Did you know that humans have been “scrapbooking” since long before we could grab printed pictures from the nearest drugstore? In fact, Thomas Jefferson created a scrapbook of newspaper clippings of his presidency, and Mark Twain even helped the hobby grow by inventing an album with pre-pasted pages for easy use.
In other words, if you’re eager to learn how to scrapbook, you’re far from alone! With tons of modern tools and supplies, beginner scrapbookers have a lot of choices to make—which can be intimidating. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with some quick scrapbooking tips and tricks to get you started.
1. Start With a Focused Theme or Topic
If you’re like most beginner scrapbookers, you have no idea where to start. What moments should you start documenting first?
No matter which scrapbook ideas you’re considering, it’s a good idea to start small. Choose one specific event, adventure, or story that you’d like to tell. You might even want to narrow things down with a single interesting moment in a longer day.
Alternatively, you can choose a theme like a birthday, road trip, or holiday spread.
2. Choose Your Photos Wisely
Having hundreds of photos of your chosen event might feel a little intimidating, so it’s time to start narrowing things down. Don’t forget that less is more!
Choose photos that tell a story, look for interesting backgrounds, and opt for pictures that have good lighting and focus.
Don’t forget to consider professional photo printing if you can’t print your own photos at home. Most drugstores will print from a variety of file types, but you can always do a quick file type conversion, such as PNG to JPG, as needed.
3. Gather Some Supplies
Next, gather your scrapbooking supplies online! Most beginners will need to grab the acid-free archival materials below:
- Heavy card stock
- Patterned paper and prints
- Acid-free glue or spray adhesive
- Paper decorations and stickers
- Sharp scissors and paper trimmers
- Page protectors to go in your album
Don’t forget to take your photos with you as you shop, as this can help you find the colors and prints that go best with the pictures you’ll be using. In addition, consider grabbing two sheets of any scrapbooking paper you choose, as this ensures you’ll have a backup to match the first if you need it later. Last, don’t forget to keep your scraps, which you may be able to reuse later!
4. Try Tools Before You Buy Them
If you’re leery of investing in specialized tools before you’re sure about them, head to your nearest craft store! Some stores have test tools that you can try before you buy them, and some even offer a rental scheme that allows you to test them out as needed. If you can find a scrapbooking group in your area, you can also see if you can test out some members’ tools during a scrapbooking event.
Try These Scrapbooking Tips for Beginners
If you’re hoping to capture your special moments, these scrapbooking tips can be a great help! Whether you’re documenting a long journey or a single moment, knowing how to get started will allow you to focus on creating the perfect record. Don’t hesitate to experiment and have fun as you pick up new tricks!
Want more tips to help you make the most of your skills and hobbies? Be sure to take a look at our other content for additional insights.