Frequently Asked Questions
Can you give me a crash course in "Scrapbooking 101?"
Scrapbooking is a form of storytelling, a way of passing down information through the generations, as our ancestors did for millennia. The scrapbook was created as a means to store personal mementoes for future generations to see. While today´s scrapbooks contain many photographs, the art of scrapbooking dates back to the early 1800´s, well before the first camera was ever conceived! Today´s scrapbooking devotees turn their albums into works of art; creative exhibits of their stories, personality, and mementoes of treasured times. Many manufacturers and retailers have sprung up to provide a wide range of albums, papers, tools and decorative materials for either the beginner, or the scrapbooking devotee.
Is "acid-free" material important?
Certainly. Material containing acid will deteriorate over time. In order to preserve your scrapbooking memories, you will need supplies with a special pH factor, which prevents this deterioration from ruining your stored treasures.
What are some essentials for a beginner?
Again, acid-free materials are a must. This not only includes paper, but adhesives and pens as well. You also need photo safe adhesive, such as double-sided tape (which can be sold as photo squares) or a glue stick. Scissors don´t always cut straight, so you may want a paper trimmer for exact borders and edges. Choose a wide assortment of colors and background patterns to experiment with. Decorative material, like ribbons, eyelets, tags and templates, can be useful, as you will be using them more and more as you perfect your art!
What are some good photography tips?
Remember that background light is a factor. Unless you have a camera which is designed for this, avoid bright sunny days, as the light will affect the picture. If taking a picture of a group of people, try going for a ´natural´ look, instead of having the group pose. Making it look like you caught a group of people in the act of going about their daily business is an example of a natural look. Be sure to have film and batteries in your camera, which readies you for unexpected, ´classic´ shots. When scrapbooking, document each picture with the proper information. It is important for future readers to know who and what they are looking at.
What are some ways to safeguard my photos?
If you have old photos which cannot be replaced, we recommend having copies made at a photo shop which specializes in such things. Use the copies in your scrapbook and store the originals in a safe place. Keep all of your photographs as well as the negatives safe from exposure to light, which can make pictures fade. Avoid touching photographs. Some people wear gloves when handling pictures, and at the very least you should wash and dry your hands before you place photographs in your scrapbook. Hand creams are a no-no, as they can cause more damage to photos than the natural oils in your skin. Finally, photographs should be stored in an upright position. If the page facing the picture is pressed against it, photographic paper may stick to that page, and peel the picture apart.
What do the expressions "cropping" and "journaling" refer to?
Journaling, like journalism, is the telling of stories, in this case, descriptions of your photographs or keepsakes. The art of journaling, which a scrapbooker masters, is all about doing this storytelling with some creativity. Journaling can be done using the computer, with templates, stamps or you can write by hand. Bordering photos with handwriting adds a wonderful personal touch, or you can create borders, like hearts, flowers, etc with journaling. A neat way to journal is to write on a separate sheet of paper which can then be placed next to the photo. Experiment with different colors and shapes of paper for added enjoyment.
Cropping involves cutting or trimming photos to save room on a page and more importantly, to create eye-catching shapes out of otherwise ordinary photographs. Don´t just crop out the subject of the picture but also take care to check each photo for background items of personal importance, (a grandfather clock, dad´s old Thunderbird). If you cut photos into shapes, trace the shape or use a template (preferred). An edger will produce cleaner cuts than scissors. It is important not to crop Polaroids! They contain chemicals which can ruin your scrapbook.
Can you give advice to someone with "scrapbooker´s block"?
The best way to overcome this is to get ideas from other scrapbookers. There are many magazines and books available with examples. Incorporate the theme of the page into the background. For example, a new baby could be introduced on a page with rattles, cribs, or storks in the background. Family trips could be highlighted with a page from the road atlas as a backdrop. You could take photographs of sunflowers and use them as a background for a summer-themed page. These are just a few examples, of course. Ultimately, the possibilities are as inexhaustible as your imagination!