The Scrapbooking Craze

The practice of making scrapbooks is nothing new.As early as 400 B.C., the Greek philosopher Plato encouraged others to keep notebooks to record their thoughts and memories. Over two millennia later, scrapbooking has enjoyed a renaissance, ranking among the world’s most popular hobbies.

What is a scrapbook?

There is no all-encompassing definition of a scrapbook. But pressed for a definition, a scrapbook may be defined as a compilation of strategically arranged images and artwork to commemorate a person or event. Just google the word “scrapbook” and you’ll be inundated with scrapbooking websites offering creative ideas for your next scrapbooking project. You’ll find inspiration in the form of themes, media, and formats you can use. Despite this sharing of ideas, you’ll find that no two scrapbooks are alike. The only constraint on a scrapbook is the creator’s imagination.

What do you need to scrapbook?

You can start scrapbooking with as little as an album, pictures, scissors and adhesive. Oh, and you’ll also need an imagination. If you’re more ambitious, you can purchase some fancy scissors that cut paper in fun patterns or decorative paper that fits your theme. The good news is that most of these items can be obtained from your local Dollar Store.

If you intend to preserve your scrapbook for future generations, however, then you should purchase “acid-free” materials which are manufactured to withstand the ravages of time. Some of these products are also labeled “photo safe”, “acid-free”, “lignin-free” and “archival quality.” Another option is to purchase a “scrapbooking kit” from a specialty store. Such kits are equipped with all the necessary items to kick-start your first scrapbooking project.

Scrapbooking is changing people’s lives one volume at a time. Gina Butler, a fibromyalgia sufferer, told us that “scrapbooking is a way to be creative, relax, preserve my families pictures, and to forget about my pain and the world for awhile. When I’m at my scrapbook desk, I’m at peace. That’s my me time.

What are the benefits of scrapbooking?

The benefits of scrapbooking are too numerous to list. But if you’re not already convinced, here are just some of the reasons scrapbooking is so popular:

• Storytelling: You can share your life with your loved ones in a creative way, allowing them a peek into your unique life experiences.

• Family Heritage: Your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will have an easy way to remember or know the person you were. This will add to the fun of flipping through your old family albums or family trees.

• Distraction: Since scrapbooking can be done from your home, those with chronic health conditions can engage in this life-enriching activity without the risk of aggravating injuries.

• Community: You can put your scrapbooks on display on many scrapbooking websites. You can also meet thousands of other people who share your delight in this fun activity.

• Stress Release: Scrapbooking is an excellent departure from the mundane aspects of life and work. Unleashing your creativity will lessen your stress level. Just try it and see.

• Other Hobbies: You can incorporate your other loves into scrapbooking, whether it’s sewing, drawing, or other types of handicraft.

Scrapbooking is changing people’s lives one volume at a time. Gina Butler, a fibromyalgia sufferer, told us that “scrapbooking is a way to be creative, relax, preserve my families pictures, and to forget about my pain and the world for awhile. When I’m at my scrapbook desk, I’m at peace. That’s my ME time.”

Gina’s recent trip to Disneyland is preserved in these scrapbook pages.

Suffering from many illnesses, Gina knows that her choice of hobbies is limited by her physical limitations. “But that’s the great thing about scrapbooking. You can put it down and do it whenever you are up to it”, she insists. “It’s the perfect hobby for those who don’t have an opportunity to get out of the house”.

Life goes by so fast. Mark your life’s journey like Nature marks each year with seasons. Your collection of scrapbooks might one day become your visual autobiography. Just ask any mother how quickly her children grew up. Don’t miss out on this wonderfully rewarding activity.

It’s so easy to get started. Just pick a theme you like—whether it’s cars or flowers or someone you love—and let your creativity do the rest. And don’t worry if you’ve never been the “creative type”. Some of the best scrapbookers never thought they were all that creative when they first took up the hobby. Now it’s their life!

Links of Interest:
http://www.scrapjazz.com/
http://www.scraptalk.com/
http://www.ukscrappers.co.uk/

About the Author:

Jessie Baker is the founder and senior editor of Fog Magazine.