ok, I write on Open Diary, and there are a bunch of girls on there that are wanting to do scrapbooks. (Look at me, Im enabling...) and I was wondering if you all could help me with some Do's and Dont's to scrapbooking. (Like using acid free stuff, etc) I'd really like to see what you all can come up with, and I figured since I've been doing it for 6 years that I would have some good ones, but I dont. Any help you guys can give me would be GREATLY appreciated!
Lacey
P.S. Baby Kai is fine, and due in 3 Weeks and 5 Days! Hes an active little booger too!
Fisrt thing I tell anyone interested in scrapbooking is to choose the typw of album they plan to use, be it post-bound, strap hinge, or three- ring binder. They don't have to have an album to start - just a package of pages. The type of album dictates the size of the LO - 8.5X11, 12x12, CM has to have 1/2" cut off most 12x12 pages, etc. Only buy basic supplies to get started such as a good pair of scissors, paper cutter, adhesives, and an acid free pen for journaling. Journal - even if you don't like your own handwriting, don't use the computer to do all of it. Put some of yourself into the album for the future generations so have and cherish. Go to the library and borrow some of the scrapbooking magazines to look through. I like PaperKuts and Creating Keepsakes myself. Check labels of all supplies for acid-free contents.
I'm sure there's lots more to add to the list. Sandy
Good question Lacey. For me I would tell them that there is not a "right" way or "wrong" way as long as they watch the acid content of their supplies. A scrapbook show some of yourself as well as your topic, which makes them all different. They need to then determine if they want to work on a theme such as a vacation that they have recently taken or chronologically through an event such as the birth and first year of a child's life. The format they want to use (6x6, 8x8, 8 1/2x11, 12x12, etc) will determine the type of paper to buy. The other must have for me is Journalling. I look back at some of my parents pics and grand parents pics and I don't know who is in them. Some pages may have lots of journalling others just a little but journalling is very important. It can be computer generated or your own handwritting. I like to include my own handwritting to make it more personal. i have also had my DD's help with the journalling as a way to show what their handwriting is like now compared to when they get bigger. Other tips I would suggest are:
-not all pics taken need to be included. And don't be afraid to trim the pics if there is excess background. When trimming make sure to leave enough background to give context.
-don't be afraid to include non-"scrapbooking" supplies. I like to include ticket stubs and other memorabilia. it may not all be acid free but if I am careful about the proximity to photos that is ok.
-It is easier to start with recent photos or events. The older photos can be done as well but it will likely be harder because the memories are not fresh. i tried to start with some older photos when I was just starting and stopped for a long while because it was too hard. I'm glad I didn't permanently give it up but could have.
-Don't be afraid to look at books, magazines or websites that give examples to see what can be done. But also don't feel like yours has to be just like what you see there.
Everyone has given you some good suggestions and all I can really add is Start with organizing all of the pictures in Chrono order, by theme or by person. Whichever way the scrapbooker wants to do it.
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