Six Scrapbooking Tips
Provided by Scott® Common Sense Community
Turning your family memories into special keepsakes is fun and easy with scrapbooking. These crafty projects let your personality shine, and you can get as creative as you want. Whether this is your very first scrapbook or have made this a regular hobby, here are some helpful tips for every "scrapper."
Organize your supplies. The secret to any good scrapper's success is keeping materials organized and in good condition. Inexpensive accordion-style file folders are just the thing for flat items like photos, papers and stickers. A stack of plastic storage drawers can help you organize your cutting and punching tools, pencils and pens, die-cuts and other items. Spend less precious time searching for materials and more time creating!
Find creative materials without spending a bundle. Found objects like aluminum foil, gift wrap, ribbon, embroidery floss, buttons, or even fabric from a favorite worn-out shirt can add flair at little or no cost. Why buy expensive patterned paper when you can start with plain colored cardstock and use your imagination to create your own unique design? Of course, be sure your paper is pH-neutral and photo friendly.
Designate a workspace. This hobby requires room to spread out! So find an out-of-the-way nook for your scrapping — a spare bedroom or rec room are ideal places. Just be sure you've got a large, flat, hard surface, enough light and a comfortable chair.
Crop 'til you drop with a local group. One solution to space and time constraints is meeting with a regular group at a craft store, church or community center where table space is plentiful. It's a great way to socialize, share layout ideas and work regular scrapping time into your schedule. Check with a local scrapbooking or hobby shop to learn where these groups meet.
Keep a balance, scrappy! If your passion for scrapping takes you away from your family — or your kids return from school to find you pajama-clad and bleary-eyed, hunched over "just one more" page layout — you may want to reconsider how much time and energy you'll devote to it. After all, scrapbooking is about showing your family how much you love them!
Most importantly, have fun! Scrapbooking is a relaxing, creative way to capture your family's personal history, so enjoy the hobby! If it starts to feel like work, take a break. Revive yourself mid-project by stepping outside to take a few deep breaths, then return to your pages with a fresh perspective.
