New to scrapbooking & looking for tips

As a new scrapper (about 6 months into it), I can only echo the advice given here. The patterned paper is beautiful and cute -- and I end up collecting it and not using it nearly as much as solid colors.

When I bought my paper cutter, it made things MUCH easier and faster. I've also bought several magazines and special publications from companies such as Creating Keepsakes, Paperkuts, Memory Makers, etc., and study them for ideas and techniques. I can sit down with the magazine and study how others have used color, titles, journaling, etc. and then applied those ideas to my layouts.

The best advice: Have FUN!

enjoy, Michelle

Welcome to the world of scrappers!!!

The most important thing to remember after safe scrapbooking is to be yourself. Everyone has their own style that will develope as you work on your layouts. You will see lots of neat pages in magazines and it's fun to try all the latest trends, but in the end you will evolve your own style. It may be quite different from your friends or it may be very similar but it will still be yours.

Hi there

Welcome to Scrapbook.com

Scrapbook is a fun and creative way to show off your pictures and photos for years to come
(Also you get to meet really kewl people on this board, and at crops etc.)
Like mentioned before, a straight edge cutter!!! A MUST!
As for Styles and tastes that is all up to you Look at magazines (I like Memory Makers and Ivy Cottage. Although Creating keepsakes is good.)
Ivy cottage is good because they have more simple layouts for beginners than the others. Looke around on the internet and books. You will find your style WE all did If I look at my pages when I was just beginning to know! Trust me they are way more me Now.
Have fun and ask questions when you need it.

Lisa

I agree with the other girls, a good quality POST BOUND album so you can rearrange the order at any time. You'll want a paper cutter as mentioned though I like a rotary cutter with interchangeable blades (cuts straigt, wavy, ruffled, etc). A corner rounder is good basic investment, a good adhesive-Hermafix is my favorite and I've tried them all! Journaling pens...be sure to journal your pages-tell "who, what, when, where and why and be specific!" and of course paper and die-cuts to match your pictures. This is all you really need to start-the other stuff is fun but can be overwhelming at first (and expensive) Hope that helps!

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Scrappingly,
Sharon
www.BeScrappinInASnap.com
[email protected]

It can get expensive, but when you are trying to go cheaper just make sure you are still getting quality. You want your albums to last a long time, so if you have to spend a few extra dollars now then do it. It's cheaper than redoing to album because the products are ruining your photos.

Make sure album pages, mounting papers (or anything else that will touch your photos) are acid free, lignin free and buffered. Photo safe does not necessarily mean archival safe.

My suggestion is to visit scrap stores. Visit craft stores that carry the supplies. Visit Wal-Mart...they have tons of good stuff at cheaper prices then the home based business scrap companies. They tend to overcharge. Try both types of albums. Depending on what you are making and what type of album you want to create. For instance, I started with a smaller album, later went to 12 by 12, and now I do both. My daugthers baby album is 8 by 11. My family album is 12 by 12. I highly recommend concentrating on the process of enjoying it and not being in a hurry to get done. CM promotes getting done. I say take your time and enjoy it. Don't worry about order. Top loading albums enable you to organize later and have fun making your pages now. Also explore adhesives. Some are better for one thing and not for another. Most of all, it can get expensive, so don't let anyone tell you not to buy from wherever you can find a good deal. Happy Scrappin and welcome to the Scrapin Cult (as my hubby says)!

The best tool for a brand new scrapper is a straight edge paper cutter. There are a ton out there, but look for something that has replaceable blades, and will cut at least a 12" page.
As for how to find ideas and what you like... take a few (it gets addicting) hours to look through the page gallery they have here, and jot down ideas.
Have fun!!!

If you are new to scrapping you will need to decide what kind of album you want to use, and the size you feel comfortable scrapping in. I personally scrap 8.5X11 post bound top loading page protectors. When I started I knew I was going to want to copy entire albums, and that was the easiest size to color copy. I like the post bound top loading, because I don't always want to scrap in chronological order, and often I am handed more pictures after I have finished layouts. I find it much easier to scrap out of order, and move things around to accomadate changes with the post bound albums. I would suggest that as you get your feet wet in the hobby you ask for demonstrations and try the different tools for yourself before buying the major stuff. Most of us seem to have a drawer full of magical tools that never quite worked the way we thought they would. Most important, enjoy the process. These are your albums, your pictures, and your memories. There are no "laws" that are absolute, and you should have fun with the process and be proud of the outcome. Nancy

Welcome to Scrapbook.com!

What type of scrapbook are you doing? Is it a present or for yourself? Is it general or a theme album?

For ideas check out the gallery here. There are also several magazines on the market. You could also head to a scrapbook store where ideas are usually on display.

As for tips, don't buy too much patterened paper. I think it's cute and I buy it all the time, but I don't use it! As a result I've got a pile a few inches thick that I don't use! Be yourself, it is your album and your tastes need to be reflected. Don't be afraid to ask advice or what might seem at times stupid questions, we were all there once.

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Megan:
A person who always strives to do her best-

Hi, I'm about to begin my first scrapbook and was hoping to get some helpful hints and looking for ideas.
thanks,
Marly