The Scrapbook Designer's Workbook: Unlocking the Secrets to Great Page Design

I've read some critics on this book, saying that it was too firm on "how to scrapbook".I think that's exactly the purpose of the book, teach some basic design rules to make a successful page.If you like to make a page just following your instincts, then a designer's workbook is not the kind of book you are going to like most...Yes, it's quite rigid. Yes, it's perfectionist.If you want to produce a more "loose" page, than this book is not for you.Nevertheless, this book is useful to, whatever your style, teach you how to make more equilibrate pages, considering the distribution of the photos, the colors, the textures, the lettering etc.I found this book extremely useful for me, I use it all the time.I recommend it if you want a more "professional" finish to your pages.If you are a perfectionist, go ahead- you're gonna love it!!!

I have to start with a disclaimer: the author and I view scrapbooking in a completely different way.For me, scrapbooking is primarily a way of presenting photographs in a more pleasant and attractive way than just placing them on a white or black background. Any embellishments or non-photo material that I use is in support of the photo, not there to make an aesthetic statement.For the author, scrapbooking is an art form. She is an artist. She uses the work of other artists for inspiration. She has a studio for her art. She has more materials (papers, ribbons, fabrics, etc.) than many craft stores. The photos are often little more than an element in her work.For me, the cost of materials is a factor that I try to control and keep to a minimum. In the author's case, materials are the stock of her trade and, apparently, cost is not a factor.For me, time to spend scrapbooking is limited to what is left over after meeting personal and professional obligations. This is a hobby, not a profession. I am happy with a page when I have gotten as many photographs on the page as gracefully as possible at minimum to moderate expenditure of time and money. I try to use as many photos as possible in each page because, to me, it's all about the photos. I am, in effect, making albums--nicely presented, with expanded captioning, and subtly accessorized--but photo albums.For the author, this is her profession, so the time spent on each page is whatever that page requires until she is satisfied that it's perfect. Since the photographs are one more element that has to work together with the design of the page, pages with one or two photos only are the rule as the design seems to take precedence over the photographic content.With two such different approaches, points of view, and budgets, it's a wonder that I still found that the book is worth seeing. It is a useful reference that demonstrates that there are different options for the same photo (as demonstrated in a chapter in which she used the same two photographs but presented it four different ways.) It explains color theory. Maybe that's something you don't think about everyday as you try to create a page, but it does explain why some pages work and others don't. There are countless techniques and elements that she uses that I might want to look into at some time (not all on the same page, but one here and another there.)All in all, she has done a great job explaining and demonstrating her art. She is a good artist, no doubt. Other scrapbooking artists will find inspiration in her work. Non-artists, like me, can still find ideas and fascination in looking through her pages.

This book is THE BIBLE when it comes to learning about principles of design. Kari's layouts are beautiful, and the best part is that she explains why they work. The book shows you how the design process works, taking you step by step, from selecting the photos to the materials, until the page is done. I love when people take me by the hand and show me exactly how things are done, and in this book Kari does exactly that. There are also sections about texture, typography, color, proportion and scale, and many other elements of design. I have read it many times from cover to cover and each time find something else worth doing. After reading it, I've felt more confident with my layouts, and I can tell right away when something's not working and why. I highly recommend this book. Great investment!

This is a book you can refer to again and again. I would have enjoyed more in dept coverage of color theory, but that was not the point of this book. Lots of great ideas. Your good pages will become great and your great pages will become fabulous!

Kari is a giving artist. It shows in the usefulness and quality of her creative output. Art and appreciation of the privilege of life, liberty and happiness reflect in every breath of her rich and loving life. Yeah! Kari's always had her heart and brain planted and thriving in the productive part of the forest.Laura H. Briggs

Listen to the title. If you buy books to look at other scrapper's work, this isn't a good buy for you. I would go as far as to say that if you were taking Scrapbooking as a course in college, this would be perfect. It's not a waste of money, but throughout your entire collection of scrapping idea books, you would be able to find all the information in this book. The only real difference is she goes into great detail about it. The author does a phenominal job, its just isn't a real inspirational book.

Wow! This book explains art theory and how paper crafters can utilize these techniques to make professional looking pages. My favorite scrap booking book ever!

This book is an excellent first book to buy if you're interested in putting together good scrapbook pages. It has an outline of the process needed in page design, so that with this basic understanding, you can begin your own.