#7 Artist Photographs

It's easy to take photos of friends and family but try looking through the lens of your camera as a photo enthusiast. Take a closer look at things in your life that you might otherwise overlook. Look for beauty in unexpected things, both inside and outside of your home.

Some examples: Your DVD collection, Your children's trophy case, A stack of fresh laundry, Your organized scrapbook room. Your flower bed with newly planted flowers. Your spice rack, the list goes on and on.

Try to take photos at different, unusual angles too. Tell the story as to WHY this was important for you to capture. I may choose photographing my son's collection of Power Rangers. I would journal about how my oldest told him that the apartment complex going up by my house was really a "Power Ranger Palace". And that for the last 3 Halloween's Braden has only wanted to be a Power Ranger. He also begs me daily to take karate so he can grow up to be a Power Ranger. Someday, he and I will laugh at this obsession but in the meantime, we will enjoy watching Power Ranger episodes over and over!

#6 Ribbon Clusters

Ribbons are a beautiful accent on any page so why not take it to the next level? Try to tie 2,3,or 4 ribbons and cluster them in the same area on your page. To finish the look, try to tie them onto the cardstock, weave them through an embroidered border, staple them to the page, or hook a tiny safety pin through them.

Ready, Set, Scrap!