Southwestern-Style Scrapbooking
The Southwestern United States enjoys a rich mix of Hispanic, American Indian and Old West cultures. Pam James of Ventura, Calif., lets this heritage shine in her scrapbook page (shown here) about her American Indian ancestor. Once you've researched your own Southwestern roots, add these touches to your layouts:

• Borrow your palette from desert sunsets. Think red-brown, golden yellow, peach, coral and turquoise.


• Arrange punched shapes—traingles, diamonds, squares—to create geometric borders and corner decorations.


• Add motifs such as cacti, dunes, red-rock buttes, chili peppers, cattle brands or (if you don't mind reptiles) lizards and snakes.


• Beads and feather charms reflect American Indian culture. Remember to use color copies or reprints of your photos with three-dimensional decorations.


• Go rustic with papers that are patterned with the textures of weathered wood, worn leather, stucco or rusted metal.


• Incorporate facts and images from the place your ancestors called home. The American Southwest Web site has photos and information on national parks and historic landmarks.