When you decide to get started in scrapbooking, its very exciting. You research as much as you can, then head off to the scrapbook or other supply store and buy the tools and supplies you know you need. The problem starts when you get home and try to get started.

To be really successful and not get overwhelmed, you should take extra steps to get your stuff organized. In the long run, it will save you time, leaving you free to work, brainstorm, and of course, do more shopping.

The first thing every scrapbooker needs is shelves. You can organize your odds and ends into all kinds of containers, but it you dont have shelves to put them on, that stuff will still be all over your table or desk, taking up your work space. Make sure your shelves are sturdy so you dont end up trying to sort through a giant pile of paper scraps, buttons, and ribbons.

Next, you need storage containers to put on your shelves. You can find all sorts of different drawers and containers at your local scrapbooking store, craft store, fabric store, and even hardware store. If you dont do all your scrapbooking at home, the best way to organize is in containers than can be easily transported without spilling your supplies out everywhere.

If youre not looking to spend a fortune, why not use items you find around the house instead of expensive organizers and drawers you find at a craft store? You can use jars, small boxes, and even old baby bottles. You can also re-use old toolboxes, tackleboxes, or plastic sealing jewelry boxes (caboodles). Just as long as what youre using has enough space for separating different items and is easy to get into, theres really no rule about what you can and cannot use.

Files are a great way to organize paper, cardstock and anything else thats flat. The easiest to use are plastic expandable file organizers. They usually have a harder plastic on the outside to keep your stuff safe, several pockets to keep it organized, and a securing device like an elastic band to help hold everything inside.

If you go to scrapbooking meetings, or do your scrapbooking anywhere that isnt at home, you need to have a convenient way to transport your materials easily and safely. Remember, you dont need to take EVERYTHING with you when you go, just enough to work on a few layouts.

You will want to get a bag bigger than you think you need, because youll inevitably remember something you havent considered. Then youll be grateful for the extra space. Another good idea is to label everything you take with you. That way your can easily find your cutting tools or ribbons without having to sort through the whole bag.

The most important thing for keeping your stuff organized is to pick a system and stick with it. You can organize by color sizes, themes, patterns; you can even use multiple schemes to organize. Someone you know might have a system thats great for them, but that doesnt mean its great for you. All that really matters is that its organized in a way you can easily find what youre looking for.

Acids are essential for our daily comfort, but when it comes to scrapbooking, theres really nothing worse. If you look at old scrapbooks or photo albums that your grandmother or even your mother made, youll notice a distinct aged look to the photos. Most of that damage is not caused by time, its caused by acids.

The best place to buy acid-free products is at a scrapbook store or scrapbook supply website, but that doesnt mean everything you find there is acid free. You need to learn to read labels. There are certain label codes that mean a product is safe. If the packaging is unclear, you can always ask the sales clerk or research the product online.

If youre unsure of a the acid level of paper, or just want to double check, you can test products on your own with a Ph pen. Theyre available at your local scrapbook store. They are also great if youre using products that arent prepackaged for scrapbooking like greeting cards or wrapping paper. For just a small investment, youll be saving precious memories.

PH pens have chemicals in them that change color when you expose them to an acid. Just write on a small piece of the material you want to test. If it stays the same color, its safe. If the material changes color, dont use it.

If papers are too dark to see the color change, just rub the paper onto a white sheet until some of the color comes off. Then, test the white sheet with your pH pen. The acid is usually in the ink, not the paper, so this should give you an accurate result.

Everyone will tell you to use acid free paper, cardstock, and photo albums, but there are other hidden offenders that can do just as much damage to your memories if you dont buy acid-free products.

Glue. Using a pH pen isnt feasible for products like glue and other adhesives. You should learn the tell-tale signs that theres acid present in the product. The first and easiest is, of course, by reading the package, but thats not always helpful. A safe glue should not have a strong distinct smell and should always dry clear.

Page protectors. These are another big acid offender. While it may seem easier to just go buy regular protectors from the store, the very things you use to protect your photos may actually be destroying them.

Ink. Whether youre keeping track of your photos by writing on the back or just journaling and adding details on the pages of your scrapbook, you need to use acid-free ink pens.

Storage boxes. Whether youre using boxes to store pictures that havent been used yet, or to store completed books, you should make sure that the boxes are acid free. Acidic boxes can do just as much damage as putting pictures on acidic paper.

While it may take a little extra time and money to find and buy acid-free products, the long term results will make it worth the effort.
Books Give You that Extra Boost to Start Scrapping

The internet has become a haven for scrapbookers all over the world to share their ideas, layouts, opinions, and pretty much whatever they want to say about scrapbooking. While hearing what people like you have to say is a great learning tool and shouldnt be ignored, dont forget about researching scrapbooking in books as well as online.

Books give you an expert opinion from someone you can know and trust. They can get your started; give you techniques, inspiration, ideas, and whatever else you need to make great work.

When you get started in scrapbooking, youre very likely to get overwhelmed. You want to scrap everything and make every layout perfect. Eventually youre so stressed over your books; youre not having fun anymore. If you want to keep beautiful memories without making scrapbooking a chore, check out The Big Picture: Scrapbook your life and a Whole lot more by Stacy Julian. It also includes some great layouts to get you started.

If youre just looking for a little inspiration and a lot of sample layouts, then The Amazing Page: 650 New Scrapbook Page Ideas, Tips and Techniques is just the book to get you started. It has ideas for every style and occasion. There is sure to be something in there to get you going and give you endless ideas.

While its easy to focus on your pictures, fancy backgrounds and flashy embellishments, the words in your scrapbook are just as important as all the rest. The journaling is what tells the story of your scrapbook and gives it true depth. By reading What About the Words: Creative Journaling for Scrapbookers, you can learn to add character to your scrapbooks by improving your writing quality. It can teach you how to tell your story better with words AND pictures.

These books are great to get your started, but you dont have to stop reading once youve got the basics down. There are more advanced books out there for every facet of scrapbooking for simple or elaborate books. Once you get started and develop your own style, its easy to find something to help you do what you like as well as you possibly can.

Want to get started right now without having to go to a bookstore or wait for your order to arrive in the mail? There are also some great e-books your can purchase to get yourself jumpstarted right away. The best part about ebooks is that they generally cut to the chase and give you the bare essentials you need to get started.

There are e-books on every topic, from quick and easy layouts, poems, quotes and journaling suggestions, organization tips, and even e-books on how to get rid of scrappers block and get the creative juices flowing again. E-books are quick, easy, and usually pretty inexpensive.

No matter what your style, skill level, or price range, there are books out there to turn you into a high quality scrapbooker.
You Don’t Need to Buy the Whole Craft Store to Get Started

When you finally make the decision to start making scrapbooks, youre very likely to go out and buy all the materials you think you need. This will probably lead to some buyers remorse when you realize you have a bunch of stuff you dont need or cant afford.

Its easy to make a scrapbook on a budget with a lot of stuff you already have, you just need to know where to look. Here are some things you probably already have that can help get you started

Clothes. If you have clothes that are too worn out or stained to make good hand me downs or donations, why not add pieces of them to your layouts. Not only will you be saving money and making less trash, youll also be reminded of great memories of your loved ones even if you didnt manage to get a picture.

Jewelry. Have an earring thats missing its mate? A necklace with a broken clasp? What about a bracelet your child has outgrown? Instead of getting rid of them or just filling up space in a box, why not use them to add a little sparkle to your scrapbooks?

Gift decorations. Think about all the birthday, Christmas, baby, wedding, and any other gifts youve ever given or received. Now think about all the money you spend on wrapping paper, bags, bows, ribbons, and other decorations. Sometimes old decorations can be reused, but often they just get shoved in a closet or thrown away. Using them in your scrapbooks can make beautiful layouts and bring you back to the special occasion where you got them. Just watch out, some of these products can have high acid content.

Trash. Yes, some trash belongs in a trash can (or a compost heap), some might just make for a creative new layout. Next time you go to throw something away, take a good hard look at it first. It might just make a great background, border, or embellishment.

Souvenirs and Memories. Pictures arent the only way to spark your memories. Add to pictures of your ski trip by using your lift ticket or trail map in your scrap book. If your son won the science fair, use his blue ribbon to add a special touch. Remember good times with friends by scrapping the tickets stubs from a movie you saw together or a matchbook from the restaurant you always eat at

Storage. You can not only use things you already have to put in your scrapbook, you can also store your supplies in items that may be taking up closet (or trash) space. Old jars and cups work great for storing ribbons and other embellishments. Did your husband get a new tackle box and hasnt gotten rid of the old one? All those little spaces are great for organizing buttons are even different adhesives.

Creativity. The only limit you have when you scrap is your own imagination. There are all kinds of things you can use in a scrapbook that arent found at a scrapbooking store; you just need to teach yourself to recognize them.

So get up, look around your house, and start scrapping.

I’ll be back in action to serve you ASAP.  Thanks in advance for your patience.