Mar 13, 2023

Scrapbooking with Washi Tape: Creative Ideas and Inspiration

 Hey there fellow scrapbookers! If you're anything like me, you love finding new and creative ways to add a little extra flair to your pages. And that's where washi tape comes in. This versatile and colorful tape has become a staple in the scrapbooking world, and for good reason. Whether you're looking to add a pop of color, create unique patterns, or just have a little fun, washi tape is the perfect tool to help you take your scrapbooking to the next level.

Now, I know you've probably seen your fair share of washi tape projects, but I've got a few unique and creative ideas that I think you'll love. So, grab your favorite roll of washi and let's get started!


Create a border: Add a border of washi tape around your photos or journaling blocks to create a fun and eye-catching frame.



Make a pattern: Cut small pieces of washi tape and arrange them in a repeating pattern to create a fun and colorful background.



Create a cover: Alternate colors and patterns to create your book or travelers notebook covers.



Make a banner: Cut small pieces of washi tape into triangle shapes and arrange them to create a cute and colorful banner.


Use it as a highlight: Draw attention to a specific part of your page by using washi tape to create a highlight.



Make your own stickers: Cut washi tape into fun shapes and use it as stickers on your pages.


Add a little sparkle: Use glitter washi tape to add a little extra sparkle to your pages.


Create a background: Cut strips of washi tape and arrange them vertically or horizontally to create a fun and playful background.



Make your own journaling lines: Cut small pieces of washi tape and use them to create your own custom journaling lines.


Create a title: Use washi tape to create a bold and playful title for your page.


Use it as a border for your photos: Cut small pieces of washi tape and use them to create a border around your photos.


Add a little whimsy: Cut washi tape into fun shapes and use it to add a little extra whimsy to your pages.


Use it to create patterns on your journaling blocks: Cut small pieces of washi tape and use them to create patterns on them.



Add a little dimension: Layer washi tape to add a little extra dimension to your pages.


Use it as an accent: Use washi tape to add a fun and colorful accent to your pages.



These are just a few of the creative and unique ways you can use washi tape in your scrapbooking. Next time you're looking for a fun and easy way to add a little extra oomph to your pages, reach for a roll of washi tape. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Scrapbooking with washi tape is a fun and creative way to add a little extra personality to your pages. So, whether you're a seasoned scrapbooker or just starting out, be sure to add washi tape to your supplies list. With so many fun and unique ways to use it, you're sure to find the perfect way to make your pages pop!

Mar 6, 2023

Scrapbooking for a New Parent: Documenting Your Baby's First Years

As a new parent, it can be overwhelming to try to keep track of all the milestones, memories, and special moments that come with having a baby. Between feedings, diaper changes, and just trying to get some rest, it can feel like there's not enough time in the day to document everything. But scrapbooking is a wonderful way to preserve these precious memories and create a keepsake that you and your little one will treasure for years to come.


I know what you're thinking: "Scrapbooking? Are you kidding me? I don't have the time, energy, or money for that." Trust me, I've been there. But with a little creativity and a lot of heart, you can create beautiful scrapbook pages that capture the joy and wonder of your baby's first years, without breaking the bank or sacrificing precious sleep.


Here are some practical tips for new parents who want to start scrapbooking:

Keep it simple: Don't feel like you have to create elaborate, Pinterest-perfect pages. Simple, straightforward pages with a few photos, some journaling, and a few embellishments are just as meaningful, and they're a lot easier to complete.



Use what you have: You don't need a lot of expensive tools and supplies to start scrapbooking. Use what you already have on hand – old magazines, scrap paper, stickers, washi tape – to create your pages.


Take advantage of technology: You don't have to spend hours cutting, pasting, and printing. There are plenty of digital scrapbooking tools and apps that make it easy to create pages from your phone or tablet. I make mine on the Canva phone app, but your can also access it on your desktop, laptop, or tablet. Try it for free!


Make it a family affair: Involve your partner or other family members in your scrapbooking. Let them choose photos, add their own journaling, or even create pages of their own.


Document the little moments: It's easy to focus on the big milestones – first smile, first tooth, first step – but it's the little moments that make up the fabric of your baby's life. Take photos of everyday activities like bath time, playtime, and bedtime, and include them in your scrapbook. Here's a spread I made about the benefits of a car ride - peace and quiet!



Take advantage of downtime: If you're a stay-at-home parent, take advantage of nap time or quiet moments to work on your scrapbook. If you're a working parent, set aside some time in the evenings or on weekends to work on your pages. For me, nursing time means Canva time!


Be flexible: If you're feeling too tired or overwhelmed to work on your scrapbook one day, don't beat yourself up. Take a break and come back to it when you're feeling more refreshed. This also goes for getting stuck or hitting a wall while making a page. Take a break and come back to it another day. You will see.it with fresh eyes and know exactly what to do.


Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you're feeling stuck or need some inspiration, reach out to other scrapbookers, join online forums, or attend scrapbooking workshops or classes. Feel free to reach out on Instagram (@CaliforniaLucky). I'm always happy to help or just give some support! You'll find a supportive community of people who love to scrapbook as much as you do.


As a new parent, it can be tough to find the time and energy to scrapbook. But with these tips, you'll be able to create beautiful pages that document your baby's first years, without sacrificing too much of your precious time or energy. And in the end, you'll have a keepsake that you and your little one will cherish for years to come.


Feb 27, 2023

15 Unique Ways to Use Stickers in Scrapbooking

Stickers: they're the ultimate scrapbooking accessory! With so many styles, designs, and shapes to choose from, the possibilities for using stickers in your scrapbook pages are endless. And let's not forget the fun factor - who doesn't love playing with stickers? Whether you're a seasoned scrapbooker or just starting out, these 15 unique ways to use stickers will bring a touch of playful personality to your pages.



Sticker Borders: Use stickers to create a border around your photos or journaling. Choose stickers in coordinating colors or patterns for a polished look.

Sticker Collages: Cut your stickers into various shapes and sizes and arrange them in a collage on your page. You can even layer stickers on top of each other for added dimension.

Highlight Your Journaling: Use stickers to draw attention to your journaling and add a pop of color. You can use letter stickers to spell out words or phrases, or simply place decorative stickers around your writing.

Accent Stickers: Place stickers around your page to add a touch of color and interest. Choose stickers that match the theme of your page, such as flowers for a garden page, or stars for a space page.

Sticker Backgrounds: Use stickers to create a unique and eye-catching background. Layer stickers on top of each other, or place them in a random pattern for a fun and playful look.

Sticker Flowers: Cut stickers into flower shapes and layer them to create 3D blooms. You can even add a button or brad in the center for a fun pop of color.

Date Keeping Stickers: Add a calendar sticker to each page to keep track of the date and time of your memories. You can even add a "day of the week" sticker to make sure you never forget which day you captured a special moment.

Sticker Monograms: Use letter stickers to create a monogram for yourself or a loved one. You can even add a decorative frame or border to make the monogram pop.

Label Stickers: Label your photos, journaling, or mementos with stickers. You can use words, shapes, or symbols to label your items, or even create your own custom stickers.

Decorated Titles: Use stickers to add some extra personality to your page title. You can use a combination of letters and decorative stickers to create a unique and eye-catching title.

Sticker Shapes: Cut stickers into shapes and use them as accents or borders. You can use shapes that match the theme of your page, such as stars for a space page, or hearts for a love page.

Sentiment Stickers: Add a sentiment sticker to your page to express your feelings. Choose from a wide variety of sentiments, such as "love," "grateful," or "joyful."

Sticker Arrows: Cut stickers into arrow shapes and use them to point to important elements on your page. You can also use arrows to create fun and whimsical paths on your page.

Photo Mat Stickers: Place stickers around the edges of your photos to create a fun and playful photo mat. You can even layer stickers on top of each other to create a multi-dimensional look.

Edgy Decoration: Use stickers to decorate the edges of your pages. You can create a border or simply add a few accent stickers for a touch of personality.



So there you have it, 15 unique and fun ways to use stickers in your scrapbooking! Whether you're using stickers to highlight your journaling, create borders, or add a touch of whimsy, these ideas are sure to inspire you to get creative with your stickers. So grab your stash of stickers, get your glue stick ready, and start creating! Remember, the possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to get a little crazy with your stickers.

And if you're feeling stuck or need a little extra inspiration, check out scrapbooking forums and online communities. Feel free to reach out on Instagram (I'm @CaliforniaLucky). You'll find a wealth of ideas and tips from other scrapbookers, and you might even make some new friends along the way!

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the creative process. Scrapbooking is all about capturing your memories and expressing your personality, so let your imagination run wild and have fun with your stickers! Happy scrappin'!

Rainbows and sparkles,

Erika






Feb 20, 2023

How to Make Your Own Scrapbook Embellishments

Scrapbooking is all about creativity and expressing your personality, so why not take it to the next level and make your own embellishments? Homemade embellishments add a unique touch to your pages and allow you to add personal elements that you won't find in a store. Plus, making your own embellishments is a fun and affordable way to add some extra flair to your scrapbook pages.

Here are a few simple and fun ways to create your own embellishments:

Paper Flowers: Paper flowers are a classic scrapbook embellishment that can be made in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Cut out flower shapes from patterned paper, fold them in half, and glue them together to create 3D flowers. Use a button or brad in the center to add a pop of color, or add a stem made from wire or green pipe cleaners.


Photo Corners: Photo corners add a touch of vintage charm to your pages and are easy to make. Cut out small squares of patterned paper and fold them into triangles. Adhere them to the corners of your photos to add a touch of character.


Felt Shapes: Felt is a great material for making embellishments because it's easy to work with and comes in a variety of colors. Cut out shapes, such as stars, hearts, or animals, and use them to add texture and dimension to your pages.


Washi Tape: Washi tape is a versatile and colorful scrapbooking material that can be used in a variety of ways. Use it to create borders, accents, or even entire pages. You can even create your own patterns by layering different tapes together.


Stamped Images: Stamping is a fun and easy way to add images to your pages. Simply ink up a rubber stamp, press it onto your paper, and you're done! You can use stamps to add decorative elements, such as flowers, stars, or words.


Stickers: Stickers are a quick and easy way to add a pop of color to your pages. You can purchase stickers at a craft store, or you can make your own using images from magazines, photos, or other materials. You can print your own on Canva with clear sticker paper too!


Envelopes: Envelopes are a fun and unique way to add journaling or other elements to your pages. You can use patterned paper to create your own envelopes and use them to hold small items, such as tickets, notes, or other mementos.


These are just a few of the many ways you can create your own scrapbook embellishments. Get creative and have fun with it! The possibilities are endless, and the results will be truly one-of-a-kind.


So, grab your scissors, glue, and craft supplies and get ready to add some extra pizzazz to your scrapbook pages. And remember, the most important part of scrapbooking is to have fun and let your creativity run wild. Happy embellishing!

Feb 13, 2023

10 Fun Scrapbook Page Themes to Try Today

Hi friends! Scrapbooking is a wonderful and creative way to preserve and relive life’s special moments. With endless possibilities and endless room for personal expression, it’s no wonder that scrapbooking is a beloved hobby for many. However, with so many options, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why I've compiled a list of 10 fun scrapbook page themes that are sure to inspire and spark your imagination.



  • "A Day in the Life": Document a day in your life with photos and journaling, showcasing the little moments that make up the bigger picture.
  • "Goals and Dreams": Create a page dedicated to your aspirations, both big and small. Use motivational quotes, photos of your role models, and write down your plans for the future.
  • "Travel Memories": Document your travels and adventures with photos, tickets, maps, and other souvenirs from your trip.
  • "Bucket List": Create a list of things you want to experience or accomplish in your lifetime, and make a page for each.
  • "Favorites": Showcase your favorite things, whether it's food, movies, music, or anything else.
  • "Gratitude": Dedicate a page to things you are grateful for in life. Whether it’s people, experiences, or simple pleasures, take time to reflect and appreciate all the good in your life.
  • "Me Time": Create a page that celebrates self-care and the things you do to relax and recharge. This could include a bubble bath, a good book, or a glass of wine.
  • Childhood Memories": Revisit your childhood with photos, trinkets, and stories from your childhood days. 
  • "My Tribe": Show your love for your closest friends and family by creating a page dedicated to them. Add photos, inside jokes, and special memories to make it extra special.
  • "Hobbies and Interests": Highlight the things you love to do in your free time, from reading to gardening to playing sports.


These themes are just the starting point for creating beautiful and personal scrapbook pages. Remember, the best part about scrapbooking is that there are no rules, so feel free to get creative and add your own unique twists. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uninspired, try looking through magazines, Pinterest, or other scrapbooking sites for more ideas.

Scrapbooking is not only a hobby, but it’s also a great way to preserve your memories for years to come. So, why not try out one of these themes today? Whether you’re a seasoned scrapbooker or a newcomer, I guarantee you’ll have a blast creating pages that showcase your personality and your life story.

And don’t forget, scrapbooking is all about having fun! So, grab your favorite supplies, turn on some music, and let the creativity flow. Before you know it, you’ll have a beautiful scrapbook filled with pages that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Happy scrapbooking!