5 Steps to Get Going-on a Scrapbook Project

Scrapbooking is one of those activities that can be so rewarding and creative because you're able to capture your well-loved memories and express even more of their personality. It is also one of those activities you always want to do with friends and family members who share an equal interest in it. Though it may appear daunting to start your first scrapbook, these five easy steps will help you on your way to creating a beautiful keepsake.

Step 1: Supplies

Scrapbooking is not about the bottom line; it's about the art. Generally speaking, you can find albums, decorative paper, stickers, tape, and adhesives quite inexpensively at your local craft store or online. Start by choosing a scrapbook album and some basic tools that you will need to get started, such as scissors, glue, and some decorative embellishments. This is a necessary step toward actually beginning to work on it; it's a starting point and helps you visualize what your scrapbook will look like.

Step 2: Choose the Photos and Theme

The choosing of photos is one important step in making your scrapbook come alive. Determine the theme that best fits the project you have at hand—be it a family vacation, your wedding, or the first year of your baby—and give coordination to the photos in telling your story. After having decided on one, sort out your pictures and choose the ones that would tell your story best. You can also make several scrapbooks for every occasion if you want to!

Step 3: Layout and Design

Now the fun part—designing your pages! Do a simple plan or layout for each of your pages before you start gluing anything down. Experiment with different photo, paper, and embellishment placements until you come up with the look that feels right to you. For beginners, a simple clean design is often best. Use decorative elements sparingly to avoid overcrowding the page. Remember, your photos are the focal point.

Step 4: Implementing Journaling

Scrapbooks are not all about the pictures; they are about telling stories. Captions or journaling on your scrapbook pages bring context to the photos, making them all the more meaningful. You could write a few lines describing the moment in the photo, share a memory, or include a quote that resonated with you. Of course, handwritten notes add to the personal touch, but you might also use printed text if you like a cleaner look.

Step 5: Play with Various Styles

Scrapbooking has many facets. From the original techniques using scissors and glue to the programs used for digital scrapbooking, the styles can be so numerous. You can also use other unusual techniques, such as felt scrapbooking or collage scrapbooking, to create a unique project. Don't be afraid to be creative and mix up different elements to reflect your personality.

Ending

Although some people may find it a little intimidating to start working on a scrapbook, it really is a very rewarding and enjoyable hobby. Just follow these basic steps, and you will be on your way to create a beautiful picture book full of memories you can enjoy for years to come.