Creative Scrapbook Layouts Blog

Jan 12, The Choubox Sketch Pad

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 15:31:27 GMT

The Choubox Sketch Pad... Your resource for free scrapbook layout sketches.

Dec 26, Back to Normal

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 14:48:25 GMT

Some of you may be wondering where I've been and what happened to the Sketch of the Week...that has turned into more of a Sketch of the Month. Over the past several months, I've been suffering from a little bit of the "bit off more than I could chew" syndrome and I have officially learned my lesson. I've also been promoted at my "day job," so that has had me running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Excuses aside, things are starting to settle down to a dull roar and I can now devote more time to scrapbooking and my website. I appreciate all of your continued input and wish you a very Happy (scrapping) New Year!!

Oct 8, 7 Oct - Sketch of the Week

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:47:03 GMT

Just wanted to let you all know that I haven't forgotten about this week's sketch. I just got back from a family wedding and am trying to get back up to speed. This week's sketch will be on the site by this afternoon (oh...and the 12x12 Doubles won the vote this week). Happy Scrapping!!

Sep 5, Halloween Scrapbook Layout Colors

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:23:03 GMT

Halloween Scrapbook Layout Colors...Are you a traditionalist or a costume coordinator?

Aug 10, Custom Scrapbook Layout Sketches

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:50:01 GMT

Everyone uses sketches, so why not have custom scrapbook layout sketches created to fit your pictures!!

Aug 8, KI Memories Scrapbook Supplies

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 18:00:15 GMT

KI Memories Scrapbook Supplies....Coordinated with Bazzill Basics cardstock for your convenience.

Jul 31, Valley Forge Review

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:09:19 GMT

Let me just get this off my chest, and I promise I won't mention it again, but next time I consider driving up I-95 in the summer - on a weekend - please stop me. I spent more than eight hours getting to and from Valley Forge. So, you're wondering, how was it?... Overall, I'd rate it a B. I could never rate (1) an opportunity for "me" time or (2) the opportunity to scrap or shop for scrapbook supplies in peace badly. But, while I made some really great layouts and bought A LOT of really cool scrapbook supplies, I was disappointed that I didn't learn more technique-wise, though it does harden my determination to go to CKU next year for sure! Here's a review of the clases: A Thing or Two about Boys - This was sponsored by QuikQuotes. This was simply a process of building layouts based on their kits. The one thing that I did get reinforced is a neat way to make slide mounts match your layout. LuCKy Girl - This was sponsored by CK and taught by Creating Keepsakes, Managing Editor, Brittany Beattie. We made a little scrapbook of the things were are most grateful for that fit in a little tin. Definitely very cool scrapbook...I see Christmas presents. All About Heritage - This was also sponsored by QuikQuotes. Again, it was simply a process of creating layouts. Neat way to do photo corners out of vellum. Boys Go Zoom! - This was a class on board books, which I wasn't quite expecting. The board book was made with glossy chipboard - I had been thinking of natural chipboard. But...I did learn a cool way to make photo corners with ribbon. You've Been Framed! - This was a class on creating unique frames with your scrapbook supplies. Nothing fancy or complicated, but a super-cool idea! 10 Things Every Scrapbooker Should Know - This too was taught by Brittany Beattie and was full of great little tips that "every scrapbooker should know," such as...it's OK to scraplift, it's OK to take LOTs of pictures and more! Keep it Simple, Make it Quick, Get it Done with Metropolis - It's a really long title and was set as a two-hour class, but as the title states, it was simple. In fact, too simple for my liking at the time. I wanted to be challenged, but instead I was given a pack of Scenic Route scrapbook supplies with instructions to make four two-page layouts. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about great supplies, but I wanted to learn something different and quickly realized that wasn't going to happen. So, about an hour in, I decided to pack up and hit the road. Another year is done and I look forward to what next year will bring in my scrapbook education!

Jul 26, Valley Forge (Part Deux)

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:16:34 GMT

I'm heading out this afternoon for my second Creating Keepsakes Convention. Much like last year, I've loaded up on classes (I've always liked school). To be specific, I'm taking the following: A Thing or Two about Boys
LuCKy Girl
All About Heritage
Boys Go Zoom!
Youve Been Framed!
10 Things Every Scrapbooker Should Know
Keep it Simple, Make it Quick, Get it Done with Metropolis
While my true goal is to make it to CKU one day, my experience last year was incredible and I learned so much (and came back with so many scrapbook supplies...I'm still digging out of that pile). Just keep your fingers crossed that the power doesn't go out!! I will report back as soon as I get home on Saturday evening and share with all of you what I've learned. Happy Scrapping!

Jul 24, Chou Store: Quality Scrapbook Supplies

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 02:00:46 GMT

Welcome to The Chou Store!! Your source for quality scrapbook supplies.

Jul 22, Chou Store: We R Memory Keepers Scrapbook Paper

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 17:38:00 GMT

Add a new dimension to your layouts with We R Memory Keepers Scrapbook Paper.

Jul 22, Chou Store: We R Memory Keepers Embellishments

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 17:36:49 GMT

The frosting for your "scrapbook" cake...We R Memory Keepers Embellishments

Jul 22, Choubox Shipping Policy

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 15:16:43 GMT

At Choubox, we like to keep things simple and our shipping policy is no exception.

Jul 18, Choubox Articles: Digital Scrapbook Layout Templates

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 19:42:43 GMT

Looking to simplify your digital scrapping life?... Try your hand at digital scrapbook layout templates.

Jul 15, Chou Store: Choubox Digital Scrapbook Layout Templates

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 19:34:51 GMT

Digital scrapbooking is a breeze with Choubox Digital Scrapbook layout Templates!!

Jul 11, Choubox Articles: How to Use a Digital Scrapbook Template

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:54:00 GMT

A quick an easy guide for how to use a digital scrapbook template!

Jul 5, Choubox Sketch Pad: 8x8 Scrapbook Layout Sketches

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:22:04 GMT

8x8 Scrapbook Layout Sketches... Perfect for Beginner Scrappers

Jun 27, Wizard Scrapbook Layout Paper Packs

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 01:40:39 GMT

Wizard Scrapbook Layout Paper Packs... Made only with high quality Bazzill Basics Cardstock!

Jun 21, Choubox Articles: Organizing Your Scrapbook Magazines

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 02:15:18 GMT

Ready to take on the challenge of organizing your scrapbook magazines?

Jun 12, Get Involved!...Scrapbooking for Charity

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:31:16 GMT

Are you thinking of hosting a crop and scrapbooking for charity? Need a sponsor...fill out the form below and let's get started!

Jun 9, Choubox Scrapbook Layout Sketches (6x6)Double

Sat, 09 Jun 2007 18:50:35 GMT

6x6 Double Scrapbook Layout Sketches in pdf format

Jun 9, Choubox Scrapbook Layout Sketches (6x6)

Sat, 09 Jun 2007 18:28:26 GMT

6x6 Scrapbook Layout Sketches in pdf format

Jun 9, Choubox Sketch Pad: 6x6 Scrapbook Layout Sketches

Sat, 09 Jun 2007 17:28:58 GMT

6x6 Scrapbook Layout Sketches...Who Says Size Matters?

Jun 7, Creative Scrapbook Layouts... Made Easy!

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 00:25:12 GMT

Choubox makes preserving memories easy with ideas and inspiration for creative scrapbook layouts. All you do is add pictures!

Jun 3, Need Sketches?

Sun, 03 Jun 2007 16:29:33 GMT

Recently, as part of the voting for the Sketch of the Week, I've noticed that a lot of you are looking for a variety of sketch sizes, from 6 x 6 to 8.5 x 11 to 8 x 8, yet the 12 x 12 typically wins out in the voting. So...I'd ask that you take a minute and fill out this little survey to see if we can make everyone happy. I'd love to hear from you. Happy Scrapping!

May 16, Choubox Articles: How To Ink Paper Edges

Wed, 16 May 2007 15:19:39 GMT

Junk up your layouts...Learn how to ink paper edges!

May 8, CKC Valley Forge

Tue, 08 May 2007 14:20:30 GMT

Are you going to CKC Valley Forge? I'd love to meet up with some fellow scrappers, so I can put a face with a name to my visitors. :-) Check my calendar for details on when I'll be in class and when we can get together and chat!! If you'd like to meet up, just drop me a line. Hope to see you there!

May 8, Choubox Scrapbook Design Calendar

Tue, 08 May 2007 00:04:06 GMT

What's new at The Chou....Check out my calendar to find out!

May 7, Choubox Articles: How to Use Eyelets

Mon, 07 May 2007 16:05:14 GMT

Hammers Optional...Learning how to use eyelets.

Apr 25, Choubox Articles: Layouts for Formal Prom Photos

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 01:16:09 GMT

Tips and ideas on how to scrap your formal prom photos!

Apr 23, Scrapbook Layout Challenges

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 01:35:11 GMT

Learn to think outside the box with scrapbook layout challenges!

Apr 22, Scrapbook Challenges: Using Lyrics in Scrapbook Layouts

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 17:48:30 GMT

It's a Challenge...Using Lyrics in Scrapbook Layouts!

Apr 18, Choubox Articles: How to Host a Crop

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 02:43:08 GMT

Ready...Set...Crop. Tips on how to host a crop!

Apr 12, Choubox Scrapbook Article Index

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:08:03 GMT

Find your answers fast with the Choubox Scrapbook Article Index!

Apr 10, College Scrapbook Ideas

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 10:23:53 GMT

I received a request for a "college scrapbook" yesterday and wanted to share this link with everyone, in case you hadn't seen it before. I also have an entire section devoted to graduation scrapbook layouts (CLICK HERE). If you ever need ideas for a specific topic, please don't ever hesitate to send me a message.

Apr 7, Choubox Scrapbook Layout Gallery

Sat, 07 Apr 2007 13:32:42 GMT

The Choubox Scrapbook Layout Gallery.... Where a Picture Can Spark a Thousand Ideas!

Apr 5, Planning a Layout

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 17:56:30 GMT

I first want to thank all of you who have submitted article requests, whether they are for tips and techniques or general content. I am posting them as quickly as my little fingers can type along with articles I already had in the queue. But, over the past several weeks, several of you have requested articles that all revolve around the same theme, planning layouts. So, in the coming weeks, I will be making these articles my priority as, in the end, the basics of designing layouts are at the heart of scrapbooking. Thank you again for all your input and Happy Scrapping!

Apr 1, All About Me Series: Scrapbooking Your Favorite Music

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 13:55:15 GMT

All About Me Series: Scrapbooking Your Favorite Music

Mar 29, Choubox Articles: Children's Birthday Picture Checklist

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 15:13:28 GMT

Make sure to get the pictures you want with a birthday picture checklist!

Mar 21, Choubox Articles: Organizing Your Scrap Space

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 01:53:31 GMT

Prevent the mess...by organizing your scrap space!

Mar 21, Choubox Articles: Organize Small Embellishments (Part 1)

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 01:38:26 GMT

Learn how to organize small embellishments.

Mar 4, Choubox Articles: Organizing Ribbon for Scrapbooks

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 12:41:30 GMT

Which way is right for you?.. Tips on organizing ribbon for scrapbooks.

Mar 1, How Do You Make Your Scrapbook Layouts?

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:29:03 GMT

I was posed this question today by a fellow scrapper. Well, I do a mix of digital and traditional (paper-based) scrapbooking. I do digital because it saves me time and traditional because I still LOVE to work with my hands. If I had to define my own style, I would describe it as simplistic with a BIG focus on pictures. I don't have a set way in which I create my layouts (I don't do them the same way every time), but I do follow a few simple rules... (click here to read more).

Feb 22, Choubox Articles: Scrapbook Tips and Techniques

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 04:16:00 GMT

Scrapbook Tips and Techniques...Learning the How Tos of Scrapbooking

Feb 8, What's Next?

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 02:32:27 GMT

I've received several requests for information on the following topics:

My question is... Which would you rather have ideas on first? I've actually written articles on all four of these topics, but I guess I didn't quite hit the target. If you're looking for ideas on other topics...let me know by filling out this survey. Please use the comments section liberally as any details you provide me on what you're looking for will only help to make my articles more beneficial for everyone!

Feb 6, Choubox Articles: Disney Princess Scrapbook Layout Ideas

Tue, 06 Feb 2007 01:44:25 GMT

Capture Your Dreams with Disney Princess Scrapbook Layout Ideas

Feb 4, Valentine's Day

Sun, 04 Feb 2007 18:51:17 GMT

It's just around the corner and while I used this design as a recipe card, it can do double-duty as a Valentine's Day card with a few modifications. I used the new "Smitten" line from Paper Salon. Specifically, I used the Tiny Dot, Polka Hearts, Posy Paisly and Heart Paisley papers. This is a great double-sided cardstock line, so the inside of the card is a dark red pink. Happy Scrapping!

Jan 24, Six 6" x 6" Scrapbook Layout Sketches

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 16:32:08 GMT

In one of the responses to my Sketch Survey, I was asked for some ideas on how to make 6" x 6" scrapbook layout pages. As you have seen, I do tend to focus on 12" x 12" layouts, but I will be the first to admit that smaller scrapbook pages are actually much easier to make. You don't have to focus so much on filling space, so you become very efficient and your emphasis is turned automatically to the pictures. Since you don't have that much room to work with on a 6" x 6" page, the biggest picture you can use is a 4" x 6", which is perfectly acceptable (and makes the same kind of visual impact that a big picture would make on a 12" x 12" layout), but leaves you with little room for any journaling or embellishments. So...that leaves us with 3" x 5" pictures or, better yet, wallet-size pictures. I love wallet-size pictures! Why? They have the same shape as a 4" x 6", but they take up less "real estate," so you can put lots of pictures on big scrapbook pages and more than one picture on a 6" x 6" scrapbook page. While it's hard to find on my site, I do have a collection of sketches that I did almost a year ago (click here to open the file) that includes a set of 6" x 6" sketches. I just haven't gotten around to getting them loaded into Flickr. To the person that asked, I hope this helps (and I'll work on getting more 6" x 6" double-page layouts drawn up), and to anyone else who has any other questions...don't ever hesitate to send me e-mail, I'm always ready and willing to help!

Jan 22, Scraptionary: Choubox's Scrapbook Dictionary

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 02:17:13 GMT

Is scrapbooking your new hobby? Then you need a scraptionary! Your #1 source for scrapbook definitions and examples.

Dec 31, How Do I Scrap That?... Altered Clipboards

Sun, 31 Dec 2006 17:34:44 GMT

Learn how to make your own altered clipboards.

Dec 4, Scrapbook Layout with No Photos

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 01:54:51 GMT

Want to avoid making a scrapbook layout with no photos? Here are some ideas on how to creatively display your journaling without sacrificing "the story."