Scrapbooking is the art of telling a story, of a moment in time using photos, notes and anything else that has significance to your story and the event. It is a way to combine all of those different components onto a page that tells a story. Believe it or not scrapbooking dates all the way back to the time of Aristotle and Cicero where these men would use these early forms of scrapbooking for everything from philosophical, religious and rhetorical discussions. Not only does scrapbooking tell a story but also in its creation where the time and effort put in should be as fun to create as it is to look at. By using materials to signify that moment in time you are trying to capture, there are an unlimited ways to create a page. The number of layouts possible is only limited by your imagination and the time you want to spend making the scrapbooking pages.

Still not sure where and how to begin your scrapbook? Today in the advent of specialty craft stores and the internet there are many resources to find ideas and a place to begin. Sites like Creative Memories, has layout samples to look at as well as a place to purchase products. There is a wide array of papers to mount photos on as well as creating borders and cut outs and adhesives to hold pictures, notes or even newspaper clippings within the scrapbook. As there are no rules to how scrapbooking is done consider also using stamps on paper to give a more personalized flair. A website like Stampin Up has high quality stamps and inks that would work best with scrapbooking paper to hold up without fading for many years.

Scrapbooking should be looked at as one would look at a mounted picture frame. Matted and framed upon a wall that picture provides many years of enjoyment. In many ways scrapbooking is the exact same concept of pictures mounted on decorative paper that is bordered by decorative borders, however scrapbooking takes that concept one step further by including the story with it. By adding words or titles, a date or a newspaper clipping, a journal entry or even a small description of what happened creates a more complete story of the picture or pictures that becomes the center of that story.

In this way scrapbooking is fun to create and creates memories that last for many years to come. Not only does it makes your pictures come alive with colors and a vivid story but it will be enjoyed for many years to come as you share the memories with family and friends.

The beauty of scrapbooking when creating memories for many years to come is the endless possibilities of how they look or are created. Perhaps you want an intricate look with an intricate design but upon heading to the store or searching the internet you find that die cuts or computer cutters are just too expensive for you right now. A great alternative that is easier on the pocket book are stamps.

Stamps are a wonderful choice as there is a wide variety of them to choose from that will reflect your personality and choice while still offering your pocket book a bit of relief. The wonderful thing about stamps as well is that they are reusable and easy to take care of not to mention they take up far less space than die cut plates. Another beauty about stamps is that stamps are not limited to the size of cutter or even the paper size. Stamps can be used on almost any surface and thickness of paper matters not.

Find a supplier such as Stampin Up to find the stamps that will best fit your personality and style. The next important step is the ink and inkpad. To best protect your photos for many years of enjoyment use acid free paper along with acid free adhesives, but don’t forget about the ink. You will want ink that does fade with time or erode your pictures that you have taken great strides and care to protect. Use an ink that are permanent, acid free and won’t fade over time. Pigment ink might be the best choice but take care in choosing an ink for your scrapbooking as you would choose the paper. For each color that will be used in a project a separate inkpad will need to be purchased. If that is not desirable there are inks that can be brushed onto a stamp. By this method the color variation can be endless by being creative in adding more than one ink color to the stamp at a time which cannot be achieved as easily with an inkpad.

Stamping is as simple as ink, press and release. Anyone of any age and skill level can learn to stamp quickly. When applying a stamp to the paper press the stamp with even pressure to the paper. Do not rock the stamp as it can smear to where the edges will not be crisp. Lift the stamp straight up without any side motion and you will have a crisp and clear image. Repeat as necessary until your desire image is created. To clean your stamps simply wipe off all of the ink or use a cleaner designed to clean them. Do not use rubbing alcohol as this will dry out the rubber.

Use stamps to create a background or a border for your stampbooking project. Or use it in conjunction with various cuts of paper along with stickers. By using your imagination and creativity you will have a beautiful scrapbook of memories for years to come.

Paper is made from a wood based pulp to where if its lignin, the chemical compound that makes up the cellular structure of plants, is not completely removed will cause the paper to yellow over time along with any other items attached to it such as photos. Lignin makes a paper more acidic to where light or heat will cause the paper to break down faster therefore causing the yellowing effect that can photos can become brittle over times as well.

So when you look at the photos that hang upon your walls carefully encased in a beautiful frame look to the mat and most likely that mat is made of a high grade quality of paper that has its entire lignin removed making the paper ph neutral or acid free. With this in mind when you are looking for paper for your scrapbooking projects, find paper that are archival safe and acid free. Also keep in mind that everything else that touches the photos must also be acid free such as any adhesives, markers or pens that are used. Newspapers contain a high level of lignin within them therefore breaks down faster so if you want to add newspaper clippings to your project, photocopy the article onto acid free paper (use off white to emulate the color of a newspaper).

Spend some time in your local craft store or scrapbooking suppliers like Creative Memories or Sizzix for archival safe lignin free paper. Somewhere it should state if the paper is in fact acid free or lignin free. If not go ahead and ask to find out more about the paper or be directed to where you can find this kind of paper you are searching for. The higher quality of paper that is used the longer your scrapbook and photos will last. And last but not least if you plan on protecting your work in a plastic sleeve make sure that the sleeve is acid free or archival safe as well. If they are not they will break down even you’re carefully purchased and protected projects faster than normal.

So how important is your Scrapbooking paper, extremely important if you want them to last for years to come. By going the extra acid free mile your scrapbooking project should last for years to come keeping your photos protected just like the photos in your professionally mounted picture frames.

]]> http://www.buythatfrom.us/2008/07/scrapbooking-paper/feed/ 0 http://www.buythatfrom.us/2008/07/scissors-and-cutters-for-scrapbooking/ http://www.buythatfrom.us/2008/07/scissors-and-cutters-for-scrapbooking/#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:20:03 +0000 Wendy http://www.buythatfrom.us/?p=13 Once upon a time there was the strait edge scissors that could cut different shapes that were simple as well as the tried and true straight edge. Then there was the craft knife and ruler to cut perfectly straight lines to create borders and mats to go around pictures. But today scrapbooking has come into the twenty-first century with an array of scissors and cutters to create those impossible cuts that a scissor could not accomplish or only the steadiest hand with a blade could create. These new scissors have brought a whole new look to the images you can create with scissors.

Scissors have come a long way from the straight edge days where scrapbooking paper and photos can take on a beautiful beveled edge. Scissors now have patterns in their blades to create a variety of decorative edges. Now cut hearts can have a scalloped edge or a diamond can have a Victorian flair. But that’s not all that can be done today as well. There was the day where the hole-punch was used to punch holes in paper to fit in a three ring binder, now paper punches can put a smiley face or animal shapes to your project. Large paper punches can create miniature mats for your photos or stylish edges.

Remember cutting boards? Where you put a piece of paper in it to cut a straight edge with the rolling edge of a blade? They didn’t really do much for a piece of paper other than to cut them down to a proper size. Those too now have revolutionized themselves as they now have edges that can create a zigzag, wave or scalloped edge. Straight edge cutting has also run circles around itself by creating edges that cut in circles and ovals as well.

But that’s not all, as scrapbooking takes its leaps and bounds into the technological world there are even die cutters that can cut even more intricate details at a push of a button or roll through a tray. There are basically two different kinds of die cutters available. One uses standard die cutters like the Quickutz that are plates with designs on them that are attached to a press and when paper and rolled through them they are cut into the shapes upon the die. The other uses a computer chip like the Cricut to store images in its memory that when accessed a single blade moves across the paper cutting the image upon it.

Finding these new tools for scrapbooking can be found at your local craftstore or by heading to providers like Creative Memories or Sizzix to find all of your scrapbooking cutting needs. Today there are no rules when it comes to cutting paper that will allow your imagination to run wild in displaying your pictures and memories with flares and splashes of paper fun. By adding these new cutting tools to your scrapbooking arsenal you can create intricate and beautiful memories cutting in less time that before.

]]> http://www.buythatfrom.us/2008/07/scissors-and-cutters-for-scrapbooking/feed/ 0 http://www.buythatfrom.us/2008/06/handbags-they-come-in-a-close-second-to-shoes/ http://www.buythatfrom.us/2008/06/handbags-they-come-in-a-close-second-to-shoes/#comments Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:37:36 +0000 Wendy http://www.buythatfrom.us/?p=6 It’s no secret that women love handbags.  I gather that they don’t like them as much as they like shoes, but it’s a very close race.  This is evident due to the amount of information you can get about handbags on the Internet alone.  They have a number of (what would be to many absurd or needless) websites on everything about had bags.  There is information such as, the handbag guide, handbags 101, things to know before you buy a handbag, designer handbag information sites, sites on how to take care of your Louie (meaning Louis Vuitton, yes I know they even create cute little nicknames for their handbags), there are even sites on how to spot a fake designer handbag.  Basically everything you could ever want to know and don’t need to know is available on the subject of handbags.

There is even a site, get ready for this, about a solar powered handbag.  Yes you read that right, no need to rub your eyes.  Well it seems a student, Rosanna Kilfedder, from Brunel University designed the handbag in hopes of making it easier to find your keys, and any other item that may be hard to find while digging through the bottom of your handbag.  The handbag was named Sun Trap and it uses a solar cell attached to the outside of the bag to trap energy from the sunlight.  The energy is then stored in an internal battery, this then lights up the lining of the handbag.  The lining itself is made from an electro luminescent type of material that is similar to that found in mobile phones, it is lit up by the handbag’s zipper, which acts as a switch.  The handbag then becomes dark when the zipper is closed or after fifteen seconds just in case the handbag has been accidentally left open.  Another way to use this solar handbag is by using the portable battery inside as an emergency charger for mobile phones as well as for other wireless devices.  The handbag’s battery does not need conventional charging due to its design to be “solar charged” every time the bag is outside, but the handbag does have the ability to be charged the old fashioned conventional way as a back up.  The handbag made by Kilfedder has already won a competition held at Brunel University that was intended to find a new generation of entrepreneurs.  The Brunel Enterprise Center, which is an organization that was created to help students develop their ideas commercially, is helping her apply for a patent and eventually that will lead to the selling of the handbag in stores nationwide. (Editors note: I found dozens of sites mentioning the solar handbag but no site actually selling it.)

Ah the power of the handbag.  Not just designed to hold the important things needed throughout the day, but now designed to store solar power giving us light in the most useful places.  What will they think of next, and what does the future hold for all the handbags across the world?  It seems the possibilities are endless.  The many informative websites dedicated to handbags alone is evident enough that the power of the handbag is very real and comes only second to shoes as far as most women are concerned.

Aromatherapy can be given in several different ways. The most common ways that the treatment can be presented are as massage oils, medicines, or even as candles. Aromatherapy in candles has become very popular over the last few years. This is evident in the fact that you can see several different companies have begun to manufacture their own line of aromatherapy candles.

The treatment can be traced back to over six thousand years ago. The Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans have all been found to use aromatherapy oils. Imhotep, who was an ancient Egyptian physician, had recommended fragrant oils to use for bathing, massage, and even embalming the dead. The use of plant extracts in aromatherapy, however, is only a recent advance in the practice, within the last one hundred years. A French chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé, coined the term “aromatherapy” in the 1920s. An accident in his perfume laboratory caused him to devote his time to carrying out research of the healing properties found in essential oils.

There are several modes of application in aromatherapy for the essential oils. The first is aerial diffusion, which works just as an air freshener/deodoriser would. Direct inhalation – breathing in the oils directly – is used to treat decongestion and works as a respiratory disinfectant. It can also be topically applied to the skin, for skin care or treatment of damaged skin, or as a general massage or bath oil. The last mode of application is orally or as a suppository for treating infection.

Aromatherapy is treat differently around the globe. In English-speaking countries, emphasis is placed on oils in massage, to be used complementarily alongside mainstream Western medicinal practices. In other continental countries, especially France from where the modern form of aromatherapy originated, the practice is integrated into mainstream medicine. In France, emphasis is placed on the antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral properties of the essential oils, and some are even used as prescription drugs and administered by regular doctors.

Basil is often used in perfumery, as it has a mildly spicy and gives off a sweet-smelling aroma. It is used an aide for improving concentration, and even has been found to have an uplifting effect on depression, as well as being able to relieve headaches and migraines. Bergamot is another popular oil, as it has a very practical purpose as a successful insect repellent. Black pepper can stimulate bodily circulation and relieve muscular aches and pains. Eucalyptus provides relief for congested airways when suffering from cold or flu. Jasmine is used as an aphrodisiac.

Many different oils hold different purposes and uses, and all can have very positive results in aromatherapy when administered correctly. Give aromatherapy a try and you are sure to see the difference.

Recent studies that have been carried out have found that there are some ingredients in wrinkle creams and anti-aging creams that have an effect. One of the main ingredients that is found in many of the products is retinol, which has been shown, in various formations, that it gives a ‘rejuvenating’ effect to the skin. It reduces dark spots on the skin, and helps to stimulate the renewal of skin cells. Other active ingredients of wrinkle cream/anti-aging creams sometimes include alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, which are used as chemical peels to peel away the layers of dead skin. Other common ingredients are Boslowox, Q-10, Peptides, sunscreens, and anti-oxidants.

Wrinkle cream and anti-aging creams are often presented in advertising as alternatives to more costly and drastic cosmetic treatments and surgery, such as face lifts and botox injections. Whilst these creams are much cheaper and generally a lot safer, – and most definitely a lot less painful – their results will undoubtedly be less drastic. Chemical peel is a clinical procedure that has been modified to be made into home used wrinkle cream and anti-aging creams, but the effects of this likely depend on the concentration of hydroxy acids, and the commercial products have less certain long term effects.

In finding particular wrinkle cream/anti-aging creams that may work with better effects than others, an important rule to follow is to not be immediately impressed by scientific sounding words. An example that the BBC website gives says that “These emollients are specially formulated with aqua and humectants” can be translated to simply mean “these lotions and creams contain water and moisturisers”. Companies often use scientific words to fool the target audience to think they are buying something that they aren’t actually getting. In fact, many advertisements for products such as wrinkle cream/anti-aging creams have been banned by the Advertising Standards Agency just for misleading consumers in the way that they do.

The best way to get maximum results is to couple a good diet with an effective wrinkle removal cream. You’ll feel good and look good.

Note:These items are extremely scarce and store links may turn up no results.

10. FLOWERS FOREVER #5966

Issue Year: 1993
Retirement Year: 2007
Sculptor: José Puche

Price: $1700

Find one in our store

9. PORTRAIT OF A FAMILY #1805

Issue Year: 1995
Sculptor: Francisco Polope

Price: $1700

Limited to 2500 Pieces

Find one in our store

8. THREE SISTERS #1492

Issue Year: 1986
Sculptor: José Puche

Limited to 3000 Pieces

Price $2180

Find one in our store

7. THE PAELLA #1762

Issue Year: 1993
Retirement Year: 2006
Sculptor: Juan Huerta

Limited to 500 Pieces

Price: $2290

Find one in our store

6. TRENO DELLA GIOIA (At The Fair) #1517

Issue Year: 1987
Retirement Year: 1994
Sculptor: Antonio Ramos

Price: $2650

Find one in our store

5. YOUNG COUPLE WITH CAR #1393

Issue Year: 1982
Sculptor: Salvador Debón

Limited Edition 1500 pieces

Price: $2750

Find one in our store

4. KITAKAMI CRUISE #1605

Issue Year: 1989
Retirement Year: 1992
Sculptor: Salvador Debón

Limited Edition 500 pieces

Price: $3000

Find one in our store

3. RADHA KRISHNA #1910

Issue Year: 2005
Sculptor: Francisco Polope

Limited Edition 3000 pieces

Price: $4200

Find one in our store

2. GYPSY DANCER #11770

Issue Year: 1993
Retirement Year: 1996
Sculptor: Enrique Sanisidro

Limited Edition 250 pieces

Price: $5000

Find one in our store

1. AT THE STROKE OF 12 #1493

Issue Year: 1986
Retirement Year: 1992
Sculptor: José Roig

Limited Edition 1500 pieces

Price: $5900

Find one in our store

The word aromatherapy is a generic term that refers to any of the various traditions that make use of essential oils sometimes along with other alternative medical practices and spiritual beliefs. The most common use of these products include massaging products, medicine, or any topical application that includes the use of essential oils to their products. Aromatherapy itself has a very particularly Western influence. Medical treatment involving aromatic compounds may exist outside of the Western hemisphere, but may or may not be included in the term “aromatherapy”.

There are two main ways to apply the use of aromatherapy and different benefits for each. There is an aroma or inhaling form of application, which is when an individual inhales the essential oils using a diffuser. This form can have many of its own great benefits. When the essential oils are inhaled into the lungs it can offer both psychological and physical benefits. The aroma of the natural essential oil stimulates the brain to trigger a reaction, and when inhaled into the lungs, the natural constituents or the naturally occurring chemicals, can supply therapeutic benefits. This diffuses eucalyptus essential oils to help ease congestion. But if this is not done correctly and safely, the use of essential oils can have severe consequences. This is why one must adhere to all directions supplied or partake in the use of a specialist.

There are also great benefits in the physical application form as well. The physical application is when the essential oils that are applied to the skin can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The constituents of essential oils applied physically can aid in health, beauty and hygiene conditions. Because essential oils are very powerful and concentrated, they should never be applied to the skin in their undiluted form. The correct way to apply essential oils to the skin is to first dilute the oils into a carrier such as a cold pressed vegetable oil, which is also known as a carrier oil. Many carrier oils include sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, and grape seed oil.

The essential oils can be blended together to create appealing and complex aromas. The practice of using aromatherapy can as previously stated, be used for medical reasons, as well as for the use of not only physical beauty but internal beauty. Essential oils can also be blended for an exact therapeutic application.

Cardio exercises are created to increase the health of your heart, and burn fat due to an increase in your heart rate. Cardio exercise equipment may consist of bikes, treadmills, and stair climbers. Changing your cardio exercise equipment regularly will help you exercise more effectively. Though exercise equipment for strength training is a bit more varied. Exercise equipment that targets strength training includes free weights, weight machines and balancing or resistance equipment. The weight training helps to build muscular strength and helps to preserve the results of cardio exercise.

Free weights can come in many shapes, sizes, and weights. Round weights can be used with barbells or on their own. Small handheld barbells can be another option. Free weights are often preferred by many over weight machines due to the use of muscles throughout your entire body, which maintains balance as you lift them. But weight machines are viewed as safer and easier to use when compared to free weights, thus allowing you to possibly lift a greater amount.

Weight machines consist of a stack of incremental weights that are attached to a pulley, which allows you to lift by pulling or pushing other parts of the machine. This is a more user-friendly type of exercise equipment than free weights. This is because there is often a clear illustration of correct use posted on each piece of exercise equipment. A pin is used to select the amount of weight you would like to lift to adjust the equipment to the compatibility of your body type. There are many strength training exercise equipment that does not include weights, but allows you to use your body weight instead, for resistance. These types of exercise equipments are chin up bars, which work the biceps and triceps, and crunch machines, which work the abdominal muscles.

Resistance and balance exercise equipment can also be successful for strength training. This type of exercise equipment can be used on its own or with free weights. Performing crunches on an inflatable exercise ball or lunges on an inflatable pad work the muscles all over your body by forcing you to keep your balance as you complete strength-building exercises. Resistance exercise equipment such as elastic bands can build muscular strength without using weights.

Many gyms may provide plenty of options for you to tailor and alter your workout. Before using any exercise equipment for the first time, you should be sure that you understand how it works and how to use it in its most effective manor.