Need help from all you savvy scrappers...

[UGAFan0829]

Let me start by saying that I was first introduced to scrapbooking by a former co-worker and friend about 4 or so years ago. My friend was also a next-door neighbor of a CM consultant. I attended the montly scraps at the consultant's house and attended a few parties that my friend hosted, so the only method of scrapbooking that I knew was the CM way.
Now that I have been to Disney, and have been around here on these boards for a couple of years, I have become more and more interested in scrapbooking. I am currently participating in a CJ here on the DIS, and when doing my pages there is so many more basics and techniques that I would love to learn how to do, and want to know what tools I would need to do them. I do have a local scrapbooking store that does offer some classes, but I'm always a little shy about that kind of thing. I sometimes try and read the Creating Keepsakes magazine, but find that a little overwhelming since I don't know a lot about some of the tools and things that are used. I was just wondering if any of you veteran scrappers could offer me any advice. I know it always makes it easier when you have a friend that you can do these things with, but unfortunately, none of my friends seem to have time to do these kinds of things.
Any advice/input is GREATLY appreciated! Thanks for taking the time to read my post!

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

how about taking some classes at your local scrapbook store? that way, you can also meet people in your area who scrap. Then maybe you guys can get together and scrap once a month or something. I lived in my house for YEARS before I met some people in my neighborhood who also scrap. Since then, we rotate about once a month and scrap for an evening. Nothing formally scheduled, just a quick email out to everyone saying "hey - I'm scrapping Sat night from 6-10 - come on by if you can. Someone always shows up."

 

[Stephres]

I think the best thing to do is to just jump in. Try to copy a technique you like from a magazine and then come here or your local scrapbooking store for help. That's what I did and I learned a lot. For example, I really liked eyelets but couldn't figure out how to do them. I asked some questions here and someone gave me step by step instructions and now I love them. Good luck!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Check out the magazine Simple Scrapbooks. The layouts are easier to understand.
If you have questions about a tool and it's use just ask here. Between all of us we probably have every tool ever made.
Also browse through www.twopeasinabucket.com Go to the peanut gallery and then look through "view by category" in the green bar at the top. There are tons of pages to look at. A bit overwhelming if you try to do it all at once but just pick one category at a time.
Also look here:
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=957926

these are our pages from the DIS.
I did just jump in on the classes but I know how you feel, I was very shy about doing it. See if maybe your LSS (local scrap store) has any private one on one time. Or a class for beginners.

 

[disneyfreakk]

Try looking into www.scrapgoods.com . This is a monthly scrapbook club that has more than just scrapbook supplies, they send out great techniqes with instructions. Its like a class. They also have a message board for members only. I have learned so much from them.

I did just jump in on the classes but I know how you feel, I was very shy about doing it.

I never in a million years would have guessed you were shy in real life!

 

[AtlantaSue]

I agree with what others have said- particularly about looking at magazines, like "Simple Scrapbooks." You can pick some ideas out from there, and then plan your layouts, then go to the store to get what you need. I am not, generally speaking, very crafty...but I can imitate what I see others do in a magazine!!

Is there a Hobby Lobby or Michaels in Athens? (I am in Hoschton, so I'm not too far from you! ) Maybe you'll get brave one day, and sign up for a class there. I'm sure it would be great. Good luck!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Try looking into www.scrapgoods.com . This is a monthly scrapbook club that has more than just scrapbook supplies, they send out great techniqes with instructions. Its like a class. They also have a message board for members only. I have learned so much from them.




I never in a million years would have guessed you were shy in real life!

AH-HA I've been discovered. See at least here I can hide behind my keyboard. LOL

Seriously I'm just paranoid about my work, I am my own worst critic. I'm always afraid my stuff isn't good enough.

 

[laura&fam]

Check your local library for books or magazines. The best book I have ever seen is called "The Encyclopedia of Scrapbooking" published in connection with Creating Keepsakes Magazine.

It's a huge paperback book with every scrapbook supply imaginable and step by step instructions on how to use them (complete with pictures). Often it includes a few different ways to use the same product. I saw it avalible for purchase at Joanns a while back. I think it was about $22.

My local library has it and many other books about scrapbooking. I'll include the link to view the book I was talking about. Some books are more helpful than others though.

http://204.113.94.98:8080/ipac20/ip...index=&aspect=subtab96&menu=search&ri=4#focus

Also if you have a question about how to use a certain tool or a certain technique, just post it here. People are great about answering questions - I know I've had a few answered and learned new things by reading the posts here.

 

[Lisa]

I never in a million years would have guessed you were shy in real life!

Actually Buffy is quiet until you get to know her, then LOOK OUT!!! Lord, I know she is going to get me for this.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I never in a million years would have guessed you were shy in real life!

Actually Buffy is quiet until you get to know her, then LOOK OUT!!! Lord, I know she is going to get me for this.

Oh you little s*&$.....stinker. I'm not near as chatty as some of the other girls. LOL
Of course Lisa always sticks me in my corner table so I can't cause trouble. BTW I love my table, I can people watch.

 

[loopner67]

I was very much like you when I was learning. I wanted to learn, but had no idea where to look or who to ask. You know what you want to learn, but you don't know how to ask, right? I was also very overwhelmed by magazines because they confused me more than helped me.

Honestly, I have learned the most from other people I scrap with. If you have a Local Scrapbook store, they probably have crops on the weekend or something like that. Going to them and scrapping with other women will be a HUGE help and the store has the tools, so you can learn to use them, too.

Do you have any specific questions? Anything you see that you want to learn to do, but are just not sure?

Don't forget to just keep asking questions. Don't feel silly - just ask!

 

[laura&fam]

I feel sort of stupid signing up by myself for crops at my local scrapbook store, but it has always turned out fine. It can be scary to go to a crop alone, but if all else fails think of my motto "when will you ever see these people again anyway?". Usually there are other ladies there by themselves too and everyone has always been very friendly. Inevitably someone forgets something and total strangers will loan their tools to them.

Also whenever I see a big group of friends together they never seem to get anything done.

You may want to go to a crop that has a designated teacher if you are new and think you may have alot of questions. After all she/he is getting paid to answer your questions.

 

[BuzzBelleMom]

What really helped me was watching Scrapbooking on DIY and Scrapbook Memories on PBS or BYU (channel). I need to be able to see the technique demonstrated more than once (rewinding is good!)

 

[piratesmate]

I can pretty much echo what's already been said. I'm another one who feels funny about signing up for classes and really am a bit shy/hesitant to go out & do things with people I don't know. Once I get going though, watch out!

I looked at the galleries on TwoPeas for the longest time & was both intrigued and totally intimidated. I finally jumped into a swap here & everyone was great! Very supportive & helpful.

I was always watching the Scrapbooking show on DIY and found it very helpful to see things done. Didn't try much of it...but it helped to watch it.

I'd been to CM parties, but between not particularly liking that style & not knowing what I was doing I didn't get much done. My first crop was a CM only crop.

Then finally I read about a crop near me that Spinning was going to & decided to sign up for that. It was great to meet her in person and I had a wonderful time. That got me more into the different styles and techniques.

Since then I've been to a crop at the LSS and more CM crops. I even went to CKC last summer and met more people from the boards like B&MB and even the elusive Nicurn! One thing I've noticed is that scrappers tend to be the nicest, friendliest group of people! I mean if you think about going shopping how often do you meet people that you feel comfortable with? I've yet to meet a scrapper who wasn't willing to share info & tools or looking for a good long chat!

 

[Fran98765]

I'm not the most creative when it comes to making paper layouts, so I always found classes at my LSS the most helpful. We made tons of embellishments to take home and I used many of them on a gift scrapbook I made for my aunt and it really impressed everyone. Many of our classes had themes, like babies or even Disney, so I chose themes that would be of use to me, so eventually I would use all of the stuff I made in class and the techniques were there for me forever. Unfortunately, I no longer have a LSS in my town, so no place to go without driving 40 mins.