Poll: Which Scrapbook Elements Do You Need Help/Inspiration To Use?

I dunno, Shay, can I read "scrapbooking for dummies" so I can translate the phrases in your post? How about a section for "help overcoming the fear generated by a lack of creativity?"

Hmmm...I'd have to say patterned paper. I need more courage in using it - I see some amazing layouts laying incredibly colorful papers, but when I do it myself, I am way too reserved!!

I have sooo been there! My sister was always pulling out the pattern papers and doing awesome things, but not me :-( What I have found recently is that if I take advantage of the 'paper packs' that are already coordinated for me I get over my 'fear' of patterned paper. Some of my current favorites: Basic Grey [URL=http://www.scrapjazz.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=1280]Check out these layouts - Basic Grey [/URL] Cloud 9 [URL=http://www.scrapjazz.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=1548]Inspiration here :-D[/URL]

Definitions: 1) Mesh A self adhesive reponsitionable decorative craft mesh available in a variety of colors [URL=http://www.magicmesh.com/]Magic Mesh[/URL] 2) Tags This is actually a pretty HUGE range and items - their are premade ones in stores, you can handmake from scratch, you can buy 'bases' for them at your local office supply store. They can be used to journal, decorative, titles, etc etc etc [URL=http://www.scrapjazz.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=531]Tag Samples[/URL] 3) Pockets, Envelopes, Hidden Journaling 4) Stamps Many people would consider rubber stamping its own art, it is MUCH more then a black ink pad and a rubber stamp, and it is no longer isolated to card making [URL=http://www.closetomyheart.com/stamping_tech.aspx]Just a few rubber stamp techniques[/URL] [URL=http://www.stampinup.com/us/enu/4286.asp]Watercoloring w/ rubber stamps on of my FAVORITE techniques[/URL] 5) Titles Usually a one or two word 'summary' of your page, the methods for doing a title are endless [URL=http://www.scrapjazz.com/topics/Techniques/Titles/]Title ideas, samples[/URL] 6) Words & Journaling - This is how you tell the story of the pictures, the is one of the most important parts! 7) Slide Mounts If you are old enough, you may remember slide projectors, well I the slides are out of the projectors and used as decorative accents on scrapbook pages [URL=http://www.scrapjazz.com/topics/Techniques/Embellishments/460.php]Just a few slide mount techniques[/URL] 8) Punches Remember hole punches from school? Well they have appeared in scrapbooking too, and have grown in leaps and bounds! Shaped, embossing, and more [URL=http://www.scrapjazz.com/topics/Techniques/Punches/]A few punching ides[/URL] Once you have the punch then you take the next step and get creative, layer your punches and make punch art [URL=http://dmarie.com/layouts/cat.asp?level=2&title=PunchArt]Punch art samples[/URL] 9) Patterned Paper 10) Other - Please reply[/QUOTE]

Scared to use (but have): envelopes for journaling... I don't know why I am "scared" of this... love the idea, but then I start thinking, that will look wierd or be difficult to get the piece of paper out. REALLY SCARED TO USE (haven't even purchased): chalk. I am not only afraid of messing something up, but I am also afraid of "collateral damage" -- is chalk very messy? I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE Basic Grey's line of papers. For some reason I have never had a problem with using patterned paper. I also love TAGS - I paste them to card stock on a folded "hinge" and put velcro inside, tie a ribbon through one of the punched holes, and journal generically or put fun sticker lettered-labels on the outside and use the inside for "hidden journaling." I am doing this only with my WEDDING scrapbook, so that my children/grandchildren can get all the little "stories" of my wedding, without have to have yards of my bad handwriting apparent on the page. I also just branched into punches, but only letter punches, and they have been a sort of pain... but I like the freedom it gives me with lettering. D.

Envelopes for journalling - I am with ya, they aren't my thing at all, I have never used them in my 'regular' scrapbooks, but I have on cards and in my circle journal (no page protectors) Chalks - I love love love love love chalk If you have a local scrapbook store I would highly recommend a basic chalk techniques class. As far as 'collarteral damage' I don't chalk the items on my page, but on scrap paper, and the chalk really 'sets' rather quickly once you are done, there are some chalks that are even better at setting too Diane