| Scrapbooking is a wonderful hobby! Besides | | | | ideas and tips in your head--you know, the |
| being relaxing and fun, it also allows you to | | | | ones you pick up from magazines, web sites, |
| be creative and to spend quality time with | | | | etc.-- keep a 3-ring binder with some |
| your family and friends. Plus, it results in | | | | notepaper inside for all your thoughts and |
| a storybook of lifelong memories.One very | | | | ideas. Plus, when you see something in a |
| important element of scrapbooking is getting | | | | magazine, you can simply tear the page out of |
| it all organized. This includes, but is not | | | | the magazine, 3-hold punch it, and place it |
| limited to:storing all of your supplies in an | | | | in your binder. The same goes if you see |
| organized fashion so they can be found | | | | something on a web site that you wish to |
| instantly when you need them.remembering what | | | | refer to later; just print it out and insert |
| supplies to pick up at the store, and | | | | it into your binder. You can even separate |
| eliminating duplicate purchases.finding time | | | | the binder into a few different sections, |
| to research new and creative ways to spruce | | | | such as page layout ideas, organizing ideas, |
| up your scrapbooks.finding enough time to | | | | neat tools/supplies, etc.CHOOSE A DESIGNATED |
| enjoy the art of scrapbooking in your busy | | | | WORK AREA.Scrapbooking is more fun and less |
| life.TELL A STORY.Plan your photos, before | | | | of a chore, when everything is in one place |
| you shoot. Instead of taking random shots of | | | | and in close, accessible proximity to your |
| someone standing here, or someone else | | | | working area. Designate a room, or a portion |
| sitting there, tell a story. For example, | | | | of a room, in your home for this activity. |
| let's say it's Halloween. You may plan on | | | | You should be able to retrieve your supplies, |
| taking four photos of your child:on the | | | | photos, etc. in seconds, without having to |
| hayride taking him/her to the pumpkin | | | | walk into another room, or rummage through a |
| field.looking for a pumpkin.finding a | | | | closet.SHOPPING.Use an organized shopping |
| pumpkin.with the carved pumpkin later.GREAT | | | | system so you remember what you want to pick |
| PHOTOS.Photos for your scrapbooks can be | | | | up for your hobby --scissors, crimpers, |
| extra nice if you take a little bit of time | | | | papers, etc. This will also eliminate |
| to learn some basic photography. Visit for a | | | | purchasing items that you already have. When |
| quick photography tutorial. Getting organized | | | | you think of something you need, immediately |
| has a lot to do with preparation and this | | | | put it on a SCRAPBOOKING PICK UP list, and |
| site is filled with helpful tips and | | | | bring this list with you when you go |
| ideas.WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN. Organized | | | | shopping. Using 3 inch x 5 inch index cards, |
| documentation is important for the serious | | | | make examples of your cuts and punches on |
| scrapbooker. The main goal is to eliminate | | | | them. Label and keep them in your day timer, |
| future questions such as "Who or what is | | | | or a tiny 3-ring binder. Bring these cards |
| that?", "Where and when was this photo | | | | with you when shopping for scrapbooking |
| taken?", and so on. Document photos as you're | | | | items, and you'll never buy duplicates. This |
| taking them, so you'll know exactly what is | | | | also works great for remembering what color |
| on each roll of film. That way you'll be | | | | pens/pencils you have. Just draw a line on |
| prepared when you're ready to organize the | | | | your index cards and label them.USE WHAT YOU |
| photos in your scrapbooks.TAKE CARE OF THAT | | | | HAVE FIRST.Resist the urge to buy a million |
| UNDEVELOPED FILM.If you find rolls of film | | | | new papers, punches, and so on, until you've |
| around your house that are ready to go to the | | | | used some of the craft supplies you already |
| developer, bring them today. You may consider | | | | have. Unless you're planning on opening a |
| mailing all of your film to a supplier such | | | | scrapbooking warehouse, it's best to be |
| as so you don't have to spend time dropping | | | | choosy before emptying your wallet on new |
| off film or picking up photos. Simply mail | | | | items, when you already have items you could |
| your film out, and you'll get your photos | | | | use in your current supply.SHOP ONLINE.You'll |
| back in the mail a week later. From now on, | | | | save a lot of time running back and forth to |
| always get your film developed as soon as you | | | | the store, if you commit instead to making |
| take the used rolls out of your | | | | your purchases online.TRADE.If you have |
| camera.STORING PHOTOGRAPHS.Once your photos | | | | something that you haven't used in a year or |
| are developed, you need a place to store them | | | | more, such as craft scissors, stickers, etc., |
| until you're ready to put them in your | | | | swap them with a friend. Who knows? Perhaps |
| scrapbook. Keep them separated by year or | | | | your friend will find immediate use for this |
| event, in Ziplock bags. Label each bag with a | | | | item, and you will get something you can use |
| number, and put a corresponding number on | | | | right now in return.GOALS.Always set goals |
| your Documentation Form. Then, store them in | | | | for your scrapbooking hobby, perhaps one to |
| a photo box. Keep the box in a dry, cool | | | | two pages a week. This is especially |
| place to protect your photos until you're | | | | necessary if you're creating a scrapbook for |
| ready to put the photos into your | | | | an upcoming special occasion.PLAN.Before you |
| scrapbook.ORGANIZING BOXES OF PHOTOS.If you | | | | start working on your pages, plan ahead. |
| have boxes of photos that span from the | | | | Arrange your photos in chronological order |
| beginning of the 1900's to now, it's time to | | | | and gather stickers, diecuts, etc. that |
| start getting them organized. Schedule a day | | | | correspond with your photos. Think about your |
| and time to begin sorting through them and | | | | layout and how you plan to document each |
| stick with your appointment when the day | | | | photo. This will ensure you're going to be |
| rolls around. Get your kids, or friends, to | | | | happy with the final results, and will reduce |
| help out. Begin by making piles, categorized | | | | the need to redo things.DO THE TWO STEP.Step |
| by event or year. If you don't know the exact | | | | One: Assemble your pages with your photos, |
| year, at least sort them by decade. This may | | | | documentation and critical diecuts.Step Two: |
| take a little while, but once everything is | | | | Decorate with stickers, stamps, etc. The |
| separated, scrapbooking your photos will be | | | | two-step process will help you get the |
| much easier and more pleasant. Once they're | | | | critical part (step one) done faster, and |
| all sorted, store your photographs as | | | | then you can continue with the second step |
| mentioned above.WORK BACKWARDS.If you're | | | | (less important) later on.KEEP YOUR PAGES |
| planning to scrapbook lots of photos from way | | | | SIMPLE.Although you may really feel the need |
| back, start with the most recent photos you | | | | for creating a work of art on occasion, if |
| have, and work backwards. Chances are, you | | | | your goal is to get a scrapbook done as |
| have a journal describing recent photos, and | | | | quickly as possible, keep it simple. Getting |
| even if you don't, you can probably recall | | | | photos and documentation in the album is the |
| the details more easily. Older photos--the | | | | main goal. Save your really creative moments |
| ones that you don't have a journal for--will | | | | for extra special scrapbooking projects. And |
| take a little more thinking.BABY STEPS.If | | | | remember, too much stuff on any one page, |
| your scrapbooking hobby seems like a colossal | | | | takes away from the photos.QUICK COLOR |
| job to you, it's not going to be fun. Don't | | | | SCHEMES.Quickly, organize your scrapbooks |
| feel like you have to put ALL of your photos | | | | with colors that compliment each other, by |
| into scrapbooks. You can always put the | | | | referencing a good color harmony book. You |
| majority of your photos in acid-free photo | | | | can pick one up at your local bookstore. They |
| albums or photo boxes where they will be | | | | include hundreds of color combination |
| safe. Choose a small set of photos to begin | | | | examples. Color Harmony, by Hideaki Chijiiwa, |
| scrapbooking. Once you're done with this | | | | is an excellent book for this |
| small set, you can then decide whether you | | | | purpose.MULTI-TASKING.Looking for a few |
| want to dig into your photo albums or photo | | | | minutes here or there to catch up on your |
| boxes and continue scrapbooking them, or | | | | scrapbooking? Take and make all your phone |
| leave those photos where they are, and simply | | | | calls in the same room as your designated |
| scrapbook any new photos in the future.DOUBLE | | | | scrapbooking work area. Then, while you're on |
| PRINTS.Double prints will do you no good if | | | | the phone with your friends or family, you |
| they're just sitting in your photo box taking | | | | can crop, frame or mount at the same time. |
| up space. Do something with them. Perhaps | | | | Or, instead of making punches when you need |
| send them to someone who is in the | | | | them, make a bunch of punches at once while |
| photograph. It's a great way to keep in | | | | you're watching television, or are on the |
| touch. Or, pass the doubles onto your young | | | | telephone, or when you're waiting for a pot |
| children who may like to create their own | | | | of water to boil. This will save time later |
| scrapbooks. It's a great way for them to | | | | because your punches will be ready when you |
| learn your beloved hobby and decide if they | | | | need them.GET YOUR KIDS INVOLVED.Many people |
| would like it to be a hobby of their | | | | like to get their kids involved with the |
| own.RELATED STUFF.Sometimes, for the purpose | | | | actual project, such as arranging stickers, |
| of creatively decorating your scrapbook, you | | | | applying diecuts, etc. If you would rather |
| may wish to keep tickets, brochures, maps, | | | | your kids were not involved with the actual |
| postcards, and so on, that are related to a | | | | project, give them a project of their own. |
| particular trip or event. Use manila file | | | | You can always find a few photos that you're |
| folders or catalog envelopes for this | | | | not going to use in your scrapbook, some |
| purpose. Label the folder/envelope so that | | | | inexpensive paper, kid scissors, etc. Then |
| you know which photos/Documentation Form it | | | | have each child make their very own |
| corresponds to. File these until they're | | | | scrapbook. Either way, the kids will be |
| ready to be used.KEEPING IT ALL | | | | occupied, which will give you time to enjoy |
| TOGETHER.Already have a pretty good idea of | | | | your hobby.ELIMINATE BICKERING.If you have |
| stickers, diecuts, etc. that you're planning | | | | more than one child that is involved with a |
| to use with a particular set of photographs? | | | | scrapbooking activity, get them each their |
| Keep them in the same Ziplock bag with the | | | | own plastic storage box and/or accordion |
| photos until you're ready to put them into | | | | files to keep their own supplies in. This |
| your scrapbook. This way, everything will be | | | | way, when they want to work on their |
| in one place and ready to use.STICKERS AND | | | | scrapbook, all of their supplies will already |
| SHAPES.Stickers and punched shapes can be | | | | be separated. You may even color code their |
| kept in acid-free sheet protectors, plastic | | | | supplies, plastic boxes, etc. so they always |
| baseball card sheets, business card sheets, | | | | know which stuff belongs to them. For |
| or even Ziplock bags that are 3-hole punched. | | | | example, blue container, blue scissors and |
| Each sheet should be categorized and labeled | | | | markers labeled in blue for Billy, and all |
| by theme: birthday, Christmas, Halloween, | | | | pink for Sally.FAMILY TIME.Scrapbooking is a |
| wedding, springtime, etc. Insert these sheets | | | | great way to spend some time with your |
| into a 3-ring binder. If you have a large | | | | family. Get the whole family involved and |
| number of stickers and shapes, you may want | | | | around the table at the same time. It's a |
| to use index dividers labeled with general | | | | great time to share ideas and dreams with |
| categories. For example, a general HOLIDAY | | | | each other. Can't seem to get the male family |
| category, may hold Easter, Christmas | | | | members involved? Perhaps they can sit at the |
| Hanukkah, Halloween, etc., a general SEASONS | | | | table while the females are scrapbooking, and |
| category, may hold Summer, Fall, Winter and | | | | they could do something they enjoy at the |
| Spring, and so on.TINY STUFF.For very tiny | | | | same time. At least everyone will be together |
| diecuts and other small items, consider | | | | and having fun.TEAM UP.Scrapbooking is a |
| storing then in empty film canisters. The | | | | great way to spend time with your friends and |
| clear ones are best, but if you only have | | | | catch up with each other. Start a |
| opaque ones, simply stick a label--or the | | | | scrapbooking club and meet at each other's |
| actual diecut attached with a piece of tape-- | | | | homes one day every few weeks. Make a party |
| on the canister indicating what is inside. | | | | of it!IDENTIFY.The next time you get together |
| Baby food jars serve the same purpose | | | | with friends, or a scrapbooking club, put a |
| well.PAPER.Where do you keep all of that cool | | | | little piece of colored tape on your |
| paper until you're ready to use it? You can | | | | scissors' handles, the sides of your punch |
| get a plastic, portable filing | | | | tools, pens, etc. Then, everyone could share, |
| container--research its composition to assure | | | | but you'll be sure to get your tools back |
| archival safety--that holds hanging file | | | | when it's time to go home.DON'T TAKE THE |
| folders. Label the hanging files by theme or | | | | KITCHEN SINK.If you're going to be |
| color. You may want to place a manila file | | | | scrapbooking at a friend's home, take a few |
| folder into each hanging file folder, to keep | | | | minutes to plan what you want to work on. By |
| your papers from curling. Or, you may buy | | | | doing this, you will only have to carry those |
| file folder pockets or sheet protectors that | | | | supplies you're going to use. In other words, |
| fit into a 3-ring binder and store your | | | | if you're going to be working on a wedding |
| papers inside each pocket, categorized and | | | | theme, there's no reason to be carrying all |
| labeled. By the way, be very careful not to | | | | of your holiday items with you.CLEAR THE |
| store acid-free paper with other | | | | WAY.If you are spending too much time looking |
| paper.STORAGE CONTAINERS.Do a little bit of | | | | for supplies, background papers, photos, |
| research and purchase a scrapbooking | | | | frames, that great rubber stamp and so on, |
| organizer, which will hold papers, supplies, | | | | then, it's time to organize your work |
| etc. There are many products on the market | | | | station. Declutter and toss out or trade |
| that can help you keep it all together. Many | | | | those items you don't need, you don't like, |
| office supply stores carry six-drawer | | | | etc. Organize your supplies into binders and |
| organization stations. They're vertical and | | | | storage containers. You should always be |
| have 6 see-through drawers of equal size. | | | | working on a clear surface, with only the |
| Each drawer can be designated for a different | | | | current project in front of you.CLEAN UP THE |
| purpose--papers, templates/diecuts, stickers, | | | | SCRAPS.If there is a wastepaper basket right |
| etc. Plus, they have wheels, which makes them | | | | near your work station, all of the scraps |
| very easy to transport from one room to | | | | that you're not planning on using can be |
| another. Or, if you often bring your | | | | tossed immediately. Don't leave trash on your |
| scrapbooking supplies outside of your home, | | | | work surface. If you visit a friend's home, |
| such as to a friend's house, use a portable | | | | you may want to carry along an empty tissue |
| system that isn't too heavy or cumbersome, | | | | box so that all scraps can be discarded |
| and comes with a handle.STENCILS.Put your | | | | immediately, and make clean-up for your host |
| stencils/templates into sheet protectors that | | | | quick and easy.PUT IT AWAY.Always have a home |
| can be purchased at any office supplies | | | | for your supplies, and when you're finished |
| store. Then insert them into a 3-ring binder | | | | using them, take a few moments to put |
| for easy access. By the way, you can store | | | | everything away. You should be able to start |
| two templates in one sheet protector with a | | | | fresh with a clear mind and a clear |
| piece of paper in between each--white or | | | | surface.BIG ITEM/SMALL ITEM.Never place a big |
| colored depending on the color of your | | | | item over a smaller item, because if you do, |
| template. This will make it easier to see the | | | | it will be out of sight, and difficult to |
| designs and eliminate them from catching onto | | | | find quickly.ERGONOMICS.Organize your work |
| each other.SUPPLY CADDY.If you always | | | | area for increased productivity. Make sure |
| scrapbook at home, use a kitchen utensil | | | | it's well lit. Have a comfortable chair to |
| caddy with a number of divided compartments, | | | | sit on. Your supplies and tools should be |
| like those you normally keep tall kitchen | | | | within arms reach.SAFETY.Organize your |
| spoons, ladles, and spatulas in. The ones | | | | scrapbooking with safety in mind. Use a |
| that spin will keep everything you need at | | | | protective covering for your table. Craft |
| your fingertips.HANG IT UP.If you're lucky | | | | mats are great for cutting on. Scissors and |
| enough to have a room specifically designated | | | | other sharp tools should be face down in a |
| for your scrapbooking hobby, hang a large | | | | holder, and out of a young child's reach.MAKE |
| pegboard above your work area. You can then | | | | IT EASY.Different personality styles require |
| attach scissors, templates, crimpers, rulers, | | | | different organization systems. Make sure you |
| stencils and more, all within easy sight and | | | | use an organization system you can live |
| reach. In addition, you might hang a small | | | | with--one that works with your style and that |
| ledge or shelf nearby, to store all of your | | | | allows you to find things without delay. If |
| corner rounders, photo corners, and so on. If | | | | you find things easier when they're |
| you prefer everything out in the open, this | | | | alphabetized, then use that type of system. |
| system will work like a charm.RUBBER | | | | Perhaps you're better at finding things by |
| STAMPS.Store rubber stamps in shallow, | | | | color. Then use that system. Your |
| plastic containers, a rubber stamping | | | | organization system must work in harmony with |
| organizer, or a plastic organizer with | | | | your personality.DON'T DO SO MUCH.Finding the |
| shallow drawers. Don't stack stamps. They | | | | time for your scrapbooking and/or |
| should be stored in a single layer, so that | | | | rubberstamping hobby can be difficult if you |
| you can always see the top of the stamp | | | | have too many things going on in your life. |
| showing the design.OTHER STORAGE | | | | Reduce or eliminate the activities you don't |
| IDEAS.Fishing tackle boxes--with compartments | | | | truly enjoy. Reduce the activities of your |
| and levels that expand and collapse--are | | | | children. Get on an organized cleaning |
| wonderful for storing scrapbooking supplies | | | | schedule, so you're not wasting the entire |
| and tools. Plastic tool boxes, with many | | | | weekend cleaning up. Make easier dinners that |
| see-through drawers are also great for this | | | | are healthy, but take half the time to |
| purpose.SCRAPBOOKING MAGAZINES.Is your closet | | | | prepare. Get your family to help out with |
| full of scrapbooking magazines? There are a | | | | household chores and obligations.SPARE |
| few things to do about this dilemma. 1) You | | | | TIME.Those spare minutes that we all have can |
| can go through your magazines, find the | | | | be put to good use. Have to wait at the |
| articles you wish to keep and organize them | | | | doctor's office for your appointment? Sketch |
| into file folders by category. In other | | | | out a quick layout idea. Waiting for the wash |
| words, keep the article, toss the magazine. | | | | cycle to finish? Sort out some photos, or |
| 2) Or you can keep the magazines in cardboard | | | | gather supplies for tomorrow's scrapbooking |
| magazine boxes. If you do this, you should | | | | project.WRITE IT DOWN.Don't ever leave your |
| always keep a list of the title/issue of the | | | | home without a small notebook in hand. You're |
| magazine, the pages that interest you, and a | | | | bound to come up with a thought, or a cute |
| few words describing why they interested you. | | | | caption, for your scrapbook. If you don't |
| This way, you can just scan your list, | | | | write it down right away, you may forget |
| instead of going through the entire magazine | | | | about it. You may also want to keep a small |
| to find what you're looking for. You can even | | | | pad and a pen right near your bedside, in |
| use your computer and create the list in a | | | | case you have a bright idea in the middle of |
| word processing file. Then using the Find | | | | the night.ENJOY!Plan, organize and schedule |
| feature, you can simply search for key words | | | | some time to enjoy your creations with family |
| in your document.HOLD THAT THOUGHT.Rather | | | | and friends. Scrapbooking is all about fun, |
| than keeping all those great scrapbooking | | | | laughter, memories, and touching moments! |