Bring your photos. Bring the photos that you want to work on in the next few weeks with you when you go to the scrapbook store. I like to separate the photos by layout so that I can work with one set of photos at a time. Portable photo organizers are great for this.

Choose cardstock and patterned paper. Use your set of photos to choose background and accent papers that coordinate with the colors in the photos. The best way to do this is to hold the photos next to the papers as you walk through the store. Be sure to choose enough paper for the background, matting, accents, journaling blocks and any title blocks. It’s a good idea to start thinking of a general design for the layout so that you can estimate how many sheets of paper you will need.

Choose coordinating embellishments. Since the paper is the base of the layout, next you can choose the embellishments. The colors and patterns in the paper will help you decide what embellishments will work best with the layout, whether it be tags, stickers, die cuts, fibers, charms, etc. Avoid buying every embellishment that would work on your page (because inevitably there will be many), and choose the one or two that will feature your photos best.

Decide on the title style. Titles can be the hardest part of a layout. Luckily there are tons of products that make them easier, whether it’s a die cut title, sticker title, eyelet letter title, punched title, letters on tags, or any of the many variations. The colors and embellishments that you’ve already chosen will probably help you determine which type of title will work best on your layout.
Once you’ve chosen all of the products you need, your layout will be ready to assemble. You can move on to choosing the products for the next set of photos. After you’ve bought the products, put them into page protectors with the photos for the layout, and you’ll have everything you need to complete your page in one spot. Using this system will make scrapbooking a much faster process when you sit down to complete the layouts since all of the products will be chosen already – and you’ll be saving money by only buying what you need.

About the Author
Andrea Steed is the author and creator of Scrap Tutor, a web site and CD-ROM that teaches you how to create scrapbooks and how to perform many popular techniques used in scrapbooking. For more information, visit www.scraptutor.com.

One of the best parts of having a grandparent’s day is the time that you are able to spend with your grandchildren. Many grandparents wish that they had more time to spend with their grandchildren. Granted, your day will likely fly by quickly and feel as if it weren’t nearly long enough, you should cherish the extended time that you do have with your grandchildren. In fact, you should take steps to make the most out of it.

When it comes to having a grandparent’s day, many grandparents wonder what they should do. Of course, your planned activities should depend on your grandchildren and their ages. With that in mind, you will always find that you have an unlimited number of options. For instance, children of all ages love playing at the park, taking a trip to the zoo, or going on a shopping adventure. Depending on the age of your grandchildren, you may want to let them help you plan the day’s activities.

When having a grandparent’s day with your grandchildren, it is important that you are prepared. This will involve having all needed supplies on hand. If your grandchild is a newborn or an infant, these supplies may include diapers, baby wipes, a change of clothes, a bottle or sippy cup, milk, or baby formula. Although your son or daughter will likely supply you with these items, you may want to first make a trip to your local grocery store. As a grandparent, there is nothing wrong with being prepared, especially for extended visits.

As outlined above, it is important that you have all needed supplies, such as diapers and food or baby formula. With that in mind, you will also want to make sure that you have a camera or camcorder on hand. Depending on your family, a grandparent’s day may only happen once every few months. During this time, your grandchildren will grow and change in more ways that you could ever have imagined. That is why you should take steps to document the memories that you create along the way and what better time to do so than on a grandparent’s day?

The above mentioned tips are just a few of the many that can help to ensure that your next grandparent’s day is a success. As a reminder, be sure to obtain the proper contact information from your son or daughter, for emergencies purposes.

1. Cuddling
   Cuddling is perhaps the activity preferred the most by newborns and infants. It is also one that grandparents like you, love. Cuddling with your new grandchild will give you the opportunity to bond, as well as provide them with much needed love and comfort.
2. Singing
   Singing is another fun activity that is ideal for newborns and infants. In all honesty, it doesn’t matter what you are signing, your grandchild will likely enjoy hearing your voice.
3. Dancing
   In addition to signing with your grandchild, you will want to dance with them. In the newborn and infant stages, it is important that you take slow, smooth steps.
4. Reading
   Reading to your grandchild is not only a fun activity that they will enjoy, but reading at a young age also has an unlimited number of benefits, in terms of education. When reading to your grandchild, you may want to use fun, character voices. Do so and watch your grandchild’s eyes light up with excitement.
5. Floor Play
   Floor play in general is a great activity for newborns and toddlers. What is nice about floor play is that you can do nothing but lay or sit on the floor with your grandchild or you can play with fun, educational toys. Toys great for floor play include building blocks and stacking toys.
6. Puppet Play
   Playing with puppets is a fun activity that children of all ages love, especially newborns and infants. You can easily purchase pre-made puppets or make your own. When playing with puppets, be sure to use funny voices.
7. Watching DVDs
   Watching DVDs is an activity that you and your grandchild can enjoy at home. It is advised that you watch DVDs, as opposed to television, as you have more options. There are DVDs that are designed for newborns and infants. These are often intriguing and educational in nature.
8. Walking
   Walking is a great activity for you and your grandchild to enjoy together. Outdoor walking is best, but you may also enjoy placing your grandchild in their stroller and taking a walk around your local shopping mall. Watch your grandchild light up with excitement as they enjoy the world around them.
9. Shopping
   Shopping with your grandchild is another fun filled activity that they will like. You can purchase a treat for your grandchild, like a new toy, book, or outfit, but honestly, you will find that no purchases are needed. Shopping is a great way to show your grandchild the world that awaits them, while completing a few errands yourself.
10. Take a Trip to the Zoo
    Visiting a zoo or even just a petting zoo is a fun filled activity that is great for both you and your grandchild. Encouraging a love of animals and learning has a number of benefits. Even if your grandchild is unable to comprehend what they see, you may be surprised how exciting the zoo is to them.

When it comes to buying items, including toys and clothes, for your grandchild, one of the first steps that you should take is speak with your son or daughter. When it comes to new babies, many parents are overrun with toys, gifts, and clothes. In fact, did you know that many newborns don’t even have the chance to wear all of their new clothes? This is just one of the many reasons why you may want to ask before you buy. This is unless, of course, your purchases are intended to be surprises.

Seeking a list of needed items for your new grandchild is ideal, especially if your purchases will be sent home with them. With that in mind, you will find that you have a little bit more freedom with items that will be staying in your own home. Perhaps, it is first important to cover the necessity bases. These are items that you will need to have in your home, should your grandchild regularly visit for extended periods of time. Items that all newborns and infants need include diapers, baby wipes, food, an extra bottle or sippy cup, and a few changes of clothes.

Once you have purchased the items that will be, without a doubt, needed for when your grandchild comes for a visit, you may want to focus on the extras. These are items, such as toys, that you don’t necessarily need to own, but can benefit from having on hand. It is always a good idea to purchase a number of toys for your grandchild. These toys do not have to be large in size or expensive in price. Traditional building blocks and stacking toys are great for newborns and infants, as well as board books, which are strong and durable.

The above mentioned items are just a few of the many that you will want to look into buying for your new grandchild. As a reminder, unless you will be taking on the role of childcare provider, a simple drawer full of clothes, toys, and other needed supplies should be enough items to have for your grandchild at your home.

If you just recently learned that you will be a grandparent, your main focus should be placed on your son or daughter. Even planned pregnancies can be overwhelming for new parents. The good news is that there are a number of different ways that you can offer assistance. For instance, you can plan a baby shower for the new mom, you can purchase new baby necessities, such as clothing, baby formula, or diapers, or your can help to set up baby’s nursery. Before taking any action, however, you may want to see, from your son or daughter, where your services are most needed.

During the birth of your grandchild, you will find a number of opportunities to be helpful and offer your assistance. As with extending your help before the birth of a baby, you may want to devise a plan with your son or daughter. Will your services be needed in the delivery room or elsewhere? If your daughter or daughter in-law has the delivery of your grandchild already planned, your services may be best used at their home. For example, you could straighten up their home to ensure they come home to a clean and pleasant environment, help to cook meals, or pick up last minute baby supplies.

After the birth of your grandchild, you will still want to offer your help and assistance to your son or daughter in anyway possible. This may involve running errands, offering your services as a babysitter, and so forth. With that in mind, you may want to shift the majority of your focus onto your new grandchild. To have a happy and successful relationship with your new grandchild, you will want to start the bonding process as soon as possible. Even if you aren’t asked to baby-sit, you should still take steps to visit your new grandchild, even for just a few minutes.

The above mentioned steps are just a few of the many that you may want to take as a grandparent. As time passes, you will still want offer your help and assistance to your son or daughter and your grandchild. In fact, your help, guidance, and assistance will be just as valuable as it was the day that your grandchild was born.