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Is Scrapbooking For Everyone? |
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Written by Tracy Eliason
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Monday, 09 January 2006 |
Can scrapbooking really be for everyone? YES! And I'm going to help you understand why. In doing some research on why some people don't scrapbook, I narrowed it down to a few common concerns:
Concern #1 – I don't have time! Concern #2 – I don't have the money! Concern #3 – I'm not creative! First of all, before addressing these concerns, I'd like to talk about the benefits of scrapbooking. Basically, a scrapbook is combined of photos, keepsakes and journaling so as to create a wonderful collection of memories arranged in a creative and unique way. Keeping a journal is just as important as taking photos and scrapbooking is a great way to accomplish both tasks at once. Just imagine your children, grandchildren, family and friends having access to your life through creatively arranged words and photos. Now, back to your concerns... I Don't Have Time There are many tools we can use to scrapbook quickly and still have something beautiful to show for it. One of these tools is called a page kit. Everything you need to create a few scrapbook pages is included in this kit. It's just a matter of cutting a few things out and adhering them to your paper. For example, Top Line Creations offers kits which include examples of page ideas. It's great because if you don't have time to try and think of something unique, then you can just copy that idea! Another way to help reduce the time you spend scrapbooking is to have a clean and organized work space. Nothing is more discouraging or uninspiring than a messy work area. For myself, I know what it's like to be all pumped up to get some pages done and when I come downstairs and see my desk all messy, I suddenly lose my desire to scrapbook. Funny how that happens! So my point is, it makes such a difference when you not only have the space to work, but also to have an organized space in which to work. There are many inexpensive storage containers, available at places like Wal-Mart, Zellers and so on. You have to figure out your own system for things, whatever works best for you. Yet another time-saver is having your photos organized. For example if you use a digital camera, download all your photos onto the computer, and go through them and decide which photos you're going to print for your scrapbook. Figure out which photos are going to be on the same pages, before you save them onto a CD. Then you've made a mental note of which photos go together, so when you get them back from the printers (I use Wal-Mart, they're great) you can easily organize them in the right order. Most of the time, they're already in order, so that helps. Allow yourself time everyday to work on your pages. Even if it's half an hour at the start or end of the day. If you're organized and have some great idea books, it's amazing how much you can accomplish in half an hour. And remember, you perfectionists out there, your scrapbook page doesn't have to be PERFECT. The wonderful thing about scrapbooking is that it's supposed to be fun and unique! So what if your lines aren't completely straight or your letters aren't lined up just right. It's still going to look good. Just use lots of coordinating colored/printed paper and embellishments, and your pages will look great. Click here for more tips on great scrapbook pages...
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