:REVIEW: The Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook

I think every scrapper would agree that there is no lack of product out there for us to engage in our beloved hobby.

Gone are the days of using standard construction paper and regular scissors and glue. (I actually still remember the days when Hobby Lobby only had ONE AISLE of scrapbooking supplies! How about you?)

Despite the wonder of all our choices, Sherry Steveson recognizes a real downfall to our current state of product overload in the introduction of her new book - The Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook. "Oodles of supplies can leave us overwhelmed and frustrated over what to do with it all," she writes.

However, she doesn't simply recognize this issue, but helps to solve it throughout her book.

The Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook is divided into 17 sections covering numerous types of scrapbooking embellishments including old stand bys like eyelets and stickers to mediums that are fairly new to the scrapbooking world like digital elements and acrylic.

The full list follows:

1. Acrylic
2. Brads
3. Buttons
4. Chipboard
5. Die-cuts
6. Digital
7. Eyelets
8. Fabric
9. Fibers
10. Flowers
11. Letters & Numbers
12. Metal
13. Ribbon
14. Rub-ons
15. Stamps
16. Stickers
17. Tags

Each section includes three different techniques for using the featured product.

1. Simply Create - Shows the product used in a simple (often more traditional) way.
2. Kick It Up - Shows the product used in a more creative way.
3. Think Outside the Box - Shows you how to stretch your supplies by using them in ways you may have never considered before.

Step-by-step instructions are included for completing each technique and most can be achieved in under four steps!!

The book also features 15 Quick Tips for adding ease and/or pizzazz to your crafting and a gallery at the back featuring 6 layouts with 1-3 variations.

In all, there are over 100 layouts included in the book. The talented list of contributors included Nic Howard, Jamie Harper, Cindy Tobey, Kimber McGray, Suzy Plantamura, Melissa Phillips, Judi Van Valkinburgh, Rita Weiss, Janel Ohlson, Katrina Simeck, Stephanie Vetne and the author herself.

Although the idea of this book is to focus on the product, I also gained endless inspiration in terms of color, design and more from these amazing artists.

If you've got stash of scrapbooking supplies and you're just not quite sure what to do with it and/or just need some fresh ideas, The Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook was written just for you!!

READER RESPONSE:
Of the 17 product sections listed above, what are your favorite three to use when you craft?