Trendy Tuesday – SMASH Books
By Colleen Harshaw
SMASH books are a trend that I learned about fairly recently. Last fall I attended CKC Cincinnati, and in one of my Copic classes there was a woman sitting next to me who was carrying around a SMASH book. That was my very first introduction to this craze. We chatted about SMASH books and what their purpose was, but then I headed home and didn’t think about it again….that is until I began to see SMASH books and SMASH accessories popping up everywhere!
What is it? A SMASH book is a type of journal that is made to hold all of the ephemera of everyday life….ticket stubs, receipts, clippings, photos, doodles, etc. It is a way of scrapbooking on the go, with a lot less fuss, and a lot less time commitment. SMASH books are often small enough (journal size) to carry in your purse or bag. You can jot down things as you think of them, such as funny things your kids say, a quote you heard and liked, or any of the other random occurences of your life. For those of you who are overwhelmed by scrapbooking, this is the perfect way to save your memories in a scaled back way.
The website of K&Company, makers of SMASH books, have this fun explanation of SMASH books on their website:
Photo courtesy of K&Company
There are different types of SMASH books available too. You’ll find themed books, such as wedding, baby or travel SMASH books. There are also mini SMASH books and SMASH books with embossed or patterned covers. Then there are all of the accessories!
The first book that I have to show you below has a pretty floral pattern embossed on the front. It comes with a pen and glue stick fastened to the side of the book. The interior pages feature different designs for inspiration.
Pretty Pink SMASH Folio – K&Company
Photo courtesy of www.paper-source.com
This next SMASH book is a wedding themed book. This book contains journaling prompts and various page designs.
Wedding Style SMASH Book – K&Company
Photo courtesy of www.paper-source.com
This next item is one of the many SMASH book accessories available on the market. These bands are used to keep your book closed and keep loose items from falling out. They are available in various styles and colours.
SMASH Bands – K&Company
Photo courtesy of www.paper-source.com
This is a travel themed SMASH pad. It contains 30 themed pages with prompts and jounaling ideas to include in your SMASH book.
SMASH pad – K&Company
Photo courtesy of www.paper-source.com
This is a view of the some of the inside pages of the SMASH pad above….
SMASH pad – K&Company
Photo courtesy of www.paper-source.com
I took the following photo at my local Michael’s here in northern New Jersey. They had a whole endcap of SMASH books and accessories on display.
Photo courtesy of Colleen Harshaw
Now I want to show you some samples of completed SMASH book pages. This will give you a better feel for what this SMASH craze is really all about!
Layout by Sam – happie-scrappie.blogspot.com
Photo courtesy of www.smashstoriesblog.com
Layout by Sam – happie-scrappie.blogspot.com
Photo courtesy of www.smashstoriesblog.com
Layout by Sam – happie-scrappie.blogspot.com
Photo courtesy of www.smashstoriesblog.com
Layout by Dorothy – thelittlehouseoutback.blogspot.com
Photo courtesy of www.smashstoriesblog.com
The reality is, you can make your own SMASH book from any type of journal or hard cover notebook. You can purchase the SMASH accessories, or use scrapbooking items you already have at home. Cut things out of magazines and newspapers, save receipts, and add anything else that speaks to you!
The most important thing is that you document your stories. There will come a day in the future when you will be glad you did!
I’m so glad that you showcased smash books because I have never heard of them. Little books are one of my favorite things to create so these are right up my alley.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on smash books! I think a smash book would be a perfect way for my son to keep track of all the ephemera he is currently storing in a box.
I think these are a smashing idea although I don’t think I would make one.
Why not? Scared of a Smash book smashing your life?
I think of Andrea’s beautiful journals as Smash books of sorts. I haven’t tried one this involved, but always take a journal when I go on vacation. I just need to start adding some fun elements, not just use it as a travel diary. I like the line of Smash products I see in the stores.
Thank you so much, I wanted to get a new one, but couldn’t decide which. I thought every single one was themed. WOOT should’ve come to your page sooner.