blog
candy for and think of a contest!!!

Denise aka Aunt2Jaymz
Sent from my iPhone

Happy NSD!!!!!

I've made 3 Christening cards (sorry, can't show you yet)..... now on to the next project.

Happy National Scrapbooking Day!!!!!!

Enjoy your day, spend time with friends, and get some scrapping done!!!!

Woohoo!!!!!

Today's Tip! - Types of Albums

There are two standard sizes of albums:
  • 8.5”x11”, and;
  • 12”x12”
Most scrappers I know use a 12”x12” album for the "family scrapbooks" and smaller (6"x6", 8"x8", or even 8.5"x11") books for themed albums.



3-ring binders or D-ring binders: These are just like the binders you used in school.  This is my preference, though I have a hard time finding these in Victoria.  A simple 3-ring center means you can add or switch around pages easily and a D-ring allows pages to lie flat.  The best thing is that you can fit a lot of pages into a 3-ring binder.



Post-bound albums: The pages are bound into the album with three posts that can easily be taken out and more pages added in or removed.  It is also somewhat easy to move pages around.


Strap-hinge albums: These albums have flexible plastic straps in the cover that run through wire loops embedded in each page. Binding is expandable but pages are not a readily available.