Where to start?

I always recommend newbies go to a Creative Memories party... but don't fall for the "only use our stuff" message... they have great tools, (worth spending the money on) and nice albums (best in the market) and cool cheap classes... (and no I don't work for them). If you can't find a CMC (creative memories consultant).. find a LSS (local scrapbooking store) and take some classes... :)

Hi Alison! Welcome aboard!

Here is one website you can check out...it has some steps and instructions that are probably easier to read than what I would write if I were trying to instruct:

here are a couple of others to check out as well: these sites will help somewhat...if you have questions after goingthrough some of the stuff, just ask! Lots of talented folks here to helpout!

Where are you located?

Donna in Beautiful British Columbia!

Alison Go to

type in your zip code / postal code and find an scrapbook store nearyou. Then go in and browse, maybe ask about classes.

Everyone has given you great advice.

I would suggest that you get all of your pictures together and organize them. Put them in a picture safe container you know acid free, lignin free.

I would go to a CM class. They teach you the basics. My sister bought a kit for $200 and has scrapbooked with everything she got for a year. It has really come in handy for her especially since she only scraps once a month at the CM workshops. I only bought a few things at a time and everytime we got to a workshop I spend 2 times as much as her. It could just be that I want everything though.

Tools: good adhesive,paper trimmer, cardstock, pens, letter stickers and stickers. These are good to start with.

Album: What size and what kind do you want to use? I like the CM albums but if you want to scrap your layout right on your own cardstock then you might like the postbound better. I do both scrap on the CM album pages and on cardstock. I like the CM because they just seem more sturdy to me.

Get a couple of magazines or books. They give good advice and great ideas. One book that was given to me as a gift when I first started was Scrapbooking For The First Time by Rebecca Carter. It helped me.

Be Careful at first not to buy so many tools. I have several things in my collection that I have tried and then never used again.

Oh and come to this newsgroup and ask all of the questions you want.

Oh my gosh I just realized I will be a 2 year old scrapper soon. I think I got more pages done my first year. This year I started out strong but I have only completed 48 pages. My goal was 100.

Have Fun! Diana

Alis> I am interested in beginning to scrapbook, but I don't know where to

My tip would be to find the first few photographs you would like to scrapbook. Take these pictures with you to a craft store or scrapbook store and find some papers that co-ordinate with the pictures. Some plain cardstock to matt the pictures and a background page of either plain or patterned - whichever you like. Buy some stickers that co-ordinate and some acid free adhesive and just play about.

Once you ahve done your first page and made your first trip to a scrapbook store you will slowly but surely dveelop your own style and add embellishments etc - but I certainly found starting with stickers and papers the easiest way to start.

Have a look online at websites with layouts to give you ideas - buy a simple scrapbook magazine and have a read. the people who work in the scrapbook stores are alwasy really helpful to beginners and they often have beginners classes which can be helpful.

Most of all have fun!!! And don't buy too much for a while - start slowly and see what you like and don't like before you waste any money.

HTH

Bws Jane

I say the same,Allison.CM is the best place to start. Then find a good scrapbook store that gives classes and you will be well taken care of on all sides.

Sabrina :-)

I just wanted to say thanks to all of you for your help and advice on getting started. I am really motivated to get started. I will be keeping up with this group discussion page, I will let you know if I have any more questions. Thanks again! Alison in Utah

is a nice place to start. I am signed up fortheir FREE weekly email newsletter, but they have a paid service, which Ihear is well worth the $$.More ideas: There's LOTS of great ideas in their "gettingstarted" - newbees guide! ;) they have a great idea section found in "Let'sScrapbook" HTH

Utah?? ...home of scrapbooking!! ...isn't it? If not, there are a TON of sb stores there! Shelley's suggestion for finding a sb store and taking a class is a FABulous idea!

I can think of about 50 stores within an hour radius of where I live. Each has a different set of classes and items to look at.

If it's not the home of scrapbooking it's deffinately the LSS capital. If anyone ever has the chance to come out here, let me know.. i'll give ya a GRAND tour of it all.

BrattBoy

L> Utah?? ...home of scrapbooking!! ...isn't it? If not, there are a TON of

50??!! WOW!! Lucky you! I can think of about ...... 3. :( Sad, huh?? Take advantage and take that class. Let us know how it goes!

What do you want to know? So far I've been to :

1. class was about keeping your buying to a minimum and being organized
2. class was on themed lo/albums and different types
3. class was on using and embellishing die cuts

That's it so far... I've learned other stuff from my sisters who've been going to other classes.

I'll probably hit more classes once school is over.

BrattBoy

L> 50??!! WOW!! Lucky you! I can think of about ...... 3. :( Sad, huh??