Scrapbooking has been around for a long time. Traditionally it was seen as a way of preserving items of personal interest such as photographs, printed media, and memorabilia in a scrapbook or album. However, the pastime of preserving memories has changed over the years. It has gone from pasting photos and clippings into generic albums to carefully crafted books that are themed and artistically decorated. So you may be asking yourself, "How do I effectively create my first scrapbook?" By following the steps below, you will be well on your way to creating a scrapbook you can be proud of and that will decoratively hold memories for years to come.



Scrapbooking stores are an excellent source of information when creating your first scrapbook. They are in business to help customers with a variety of things from offering scrapbooking products, providing instructional classes, and supplying plenty of inspiration that will have you addicted to scrapbooking. With all of the possibilities out there, scrapbooking businesses are a great resource for information when creating your first scrapbook, or even once you're a pro at it!

Another source for information when you are looking at creating a scrapbook is Web sites that provide customers with a wealth of scrapbooking information through online clubs, blogs, and message boards. These scrapbooking Web sites will provide you with tips and tools from around the globe. That way you aren't limited to geographical restraints that may not have caught on to the hottest trends. Some Web sites even offer clubs where members are able to showcase their scrapbooking creations online. Looking at other people's scrapbooking ideas can spur even more creativity as you design your own scrapbook.

As well, digital scrapbooking is becoming extremely popular. Easy-to-use scrapbooking software programs appeal to people who want to creatively showcase their photographs quickly and easily. This is an excellent method of choice for those who don't want to invest a lot of time learning a new skill.

However, you don't have to rely on the professionals when making your first scrapbook. Since scrapbooking is a personal reflection of your style, the following steps may be beneficial in giving some guidelines that will result in a professional looking scrapbook.

-Determine your scrapbook theme.

-Select solid and patterned paper that coordinates nicely with the pictures as well as the chosen theme.

-Decide page layout by choosing one focal picture with several smaller, cropped pictures that will complement the main photo. Cut pictures in a creative manner that has a nice visual appeal when it's laid on the page.

-Matte the photos on solid paper and then matte with the patterned paper as the background.

-Add journaling or titles to the page on card stock-it can be handwritten or typed using a special font on the computer. Card stock is used so that if a mistake is made, the whole page in your scrapbook isn't ruined.

-Assemble the scrapbook page by laying down all of the pieces that you would like placed on one scrapbooking page, ensure it has the look you desire, and begin gluing the photos and decorations on your page.

Scrapbooking is a craze that will keep building, because people will always have the desire to preserve memories and mementos. Part art form, part craft, and part historical record keeping, scrapbooking has also become a social outlet for many. While there are those that choose to "crop" and paste by themselves at home, a growing number of scrapbookers enjoy getting together with like-minded enthusiasts in classes, clubs, and informal gatherings to practice their hobby. For some "scrapping" has become a way of life.