This month, Elizabeth answers two excellent questions from readers like you. Learn more about page protectors and paper use!
Two Smiling Frogs by Elizabeth Kartchner. Supplies Patterned paper: BasicGrey (yellow), KI Memories (dot and stripe), My Mind’s Eye and Scenic Route (green dot); Number sticker: American Crafts; Letter stickers: EK Success; Chipboard shapes: Scenic Route; Brads: American Crafts, Creative Imaginations, Daisy D’s Paper Co. and Doodlebug Design; Flip book: 2 Charm Products (www.2charm.com); Ticket: Jenni Bowlin Studio; Clip: Making Memories; Sticker: 7gypsies; Fonts: 2Peas Cross Eyed, www.twopeasinabucket.com; Another Typewriter, Internet; Other: Paper clip.
Q. How do you deal with page protectors if your scrapbook page is interactive, has hidden journaling or has pockets and flaps? —Marty Larson, Amherst, NY
A. Great question, Marty. You really got me thinking with this one! My family probably gets frustrated by my albums’ hidden journaling because unless people have X-ray vision the journaling is really hidden! I don’t often make it easily accessible.
After designing a couple pages with hidden journaling, pockets and flaps, I thought of some tips to help keep our stories and memories accessible. Try the techniques on the following page for your upcoming layouts
* After finishing my “Two Smiling Frogs” page, I had more pictures that I wanted to include and needed room for journaling. I pulled out some flip books, confident that they would work perfectly because they’re designed to go on the outside of page protectors. I attached the flip books with two brads and added the chipboard circle on the outside. Now, not only are the journaling and extra photos interactive, but I love the dimension the book adds. And it keeps you searching the layout for more.
* Another item I love adding to my scrapbook pages is interactive pockets. I usually sew them and place my journaling strips inside as I did on my “Note to Self” layout. But when I store this page in an album, I want to make sure I can still read my inspirational thoughts and reminders if I ever need a pick-me-up on a hectic day. So, here’s a simple solution.
Place your page in the page protector and make a tiny mark to the left and right of the pockets where you’ll cut a long slit for the journaling. Remove your page, then place a cutting mat inside the page protector. Use a ruler and a craft knife to cut a straight line between the marks.
Now you can place your journaling on the outside and it’s interactive and easy to read when looking through your album. Remember these tips on your next pages and see what creative methods you can come up with to alter your page protectors.
