The Big Picture: Scrapbook Your Life and A Whole Lot More

by Stacy Julian

Stacy Julian, founding editor of Simple Scrapbooks Magazine is best known for her liberating and revolutionary approach to scrapbooking. As an industry pioneer with over ten years experience as a teacher, writer and scrapbooker, Stacy is committed to empowering others. The Big Picture, Stacy's fourth book shares ideas, inspiration and solutions for all scrapbookers, regardless of their style or expertise.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts, Art

132 pages, Spiral-bound

First published November 30, 2005

Reviews

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a breath of fresh air!! I love to scrapbook and always feel like I am racing to keep up, since I also love to take photos. This book is refreshing because it turned lots of ideas on their heads. Julian doesn't believe in just making chronological "event" scrapbook pages. She is more interested in documenting the little things in her family's life. As examples, she shows a page on Target, favorite foods, dancing to Diana Ross while unloading the dishwasher. She is right when she says "you can scrapbook all your pictures, but never capture your most important memories." I have thought this, too! I keep meaning to make a page about how my husband makes chocolate chip pancakes every Saturday morning, or about my daughter's love of blue jeans and her cell phone, about the crazy bedtime routines we have, and our silly traditions. Or, maybe how in the last year the photos on my oldest's closet door have morphed from dogs and cats to the Jonas Brothers. Yet, I am so busy getting the class party page done, or the first day of school page done that I don't have time. Don't get me wrong, those events are important too, but in the end, I agree with Julian when she says that "the little things are the big things." Now, I am excited to finally go make those pages!

[Mauoijenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have decided to do a scrapbook of my twins pictures and notions that I get from their adoptive parents. I have the first 4 pages done in the book, but my creative juices came to a stand still. I needed some new ideas and so I looked up some scrapbooks at the library. This book had a bunch of ideas and tips. I now am ready to tackle down the next couple of pages and maybe, just maybe get done with all the pictures by the new year. Only to start on a new book for what's to come.

[Jennifer]

Another Stacy Julian gem.
Lots of almost how-to's and how-to's.
Scrapbooking.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-Fiction; Arts & Crafts/Scrapbooking
5 stars

Ok, so maybe the content of the book doesn't justify the 'amazing' 5 star rating but I have to tell you that the author definitely deserves it. Stacy Julian is an absolute delight and is so well loved by her adoring fans for a reason, she keeps it real.

In this book, you will find tons of ideas about how to scrapbook. Not in the technical do this, do that way--- but in a way that really makes you think about what kinds of memories you are documenting. Stacy is also a big fan of 'just get it down on paper.' Her no stress, less fuss type of scrapbook layouts and albums allow for maximum documentation of what really matters to your albums.

As a busy Mom of five, I was always amazed by how much she seemed to get accomplished in her albums. This book takes you behind the scenes to find out how she does what she does while still managing to get dinner on the table.

I love how the book was laid out with brilliant, full color samples and tons of suggestions. I also enjoyed reading about Stacy's thinking process when she creates. This was a great book and I highly recommend it for anyone who scrapbooks or is thinking about getting started.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an eye opener for me. I have been struggling the last few years with scrapbooking - feeling like I will never "catch up" with all the photos I have. I had it in my head that I had to scrapbook my photos chronologically. What a huge weight off my shoulders when I realized I could scrapbook the photos that I wanted to scrapbook when I wanted to scrapbook them! If I want to pull some photos from 10 years ago to play with one day, then grab some from last week the next day, I can. It's just more important that I do scrapbook them and tell the stories behind them - no matter the order. I still wish I had more time to scrapbook, but at least now I feel more comfortable working on the photos and stories that are important to me right now.

[Becky Christensen]

This book has great ideas for doing scrapbooks the old fashioned way but I have found it much easier to create my Memory Books or Story Scrap Books Digitally with HeritageMakers - at www.yourstorybooksonline.com Absolutely no cutting gluing pasting and big scrap books sitting on shelves- but rather beautiful hardcover library quality books. And it costs less too - at an average of $20.00 per scrap book page plus all those containers to hold all those supplies! Izzsh! I have access to over 40,000 templates and embellishments! So my suggestion is - make your Photo Books and do storybooking at www.yourstorybooksonline.com !! and it is FREE to Join! 2gb of free photo storage - and unlimited storage with a premier membership!

[Liliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are ever curious about scrapbooking and capturing life memories, this is the book to get started with. Stacy Julian does a great job in helping beginners as well as experienced scrapbookers in getting "the big picture", scrapbooking is not rocket science and she helps you open your eyes to this. I found lots of inspiration in this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves saving memories!

[Lain · Rating 5 out of 5]

f I could give this book more than five stars, I would. Stacy Julian takes the "big picture" view and moves away from worrying about what color embossing ink to use on the page, and reminds readers that scrapbooking is, first and foremost, about capturing your family's memories. In her wonderfully warm style, she leads you through design, inspiration, organization, and more. Like no other scrapbooking book on the market -- don't miss it!

[Terry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I used to work in the paper crafting field and read this book as part of my job. It is not the sort of how-to book I would choose on my own. It is more about the author's ego being stroked than really teaching any technique. I guess some people like this sort of "look at how wonderful I am" inspiration, but it is not for me. I give it two stars instead of one because the layout and photos are well done.

[Maile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE Stacy Julian's philosophy on scrapbooking. She has taken away 99% of my scrapbooking-related stress and left me with a whole lot of fun when I scrapbook. She talks a lot about her style in this book, so I recommend it to those who do get stressed about scrapbooking and for people who want exposure to more than just event scrapbooking - personality traits, etc.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacy Julian has a wonderful perspective on scrapbooking. Her focus is always the memory not the picture or paper. She focuses on daily life and relationships. Her journaling is authentic and interesting. She is having a huge influence on me. I know my scrapbooks will be more interesting because of this book. I absolutely love the handwritten inserts for each section.

[Teri Massey · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this author, love the insight she provides into how much the little things in life can / should mean & tips on saving these memories for my girls to understand / enjoy one day - with & without pictures /visuals .

Stacy is inspiring !!!!

[Deirdre K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I debated making a separate Scrapbooking category for this one, but really, it is more inspirational than a scrap-how-to or layout-lift book. I love Stacy Julian's ideas and outlook and find her a constant source of inspiration.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any scrapbooker just starting out or those of us who have lost the desire to scrapbook needs to read this book. I am not saying this because Stacy is my business partner but because this book really changes your perspective on scrapbooking and gets you back to what it's all about.

[Gretchyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the books on scrapbooking I own, this one has been the most influential on my style -- both my scrapbooking style and my photo organization style. She also teaches a class based on this system through Big Picture Scrapbooking. High recommend that, too. GREAT STUFF!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for someone who is thinking about starting to scrapbook. It gives a real life and approachable way to scrapbook that is manageable for anyone. Also great for anyone who already scrapbooks, but is feeling a bit overwhelmed.

[Gaye Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

never scrap chronologically

[Bonita Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is my fave scrapbooking idea book. It taught me to not feel guilty cuz I was never caught up... taught me how to scrapbook guilt-free!!!!!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacy Julian reminds me to enjoy the process, enjoy scrapbooking, and enjoy life, and don't sweat the small stuff because it is the small stuff!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone trying to get a handle on their scrapbooking, this book is a MUST READ! Great organizational tips and encouraging for those of us who have photos and supplies everywhere!

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great scrapbooking philosophy and a fun mini album included to boot.

[Pam Barnhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The absolute best book out there on scrapbooking. It has changed the way I scrapbook and look at recording memories.

[Tracey Chorley]

I love this book - totally changed the way I thought about scrapbooking, not my style but my approach. I would recommend this to anyone who feels they SHOULD scrap in a certain way/ method.

[Sara Grafton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite book about scrapbooking so far. I have decided that books about scrapbooking give me an excuse to read books with a lot of pictures as an adult.

[Jeri Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book! This is one of my first scrapping books that I have purchased. Love the bonus tags included.

[Jen Slutsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave me a new outlook on scrapbooking and organizing my pages. Very freeing.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Stacy Julian- I got to meet her at Scrapbowl 2007 and take a class with her. Everyone told me to read this and thus far it is wonderful. A wonderful philosophy of creativity.

[Talia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one by Stacy. Love her approach to scrapbooking and recording memories.

[Revlie.schuit · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a cool way of approaching scrapbooking!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a chronological scrapper, and her style is different, but I love how she really tells the stories from their lives. Very inspiring.