How Do I Start a Scrapbook? Scrapbooking for Beginners

by  R.A. Rowell; Co-Owner of Intent-sive Nature & the Brand Shamans network

We've all heard of scrapbooks, but many of us have never actually ventured into the hobby of scrapbooking. A scrapbook is a creative collection of photos, magazine clippings and many other odds and ends that you can tape, paste, laminate, or otherwise put into the pages of a book.

With so many of us having digital cameras in our cell phones and so much being done online, scrapbooks aren't as in vogue as they were. Still, scrapbooking is still a fairly popular hobby. In fact, scrapbooking is even a growing hobby. It's still a great way to take a “trip down memory lane” as they say.


What Do You Need to Make a Scrapbook?

All you need to create a scrapbook are some simple supplies and a little bit of creativity. They're a great way to commemorate special days or big events. But they can be created around anything that's dear to you. Scrapbooks make great time capsules. They can also make great gifts.


Am I Creative Enough to Create a Scrapbook?

If you're not sure where to begin with creating a scrapbook, there are many DIY scrapbooking guides and kits. Many are of these are inexpensive and can give you a headstart depending on what you're trying to do with your scrapbook. It's even possible to hire someone to create a scrapbook for you. But it likely wouldn't have your personal touch, and personality is what makes a scrapbook special. Anyone is creative enough to create one. You just need to have the time.


Where Can You Learn Beginner Scrapbooking Techniques?

Being a fast-growing hobby, there are many resources available for beginner scrapbookers. There's many different options available depending on the level of commitment you want to give to scrapbooking.

Everyone has different goals for scrapbooking. You may just want to preserve family photos in an attractive way. Perhaps, you may want to create elaborate time capsules to enjoy later. Or, you want to save anything you can concerning a particular interest. Then again, you may just want to take on scrapbooking as a hobby and help others create their own scrapbooks.

Like any hobby, scrapbooking can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. Local craft stores are a great resource for beginner scrapbookers where you can get an idea of where you want to go with the hobby. Some craft stores when specialise in scrapbooking, with staff who can point you in the right direction with tools and supplies.


Are There Good Scrapbooking Classes for Beginners?

Many craft stores offer scrapbooking classes for all skill levels. These classes feature the latest scrapbooking materials and techniques so you can keep up on the best things in the hobby. It's also a great way to meet with and learn from other scrapbookers. There are also project classes in which you can complete an entire scrapbook from scratch.

Scrapbooking classes are usually available for a reasonable cost. Most provide all the necessary tools and materials, so you can try out scrapbooking with minimal financial investment.


What Do I Need to Bring to a Scrapbooking Class?

Typically for a scrapbooking class, you'll need to bring several photographs for use on your page layouts. Scrapbooking teachers are enthusiastic and experienced, trained to teach all levels of scrapbooking techniques. They can answer any questions you might have about scrapbooking.

It's common to see experienced scrapbookers in these classes. Some people take them just for the social aspect of the class. Even the most experienced scrapbookers are looking for new ideas on how to use basic techniques more effectively.

To find a class in your area, check with large chain craft stores. Also, check your local scrapbooking stores. Most stores offer classes with convenient schedules. Many classes can be started any time.


Can I Learn Scrapbooking At Home?

You absolutely can learn beginner scrapbooking in your own home. There are direct sales companies, such as Creative Memories and Close to My Heart, who have consultants that can come to your home. These consultants give a class on basic scrapbooking.

These scrapbooking classes are much like a Tupperware party. You invite friends and family to your home for a scrapbooking lesson. The consultant teaches the basic philosophy behind scrapbooking, how to choose tools and supplies, and how to design a simple page.

Together, you, your family, and your friends will usually make a two-page layout. It's made with materials supplied by the consultant and photos brought from home. The best part is that consultants may or may not charge for the lesson. The cost depends on the cost of the supplies used for the pages.

How can a lesson cost you nothing? Each in-home lesson usually ends with an opportunity to purchase the company’s products. Essentially, it's a sales pitch. Likely, someone will want to buy something, which makes the class worth the consultants time and the company's money.


What Are Scrapbooking Album Kits?

Album kits are great for beginner scrapbookers because they are complete with all the supplies you need to make a scrapbook. They provide detailed instructions and sometimes even basic color and design layout theory. But, to complete the album, you’ll need to buy your own tools, such as scissors and adhesives.


Should I Look Into Scrapbooking Magazines?

Scrapbooking magazines are a great resource for beginner scrapbookers. They are often full of information on basic scrapbooking techniques and tips. The most popular scrapbooking magazines are Creating Keepsakes, Simple Scrapbooks, Memory Makers and Scrapbooks, Etc.

To get started with scrapbooking  magazines, buy or borrow a single issue of each magazine first. Each magazine approaches scrapbooking from a somewhat different angle. For example, Simple Scrapbooks focuses on quick, easy scrapbook pages.

Once you find a magazine that seems to match your style, you can buy the annual subscription. This is always more cost effective than buying single newsstand copies.


What are Scrapbooking Crop Nights?

As you learn about beginner scrapbooking, you may hear about crop nights. They are essentially scrapbooking parties, and many craft stores offer them. Crop nights Bron together scrapbookers of all ages and skill levels to work on scrapbook pages together.

Craft stores who offer crop nights usually charge a small fee, mostly to cover the cost of refreshments served during the evening. Many stores even will allow you to use their tools during the crop night, too. It's a great way to try out more expensive tools such as die cut machines and cutters.

Crop nights allow everyone to share techniques and offer beginner scrapbookers with many tips and ideas. You don't even need to go to a store for a crop night. You can have a crop night in your own home.


After I Master the Basics of Scrapbooking, What Next?

After you learn beginner scrapbooking, practice your techniques often. The more pages you make, the better you will become at designing layouts. Then, even as you master the basics, you can use the same resources to find more advanced tips and techniques. Just like with any hobby, you can never stop learning with scrapbooking.