Learning to scrapbook will take some commitment, as it is really like a piece of art. You will learn new techniques for scrapbooking you will be able to use and enjoy, however, you will have to get to know a few basic tools, supplies, and learn some basic skills before you get started. You will want to create albums, but it could take a little time to get the hang of it. Projects can be time consuming, but it is very rewarding when you end up with a family heirloom. It is enjoyable to do and the memories that you gather can be passed down to your grandchildren.

To get started, you need pictures. Everyone has boxes filled with pictures, but you may notice that some are discolored or warped because of poor storage. Our homes are full of acid and moisture, which breaks down the chemical balance, used to produce photographs and causes them to change appearance. With scrapbooking, you will want to use acid free supplies so that you can preserve the pictures for many years and decades to come.

There are some basics tools that you will need to get before you start your voyage in scrapbooking. Every good scrapbooker needs a cutting tool. You will need to get sharp scissors. You will also need some form of adhesive. Beginners may find that the easiest products to buy are photo mounts, which are tiny pre-cut pieces of tape, and glue dots, which are pressure-sensitive strong spots of glue to hold larger embellishments. Beyond a cutting tool and adhesive, you really don’t need any other tools to get started, but if you want to create fancier pages, many options are available including rubber stamps, paper crimpers, and punches. Start with a few smaller items and increase your inventory as you learn more and more scrapbooking skills.

You will also need a few basic supplies before you begin, the most important of which is the album itself. Make sure whatever you purchase is large enough to hold all the pictures you want to include; two to five pictures will fit on a standard 8 ½ x 11 page with cropping, with the most balanced layouts having three pictures. You can also choose from larger or smaller albums. Really, the only other supply that you will need to get your scrapbook album started is some paper. Most albums come with a white piece of paper in each sheet protector, but there are many colors and designs to choose from to help spice up your album. Other supplies that add interest to your pages include paper dolls, stickers, die cuts, and three-dimensional elements otherwise known as embellishments.

When it comes to the skills that you will need, you’ll learn how to do things that you see in a magazine or online and mimic it in your art. If you would like to gain some skills the fast way, you will want to attend or join a scrapbook workshop or class. As for the workshops, you will be able to attend many workshops when you check out the craft schedule at the local stores. You can also go to a local craft store and ask them how to start the scrapbook and you’ll be able to learn and master the process of scrapbooking.

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When you make the decision to start making scrapbooks, you are very likely to go out and buy all the materials you think you need and then some.  This will lead to some buyer’s remorse when you realize you have a bunch of stuff you don’t need and you totally overspent your budget.

It’s easy to make a scrapbook on a budget with a lot of stuff you already have, you just need to know where to look.  Here are some things you probably already have that can help get you started

Trashed Clothes.  If you have clothes that are too worn out or stained to make good hand me downs or donations, why not add pieces of them to your layouts.  Not only will you be saving money and making less trash, you’ll also be reminded of great memories of your loved ones even if you didn’t manage to get a picture.

Broken Jewelry.  Have an earring that’s missing it’s mate?  A necklace with a broken clasp?  What about a bracelet your child has outgrown?  Instead of getting rid of them or just filling up space in a box, why not use them to add a little sparkle to your scrapbooks?  Make a photo frame or make your own cool ornate embellishments by adding the jewelry to the bits of clothes from the previous suggestion.

Gift Wrappings.  Think about all the birthday, Christmas, baby, wedding, and any other gifts you’ve ever given or received.  Now think about all the money you spend on wrapping paper, bags, bows, ribbons, and other decorations.  Sometimes old decorations can be reused, but often they just get shoved in a closet or thrown away.  Using them in your scrapbooks can make beautiful layouts and bring you back to the special occasion where you got them.  Just watch out, some of these products can have high acid content.  ( Please see special note at bottom of post )

Otherwise Trash.  Yes, some trash belongs in a trash can (or a compost heap), some might just make for a creative new layout.  Next time you go to throw something away, take a good hard look at it first.  It might just make a great background, border, or embellishment.  If you are doing a BBQ layout, that pop top or bottle cap may just make the perfect little free addition to your page.

Souvenirs and Memories.  Pictures aren’t the only way to spark your memories.  Add to pictures of your ski trip by using your lift ticket or trail map in your scrapbook.  If your son won the science fair, use his blue ribbon to add a special touch.  Remember good times with friends by scrapping the tickets stubs from a movie you saw together or a matchbook from the restaurant you always eat at

Recycled Storage.  You can not only use things you already have to put in your scrapbook, you can also store your supplies in items that may be taking up closet (or trash) space.  Old jars and cups work great for storing ribbons and other embellishments.  Did your husband get a new tackle box and hasn’t gotten rid of the old one?  All those little spaces are great for organizing buttons are even different adhesives.

Creativity.  The only limit you have when you scrap is your own imagination.  There are all kinds of things you can use in a scrapbook that aren’t found at a scrapbooking store; you just need to teach yourself to recognize them.

So get up, look around your house, and start scrapping.

**special note** when unsure about the acidity of products, make sure they do not touch your photos and you will be safer.

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You may come across with various definitions of what a scrapbook is. And you may even have set one for yourself. But you see, of all those meanings associated with scrapbooks, there will always be one thing central to it- keeping memories.

Just like photos, scrapbooks are keepers of precious moments that you would always want to return back to. The moments that you have captured in photos and the moments of your creativity, deeply embedded in every page, note, captions and journals in your scrapbook.

One day, you’ll take a look at the scrapbooks you have created and they will deliver you back in time.

Not all of us are avid scrapbookers. Many may not even have tried starting one. However, we all have an idea of how to preserve our past. Well, scrapbooking is like that, only you would have to add up some creativity and art concepts into it.

The hardest junction might be to start from scratch. Scrapbooking may look simple for some yet the hours and the ideas you have to invest on them are so enormous that many find themselves initially frustrated. Or possibly, on wits end before an idea crops up.

We have prepared some guidelines in here that you may modify and apply in your own experiences. Basically, this is just a collection of ideas that will help shed light on the thoughts bugging in your mind.

Somehow you have to know your own style.

Shine up with your personality. After all, it will show in your craft. If you are not as sure with what truly is your preference when making the design or the layout of your scrapbook, it is best that you analyze your self first. Know your personal tastes and refrain from following the hypes and fads as presented in the scrapbooking industry. This way, you will more likely to produced original and personal ideas that will work best in your own ways.

Sometimes, we have to find outlets for our personalities to show. Some people do writing stuffs, some delve into less serious practices. Scrapbooking though may fill the gaps between the two.

If it is really that difficult to produce an original idea, you can forgive yourself by mimicking other scrapper’s works.

Many find great uses in other people’ s designs. Sometimes, they even bring out the best from adopting a concept into their own. This technique is called scraplifting.

Other people choose not to follow this concept. However for beginners it is always easier to follow those that worked for many. Somehow, along the way they will find their own methods of doing things.

As a beginner, it won’t harm if you check some great works. Then modify these using your own materials, photos and touches. And once a good inspiration breaks out, the scrapbooker may find herself immersed in the confidence of doing things in her own way.

Create your own mood board.

Mood boards are commonly used in the fashion industry as testing grounds for new ideas. These are like boards wherein cutouts, drafts of designs and fabric swatches are portrayed to provide initial impressions of the new trend. In fact, anything that will help the viewer’s see the direction and concepts of the designers are placed on the mood board.

By making use of mood boards, a scrapper may easily find her style. Placing concepts into more tangible mediums will construct foundations for your layouts and intentions.

Don’t be too critical in this process. While flipping through magazines, you need not know why a picture or an image attracts you. If it produces positive reaction then go and tear it out. This is one good test to determine your style.

Second, you would want to check on color combinations. For some of us, we have already set definite grounds on what our favorite color is what we may most likely not use. Using a single group of shades is good if you can manipulate and mix them into varying combinations.

However, most people find it hard to detract themselves from a single concept. It won’t be bad if you will experiment on some other hues. When inspiration turns bad and there seem to be no color available for you, look at the butterflies for inspiration.

scrap facts guide

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Scrapbooking is a great way to preserve your family memories. It gives you the opportunity to not only put the pictures in one place, but journal about the event or picture as well. Journaling is what makes the story come alive. My oldest daughter LOVES to look through and read the scrapbook I made for her first 10 years of life.

Anyone can scrapbook. You do not need to be this overly creative guru to scrapbook. You just need to be able to write and express love. There are PLENTY of idea books out there to help with the “creative” part!

This article is for traditional scrap booking. I have nothing against the digital, I just prefer the old fashioned way where I can sit on the couch and flip through the pages with my family.
Let’s get you started in scrapbooking
Must Haves

NOTE: You should always use ACID free products on your pages so your pictures are protected.

Scrapbook and Pages. You can find these at any craft store or even walmart. You can also go the fancy way and go to a scrapbooking consultant.

Pens, markers, and stickers. Make sure that you have writing material for journaling and stickers to decorate your pages.

Cloth Material. If you have old baby clothes that are worn or mildly stained, you can use them for your layouts. You could also use old blankets, dish towels, etc.

Old Jewelry. If you have old earings you do not wear or earings without matches they can be used in one of your pages.

Decorations. Wrapping paper, bags, bows, ribbons, and other decorations.

Memorabilia. Movie stubs, tickets, match books, cards, brochures. Whatever you can find that would fit on a layout page when you are on or trip or doing something special with your family.

Magazines and Books. These are filled with ideas to help you be creative. You can copy other’s ideas. You do not have to have all the creativity. You just need to have the pen and tell the tale!
Scrap booking Creativity Finders

Online. There are TONS of sites all over the Internet with scrapbooking ideas, layouts and products. Even if they are only for digital scrap booking, you can still use the idea!.

Amazon or bookstores. Magazines and books will help you. Go to your local book store or visit amazon.com to find the ones you think would be most helpful to you.

Look around. Everywhere you go there are ideas. Pay attention to patterns and details. You may get some ideas…or at the very least inspiration.

Scrapbookers Events. Many cities have cropping days for scrapbookers. They even have weekends dedicated to this. many Creative Memory consultants have them weekly. Find one near you and go. You will find ideas from pro and you may win a prize. Plus, you will find some Mommy friends with the same interests as you!

Keep in mind, there is NO wrong way to scrapbook. You do not need to be perfect. The IMperfection is what your family WILL appreciate most! I have made so many “mistakes.” However, those are the pages that are loved the most!
You do not need to break the bank to scrapbook

If you have a husband like mine, you do not have a huge scrapbook budget! LOL! Guess what? You do not need one!!

Online. There are a lot of sites you can find products for scrapbooking. Do a google search. Look for sales.

Target and Discount stores. Target has a dollar section that almost always has SOMETHING a scrapbooker can use and they are usually acid free. Target and walmart also have craft sections. Look around and find clearance items.

Sunday Paper. Look for sales. There are MANY craft stores. Most of them have sales every week, or coupons. Keep your eyes open and go when there are scrapbook sales.

There is NO limit to what you can find. Just look around and keep your eyes open for potential layout helpers. You may even find them under your very own roof!

I hope this encourages you to make the most of your memories with scrap booking, and some time for YOU. This is a GREAT way to love your family.

Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved

NOTE: You may use this article for reprint ONLY if you DO NOT change the article in ANY way, AND you keep the source and Author’s bio IN TACT with ALL links ACTIVE! About the Author: Lara Velez is a Christian wife and homeschooling Mother of two. She is a published writer, web designer (designedbylara.com), and Mom of Faith (momsoffaith.com). She enjoys cooking, writing, scrapbooking, and web design.

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