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Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
There is no reason not to…..
Memories, and the stories behind them, are priceless – that is why it is so important to preserve yours. If you haven’t tried scrapbooking, what’s stopping you? Think it’s hard, overwhelming, or expensive? It doesn’t have to be, and we’ll tell you why, as we uncover the truths behind common scrapbooking myths!
1. My photos aren’t perfect, so they don’t deserve to go into a scrapbook.
Sometimes the most cherished photos aren’t perfect photos. It‘s not about the technical merits of the photo – it’s about the memory that was captured. What if you only have one photo from your daughter’s first day of school and her eyes are closed, or it is out of focus a little? Does that mean that moment doesn’t deserve to be remembered? Absolutely not! If you’re really unhappy with a photo, remember, there are a few things you can try to improve it a little, too. Try cropping it or adjusting the colors (changing to black and white or sepia, for example) with a color photo copier. (Note: You can also do this with photo editing software using your digital photo or by scanning in your print.) But even if that doesn’t work, scrapbook the memory anyway!
2. I need to scrapbook every photo I have.
Parents might especially feel the pressure to scrapbook every single photo ever taken of a child, beginning at birth. That’s a lot of photos! Forget about starting at the beginning – instead, just start today. Start with your most current photos and get those memories into an album first. If you have more time later, you can always go back and try to catch up old photos. There’s no pressure to get everything done all at once. Give yourself a break – adjust your expectations and just start today!
Tip: Pocket page albums, or mixing pocket pages with traditional layouts, are a fast and easy way to include multiple photos!
3. My scrapbook pages look nothing like those I see in a magazine, so they must not be any good.
Scrapbooking isn’t about comparing your pages to someone else’s. It’s about preserving your memories for you and your family. Years down the road, no one is going to notice if your pages follow a certain trend or style that is popular now. Find your own style and your own way. It doesn’t matter if your albums are classic and simple or more detailed. That’s the beauty of scrapbooking – there is no right or wrong way to do it. Do what makes you happy!
4. Scrapbooking takes a lot of time, which I don’t have.
Scrapbooking does not have to take a large amount of time. Simple pages don’t take a lot of time, but they still convey the important stuff – the stories, photos, and memories. If you don’t have a lot of spare time, break the process into small chunks – take 10-15 minutes to jot down some journaling and then pick out your supplies at another time. A great time-saver is using a collection of coordinating products, where everything is designed to match perfectly. Assemble your layout while your child is napping or in the evening when you have a few spare moments. Work one page at a time, and don’t stress about getting everything done all at once. There is no rush – you’ll get there slowly but surely! (Note: Monthly crops are also a great way for those with little time. You can plan a day or afternoon to crop in your schedule each month.)
5. I don’t have a lot of money to spend, so I shouldn’t start scrapbooking.
You are investing in your memories – what could be more important? When you think about all the money, time, and effort you put into planning that special vacation or hosting that special event, the few dollars you’ll spend to preserve the memories are worth every penny. Your photos and memories are often the only thing you have left at the end of the day, so make the effort to ensure they last a lifetime. Scrapbooking doesn’t have to cost a lot – invest first in quality albums, tools and supplies that will help you preserve the memories. You can always add in more fun products later, if you are able. If not, at least your photos and memories are preserved. That’s what matters first and foremost!
6. I don’t have kids, so therefore, I have nothing to scrapbook.
This couldn’t be further from the truth! Think about all the things in your own life that you’ll want to remember someday – the fun times you had with your friends and family, the vacations you took, your pets, your hobbies, and more. Or, make a time capsule of sorts and scrapbook the things that you like right now, such as popular music, movies, television shows, fashion, or the type of car you own. It will be fun to look back on your albums one day and reminisce. Plus, if you do have children one day, they’ll enjoy seeing the things mom or dad was into when they were younger!
7. I’m not creative, so I can’t scrapbook.
Everyone is creative in their own way! Besides, you don’t need to be super creative to scrapbook. Simple pages don’t take a lot of creativity to pull together, but yet, they still tell stories and preserve the memories. Years down the road, your family isn’t going to care if your pages follow the trends and are overly “creative” – what they will care about is that you took the time to get the memories down on paper. Also, for many people, the process of scrapbooking itself can be just as rewarding as the end product. It’s time that you spend doing something just for you and your family. A scrapbook page is a place for you to express your personality, along with your thoughts, feelings, and memories. There is no right or wrong way to do that! (Note: A great way to get started is to attend a class or workshop. You will get ideas and inspiration to jumpstart your creativity.)
8. Scrapbooking seems overwhelming and I don’t think I can do it.
Anyone can scrapbook! It doesn’t matter what your age, background, ability, or creativity level. You already have the two most important things right at your disposal – your photos and your memories. All you need to do is put them together. It doesn’t need to be complicated or hard. (Note: Another great way to get started is to attend a monthly crop where experienced scrapbookers help beginners get started.)
This article was featured in Archiver’s Journal, Spring 2008 edition.
1. My photos aren’t perfect, so they don’t deserve to go into a scrapbook.
Sometimes the most cherished photos aren’t perfect photos. It‘s not about the technical merits of the photo – it’s about the memory that was captured. What if you only have one photo from your daughter’s first day of school and her eyes are closed, or it is out of focus a little? Does that mean that moment doesn’t deserve to be remembered? Absolutely not! If you’re really unhappy with a photo, remember, there are a few things you can try to improve it a little, too. Try cropping it or adjusting the colors (changing to black and white or sepia, for example) with a color photo copier. (Note: You can also do this with photo editing software using your digital photo or by scanning in your print.) But even if that doesn’t work, scrapbook the memory anyway!
2. I need to scrapbook every photo I have.
Parents might especially feel the pressure to scrapbook every single photo ever taken of a child, beginning at birth. That’s a lot of photos! Forget about starting at the beginning – instead, just start today. Start with your most current photos and get those memories into an album first. If you have more time later, you can always go back and try to catch up old photos. There’s no pressure to get everything done all at once. Give yourself a break – adjust your expectations and just start today!
Tip: Pocket page albums, or mixing pocket pages with traditional layouts, are a fast and easy way to include multiple photos!
3. My scrapbook pages look nothing like those I see in a magazine, so they must not be any good.
Scrapbooking isn’t about comparing your pages to someone else’s. It’s about preserving your memories for you and your family. Years down the road, no one is going to notice if your pages follow a certain trend or style that is popular now. Find your own style and your own way. It doesn’t matter if your albums are classic and simple or more detailed. That’s the beauty of scrapbooking – there is no right or wrong way to do it. Do what makes you happy!
4. Scrapbooking takes a lot of time, which I don’t have.
Scrapbooking does not have to take a large amount of time. Simple pages don’t take a lot of time, but they still convey the important stuff – the stories, photos, and memories. If you don’t have a lot of spare time, break the process into small chunks – take 10-15 minutes to jot down some journaling and then pick out your supplies at another time. A great time-saver is using a collection of coordinating products, where everything is designed to match perfectly. Assemble your layout while your child is napping or in the evening when you have a few spare moments. Work one page at a time, and don’t stress about getting everything done all at once. There is no rush – you’ll get there slowly but surely! (Note: Monthly crops are also a great way for those with little time. You can plan a day or afternoon to crop in your schedule each month.)
5. I don’t have a lot of money to spend, so I shouldn’t start scrapbooking.
You are investing in your memories – what could be more important? When you think about all the money, time, and effort you put into planning that special vacation or hosting that special event, the few dollars you’ll spend to preserve the memories are worth every penny. Your photos and memories are often the only thing you have left at the end of the day, so make the effort to ensure they last a lifetime. Scrapbooking doesn’t have to cost a lot – invest first in quality albums, tools and supplies that will help you preserve the memories. You can always add in more fun products later, if you are able. If not, at least your photos and memories are preserved. That’s what matters first and foremost!
6. I don’t have kids, so therefore, I have nothing to scrapbook.
This couldn’t be further from the truth! Think about all the things in your own life that you’ll want to remember someday – the fun times you had with your friends and family, the vacations you took, your pets, your hobbies, and more. Or, make a time capsule of sorts and scrapbook the things that you like right now, such as popular music, movies, television shows, fashion, or the type of car you own. It will be fun to look back on your albums one day and reminisce. Plus, if you do have children one day, they’ll enjoy seeing the things mom or dad was into when they were younger!
7. I’m not creative, so I can’t scrapbook.
Everyone is creative in their own way! Besides, you don’t need to be super creative to scrapbook. Simple pages don’t take a lot of creativity to pull together, but yet, they still tell stories and preserve the memories. Years down the road, your family isn’t going to care if your pages follow the trends and are overly “creative” – what they will care about is that you took the time to get the memories down on paper. Also, for many people, the process of scrapbooking itself can be just as rewarding as the end product. It’s time that you spend doing something just for you and your family. A scrapbook page is a place for you to express your personality, along with your thoughts, feelings, and memories. There is no right or wrong way to do that! (Note: A great way to get started is to attend a class or workshop. You will get ideas and inspiration to jumpstart your creativity.)
8. Scrapbooking seems overwhelming and I don’t think I can do it.
Anyone can scrapbook! It doesn’t matter what your age, background, ability, or creativity level. You already have the two most important things right at your disposal – your photos and your memories. All you need to do is put them together. It doesn’t need to be complicated or hard. (Note: Another great way to get started is to attend a monthly crop where experienced scrapbookers help beginners get started.)
This article was featured in Archiver’s Journal, Spring 2008 edition.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
How to Save Soggy Photos by Stu Eddins
I thought I would pass this information on since many throughout Iowa and the Midwest are dealing with flooding.....
The place to start is with photos you know have no negatives available or where the negatives also got wet. These are the images at greatest risk for permanent loss. Be aware that older and historic photos made with a thicker paper base may not be salvageable, but slow and careful work can save some of these, too.
Take your time. Photos that have been waterlogged for more than a day or two can expand and soften. The image side (the photo emulsion) is a gelatin coating on a paper backing and can be easily scratched, so use care and avoid touching the wet image. Gently separate those photos that will come apart easily.
Keep photos wet until you have them cleaned and separated. Stacked photos or photos in albums will stick to each other as they dry out. They may evenbe kept in a plastic container of cold, clean water for a day or two as you work through the stacks.
Remove any photos that are in photo albums and dispose of the albums. If there are stacks of photos stuck together, you can soak them in clean, warm water to help loosen them. It may take several hours of soaking to get the stack separated. Use great care so that you don't rub or scratch the image.
Gently rinse each photo in clear water. Make sure to get booth sides to help ensure the best chance of preventing mold and mildew. Adding a wetting agent like Kodak's PhotoFlo to a plastic bucket for a second rinse can help water spots.
After the print is rinsed, lay it flat, image side up, on a paper towel to dry. Try to use only non-printed white paper towels to prevent transfer of any inks onto your photos. Change the towelling every four to five hours to help speed drying time.
If some photos begin to curl, weigh down the corners with small objects such as shot glasses or forks and spoons. Just be careful to avoid contact with the image.
Dry your prints indoors. You are looking for a slower drying time, so don't use a hair dryer. Fast drying may cause the photos to curl, resulting in cracks when you try to lay them out flat again.
If you have photos in frames, take them out while they are still soaking wet -- otherwise, the image side of the print will stick to the glass. If you have a print that has stuck to the glass, your best chance of rescuing it is to hold both the glass and photo under running water and let the water run between the print and the glass to encourage separation.
There are a few chemicals available that can remove mold or mildew from prints. They don't remove the stains, they do kill the biological culture to prevent further spread into the image.
If there isn't a chance to work on your photos right away, gently remove any mud or debris from your images. Rinse and stack them between layers of waxed paper. Once you have a bundle of stacked prints, put it into a resealable bag.
If a functioning freezer is available, put the bagged photos in it. The bundles may be defrosted later for cleaning and air drying.
To assure a better chance of survival in the future, have duplicates made of all your family photos and keep them in different locations -- or even different cities.
You also can have your images scanned onto CD-ROMs to store the photos.
Stu Eddins, who operates Porter's Camera, 224 Collins Road NE, worked in Des Moines during the 1993 flood, where he and co-workers had to rescue many waterlogged photos. Through trial and error and research, he compliled these tips for saving family photographs damaged by water. Porter's Camera will scan up to 200 rescued images and burn them to a CD for anyone affected by the flood at no cost. You can contact Stu at 319-373-0658 or stu@porters.com.
Copyright 2008 - The Gazette (article featured in the June 16, 2008 issue on page 8B)
The place to start is with photos you know have no negatives available or where the negatives also got wet. These are the images at greatest risk for permanent loss. Be aware that older and historic photos made with a thicker paper base may not be salvageable, but slow and careful work can save some of these, too.
Take your time. Photos that have been waterlogged for more than a day or two can expand and soften. The image side (the photo emulsion) is a gelatin coating on a paper backing and can be easily scratched, so use care and avoid touching the wet image. Gently separate those photos that will come apart easily.
Keep photos wet until you have them cleaned and separated. Stacked photos or photos in albums will stick to each other as they dry out. They may evenbe kept in a plastic container of cold, clean water for a day or two as you work through the stacks.
Remove any photos that are in photo albums and dispose of the albums. If there are stacks of photos stuck together, you can soak them in clean, warm water to help loosen them. It may take several hours of soaking to get the stack separated. Use great care so that you don't rub or scratch the image.
Gently rinse each photo in clear water. Make sure to get booth sides to help ensure the best chance of preventing mold and mildew. Adding a wetting agent like Kodak's PhotoFlo to a plastic bucket for a second rinse can help water spots.
After the print is rinsed, lay it flat, image side up, on a paper towel to dry. Try to use only non-printed white paper towels to prevent transfer of any inks onto your photos. Change the towelling every four to five hours to help speed drying time.
If some photos begin to curl, weigh down the corners with small objects such as shot glasses or forks and spoons. Just be careful to avoid contact with the image.
Dry your prints indoors. You are looking for a slower drying time, so don't use a hair dryer. Fast drying may cause the photos to curl, resulting in cracks when you try to lay them out flat again.
If you have photos in frames, take them out while they are still soaking wet -- otherwise, the image side of the print will stick to the glass. If you have a print that has stuck to the glass, your best chance of rescuing it is to hold both the glass and photo under running water and let the water run between the print and the glass to encourage separation.
There are a few chemicals available that can remove mold or mildew from prints. They don't remove the stains, they do kill the biological culture to prevent further spread into the image.
If there isn't a chance to work on your photos right away, gently remove any mud or debris from your images. Rinse and stack them between layers of waxed paper. Once you have a bundle of stacked prints, put it into a resealable bag.
If a functioning freezer is available, put the bagged photos in it. The bundles may be defrosted later for cleaning and air drying.
To assure a better chance of survival in the future, have duplicates made of all your family photos and keep them in different locations -- or even different cities.
You also can have your images scanned onto CD-ROMs to store the photos.
Stu Eddins, who operates Porter's Camera, 224 Collins Road NE, worked in Des Moines during the 1993 flood, where he and co-workers had to rescue many waterlogged photos. Through trial and error and research, he compliled these tips for saving family photographs damaged by water. Porter's Camera will scan up to 200 rescued images and burn them to a CD for anyone affected by the flood at no cost. You can contact Stu at 319-373-0658 or stu@porters.com.
Copyright 2008 - The Gazette (article featured in the June 16, 2008 issue on page 8B)
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Thoughts and Prayers
We would like to send out our thoughts and prayers to the following:
- Tornado victims in Parkersburg, New Hartford and many other communities in NE Iowa
- Flood victims across Iowa and other Midwestern states
- Tornado victims at the Little Sioux Boy Scout Ranch near Council Bluffs, Iowa
This has been an unbelievable year for weather. We know many of our group, including all of the Pink Ladies, has been affected in one way or another and hope for the best as Mother Nature continues to wreck havoc on areas that cannot take any more.
Please pray for those cleaning up after these major disasters as well as those that are bracing for flooding over the next week.
Please remember to help those that need assistance if you are able to volunteer to sandbag or assist with food and water distribution to those volunteers. Every little bit is appreciated and really does help!
For those affected by Mother Nature, please remember to thank the volunteers in your community as well as local police, fire and National Guard personnel who are giving their time away from their families and their own disaster issues to assist in your communities during this very tragic time.
Our hearts go out to all!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Top Ten Vacation Photo Tips
Summer is the time for family vacations. Whether you are taking a short road trip or a long flight to your destination, Kodak has some great tips for capturing those memorable photos.
Click here to check out how to save those special moments forever. Click on each tip for more detail.
Click here to check out how to save those special moments forever. Click on each tip for more detail.
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