Quick Tip #4:
Create Fusion
Albums for all your memories
I came up with the name "Fusion Album" because it combines all of my memory keeping,
including my photos, my blogs, my Facebook posts and "stuff" like birthday cards and kids' artwork. You'll see
that Fusion Albums are both more comprehensive, yet simpler and less formal, than traditional scrapbooks.
Begin with a three-ring binder for each year, either 12 X 12 or 8 ½ X 11, with dividers for each month.
The binders should include full-size sheet protectors (for your modern digital scrapbook pages) and sheets of photo sleeves
for 4 X 6's. My recommendations for supplies is at the end of this Tip.
Why chronological? As with photo organization, there are other, more thoughtful ways to compile an album.
Some avid scrapbookers create albums that focus on themes, full of beautiful pages and poignant insights. If you want to see an
amazing method of theme-based memory-keeping, check out bigpicturescrapbooking.com.
Stacy Julian's Library of Memories is awe-inspiring!
But chronological is the easiest way to organize your album, so you'll be more likely to actually do it!
Here's what your Fusion Album will include ...
MODERN DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK PAGES
These modern, magazine-style layouts are the cornerstones of Fusion Albums.
You can create them in either Square (12 X 12, also printable as 8 X 8), or Letter (8 1/2 X 11). They feature the best photos from events, with just enough journaling. Modern
digital scrapbook pages are created using Photoshop Elements and downloadable digital page elements from the Studio Boutique.
As well as being printed for your Fusion Album, the finished digital files can be shared on your blog or Facebook. Also, they
can be used to create a bound "Family Yearbook" that makes an amazing gift for friends and family.
The following three components use Microsoft Word templates from the Studio Boutique, are designed to look great with modern
digital scrapbook pages, and are intended for home printing at 8 1/2 X 11:
BLOG ENTRIES
Don't lose your blogs in the netherland of Older Posts! Copy and paste them into "Blog Sheet"
Microsoft Word templates that compliment your modern digital scrapbook pages.
SOCIAL NETWORKING POSTS
Your Facebook and Twitter posts can give a fun slice-of-life glimpse into your
everydays. Capture them quickly on modern Microsoft Word templates called "Social Snippets."
JOURNAL ENTRIES
You may want to add pages in which you express longer, more detailed impressions than
on your scrapbook page. Use our classic "Personal History Page" Microsoft Word templates from the Studio Boutique.
4 X 6 SNAPSHOTS
I recommend that as you organize your photos, you create "Scrap" (for your best photos)
and "Sleeve" (for less-than-best) folders. Your best photos will end up in modern digital scrapook pages, but your other photos
deserved to be enjoyed, too! Print them as 4 X 6's and slip them into page sleeves. You can add pizazz with digital accessories
and even simple journaling, using "Snap Sheet" templates, available in the Boutique with instructions.
EPHEMERA
Birthday cards, kids' artwork, ticket stubs, menus, cocktail napkins, pressed flowers — all the "stuff" you tucked into your
purse only to be tossed later. Use a sheet protector lined with a large envelope and file them by month. Or if you don't save
much, just use one large envelope at the end of the year's album.
SUPPLIES
Many scrapbook stores carry binder-style albums, but these are my favorite supplies, and
they're all available on scrappingrannies.com, and all are made
by American Crafts:
Three-ring binder albums: I love "Cloth Albums," available in both 12 X 12 and 8 1/2 X 11 (and even in other giftable sizes
such as 8 X 8 and 6 X 6).
Page Protectors: 12 X 12 and 8 1/2 X 11 and protectors are available in 10-packs. Or, you can use
regular letter-size page protectors from office supply stores, if you like.
Photo Sleeve Pages: A 12 X 12 page holds six
4 X 6 photos (12 when you use both sides), available in a 10 pack.
