Scrapbooking ParadiseScraps of Paradise – unique and hard to find scrapbooking supplies

Scrapbooking reflects the principle of “organized chaos.” You can put almost anything in a scrapbook, and creativity is a major asset for people who make scrapbooks (or scrappers). You can combine a wide range of materials, colors, textures, and images to create something as unique as you are.

Yet, every scrapbook is organized around a theme, the subject of the scrapbook. It may be a person’s life, an important event, a favorite vacation location, or any number of things the scrapper wants to remember. Scrapbooks are meant to preserve and interpret favorite memories, but the best scrapbooks do it in a way that tells a story.

The theme ties every element together in your scrapbook. If you’re making a scrapbook for a gift, your theme may be something that is important to the recipient. A very popular theme for young boys is firefighters.

Especially since 2001, all of us have been more aware of how heroic these public servants must be. Many grown men still dream of becoming a firefighter long after childhood is over.

Creating a scrapbook on a firefighter theme is a great project that you can ask your young man to join. Even though young boys may find the idea too girlie at first, they’ll love helping find the images and embellishments representing firefighters. You and your project assistant can have a great time collecting the elements and creating a firefighting scrapbook honoring the profession and telling the child’s story at the same time.

Here are some ideas for themes and supporting elements that may get your and your young potential firefighter off to a good start.

1. Colors.

There are several colors we associate with firefighting that make great color schemes for scrapbooks. Beginning with the ever-popular “fire engine red” and white, you recall the familiar fire trucks and sirens. But you don’t want to create an “ambulancing” scrapbook, so you can add other colors common to firefighting. Mustard yellow is the color of a fireman’s coat or parka and the oxygen tank he wears into burning buildings.

Another nice touch is to use the colors of the traditional firefighting dog. Black spots on a white background help honor the Dalmatian and keep your scrapbook color scheme interesting. Combining red and orange with a deep blue represents flames, and adding aqua or light blue introduces water.

2. Images and Firefighting Shapes.

Images are an important basic element of any scrapbook. Using familiar images, shapes, and symbols maintains your firefighting theme and adds to your scrapbook pages. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

3. Fire Engine.

This popular vehicle is easy to recognize and easy to reproduce for your scrapbook. Your young man will quickly know what it is by its familiar shape and bright fire engine red colors. You can use it as a background image or make cut-outs to frame your photos and mementos.

4. Firefighter.

Firemen have a familiar and recognizable silhouette, with their fire hat, parka, and axe. You can show your firefighter in different poses and positions throughout the scrapbook to add a sense of action to your pages. Holding the fire hose, climbing the ladder, or bringing a person out of the flames are all exciting ways to honor their courage.

5. Fire Hydrant.

Another familiar shape and image is the fire hydrant. You can add that mustard yellow color to complement the firefighter’s parka, and the hydrant shape makes a great frame. But you may want to be careful in how you use it, given the hydrant’s popularity with dogs.

6. Hook and Ladder.

This vehicle has very distinctive features that represent the firefighter in action.

7. Firefighter Symbols and Shapes.

Several shapes come to mind when thinking about firefighting. The familiar shape of the fireman’s badge is a nice one for scrapbooks. The fireman’s hat is a distinctive shape easy to recognize. You might also consider cut-outs of Dalmatians, flames, the fireman’s axe, or the siren to accent your pages and make your theme loud and clear.

These are just a few ideas for a firefighting scrapbook. You and your young boy will have a great time thinking of other ways to incorporate the firefighter theme in your scrapbook.

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Shear Perfection Craft Scissors $5.94 Contemporary S-shape design is engineered to gently cradle the handHandle grip of scissors is incredibly soft providing incomparable comfortScrapbooking tool blades are made from high-quality Japanese steel

Cricut ‘Stand and Salute’ Shape Cartridge $25.99 Show off your patriotism with this ‘Stand and Salute’ Cricut Shapes CartridgeCraft cartridges are designed for the Cricut MachineCartridge comes with instruction booklet and storage box

Epiphany Crafts Round Shape Studio Tool $16.49 Make your own custom shapes with this Shape Studio tool from Epiphany Crafts. This round tool makes it easy to create your own shapes using the Shape Studio acrylic bubble caps (not included).

Ellison Sizzix eClips 100-base Shape All Occasions Cartridge $33.99 The Sizzix eClips Design Cartridge offers many stylish shapes to electrify your creativity. These cartridges were designed for use with the Sizzix eClips Electronic Shape-Cutting Machine only (sold separately).

Epiphany Crafts Heart Shape Studio Tool $15.99 Make your own custom shapes with this Shape Studio tool from Epiphany Crafts. This heart-shaped tool makes it easy to create your own shapes using the Shape Studio acrylic bubble caps (not included).

Jillibean Soup Frames Corrugated Die-cut Shapes (Pack of 20) $5.09 These die-cut corrugated shapes from Jillibean Soup are made with non-adhesive cardboard. This package includes twenty shapes for a wide array of crafts.

Sizzix eclips Cartridge – Basic Shapes $26.97 Theme: Basic ShapesMaterials: Plastic, electronic chipRemove and replace cartridges with power on

Epiphany Shape Studio Star Tool $14.79 With acrylic bubble caps, this star-shaped studio tool from Epiphany Crafts allows you to create custom shapes using scrapbook paper. This package includes one shape tool.

December 2005 Scrapbooking Personal Shopper Snow and Christmas Set $22.99 Save time and money with this Personal Shopper kit containing papers plus coordinating embellishments. This set includes paper, stickers, metal embellishments, ribbon, gold embossed cut-outs, rubber charms and sheer shapes.

Sizzix Eclips Seasonal Cartridge $26.52 This cartridge was designed for use with the Sizzix Eclips electronic shape-cutting machine only(sold separately) and includes numerous shapes and phrases plus five additional features: solid, shadow, outline, border, and picture-in-picture.

Tonic Studios Shape-mate ‘Ovals’ Shapes (Pack of 6) $11.49 Great set of basic shape templates is perfect for scrapbookers and paper craftersEach package contains six sizes of oval shapes which can handle a blade on either sideScrapbooking tool will give you loads of variety

My Mind’s Eye ‘Love Me’ Paper and Accessory Kit $9.4 This Love Me paper and accessories kit from My Mind’s Eye includes nine sheets of double-sided scrapbook paper and a coordinating accessory sheet. Bright colors and sweet shapes make this kit the perfect way to craft your memories.

Sizzix eclips ‘Happi Shapes & Alpha’ Cartridge – byDenaDesigns $22.26 Getting new Sizzix artwork for your eclips machine is as easy as inserting a new cartridge! Preloaded with features adapted for electronic shape-cutting – including cutting solids, shadows, borders, outlines, pieces and embellishments.

Shape-Mate ‘Circles 2 to 10′ Shapes (Pack of 6) $9.99 Basic shape template set is great for scrapbookers, card makers and paper craftersScrapbooking tool is designed for use with the Shape-Mate Carriage (not includedPackage contains 6 circle punches, for 12 possible sizes

Chip Art Buttons and Buckles Chipboard Shapes (Case of 42) $4.99 These plain Buttons and Buckles chipboard pieces from Chip Art can be embellished with ink, paint and glitter. This package contains 42 die-cut chipboard shapes ranging in size from 1 inch to 1.75 inches.

Lasting Impressions Memory Mixer 3 Software $32 Sharing memories is made easy with this computer softwareScrapbook program lets you quickly crop photos, create shapes and much moreEasy drag-and-drop feature makes this software perfect even for the computer novice

Rhinestone Flowers/ Round Shapes $14.39 These multi-color gems are great for all kinds of kids’ crafts from homemade gifts to decorations. This Big Bling: Gem Value package contains 0.75 pounds of assorted rhinestones in flower and round shapes.

Creative Hands Big Shapes ‘Hearts’ Foam Shapes (Package of 35) $8.19 Add fun to your scrapbooks, crafts, and more with Big ShapesHeart-shaped foam embellishments are great crafts for home, school, parties and moreFoam bases are ready to decorate with glitter, markers, paint, stickers and more

Creative Hands ‘Crosses’ Foam Shapes (Pack of 35) $8.19 Add fun to your scrapbooks, crafts, and more with Big ShapesCross-shaped foam embellishments are great crafts for home, school, parties and moreFoam bases are ready to decorate with glitter, markers, paint, stickers and more

Die-Cut Grey Chipboard Handbag Shape $18.49 Your creative ideas can come to life with this handbag shaped die-cut. The die-cut can be painted, decoupaged, embossed and much more, your possiblities are endless.

Sizzix eclips Shape-cutting Machine Starter Kit with Bonus Cartridge $249.99 The Eclips Electronic shape-cutting machine and handheld remote control create completely customizable shapes and letters to adorn almost anything. This starter kit includes all the tools you need to get your crafts going.

Fusible Clear Glass Shapes 90COE Clear Rounds (Pack of 6) $7.99 Add dimension, pattern and surface variety to your fuse glass projects with this pack of clear rounds. These rounds are designed to make beads, mosaics, scrapbook embellishments and greeting card accents.

Sizzix Eclips Boy and Girl Cartridge $25.99 This cartridge was designed for use with the Sizzix Eclips electronic shape-cutting machine only(sold separately) and includes numerous shapes and phrases plus five additional features: solid, shadow, outline, border, and picture-in-picture.

Fiskars Ultra Shapexpress Shape Cutter $19.49 This Fiskars shape cutter features a freehand spacer that allows a switch between template and freehand cutting. This cutter also features a tuning dial that adjusts blade depth for different paper thicknesses.

Webster’s Pages Designer Threads $5.79 Let’s celebrate collectionIncludes five (5) embroidery shapesEleven (11) inches of matching twine for scrapbooking and paper crafting

Tonic Studios Shape-mate ‘Squares’ Shapes (Pack of 6) $9.99 Great set of basic shape templates is perfect for paper craftersEach package contains six sizes of square shapes Scrapbooking tool will give you loads of variety at your fingertips

Clever Lever Mega Scalloped Circle Craft Punch $16.73 Add to your arts and crafts collection with this craft punchClever Lever scrapbooking tool features a stainless steel blade in a plastic bodyPaper cutter creates punched out shapes for your scrapbook

Epiphany Shape Studio ‘Round 14′ Tool $18.52 Make your own custom adhesive buttons with this ‘Round 14′ Button Studio tool. Just insert the paper into the Button Studio tool, remove the adhesive backing from a Button Studio acrylic button, place button in the tool and press down.

Martha Stewart Large Monarch Butterfly Punch $15.94 Create lasting memories with scrapbooking tools from Martha StewartPunch creates crisp shapes for cards, scrapbook pages and other paper craftsMonarch Butterfly punch stands upright for easy access and storage

EK Success Flourish Extra Large Punch $12.49 This extra large punch from EK Success provides an easy way to make perfect shapes for all your scrapbook, card making and craft projects. Use both positive and negative punched out pieces to create matting areas for photos or journaling.

Clever Lever Giga Scalloped Circle Craft Punch $17.57 Add to your arts and crafts collection with this craft punchClever Lever scrapbooking tool features a stainless steel blade in a plastic bodyPaper cutter creates punched out shapes for your scrapbook

Paper Flair Shaped Christmas Cards Kit $15.99 Use the papers and art cut-outs in this Paper Flair Shaped Christmas Card Kit to create festive cards. The kit includes 24 sheets or artwork and step-by-step instructions to get you started.

Sizzix Eclips Baby Milestones 50-ct Base Shape Cartridge $26.38 The Sizzix Eclips Design Cartridges offers many stylish shapes to electrify your creativity. This cartridge was designed for use with the Sizzix Eclips Electronic Shape-Cutting Machine only (sold separately).

Martha Stewart Medium 3-in-1 Butterfly Punch $8.74 This 3-in-1 butterfly punch by Martha Stewart features two small and one large butterfly-designed punch. Create crisp shapes for your favorite craft projects with this butterfly punch.

Martha Stewart Medium Owl Emboss Punch $12.17 This Martha Stewart punch creates crisp shape with embossed details that are great for cards or scrapbook pages. Punch stands upright for easy access and storage.

Martha Stewart 1-inch Circle Craft Punch $8.66 Add a delightful paper punch from Martha Stewart to your craft collectionCraft punch creates crisp shapes for cards, scrapbook pages and other paper craftsScrapbooking tool is features a circle design

Clever Lever Giga Circle Craft Punch $17.57 Add to your arts and crafts collection with this craft punchClever Lever scrapbooking tool features a stainless steel blade in a plastic bodyPaper cutter creates punched out shapes for your scrapbook

Butterflies/ Dragonflies/ Round Rhinestone Shapes (0.75 Pounds) $13.59 These Big Bling multi-color gems are great for all kinds of kids’ crafts from homemade gifts to decorations. This package contains 0.75 pounds of assorted rhinestones in butterfly and dragonfly shapes.

EK Success Martha Stewart Medium 3-in-1 Hydrangea Punch $8.74 Add that special touch to your crafts with this Martha Stewart medium craft punch from EK Success. This punch creates crisp shapes for cards, scrapbook pages and other paper crafts.

Provo Craft Mini Gingerbread Cricut Cartridge $21.43 This Cricut cartridge from Provo Craft features a limited edition Gingerbread theme. This cartridge allows you to create 25 different mini gingerbread images.

Martha Stewart Arctic Snowflake Craft Punch $8.74 Add a delightful paper punch from Martha Stewart to your craft collectionCraft punch creates crisp shapes for cards, scrapbook pages and other paper craftsScrapbooking tool is features a 1 1/4-inch arctic snowflake design

Cloth ‘Travel’ Postbound Window Album Kit (12×12) $24.89 Document all your favorite adventures with this all-in-one kit. This kit contains one black cloth postbound window album, foam letter stickers, chipboard shapes, phrase stickers and more.

Martha Stewart Medium Branch Punch $9.19 This Martha Stewart punch creates crisp shapes to use for embellishing cards and scrapbook pages. This punch stands up-right for easy access and storage.

Martha Stewart Gift Box Stamp And Punch Set $10.25 This Martha Stewart Stamp & Punch Set allows you to stamp one of three designs and then punch out the shape. All of the three included stamps store conveniently inside the punch.

Martha Stewart Butterfly Stamp and Punch Set $10.74 Martha Stewart stamp and punch sets let you stamp one of three designs and then punch out the shapePunch conveniently stores three included stampsStamp and punch set features fun butterfly designs

Provo Craft Cricut Shape ‘Best Of 2006 Images’ Cartridge $56.36 This Cricut shape cartridge by Provo Craft features the best of 2006 designs all in one place. The cartridge also include an instruction booklet, keyboard overlay, and a convenient storage box.

Dimensional Lever Tree Branch Punch $16.85 Punch out individual shapes and use them to create a detailed embellishment. Get creative and the shapes can be used to create lots of other cool designs too. The ergonomic lever-handle makes the punch easier and more comfortable to use.

Stacking Fancy Square Paper Punch $11.09 Create 3-D layered effects on scrapbook pages and cards with this handy toolPaper punch allows you to put various sizes of a shape and layer as desiredStacking Fancy Square paper punch is perfect for beginners or experts

Everywhere Punch Window System Starter Kit $18.49 Fiskars Everywhere Punch Window Starter Kit is designed to make shaped windows on paper crafts. This is Fiskars’ first magnetic punch that allows you to punch anywhere.

Crafter’s Companion Top Score Multiboard $14.83 Craft professional cards and scrapbooking pages with the Top Score MultiboardCraft tool helps you fold and score cards of all shapes and sizesIdeal for use with most arts and crafts projects

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QuicKutz Cookie Cutter Die Set, Pop-up Flowers $14.96 Quickutz Cookie Cutter Die – flowers #CC-SHAPE-6-017…

RM 4.5 Football Helmet Metal Cookie Cutter for Baking Party Favors / Scrapbook Stencils $0.95 Make birthday party or everyday cookies extra special when cut into shapes. Decorate with royal icing, coloured sugars, and sprinkles. Or, use to cut out shapes from brownies, bar cookies, or sandwiches. Size: 4.5″ Dimensions: 4.5″L × 1″D Materials: Tinplate Care: Hand wash and dry immediately. Do not soak in water. Not dishwasher safe….

R & M Tinplate 5 Crown Cookie Cutter $1.45 A batch of cookies fresh from the oven sweetens any occasion–celebrate year-round with fresh-baked treats for family and friends. A collection of cookie cutters in a huge array of fun shapes and sizes is perfect for kids’ parties or after-school snacks, and helps create the perfect complement to ice-cream, coffee, tea and milk.*******To maintain tin plate cutters: Do not allow to sit or soak in w…

OLFA 1057028 CMP-3 Rotary Circle Cutter $13.99 Olfa circle cutter-. Olfa-circle rotary cutter. This 18mm rotary circle cutter is designed for cutting circles on fabric; paper; vinyl; film; leather and more! cuts circles from 1-7/8in to 8-1/2in. Easy to use and no stabilizer required! cutter size is approximately 6×3-1/2in. Imported…….

Sizzix 656622 Eclips Mini USB Cable Accessory, 5-Foot Length $4.84 Sizzix – EClips – Accessory – USB Cable – Mini – 5 Feet…

Xyron 48387 Wishblade Computer-Connected Digital Cutter $449.99 The Xyron Wishblade is a computer-connected digital cutter which allows you to cut fonts and shapes in any size from 1/2-inch to 8-inches wide and up to 39-inches long! If you can wish it, you can now cut it! Both Mac and PC compatible, this amazing machine even allows you to cut welded words. Unit includes two distinct software programs, which can be used alone or in conjunction with each othe…

Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter $99.99 This Cricut/Gypsy bundle will fuel your card-making creativity. Design with the Gypsy then connect to the Cricut to cut shapes and letters for scrapbooking, paper crafting, school projects, home d?cor and more….

500 Barnyard Foam Self-Adhesive Farm Shapes $11.99 Fabulous Foam Self-Adhesive Farm Shapes. So easy to use, just peel off the backing and stick! Kids can create their own barnyard scenes with these fun foam shapes! They’re perfect for adding a country touch to scrapbooks, craft projects and much more. Designs include barns, tractors, farm boys, farm girls, sheep, cows, horses, pigs, chicks, cats and dogs. (500 pcs. per unit) 1″ – 2″…

Sizzix 654559 Sidekick Accessory – Cutting Pad, Standard, 1 Pair $1.36 Sizzix sidekick cutting pads 1 pair/pkg-standard. Sizzix-this pair of standard cutting pads are meant to be used on both sides. When both sides of the cutting pad are worn out it is time fo r a replacement cutting pad. Made in china. Meets cpsia (consumer product safety improvement act) standards…….

Cutting Edge Photo Cropping for Scrapbooks, Book 2 $2.05 Photographs are the heart and soul of scrapbooks and thousands of scrapbookers and photo enthusiasts are discovering exciting and innovative ways to crop their photos with Cutting Edge Photo Cropping for Scrapbooks Book 2 . Inside you’ll find dozens of photo cropping ideas–from simple to complex–sure to bring focus and drama to your pictures and scrapbook pages. You’ll find innovative techniques…

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