Customer Reviews

The Organized & Inspired Scrapbooker

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I wasn't really expecting a whole lot from this book when I bought it. I mainly just wanted to see how the scrapping celebrities keep their spaces... WELL, it has changed my scrapping room! My space was a mess and because of the workbook that comes with this book I was able to find out what type of scrapper I am, and how my space should be organized so that I don't keep forgetting about those cute brands I bought 3 years ago. I really love this book and recommend it to anyone who's space is even slightly unorganized or who forgets that they own certain products and tools.

I had been eagerly anticipating this book ever since I heard the authors speak at the CK convention here in St. Louis. They did such a great job at the workshop that I knew the book would be good and it was. Pretty pictures w/ lots of good ideas for organizing your space whether you have a dedicated craft room or just use the kitchen table. There are worksheets to help you decide what works for you.

I got this book yesterday and tore through it. When I purchased this book it was purely for the eye candy. As a very organized individual, I never expected to get so much information out of it. I'm amazed at how this book really inspired me to sit down and rethink how I am inspired to scrapbook and then organize my products to work with my creative process. Oh yeah, and the book really is eye candy, too!

Authors Wendy Smedley and Aby Garvey take a unique approach that solves problems without being overwhelming, and the book even features a few projects readers can create to decorate their creative space with.

The Organized & Inspired Scrapbooker is spiral-bound and divided into three main sections. The first section is a step-by-step process of determining your needs for your organization and inspiration in your space. While seemingly not as in-depth as other books on the topic, it effectively addresses topics through broader concepts without bogging the reader down in distracting detail. In fact, I believe that it is the application of these broader concepts that has helped lead me to the solutions that I needed.

The second section is devoted to sample scrap spaces but is definitely more than just eye candy. Tucked between each room's detailed photographs are descriptions and explanations of the room's set-up and contents. Even if the room's occupant didn't have the same scrapping process as I do, it seemed that there was still a relevant storage or decor idea that I could take from each room.

The third section of Organized and Inspired focuses on projects that scrapbookers can create to store or display their supplies and creations. It is a beautiful reminder that our spaces should not just be practical but should be inspirational as well.

One of the most valuable parts of The Organized and Inspired Scrapbooker is the workbook that is tucked into a pocket in the back of the book. Consisting of a two page quiz and checklist for each of the book's first 11 chapters, the workbook walks the reader through identifying their personal organizational needs and style. Answering questions in that workbook is what made my personal lightbulb go on about what wasn't working for me in my storage set-up and made me realize why certain of my supplies were constantly ignored in my creative process.

The Organized and Inspired Scrapbooker is a simple but comprehensive way to re-evaluate your scrapbook area and improve things that aren't working for you. It is also a great source of inspiration to remind yourself that form and function do not have to be mutually exclusive - your scrap space can be nice to look at and nice to work at!

Oh my goodness! I was in such need of a book like this. I am really trying to get myself organized and the questions, via the quizzes ,that you take in the book are reflective and really help you to define the space you desire. The format is nice and simple, you read a little and then answer questions before going on to the next topic and the pictures are great! I can only hope that my craft room grows up to look like one of the ones in the book! For anyone struggling with how to pull it all together; this book is a must-have!

I did not have huge expectations for this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. It does help you to really stop and consider what type of scrapbooker you are and what system will work best for you. I got lots of ideas from each section and from the scrapbook rooms that were shown. There are also a few nice project ideas as well.
I am not sure what more people were expecting.....this book provided the basic nuts and bolts to organization with a lot of creativity and style. It would've been nice to have more complete listings of supplies but I think you should be able to find most items or similar ones at a scrapbook, craft, or office supply store.

I really, really wish I could have said this book was life-changing, or at the very least, that it helped me renovate my scrapbooking habits and space. I loved Stacy Julian's "The Big Picture," and with her enthusiastic recommendation for this book, I had high hopes.

Graphically speaking, the book is very well-laid out. There's lot of white space and beautiful pictures. When it comes to actual content, though, I found it to be less than helpful. I read the entire book cover to cover, and got maybe two minor ideas that I plan on using out of it. Maybe I'm just not left-brained enough, but for me, it was not worth the purchase price.

I really enjoy the Inspired Scrapbooker, I am a visual learner, and each ttime I look at the book, I see something new to "inspire" me!!

I too, was eagerly anticipating this book. And while the pictures in it are beautiful, and some inspiration can be found in them; I found the organizing concepts very basic. I was extremely disappointed with the list of products in the back of the book. Most things that caught my eye were not even listed.

I'd like to think (of course)that I am sorta' creative....but this book helped me think in new ways, how to introduce efficiency, serenity and an inviting quality to my workspace. Loved it.