Preserving Memories Through Creativity

Most people display their pictures in special frames at their homes or keep them in photo albums. However, photos alone will have little meaning for family or friends if the character in the portraits is not around to share the memories that were captured.

Scrapbooking has been a hobby that is growing in popularity. In fact, it has now evolved into a very popular craft. While some indulge in this hobby for future generations, still others would do this for fun.  Scrapbooking can be addictive, so they say.

Getting Started

Organization of Photos

Organizing photos and memorabilia would consume most of the time in scrapbooking. Below are some tips for making this step a lot easier:

• Gather all the photos and memorabilia in one place. Look into the attic, basement, garage, drawers, files, cabinets, old and new photo albums, photo frames, old Christmas cards, and letters from loved ones.
• Create categories for the photos and memorabilia. The categories can be date, activity, theme, or person.
• Sort the photos according to the categories created.
• Write any special or important details of the photo at the back of it. Use a photo-safe pencil when doing so.
• Store the photos in a safe place.

Memorabilia

Memorabilia enhance one’s scrapbook projects. Large items can be photographed and written about. Flat items can be protected with acid-free laminates. Paper items can be free of acid by using a de-acidification spray.

First Project

Deciding on where to start with the project can really be overwhelming. It is therefore advised to start first with a manageable project that has a clear beginning and an end.

Basic Supplies

Purchasing scrapbook supplies can be expensive. Therefore, it is well-advised that one should start scrapbooking with the most basic supplies and by not rushing out to buy everything at once.

Albums

The choice of the album is very personal. If money is a bit tight, starting on with the pages first will do while the scrapbooker is still saving for the actual album.

• Albums vary in sizes; however, the 12” x 12” size is the most popular.
• The cost of the albums varies from around $20.00 to over $100.00.
• Consider post bound, strap, or ring binder type of album.

Many like the 3 ring binders because of its ease of use when inserting or removing pages. The other two are popular but a little more time-consuming.

Adhesives

Tab dispenser and dots glue dispenser are ideal for beginners. The former is ideal for adhering photos and papers plus it is easy to use. The latter is great for adhering small items and has the added advantage of being repositioned when mistakes are committed.

Vellum tape is used when one is ready to advance from basic pages. It is ideal for adhering see-through paper as it doesn’t make the glue visible.

Double-sided tape is also popular for adhering difficult items. Aside from being transparent, some brands are foamy that give a 3-D effect.

Pens

Pens are used for adding titles and journals to pages. The scrapbooker must make sure to use pens that contain pigment ink that are acid-free, permanent, or waterproof. Pens are available in many colors and styles. The styles include scroll, brush, calligraphy, bullet, chisel, fine, dual, and medium tips.

Scissors

This is definitely an essential in scrapbooking. Choosing a pair of straight, fine tipped scissors enable the scrapbooker to cut precisely in tight spaces.

Paper

Colored papers can be used as backgrounds. They can also be used to create borders, mat photos, or punch out shapes. The material must be acid- and lignin- free. They come in various colors, textures, designs, and thickness.

Ruler

A clear ruler is ideal as the scrapbooker can see through where he rules his lines.

Other Useful Supplies

• Paper Trimmer – available in different cutting shuttles such as wave, zigzag, and scallop

• Cutting Tools – tools that create all sorts of shapes can save time and gives smooth edges

Other Options

• Stickers
• Stencils
• Punches
• Stamps
• Die-cuts
• Decorative edge cutters

Many have discovered that displaying pictures with text can explain the significance of such photos. Therefore, scrapbooking is the perfect way to preserve photos and memories in a creative and unique way.