You are going to have so much fun doing this! (And then you will be hooked on scrapbooking just like the rest of us 
)
As far as getting ideas for layouts I would suggest looking at scrapbook magazines. I get Creative Keepsakes, that's my favorite. I read the entire magazine and then go back and cut out the layouts that I like. I glue them in a binder under the proper heading (baby, cute, general idea, water, etc.) and briefly write the reason I like it. That way, when I need a layout I have tons on hand to copy. Just don't tell yourself "I can't do this" about anything - drawing, copying a layout, finishing the scrapbook - and you will do fine. (If you CAN draw, ignore this next "pep talk" ) That's people's biggest problem - they say they are not creative or can't draw, etc. They have it in their mind and stop themselves from being able to. If I have a picture in front of me I can draw a similar one and I am by far NOT an artist. Try it a few times and I'm sure you will do great.
As far as what supplies you need, I am not the person to ask. I want one of EVERYTHING and swear that I will use it! My biggest must-haves are a huge supply of paper (I work on 12x12 albums but have tons of 8x10 paper, too.), a corner rounder, a red-eye pen and TONS of die cuts and stickers. Of course you will need a good pair of scissors and markers to journal with. (I use double stick tape for adhesive and a glue stick for the small stuff but that's just preference. I think I had been through every kind they sell before deciding on my favorite.) If you have a Hobby Lobby around you, they have all their scrapbook stickers on sale for half price a lot - I stock up when I find that sale.
What are so other must-haves for Pauline???
Linda
Start slow - and know that you WILL get overwhelmed. There is a lot out there, more on the way and even us 'veterans' get all excited and overwhelmed when our local store gets a new shipment in (isnt' that right annidasmom??) lol But hang in there, buy when you can..and most of all HAVE FUN
1) Organize your photos - even if you just group them into piles, that's OK. You can buy inexpensive acid-free cardboard photo organizers in Wal-Mart (they look like big shoeboxes) and they have acid-free index cards you can write on to keep them sorted in the correct order. The easiest organizational plan for your particular pictures might be to group them by each year of your son's life so far.
2) You will need to select the type of scrapbook album you prefer:
style a: post-bound
style b: strap-hinge
style c: 3-ring binder
style d: coil bound
and also select the size you'd like to work in : smaller format pages use 8 1/2"x11" paper, larger format uses 12x12" paper
3) Once you have selected which type/size album you prefer, then it is off to the sb stores to purchase some basic supplies:
a) acid free black pen
b) acid-free paper
c) acid-free adhesives
d) page protectors
e) album
f) sharp scissors
g) ruler
4) There are many other supplies out there, but I have given you the bare basics list. Many embellishments are available to decorate your pages, such as themed stickers, die cut paper shapes, paper dolls, albphabet stickers, fancy scissors, etc. Only buy what you needm like, and can afford - one big trap many scrappers fall into in the beginning is to buy everything in sight and then get overwhelmed with the supplies.
4) I highly recommend purchasing a layout example book or magazine. An excellent choice for a beginner would be the Creative Memories layout idea books (there are several). They are available only from a CM consultant, however. Another good choice would be to pick up a copy of Creating Keepsakes magazine or Paperkuts Magazine. Paperkuts is especially useful for beginners because it has easy lessons in scrapping techniques that teach you how to use your basic supplies. CK has the most professional magazine and excellent articles & layouts. Other mags out there are Memory Makers and Ivy Cottage Creations.
HTH (Hope this helps)
------------------
Leslie *Ü*
I started by having the lady sort pictures, inot envelopes. 7-10 pictures per envelope and all the info on the outside of the envelope.
EXAMPLE:
1-3 "Joe" born on 1/1/00, with mom and dad
and photo with brothers "Sam" and "Kyle" and sister "Jenny"
4-7 Blessing/Christening 3/1/00 (list everyone in the pictures, place who performed the ordinance, etc.
8-10 "Joe" with Grandparents
and so on thru all 21 years.
It is time consuming, but if all the information is doen in the beginning, you won't be so discouraged when you start the scrapbooking.
I am currently doing a book for my dad, who did not take the time to do that, I was lucky I got all the Christmas pictures in one envelope (I'm doing an ABC album for him). It is very frustrating to start a layout and then realize you don't have all the info you need. Take the time in the beginning. It will take hours, but is well worth it. You will actually enjoy the scrapping portion of it more.
Sorry to take so much time, e-mail me for any additional info.
Cheri
[This message has been edited by cheri (edited 02-04-2001).]
