The Best of British Scrapbooking & Cardmaking

Throughout The Best of British Scrapbooking and Cardmaking, you'll see this Alison referred to as "Ali." She's a 33-year-old devoted wife to Simon and mum to eight-year-old Molly, who is also our cover girl. The Rowes have three cats--Ginger, Scaredy and Charlie--and the family all lives together in an old house in Ascot, Berkshire, that Ali says seems to always need work done to it! Ali works as an e-business consultant and also helps out at Molly's school. She admits, "Craft activities seem to take over a large part of my life! I love to scrapbook (obviously!), sew, knit and make cards."

Ali began scrapbooking two years ago. She had made cards for around eight years and noticed that the craft shops where she shopped for supplies had gradually introduced scrapbooking materials. One look at the work of Heidi Swapp in an idea book was enough to get her started. Ali has always kept photos in order and added comments about specific times and memories, so it was an easy and natural progression.

When it comes to techniques, Ali says, "I love trying anything! I'm particularly into using my PC and printer to alter paper, ribbons, transparencies and material -- anything that will go through the printer without jamming it. You can create what you don't have (or forgot to buy!) and match it perfectly to your layout."

You can see the enjoyment she gets from trying different techniques in the layout Molly aka. Ali says, "I had a fun time using a whole load of stash to create the circle collages. This is one of my favourite photos of my daughter. The whole layout captures a quirkiness that I really love. These nicknames will probably fade away with time and as Molly matures, so it is all the more special to have captured them here to remember always."

Obviously, Ali's favourite subject is her daughter. She finds no lack of inspiration or motivation when it comes to creating pages about Molly. "I hope," says Ali, "Molly can look back in time and remember what went on in her life, how much she is loved and how proud I am of her."

Beyond creating layouts about Molly, Ali also loves to make albums for friends and family who can appreciate hand-made gifts. Her favourite was a teeny-weeny concertina album called "Advice for a New Mother" that she made for her oldest and best friend when she was pregnant with her first child. The friend is so proud of her little album that she shows it to everyone - even the nurses in the labour ward where she delivered her son.

Ali loves most modern and trendy scrapbook supplies. "They suit my graphical and clean-cut style," she explains, "I'm always happy to have a play with any supplies though - that's what makes this hobby all the more challenging and fun."

When we asked her for advice to share, Ali said, "Every time I create a page, I try to imagine what the recipient will feel in ten or twenty years when they look at it. Will they understand my journaling; what I felt, what was going on at the time, why I used a particular photo? I think if you can imagine this, you can create heartfelt, meaningful layouts every time. However, sometimes it's great to let rip and go for an artsy, 'moment' type of page that allows you to unleash your creativity. Anything goes with this wonderful hobby - don't be afraid to pour a little bit of yourself into what you do!"