Scrapbooking Trends... We've Come a Long Way!!!

When I first began scrapbooking, in the mid 90's, I remember using white pages with small amounts of colored paper and lots of colorful markers and stickers. The trends at that time focused on making your photo a different shape - I had many templates that I could place over my photo and using a special photo pencil, I would trace the shape and using a scissor, I'd crop the photo to create the look I wanted. Since I was a beginning scrapbooker, I didn't always leave enough background on the picture and I'd end up with a face shot in the middle of a star shape. Then using some colored paper, I'd cut out a few more shapes and add them to my layout. Eventually it seemed to come together and I'd paste everything on to the top of my white background, sit back, and smile at how proud I was of my creation. Now I look at those albums, and even though I could possible redesign some of the pages, at least half of the photo's are cropped beyond repair, and they are not as pleasing to the eye either. The only positive part of these novice creations are being able to see how far we've come with scrapbooking. Thankfully we can now rely on electronic cutting machines to create professional looking designs for our layouts. I recommend the Cricut Expressions as it's design capabilities are endless! Click here to view this machine on Amazon.

Expression Features that makes this machine SUPERIOR:
Cuts 1/4" - 23.5 inches (most machines cut from 1/2" and at 1/2" increments - this is 1/8" increments - and about 7" max)

Cartridges - When on sale, they are worth every dollar for all the unique and intricut designs you can create. They also come in licensed designs - Disney characters, Nick Jr. characters, and more

Each cartridge seems to hold a large quantity of options and information.

Variety of layering options available

Design is clean, tight and slim, it's very light and portable
You can let it stand alone -- while it finishes cutting... you can be making the kids their dinner!

You will love how this machine can also be used for other projects. Kids school projects, greeting cards, wedding invitations, tags, vinyl wall lettering, bulletin boards, create templates/stencils to use for etching, and so many more fun ideas.

Now when I look at the adorable layouts in my recent albums, I love how pleasing they are to the eye and I'm thankful for all the advancements in technology that are available to help me create beautiful memories for the moments in time that are special to me.