Scrapbook Look #11 - September 2026

 "Scrapbooking isn't just re-living memories.  It's re-loving them."  ~Janna W.

Welcome back to Scrapbook Look!  However you like to do it, we can all enjoy the relaxing and therapeutic benefits of scrapbooking, including a quick pre-designed yearbook that doesn't require extra software.

This month, I'm starting off with a pretty simple page layout that uses a couple of features I really like about digital scrapbooking. 

First, I really like using arrows to point out hard-to-see things in photos that you might otherwise miss.  In this page, I took pictures of a day gone wrong.  We set out to do a little local sightseeing but everything changed when we got a flat tire.  (We made the best of it with milkshakes while we waited for new tires.)  It's a little hard to see the 3-inch gash in the tire if you don't know what you're looking for, so I added the yellow arrow to point it out.

Second, I have a digital art embellishment that spelled out ADV-ENT-URE DAY just like this, only it didn't go with the colors I had chosen for this page, so I used this great tool in my Artisan scrapbooking software called Alphasets to just make my own embellishment (so easy!) in a matching color.  Here's how it works:

Isn't that cool?!  They're really great for titles, but it was just perfect to use them for this little embellishment (which is kind of a title for this page, now that I think about it).  

Next up, we have a fun two-page layout of a family visit that included a Cinco de Mayo themed birthday party (along with a few pictures from earlier in the day--I'm more of a chronological scrapbooker than a strictly-themed-page scrapbooker).

I don't always have events that require two-page layouts, but since my digital scrapbooking ends up in a bound book, it's a fun thing to be able to do.  

I used a blueprint from my Pixels2Pages membership (the free April 2026 blueprint) which I filled in with colored papers of my choosing, and I really like how this particular layout is kind of divided into sections.  It makes it easier to see groups of related photos, I think--especially because I put so many photos on the pages.

The Mexican-themed paper I chose for the background was bright originally, and I felt it competed with everything else going on on the pages, so I used the opacity/transparency tool in Artisan until the colors were muted just right!

My last share for today also uses an exclusive blueprint from my Pixels2Pages membership (the free May 2026 blueprint this time).  Because of the nature of the event (which was spending time in nature!), I thought a layout design that highlights a photo as a background across two pages was perfect! 

The large title font is called Adorable Signature, which I downloaded from my favorite 1001freefonts.com, and the journaling font is Rockwell.  

Don't you just feel like scrapbooks bring everything to life in a way that photos on phones and computers just don't?  Just can't?  

I highly recommend scrapbooking as a self-care activity!  Truly.  I love how I feel when I'm doing it, and I love that I have something lovely to show for it after, too.

Join me again next month for the last Scrapbook Look of this year-long series!

CREDITS

• Scrapbook pages made using Artisan software by Forever.  (information | subscription | digital art store)
• Digital book printed here (in gorgeous, high-quality pages I fall in love with every time), with the digital version PDF also kept forever there in my private account.  
• Digital art credit:  Bring Me Family Yearbook 1 by Michelle Bell for FOREVER Digital Art, Cottage Fields Scrapbook Kit by Katie Pertiet Designs, Mexican Adventure Papel Picado by Lucky Girl Designs, Around the World Latin America by FOREVER Digital Art, Perfect Palates - Dove White by FOREVER Digital Art, USA State of Mind - 12x12 Spreads by Seatrout Scraps, Escape to Colorado Collection by Seatrout Scraps, All Things March Mixology by FOREVER Digital Art, All Things May Mixology by FOREVER Digital Art

NOTE:  I am a Forever affiliate called an Ambassador (a decision I made because I love it so much), so you will find affiliate links in this post. I earn a commission from anything purchased at my website, and being your Ambassador means I'm here to help you with questions, too.  If you're new to Forever and open your free account here to give it a try, you'll get a $20 welcome coupon towards anything mentioned in this post, along with 2 GB of private Cloud Storage (a $50 value).

FAQ

Why digital?

First, there's no "right way" to scrapbook, except for two things:  1- quality so your book will last for many, many years to come, and 2- something you will love and therefore do.  

I personally choose digital because it's faster and easier, taking up less space in my house than the papers and scissors and stickers (and table space) I needed when I was a paper scrapbooker.  I like that instead of having to crop (cut) a photo to make it fit, I can easily resize, zoom in, etc.

I also love the ability to print multiple copies with just the click of a button, and for safety reasons I like that my scrapbooks exist both digitally and in print.  (I have scanned my old paper scrapbooks for the same reason.)  

And you print it, too?

Yes!!  Aside from what I mentioned above:  Print has increased accessibility!  I print my digitally-created scrapbooks because print is an easily-accessible form of seeing and also sharing (and gifting!) photos and memories.  Print doesn't need a full battery in an expensive gadget.  Plus, photo experts still recommend print as an important way to store photos and memories, in addition to digital forms.

Thanks for stopping in.  See you at next month's Scrapbook Look!  (Or, first click the Scrapbook Look tag at the bottom of this post to see more scrapbook pages.)  

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How to Read a Child a Story When You're Not There: a treasured gift idea

You have never seen a gift idea like this before, and I'm so excited to share it!  I have done this "audiobook for kids"-type of recording, but a friend came up with this absolutely genius QR code idea that takes it to the next level.

And makes an incredible gift. 

If you have a child in your life, you are going to love this amazing gift idea!

It's ideal for grandparents with faraway grandkids, but it's also ideal if they live in the same town.  And there are other possibilities, too, like a church class, someone you work with, or even a neighbor child. 

NOTE:  I am a Forever affiliate called an Ambassador (a decision I made because I love it so much), so you will find affiliate links in this post. I earn a commission from anything purchased at my website, and being your Ambassador means I'm here to help you with questions, too.  If you're new to Forever and open your free account here to give it a try, you'll get a $20 welcome coupon.  Although everything mentioned in this post is free, you can secure all your digital memories for your lifetime + 100 years with a purchase of additional FOREVER Cloud Storage.

What You'll Do

I'll give you some step-by-step directions on the best way to do this below, but here in a nutshell is this wonderful gift idea for kids:

• Choose a book you want to gift to a child (or multiple children).  I'm a Dr. Seuss lover, but there are so many wonderful books out there for kids.  Choose a fairy tale, an early reader, or one special to your family.  
• Using your smartphone, record yourself reading the story as an audio file (not video).  Read in a clear voice with good pacing (not too fast, not too slow).  It's extra fun if you have a bell you can ring when it's time for the child to turn the page, but it's not necessary.
• Upload the voice recording file to your (free) FOREVER account so that you can create a QR code (again, free) that goes directly to your storybook recording.  The reader can scan your QR code and listen to you read them a story!
• You'll print the QR code on sticker paper, cut out the code, and place the sticker in the front cover of the book.
• Wrap the book and include a note about where the QR code is located, telling your recipient to scan it to hear you reading the story to them!  (Or, tell them there's a fun surprise at the QR code.  Your call!)

Again, I'm giving specific instructions below, so if any of these steps made you say, "Cool, but I don't know how to do that," don't worry.  I've gotcha.

Scan the QR code here to hear my mom
reading the story!  She passed on in 2015, but
her grandkids (and now great-grands) can still 
hear her read to them.

How You'll Do It

Here are the specifics to make this incredible idea both possible and easy for you.  Your little recipients are about to receive an absolute treasure.  You're literally making an heirloom.

STEP 1

Choose a children's book, and choose your recipient(s).  This would make a fun gift for one special child, your church class, or all the grandchildren.  Purchase the book, or multiple copies of the book.  Or, use an heirloom book if you have one to share!

STEP 2

Next, you'll read the book aloud.  Read in a clear voice with good pacing that's understandable.  Using your phone, record yourself reading the story.  If you haven't made an audio recording on your phone before, here are the instructions for iPhone and the instructions for Android. 

If you want to practice it first before recording, that's fine, but I'll caution you to not think about perfection.  If a kiddo were sitting on your lap reading this book right now, you might trip over a word, and it will 100% not matter at all.  Just be human.  😉

Note:  After recording your story, it will automatically be named "New Recording," but you will probably want to change it to the name of the story.  (This is especially important if you are making more than one storybook recording.)  To change the name, tap on the completed recording.  You'll see 3 dots at the right.  Tap those dots and there will be an option to rename your recording.

STEP 3

Next, you'll need to put that audio recording into a secure, private, but shareable space.  This particular space will also allow you to make a QR code linking directly to the audio recording.  

To do this, set up a free, private FOREVER account here.  That's our safe, shareable space.  While there is a FOREVER app (also free) for your phone to simplify the process of uploading photos and videos, it's limited to just those things.  So, for audio files like your recorded stories, you'll need to record using your phone and then utilize email to get those files to your computer.

Here's what that looks like on an iPhone.  Once you have recorded your story, tap the "Select" button at the upper right (which I've circled in purple).

Then, tap the circles at the left (which I've circled in red) to place a checkmark on all the stories you want to preserve and share.  

Last, tap the "Upload" button (a square with an arrow coming out of it, which I have highlighted in yellow).  You'll be given options to email the selected file(s) to yourself.  Follow the process and send the email.

NOTE:  The app recognizes photo and videos, so you can upload those straight from your phone, but audio files can only be uploaded from a computer, so that's why we are doing it this way.

Open the email you sent yourself and save your audio file(s) to your computer.

STEP 4

Now it gets exciting because you're ready to get that storybook recording privately shareable so your recipient can easily access it.  FOREVER is designed as a permanent home for photos, etc., so there's a host of organizational tools available.  However, for your storybook purposes, you don't have to set up an organizational system (Albums, mentioned below) unless you want to.  

Just follow these simple steps.

Congratulations!  You're almost ready to share your storybook!

STEP 5

Now that you've completed Step 4, you can listen to your storybook reading, which is so cool.  But here's where it gets even cooler.  Next, you'll create a QR code for this recording.  This is what's going to make your storybook reading accessible from anywhere.

QR code stands for "quick response code."  It's basically a readable barcode that will take you directly to a website or other online location when scanned.  You can get a QR code reader app on your phone, but newer smartphones have the capability to read QR codes right from the camera app and take you to the online location from there.

My digital business card has a QR code.

Here's how you create the QR code for your audio file you've saved in your private FOREVER Cloud Storage.

First, you'll need to get to a computer or tablet and login to your FOREVER account.  There's a lot you can do with just the app, but you get "full service" on your audio file (and photos and videos) from the website.  So, login.  Click "Gallery" at the left, then double-click your audio file so it opens.  It will look something like this: 

Now, click the "share" icon at the upper right, which I've highlighted in yellow (above).

That "description" section over at the right is editable, so I definitely suggest including details (the name of the book and who's reading it) and even a personal message.

Next, you'll see several options for sharing this audio file.  You'll want to select "QR code," which I've highlighted in yellow (below).

After clicking "QR code," this is what you'll see:

FOREVER has generated a QR code for your audio file!  See?!  How cool is that?!  You'll need to click the little "click to download" underneath it, which I've highlighted in yellow (above).  

The QR code downloads as an image, just like a picture.  So you'll save it to your computer.  Just be sure you save it in a place where you can find it again.  😁

STEP 6

Now you'll need a computer program such as Word (I use Publisher) where you can create a document so you can print the QR code onto sticker paper to put inside the book.  This is what's going to make your accessible-from-anywhere storybook reading conveniently located right in the book!

Create the document and insert the QR code image file you just saved to your computer, with the QR code being no smaller than 1 inch so that it's easily scannable.

I highly recommend not only the QR code in the book but also a note or description about what the QR code leads to.  In the future, people may not know that it's you reading the story (because QR codes are on everything these days).  This could be part of the sticker (as I did above), or just a handwritten note in the book.

OPTIONAL:  You can see in the photo above that I have the name of the book and a "read by so-and-so" note on a cute, designed image.  With FOREVER, you can organize and preserve video, audio, photo, and PDF files into Albums (like folders on a computer) and Nested Albums (like subfolders)--and they have this awesome capability of creating an Album Cover (the thumbnail image you first see)!  So I did that for all the stories in my family story collection.  (If you'd like to do that, you can see how it works here.)  Then I downloaded those Album Cover thumbnails to include them on my stickers.  Reach out to me if you have questions on how to do this.

Now, print your document where you've put the QR code(s) on sticker paper.  I typically use Avery full-sheet sticker paper.

STEP 7

You're almost done!  And this step is easy.  Just cut out the QR code with description/message, peel off the back, and stick it in the front of the book!

Gifting Your Storybook

Be sure you include a card with a message that points out the QR code.  It may be easy to overlook if the recipients don't know it's there.  

You can certainly giftwrap it to your liking, but since this is such a special gift (an heirloom, really!), you might want to get some ideas for really special, beautiful wrapping from Stephanie over at Crazy Little Lovebirds!

Share this idea with a parent, favorite aunt/uncle, or grandparent you know!  Make connections with a little one through story, even when you're not there! 

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Killarney National Park, Ireland + a travel photo tip

Ireland had never been on my radar.  But it was high on my daughter's list, so when she graduated from college (and had worked so hard we felt like she deserved a vacation!), I went to Ireland.  I swear, I have never been the same since.  It's now on my list of dreamy places where my heart feels at home.  I'd go back in a minute!

I had several favorite places in Ireland, but today I'm going to share just one:  Killarney National Park.   

MY FAVORITE PLACES IN KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK

The town of Killarney in County Kerry, about a 3 1/2 hour drive southwest of Dublin, is a stop on the Ring of Kerry scenic drive.  

The town of Killarney itself has a lovely cathedral, St. Mary's.  The stone is so beautiful, and I loved the wooden beams in the ceiling! 

For me, the biggest draw was the rest of the national park area.  The ruins of Muckross Abbey were so fun to explore.  The yew tree in the cloister (bottom left) is just stunning.  And the water dripping off the buildings over the centuries has made a few stalactites (bottom right)!

 

Muckross House is nearby, and although the mansion itself was neat to see, for me the big draw was the extensive gardens.  The rhododendrons growing in the gardens of Muckross House were jaw-dropping.  There were so many, and they were so tall!  This is my 6'3" husband standing in front of one(?)!  We saw a few that must have been at least 30 or 40 feet tall.  

My daughter took this little video of her walking into a grove of rhodies.  It was incredible!  (Blogger is having trouble with this video, so watch it at the link below.)

13 Gorgeous Seconds of Rhododendrons in Ireland

Torc Waterfall reminded me so much of the Pacific Northwest, so I automatically loved it since that's where my heart lives, but it was also fun to see holly trees growing wild here in Ireland, too!

My other favorite part of Killarney National Park was the Gap of Dunloe.  It's a narrow mountain pass with lakes, a river, and the most charming stone bridge.  The pictures don't do it justice!

+ A TRAVEL PHOTO TIP

If you're like me, you take a lot of photos while traveling.  Since phones are easily lost or stolen, I suggest regularly (daily, or just setting it to auto-upload) backing up everything in the cloud.  

I don't mean iCloud, either, since they don't actually guarantee that they are a backup.  

(Yes, iCloud actually says in their terms of service--even when you are paying to use their services--they are not a backup, and they suggest you backup your photos and videos elsewhere.  Google Photos actually fits into the same category of not actually guaranteeing anything.)  

I personally use this unique cloud service for security and guarantees.  It has a (free) phone app and also a setting to auto-upload from your phone to the cloud so that everything is backed up without you having to even think about it--especially nice when you're on vacation.

This gives me so much peace of mind when I travel!  If something happens to my phone, at least nothing happens to my photos and videos.  

You can do the same thing here!  And here's the app information.

I highly recommend all of Ireland, but if you find yourself there, be sure to wend your way to Killarney National Park!

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NOTE:  I am a Forever affiliate called an Ambassador (a decision I made because I love it so much), so you will find affiliate links in this post. I earn a commission from anything purchased at my website, and being your Ambassador means I'm here to help you with questions, too.  If you're new to Forever and open your free account here to give it a try, you'll get a $20 welcome coupon towards anything mentioned in this post.

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Ditching Monthly Cloud Payments

 I'm so excited for this summer for several reasons, but a big one is what I'm calling

THE "SUMMER OF 69"

As I've talked to people the last several years about preserving photos and videos permanently, I've been struck at how common it is to be surprised about several aspects of the "usual" way of doing things.

Many people don't know this, but there's a way to stop paying monthly fees for the rest of your life to back up your photos and videos (to places that reserve rights to close your account at any time).

And even a way to stop buying a more expensive phone with bigger storage space all the time.

My goal is to tell 69 people about it this summer! Totally life-changing information (and no sales pitch, I promise). I just want to teach people.

To be a part of the Summer of 69 between Memorial Day and Labor Day 2026, just email me at photoandstorytreasures@gmail.com and we'll set up a Zoom time to chat.

You'll get a lot of important information, but you'll also be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card. More than once, if you like.

NOTE: The first 69 people will be entered into the drawing, but I'll definitely talk to 70+ people about this life-changing option. That goes for anyone reading this after Labor Day 2026--email me anyway. I'm always happy to get you out of those "monthly payments until you die" plans you are probably doing, even if you miss the gift card drawing for The "Summer of 69."

Being able to truly preserve my photos and videos forever with no monthly subscription payments and the ability to actually delete things from my phone while still accessing them through my phone is the greatest thing I've discovered for my digital memories. Being able to pass them down--guaranteed--to future generations is the icing on the cake.

I can't wait to tell you about it. 😊💕

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