by Danielle L. Hunter

Created on: June 21, 2009   Last Updated: November 23, 2010

Do your photographs have stories that need to be told? Are there memories that you want to share with others? Many of us have hundreds of photos sitting alone in albums or boxes just waiting for someone to tell their stories. Scrapbooking is an essential way to preserve all those special memories so they can be passed down from one generation to the next.

When starting a new hobby like scrapbooking, you may feel overwhelmed and not know where to begin. If you have been into a scrapbook store, you may have gotten confused, turned around and walked out the door. Below are four easy steps to get you started scrapbooking so that the next time you visit a scrapbook store, you will want to stay for hours in delight of all the products that surround you.

1. Get organized. Take time to sort through your photographs and memorabilia and decide what you want to scrapbook. Organize your photos by event or subject for easy selection later when starting each new scrapbook. Store the photos and keepsakes in sturdy storage boxes or folders. As you are gathering your photos, start thinking about the theme or goal for your first scrapbook. Some popular themes include baby, school years, birthday, wedding and vacation or you can scrapbook an entire year by focusing on photographs from each month.

2. Do your homework. Get ideas for themes and layout designs from scrapbooking websites, magazines and books. You may "scraplift" the layouts you see and repeat the layouts you like throughout your scrapbook. Another great way to learn about scrapbooking is by hosting or attending a crop party. The party consultant can teach you some basic techniques and show you products that will make your scrapbooking easier.

3. Shop for scrapbooking supplies. There are some essential scrapbooking tools and supplies you will need to complete a scrapbook. The most important item you will need is an album. Scrapbook albums come in a variety of sizes and color and are used with page protectors to keep your scrapbook pages safe.

Decorate your scrapbook pages with paper and embellishments and go shopping with your photos in hand if necessary. Cardstock and decorative paper are available in many different colors and designs so choose an assortment that will coordinate with your photos. Embellishments are decorations, such as stickers, ribbon and brads, used to highlight your scrapbook pages. Stock up on alphabet stickers or die-cuts to create titles for each layout. Purchase adhesive to attach photos and paper to your pages. Square tabs and tape-runners and popular choices for most scrapbookers. You will also need a photo-safe pen for journaling and cutting tools like scissors and a paper trimmer.

If you are going to try digital scrapbooking, which is less messy and more time efficient, you will need photo editing software on your computer for basic digital scrapbook pages. Digital scrapbooking kits are also available with a variety of decorative paper and embellishments to choose from.

4. Experiment with your supplies. Practice cutting paper and bad photos before cropping the photos you plan to use in your scrapbook. Learn how to align the letters for page titles and how to use the adhesive you purchased. Get creative with journaling by practicing writing in different styles. If you are not comfortable with your writing style or want to save time, use a word processor to type up your memories.

Now that you have organized, studied, shopped and practiced, you are ready to start scrapbooking. There is no right or wrong way to scrapbook so have fun and use your imagination.

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