MilitaryCropTalk

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.

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??

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?

Glitter Words and Phrases...

A how-to video that looks kind of fun.

If you give it a whirl, let us know how it goes.  I imagine this could help us create coordinating accents for our military-themed pages.

I'm Really Bad At This, But I Could Get Better...

I recently bought a copy of PhotoShop Elements (PSE) and have only had a few minutes since loading it onto my computer to futz with it.  Something about two kids and being a full-time law student keeps me from doing much of what I'd like to do, including scrapping.

I have, however, been playing with the templates in the program and have come up with a couple cute backgrounds for my computer's desktop and I'm wondering how I might use these "skills" for the holidays or my albums.

Thank Goodness for Creative People!

Or, let's face it, folks like me would be out of luck!

I received my e-mail newsletter from A Cherry on Top today and was very excited about one of the featured projects because I thought to myself, "I can make that!"

I bet you could too and, in doing so, participate in the trend of making household decorating items using your scrapbooking skills.  Or, at the very least, have some awesome Christmas gifts to give!

Haven't Seen These Before!

Always looking to bring you military-themed items that perhaps you haven't seen...

I received a Keepsake Paper Crafts catalog this weekend and found some neat kits, some general in nature with others being branch specific.  You can check them out on-line and search for specific kits.  The kit you see at left is S6365.  Other kits of interest may include the branch-specific kits (Army S2085; Navy S2086; Air Force S2087; Marines S2088).  I'm sure, though, if you enjoy on-line browsing you can find plenty of ways to pick this site apart and perhaps find exactly what you're looking for.  I'm loving that Welcome Home paper (Item A in photo).

Enjoy!

An Idea That Is Circling Around Again

Have you ever participated in a Circle Journal?

I did while Hubs was deployed and thoroughly enjoyed it.

If you have been part of a Circle Journal, relate your experience in a comment.

If not, read on to see how this idea might be a fun one for you to try!

Organizing Your Photo Stash

One thing I will say for digital over traditional photography, it is a TON easier to organize digital images.  Of course, when you order prints, you're receiving them in traditional format and you still need to find a place to put them!

How do you organize your photos?  Some possibilities after the jump!