This could be a very short review because I can sum it up in one sentence - if you buy only one scrapbooking book in your lifetime, buy this book.

However, I suppose I must explain myself. While many crafts books claim to be encyclopedias, few are comprehensive enough to deserve the title. With more than 300 pages, the "Enclycopedia of Scrapbooking" covers all of scrapbooking. Not just definitions and pictures, most entries explain how to use the tool, idea or embellishment. I've found several techniques that I can't wait to try on my pages. Since this book is by Creating Keepsakes magazine, every other page or so contains great layouts using the techniques illustrated.

This comprehensive book starts with the very basics, the history of scrapbooking. Then it illustrates the many tools and materials you might need or want for scrapbooking. The pictures of each item are large and helpful. For more basics, the next section is Page Creation. They cover several essential techniques:
-cropping photos and mats
-using paper trimmers
-adhering photos
-handwriting titles
-using red-eye pens
-cutting templates and shapes

Ever been intimidated by the selection of scrapbooking items and doodads in the craft store? The next 3 chapters are for you, and me, too. Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Embellishments covers every technique and material that I've seen used in a layout, and more than a few that I have to try. Trust me, it's all there.

From brads, chalks, conchos, eyelets, inks, mounts, mica, vellum, to watch crystals and everything in between, the quantity of information is outstanding. Each item explains how to use it, and shows you several layouts using the items.

This well-rounded book has a gallery of other uses for our scrapbooking toys, additional resources, and an appendix to cover technical stuff like archival quality, technology and organization.

Like scrapbooking? Want to try scrapbooking? Need a motivation to get started on those boxes of photos? The "Encyclopedia of Scrapbooking" belongs on your bookshelf, though I suspect mine will be out and read through again and again for good while.

Encyclopedia of Scrapbooking: The most complete guide to scrapbooking ever published

General Patriotic Crafts Flag Holder
Patriotic Door Hanger
American Flag Glass Ball Ornament
"Quick Tuck" Styrofoam Wall Hanging Flag
Punched Flag Wall Hanging
Patriotic Crafts for Kids
Easy Old Glory Frame
Red, White and Blue Birdhouse
Patriotic Bunting
Flag Stepping Stone
Fireworks Apron
Flag T-shirt
Patriotic Wind Sock
Patriotic Doormat
American Flag Light Tree
Ribbon Pins
God Bless America Frame
Stars & Bars Tennis Shoes
Red, White & Blue Garland
Patriotic Votive Holder
Stars Mailbox
Stars & Stripes Shirt
Americana Pitcher and Glasses
Stars and Stripes Forever Centerpiece
Patriotic Napkin Rings
Patriotic Placemats
Patriotic Straw Mates
Patriotic Pencil Toppers
Patriotic Floorcloth
Fourth of July Paper Lanterns
4th of July Necklace
4th of July Earrings
Uncle Sam Earrings
Wooden American Flag
4th of July Birthday Party
Patriotic Candle Jar
USA Scrapbook Page
Patriotic Star Frame
Americana Step Stool
Patriotic Gel Candles
Clothespin Pinwheel
Flag Etiquette
Balloon Fireworks
Patriotic Clings
Beaded Liberty Angel
USA Beaded Keychain
Star Glasses
4th of July Chair Covers
Uncle Sam Napkin Rings
Patriotic Heart
Folk Art Flag
Patriot Bear with Bunny
Memorial Day Banner
Memorial Day Decoration
All American Anne Doll
Flag Ribbon Tote Bag
Red, White & Blue Drink Parasols
Cut a 5 Pointed Star in One Snip
Memorial Day Card
Memorial Day Flyer
4th of July Luminary
Printable Flag
4th of July Iron-on
4th of July Windsock
Patriotic Picnic Set (PDF)
All American Tin
American Flag Paper Model
Patriotic Apron
Americana Painted Bench
Patriotic Christmas Ornaments
Starry Candle Centerpiece
Independence Day Iron-ons
I Love America Wreath
Patriotic Macrame Bracelet
4th of July Party Kit
4th of July Decoupage Bowls
Wooden Spoon Napkin & Paper

Plate Holders pdf
Patriotic Picnic Bag pdf
Patriotic Beachwear
Patriotic Bunting
Flag Banner Red, White and Blue Crochet
4th of July Pin
4th of July Barbie Party Dress
Miss USA Doll Dress
Fourth of July Pot holder
Let Freedom Ring Windchime
Red, White & Blue Barbie Dress
Miniature Crocheted Flag
Patriotic Wreath
American Flag Afghan
Star Hotpad
Americana Scarf & Hat
Red White & Blue Bookmark
Americana Appliance Covers pdf
Americana Placemat & Coaster
Patriotic Ribbon
Large American Flag
Patriotic Pocket Wrap
Americana Knitting
Eagle Flag Chart
American Flag Socks
Red, White & Blue Pin
US Flag Chart
Knitted American Flag
Patriotic Preemie Layette
USA Scarf
Yellow Ribbon Flag Square
Patriotic Knitted Purse
Show Your Colors Sock Pin
American Flag
USA Needlework Charts and Plastic Canvas
Cross-stitch on linen
Needlepoint on canvas
Patriotic Stars and Stripes - GO USA
Patriotic Pinwheel Napkin Ring
Eagle Cross Stitch
Fourth of July Heart
Support our Troops Ribbon
I Love America Flag
Military & Armed Forces Patterns
Stars and Stripes Cross Stitch Chart
Remember - X-stitch
Twin Towers Cross Stitch
Old Glory Flag Pattern
Oval Flag
Patriotic PC Patterns
Happy Boom Boom
Patriotic Pinwheel Pin
Patriotic Flag Pin
Patriotic Star Pattern
Flag Coaster x-stitch
Patriotic Heart Chart
God Bless America Chart
American Flag Bookmarks
Made in the USA Chart
American Flag Quilting
Foundation Pieced Flag
Veteran's Pride Quilt
Flag Block
Crazy Star Flag
Paper Pieced American Flag Blocks
Long May She Wave Wall Quilt
Freedom Flag Wallet
Fireworks Block
Patriotic Picnic Basket
Union Star Quilt
Shooting Stars Quilt
Patriotic Swag
Paper Pieced Independence Day Quilt
United We Stand Quilted Ribbon
US Star Flag