Scrapbooking, I'm a rookie...is a memory album the same as a scrapbook?

Question

This may sound stupid but, are memory albums the same as scrapbooks? I thought scrapbooks had a paper page, not a plastic sheet protector. My Mom bought me a bunch of scrapbooking supplies for Christmas & included 3 memory albums. She got them from Hobby Lobby. They are expandable post bound pages, they are acid, lignin & PVC free and they each have 10 clear sheet protectors. I was just wondering because they're not "called" scrapbooks. Plus, they were fairly inexpensive & I've seen that scrapbooks are pretty pricey. I've never done ANY scrapbooking & I'd appreciate any tips anyone can offer! Like, can I print my own pictures or should I order reprints? Yeah, obviously I'm a rookie...

Thanks for any advice!
j

Answer 1

Yes, they are the same, the plastic sheet protectors are for protecting the pictures. Scrap-booking can be overwhelming, so take your time.

Set up a place, preferably a table that is out of the way and can be left there till you are finished. This sounds strange, but if it is there and ready to go, you will get more done in less time.

Now get organized. Have everything you need within your grasp so that you can really get going. That includes your photos. Get them organized as well, however you like, by date, or by birthday, vacation, whatever. Throw away any blurred or just plain "bad" photos as they detract from the album. Also, give away duplicates as they will confuse you. You will begin to wonder whether or not you have used them.

Also, if possible, make a photo disc of all your photos. That way if you need one you can get it easily printed in no time at all. They are also safe, no lost negatives. Then, just toss the negatives.

Now use large white paper or your album pages to create a layout usually not more than 3 or 4 photos per page. Lay out each page till you have all the photos you want grouped together for the event. Keep doing this till you have used all the pages, this will save you much time. Then just start putting them together!

However, if you have many photos of the same function, but different poses or scenery, and you would like to use them, cut them down. There are many different types of scissors and cutting tools at you local craft store.

You can have the people cut out and place them in layers on the page. I did this when my daughters photo was great but the background was not so great. I just cut her out, and placed her on another photo for the background!

There is really no right or wrong way to do it, but remember, keep your embellishments to a minimum. It is easier on the eye, and the pocket book! Just do specialty pages every once in a while for special photos. Plus, it will take less time. You will be able to do at lest a couple of pages a day this way and your album will be finished in no time at all.

My daughters album is great but hard to look at because it is overwheming to the eye. I did many colorful layouts with lots of embelshiments, it took a full year to complete. That is why it helps to keep embellishments to a minimum.

Oh by the way, be sure to use an archival quality pen to journal with. That way it won't turn wierd colors and ruin your hard work. Journaling is a great way to preserve your memories and to share them as well.

Scrapbooking is fun and great to share with others, there are many scrapbooking classes to join. This helps you learn many different styles and about new tools and tricks to creating great albums.

Well, hope this helps, good luck with your new adventure!

Answer 2

Yep, they are both the same. Most scrapbooks have sheet protectors to ensure that your pages are safe and secured. Just be creative with it and you will get the hang of it. As for print, you can always print your own or order reprints. Its the matter of how you want it to look like. And you can always go to an art and craft store which has many scrapbooking supplies to choose from. And some of them, like AC Moore, even have pages display so you can get an idea on how you want your pages to look like.

Answer 3

They are pretty much the same. The page protectors are a very good thing!
Scrapbooking is a great hobby. have fun and remember that most anything goes! It doesn't matter how much the book costs, just the value of the memories inside!!

Answer 4

Basically there are the same thing but some good things to put into scrapbooks are stickers and thought bubbles(stuff like that).You can find all that stuff in your local craft store.If you really want to go full out I suggest you buy borders for your pictures in the scrapbook.I think you should order reprints because for me printing out picture can get messy sometimes when the printer puts too much ink on a picture.

Answer 5

Welcome to the world of scrapbooking! Yes Memory Books and Scrapbooks are the same things. The plastic page protecter is there to protect your pages once you slide them in. You can print your own pictures or you can reorder them. That is really up to you. There are lots of places to find good deals on scrapbook supplies. Check out ebay if you have some time. Scrapbooking can become an expenisive hobby. Feel free to check out my pages I make premade pages and sell them.... http://www.stores.ebay.com/CZweibohmerDesigns (Please don't copy my work, but feel free to get ideas from there). If I can be of any help feel free to contact me at [e-mail] I would be more then willing to help get you started if you have any questions. Good luck to you with your new adventure of scrapbooking! ~Cheryl

Answer 6

Well I have completed about 20 scrapbooks in that last three years. I love to scrap my kids pictures and achievements. I would say yes you should learn to scrap and you can start out with less stuff and then continue to improve over the next ones that you do.

Answer 7

Here are a few sites to get you started:
bigpicturescrapbooking.com - virtual live link workshops for tricks and techniques.
scrapbooking101.net - teaches the basics of scrapbooking
sbelements.com - tutorials, tips, & scrap chat rooms
learn2scrapbook.com - for beginners who need the basics.
scrapgirls.com - message boards, live chats
twopeasinabucket.com - forum, tutorials, downloads.
memorymakersmagazine.com - online scrappers share their thoughts, ideas, and techniques.
I also highly recommend classes at Michaels, Hobby Lobby, A.C. Moore. They are inexpensive, and you get to meet other scrappers. They offer the perfect opportunity to see each step for a procedure, rather than read it online. Best of Luck, and welcome to the world of scrapping!