Where do you start?

[PrincessBelle39]

I have been interested in scrapbooking for sometime now but do not know where to start. How did you guys actually get started? What was your first step. I really wan to do something special with the photos for our upcoming trip.

 

[bigbabyblues]

I started with Creative Memories (CM here on the board). It's a home party company, and she really showed us how to do it. I bought some things there, and then I found other places to buy things. I've learned a few new things, but mostly I stick to the CM method--white pages, and I crop my pics and put them and the paper/stickers/whatever else I'm using on the white pages. Occasionally I use a background page to cover the white, but not often. If you do a search on Creative Memories, you can use the "find a consultant" on their website to find someone in your area; even if you don't like the style, if would be a place to start and learn. Also, if you have a Scrapbook Store in your area, see if they offer classes or workshops; our Michael's has them.

What you really need (in my opinion only, lol) to get started is an album of your choice (you can see and choose one at Hobby Lobby, AC Moore, Michael's, and maybe a JoAnn Fabrics, probably other places) page protectors, some paper, a good paper trimmer, adhesive (I prefer a tape runner, but there is also glue in bottles, glue sticks, and glue pens), and a black pen.

There are different types of albums. I use the CM albums, they are what's called a strap-hinge album; the pages are already in the album, but you can add more. There is a top-loading album, usually like a 3-ring binder, and you get clear sheets to put in it; if you use those, you will need to make your pages on a full sheet of paper, which a lot of people like to do. There are others, but these are the two I've used in the past.

I hope this helps, and I know there will be more replies from people who have been scrapping much longer and know much more than I do! Feel free to ask any questions you have, we've all been new to scrapping and we'd love to help!

~Steph

 

[Lisa]

I too started with CM, and become a CMC. My first album was our Disney cruise in 2005. A friend gave me the album and the pages were already completed with one of the Disney kits.

BigBabyBlues gave some great suggestions, I would also recommend looking at what layouts others have done and see what style looks good to you. Some people are into digital scrapbooking, others like traditional scrapbooking; either with a simplier style or a very decorative style. Play around a bit and have fun. You will love watching your style develop!

 

[MomOf2DisneyKids]

Hi PrincessBelle39! I started with CM too....but I quickly started using other supplies too. Just pick something and give it a shot!! I'd suggest trying out a few things with some old pics that maybe aren't quite as important, to get an idea of what you like and what you don't like!! And keep hanging out here!!

 

[Faerie]

Another one who started with CM! It took me a while and a bad CM to start branching out. Now I don't think I could go back to that style, although my pages are still pretty simple

 

[Honeymooner04]

Hi! I'm just starting too and what I did was go to our local used bookstore and bought a bunch of used Creative Keepsakes magazines for inspiration and to learn techniques and just purused craft stores to get ideas. I bought a bunch of paper periodically using Michaels and Joanns coupons and now a small but growing selection to choose from. I have an "issue" with cutting and using adhesive on my pictures so I use photo corners so even if I don't like what I did with a page I can always start over and I haven't ruined a picture. It took me a while to get started because I was so overwhelmed at first but it's a hobby I really enjoy now. Oh, and I really like looking at www.twopeasinabucket.com for ideas as well. Good luck!

 

[Kim1964]

I went to an AC Moore with a friend who knew something about scrapping, and I bought a package of 12 x 12 solid cardstock, a package of 12 x 12 seasonal papers (covered all the major holidays in a year, plus other special occasions), a paper trimmer, some photo mounting squares, a black pen, a glue stick, and a 12 x 12 album. That was on January 1st of this year and it was all I needed to get started.

I didn't have a ton of photos from 2006, but I took what I had and made a family album. When I figured out what I wanted to scrap, I'd go back to ACM to buy individual sheets of theme paper or stickers for a specific project. I spent a lot of time looking at the pages people posted here and over at two peas. It's really very inspiring!

I now have 3 albums in progress....our 2007 family album, our WDW trip album, and my "It's All About Me" album. I'm at a point where I need (OK, want) dedicated scrapping space in the house. DH found a drafting table for free on craigslist and it's been sitting in the basement for a couple of months now. He promised he'd set it up in some unused bedroom space before the kids start school next week.

 

[LisaB]

I prefer a hinge album over a top loader. I like the way the lie. The only thing I don't like is that you can't move them arround so I have solved that problem by not glueing them on the paper. I love CM's perfect fit paper because you don't have to cut it like paper bought at a LSS etc. Try taking a class or even book a one on one with a CM consultant

 

[bigbabyblues]

I prefer a hinge album over a top loader. I like the way the lie. The only thing I don't like is that you can't move them arround so I have solved that problem by not glueing them on the paper. I love CM's perfect fit paper because you don't have to cut it like paper bought at a LSS etc. Try taking a class or even book a one on one with a CM consultant

I do too Lisa, and I like the option with the strap-hinge (CM) of not having to wallpaper if I don't want to. I did our 2005 WDW trip with a top-loading, and by the time I was done, I was tired of having to mess with it!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I just jumped right in and bought tons of stuff, I would not recommend going shopping crazy though.
I started with our WDW trip, so I suggest trying a specific theme.
Get your basic tools and buy good quality, you don't want cheap paper trimmers that don't cut straight.

this is a good list to start with:
Favorite pair of straight-edge, micro-tip scissors
Personal 12" x 12" paper trimmer
Favorite adhesives, both wet and dry
Black archival journaling pen
Stapler
Regular hole punch
Black and brown distressing ink
Corner Rounder

if you have any questions feel free to ask, everyone here is extremely helpful and if we don't know the answer we will try to point you to the right person to ask!

 

[rlcook]

It took some time for me to get started too. Looking at my first scapbooks now is like learning to write in Kindergarten--egads. I use all different techniques and supplies. I think one of the easiest for beginners is the Coluzzle system. They are plastic nested templates that you place over your pictures and then use a Coluzzle craft knife that swivels and cut your pictures to the size that you want. They lie pretty flat and you can get them in many shapes. My favorite one is the puzzle shape where you can take different pictures and make a puzzle collage. I get a lot of compliments on this.

I use a lot of patterened paper and colored cardstock, but I still do an occasional white page. It depends on your taste. I got some books at book fairs on scraping.

My DH just wanted to add his 2 cents. He sraps with me and even goes to crops with me. He said his favorite technique is if you have a picture that you have, but only like the subject, but the rest of the picture is bad, to cut around the subject and pop dot it into another photo.

We bought a plastic 6-foot table at Lowes and set up the back 3rd of our family room as a scrapbooking area. I can watch TV with the kids and still do it.

ALSO, I just got a catalog from Oriental Trading Company of all scrapbooking supplies. My wishlist is over $800. The prices are great. You could check out their website.

Good Luck, once you start, you'll be addicted.
Lora

 

[disneyfan2]

My DH just wanted to add his 2 cents. He sraps with me and even goes to crops with me. He said his favorite technique is if you have a picture that you have, but only like the subject, but the rest of the picture is bad, to cut around the subject and pop dot it into another photo.

Awwwh, what a great hubby But love his idea
How are you able to cut through the pic without wrinkles or folding the pic
??

 

[rlcook]

I SO WISH I knew how to add attachments. If you aren't going to use the rest of the picture, just the subject, just cut from the edge to the subject and cut around it. You can just cut an oval or circle around it, or use my favorite scissors the CutterBee's (they have a smaller anf finer pair of scissors) and cut out the subject very intricantly (probably spelled wrong) so that all you have is the subject. It is called silhouette.

The books that I have that I get ideas from are:

Big Book of Scrapbooking by Memory Makers copyright 2005 ISBN 1-892127-62-8 Phone#800-289-0963 I don't have an exact price on this one-I got it at a book fair.

Creating with Coluzzle by ProvoCraft ISBN 1-58050-089-7 I got it for $14.99

Eyelets by Can Do Crafts ISBN 1-57421-463-2 for $12.99

The Ultimate Scrapbooking Book by Sterling Publishing Co. ISBN 1-4027-0648-0 It retails for $24.95 But it is another book fair book for $11.99

Scrapbook Collection by Memory Makers (this one even has templates with it) ISBN 1-58209-956-1 $29.95

Creative Paper Techniques for Scrapbooks by Memory Makers ISBN 1-892127-21-0 $22.99

I also have another book, but it is at work. I can add it later.

Hope this is helpful to anyone who needs it.

Lora

 

[aj2hall]

Lots of great suggestions already. Do you have a local scrapbook store? Most of them offer classes including beginner classes. Some craft stores like Michaels and AC moore also offer classes. Or you could try a local community college or your town's recreation department. I started 8 years ago after my oldest was born and have been hooked ever since. Classes were a great starting point for me, it was much easier and less intimidating.
Also, another thought - you might not want to start with really special pictures. My layouts have improved dramatically since I first started. I almost started with my wedding album and I'm so happy that I didn't.

 

[Connie of Trenton]

My first album was for one of my daughters graduation. I began it at birth through her graduation. I did the same for another daughter three years later. I have also done two Disney cruise books, as well as an album when our daughter got married, and now I have a grandparent album that is ongoing as well as a book for our daughter that is a teacher. I began that book when she began college up to graduation...she's still waiting for her first teaching position to come along and then I'll continue on with it.

 

[cissy]

Sign up for any free magazines and email newsletters as they will have terrific ideas.

Definitely sign up for some classes at a local craft store. We have one here called Archiver's and it is ALL scrapbook. They also have neat cropping sessions where you can go and crop in their store. They often have cool mini crafts to do and let you use their cutting machines and other cool stuff.

Another good place to start is by organizing your pictures by date. This is a huge help!! One thing I do is have a craft keeper for each child and each year. (I am way behind on my scrapping, you see). I put pics, tickets, certificates, etc. in the keeper and then the whole year is together in one place.

As for a dedicated space, here is what I did; I use the closet in my guest bedroom! My husband took out the closet rod for me. He made a ledge around the back wall and sides. Then we went to a counter top store and bought piece of counter that was ordered incorrectly. They sold it to us at a great price and cut it to the measurement we needed. My hubby installed it in the closet and VIOLA! I have a large counter in the closet. I hung shoe organizers over the back of the doors which give me a ton of little pockets to hold stuff. Even with the door closed, my office chair fits, too. It rolls up under the desk.

So, it doesn't take up space in any of my rooms. PERFECT!! I am constantly tampering with the organization, but I would do that even if I had a whole room to work with!

Good luck!

 

[Connie of Trenton]

I think with scrapbooking (or any project) it is helpful to have a "special" space to keep your stuff out that your working on. If I had to put things away and get out every time I wanted to scrapbook I am afraid I would get little done.

 

[PrincessBelle39]

Just wanted to say thanks for your ideas. I have grabbed a few magazines and investigated the classes at our closest stores. I have also bought myself a basic kit to start with. I have found it really hard to not just buy everything in sight. There is a store about 20minutes from here that is just huge and has everything. I will just have to be strong.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Something else to think about too. Don't try to make it "Perfect". Some people, including myself, feel the need for perfectionism. Remember that scrapping is your story, your life. (HEHE I sound like a creative memories ad, but it's true.) Life isn't perfect, it has it's ups and downs, and so will your books. If you wait til the perfect picture or the perfect paper comes along, you won't be able to get anything done.

Embrace the process and reap the rewards.

 

[PrincessNancy96]

Something else to think about too. Don't try to make it "Perfect". Some people, including myself, feel the need for perfectionism. Remember that scrapping is your story, your life. (HEHE I sound like a creative memories ad, but it's true.) Life isn't perfect, it has it's ups and downs, and so will your books. If you wait til the perfect picture or the perfect paper comes along, you won't be able to get anything done.

Embrace the process and reap the rewards.

BAMB is completely right on this... I whole-heartedly agree with that statement... I have been scrapping for 2 years...and have only finished my Disney2005 album.. why? I've been trying to be PERFECT.. right this, right embellishment... Now, I have gotten a grip on the fact that it's about the pictures not the perfection..and the memories.. I've gotten now where I have my kids add their recollections about the trip, event, birthday... I'm not working on 4 paperbag albums for my kids' current sports seasons..and I'm so excited because I'm starting them before the season ends!!! Now, to just find the paper colors I want.. Have my ideas but NO store around here has the umpf that I desire.. I will find it.. just need to drive a little further!