From scraps to treasure

[Storyteller.]

From scraps to treasure
by Brittany (.Brittany.)

Scrapbooking can be a lot of fun and a great alternative or distraction! The process is fun, fairly easy, and a great way to keep memories from vacations, friends, high school, college, camp, family get togethers, and so much more! There are even scrapbooking courses that you can take if you decide that this is something that you really enjoy.

Most scrapbooking kits will have everything that you need like stickers and decorations. They may not come with glue or some of the tools, though, like scissors. You might also want to buy post-it notes, fine tip markers, crayons, glitter, glue, tape, a ruler, erasers, and construction paper. Once you have these supplies, just follow these steps and in no time you will have your very own scrapbook!

Organize your items that you plan to use. The scrapbook is yours, so you can put in anything you want from pictures to movie tickets and programs, invitations, business cards, and any other object that is flat or thin. You can do your scrapbook any way you want. One of the most popular ways to organize is in chronological order, by event or age. Another way is to set it up by theme, with a section for birthdays, one for concerts, then another for vacations.

Figure out which pictures and items you want to use on what page. Before you just start gluing, the best idea is to put things into piles, and use one pile on each page. By this method you can make your scrapbook look perfect! You can also use post-it notes to help organize your pictures and to write dates on the back if needed.

Decide on a theme for your scrapbook. The theme can be whatever you want! If you're scrapbooking about your birthday, find stickers and decorations that say "Happy Birthday!" If you're putting together memories about your family, you can find decorations with phrases such as "Family is Forever".

Determine what size you want. Scrapbooking albums come in many colours, sizes, shapes, and designs. You can find one that is round, square, rectangular, or many other shapes. Some are three ring notebook-style, while others are spiral-bound or strap hinged. You might want to get one that comes with a case or buy a protective cover so that, when it's not in use, it doesn't get covered in dust.

Carefully measure and plan your page. Before gluing it down make sure that everything you want to use on your page will fit and that you're happy with the look. Once you glue it, it's there to stay! To fill up space, use quotes, stickers, or pictures. Under each picture make notes about the people, place, and events the picture represents.

Implement your plan. Now it's time to get gluing! Glue everything down and make it look awesome! Add labels, colours, comments, stories and poems, to give it a personal touch.

Tips:

• Use acid free glue, it will help prevent your pictures from yellowing.
• Don't crowd the page.
• Add writing.
• Cover your pages with lamination to protect them.
• Try not to use your only copy of pictures. Instead, get them reprinted if necessary.
• Be careful with scissors and glue.
• Try not to use too much glue and wait for it to dry before you turn the page.

Now that you know how to make your own scrapbook, what are you waiting for? Happy scrapbooking!