Do you love a sports fanatic? Wouldn’t you love to get rid of the shoeboxes filled with memorabilia? From ticket stubs to cards to pictures from the big event, organizing the bits and pieces can make you crazy! Here are some simple tips for you to use that will ease your nerves and display the wonderful souvenirs so your memories last forever.
1) ORGANIZATION = HOME RUN!
What many scrappers don’t do is take into account the little memories that could become part of a great spread. If your fan doesn’t already save stubs and memorabilia, you can start for them – it would be a great surprise when the memories are starting to fade. Look for free brochures and programs that you can take to complement the regular materials. Always get an extra just in case. Use your creativity to concoct an interesting display that is sure to wow the crowd!
2) SIMPLICITY = SLAM DUNK!
Begin with a simple layout – whether you use 8.5x11 or 12x12, or even smaller versions, it always helps to select a sold background with which to work. Spread out the memorabilia & souvenirs that you want to use and take note of a color scheme that’s already there. If there isn’t one, you can try using a color wheel for ideas, or split your page to create your own flair.
3) DESIGNS = DOUBLE SCORE!
A trip to your local scrapbook store is sure to burn a hole in your pocket, but try to focus for the important materials. Now that the craze has taken hold, there are tons of companies coming up with new designs for every kind of sport – baseball, basketball, volleyball, hockey, cheering, and more! By buying a pre-designed background, you can have your creativity as a foundation for your pictures. Mounting the pictures on cardstock of a darker color can highlight the image. Try putting pictures on a tilt or shrinking them on your computer for a smaller design on a themed page.
4) SCRAPS = SAFE!
Lots of scrappers neglect to use the very essence of our hobby – scraps! Extra paper can be used to add accents to your background and make the memories stand out even more. Cutting pictures from brochures creates a professional look that may be the umph that your page needed. Create a cool collage in the corner of a page that spills onto the next. This links the entire spread and keeps your eyes moving across the page.
5) TONS OF EMBELLISHMENTS = MAKE THE TRADE!
As the industry continues to grow, so does the amount of interest that we scrappers have. Many companies now offer a variety of sports themes that reflect your team’s colors and/or logo. Letter stickers are in the traditional “letter jacket block” and are available in many different hue combinations. Stickers abound – you can find tons of accent stickers, but my favorites are the “definition stickers”. They state the name of your sport and then define it in terms of the athlete’s attitude. It creates a unique twist to a traditional page. Colleges, universities, and even local high schools are getting in on the act. In your local scrapbook store you may see your high school’s mascot and name laser-cut into a heavy cardstock. They’re just ready and waiting for you to make it your own! Just keep your eyes open for that special accessory.
6) RAH! RAH! RAH!
Consider all the elements of your sport when you’re brainstorming. Even the most insignificant thing could be the winning play for your page. What about your school’s alma mater? Stats from your favorite athlete? Newspaper articles that highlight important events or that just simply mention your fan for the first time? (If you prefer the authentic clipping, be sure to look into archival spray that will keep the color from fading and the paper from chipping in the coming years.) Even quotes from the coach or memorable sayings that identify the attitude of the team will top off the maximization of your mega-sports spread!
There are many other ideas out there for sports – check for classes at your local store or search the web for ideas. Many retail stores not related to scrapping now sell magazines and books that offer modern and creative ideas for your books. And, of course, where better to gain ideas than at a crop? Ask your fellow scrapaholics for ideas and advice! Surely your spread won’t strike out with all of these great ideas to spark your curiosity for sports scrapping.
