by Blurrymoose

Created on: February 08, 2009

Scrapbooking has been around for decades. It began as a way for people to save pictures and various types of memorabilia. As times changed, so did the method of scrapbooking. Scrapbooking is now one of the most popular hobbies around. And though the styles and materials have changed, the theory behind it is the same: to record life events and historical happenings. Scrapbooking allows the crafter to be as creative and outlandish or as simple and classy as you want to be.

Why scrapbook? Why not! I have been a scrapbooker for the past fourteen years and can tell you that the benefits of scrapbooking greatly outweigh the reasons not to. It gave me a method to organize my photos. I also was able to document those details and stories around the pictures. It also gave me an outlet for my creativity. As a child, coloring, pasting, cutting paper and making collages were something that was fun and exciting. Scrapbooking can provide the same kind of stress relief. There are no rules. Create however you want, whenever you want.

Scrapbook styles vary significantly. Everyone has different color schemes, layout ideas, and tastes of albums, paper, stickers and more. The important thing to remember is that it is a reflection of you. Many times, your color schemes and tastes shine through your album.

Collecting scrapbook supplies can be expensive. Watch for coupons, sales, and clearance racks. Dollar stores, discount stores and online stores offer good deals. Also, because there is always new stuff coming in, seasonal things are a great buy if you watch and wait. Many times, non-consumable tools, like scissors, stencils, rulers, etc can be bought with a coupon or on sale and will last forever. If you scrapbook with a group, many times there are more things to share and pass around to help cut down on expenses. This also a great way to swap things you no longer use

Scrapbooking can be a social activity as well as something that you do on your own. There are many scrapbook groups that get together, swap ideas and scrapbook a certain day of the month. This can be a motivating factor in getting yourself a little organized and ready for the big scrapbook night ahead of time. Scrapbooking can also be enjoyed with your children. Have them describe their pictures, use their own color schemes, and help create their own pages and books. Thrust me, as a mom, this is a great heirloom to have, especially as those small children grow into teenagers. Then there are times when scrapbooking needs to be an individual thing. Sometimes I like to scrapbook when my family is asleep and I can focus on my albums in peace and quiet.

Eventually your scrapbooks will end up in the hands of your loved ones. What a great and priceless thing to pass on; a homemade treasure that reflects your life, desires, dreams, significant as well as everyday life moments.

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