A quick online search for “scrapbooking scissors” will give you a picture of how many different types of scissors and cutting tools there are for scrapbookers. Knowing the basics of these tools will help you know which scissors are the best choice for your needs.  This can help you save time by not struggling with the wrong scissors, and save you money because you won’t buy anything you won’t use.

Exacto knife.  Sure exacto knives aren’t exactly scissors, but they can be helpful when it comes to setting up your layouts.  Exacto knives are useful for cutting thicker materials with more precision than scissors and getting sharp corners for shapes and lettering.  Just be sure you have a cutting pad to protect your surfaces.

Edgers.  We’ve all seen pinking shears and know they can add a fun touch to your scrapbooks, but now edgers do so much more.  You can make waves, scallops, and zigzags.  There are even special edgers made just for corners.

Be careful not to go overboard though.  While that 30 piece edging set might seem great at the time, it’s a lot of money to spend when you can make patterns yourself by tracing.  If you really must have all the different patterns, why not ask several friends to split the cost with you and share the scissors?  This works even better if you live near each other or have scrapbooking parties.

Circle cutters.  These are just what they sound like; they can cut a perfect circle every time.  While many people prefer to just find something circular in their house and trace, these can save you time.  Plus, depending on your cutting skills, you may have problems getting that circle looking just right.  It may also be a challenge to find an object that’s the size you’re looking for.  Circle cutters are an easy way to save you time and energy.

Trimmers.  If you’re like me, you can’t cut a straight line to save your life.  That’s why you need to get some kind of trimmer with a straight edge on it.  They’re usually pretty easy to use, and once you get going, you’ll be able to precisely cut a straight edge every time.

Scissors.  With all the fancy products out there, you will still be glad you have your good old regular scissors.  No matter what great products you have, nothing will ever replace them.  You should be sure to buy some quality scissors to keep only for scrapbooking.  Other uses could damage or dull the scissors and ruin your results.  It’s also best to buy specific scissors for paper and sewing scissors if you use fabrics.  These will make sure you get the perfect cut every time.

If you aren’t really sure what scissors you want or need, just start small.  Start with several good pairs of scissors, and a trimmer.  Work your way up as you learn more and gain skill.

Scrapbooking Can Create Fun And Money As A Home Business by Dustin Heath Cannon

 If you are like the millions and billions of people who enjoy scrapbooking, than a home business in scrapbooking could be for you. It can go from hobby to career in just a few steps. If this sounds interesting to you, here are some details on beginning a fun new home business.

First thing is first, and that is to check for any zoning or ordinance laws in your area. Speak to a representative at your local courthouse. There you can find ordinances in your neighborhood and find if in fact you are lawfully able to run a business from your home. Once this is answered (if Yes) you can move onto getting your business license. Once again the courthouse can give you the information to your licensing office and after paying a small annual fee you will be ready for business.

After the legal areas of home business are covered it’s time to create a plan. Your business plan will allow you to know how much money you will spend, how much you choose to charge, estimated profit, goals and so on. This gets you ready to hit the road running. Without a business plan it’s like running a business in the dark. After you have a plan in place it’s time to gather your needed supplies. Gather the basics and then it will be a matter of get as you go. Why spend tons of money on items you may not use until 6 months down the line? Be thrifty and wise with your money. As your business takes off and your bank account grows you can add more luxurious scrapbook items such as wire, beads, brass plates and polymer clay.

Once you have supplies in hand you need to advertise. Without advertising your business is left in the corner to collect dust. You need flyers, brochures or business cards. These can be created from your home office and won’t break the bank. Another advertising choice is a website. If your budget allows a website can be a wonderful advertising tool. More people surf the Internet for information and services than they do with the aid of a phone book. It’s easy; it helpful and you often find what you are looking for in just a matter of clicks.

With all of the above in place you’ll be well on your way to running a fun filled scrapbooking business. You become your own boss, set your own hours and you can enjoy what you do for a living. Everyone wants an enjoyable job. It’s a matter of jumping on an opportunity when it arises. So if you hear opportunity knocking, open the door. You’ll be glad that you did.

Dustin Cannon, of Next Level Enterprises, LLC is a successful Internet marketer working with top leaders in the home business and Internet marketing industry. For more information visit:  Coastal Vacations Marketing CoOp

Article Source: http://www.thewahmshack.com/articledirectory

Scrapbooks for Healing by Michelle Schmidt

When we consider scrapbooking, often times we think of albums that focus on holidays, weddings, births and special events in our lives that we want to preserve. These are days that bring smiles to our faces and laughter to our hearts. As normal as this may be to choose such occasions for our scrapbooking projects, sometimes we miss out on an experience to use our creative outlet to express our thoughts and feelings about those challenging moments in our lives that are uncontrollable.

When we stop and think about the pain we have gone through, whether through the loss of a loved one or any other traumatic event, these are all part of what shapes us into the people we have become. So often we choose to disguise our problems instead of embracing them to search for the hidden treasures that are often overlooked.

Shortly after the birth of my daughter, I was diagnosed with severe post-partum depression. My difficult marriage that was riddled with chaos was coming to an end. The situations that led me to the place of complete hopelessness were overwhelming at best. As part of my recovery, I began to write down my thoughts and feelings about each event that took place. What began as an attempt to sort through the pain, developed into a complete visible expression of raw emotion and the spiritual journey that accompanied my experiences. Although not your usual scrapbook album, it is one that played a significant role for me in finding peace and healing.

Piecing it all together with photographs, carefully selected scrapbook paper and just the right stamping and embellishments gave each painful remembrance a sense of validation. It was like putting a mirror up to my wounded heart and saying, ‘Yes, that is what I felt. Right or wrong, good or bad. These emotions are mine.’ To be able to openly expose myself this way and to have a visual reminder has made it easier to let go of the pain, forgive and move toward healing.

My scrapbook album, titled ‘A Journey Through Life’s Challenges’ does not sit on my coffee table out on display. Instead, it lies on the shelf in my office, waiting for times, sometimes through tears, when I need a reminder of where I’ve been to truly appreciate where I am today.

Michelle Schmidt makes it easy to create beautiful scrapbooks, quickly & easily. Learn essential keys to fantastic page layouts with out-of-the-box scrapbook projects at Pixelpaintpapers.com.

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Hello Friends.  I hope everyone enjoyed their Halloween!  I know we sure did.  My girls were so excited to put on their costumes and scare up some spooky treats!  But, with Halloween over that means we are that much closer to the Christmas Season!  I can’t believe another year is almost over.   Have you started making your lists and checking them twice?I have some great  bargins for you this month!  Not only do we have the Stamp of the Month, but it is also time to Bundle Up! Close To My Heart Style!  And my SimplyFUN playword for the remainder of the year is “Enjoy”.  With those 2 specials come great savings!  So be sure to take a look at my websites for more information!!

Aslo, did you know that my hostesses earn FREE product? 

What better way to get a few people checked off your gift list than by getting those gifts for free?  Book your show today and shop from the comfort of your home and have a little fun while you are at it!  Online parties are an option as well!

Where you can find me this month:

Nov. 9, 2007: Yazaki, North America Craft & Vendor Show

Nov. 10, 2007: Fellows Creek Golf Course for Canton’s Women’s Expo

Nov. 11, 2007: Waterford Bethany Baptist Church, Craft & Vendor Show

Nov. 17, 2007: Manchester’s Christmas in the Village Vendor Fair

If you would like information on any of these events, please email me.

Imagine a fundraiser with products people really want to buy!  One that you can launch at a moment’s notice - whenever the need arises.  One with original, award-winning games, puzzles and other products for all ages, that are not available in any retail store! SimplyFun® is the only direct selling, party plan company marketing original board, card and party games, puzzles and other fun products. Our company mission is to promote the importance of play and create lifelong memories that enhance the quality of people’s lives.  Our SimplyFun FUNdraiser Program™ is designed to meet your short and long-term financial goals.  A SimplyFun FUNdraiser Program is S-I-M-P-L-E:

S         Sales Profit
On every SimplyFun product sold during your fundraiser, your organization will earn an agreed on sales profit!

I           Innovative and Original
Together, we will design the perfect fundraiser program that fits the needs of your organization.  No inventory to manage.  No hidden costs.

M         Marketing Materials
A full color, informative product catalog makes purchasing decisions a snap. 

P         Products for all ages
Perfect for ages 3 to 103, SimplyFun products feature heirloom quality, variety, and value.  Our original product line makes any purchase decision easy, as there is truly something for everyone. 

L          Local Fundraising Expert
As your partner for success, we will work together so your fundraising goals are met. My role as your SimplyFun Independent Consultant is to make the task of fundraising easier than ever before.

E          Easy and Fun           
A SimplyFun fundraiser can be completed in as little as one evening or even in one week! As your SimplyFun Consultant, I take care of it all - sales orders and paperwork - while your organization earns sales profit.

No matter the size or needs of your group, as your SimplyFun Independent Consultant, I have the successful fundraiser program that is just right for your organization. I look forward to the opportunity to create the perfect program with you.  

Playfully Yours!  Laurie Stasiuk
SimplyFun Independent Consultant
simplyfunparties@gmail.com
http://partygirl.simplyfun.com

Direct to paper inking is applying ink directly from the inkpad onto your paper.

• Tips and Ideas:
  Edging: Hold the paper in one hand and the ink pad in the other. Run the ink along the edge of the paper.
• Peaks & valleys: Crumple your paper, then smooth it out (sanding is optional). Skim the paper with an ink pad, applying color to the “peaks”.
• Light coverage: Put the ink pad face down on the paper and lightly tap it to
  apply color.
• Heavy coverage: Put the ink pad face down on your paper and skim it across the paper, pressing the ink pad down as you go. Sweeping: Tap the bristles of the stippling brush onto the ink pad. Hold the brush at an angle and sweep it across the paper to color.
• Tapping: Tap the bristles of a stippling brush onto the ink pad. Hold the brush perpendicular to the paper and gently tap it onto the paper.

If you have ever thought about owning your own home-based business and would love an exciting career in the booming scrapbooking and stamping industry, you owe it to yourself to take advantage of this opportunity. There has never been a better time to join Close To My Heart!

As a Close To My Heart Consultant, you can enjoy:

Unlimited Earning Potential
Being Your Own Boss
Flexible Hours
An Unparalleled Line of Exclusive Products
The Backing of an Established Company
Leadership Development
Travel Opportunities
Recognition of Accomplishments
Product Discounts
Personal Satisfaction, Confidence, Pride 

Our New Consultant Kit delivers everything you need for success, including business supplies and hundreds of dollars in products— for only $150 US / $187.50 CAN.* 

BONUS: Sign Up In September and receive the “From Me To You” Card Kit for FREE!

READY TO SIGN UP?

CLICK HERE

I have been following a blog lately of a very creative lady (http://marielovestostamp.blogspot.com/2007/08/maries-card-sketch-challenge-2.html) and she has started posting challenges. Being in sort of a creative rut lately, I decided to start jumping in on them! Here is the first 1 I tried my hand at:

I found this in a Blog update from Marie Loves To Stamp and thought it was a really great exercise!

•I’m happiest when…I’m doing something creative.
•Someday I’m going to…get my business plan done!
•When I’m really down, what I want to do is…curl up on the couch with a good book
•I feel anxious when…I am among people I don’t know.
•I’m afraid that…I’ll gain back the 75 pounds I lost!
•I like people who…are honest!
•All it takes to make me happy is…new scrappin & stampin products!
•What I really want to do is…have a clean and organized studio.
•I wish that…I had more time in the day!
•I don’t like people who…are two faced or fair weathered friends!
•A person really should…live each day as if it is the last!
•I just hate it that…there are still wars going on in this world.
•I have everything I need, however…I’d like more time to enjoy it all!
•If I could do whatever I wanted, I would…win the lottery and live creatively!