i want to start scrap booking but have questions

[bambii]

what do you need to get started?? beside pictures

When you make a page where do you put them in three ring binders?? and how do you proctect the pages so the dont rip?? can you put them in clear plastic pouches you use in 3 ring binders.

and is it very expensive???

 

[Pammy jo]

Expensive yes, but a whole hec of alot of fun! If you just start off simple and buy just basic supplies then it won't be too bad. It's just very addicting and the more you get into it, you have to have it all.

Check a few of the past threads on this site. There are some good threads in just the past few months about which type of albums to buy, supplies, classes, etc. That should get you started and then if you have more specific questions just ask. The people on this board have been a tremendous support system with all kinds of great ideas!

Good luck and most of all, just have fun with it.

 

[SplshMtn99]

Expensive - yes! Run away now!!! LOL

Ok, if you are willing to stay, I'll answer your other question.

I started with 8.5" x 11" cardstock for my layouts. After the layout is done, it goes into sheet protectors & into 3 ring binder / album. I don't adhere photos to both sides of the cardstock. I place 2 seperate pages into each sheet protector back to back. (does that make sense?) That way I can change the order of my pages if I need to.

I don't scrapbook ALL my photos. The extra photos go into regular album photo sleeves & go in between by scrapbook layouts. This keeps all my photos together in chronological order. I like it that way.

I've now changing to 12x12". But still may do specialty albums occasionally in 8.5x11.

 

[Snow White]

Just start simply so you don't get overwhelmed, there are so many scrapbooking products to choose from it can get frustrating if you are new. I would suggest going to a Creative memories party, or just going to your local scrapbook store or Hobby Lobby or Michaels and shopping for your basic supplies (acid free album and page protectors, glue, small tip sharp scissors, photo squares, maybe a few paper punches, some acid free cardstock or patterned paper, ZIG brand acid free markers, if you like stickers, get some acid free stickers, they have packets of die cuts ....lots of fun embellishments you can use on your pages). I would also suggest going to www.twopeasinabucket.com website and looking at the layouts there and reading up on the info they have. Another site I use a lot is www.gracefulbee.com and you could get some scrapbooking magazines that are very helpful. My favorites that I subscribe to are: Creating Keepsakes (www.creatingkeepsakes.com) , Ivy Cottage, Making Memories, and Paperkuts. I love their articles and layouts. Good luck and have fun!

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Ok, if you're still here you're going to be assimilated into this addiction soon.

As the others have said - yes it can get expensive. Some things to think about.

1. Albums are probably going to be the single biggest investment. For the 8.5 x 11 and 12 x 12 they range from ~$10 for the spiral bound ones that are fairly inflexible to upwards of $50 for some of the specialty ones from Creative Memories. In any case make sure that the pages and page protectors are acid free. The strap hinge or post bound tend to be the sturdiest and most flexible but this is a VERY personal preference as evidenced in a recent thread.

2. Don't try to go it alone as you get started, as it can be really overwhelming. Take a class or find a friend. Magazines, books and websites can be really helpful in getting the ideas flowing.

3. Have some sort of organization system that can grow with your involvement. I started pretty simply putting different sorts of supplies into various ziploc bags held in a relatively small plastic storage basket. Today it takes a room! with lots of other storage options and a long table!

4. Start simply. You don't have to do the fancier designs. Simply matting your photos with a complementary card stock and perhaps a simple edge to the page is a good way to get started. And don't forget to journal.

5. Have an idea how you want to proceed. For instance - do you have a special trip you want to scrap? That is a great way to start. From there you can decide how you want to organize your books. Because this will not stop with one book. It feeds upon itself and soon all of the photos in the magnetic and sleeve albums you now have will be calling to you to scrap them! LOL!

6. If you present storage system for your photos is in shoe boxes, the envelopes from the developer, etc. take some time to organize them first. We had a scrap on New Year's Day with ladies ranging from a many year veteran to a brand newbie in much the same boat you're in and we all managed to complete one page that afternoon! The veteran was doing a fairly complicated layout with strips of a panoramic photo interspersed with her son's senior portrait proofs. I was working on a football layout that was moderately complicated with borders, matted photos and themed stickers. The newbie put together a simple page with half a dozen photos of her oldest daughter and several of her friends - it was very simple. Then she spent several hours sorting a tupperware box full of pics into a pile for each of her kids, general family stuff, and a particular trip. She said afterwards that she felt like she can get going "for real" now.

7. Check in with this board often and ask questions. Most of all HAVE FUN.

Deb

 

[Lainy67]

I sell Creative Memories, but I am not going to necessarily push only CM products. I think a CM class is a GREAT way to start out (and not trying to be pushy saleslady here). The reason is that a typical CM first class consists of going over available tools, things to look for such as acid free and lignin free albums and supplies, organizational tips, and the importance of journaling. They also typically start out as showing very simple pages as well. Once you feel comfortable with that, then you can move on to a lot more detailed or intricate designs.

As for supplies - - I agree. My list of basics for a beginner would be:

Album - I prefer 12 x 12 albums as they allow you to put a few more pictures on a page. Also, with them being square, it is easier for me to figure out layouts.

Page Protectors - To protect the work from messups and the pictures from touching each other in the album.

Tape Runner - I prefer CM, but there are others on the market. I personally think that these are a lot easier to use than photo mounting corners, or other adhesives.

Paper Trimmer - This will allow you to trim down the size of the photos so that the event or person you want to be prominent is brought out better.

Black Pen - At a minimum you want to have some way to record your thoughts about the photos. Get an archival quality pen that won't smear / bleed, and get 3-4 colors if you want to expand.

Photo Mounting Paper - I would stick with solid colors initially, with printed papers coming later.

I would avoid stickers initially and die cuts as well as the cutesy papers. I say this because when I started scrapbooking over 3 years ago (I have only been a CM consultant for about 6 months), I went nutso with cute papers and stickers. I have a TON of stuff I have never used and will probably never use. It is also VERY easy to get overwhelmed with too much stuff. I get that way now at times still. So be careful.

Good Luck

 

[chessie]

I started out with a book that I purchased written by the folks at www.gracefulbee.com. I didn't have a computer at the time but I knew that when I did, the first thing I was going to do it look them up. They are still my favorite scrapping information site. They have a wonderful newbee section that will introduce you to all the acid free and lignin free information. There are also explanations on albums and adhesives and basic getting started information. There is also another section about the elements of a page with ideas and directions.

I started out slow. I purchased only the tools and supplies I needed as I needed them. After several years, I have quite a collection. The great thing about it is, I use everything I have.

Welcome
chessie

 

[dizfamily]

Lainy, I was about to give the same reply and then read your post! I'm also a CMC and hesitated about posting due to looking "biased," but I do also agree that CM is great for beginners. Looking at magazines and some of these websites can be a little overwhelming. There's SO much out there that it easy to get overwhelmed and frustrated and give up on the whole idea. But CM is a great way to start.

You shouldn't feel obligated to purchase CM products, but a beginner class or workshop with a CMC is a great way to get basic information, learn the basics of creating a layout and to see some of the tools available AND try them out before you buy them. You can go to creativememories.com and locate a consultant near you.