Here is a free-scrapbooking-idea

Free-scrapbooking-idea - How to get Started Author: Karen Messitt

So you have finally succumbed!! You have seen the amazing albums that your friends have done, watched the pure emotion on loved ones faces, as they receive these priceless gifts, and now you want to get started. Well, let me warn you, you may never be able to stop!! Here is a free-scrapbooking-idea

Scrapbooking is the fastest growing hobby in the USA, Australia, and the UK. The reason?? It's a wonderful creative outlet that produces amazing tangible results.

Most scrapbookers are busy women who wouldn't allow themselves the luxury of any other hobby, but scrapbooking is permitted, because it produces things for other people!! It is a way to document your life for future generations, what a wonderful legacy!! Here is a free-scrapbooking-idea

It really is easy to get started. If you have ever walked into a scrapbooking shop, you were probably overwhelmed by the choice, and sheer number of items available...what is acid free?? Lignin?? Do I really need all this stuff?

It doesn't need to be expensive to get the basic scrapper starter pack. For the basics, I recommend a large department store rather than a scrapbook store. Here is a free-scrapbooking-idea

Starter Pack: Acid free photo mounts. (these are simply little squares of double sided tape) Acid free glue stick Scissors Paper trimmer

And that will get you started!!!! A paper trimmer is the most expensive item, but there are plenty on the market for around $30. Trust me it is money well spent!!

Items for scrapbooking need to be acid free, as it is the acid that will brown and age your pages over time. Lignin is found in trees and paper for scrapbooking is especially processed to remove any lignin. It also causes ageing over time. Scrapbooking pages are referred to as layouts.

Cropping is simply the act of cutting out your photos. The various charms, ribbons, buttons etc that you find en masse at your local scrapbooking store are called embellishments. Brads are small metal embellishments that pierce several layers of paper. That really is all there is to the secret language of scrapbooking. Here is a free-scrapbooking-idea

The first thing you should do is find a photo that you love. I believe when you are starting out, try to do layouts with only one enlarged photo. When you have got a bit of confidence, move on to some multi photo layouts.

Head down to your local scrapbooking store and ask about beginners classes. Most of them are free. If they don't have beginner's classes, ask if you can do your first layout inshore. Most shops have areas set up for scrapbooking, and would be more than happy to guide you. The other benefit of this is that you can use the stores tools. Most stores charge a nominal amount per hour.

If you are in a rural area, and can't get to a store, try some of the scrapbooking websites. A kit may be the best way for you to get started, if you can't get into a shop yourself. A kit is a collection of co-ordinating papers, tags, ribbons and embellishments. Have a surf online and scraplift (where you find a layout that you like, and base your own layout on it) some ideas for layouts. Here is a free-scrapbooking-idea

The best advice I can give you is not to start with a huge project. So many scrappers start with their Wedding Album, or a 60th present for Aunt Mavis.. Trust me by the end of these projects you will never scrap again. Start with single page layouts and mini books for gifts. This will allow your style to evolve..

Scrapbookers are very encouraging and welcoming to anyone showing an interest in coming over to the dark side.. Ask for help and advice. It's not the secret society it seems to be!!!

Enjoy your scrapbooking!!! (Well, what are you waiting for??).

If you need some added inspiration you can find lots of Free Scrapbooking Ideas at the http://www.hot-scrapbooking-idea.com website.

About the author:

Karen Messitt is one of Australia's leading scrapbooking teachers and Founder of the Karen Messit Scrapbooking http://www.kmscrapbooking.com website

Here is a free-scrapbooking-idea