About.com Scrapbooking Forum Scrapbooker of the Month August 2009

"Scrapbooker of the Month" (SOTM) is a way to honor a scrapbooker who is a member of the About.com Scrapbooking Forum. The SOTM is someone who regularly provides inspiration for other scrapbookers by participating in discussions, sharing scrapbook page layouts, and both participating in and creating challenges.

The SOTM for July 2009 is Julie Argaet (a.k.a. Aussie Jewels on the About.com Scrapbooking Forum). Julie has been a long time member of the Forum and is one of the first scrapbookers to jump in on any challenge that is posted both on the Forum and here on the main site. We asked her to tell us a little about herself and answer a few questions about her love of scrapbooking.

To see some of Julie's scrapbook pages visit the August 2009 SOTM Gallery.

From Julie: I live in North Queensland Australia with my husband of 17yrs and have two children, Ty (12) and Chloe (4). We also have a family pet dog named Sally. I work part-time as a banking clerk. Being a member of About.Com Scrapbooking has been the best thing thing for my scrapbooking. I mostly work on my layouts of my children and plan to start my wedding album as well. I have even ventured into making my own cards and stamping as well, with ideas and inspiration from a wonderful group of fellow scrappers on this site.

How long have you been a scrapper? I have been scrapping for about three years now but have wanted to do it for alot longer but did not know where or how to begin.

What started your journey into scrapbooking? The very first idea of scrapbooking I ever attempted was putting cards from my son's birth and baby shower into an everday children's scrapbook with peices of the gift wrapping paper for decorations. That was 12 years ago. Then a co-worker got me inspired to start on my albums, and I acompanied her to a workshop and it was the best thing I ever did.

What is generally the main focal point your pages? I think preserving my photo memories for my children and others to enjoy and documenting stories of them. I would say the journalling if only in a title and date is what I focus on.

What kind of camera do you use? I use a basic digital Cannon camera.

Where and When do you scrap? I am lucky enough to have my own scraproom with an enormous desk. Unfortunately, I do not get as much time as I would like to scrap with work and family committments, but I try to do one or two layouts on weekends. I like to have time to myself to scrap which is very rare in my house, especially when my 4 year old just wants to help.

How much time do you devote to scrapbooking? As much time as I can get, usually only a couple of hours a week.

What/Who inspires you? I get inspiration from the wonderful group of people on About.com Scrapbooking. The ideas and techniques I have learned on this site has transformed my scrapbooking pages. Having challenges and sketches are always a great inspiration and motivates my creativity. Reading blogs and scrap magazines has given me endless knowledge.

What types of layouts do you do most? My layouts at the moment are usually of my children, holidays, annual events. I started by doing my Son's baby album chronoligally but now I just seem to do anything that fits current challenges.

What is your favorite part of scrapbooking? As I very rarely scrap new photos, I think looking back and reminissing over older photos and documenting their stories.

What are your 3 scrapping essentials? I would have to say definately my trimmer whether it be for photos or paper/cardstock. My journalling pens and of course my overstocked supply of paper.

Do you have a color preference? Not really I usually let the photos determine what colors I use. However, my own personal favourite color is blue.

What are your favorite scrapbook products? I would have to say the variety of patterned and themed papers.

What was your latest scrappy purchase? Let's see, I think it was a some color themed paper for my Wedding Album and also some specific patterned paper for current challenges.

Do you have any other hobbies? I love to read and shop of course.

Is there anything you do differently now, from when you first started scrapbooking? Most definately. When I started scrapbooking about 3 years ago my pages were very basic with borders or matted photos on white pages and now usually have a background color page with some form of embelishment whether it be stickers, ribbon or buttons. I am always trying new ideas with my pages including stamping. I have even gone back to my original pages and jazzed them up abit with all sorts of items.