Thinking About Scrapbooking?

Scrapbooking is a hobby enjoyed by many in North America and can be a great way of passing time for both you and your children. In fact, many find that it is a common activity that makes for a special time to be shared in the family.

It may take a bit of time to get comfortable with scrapbooking and find the style that works best for you. The key is to have fun while doing it. Even so, many find that after spending some time working with scrapbooking, they are able to produce albums that really are works of art and that may become family heirlooms to be passed down and shared with future generations.

Some of the items that you will need to get your scrapbook started are pictures, adhesives, and cutting tools.

Almost everyone has a box of pictures kicking around, although in this digital age that may get harder and harder to find. You may find that many of the pictures you do find have become warped or discolored. This is due to poor storage conditions and the abundance of acid and moisture. Acid and moisture will disrupt the chemical balance of a picture, which makes them warp and change color. Be sure to check that the supplies you will use in your scrapbook are acid free so that the pictures you use are protected and preserved.

Good basic cutting tools are key to the scrapbook experience. Ensure that the scissors that you chose are sharp. You may want a few different kinds such as a small pair for finer work and possibly ones that create designs such as a scalloped look.

Finally, you will definitely need a means of mounting your pictures. Many first timers find that using photo mounts are the easiest for them. Photo mounts are tiny pre-cut pieces of double-sided tape. Glue dots are often used for items that are a bit heavier and require more strength to hold them on.

So now that you have the basic supplies, you are still missing one key ingredient, the scrapbook album and of course paper. With the increase in the popularity of scrapbooking, a wider variety of types, sizes and designs of scrapbook albums have become available. Certainly a lot nicer looking than the plain-Jane ones we all grew up with in our school years. You may want to begin with a few simpler projects as you learn and refine your scrapbooking style.

Consider the size of the scrapbook album and the number of pictures you would like to include on a page. The average 8 x 11 page will hold between 2 to 5 pictures after cropping and balancing of the layout. Scrapbook albums come in a variety of sizes and designs and most will include a white piece of paper in each sheet protector. You may want to add a variety of paper colors to add to the look of your scrapbook.

There are of course many additional doodads and what have you that you are able to add to your scrapbook supplies inventory. Items such as rubber stamps, paper crimpers, punches, stickers, die cuts and other three-dimensional elements. Start with a few basic supplies and add to your inventory over time, as you become more proficient.

Most of the supplies that you will need are available at your local craft store. Many craft stores also have knowledgeable sales staff to answer your questions and may also have in-house workshops that you can attend to gain more skills and ideas. Another resource you may want to look for is a local scrapbooking club, which is an excellent way to meet other people and learn new skills at the same time. Maybe you want to start your own scrapbook club. Regardless of how big or small your scrapbooking hobby is, remember to have fun.

Warmest regards,

SherryD