How to Start a Scrapbook

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If you have a lot of pictures and mementos just stashed away in a box on your shelf, then it is time to check them out. These pictures usually reflect your hobbies, your youth, vacations, or photos of loved ones. It is time to get the boxes down from the shelf, and create a scrapbook !


Steps

1. Organize the photos and mementos. A scrapbook can contain pictures, movie tickets, programs, anything that will lay flat when the book is closed. There are two schools of thought when it comes to ways of scrap booking. The first is chronological scrap booking. The second approach to scrap booking is event or theme-based scrap booking which is more current and simple. Layouts are completed using event photos (birthday, graduation, first tooth, etc.) or with theme photos (ten things I love about you, dear ole’ dad, my favorite foods, etc.).
2. Count your photos and mementos. This way you can determine what size album to get. Albums come in multiple colors, sizes and even shapes. The more popular sizes are 12” x 12”, 8.5” x 11”, 8” x 8” or 6” x 6”. The most popular album binding are 3-ring notebook-style, post bound, and strap hinge. Other binding options are spiral, clasp-ring and hand-sewn. Page protectors finished layouts are slipped into for safe keeping should be PVC free.
3. Buy a scrapbook based on your theme, or just a regular inexpensive one, and mark it to reflect the theme. You will need stamps, cut-outs, stickers, scissors and glue. Construction paper is colorful and often cheaper than “specialty” papers made especially for scrapbooks.
4. Carefully measure and plan your page before you start gluing. You can write your plan down on a piece of paper, so you will not forget how you want to layout each page. Manufacturers of scrapbooking supplies and scrapbook designers often make kits that include everything needed to make a layout. Kits include most of the supplies but not the adhesives and tools needed for assembly.

Tips

• Some craft stores sell scrapbook-making kits to help you get started. If this is your first time making a scrapbook, this may be the way to go.
• Scrapbooks can be found in various styles and colors at most stores, Supermarkets, craft stores and online stores
• As you get more acquainted with scrapbooks, you will want tools that save you time and frustration. Two very useful tools are the Xacto knife and a pair of tweezers.
• Using ‘other’ crafts like little leaves, creative paper and pop up sticky can really enhance your photos.
• Make one photo the stand out photo that grabs your attention.
• Add some writing, especially dates and a BIG heading.
• Acid-free and lignin free products can keep your pictures from turning yellow.
• Be creative!

Warnings

• Scrapbooks can be addictive. Once you make one, you will want to make more. The more you make, the more items you will want to put on the pages for decoration and detail. Have fun, enjoy and show your “books” to anyone who wants to see them.
• Be careful you don’t cut the only copies of your family photos. You can get color prints of them instead.
• If you are using the only copy of family photos get another print made of it. It costs a bit more than colour copies – but photos can be made from originals and look the same.

Things You’ll Need

• 12” x 12” paper trimmer
• Scissor, fine tipped
• Craft knife and cutting mat
• Pen with a white plastic eraser
• Ruler
• Pens and Inks
• Album/Scrapbook
• Anything you want! This is an opportunity to be as creative as you’d like.

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