MilitaryCropTalk

Trick-Or-Treat! Scrapping's Neat!

Which of these things is not like the other?

I'm sure you have loads of photos featuring your costumed crew in their quest to load up their candy bags.

Luckily for all of us, fall/Halloween themed products are all over the place for us to try!

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told...Military Style

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and maybe you're mind has turned toward thoughts of hearts, flowers, and romance.

In my frequent spins through cyberspace, I found inspiration in something that might interest a military scrapbooker--a comprehensive kit to help you tell your love story, whatever it may be.

And, if you're like me, chances are you already have everything you need to make this project "in stock".

Maybe Mini Is the Way to Go?

When larger scrapbook projects seem overwhelming, I've thought it might be nice to try a mini album.

In looking for resources on this manageable project, I found some inspiration in cyberspace.

I'm not surprised there are already lots of sites devoted to the mini album and all its versatility.

Letters Home...How To Preserve Mail Call For History's Sake

If your military loved one has been deployed, you may have letters you wish to preserve.  Scrapbookers may realize that preserving a letter isn't as easy as adhering it to a page and putting it in an album.  Those who exchange letters with military members may wish to preserve their correspondence whether they are avid scrapbookers or not.

How do we protect and preserve our letters?  It may be an uphill battle, but it isn't impossible.

Layout Ideas for Perfect Pages

Perfect pages start with perfect plans...and usually come together thanks to a couple mistakes and missteps that, in being covered, end up turning out great.

Most of the time, I start with a general idea of how many photos plus the paper and embellishments I'd like to use.  Many times I wish I had new, visually inviting ways to put them together.

Enter the Little Book of Sketches.  A colorful and creative website brimming with layout ideas for your pages.  Give them a look!

Merry Christmas Wishes From Home

It isn't too late to send holiday greetings to your deployed loved one.  Why not consider making a mini-album or a card using appropriate song lyrics?  You could even make a layout for your album using the lyrics.  Joyous or a little melancholy, these songs will help you say just what's on your heart.

Why not make the jump and see which songs might fit your mood?

Wednesday Site Spotlight

Found this fun blog from a fellow scrapbooker and thought her photos and page ideas might encourage you to scrap some memories today!

Remember to leave a little love when you stop by Melinda's place to let her know you were there and what you liked!

So I Bought One...Now What?

I have frequented the same local scrapbooking store (LSS) since it opened nearly 10 years ago.  It's  moved into its 4th and largest location.  When I received the "come shop with us at Midnight on Turkey Day" e-mail, I decided to give it a whirl. 

I was able to purchase this mini-tote from All My Memories for $12.  Very versatile with over 20 pockets for me to put stuff in, I'm wondering if YOU had this bag, how would you use it?  Would you load it up with all your favorite tools and use it as your go-to bag plus storage? 

I'd LOVE to hear your ideas so post them in comments!  If you have a similar organizer, how have you put it to use??

Wednesday Site Spotlight

With the holiday weekend upon you, you might find some time to scrap when everyone "watching" football while sleeping off the turkey coma.  If you do, you won't want to waste time trying to devise the perfect scheme for your layout.

Visit Simple Scrapbooks' scheme gallery to see several easy but effective layout ideas.  Full-color examples accompany the templates to help you envision what your finished product could look like.

As always, we'd love to see your finished product!

Authenticity Promised

All you need to do is watch television or movies with your military loved one to know how important 'authenticity' is to them.  My husband provides a running monologue of ANY and EVERY problem with vehicles, uniforms, dialogue, etc. in any given dramatized scenario with military themes.

No matter how hard I try, I don't think I will ever be able to reach his level of knowledge on the subject.  I rationalize that he has a head start anyway, so I just need to do my best.

How, then, do I guarantee that when I'm scrapping his military memories I do it in an authentic way?