Scrapbooking for Beginners.

Great! You have decided to start a scrapbook.

All people start a scrapbook for the same reason, to capture and cherish priceless memories. Some people want to remember a special trip or event, give them to others as a present, or simply just as a hobby to pass the time. Before we start defining components and beginto put a page together, understanding the history of scrapbooking might give insight and inspiration into your own creativity.Looking at the history may spark ideas, the common misconception is that scrapbooking only pertains to photos, but actually poems and other mementos can also be including within a scrapbook. This is mentioned in the history section due to the fact that scrapbooks were invented before photographs were invented. After the history section,   explanation of what materials will be needed is listed. Each material, then, will further be expanded and explained. Understanding what type of materials there are is a fundamental step in putting a scrapbook together.  Once the introductions of the materials are covered, the next section will tackle the costs associated with starting a scrapbook. Although, the cost of the materials are estimated and deeply depends on where you live. Next, the heart of the project begins. In section four will the “nuts and bolts” task part of scrapbooking by assembling a scrapbook page. It will go in depth, step by step, how to put a page layout together. This is the point where personal style and creativity will play a major role. Finally, the last section, five, will cover any additional information or tips that will aid in your scrapbook project. 
                               So, what are you waiting for… lets get started!

Step 1: Part 1: History of Scrapbooks

Although it may seem that scrapbooking has taken off as a fast growing hobby, this fad is anything but new. The idea of preserving pictures, poems, article clippings, and other mementos has been around since the eighteen hundreds, even before cameras were invented!  In 1826, a book called “Manuscript Gleanings and Literary Scrap Book” was published and created by, not a female, but by a male John Poole! It's a book filled with printed poems and engravings. Of course, the invention of photography shaped the new way people scrapbooked, immensely. In 1837, Louis-Jacques Daguerre invented the daguerreotype, the first photography processing machine. In 1857, "carte-de-viste" albums which contained pockets for photograph insertions gained popularity in the United States. Besides pages for displaying photographs, these early scrapbook albums also contained pages for doing watercolor paintings and pencil drawings.

The manners of scrapbooking were changing rapidly along with the technology advancements. The paper used was colorful, some with patterns mainly birds or flowers and the covers were being made of leather. Advances like an adhesive scrapbook that contained pre-pasted pages were invented by an American scrapbooker and author famously known as Mark Twain. In addition, George Eastman's invention of the Kodak camera and roll film in 1888 revolutionized the whole photography industry!. In mid-1990s, with the explosion of scrapbook idea publications, scrapbooking picked up speed in becoming one of the fastest growing hobbies in America. . Acid free paper and archival materials made scrapbooking more creative than ever. With the added technology of the internet, ideas and materials are at a person’s fingertips.
This is a picture of the first daguerreotype:

Step 2: Part 2: Things You Will Need to Get Started

There are some general items you will need to be on your way to capturing priceless memories. The list will be very vague, after which, each item will be broken down into detail.

* PICTURES (Of course!)                                                          * SCRAPBOOK ALBUM                                                          * PAPER                                                          * SCISSORS                                                          * ADHESIVE (Glue)                                                          * ACCESSORIES / EMBELLISHMENTS

Step 3: 1) PICTURES:

People tend to choose pictures that often going together with a type of theme. Special events, places, or special category are typical.
The theme of the pictures below indicate a Hawiian vacation. Therefore, that is th topic for the page.

www.hawaiipictures.com/pictures/index/module/media/category/gallery%7Cbeaches/start/0/

Step 4: 2.) Types of Scrapbook Albums:

are many different options in choosing a scrapbook album.

·Size counts… there are 12X12, 9X11, 8X8, 9X6, and 6X6 options, depending on how many pictures you might want on each page.

·Depending on the type of pictures intended, scrapbooks have an array of texture and color options.

·Material: Some are leather, plastic, or clothe. Choose a style that fits you or your theme.

There  is a video on youtube explaining different albums, please watch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8bD2HwPATU

·Here are some example of the variety of Albums:

Step 5: Types of Paper:

There are many different types of paper that can be used. Each is slightly unique.

~Cardstock is simple plain paper in one tone or color.

~Vellum paper is special, “see through,” paper that allows you to add depth to your page. It can come in multiple colors some with quotes or images.

~ Textured paper is raised pattern of paper, usually one color. The pattern varies depending on the type you want to use. Some come in spirals, polka dots, or -cross patterns.

~Other paper has patterns or scenery displayed on it. This can be used for specific task oriented theme pages, like the beach or certain sports.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb0DXT-BiV8
is a video on different paper you can use.

Step 6: Sitckers Galore

1.Stickers:Stickers add a personal touch to your page. They compliment the photo. Stickers can be found on any and everything imaginable; there is no limit to the copious variety available:

§For example, any type of special event one would possible endure over a life time can be found as a stickers. Birthdays, a first day of school, Halloween, the beach, a ballet recital, or a first car, are just a few examples of the variety out there.

§Maybe a certain place:Most vacation destinations that are popular can have stickers commemorating the trip. Hawaii, London, the Caribbean, Las Vegas, Washington DC, you name it you can find it.

§In addition, any type of animal sticker can be found, especially for outdoor trips or zoo visits.

§Words/ letters/numbers are especially functional and can be used to label the page or to describe a picture; these are very informative and helpful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Gbxp9Bp1U is a youtube video explaining the use of stickers.

Step 7: Tools and Additional Accessories:

ØAdhesive:Craft glue sticks or double sided tape is a necessity to putting your page together. If you want it to stay at least!

ØScissors/ other cutting utensils can be used to add detail to the paper, photo, or both. Design scissors cut certain patterns while other cutting utensils, such as a paper cutter, aid in cutting straight lines.

ØCricket Cutter machine is another type of machine intended for cutting out words. It uses different front cartages and paper to cut out specific words or phrases. These can be used instead of stickers for titles or headings. Simply cut and use glue to paste onto a page. The machine is pricey, but easy to use.

ØRub ons are translucent images or words that can be great additions to the page for increased meaning or to fill in space. They are actually a type of image that is placed into a position where intended and transferred by rubbing it onto the page.

ØEmbellishments can be used to add a personal touch to your page.

§Gemstones can be in a form of a sticker or single little rhinestones that can be added to a page to add flare. They can be glued onto a page or come ready to use having adhesive on the flat back side.

§Buttons come in many shapes and sizes and vary in color and design. These are not like buttons on clothing; rather they are craft buttons specifically designed for scrapbooking. Buttons can also be glued or many come ready to use.

§Ribbons are fabric decorations designed exclusively for scrapbooking that come in all different colors and designs, even some with words down them! They come in a variety of width. These are also glued onto the page.

§Artificial flower petals can also be utilized. They are made of fabric and come in multiple colors and sizes, which are applied by gluing the back side onto the page.

Below are pictures, that are in order, describing each topic area:

Step 8: Cost

Depending on the style and type of album a person is creating, the cost associated with scrapbooking varies. Scrapbooking is one hobby that is time consuming and also hits the pocketbook, but pays off in the end.

oAlbums themselves range in price depending on the size, material, and elaboration of design. Typical price range is $30 - $60 US.

oPaper is the over-all cheapest supplies for scrapbooking, ranging from $.50 to $2.00 depending on the style, size, and texture.

oStickers also vary in price depending on how elaborate or plain they are. Any type of event, letters, place, or animal sticker can range from $2.00 on up.

oThe embellishments are the same way. Ranging in price from $2.00 and up.

The best advice is to look for scrapbooking supplies on sale at your local craft store; this will save you money. Craft stores have weekly sales on different scrapbooking supplies, so look for great deals on the stuff you need. It is always a great idea to look ahead and buy items you may need in the future. For example, if it is spring and there is clearance on winter or Christmas items, buy for the following year. Or if you know you will be going on a vacation or to the beach for the summer, stocking up on accessories while they are on sale will save money later on.

Step 9: Putting a Scrapbook Page Together

 Now that you understanding the items that you will be using, it is time to put it all together to form a unique work of art; your page!
The following are the Seven easy steps to assemble a scrapbook page:

Step 10: Step 1 - Environment and Step 2 -Getting Out Supplies

Step 1: Find a proper working environmentthat allows adequate space to spread out your scrapbooking materials. This should be a flat, clean working surface, usually a table or countertop.

Step 2: Get out your scrapbooking supplies.This includes any pictures, paper, scissors, glue, and any other embellishment or accessory you feel will go with your page. Also, you may want to have a trash can nearby. You will be cutting paper and cropping pictures so having the trash can nearby will make cleaning up easier and there will be less clutter in your work space.

Step 11: Steps 3 and 4 -Pictures and Cropping

Step 3:Choosing pictures. Once you have all the material out, you can start choosing the pictures you wish to scrapbook. You may want to pick one event and stick with it. For example, pick one holiday such as Christmas. Do not try to do too much at one time; this may be too over whelming.

üSort through the pictures: Are there pictures that are blurry or people who are blinking? If so, don’t use them.

üEvery picture does not need to be used.

üCropping a picture (described below) can help make the picture easier to utilize and bring something in the picture into the main focus. This can make a half blurry picture useable as well.

Step 4:Cropping the selected pictures. The photos and a type of theme should be picked out and ready to be utilized.You may want to “crop” or cut the photo to eliminate any unwanted background. They do not need to be any particular size or shape for that matter. Be creative, pictures can be cut in any way and shape.

Step 12: Step 5- the Layout of the Page

Layout of the page. Now you can start making a layout and playing around with your pictures and other embellishments. This step allows you to be creative…. So let it flourish!!!

üChoose a piece of paper, usually cardstock or other theme printed paper, to be the primary page. This will be used as a template by adding and fixing the photos and accessories to it.

üLay photos on page along with any type of accessory, embellishment and stickers (without removing the back paper) that you wish (or that correlates to your theme). Keep rearranging them on the page until you like where they are positioned without securing them to the page.

üOther paper can be used as a separate background to a picture as well. This can draw the main focus to the photo, like a centerpiece.

Here ar some videos to help understand this process:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1eH1A1rkaM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xSJDxzU6mg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKMrptwK5LQ

Step 13: Step 6- Making It Stick.

Step 6:Making it stick. Once you have positioned the photos, stickers, and embellishment exactly to your preference, it is time to attach it all together to the primary page. This can be accomplished by either using craft stick glue or double sided tape. Using craft glue will reassure you that it will dry clear.Remove any paper backing on stickers and stick them into place. Remember to double check that everything is attached securely and properly.

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have just finished making your first scrapbook page.

Step 14: Step 7- Inserting Page Into Album

Inserting the finished page into the Album.The page can now be inserted into your scrapbook album. Depending on the type of album you can accomplish this in two ways:

1.Slide the page into the clear pocket slot of the album

OR

2.The page might need to be glued onto the album page. Simply apply glue or tape to the back side of the newly finished page and stick it directly onto the album page, remembering to line it up exact with the album page.

….. You are now on your way to completing your very first scrapbook album.

Step 15: Tips and Additional Information:

Tips and Additional Information

vPre-made Pages- can be found at any craft store. They are exactly what they sound to be “pre-made” themed pages. These can be extremely helpful if your time is limited or want a hassle free scrapbook.

vResources: There are many different outlets to share or find ideas and supplies for scrapbooking.

üScrapbook magazines can be purchased at any local craft store.

üOnline websites and discussion groups

üScrapbook seminars/classes are sometimes offered at craft stores; see your local craft store for any information.

üScrapbook conventions- Yes, conventions! It is a place where specialized scrapbook vendors from all over the country gather in one place. Admission varies with location. Also, scrapers can bring their supplies and scrapbook in a special area. It is unique and usually publicized via through the radio.

üOther scrappers, people who scrapbook, are a great resource in sharing layout designs and tips.

Step 16: Conclusion:

Scrapbooking is a fun and creative way to persevere your pictures. The pages can be as simple or complex as you want, you are in control. This is by no means conclusive. This guide is intended for beginner scrapbookers.With experience comes new techniques and increased use of technologies and supplies/materials. Many other embellishments and materials can be used, but are not in the range of this document. Do not limit yourself to this; it is only a starting point. Your imagination is your only limitation.


Note:
Most of the pictures used are from: http://joann.com/  a craft store.
History information was sourced by:
http://www.everything-about-scrapbooking.com/history-of-scrapbooking.html