Scrapbooking Q & A

Ali, you are such a great inspiration all around...thanks so much for sharing who you are and your passions here on your blog! My question is:
Do you have any non-scrapbooking resources on hand that you use on a regular basis? For instance my first thought was a dictionary or thesaurus for journaling...then I wondered what other resources might be handy to have on hand.....any thoughts?

Hi Ali,
I'm just curious when you have a pile of pictures in front of you from several events and every day stuff how do you decide what you are going to scrap?
I'm struggling with the fact that I have all of these photos in front of me but where do I start.
Thanks,
Amy

On mini book pages do you put modge podge over the top to seal them / protect them from all the flipping? It seems my edges like to lift up? Not that I have made very many... LOL!
Congratulations on the upcoming addition.
Hope to go to the workshop on the 6th.

Hi Ali:) Hope you're feeling better, so excited for you & your family!!!;) My question is about your Printer-HP Photosmart D7360? Is it user friendly? Can you print different sizes? (i.e. wallets, 2x3, 4X6, & 5x7)??? What 'bout the quality? Is it slow or farely quick at printing? Thanks for your help! Love your style of work, & I love your blog; I read it everyday!
Take Care,
Dawn:)

I have a few questions for you
How do you incorporate your digital scrapbooking into your scrapbooks?
Tips for new digital scrapbookers who may want to dabble in hybrid scrapbooking?
How do you not get pulled into all the new products out there and stay with your style?
Any chance of an Ali type of retreat (as Donna Downey have etc).

Hey Ali,
When will the new book be coming out? I'm so anxious to get it!!
Kelly

Dear Ali,
First of all, many thanks for being again posting.
My question maybe sounds silly but... In Spain scrapbooking is unknown, but I supose that in USA sometimes you meet someone that doesn't know about it, never heard about it, never heard the word scrapbooking. How do you explain it in a few words ? What do you exactly say to show how wonderful is it ?
Best Regards.

Hi Ali,
How sweet of you to open this up! I would like to hear some suggestions from you about getting back into scrapbooking after several years out. I used to do a lot of scrapbooking in the late 90's and really enjoyed it. I used mostly CM products and style and did almost exclusively 12x12. I had life events that took me out of the routine and have never successfully gotten back to it.
I think part of the issue is that I am overwhelmed by getting so far behind again (I was SOOO happy when I got the 90's completely done) and also don't really think those big album/spreads are inspiring me right now.
I also lost my mom a little over a year ago and I think that is contributing to hesitation to get back in there. I have continued to do paper crafting with cards/stamping and I have done a couple of mini albums for trips in the last year or so that I've enjoyed.
Thoughts?
Peg

I know organization for myself, like many others, is an evolution. How are you currently storing your most commonly used tools and all of the new products that you get? I generally forget what I have before i get a chance to use it unless I leave it out - which then creates a mess on my already limited workspace!

Hi Ali,
I was wondering if you had any tips on how to fix a 3 ring album when the rings don't close tightly. I purchased some 3 ring albums from Target (mid-price range) and now the rings open slightly and when I turn the pages they fall out! I like the flexiblity so I can add pages and new ideas but I am so frustrated.
Thanks, Laura

Hi Ali, I have requests rather than questions :) (1) I love the digital overlays etc you created. when you have time can you post more layouts using them - particularly the story of today set? Also, I would love to see you create a similar set that could be used for a month by month album - jan, feb etc. (2) I was planning to attend your workshops in CT, any chance you can create kits of any of the workshops perhaps thru Cocoa Daisy. I really liked the travel ones you did for C.D. earlier this summer. Best wishes and thanks for all the inspiration. Chris

Another vote for organization! I've seen lots of comments about that already, so thought I'd cast another vote. I know you're really great about sharing your storage ideas with us, but you also change things here and there as you make a new find - whether it's a new cabinet or just another way to think about something. Can we get an update?

This is not so much a question, but a request. I love seeing your layouts and generally enjoy all the photos you post. I am wondering if you could post them so that when you click on them, they open in a larger size. I believe you can do this when you attach the photos with Typepad. I would love to see your layouts in more detail, they are so awesome!
Thanks!
Stephanie

Ooh! Thanks for the opportunity to pick your brain. :) Have you ever used the Silhouette electronic paper cutter? Did you like it - would you recommend it?

I am extremely intimidated by scrapbooking - it seems expensive and there is so much out there. How can someone on a meager budget get started? What supplies are essential? How do I decide where to pick up in my life - I struggle with not doing things in chronological order?

YAY! Q&A time!
I have 2 questions, not sure if they've already been asked or not as I didn't read through them all.
1. I find it so hard to manage my time - what is your best tip for time management?
2. I've been struggling a lot with my journaling lately. It just isn't flowing easily for me (might have something to do with being 37+ weeks pregnant). There's so much I want to say yet when I sit down I can't seem to get it out on paper. Any tips?
BTW, I never tire of your style or advice. You are so amazing, Ali!

Silly and simple question, but where do you find all your various cool simple stamps? You must have sources that I don't know about! ;-)

Oh my gosh, there are a lot of questions.
Here's mine--sometimes I find photos collages difficult. Trying to size them, whether manually or digitally can be frustrating. Is there something I'm missing--a way to calculate it mathematically to make it more simple? Do you ever find it a trial or does it always just come together for you?

Hi Ali! I can't wait to read your answers. I have two questions.
1. Do you ever let Simon help you while you create?
2. Did you ever finish the minibooks you had made to take with you to Disney World? We are leaving in 26 days and I'm excited about collecting bits and pieces along the way. I'd love to see yours.

As photos, for me, often are the inspiration, my question is about pictures . . . . I find that mine often don't capture the moment. I come back to the computer to the computer and find them lacking.
What do you keep in mind when you start snapping? Is it the angle, the color, the expressions??
Congrats on your growing family.