Here are some thoughts for a Halloween Scrapbooking Idea:

There are only a couple of times each year that I go all out decorating my house inside and out: One is Christmas – the other is Halloween! In fact, I think I get more fun out of Halloween decorating. It takes me back to when I was a kid and I get to enjoy the season like a kid again. I love the smell of dry leaves and fires, fresh apples from the tree and the excitement of seeing all the little kiddies dressed up for Trick or Treat. All of this puts me in the Halloween Spirit!

Do you have favorite decorations for this Spooky Season? I buy something new every year and the Haunting of my House grows and grows. I also collect vintage decorations which I like to share with everyone. Consider taking lots of pictures and doing layouts of your decorating for each year. Document the newest additions to your collection. Watch how your ideas evolve and change each season, and how you find new ways to display your Halloween stuff. Spread your Halloween legacy. Your kids and grandkids will never grow tired of looking at them as time passes. Some of these fantastic decorations can be passed down from generation to generation too, along with your Scrapbook.

Sooooh…be a kid again this year and make sure you document every Spooky Minute!

Happy Scrapbooking!

Val at Paperhills

Scrapbookers “love” to record all their holidays and special times – and Valentine’s Day is no exception.

Want to do something a little different? Find a real authentic, unposed photo of you and your true love (your wedding?).

Pair with some meaningful lyrics from a love song that evokes emotion for you. Embellish with roses or chocolate and voila – you ‘ve created a beautiful Valentine layout for your scrapbook.

This idea can also be used for creating a lovely handmade card for the love of your life!

Cheers and Happy Scrapbooking!

Val at Paperhills

You will love this trendy new scrapbooking idea: I like to use Paper Doilies – they are so versatile!

Available in (white or foil) these little gems can be used as frames for your photos or just as an interesting background element to any layout. They come in all shapes and sizes and you use them as is, or spray paint them to match your scrapbooking layout color scheme. They are so inexpensive – you can buy at any baking supply store or craft shop. They create a wonderful 3D effect. And let’s not forget they are also great for Cardmaking. I love them! (check out the wonderful new mist paints below):

Cheers and Happy Scrapbooking!

Val at Paperhills

Ranger Ink – Perfect Pearls Mist – 2 Ounce Bottle – Heirloom Gold, BRAND NEW
Scrapbook.com

Ranger Ink – Perfect Pearls Mist – 2 Ounce Bottle – Perfect Copper, BRAND NEW
Scrapbook.com

Ranger Ink – Perfect Pearls Mist – 2 Ounce Bottle – Forever Green, BRAND NEW
Scrapbook.com

Ranger Ink – Perfect Pearls Mist – 2 Ounce Bottle – Forever Blue, BRAND NEW
Scrapbook.com

New Halloween Scrapbooking Tags from Paperhills! Check out the 4 new sets of  Halloween Tags.  Use them for Scrapbooking, of course…but also are fantastic for your Halloween Party invitations, or Halloween Treat Bags!  Just tie them up with seasonal ribbon or other embellishments, and you’re all set. You are going to love these…

View them here!

Tired of the same old photo techniques?  I love this tool…not the latest, greatest…but a favorite of mine nevertheless.   It never fails to pack a punch – no pun intended.  There are numerous versions of this tool…such as the die cut for a multi-purpose machine like the one below:

Sizzix – Bigz Pro Die – Die Cutting Template – Backgrounds – Puzzle Page, BRAND NEW
Scrapbook.com

This die is designed for use only with the Big Shot Pro Machine for those of you who don’t mind a larger up front investment in your tools for a long term gain.

Sizzix – Big Shot Pro Machine Only
Scrapbook.com

The puzzle pattern is just one of many available.

Scrapbook stores carry smaller more economical versions, but the idea is the same.  Make sure you don’t use original photos – but copies.  Cut your photos and then have some fun putting the puzzle pieces back together.  Use a bright colored mat behind the pieces and leave some spaces between them to make the photo pieces pop.

You can also cut up your photographs randomly using your own shapes – which doesn’t cost a dime.  Then put them back together emphasizing the pieces.  Lots of ways to use this idea – it never disappoints!

Cheers and Happy Scrapbooking!

Val at Paperhills

“Banners were everywhere at the latest scrapbooking and hobby tradeshow. Manufacturers are making banner stickers, rub-on’s, chipboard stickers, and punch outs.

How to Make a Scalloped Pennant Banner with Punches – Sample Scrapbook Page” … more

Now be bold and create your own banner for your scrapbook layout!

Cheers and Happy Scrapbooking,

Val at Paperhills

Include in your layouts:

- the year’s school photo of your child

- a sample of  their progress reports for the year (choose the best one!)

- notes on special accomplishments or activities they took part in at school

- a list of their friends and teachers

- names of their favorite games, movies, sports or other activities

- a personal note from “Mom” or “Dad”

You may want to use fall colors for your palette.  Embellishments are easy…stick to the traditional school format using school tools, etc.  You can’t go wrong with this strategy!

The album can be kept until your child leaves home – then send it along with them as a wonderful memory of their school years.  They’ll be so happy you put in the effort to capture their personalities and accomplishments!

Here are some of my favorite products for School Scrapbooking.  I hope you like them as much as I do:

# This A+ collection includes 24 acid-free prints, 12 with glitter and foil. Adorable apples, bouncing school buses, chalkboard doodlings and more make up this scholastic collection. 48 printed papers that measure 12” x 12”

Die Cuts With A View – Grade School Collection – 12 x 12 Paper Stack
Scrapbook.com

Or go the distance and get everything you’ll need in one place!

Scrapbook Album Kits contain everything you need to create an amazing, coordinated scrapbook album. Each kit contains one 12” x 12” album, 20-24 printed papers, chipboard pop-up stickers, epoxy alphabet stickers, cardstock stickers, small and large brads, ribbon, and a sturdy, reusable box to hold your scrapbooking supplies or other treasures.

Die Cuts with a View – Grade School Collection – 12 x 12 Scrapbook Album and Box Kit
Scrapbook.com

Cheers and Happy Scrapbooking!

Val at Paperhills

I like to imagine the end result as one large picture, then I break it down into two halves.  You might want to draw it out as a whole on a scratch pad first.  Next, determine where your dividing line will be.   Be sure to cut your photos at a reasonable spot and take that into consideration when you’re planning your layouts.  Always, always use similar colors and designs elements for both pages to  create balance and connection between the two sides.

Need scrapbooking ideas for arranging a double layout?  Here are a few examples:

Need some help co-ordinating your scrapbooking papers?  Try one of these double sided paper sets, a great deal and makes color matching so simple!

24 double-sided, 12” x 12” specialty papers- two clear glitter, two glitter thermography, two flocked and two shimmer thermography papers as well as 16 flat paper sheets.   We love these!

K and Company – Berry Sweet Collection – 12×12 Patterned Cardstock Double Sided Paper Pad – Berry Sweet
Scrapbook.com

With the 12 x 12 inch K-Ology Peabody Scrap Pad To Go by K and Company you can create a whole album with just one pad! Coordinate your creations with this set of: 36 double-sided 12 x 12 inch designer papers, and more.

K and Company – 12 x 12 Scrap Pad To Go – K-Ology Peabody
Scrapbook.com

This Anna Griffin Calisto Collection Cardstock Pack includes 24 double sided papers with specialty finishes.

Anna Griffin – Calisto Collection – 12 x 12 Double Sided Glittered and Metallic Cardstock Pack, BRAND NEW
Scrapbook.com

Cheers and Happy Scrapbooking!

Val at Paperhills

For that special someone in your life, here is an idea for a gift of love you can make this Valentines Day.  Consider doing a layout just for Him/Her.  A couple of themes that work well together in a layout such as this are:

ETC.  There are many ways to show someone you care but this is something out of the ordinary.  Throw in a sweet embellishment of chocolate or flowers to go with it and voila!  Your Valentine will be wowed with your special expression of love – and you will be preserving the sweetest times in your relationship.

Cheers and Happy Scrapbooking!

Val at Paperhills

Often what makes your birthdays stand out most  is the friends and loved ones who celebrate  with you, and by the loving gifts you receive. Why not take photos of your gifts on your next birthday and document them too!  You’ll always have those memories of who remembered and honoured you on your special day.

Cheers and Happy Scrapbooking
Val at Paperhills