There are no mistakes in scrapbooking. Do not be afraid to try new things, and remember there are no mistakes. This is something you made and created.

Scrapbook swaps: There are several kinds of swaps-supplies and handmade items. Swaps can have a few people or several people in them. The person that runs the swap is called a HOSTESS she gets to pick the topic/due date for the swap. The people in the swap report their progress to the hostess on regular basis to make sure the person is fulfilling their obligation. Then the person makes/buys the items agreed upon. Next she packages the items in individual baggies and labels the items with her name and swap name. The person then places all the individual items into a big baggie along with enough postage to return the items back to them. Usually postage is the postage it cost to send to the hostess and 2 extra stamps. The hostess will disclose how many stamps. Also included is a small token gift for the hostess for all of her time and effort. These items are put into a Priority Envie/Box or a manilla envelope and shipped to the hostess. Usually the hostess will have you add a deliver confirmation number on the package this is an extra .50 cents.

She keeps track of everyone packages and on the due date they are separated and everyone gets one of each other persons packages. The hostess repackages the items and mails them back to participants.

To add circles to a page. To cut a large circle trace a dinner plate, or large bowl. For smaller circles trace a glass. Could also trace or use a CD in your layout.

By tilting a photo or a journaling mat, you are drawing the eye to that element. This way you are dictating what others see when they look at your pages. Mount your photo on a piece of cardstock and tilt it just slightly inward or outward.

Save money and still have wonderful pages:

• Titles - instead of store bought letters, use a pen and your own handwriting or a computer font. You can get many looks this way.
• Techniques - Basic scrapbook techniques such as color blocking, sewing and paper tearing can be used to add interest to a layout without the added cost.
• Embellishments - go back to your supplies and use items like brads, flowers, photo corners and buttons that you have left over. If have the color you need just paint them.

Before you invest all you money on products you don’t need. Take a scrapbooking class at a LSS to see what you really need. And how to use different techniques on your layouts.