So you are interested in scrapbooking and want to make your very first scrapbook. That is wonderful and I am sure that you will find scrapbooking to be a lot of fun. Although the decision may have been made, I have found that for many first time scrapbookers, it can be difficult to get started.
Walking into a craft store, it can be overwhelming, to say the least. There are hundreds of items to choose from and even choosing the scrapbook itself can be daunting. Purchasing the supplies can be very expensive, especially if you are unsure what you need and many first time scrapbookers get pulled into buying things that they only use once or twice.
To avoid this, there are a few things that every new scrapbooker should do before they head to the scrapbook store.
Step One: Get Organized
Before you make a scrapbook, it is important to really get organized. Go through all of your photos and find out which ones you want in a scrapbook and which ones you don't. Remember that not all of your photos will be in a scrapbook so don't feel the pressure to put them in.
Once you have pulled out the photos you want in a special book, start organizing them into themed pages. Birthdays, vacations, special events or special memories that you want can be the themes that you sort by. Place them in a photo box with dividers identifying the theme or the event so they don't get mixed up.
Step Two: Decide on the Scrapbook
Next, decide on the scrapbook before you get ready to make it. This means that you will need to decide on whether you want to have a large 12 by 12 page scrapbook or a smaller one. You can find them in many different sizes, although most scrapbookers prefer the larger 12 by 12 paged books. The smaller books are more cost effective and may be a better way to start out in the world of scrapbooking.
Once you have the size, determine if your scrapbook has a theme. You could do a couple's scrapbook, a baby's scrapbook, family memories, family trips, the dog's scrapbook and so on. There is no wrong theme and if you simply want one big book with everything, don't hesitate to make it.
Step Three: Find a Scrapbooking Group
While you don't need to do this, it does make scrapbooking more enjoyable. In addition, there are many crop meets and stores that offer crop nights so you can gain some experience and help with ease. The main reason why I recommend that you find a scrapbooking group or crop night is because many scrapbookers will share materials and tools with new scrapbookers. This will help cut down on the overall cost until you are sure this is the hobby for you.
Step Four: Purchase the Main Supplies
Go to the store and purchase the bare necessities for your scrapbook. Start with cutters, glue, double sided tape and a few embellishments that you enjoy. While the first few pages may not be as cutting edge as your later ones will be, it helps to start small and then slowly build up your supplies. It is also healthier for your wallet.
Step Five: Make your Scrapbook
Finally, sit down and start making your scrapbook. Use other people's scrapbooks for inspiration or use a scrapbooking kit for the first few pages. When you are making a scrapbook page, cut all your photos and paper and then place it on the main page before gluing. This will help you get the layout that you want without wrecking the paper. In addition, this habit will save you a lot of heartache over the years as you create pages after pages for your scrapbook.
In the end, making a scrapbook is very easy; however, being organized, finding a good group to scrapbook with and finding your inspiration will make it even easier.
Emma Taylor is Chief Editor at http://ScrapbookingOnlineTips.com an information site that discusses scrapbooking ideas, layouts and how to create scrapbooks.
