(Sorry, I missed this post the first time around!)
I’ve been scrapping for about six years now. My first project was in a CM album, but now the only CM product I use regularly is their cutting ovals. (I just like ovals…) I do much prefer the flexibility of the top-loading album over the strap-hinge.
My husband is working on a PhD in folklore and is writing his disseration on scrapbooking as auto-ethnography. (Well, when I say “writing,” I use the word in its loosest sense. There hasn’t been much actual writing happening, as yet.)
That’s interesting, Helena, I wrote an ethnography on our local shelter and briefly considered trying a heritage one like your husband is doing. I find the concept of the ethnography so interesting and fun. I’ve often wondered what an ethnography on the SDMB would show!
OK I’ve written ethnography far too many times now!
I love the cutting system too although the celestial patterns are my favorite (not that I have anything against ovals.) I live by the taperunner though. I tried other brands and they did not work as well for me. I also like the segments as they make it easier to just take one segment or two to stick really small things. And now they have a mini tape runner! Yay!