Scrapbooking as a Leisure Activity for All Ages

Scrapbooking is a type of leisure activity wherein an individual could use pictures, stickers, ribbons, and other decorative materials in preserving life’s precious moments. Scrapbooking is done by the use of scrapbooks or just simply albums that are aesthetically decorated. This serves as the one holding all the decorations together to make a beautiful form of art. Now, scrapbooking is also a sort of artistic expression of a scrapbooker, an individual who does scrapbooking. The entire designs of the scrapbook including all of the decorative materials that are to be used are entirely up to the preference of the scrapbooker. Hence, it is a personalized product of the creative mind of a scrapbooker. It has also gained a lot of popularity around the world. There is no wonder why a lot of stores catering to scrapbook enthusiasts are popping in the market today. The scrapbook or a decorated album is probably the most essential material in starting to engage in scrapbooking. After all, how can all the materials be attached into one without this? Aside from the scrapbook itself, there is also a wide array of materials used to beautify and decorate an individual’s scrapbook. Some of which are art papers, buttons, laces, gold dusts, background papers, stickers, stamps, rub-ons and many others. All of these contribute to the beautification of the end product. Anyways, there is a new wave of how scrapbooking is to be made and it is considered to be called digital scrapbooking. It has now added a special twist to the old way of how scrapbooking is to be created. So, if an individual is planning to engage in doing scrapbooking, how can he or she start? What are the necessary things needed by a first-time scrapbooker to start scrapbooking? What are the techniques in making a very good and creative scrapbook? Is scrapbooking open to any person irregardless of age? And lastly, with the emergence of digital scrapbooking, how can an individual make a scrapbook out of using technology as medium? The popularity of scrapbooking has somehow gained a lot of inquiries and questions with regards to how scrapbooking is done. Now that digital scrapbooking is here to stay, questions regarding these matters are even more magnified to another level since it is dealing with computer software. Digital scrapbooking has advantages over the usual way of doing scrapbooking, probably yes, but it also has disadvantages over the usual way of doing things. As the discussion progresses, the questions stated above will be properly addressed and will be given answers.

As a neophyte to scrapbooking, it is therefore encouraged to educate oneself about the activity. Try reading articles, or better yet try to examine ready-made scrapbooks for you to have an idea of how to start making one. With keen observance about the details, one will really learn a lot from it and at the same time appreciate how it is done. Starting with the activity as a beginner is not actually that hard. As a matter of fact, the fun part of doing something totally new to a person is actually at the beginning. The element of excitement makes the activity much more interesting. With regards to the necessary materials that are needed to begin scrapbooking, well they are more or less the same materials used by average scrapbookers although it is advisable to use simpler and much more basic decorative materials for beginners because far more advanced materials may create a sort of difficulty for the beginner and the materials may not be utilized to its optimum function. With digital scrapbooking now present, manipulation of the design will be easier although some still prefer the joy of scrapbooking manually. You just need to have computer skills to create digital scrapbooks. Through constant practice and the willingness to learn, an individual will certainly improve his skills in making scrapbooks. It is just a matter of putting your heart into it so that you will be able to fully express your artistic nature. Techniques to become a much better scrapbooker will be learned through time. Reading books about scrapbooking and related articles will definitely help an aspiring scrapbooker to increase his or her knowledge on the techniques of the activity thereby leading to improvement. Irregardless of age whether you are young or old, scrapbooking will always be a leisure activity. It preserves momentous life events so that it can be treasured for a long, long time.

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.