Scrapbooking - where to start?

[Cherrypie]

I want to start scrapbooking, but I don't really know where to start. or what to get to start me off.
We went to the zoo at the weekend, so I have loads of pictures, and some souvenirs to do a page or two to start off. But what else will I need.

Any advice gladly received!

[glitterygirl]

Where do you live hun?
There is a scrapbooking event at Alexandra palace weekend of 8th/9th April.

I am going :ellie:

I make cards and wedding stationery

[Cherrypie]

:-( I'd love to go - but live in Manchester. Booger. Better for my bank balance I guess - but an event like that would be fab to get me started.

[MaisyMay]

Pick up a copy of 'Scrapbook Inspriations' (they do it in Smiths) that will give you a taste for what's possible and includes a bigginers guide of what bits you need.

The main elements of my scrapbooking 'stash' are cardstock and papers (all acid free and generally 12"x12"). You don't need to get an album straight away - infact, might be worth trying a few different layout sizes first to see what you like. The popular sizes are 12 x 12, 8" x 8", 6" x 6" and 8.5" x 11". You can buy albums in all of these sizes.

Another excellent resource - although there is so much info on there you can get lost - is www.ukscrappers.co.uk I post on there (same name) and am in a scrapping team. I joined when I first started and get so much information and advice there.

In addition to paper and cardstock, you can start collecting different embellishments. When you get into scrapping, everything becomes a potential embellishment or alterable item! But to start with there are a few things you might want to have including brads, eyelets, ribbons and buttons. All of these can be fairly cheap to pick up.

The magazine scrapbook inspiration explains what each of these are and how to you them. I have a couple of beginers type books on scrapbooking - if you're interested in buying them off me, let me know and I can weigh them and let you know how much I'd like for them and for postage.

I can also send you a little 'goody bag' of scrapping bits (for free, of course!) so you can see the typs of things you can use. If you PM me your address I'll put something together for you.

If you have memorabilia to use on your pages (tickets, etc) there are several ways of encorporating them. You can use little pockets (formed out of cardstock and glued or stiched to the page) or vellum envelopes. Or you can make them a visible element on your layout.

Scrapbooking also tends to incorporate other crafts too like rubber stamping, machine stitching, etc. So if you have existing craft skills you might want to think about working these into your scrapbooking layout.

OK, I could ramble on for ages....perhaps I'll leave it there before I confuse you even more! Let me know if you have any specific questions and PM me if you're interested in the books.

Maisy
xxxxx

[Cherrypie]

Thanks, Maisy :clap: .

I picked up a copy of 'creative scrapbooking' today, which I guess is similar. There are some lovely ideas.

I did make cards, but recently gave most of my stuff away as I didn't think I'd be able to take it with me when we move. However we've now decided to take most of our stuff, and hire a container. So I could have taken it with me after all :doh: .

Just one question - do you use cardstock as the base for the page, and then layer nice papers over the top?

Really sweet of you to offer to send a few wee things - I'll PM you my address.

[MaisyMay]

You can do it either way - cardstock base with papers for photo matting, emblishment, titles, etc or just use paterned paper as the base (some brands are pretty thick anyway, so quite strong) and mount pictures on other paper or cardstock. Even with the thinner pages, once the completed page is inside a page protector in your album it is pretty rigid.

With scrapbooking, there are no rules - try it and see if it looks right! If you like it, then it's right!

Maisy
xxxxx

[MaisyMay]

Has the magazine you picked up got a beginners guide? If not, I'll cut one out of one my SI mags and send it with the stuff I'm sending you.

Maisy
xxxx

[Mad Madam Mim]

I didn't ask this question but I was lookng at the scrap book pages thread in active threads and I really, really fancy a go at this.

I have just started making cards again but I really want to store my memories of Dylan and it seems perfect to combine this with picking up a crafty hobby again. So despite the fact I didn't ask the question I came here to ask exactly the same one :laff: and found this. I'm going out to WHSmith when D gets up form his nap and I'm going to pick up the magazine. I have also bookmarked the website.

I have hoards of paper, craft materials etc. and I am toying with the idea of asking for a Sizzix machine for Christmas (I soooooo want one).

So thanks for the advice Maisy - I hope you won't mind if I pop back here and pick your brains a bit (and Cherry hope you don't mind me getting in on your thread didn't want to start another).

How are you enjoying it Cherry?

[Cherrypie]

I'm loving it thanks, MMM! I make cards too from time to time. So I see scrapbooking as an extension of that in a way.