Andrea's Review	Catherine's Review	Chris' Review	Renee's Review	Stephanie's Review

Review by Andrea

Instructional DVDs are a great resource for many reasons. They can be watched from the privacy of your own home, stopped and started as your time allows and you pay the price of the DVD only once for multiple viewings. One of my favorite qualities of owning a crafting DVD is the ability to play it while working at my own area with my own supplies. On Air Video, Inc. produces our latest instructional DVD for review: Scrapbooking: Memories Made Simple.

The run time on this video is 119 minutes, covering 6 different 12" x 12" layout creations. Sharyn Pak, our host, shows the creation from beginning to end for each layout theme. Four out of the six are single page layouts with the last 2 being double page spreads. Sharyn touches on materials, tools and techniques that will be covered while creating each page and includes a pdf for each page that is printable from the DVD. The pdf is a nice resource to bring with you to the store if more supplies are needed or just to have at your crafting area so that the appropriate items can be gathered for the page.

The video and audio quality was very good. It was easy to see Sharyn work with the tools and manipulate the materials from the different video shots and angles throughout the DVD. Sharyn was clear when she spoke and described the steps as she went through the steps for each page.

To complete a project for this review, I compiled some of my favorite techniques or features from different layouts on the DVD. I liked Sharyn's use of patterned paper as a foundation for the page, so I started with a paper that offered a built-in border. Simple coordinating cardstock was used for matting the photos as Sharyn suggests. Stickers were used as accents on the side border, title and to fill in some "white" space. Brads on either side of the layered title letters secured ribbon for added texture and dimension. A paper clip was added to hold a tag, much like the third layout on the DVD. By combining the elements per Sharyn's suggestions, this page came together rather quickly with a good result.

Title: Skinner Mountain
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics)
Patterned Paper and Cardstock Stickers (Reminisce Enchanted Autumn)
Layout Idea (On Air Video)
Ribbon (Bo Bunny)
Letters (American Crafts Thickers)
White Pen (Ranger)
Paper Clip and Brad (Target)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

The video provided some good tips and suggestions for a starting scrapbooker. Showing the variety of ways to cut photos and different options for adhering elements to the page were both good to see. I would have liked more explanation as to why and when to use certain tools, adhesives and embellishments. Is it better to use a knife, mat and metal ruler for thin or thick paper? When would liquid adhesive be better to use instead of dry adhesive? What are my options for putting a page with thick embellishments into my scrapbook? A simple rule-of-thumb explanation to these questions would help starting scrapbookers have a more well-rounded understanding of the tools and materials presented in the DVD.

The variety of techniques presented in the DVD offers new options for beginners and reminders for existing scrappers. I liked how Sharyn uses scraps and cardstock to make embellishments. It is something every crafter needs to remember - recycle! Thanks for a "back to basics" video On Air!

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Review by Catherine

On Air Video Incorporated has released a scrapbooking video entitled “Scrapbooking: Memories Made Simple”. The copyright on this video is 2008, making it a fairly recent DVD release. I had never heard of On Air Video, or the DVD, “Scrapbooking: Memories Made Simple”, before this review so I was interested to see what it was all about.

The DVD was sent in traditional professional DVD packaging. The DVD run time is 119 minutes; almost two full hours of scrapbooking. After watching the video, I would have to say that this DVD would be perfect for the beginning scrapbooker, or someone who is interested in getting into scrapbooking. There are six different scrapbook layouts that are presented in the video in the following themes: Birthday, Newborn, Pets, Christmas, Little Boy, and Vacation. Perfect themes for someone just starting out. Additionally, after each scrapbook layout is presented and demonstrated, the host of the video shows several other options or color schemes for each theme which follow the basic format of the original layout.

The video presents a variety of different techniques. The main techniques which are outlined in the video are: cropping and mounting photos, selecting background colors, journaling, titling, tearing and qulling, and adding embellishments. The host of the video, Sharyn Pak, presents each of these techniques with easy to understand directions. Additionally, the video presents basic materials needed for each layout and there are downloads available on the DVD of lists of Materials and Tools needed for scrapbooking, if the DVD is placed in a computer.

My favorite layout from the DVD is the Christmas layout; probably because I am in the holiday spirit. I decided to use the basic instructions in the video and add a few more embellishments to create a Christmas layout highlighting a picture of my son from last Christmas.

Title: Joy
Cardstock (Prism Papers)
Patterned Paper (BasicGrey)
Stickers (Making Memories; 7Gypsies)
Metal Title Circles (Bazzill Wings)
Tag (Making Memories)
Journaling Block (Daisy D’s)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

While there wasn’t a whole lot of new information in the video for me, I certainly can appreciate the easy to understand presentation of Sharyn Pak, the host. Again, I believe this DVD would make a perfect gift or addition to any beginning scrapbookers video library. I would recommend it to any of my friends who are thinking about getting into scrapbooking; primarily because of the easy and friendly presentation, as well as the great production value of the video. Additionally, the option of having a downloadable list of tools and materials which one might need to begin scrapbooking is a wonderful bonus.

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Review by Chris

On Air Video, Inc., is a video production company founded in 2002 by husband and wife team Sharon Pak and Larry Withers. They specialize in instructional videos for the fine arts and arts and crafts. Their craft line-up includes videos on bookbinding, beading, mosaics and their most recent endeavor, scrapbooking.

In Scrapbooking: Memories Made Simple, host Sharon Pak takes the beginning scrapbooker through six different projects, progressive in difficulty both in supplies used and in techniques, and deftly teaches the novice how to create scrapbook pages featuring photos and memorabilia.

In viewing this video, I was impressed with several aspects:

• The overall production is of high quality. The host and owner, Sharon Pak, presents the information in a clear voice, slowly outlining the easy-to-follow steps for each project.
• The projects presented in the DVD are progressive both in level of difficulty and materials used. The projects range from a simple, single-photo layout, to a double-page spread.
• Each project includes a detailed list of supplies and tools needed. There also is a printable file that the novice scrapper can take to the store when purchasing the needed supplies.
• The techniques range in difficulty from using simple purchased embellishments to creating a 3-dimensional painted flower and a trimmed Christmas tree.
• Through-out the DVD, Sharon demonstrates several different brands of supplies and tools, including adhesives and paper trimmers, without reference to brand names. This would be extremely helpful as the novice shops for products in stores that may have a limited inventory.
• In each project, Sharon focuses on paper selection that compliments the colors in the photos. Although not the only way to select papers, this certainly would make it easier for a novice scrapper to create a pleasing layout.

Using the tools and materials suggested in the DVD, I created a Christmas layout. I like the mounting of photos on “cards” that can include journaling of the event. The hidden journaling concept demonstrated in this project lets the beginning scrapper know that journaling is important, but does not have to overwhelm or distract from the page. Hidden journaling is a nice “trick” that can be used on many different layouts. Using ribbon and stickers, I was able to add a festive look to my paper “tree” and the banner at the top of the tree is a great place to put the title!

A Florida Christmas
Products used: Inspired by Scrapbooking: Memories Made Simple produced by On Air Video, Inc.
Patterned paper (Thumbprintz, Mistle Toe Green; Frances Meyer, Red Holly)
Stickers (SandyLion, Reminisce)
Decorative Edged Scissors
Foil (ArtEmboss)
Die Cuts (Sizzix, Classic)
Cardstock (Prism, Metallic, Fairway)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Tape Runner)

It’s important to remember that there will always be people new to scrapbooking who are not familiar with the ins-and-outs of the craft. Many of them live in remote areas without access to in-person classes, or perhaps don’t have the resources or the desire to take classes. This instructional DVD produced by On Air Video, Inc., is an excellent resource for those entry-level scrappers. Priced at $14.95, it is an excellent bargain. It includes information on supplies and materials, and instructions for 6 projects delivered in a clear, concise fashion that will allow everyone to achieve success! I highly recommend this video for those folks who don’t know quite where to begin. Once they’ve completed the projects in this video, they’ll be well on their way to creating beautiful memory books for themselves and their families.

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Review by Renee

Do you remember how confusing scrapbooking was when you first started. I remember reading on boards and talking to others who scrapbooked about various techniques. They would try to explain them to me, but since I am a visual learner, the translation of their explanation often did not result in what I envisioned. More often than not, I ended up with something that resembled sticker sneeze.

Never fear, on air videos has help to the rescue! Scrapbooking: Memories made Simple is the DVD that you wished you had when you first started scrapbooking. It is a beginner DVD that introduces the viewer to most of the basics of scrapbooking including simple design principles like repetition, color selection and others while demonstrating the proper use of various tools. It also teaches a number of techniques that most beginners will find useful.

The DVD walks the viewer through six progressively more difficult layouts. The first is a simple layout largely involving cardstock, learning techniques such as proper matting (I learned something on this one!) and selecting colors to enhance photos. The next few layouts becoming progressively more complicated as do the tools used. For example, Sharyn Pak, the host, initially demonstrates the use of a metal ruler and xacto knife for paper cutting. She progresses to a simple paper cutter, and completes the program by demonstrating the use of the larger making memories paper cutter. I was very excited to see it demonstrated as this has been one of the tools on my acquire list. It was very helpful to see it actually demonstrated before purchasing.

For my first project, I created a layout featuring pictures of our recent visit to USS Alabama. I used techniques from the video including paper tearing, patterned paper selection, and mounting stickers on cardstock to help them pop.

Title: Battleship
Products used: Patterned Paper (Sandylion)
Stickers (Sandylion)
Chipboard (Scenic Route)
Ric Rac (Ribbon Bobbin)
Staples (Making Memories)
Cie Cut Machine and Cartridge (Provocraft Cricut)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

For my second project, I adapted two techniques from the later part of the video. I used the drop shadow technique, pop dots application and then used an adaptation of the sticker application section for my title on my card. I recently purchased a Cricut machine and had totally forgotten about using drop shadows to create dimension. I will definitely be incorporating this technique again on my layouts.

Title: project 2
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics)
Patterned Paper (Sandylion)
Ric Rac (Ribbon Bobbin)
Brads (Making Memories)
Die cut machine and cartridge(Provocraft Cricut)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I really enjoyed viewing the Scrapbooking: Memories Made Simple DVD. Even as an experienced scrapper, I was re-acquainted with several techniques I had frankly forgotten about. I also got to see a really good demonstration of a cutter that I have been considering purchasing, which was a plus. The main thing that I like about this video is that it taught sound design principles, something that I am very passionate about. Regardless of the style of scrapping that is done, sound design always makes a layout classic. Do you know a new scrapper or are you new to scrapbooking? If so, this is definitely a DVD worth getting.

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Review by Stephanie

Are you a new scrapbooker? Do you have questions about the pictures you are using and how you should size them, shape them, cut them? Do you have questions about color schemes, journaling and how to put together that first album? Are you overwhelmed with all the scrapbook tools you need to begin your journey through this awesome craft? Do you wish you could have someone work with you one on one? Well, Scrapbooking Memories Made Simple, a DVD by On Air Video Incorporated, is exactly what you need. This DVD is packed with the information you need to delve into this awesome craft, and you can get individual attention in the comfort of your own home. So, pop in the DVD and see how easy and fun it is to scrapbook.

For this review, I received the Scrapbooking Memories Made Simple DVD. This DVD is one of the newest products On Air Video has created. Established in 2002, On Air Video is run by Sharyn Pak and Larry Withers, a husband and wife team, who specialize in creating instructional videos for many arts and crafts. The cover of the DVD shows our hostess, Sharyn Pak, with one of the layouts she demonstrates on the DVD. The back cover details the materials Ms. Pak uses in the DVD along with the various tools needed to recreate her projects. Ms. Pak makes the preservation of your memories uncomplicated with her calm demeanor and detailed, but easily understood instructions. Broken into six project segments: Birthday, Baby, Pets, Christmas, Boy and Vacation, Ms. Pak shows you how to create incredible layouts using a variety of techniques and supplies.

The DVD is approximately 2 hours in length and is well worth the time watching it through, then going back to each project and working with Ms. Pak while she revisits the elements of design, color choices, journaling, embellishments, tearing, gluing and journaling. With all the tools and supplies in the marketplace, Ms. Pak shows you the basic tools and supplies you will need to get started. At the beginning of each project, Ms. Pak lists the items you will need to recreate each layout. She also has a downloadable PDF file with all the information for each project so you can print it out and gather your supplies in advance. So, get comfy and watch your creativity come alive.

While Ms. Pak shows you how easy it is to begin your scrapbook adventure, I’d like to take it a step further and show you how easy it is to combine any number of the techniques from Ms. Pak’s projects into one layout. In Ice Time, I chose the layout format from the Birthday project, used tearing techniques from the Vacation project, and punches from the Baby project.

Title: Ice Hockey
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Stormy Medium, Classic Orange)
Pattern Paper (Flair)
Die cuts (Cricut, Plantin Schoolbook)
Brads (Bazzill)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

In my second layout, I again combined various techniques: paper tearing from the Vacation project, stickers from the Christmas project, 3d embellishments from the Baby project and journaling.

Title: Party
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Tawny Dark, Herbal Garden Dark)
Pattern Paper, Stickers (Flair)
Die cuts (Cricut, Plantin Schoolbook)
Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug Swiss Dots),br /> Ink (Ranger)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

One thing Ms. Pak reiterates throughout the DVD is to save scraps because you never know when they will come in handy. So, using the scraps from my Party layout, I created a quick and easy card – incorporating the tearing technique, using lace, adding embellishments.

Title: Dad Card
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Herbal Garden Dark)
Pattern Paper, Lace, Stickers (Flair)
Stamp (Art Impresion)
Ink (Staz on)
Punch (Stampin Up),br /> Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

Scrapbooking Memories Made Simple, by On Air Video Incorporated, is a perfect choice for someone who wants to scrapbook, but does not know where to begin because it provides you with a perfect starting point. But, it can also be a bonus for a scrapper who may have lost focus or can’t find the time to scrapbook because it allows you to sit back and enjoy the DVD in the comfort of your own home on your time schedule. I’ll bet you’ll find your creative juices flowing in no time at all. You would easily pay $20.00 - $25.00 for each project if you took a scrapbook class at your local store. At $14.95, this DVD gives you six projects you can watch again and again, picking up new techniques and ideas each time you watch it. A definite bargain! Thanks On Air Video Incorporated for a great DVD.

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