by Brooke Lorren

Created on: September 03, 2009   Last Updated: September 09, 2009

Scrapbooking is a hobby that is enjoyed by many people. It helps preserve our memories, whether good or bad, and is an excellent way to showcase your photographs. If you have never put a scrapbook together before, it can be intimidating. Don't be nervous when putting together your first scrapbook. There are no rules, as long as you like what you are making.

Get the Right Items

Before you start scrapbooking, you need to purchase the right items. Visit the scrapbooking aisle of a craft store like Michael's or Hobby Lobby, or go to a local scrapbook store. While you may already have some scrapbooking equipment in your house, like scissors, you will need some specialized items. One important thing to keep in mind is that you want to preserve your memories, which means using paper that will last over time, instead of fading and turning yellow. You may have heard of the term acid-free. By purchasing acid-free paper, your scrapbook pages are likely to last longer.

The first purchase you want to make is the paper. Choose a heavier paper, such as cardstock, to provide a strong base to your page. You can embellish your cardstock with paper of any weight. You will also want to purchase an album to display your pages in. You need to purchase tape and glue specifically made for scrapbooking. Browse the aisles to find embellishments that you like. Although many scrapbookers like to buy everything that looks good, try to pick out embellishments that match the pictures that you plan to scrapbook. Some popular embellishments include stickers, stamps, buttons, and die cuts. Don't be afraid to try something new, but as a beginner, you may want to limit the new items that you try. Purchase a paper trimmer as well, so you can make straight cuts. If you want to add journaling, or writing, to your pages, get a few acid-free pens in various colors.

Your First Page

For your first page, pick out a picture, or pictures, that you want to scrapbook. Find a piece of cardstock that goes well with your picture. Now decide on how you want to decorate the page. Many people like to mat their photos, or cut a piece of paper that is slightly larger than their photo that they put behind their picture on the page. You can trim the photo if you want to, but it is not necessary. Use stickers and decorative paper if you want. If you want to include journaling, cut out a journaling block to write on. Write out your thoughts about the picture on your journaling block. You can mat the journaling block too, if you like.

Arrange all the elements of your scrapbook page until it looks like you want it to. Now use your scrapbook tape or glue to anchor everything down. Congratulations on your first page! Don't worry if it doesn't look like everybody else's scrapbook pages, everybody has their own personal style. If you need ideas on how to arrange your page, you can look at idea books, but the main thing to remember about scrapbooking is that there are no rules. As long as you like it, your page is just fine.

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