Basic Paper

There are loads of new scrapbook products that have been introduced since my first foray into scrapbooking seven years ago: brads, tags, bling and other embellishments litter the shelves on the local arts and crafts stores, but my favorite item has always been paper, paper, paper.

So imagine my delight in discovering the BASIC GREY line of products. Started in 2004, Basic Grey is a line of speciality scrapbook papers and coordinating accessories created by a former graphic artist. I love the color combinations and I can't wait to purchase my next collection. And because I'm late to this party, there are many color combinations that are new to me. I'm enjoying learning about the line and although my local store doesn't carry the BG line,I've found quite a few online retailers who stock the latest collections and accessories.

Oh, and Becky Fleck of PageMaps offers a group of sketches specifically made for use with BasicGrey papers.

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PageMaps

I found this great book while walking through JoAnn Fabrics a few weeks ago. It's PageMaps by Becky Fleck. I love the sketches and the samples provided. Mrs. Fleck is not only very talented and creative, but her work is also inspiring. I found page after page of her book filled with very versatile scrapbook sketches and small details that help to make each page unique. If you're new to scrapbooking or an expert with many years experience you can get great page ideas from every sketch in PageMaps.

The Scrapbook Bug

For years I've flirted with scrapbooking. I always managed to talk myself out of the artistic indulgence. However, in 2002 I bought my first 35mm camera and entered the world of photography. That same summer I photographed my family reunion and ended up with hundreds of pictures and nothing to do with them, so I had this idea to scrapbook them. And I did, but it was not only more time-consuming than I'd ever imagined, but it was also expensive and just a little overwhelming. The finished product was nice though. So nice that my cousin bought it from me. And yes, I promised I would re-create it for myself and I never did. (I've still got time, right?)

Fast forward almost seven years later and I've got seven more years of pictures and family history information and no way to organize it or share it. But wait, I can make another scrapbook, I thought.

An so begins my newest adventure in scrapbooking. Not only are there literally millions of new and creative ideas and embellishments but there is also digital scrapbooking. Yes, I said digital--but I'm not flirting with that one yet. I'm still a paper-in-hand girl and loving every minute of it.

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