Scrapbooking is a great way to preserve your family’s memories. It gives you the opportunity not only to put the pictures on a lanyard, but also to keep a journal about the event or the picture. Journaling is what makes the story come alive. My oldest daughter LOVES to look at and read the scrapbook I made during her first 10 years of life.

Anyone can make a scrapbook. You don’t need to be an overly creative guru to make a scrapbook. You just need to be able to write and express love. 🙂 There are MANY idea books available to help with the “creative” part!

This item is for traditional scrap booking. I have nothing against digital, I just prefer the old-fashioned way that I can sit on the couch and flick through the pages with my family.

Let’s start scrapbooking

Should have

NOTE: You should always use ACID-free products on your pages so that your images are protected.

Scrapbook and pages. You can find them at any craft store or even Walmart. You can also go the fancy way and go to a scrapbooking consultant.

Pens, markers and stickers. Make sure you have writing supplies to keep a journal and stickers to decorate your pages.

Cloth material. If you have old baby clothes that are worn or slightly stained, you can use that for your designs. You can also use old blankets, tea towels, etc.

Antique jewelry. If you have old earrings that you don’t wear or earrings without matches, you can wear them on one of your pages.

Decorations Wrapping paper, bags, bows, ribbons and other decorations.

Memorable things. Movie stubs, tickets, game books, cards, brochures. Anything you can find to fit on a layout page when you’re on the road or doing something special with your family.

Magazines and books. They are full of ideas to help you get creative. You can copy the ideas of others. You don’t need to have all the creativity. You just need to have the pen and tell the story!

Scrap booking creative finders

Online. There are TONS of sites on the Internet with ideas, designs and products for scrapbooking. Even if they are just for digital scrap booking, you can still use the idea!

Amazon or bookstores. Magazines and books will help you. Go to your local bookstore or visit amazon.com to find the ones you think would be most useful to you.

Look around. Wherever you go there are ideas. Pay attention to patterns and details. You may have some ideas … or at least inspiration.

Scrapbookers Events. Many cities have farming days for scrapbook lovers. They even have weekends dedicated to this. many Creative Memory consultants have them weekly. Find one near you and voila. You will find ideas from professionals and you can win a prize. Plus, you will find some mommy friends with the same interests as you!

Please note that there is NO wrong way to make a scrapbook. You don’t need to be perfect. Perfection is what your family will appreciate the most! I have made so many “mistakes”. However, those are the pages that they like the most!

You don’t need to break the bank to make a scrapbook

If you have a husband like mine, you don’t have a huge scrapbook budget! LOL! Guess what? You don’t need one !!

Online. There are many sites where you can find scrapbooking products. Do a search on Google. Look for sales.

Target and Discount stores. Target has a dollar section that almost always has SOMETHING a scrapbook editor can use, and they usually don’t contain acid. Target and Walmart also have craft sections. Look around you and find items on sale.

Sunday Paper. Look for sales. There are MANY craft stores. Most of them have weekly sales or coupons. Keep your eyes open and go when there are scrapbook sales.

There is NO limit to what you can find. Just look around you and keep your eyes open for potential designer helpers. You can even find them under your own roof!

I hope this encourages you to make the most of your memories with the scrapbook set aside and some time for yourself. This is a GREAT way to love your family.

Copyright © Lara Velez, All rights reserved