New & Confused?
by Traci Daugherty
If you are new to scrapbooking, you're
probably overwhelmed! Scrapbooking has become a very creative
way to preserve and show off your photos for generations
to come. Lets see if I can shed some light on some of the
terms and help you find a starting point your comfortable
with.
Scrapping--this is a shorter and
more common term for scrapbooking -- means the same thing.
Die-cuts--accents to use on your
pages.
Crop Party--this is where people
get together and scrapbook with each other. Sometimes it
is also referred to a home party, where someone in the scrapbook
business shows their products and new techniques to a group
of individuals.
Paper & Card Stock--paper & card
stock are used to set the background for your scrapbook pages.
They are also needed to .hold. your page together.
Page Protectors--like the name
says, these protect your pages. Some albums come with page
protectors and some do not.
Album/Memory Book--a scrapbook
album. Sometimes called an album, sometimes a memory book,
scrapbook albums are put together many different ways. Three
most common are post bound, spiral and ring.
Page sets or Theme sets--this is
a term for a complete page set (that you purchase) that has
all of the items you will need to make a couple pages. It
usually comes with frames and paper and other items to add
to your pages.
Frames--just like a photo frame,
this frames your picture on your page.
Journaling--journaling is when
you write a bit about what is going on in the picture or
you can use a poem. You do not have to do this on your pages
if you don't want to.
Workshop--you get together with
other people at a pre-determined place to work on scrapbooks,
or learn how. There is usually a fee involved but most of
the time you do receive items for the cost plus you will
be able to learn a few new tricks and tips. It is also a
great place to share your photos and get ideas. These are
especially great to attend if you are in a creative slump.
Fiskars--scissors and cutting tools.
Top loading--this term describes
the way you load your completed pages into your album.
Binder--an album. Sometimes it
is called an album, sometimes a binder.
Adhesive--you will need something
to adhere your photos to the page. You can use stickers,
stick glue (make sure its acid free and will hold them!)
or tape. If using stickers, you can substitute frames for
them.
Embellishments--items such as eyelets,
ribbons, buttons, glitter or just about anything you can
add to your pages. With your imagination, the sky is the
limit when it comes to embellishments!
Templates--these are guides that
can help you place pictures on the page or help with titles.
Cropping Tools--cropping
tools are a BIG help. There are so many that do different
things. Like the Xyron machines that make stickers, labels
and magnets, the Fiskars paper crimper, paper punches that
come in all shapes & sizes, cutting tools like the Fiskars
paper trimmer, Sissix cutting tools and so, so many more!
Now you don't have to have all of these things to get started,
especially if working with page kits. Items in page kits
are pre-cut for you. There are two basic items I won't live
without--a paper trimmer and a shape cutter.
When you are just starting, you may become
overwhelmed wondering what you need to do this or what kind
of album to put your pages in once they are completed. The
easiest way to get started is buying a page set. The page
sets have all you will need to get started (except the adhesive
and scissors). Don't forget your album! Albums range in price
and in size. Make sure to check your album size and the page
size you want to put in them. You can't fit a 12 x 12 page
into an 8 = by 11 album. Albums can range in size from 5
x 7, 7 x 7, 8 = x 11 and 12 x 12. Price ranges will be anywhere
from $8 to $40 (& more) per album. The price will depend
on the size, how many pages it will hold, quality, etc...
Once you get the hang of scrapping, go
on to more creative ways to add to your pages. Like adding
embellishments, using different papers for your title, and
journaling. Scrapbooking seems to have literally swept the
nation. Finding a creative outlet is actually a good mental
exercise and is lots of fun!
When Traci isn't busy with her 2 children and taking care
of her family, she's busy working on her second passion,
scrapbooking and crafts. For questions or more information
about her and her business, you can visit her website at www.myscrapbooksupplies.com or
email her directly at penk71@yahoo.com .
