Classic Scrapbooking: The Art & Craft of Creating a Book of Memories

This is a comprehensive guide to creating meaningful, elegant and sophisticated scrapbooks -- there are no die-cuts of cutesy bunnies or pastel umbrellas in here. THE definitive guide, and contrary to a previous reviewer (who must be thinking of another how-to book), there are gorgeous color plates.

I have looked for a long time for a book that talks about incorporating items other than just photos into a scrapbook. Finally I have found one! When I first got this book I was was afraid that it wouldn't be much help since it did focus on anecdotes,and had few color illustrations, but this is both one of the most inspirational and helpful books on scrapbooking I have found. The anecdotes are more inspirational than any page layout not to mention more conducive to creativity. I am frankly sick of all the books on how to layout your photos, and scrapbooks that are really glorified photo albums, nothing like the traditional scrapbooks. I love putting photos and stickers in mine, but there are tons of books on how to do that and precious little on putting anything else in them. Another thing I liked about this book was the number of anecdotes from male scrapbookers. Scrapbooks used to be for everyone, but it seems that they are becoming a female only territory. I'm glad to know that this isn't entirely the case. That there are still men doing the more traditional scrapbooks. The only part of this book I didn't find a use for were the sections on making handmade scrapbooks, but that is only because I have no interest in doing so. I feel this is the most informative book on scrapbooking I have come across, not to mention the only one I would actually feel like reading cover to cover more than once.

I have recently purchased the book Classic Scrapbooking and have found it very helpful with good ideas to create an original beautiful scrapbook. So far I have finished one book and it looks great. I'm particularly happy since I'm not a very creative person but since the directions were clear and easy to follow, it was easy. Now I have a great looking book that I could never buy in a store. I am looking forward to trying out more of the ideas in the book and giving them as christmas presents for my family. I just hope that they cherish theirs as much as I cherish mine.

There are two types of scrapbooking -- the "cutesy" kind that emphasizes photographs with all sorts of stuff to paste in. Then there are classic scrapbooks that incorporate memories, ticket stubs, photos, paper memorabilia, pressed flowers, etc. This book is the latter. If you're really into teddy bears and angels and "fun" stickers, you'll hate this.If you are an artist who despises cute and would prefer to read the pages of Somerset Studio rather than Memory Makers, buy this book -- it's really worth it.