Scrapbooking For Beginners
--By Allyson Bright Meyer
Welcome to the wonderful world of scrapbooking! Scrapbooking is a great way to preserve your family's
stories and memories. Plus, you get the added benefit of making new friends and expressing yourself
creatively. Making scrapbook pages that effectively show off your favorite photographs is fun, and it's easier
than you might think.
Tools
To start any new hobby, you need a variety of basic tools. Scrapbooking is no exception.
To get started, you'll need:
A paper trimmer, preferably at least 12" long
Archival quality adhesive
Archival black ink pen
Acid-free cardstock
You may also wish to purchase a variety of patterned papers, stickers, and embellishments. While it can be
tempting to purchase lots of these items at first, remember to start slow. Take the time you need to get started
and learn your favorite techniques and style. After you've got the basics mastered, you can easily select what
"extras" you'd like to include on your scrapbook pages.
Of course, you will also need the photographs you plan to include in your scrapbooks. Don't be intimidated -
there is no "rule" stating that you have to scrapbook every photo you own. Choose your favorites, or collect
several photographs together with a common theme or date. Start simple. Remember, scrapbooking is fun!
Layout & Design
For the beginner, designing the actual scrapbook page can be the most intimidating part of scrapbooking.
Scrapbook page designs can be as simple or as elaborate as you want them to be. Don't be afraid to
experiment with new techniques and ideas, but remember that it really is all about you - so you can design
your pages however you want to! There many layout resources available for scrapbookers, so you don't have to
be on your own when you sit down to create your first page.
Many scrapbookers like to begin their pages by finding or creating a layout sketch. A sketch is nothing more
than a blueprint of a scrapbook page, outlining what your page will look like. Consider looking through our
library of layout sketches. Find one that works with the number of photographs you have, and has a design
that's appealing to you. Remember that you can always change a sketch to meet your needs.
Another great way to create a layout design is to copy or adapt a layout that you admire. Idea books and
magazines are full of fantastic ideas and beautiful pages. You can also browse our own layout gallery and see
thousands of great layouts designed by ISA members. Be inspired by a photograph, a journaling style, or even
a color combination. Combine these ideas with your own to create a wonderful page for your scrapbook.
Connect with Other Scrapbookers
One of the best things about scrapbooking is the way it brings people together. Scrapbookers enjoy sharing
ideas and learning from one another. As a new scrapbooker, take advantage of the experienced scrapbookers
around you - you'll learn plenty of tips and tricks, and likely make a new friend along the way.
Scrapbooking classes are a great way to get connected with experienced scrapbookers. Most local
scrapbooking stores offer classes teaching a variety of subjects and techniques. They are not typically very
expensive, and usually your supplies will be included in the class fee. Classes are great because you will
receive a live demonstration of the craft, and have the opportunity to learn directly from others. To find a class
near you, visit our class listing. If classes aren't offered in your area, consider taking a class online. Many
experienced scrapbookers now offer online classes - you'll get access to the instructor via email and often live
chat.
Finally, consider logging on to our global scrapbooking forum. Thousands of scrapbookers across the globe
are ISA members. Use the forum to ask questions, share ideas, and tap into the creativity of other people who
love to scrapbook as much as you do.
Again, welcome to the world of scrapbooking!
By Allyson Bright Meyer
--By Allyson Bright Meyer
Welcome to the wonderful world of scrapbooking! Scrapbooking is a great way to preserve your family's
stories and memories. Plus, you get the added benefit of making new friends and expressing yourself
creatively. Making scrapbook pages that effectively show off your favorite photographs is fun, and it's easier
than you might think.
Tools
To start any new hobby, you need a variety of basic tools. Scrapbooking is no exception.
To get started, you'll need:
A paper trimmer, preferably at least 12" long
Archival quality adhesive
Archival black ink pen
Acid-free cardstock
You may also wish to purchase a variety of patterned papers, stickers, and embellishments. While it can be
tempting to purchase lots of these items at first, remember to start slow. Take the time you need to get started
and learn your favorite techniques and style. After you've got the basics mastered, you can easily select what
"extras" you'd like to include on your scrapbook pages.
Of course, you will also need the photographs you plan to include in your scrapbooks. Don't be intimidated -
there is no "rule" stating that you have to scrapbook every photo you own. Choose your favorites, or collect
several photographs together with a common theme or date. Start simple. Remember, scrapbooking is fun!
Layout & Design
For the beginner, designing the actual scrapbook page can be the most intimidating part of scrapbooking.
Scrapbook page designs can be as simple or as elaborate as you want them to be. Don't be afraid to
experiment with new techniques and ideas, but remember that it really is all about you - so you can design
your pages however you want to! There many layout resources available for scrapbookers, so you don't have to
be on your own when you sit down to create your first page.
Many scrapbookers like to begin their pages by finding or creating a layout sketch. A sketch is nothing more
than a blueprint of a scrapbook page, outlining what your page will look like. Consider looking through our
library of layout sketches. Find one that works with the number of photographs you have, and has a design
that's appealing to you. Remember that you can always change a sketch to meet your needs.
Another great way to create a layout design is to copy or adapt a layout that you admire. Idea books and
magazines are full of fantastic ideas and beautiful pages. You can also browse our own layout gallery and see
thousands of great layouts designed by ISA members. Be inspired by a photograph, a journaling style, or even
a color combination. Combine these ideas with your own to create a wonderful page for your scrapbook.
Connect with Other Scrapbookers
One of the best things about scrapbooking is the way it brings people together. Scrapbookers enjoy sharing
ideas and learning from one another. As a new scrapbooker, take advantage of the experienced scrapbookers
around you - you'll learn plenty of tips and tricks, and likely make a new friend along the way.
Scrapbooking classes are a great way to get connected with experienced scrapbookers. Most local
scrapbooking stores offer classes teaching a variety of subjects and techniques. They are not typically very
expensive, and usually your supplies will be included in the class fee. Classes are great because you will
receive a live demonstration of the craft, and have the opportunity to learn directly from others. To find a class
near you, visit our class listing. If classes aren't offered in your area, consider taking a class online. Many
experienced scrapbookers now offer online classes - you'll get access to the instructor via email and often live
chat.
Finally, consider logging on to our global scrapbooking forum. Thousands of scrapbookers across the globe
are ISA members. Use the forum to ask questions, share ideas, and tap into the creativity of other people who
love to scrapbook as much as you do.
Again, welcome to the world of scrapbooking!
By Allyson Bright Meyer
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