From one beginner to another if there is anything I am confident about it is making a "dummy" or "less important" scrapbook first to hone your skills. When people learn CPR they first learn with a Dummy and this rule should apply to scrap booking. This is the best way to learn new techniques and find your style without all the headaches of coming up short on the real deal later.

If you have never done this before save your memories for when you feel more confident, have better skills, know and understand techniques, and have an idea of how to plan your attack. Soak up any and all information you can and test it out on your Dummy first. This will save you time, money, and only make you better in the long run.

Keep your Dummy and add to it as you go this way you always have a space or canvas to play and learn. There is never a bad page or layout but you don't want to look back at the albums you cherish and think I could have done that better if I had only known. Remember your Dummy isn't your enemy or bad reminder, but instead, your friend.