Scrapjazz.com Interview with Allyson Bright Meyer

Allyson Bright Meyer, a regular Scrapjazz contributor that we all know and love, has just recently published her first book. Her debut print publication, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Scrapbook Projects Illustrated, will be in stores on October 3, 2006. I had the opportunity to ask Allyson some questions about the writing and publishing process as well as the finished product.

Andrea: What kinds of projects and information will we find in The Complete Idiot's Guide to Scrapbook Projects Illustrated?

Allyson: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Scrapbook Projects is an all-inclusive scrapbooking guide. It starts off with three chapters that cover the basics of scrapbooking. Beginners will find this section especially helpful, as techniques and design are explained in detail, with easy-to-follow instructions.

Next, you'll find three parts - Commemorating Your Experiences, Celebrating Your Relationships, and Celebrating Yourself. Each chapter in these parts contains a featured theme album project, complete with step-by-step instructions and a fill-in-the-blank worksheet to help you plan your album. PLUS you get to see additional layout ideas for each theme, as well as journaling ideas, design tips, and more.

All sorts of themed projects are included. Basics like vacation, babies, and holidays are here, plus fun out-of-the-box ideas for album projects, such as an album recording your goals for the future, or one commemorating your daily routine. No matter what you want to scrap, chances are you'll find help in this book. You'll also find an entire chapter devoted to circle journals, and another covering scrapbooking with kids and young adults. Finally, the book wraps up with chapters covering the creation of cards and décor projects from your scrapbook supplies.

Andrea: How has Scrapjazz.com helped you with this book?

Allyson: Scrapjazz definitely helped me write my book, but first and foremost, Scrapjazz helped me become a better scrapbooker. I became a Scrapjazz member back in 2002, when I first started to become serious about my scrapbooking. I love that Scrapjazz has allowed me to connect with so many scrapbookers across the globe, to share ideas and feedback. When I got stuck on a layout, Scrapjazz was there. Needed late night inspiration? Scrapjazz was there.

So a few years later, when it came time to write my book, I wasn't surprised to find that, once again, Scrapjazz was ready and waiting with encouragement and help. I posted a call for layouts and projects here on the message boards, and the response was overwhelming. I received thousands of layouts to consider for the book. Making layout selections was hard, but so much fun. I'm excited to feature the work of many Scrapjazz members in the final product, including Blue Crew members Andrea Steed, Sheredian Vickers, and Shelley Burkett.

Andrea: Tell a little bit about the creative process, who you worked with, how long it took, etc.

Allyson: I had about eight months to complete the book, from when I first conceived the book to when I delivered the final product to the publisher. I began by deciding on the chapters and types of projects I wanted to include. This was one of the hardest parts-choosing which themes and topics would be covered in order to create a book that would appeal both to complete beginners and experienced scrapbookers. After that, I began to develop the theme album projects featured throughout the book, working with several top manufacturers throughout the process, including Karen Foster Design, KI Memories, Scrapworks, and Junkitz. I also had to select which layouts I was going to publish from the thousands that were submitted.

Once the projects were in place, it was simply a matter of putting all the pieces together. All of the album projects and scrapbook pages were completed, and then photographed or scanned. Finally, I wrote the text to accompany them. This was actually probably one of my favorite parts of the process-since I'd been working so hard on the projects, I had so much excitement ready to share. The completed book is 240 pages long, so as you might imagine, this took quite awhile!

Andrea: Who will benefit from the book?

Allyson: Beginners will love The Complete Idiot's Guide to Scrapbook Projects because of the step-by-step instructions for each album project, as well as the layout sketches and design tips. Experienced scrapbookers will enjoy all of the full-color scrapbook page samples, as well as the ideas and tips for new and unique layouts. Plus they'll enjoy seeing pages and projects from some top names in the industry, including a foreword written by Stacy Julian, founding editor of Simple Scrapbooks magazine.

Andrea: What are your plans for the future? More books?

Allyson: My second book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Altered Art Illustrated, will be in stores this coming April. In the meantime, I showcase a new project on my website (www.allysonbrightmeyer.com) every Friday and love seeing how other scrapbook artists adapt my ideas. I do plan to continue writing crafty nonfiction, and am currently taking some time to explore my creative options. I definitely plan to keep writing and scrapbooking!

See what industry experts have to say about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Scrapbook Projects:

"A great resource for everyone from beginner to advanced. The quick tips, unique album organization ideas, and hundreds of color project examples are the perfect inspiration to create memories that will last a lifetime."

-Andrea Steed, co-founder, Scrapjazz.com

"With so many scrapbooking products and ideas available today, just getting started can be overwhelming. This book brings you right back to what's important-capturing your memories and having fun doing it!"
-Kimberly Sabel, founder & creative director, KI Memories

"This book is clear, concise, and comprehensive in its treatment of what is now one of America's most popular pastimes. In a high-tech, fast-paced, globally connected world, scrapbooking is a chance to step back, reflect, and feel gratitude for one of life's simplest pleasures: happy memories."
-Stacy Julian, founding editor, Simple Scrapbooks magazine

We're so proud of you, Allyson, and this fantastic accomplishment! We wish you success with both books as well as your future endeavors! We also look forward to seeing more of your work here at Scrapjazz!

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