The old adage, “A picture paints a thousand words” may be cliché, but it is undeniable how much more entertaining a photograph is when compared to an oral account of a memory. Scrap booking has provided many a crafter with the opportunity to save their precious photographs and cherished memories in the pages of their albums, to be enjoyed for years to come.Photo Stories gives seasoned scrapbook fans and newcomers to the craft descriptions of the twelve most popular scrap booking techniques, each accompanied by a host of full-colour photographs. These photographs highlight each technique through the work of skilled scrap booking crafters from around the world, and aim at inspiring crafters to use the techniques displayed to create their own works of art.The book is really a delight to look at, and one cannot help but be inspired to get crafting by the work displayed within it. Another handy feature within the book is a series of helpful hints peppered throughout its pages. A good resource for those who love to scrap, and those who wish to start.

Reviewed by Lauren Inggs

Published by Metz Press

This book covers everything you need to know about getting started with scrapbooking - from the various types of equipment and paper you will need, to page layout, how to cut and paste photographs, and fancy lettering and embellishments.

Also available in Afrikaans as Skep jou eie Fotoplakboek

I've stayed away from scrapbooking for a long time, because I felt that much of what was being offered and taught actually detracted from the photographs themselves, shifting the focus to the (usually rather expensive) embellishments. And then I found this book.

With their typical infectious humour (familiar to anyone who's either met them or read any of their previous books), Tracy and Deborah have succeeded in making scrapbooking accessible, simple and engaging. First off, they present an amusing account of why you really don't need to be quite so neurotic about using acid-free products. It seems photos themselves contain acid... but you'll have to read the book to find out more.

The next section contains all the information you need to get started - covering paper, adhesives, cutting tools, albums, pens, paint, chalk, embellishments and lettering, all in comprehensive detail. Th