by Patricia Bunch

Created on: January 22, 2009

Scrap-booking is a hobby suitable for all ages and for people with any interest. One doesn't have to learn a set of special directions or invest in a bunch of special equipment or tools. Scrapbooks are so wonderful to make and keep because it is a way to preserve memories. What better reason to take up a hobby?

The only rule one must adhere to when making a scrapbook is to use acid free paper and materials so your memories will last for years and years. Although some scrapbook makers have cabinets filled with all matters of different paper for every event and occasion and every type of scrap-booking tool sold on the market, this isn't necessary to make an attractive adorable scrapbook you will be proud to show anyone who would want to see it.

Start collecting newspaper clippings of the things you want to include in your scrapbook. Pictures of pets, friends, family members, places and things will be helpful. Good paper scissors, buttons, ribbons, scrapes of laces, magazine pictures, even your baby's first dress can be put into a scrapbook.

To get ideas on how to go about constructing a scrapbook page go on-line or look at pictures in magazines to get started. Use the public library to check out books to get ideas on lay-out ideas if you don't know where to start. There is an abundance of information in your public library for your use free of charge.

One can make special background paper by using a scanner and computer. If you are going to make a scrapbook about a trip you took to the beach for instance, make background paper by laying shells and sand dollars on the scanner and copying them. You can make it all black and white or in color. Other background papers can be made by using this method with any object you can lay on your scanner. Put your scanner in the closet where it is very dark to get the best results because with items on the scanner you cannot close the top. Be careful not to scratch the surface of your scanner with anything abrasive.

Adhesives packaging will tell you if it is suitable for scrap-booking, if they are acid free and appropriate for scrapbooks. You may want to buy some inexpensive papers and glues to help you along, and there are scrapbook refill pages one can purchase in different sizes if you would like to use these for your scrapbook and construct your own covers. The scrapbook kits can occasionally be found on sale. When you get started scrap-booking and find scrapbook items, you can't resist adding them to your collection of material, the point is, it isn't necessary to start scrap-booking or to make a wonderful finished book.

Specially catalogs and magazines can be used for the scrapbook base. The pages can be covered with regular scrapbook paper or plain white paper or from background paper you have constructed. These smaller magazines and old calendars are nice for a single event scrapbook like a Christmas for one year, a child's year of life, or a vacation.

There is always memories to save and pictures to file. Scrapbooks are the ideal way to preserve special memories of special people, places and things. It is an activity one can loose themselves in for hours, remembering the events which have come and gone.

If you haven't been bitten by the scrapbook bug yet, see if you can't expose a bit of yourself to it and see if its not fun and rewarding to collect and create.

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