How to Start Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is a creative hobby that involves creating a book with photos, memorabilia, and a variety of other materials to illustrate your stories. It is a great way to preserve memories for friends, family members, and even future generations. The process is easy to learn and can be done in a short amount of time.

To start your own scrapbook, begin by deciding on a theme. This can be a specific event or milestone like your wedding day or a year studying abroad, or it could be a general topic such as travel, family, or a favorite hobby. Once you have a theme, narrow down your photos and memorabilia to those that best tell the story.

Once you have a few key photos and memorabilia, lay them out in a rough design to see how they fit together. Make sure to leave space for captions if desired. You can also mat your photos if you’d like to draw attention to one photo or add some dimension to your page. You can choose a standard mat color, or use patterned paper, fabric, or a different material to add some extra flair.

Next, choose a page protector or album to house your scrapbook. Many people prefer to work with 12” x 12” albums but there are strap hinge and post binding options as well. Finally, add embellishments to complete your layouts. These can be 3D stickers, rubber stamps, or charms that coordinate with your theme.