The Basics of Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is a hobby that involves archiving photographs, memorabilia, and other artwork. The most popular format is a bound book, but many scrappers also create pages in other containers, such as matchbooks or CD cases. Some scrappers even make creations that don’t fit into the definition of a “scrapbook,” but rather are more like altered art or assemblage.

Scrapbooks are often a way for people to relive memories. They are also a way for them to share their stories with others, including family and friends and future generations.

The first step in creating a scrapbook is selecting a theme. This sets the tone and helps the creator choose the photos, memorabilia, and other items to include. A theme may be as simple as a family vacation or it might be a year-in-review. Having the theme in mind helps the creator select appropriate papers, embellishments, and a color scheme.

Next, the creator must select the photos and arrange them on the page. Some scrappers write captions, or journaling, to go with each photo. These can be handwritten or typed. Some prefer to use short quotes, lyrics or famous quotations in their journals, while other prefer more lengthy descriptions of the photos themselves.

Once the photos and journaling are arranged, the creator begins adding embellishments. A variety of techniques can be used, including paint, stamping, embroidery, and die-cuts. The scrapper may use stickers, wood veneers, washi tapes, and cut files to add accents to the page.