Try Scrapbooking

Have we ever been in a time that brought us to be stuck in our house with nothing to do? We just then go roaming around the place looking for anything that can get rid of boredom. However, then we always stumble on piles of junk and many of which are old picture albums. Without any intention of spending time examining it, we began to flip the pages and without knowing we already finished checking the entire pictures in the album. Naturally, memos of our past preserved in pictures bring a feeling of life such as passion that it makes us feel missing those times and even reminisce over other particular situations related to the picture shots taken. For sure that many of our pictures are so precious to us that we cannot allow to just throw it aside and let it rot until it got wasted.

If ever we think of making useful things out of those junk ones, especially our memos, why not create a scrapbook out of them. It is one of the great ways to preserve memories and pass them down in a creative and unique way.For whenever we think of scrapbooking we think of all the pictures and memorabilia that we have saved to create a portrait of our lives, which will cherish us forever.

Scrapbooking is more than making pages that appeal to the viewer for it is unique and artistic kind of hobby worth trying. Most of us love to take pictures of our family, friends, favorite things or places, unforgettable episode of our lives and more. With scrapbooking, we can create a dull picture album into a much lively and enjoyable one.

Naturally, many of us would want to transform our old photo albums into a scrapbook,, but we also have to consider that in doing so it can become costly for it is a continuous process. Still, it depends on whether or not we will be shelling out much money based on our expected outcome. However, it needs not be an expensive activity if we know what to do and how to do it. These are some of the tips on how to achieve a page that is beautiful to our eyes and even more stunning in our pockets.

Use used papers

Save those old newspapers or magazines. These materials contain great graphics that we can use on our pages. Cut down and paste those ads in the newspaper and same goes with the pictures in the magazines. And if we want to add more pages, we can do recycling. Although it is time consuming because in addition to tearing the paper into smaller pieces, we also have to dry them after the recycling process. However, if we have a lot of free time in our hands, then its worth doing it. Who knows, we might find it real fun and probably awaken the addiction side in us.

And if still we don’t have enough stock of magazines and newspapers, then we have to buy one or more. However, as much as possible, we have to choose those magazines that contain the images we are searching for. The good thing about this is it is inexpensive than buying stickers or graphics.

Look around for old stuffs

We don’t have to buy decorations just to make our pages nice. There are a lot of things in our house, we can make use of. In fact, it is much better for sometimes, the stuff we find in our home can add a touch of memory in our page that decorations in craft stores cannot achieve. Make use of the broken chains and ribbons in dresses as a border lining of the page. Old buttons from our old clothes are good decors also to add and or maybe if possible, faux gemstones from our costume jewellery we don’t use anymore. We can even tear some fabrics in our old clothes and use a few parts to add texture and many more. With this, we again save money in doing so.

make use of everything

If we are a type of person who keeps absolutely everything for the memories, we certainly can fill up the whole scrapbook without buying a thing. For instance, movie tickets, concert tickets, receipt from our first date, even candy wrappers and anything that reminds us of a special occasion can absolutely be used as our page’s decor.

Lastly, we have to put our heart into it, for it represents what we are on the outcome of the scrapbook we make. So let’s gather all the stuffs needed and enjoy every moment in doing it and that starts today!!!

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.

SCRAPBOOKING: An Art and Leisure

Scrapbooking is both an art and a leisure.  It is an art because one expresses his or her personal style by decorating the memory books.  It is a leisure at the same time because one enjoys and have fun doing such activity.

Unlike photo albums that include pictures alone, scrapbooking , creates a story based on the pictures and texts written on the page.  In other words, it documents a maker’s personal history – on the things that happened to him or her. Scrapbooking adds personal touch and makes us enjoy more in looking at the pictures because of its headings, texts, comments or whatever and the decorative materials being added into every page of the memory book.

A lot of people keep their pictures simply on a photo album.  They just insert every picture into the album until every page is consumed.  There are also photographs that we want to put into frames especially family pictures, solo pictures, a couple’s pictures and other pictures that we consider special. However, there are some of us who are not contented with this kind of photo arrangement.  They think it gives little meaning to those who look at the picture and does not fully share the memory it depicts.  They wanted to divert into scrapbooking because they think that it displays the significance of the photos through the added texts and other forms of embellishment that are put  into it.

Scrapbooking is a way of expressing our personal style, our mood, our story and our life.  Photos alone are not enough.  Creative texts, backgrounds, coloured papers, stickers, beads, embroidered materials and other forms of embellishments are very much needed.  These added materials make the memory book unique and more meaningful.  Scrapbooking gives out the best in us as  an artist in our own little way.  It can also serve as a favorite pastime for those who are fond of making scrapbooks.  Lovers of scrapbook making do not experience boredom and tiresome everytime they indulge into this kind of activity.  Fun, enjoyment and excitement are always experienced.

There is no such thing as a correct way or wrong way of scrapbooking.  Because, scrapbook making depends primarily on the makers style.  It reflects who you are and what is important to you as a maker of the scrapbook.  As they say, anything goes.  And  that is what scrapbook- making is all about.  You have the freedom to put what you wanted to put and to write what you wanted to write. No limitations set.  No hassles. Full of fun.  Exciting.  So, why not try scrapbooking?

Scrapbooking: As Hobby and As Money-Making Venture

So many craft enthusiasts and even ordinary homemakers are into scrapbooking these days. Scrapbooking is the pleasing and creative way of collecting and keeping photos and mementos in personalized albums. Unlike the conventional photo albums, modern-day scrapbooks use various decorative and specialty papers, buttons, beads, ribbons, sequins, shells, cut-outs, and other items as embellishments for the album pages.

Scrapbooking makes an enjoyable and artistic hobby. It gives you the chance to dig into your collection of photos and preserve the best ones by mounting them on acid-free paper. Then you get to exercise or practice your creativity by decorating around the photos and all over the pages to make them look nice and interesting. Shopping for embellishments, or looking for pretty little items around the house which you can use for your scrapbook pages, can also be fun in itself.

Aside from mounting photos and gluing the embellishments together, scrapbooking also involves journaling. This means telling the story behind a photo. You indicate who is in the photo, where and when it was taken, and some little anecdotes about that moment. This particular task relieves stress and allows you to reminisce and feel nostalgic.

If you are a new scrapbooking hobbyist, remember that the most impressive and beautiful scrapbook pages are actually those that are simple and clutter-free. Remember that embellishments are there to enhance the photographs and make them look more interesting, not to steal the viewer’s attention from the photos. Remember that the real essence of scrapbooking is to preserve the photos and the memories that come with them. More important than the aesthetic aspect of it is the time and care you devote into preserving your photos and your memories.

So there is no wonder so many people are turning to scrapbooking during their spare time.

And because scrapbooking is so poplar these days, scrapbooking businesses are also sprouting like mushrooms. When before you’d be contented collecting old buttons, ribbons, old gift wrappers, and other unused knick-knacks at home to use on your scrapbook pages, now, you can’t help but get your hands on so many cute and pretty scrapbook materials displayed in craft stores. Commercial stickers, papers, and decorative items of all colors and designs abound.

If you are one who wants to take advantage of the popularity of scrapbooking and get into a scrapbooking business, then take time to know everything there is to know about scrapbooking. Your customers will expect you to be an expert on this kind of craft and may come to you to ask certain questions and suggestions about their hobbies. Read craft books, visit scrapbooking or hobby-related websites, and interact with other scrapbooking enthusiasts.

If you want to try your hands on scrapbooking as a business, this information or pointers will be of great help to you:

* High-quality scrapbooking products, especially those made of 100% acid-free paper and tape can be expected last around 15 to 20 years without discoloring. Scrapbook materials made of mediocre or poor-quality paper (or fake “acid-free” paper) will fade out and discolor after only a short time. Thus, it is very important that you source or get your materials from reputable and reliable suppliers. It is also important that you distribute only products and materials that bear a credible and well-respected brand.

* Make it your hobby as well. Or at least try creating your own personalized scrapbooks in order to get acquainted with the craft. This is the only way for you to understand the nature of your business and to understand what customers or what your market wants and needs. This is also the only way for you to establish a personal relationship with and an attachment to your business and to really learn to love it for what it is.

* Know your market well and establish your business and customer network by joining or attending scrapbooking seminars and workshops. Through events like these, you will get to interact with your market customers and learn about what would sell. This is also a good chance to advertise the products or services you offer and expand your client database.

* Think up of new promotional ideas and projects that would help sustain the people’s interest in the craft or in the hobby. This also helps sustain the interest of your customers in your business.