Scrapbooking is a great way to get creative and preserve memories. As a big believer in saving physical media, scrapbooking is one of my favorite pastimes. Not only does this hobby give me a way to display my prized stickers and photo booth strips, but it also prompts me to reflect on important events and relive significant moments.
Though scrapbooking is a fairly straightforward hobby, there are a few tricks that I learned along the way to improve my experience. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind if you’re looking to start a scrapbook of your own:
- Get creative with your scrapbook supplies
There are only a few absolutely essential supplies for starting a scrapbook: a book, an adhesive (such as glue or double-sided tape) and a few printed photos. Many people choose to embellish their scrapbooks with craft paper and stickers; there is truly no limit to the decorations you can use. Newspapers, candy wrappers, maps and birthday cards all work great for spicing up a scrapbook layout. The most outside-the-box item I have used in my scrapbook was a checkered plastic liner from a basket of fries.
- Designate a container for your materials
When I started scrapbooking, I tried relegating my supplies to a junk drawer. BIG MISTAKE. The sheer volume of patterned paper, photos, receipts and old magazines I accumulated quickly overtook the space, leaving my items a jumbled mess. I suggest finding a large plastic container to keep all of your items in one place. This will give you plenty of room to grow your supply collection without worrying about getting too disorganized.
- Don’t be afraid to add written details
Small passages detailing dates, locations and other notable details about an event you’re scrapbooking can make it seem much more personal. Later on, when you revisit these pages, these mini journal entries will make these memories much more immersive and, in turn, satisfying.
- Check out second-hand stores
Thrift shops can be a great option if you are crafting on a budget. For instance, sheet music, book pages and magazines are all materials you can thrift for a low cost. Additionally, there are designated second-hand craft stores that you can peruse if you are looking for a more curated selection. I personally love the ReCreate craft store in Rocklin. From stamps to stickers to ribbon, ReCreate has any scrapbooking supply you could possibly need. The staff is also incredibly friendly and always gives helpful tips for any project you’re looking to undertake.
- Consult Pinterest
While your scrapbook is intended to reflect your own ideas and personality, inspiration is always allowed! Scrolling through Pinterest is a great way to spark your creativity if you’re ever feeling stuck. Seeing how other creators experiment with textures, materials, and colors will definitely help you refine your own scrapbooking tastes. I’ve broken many creative slumps by spending a couple of minutes looking at others’ scrapbook layouts.
The great thing about scrapbooking is that it’s a highly customizable art form. There is no limit to the supplies or techniques you can use. You get to choose how to best commemorate important moments. Scrapbooking is an incredibly fun and mindful hobby that offers a creative method to revisit significant memories. Don’t hesitate to start a scrapbook today!