The Basics of Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is the art of preserving and decorating photos and memorabilia with patterned paper, stamps, stencils and stickers. Often, the finished scrapbook has a unique theme or story to tell. The process is fun and therapeutic, and it can be done digitally or using a traditional album. The first step in scrapbooking is to select a theme for the album and collect photos and memorabilia that are related to it. This may require many editing sessions before you’re satisfied with the selection and it’s important to be extremely selective. If you’re creating a photo-heavy album, be sure to choose high-quality images that are free of blemishes and have good lighting.

A quality album is an essential component of the scrapbooking experience, and it’s a good idea to invest in one that’s archival. This means it’s comprised of 100% acid-free materials, with the paper being buffered and lignin-free to prevent yellowing or brittleness over time.

Cardstock is the backbone of any scrapbook, and it comes in a variety of colors and textures. It’s also a good idea to purchase some patterned paper that adds visual and textural interest to your pages. Ribbon and lace are also popular embellishments, as they add texture and dimension to the page while complementing the theme of the album.

A pair of scissors is a staple item for any scrapbooker, as they’ll be used to cut out pictures and decorative paper. It’s a good idea to invest in a pair of crafting scissors with decorative edges, as they can add a nice touch to your albums.