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You are thinking of trying your hand at scrapbooking? Here are some things you should know: Scrap booking is a time consuming, mess producing hobby. You will probably be completely overwhelmed before your first project even gets off the ground, and it costs an arm and a leg to do it. If this sounds unappealing you should save your pocket money and take up bowling.

If you're still reading, you probably have what it takes to scrapbook. What I haven't mentioned is that scrapbooking is a mode of artistic expression, it's very consuming and highly addictive. Developing the creative skill to execute a memory album gives you an opportunity to create the best sort of gift for every wedding, birthday, anniversary and baby shower you may encounter. But start early, because it takes time.

Time: It is best to approach scrapbooking with the mindset of a collector. Sure, you can grab a starter kit and a ready made paper pack and throw something together, but your end result will not fill you with pride, and a kit will greatly curb the opportunity for creative expression. This is how I would begin if I were going to start scrapbooking all over again:

1. Browse and buy at a leisurely pace: Over a course of months, stop by craft stores and look at what they have. Purchase things that you fall in love with. Build your collection of material over a period of time.

2. When you start out, do not go to the fancy tools and the embossing kits and the designer scissors, start with basics and branch out gradually. You should purchase albums that you like, get 4 or 5 different albums to have on hand. For the beginner, it is easier to start with one size of album so that you can buy paper to go with it. I feel that the 12 x 12 albums are easiest to make, because you have room for picture and picture cut outs, and lots of corners and edges to add souvenirs and embellishments. Paper- Go ahead and buy the packs of paper in plain colors. There are several palettes: Neutrals, brights, pastels, earth tones. The more colors you have, the easier it will be to find the right color for your project. Avoid the designer packs and browse the separately sold paper. Spend the money and buy what you love. Also browse stickers, tags, adhesive frames and quirky add ons. Get plenty of alphabet stickers and a stencil or two. I like word stickers, you may prefer to add text yourself. Gradually branch out, and do not buy everything at once, it is too expensive. Buy what you really love in increments of $20 to

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