I was thinking about picking up scrapbooking. What do I need to do to start?

I know most people who scrapbook get really into it, and accumulate a TON of supplies, and papers, and decorations… and I might end up doing that one day. However, I don’t really have the money or the space to get too involved at the moment. But I do want to dabble in it a little, and see how it goes, or more importantly if I’m any good at it. What are some essentials that I need right away? How do I get started? Are classes the best way to get going? Is it normal to make a million trips to the craft store at the beginning? What are some great websites you enjoy using? Thanks for all the help/tips you can offer!

Hi, Michelle:

What do I REALLY need to start scrapbooking? This is truly the hundred dollar question—or is it? If you walk into your local scrapbook store or attend a party, you will be tempted (as I was) to buy everything you are told you absolutely have to have. Most of the items I purchased in my first month I’ve never used (yep, just taking up space in my valuable/limited storage area—time for a garage sale). Don’t make the same unnecessary purchases and then be unhappy or disappointed with your efforts (and a lot lighter in the wallet). Try out several different types of the same tool to see what works best for you—your friends can show you how their tools work.

Here is what I recommend to get started:

A GOOD pair of scissors just for scrapbooking. These should be sharp and pointed for cutting in small/tight areas. There are many kinds available—get what is easiest for you to use. I use and recommend Cutterbees. They are knife-sharp right to the point—great for cutting out the smallest details.

Archival quality adhesive. Again, mainy types are available—use what is easiest for you. I prefer and use a tab dispenser so I don’t have to pull off little tabs. I also use glue dots where I need transparency.

A GOOD trimmer. There are rotary, knife blade, and guillotine-type trimmers available. I’ve used all three types and I use and recommend a rotary trimmer. There is less chance that your paper will tear, and the blade seems to last longer. You also want the trimmer you choose to handle all of your trimming needs (small to 12×12 and bigger).

A journaling pen. This should be archival quality ink (look for the ACMI seal—big ”AP” in a circle). Absolutely do not use a ball point pen or a pencil.

A good quality album. There are many different kinds available—strap hinge, 3-ring, spiral bound, post bound. Some are top loading, some are side loading. Just be certain that the album will stand up to the weight of 3-5 inches of page layouts and frequent page turning. There is nothing sadder than to see your hard work fall apart as people look through it.

These are the only tools you really need to get started. Spend wisely, buy the best you can afford—the investment will be worth it. Add a few kits and your photos, and you’re scrapbooking!

Definitely look for classes in your area. You will find that craft stores and local scrapbooking stores (LSS) have classes all the time. Another source for classes are your local independent consultants. These folks are in this business because they have a passion for scrapbooking, and as a resource for how-to’s and techniques, there is no better source. Also, you are supporting a local business and your local economy when you take their classes or purchase from them. BONUS: You get more personal one-to-one instruction. You can just give them a ring or send an e-mail with questions.

Now here’s some other important, but easy-to-remember thoughts to keep in mind when you are shopping. First, if you like it and it’s archival safe and meets your budget, then you should use it. Again, you should use what’s comfortable for you. There’s lots of wonderful products out there that meet this requirement. Probably one of the most important things to always keep in mind is archival quality or the time it takes for something to start to degrade. When an item degrades, or breaks down, it will also break down anything it is touching, sometimes even migrating from one page to another. You do not need to be a scientist to make this determination–companies have made it easy for us. Here’s what to look for:

The "AP" or ACMI seal (as mentioned above under journaling pen). This symbol and "Conforms to ASTM D-4236" are on many products. This means they are non-toxic and will not break down for a very, very long time.

Look for the term "archival"–means it will not break down for many decades (how long is dependent upon the manufacturer). Also the term "photo safe"–this one is not quite the same as "archival"–this means the product will not start to break down for 5-10 years or so (versus 100 years for archival, for example).

If you print your own pictures, watch the type of photo paper you use. "Instant Dry" will start to fade a lot sooner than the regular "let me sit for several hours" paper. The regular photo paper has a special coating that swells and absorbs the ink when it hits the paper, and as it dries, the ink is drawn into the paper and sealed. This is what you want. Instant dry is great for photos you just want to share and don’t expect to last the life of a scrapbook.

I hope this information is helpful to you, and I apologize for the long answer. I started scrapbooking several years ago, and I also do my own photo processing on my computer. This information is based on things I found when I was looking for answers to some of the questions you have asked. I enjoy it so much that I became and independent consultant, and I also teach classes and workshops. I have listed some resources for you as well.

Last, but not the least of it, ENJOY IT!!

Lynne Newton
Scrapbook Advisor #1360
Picture Perfect Scrapbook Co., LLC

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What to do with husbands old baby pics..calling all scrapbooking pro’s!?

Ok, let me give you the details….My husbands family lives about 300 miles away from us. Upon visiting them this christmas I took home a slew of old family photos. His mom just had them in a big box and didnt care what I did with them…well, I took them home hoping to make photo albums for her that way she could acctually see the pictures in staed of storing them in boxes. Here is my problem…I would like to give all the originals back to her, keep some copies of my husbands pics for myself and also be able to put some sort of album together for his brother ( two of them)…Is there anyway i can do something that doesnt cost me a ton of money, and doesnt involve alot of cutsy stickers and special supplies? I need some orginal ideas …. do i just make 1million color copies of every pcture?? help me!

If you make a layout, you should be able to take that page to a copy center and they can make great copies for you. Then you can decide who keeps the originals and who has a copy. If more family members want them in the future you are better off keeping the originals yourself. As for not using Cutesy stickers you can group them in subjects or any order that suits them. You could double mount one on a page, choosing one that is a favourite or is the main focus of that grouping and single mount the others. If they are black and white use black as a background and double mount white and black. You can make it look nice with good titles and lettering.

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Digital Scrapbooking?

Hello, I need some help on digital scrapbooking. I want to make a slideshow with a scrapbooking type of feel. All I need help on is the design and stuff like that. I know how to do slideshows pretty well.
This slideshow Im trying to make is for my god-daughters 1st birthday.
She is lucky to even be here in the first place she was 3months early and only weighed 2.7 lbs. but now she is 9mo. and doing very well.
I dont have the money to buy all this scrapbooking stuff so I thought I could do all the work on PhotoShop I have seen some online that were made that way and they are just like the really thing. Hope you all can help and thanks for your time.

Assuming you know how to use Photoshop (if you don’t, be forwarned: the learning curve is STEEP), there are quite a few free digital scrapbook kits out there on the Web. Almost any digital scrapbook store offers free items you can download and use in Photoshop.

If you DON’T know how to use Photoshop, then I suggest you try making your digital scrapbook at CropMom (http://www.cropmom.com).

How to Make Money Holder Cards : How to Make a Money Holder Gift Card Out of Any card

Turn any card into a money holder gift card with tips and tricks included in this free arts and crafts video.

Expert: Elizabeth Nell
Bio: Elizabeth began scrapbooking in 2000 as a Close to my Heart consultant, where she taught hundreds of people how to scrapbook and make unique creations with scrapbooking tools.
Filmmaker: Danno Nell

Duration : 0:1:18

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How much would be fair to charge for a complete handmade Scrapbook??

I LOVE scrapbooking
I have been scrapbooking for years and do a really great job, Several people have told me I should make a business out of it, while I can’t quit my job, I am interested in making some money on the side. My books are usually 10 2 page layouts, 8 2 page LO and 4 singles, and several other combos making the 20 pages in a standard book (12"12"). I have done general event (everyday) scrapbooks and more recently 2 child memorial books (2 nieces were killed) they all have turned out great. I have asked around and several people have said $100-$150 is appropriate for the quality and detail. I spent more than $75 almost $90 making one book alone. I am asking any one who has sold their work or anyone who has bought work, what is a fair price for a 20 page handmade scrapbook?? What is the best way to advertise?? Is this something you would reccomend? I really want to do this but I don’t want to waste my time and supplies on something that won’t benefit me as well. Help!!
to be clear this is not capitalizing on pain, the memorial books are my own, as 2 of my nieces were killed.
And while ANYONE can put pictures into a book, a scrapper can turn it into a beautiful piece of art. There is a difference between photo albums and Scrapbooks. Thanks for any input.

There are several different pricing methods:

1) price per page — determine what your market will pay and stick with that. I charge $10 – $15 per page when scrapping for others.

or

2) charge for supplies plus some fee per page or charge 2 times the cost of supplies. If using this method, make sure and include the cost of your adhesive as it can add up.

Make sure and consult with the individual prior to starting the work so that you understand what they are wanting and they understand what it will cost.

There are folks out there that love the look of scrapbooks but do not have the time nor the desire to take up the craft.

Hope this helps.

Cheers….Tam

How to Make Money Holder Cards : How to Embellish Home Made Money Holder Cards

Embellish home made money holder cards in this free arts and crafts video.

Expert: Elizabeth Nell
Bio: Elizabeth began scrapbooking in 2000 as a Close to my Heart consultant, where she taught hundreds of people how to scrapbook and make unique creations with scrapbooking tools.
Filmmaker: Danno Nell

Duration : 0:2:20

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Scrapbook Tips and Tricks: Make Your Own Bling

Rowena shows you how to save money by using permanent markers to make personalized crystals and pearls. Visit Rowena’s blog at http://www.craftsbyrowena.blogspot.com. There are FREE original SVG files every Monday and FREE original page sketches every Wednesday.

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Anyone else changing your hobbies to save money?

I have been an avid craft-er, quilter,sewing, scrapbooking etc. But due to tightening of the budget I have not been buying materials. I have settled into reading(library or yard sales), classic movies, and experimenting with new recipes. I find I really enjoy it and it sure doesn’t make a big mess like many of hobbies did!! Would like to hear what creative things people are doing to save $$$ in this area???
I also enjoy blogging and playing card games online.

I used to play World of Warcraft at $15/mo = $180/yr! Went to beading, and maybe selling some of it. One nice hobby is a game club, like a bridge club. Get together with friends every week or so and play a game. You may find some interesting ones at those yard sales.