Scrapbook Book Review: Clean and Simple Scrapbooking

There are two of these books from Cathy Zielske: Clean and Simple Scrapbooking and Clean and Simple Scrapbooking: the Sequel. If you are like me, you sometimes (or maybe all the time) want to just get pages done without all the extra. You want a streamlined look that doesn't cost an arm and a leg for one layout. If so, then this book will inspire you!

I have enjoyed Cathy's approach for several years now. Her pages are clean (like the title says), refreshing, beautiful, and well, simple! When you read her journaling, you feel as though you could just sit down with her over a cup of coffee and discuss all kinds of family and life issues. She comes across as real and she's funny, too!

This book is a resource that will be referred to time and again when those juices refuse to flow. And when you only have a few sheets of cardstock on hand and want to create without having to run to the scrapbook store and max out your credit card. Cathy is your (wo)man!

These are available at Amazon. Look for the link at the bottom of this blog.

Scrapbook Book Review: Scrapbook Page Maps

Scrapbook Page Maps: Sketches for Creative Layouts by Becky Fleck (published by Memory Makers)

If you liked Becky Higgins' sketches, you'll LOVE Page Maps! I have been a fan of the Page Maps website for a while and when I saw this book, I knew I had to have it!

Becky Fleck has put together a book chock full of ideas for great scrapbook layouts. There are ideas for double-page spreads, single-page spreads, and even 8 1/2 x 11 pages. I like how each sketch has full-color layouts to show you variations on how that idea can be used.

Possibly the best part about this book is the bonus that comes with it: a deck of cards with one sketch and layout per card that you can take with you to crops and retreats to inspire you as you crop!

Becky Fleck has done a wonderful job with this book. It is a must-have for every scrapbooker's library!

(see bottom of this page to order from Amazon)