Need Advice on Scrapbooking?

Question

Hello...I tried scrapbooking about a year ago and loved it immediately. I went out to a scrapbooking store and spent lots of money on some tools, papers, stickers, etc. The problem is that I have so much stuff that I feel overwhelmed, so I have not started anything. I need tips on how to get started...when to use stickers and when not too. Do I always use "squiggly" scissors when cutting down paper? I feel so lost.

Answer 1

Oh, I know just how you feel. I get overwhelmed still when I see all the options I have!

I start with either a photo or a journal/story as the inspiration for a page. I build it kind of like an interior designer; start with the base colors for the background papers and add on from there.

I often do a "dry run." That means I lay out everything where I think I want them without attaching any of it. Then, I stand back and take a look. Some times I leave it out for a day, as I walk by during my daily life, I take a glance and see what the overall affect is.

I took a class several years ago and the teacher said something that has stuck with me: Just before starting to attach everything, take one element off. It's like dressing, it's possible to overaccessorize an outfit. True to scrapbooking, too: it's easy to overwhelm the pages with too many embellishments.

I started with simple pages with few accents. As I continued, I started adding techniques and more embellishments. Just remember that the embellishments should enhance the page, not overwhelm it.

Oh, and I only use the specialty scissors for accent pieces, not for everything.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Trust me I understand...getting started is the hardest part! First thing you need to do is get organized, both your supplies and your pictures. For your supplies, you can use anything from craft specific organizers to manilla folders - whatever you have. Arrange them by color or theme, it depends on how your mind works. Make it to where you know where to go to find scissors, pens, stickers, etc... As for your photos, my best suggestion to you is to go to creativememories.com, find a consultant near you and purchase a PowerSort Box. It holds 2400 pictures! Organize your pictures either chronologically or by theme, depending on how you think you will scrap them. Once they are organized, you can see what you have and the best way to divide them into albums.
As far as actually completing an album page...I would start simple and work your way up to what you like and feel comfortable with. Do a page first that is just cropped photos and journaling. Then, try adding some colored paper and a sticker or two and see where it leads you. Always err on the side of "less is more" so as not to overwhelm your pictures. They are the main reason for your scrapbook anyways, right?
If that doesn't sound appealing to you, another way is, as someone else mentioned, to look through websites, books, and magazines. These can give you ideas but they can also help you determine what kind of style you like and don't like. Also look at friends' albums for ideas and inspiration.
Remember, it all comes down to the memories. The photos and the story behind them are the most important things in the album. Don't get bogged down by the "other stuff". Have fun! :)

Answer 3

you can buy books that give you ideas, there are lots of web sites, you might check about.com,,,,, start with the photo, the oldest one, or if you are doing a book just for a holiday, or a pet, start with the first in a series of photos, what does that photo say to you, my cat spooky always looks like hes thinking up things to do, so i started with his baby pictures, wide eyed little cat on a big sofa,,,,,,,,, "What hath God wrought" was the title of that page, and it had his photo mounted on a piece of plain card stock a little bigger than his photo, then mounted at an angle on the page, with the words above him, the page was cat foot prints. and at the bottom were a few stickers of stuffed mice and little balls, his first toys. you can do about 4 pictures a page if you like and i did a succession of three quick shots of him taking an ornament off the christmas tree this year. hes a real stinker. the page always starts with the photo or the event you are journaling. then work out from there with background paper, mounting method, framing, shapes and stickers and add ons are usually last, lots of the shops give classes too, no need to be lost, and no you dont always use squiggly sissors, its a matter of taste, for mens things i really dont use fancy cuts, good luck

Answer 4

There is no rule as to when to use the squiggly scissors. It's whatever your creative juices dictate.
Put away 1/2 of the embellishments so you're not so overwhelmed. I think sometimes we're afraid of failing. The pages you create will look just fine. Start small. Keep it simple. Have fun:)

Answer 5

I think that it is important to remember that there is no right way to scrapbook. Every person has their own style and personality and this affects how they express themselves. Just start simple and try not to stress. Focus on how you want to display the pictures...10 pics or 2? Big pics or small? If you want some ideas to spur you on, go to www.scrapjazz.com and look at the gallery there. Or www.creatingkeepsakes.com has things called "sketches" that give ways to layout a page. Good Luck! *:)

Answer 6

try going to a class at a local scrapbook store to a crop. You can call local scrapbook consultants as they typically have crops on a regular basis.

Remember scrapbooking is an art. There is no right or wrong way to do it!

Answer 7

I think you should pick some photos out first. Maybe it might be easier at first if you use photos that have a theme, for e.g. photos taken at Christmas time or a birthday so you can use paper, embellishments and stickers according to the theme.

Answer 8

I'd like too suggest some burlap, like how potatoes where sold in a sack awhile ago, that if adhired correctly would surely I feel, be giving it a solid earthy look and feel.