10 Scrapbooking Lessons I've Learned

My 10 Scrapbooking Lessons

Though I've not been scrapbooking for many years, but in over two years, I've learned a few important lessons about this hobby. Such lessons will serve as good reminders as I continue on my journey of preserving my favorite memories.

Run through the list and see if you can resonate with any of my lessons learned. Maybe you'll find one or two ah-ha moments. Maybe you have something new, fun and interesting to share with us, if so, please send me your ideas.

Ah-Ha #1

One of the things I've been trying to encourage scrapbookers to do is to create layouts about themselves. Step out from behind the camera occasionally and be photographed. Create layouts on yourself. You are the family historian yes, but your future generations will also love to learn more about you.

Ah-Ha #2

Everyone has a style. We might start off imitating and scraplifting heaps from the magazines and others. Still, you do have a style. It's a matter of discovering your own preferences and unique style.

Ah-Ha #3

Perfection is a hard thing to keep. In fact, the little imperfections found in our pages are what make our pages unique and special. There's always the next layout where you can better improved on a technique or style. Scrapping is about experimenting, making mistakes and enjoying oneself!

Ah-Ha #4

Don't get stressed up about not creating layouts in a chronological order. I don't. I scrap as and whenever inspiration strike. I can be creating layouts about today's photos that I've just snapped, or I could be picking up photos from 5 years ago and doing pages on them. I could be combining photos from different time periods and using them on my pages. Go where your inspiration urges you. It's OK and keeps the fun rolling.

Ah-Ha #5

It gives you many opportunities to uncover stories from your parents, grandparents and other family members. People are more willing to share when it's for family records. And it let you listen in to many stories you might otherwise not know about!

Ah-Ha #6

While others share, you got to share too! Let your voice be heard in your journaling. Let heartfelt words, feelings and thoughts fill your pages.

Ah-Ha #7

Scrapping can be therapeutic. It happens to me and it has happened to others too. I know because one beginner told me how making a scrapbook about her beloved cat which passed away, filled her up with happy memories of moments shared. Starting this album has encouraged her to think about creating albums for her two existing cats.

Ah-Ha #8

Don't just reserve photo-taking for occasions like birthdays and vacations. Take out your camera and start shooting at everyday moments. Remember, your everyday moments form the major portion of your life. So please don't miss out on scrapping your everyday moments.

Ah-Ha #9

People go through different phases. Likewise, your layouts will go through evolution. Don't worry about not liking your pages 5 years down the road. Your ever evolving style will document the fact that scrapping style like life, changes.

Ah-Ha #10

Don't be caught up with the latest and newest supplies. We start off scrapbooking because we want to preserve our memories. Ultimately, it's still our photos and journaling that take centerstage, and embellishments are supposed to supplement and enhance, not overshadow.

Should you want to get started on scrapbooking, but are unsure of the basic supplies to get, please click here for some suggestions.

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