How to Get Started Scrapbooking in 3 Easy Steps

While there are many articles on Scrapbooking around the Internet, one question I seem to get asked the most is; How Do I Get Started Scrapbooking?

I’ve found very few articles on this subject. However, getting started scrapbooking is not hard at all. Here is how to start your first scrapbook project.

Start by gathering some scrapbook supplies. This can be anything that YOU like. A good starting point is some of those loose pictures you have stashed out of the way. I like to try and keep my scrapbooks to one or two themes. For example, one idea might be; “Fourth of July at the Lake.” Organize and categorize your scrapbook materials. Scrapbooks can cover any subject you want. If you keep your scrapbook to one or two subjects, then you can probably bypass this step. A scrapbook over a large subject like “Family” can be broken down into manageable categories such as school days, first job, first loves, family vacations, etc. Visualize then Design the layout of your scrapbook. I like to take as much time as needed to design my scrapbooks. I like to try and visualize how I want my scrapbook to look and how I want it laid out. I like to use short phrases or sentences to describe the pictures. I also use titles for every page. Keep the page titles and pictures relevant. You wouldn’t want pictures of your first day at the job under “Our Bermuda Vacation.” This is also the time to pick out any decorations you might want in your scrapbook. Don’t overdo it!
Scrapbooking Tips

Keep your photo’s in an acid free photo box for best results. Shoe boxes are also good if you’re on a budget. Be Yourself. If you’re making the scrapbook for yourself, then make it the way you want it! There’s no law that says you must make a scrapbook this way or that way. This is the beauty of scrapbooking. Pick one photo to be the main theme of your scrapbook. Think before you cut. New scrapbookers are so excited, they tear into their photo’s and start cropping or cutting them out in all types of shapes. Before cutting any photo, have a designated place for it. Makes sure it’s going to work in that spot. I prefer to matt the photo rather than cut the photo itself. Don’t cut the Polaroids! The chemicals inside can ruin other pictures. Again think about matting and overlays. KISS - Keep It Simple Scrap bookers! Nothing screams “AMATEUR” more than a scrapbook with every design, sticker and decoration imaginable. Stick to a few shapes and designs for each theme.

Scrapbooking is fun and addictive. Anyone can do it and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to do it right because you decide which way is the right way to scrapbook!


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