I would like to begin scrapbooking, at the very least I would like to make one for each of my kids by Christmas. Do I need to have someone show me what to do, get a book or magazine or can it be as simple as gluing in photos? I have noticed Big Lots carries a wide variety of scrapbooking supplies. Are there any brands I should look for or stay away from? Thank you!

By Crystal915 on Sunday, October 19, 2008 - 12:23 pm:

Do you have any scrapbooking stores near you? Also, look in your community, many have cheap classes where you can share ideas and learn basics. Another way to start, which is what I did, was attend a party for one of the home-based scrapbooking businesses (thinks Avon) like Creative Memories. I learned the basics there, and took off on my own. I did buy a few things, but you don't have to, and usually pay about $5 to attend and use their supplies. There are plenty of books and magazines to look at as well, check your library. I really enjoy scrapping with a friend over being alone, the girl talk makes it more fun for me.

It can be as simple as gluing in photos, but there are many more elaborate things you can do. If you would like, I will dig up the one I completed for the kids' first year, and post a couple pics of what I did for mine. It was my first attempt, so very simple but cute.

By Brandy on Sunday, October 19, 2008 - 03:14 pm:

i used to like to scrapbook and then i noticed i was just buying stuff and it's no longer used = ( i'm not very creative at all so i just quit doing it...

but no it's up to you how you want the page to look = ) you don't NEED a class but you could take one = )

By Reds9298 on Sunday, October 19, 2008 - 04:17 pm:

I'm nuts for scrapbooking! I've been a papercrafter for about 10 years, but started scrapping about 4 years ago.

All you really need is paper, pictures, and adhesive. From there you can add as much or as little you want to. It's a good idea to start with a rep (like Crystal said) because you can *see* someone else working as an example. I think mags can be a little overwhelming for starters because they are often elaborate. Fun to look at and get ideas, but if you use them and get overwhelmed, don't sweat it.

No big deal on brands really - just buy what you like and what's in your budget. You will NEED a papercutter, adhesive, and paper - the basics. From there you can decide. I'm happy to post pages I've done as well if you like. I have rows and rows of scrapbooks! I'm completely addicted to papercrafting of any kind. Good luck!!

By Kaye on Sunday, October 19, 2008 - 06:08 pm:

I too love to scrapbook. Everyone has their own style, so if you do decide to buy a magazine, look at several and find one that fits your style.

I am not a foo foo kind of person. I use very few embelishments. Mine are mostly paper and writing. I do use stickers.

Creative memories is how I got started, they have a website, they will have some sample stuff I am sure.

Stampin up also does scrapbook supplies (home based also). Two peas in a bucket is a good scrapping message board. Also www.luxe.com has an assortment of ideas.

In general, look around, and buy little. Figure out what you like before you invest.

You need pages to work on, an album to put them in, pictures, some colored paper, adhesive, and a pen to write with. Look for products that are acid free, lignin free. They goal is to be pretty, but also to safely preserve your photos.

There are two main type of albums, the most common size is about 12x12. Creative memories has "strap hinge" albums, where your pages for the album are white and you glue pictures and pretty stuff directly on. These pages are then threaded into the album cover. These are sturdier albums, the pages turn without falling as much. However you need to have a plan on page order. The other type is a "drop in album". these are plastic page protectors, that you drop in completed pages to. So you can pull them out and rearrange. It is nice to be able to adjust if you leave out a page. But personally I just don't like the "feel" as much. I use the CM albums. But this is such a personal choice, get your hands on some.

I am also always glad to answer any questions on scrapbooking. I have been scraping over 12 years now, before it was popular!

By Bellajoe on Sunday, October 19, 2008 - 07:25 pm:

One thing they always tell you when you scrapbook is to use Acid Free and lignon (sp?) free everything! I guess that keeps your photos good and keeps them from fading over time ?

Go to your local craft supply store like Michaels or JoAnn fabrics or Pat Catans (don't know if any of that is where you are, that's what we have around here) They will have lots to choose from.

I love to scrapbook too. I don't usually have much time to do it, but I do love getting together with people and doing it.

Do not glue your photos in the album, Get the photo splits or adhesive.

Have fun!

By Rayelle on Sunday, October 19, 2008 - 07:36 pm:

Thanks for the input! I know I am interested in doing some journaling along with the photos. I think it is something I could get addicted to and go overboard with embellishments, etc lol! I have seen scrapbook materials everywhere from the dollar stores, big lots, walmart, jo anns and we have a craft store but I don't think it's part of a chain. I am excited to get started! I think this will be a good hobby too with it getting colder outside. Maybe this winter I'll do something besides eat lol!

By Tonya on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - 02:31 pm:

I buy my stuff from everywhere. ebay also has tons of stuff. I started out simple and found a group of ladies who meet up 1x a month for 5hrs at the YMCA and do nothing but scrap. Plus there is a weekend retreat in february I am going to with some friends from Friday until Sunday.

Go to all the stores you listed about. Also a hint for page making sort your pictures into pages. 4-5 pictures per page in the way I try to do it then you can decide what type of page to make and add extras like stickers or the specific papaer to go along with it.

Good luck you can have a ton of fun with this.