Going back a decade or three, keeping a scrap book was a popular hobby for many children. Over the last few years, however, scrapbooking has developed into a fascinating way to save and bring together family history and memorabilia.

What’s really exciting about scrapbooking is that it can be as personal and individual as you wish. You can select the subject, the type of paper and the kind of material you want to include.

Photos are probably used the most but you can include material such as school reports; theatre programmes; letters; postcards; press and magazine cuttings; quotes on the subject; ribbon, material and wallpaper samples - the list goes on.

The Re-launch of Scrapbooking

The regeneration of the scrapbooking phenomena is credited to Marielen Christensen who designed imaginative albums to hold her family’s photos separated by page protectors. By 1980 she had created over 50 albums! The idea spread and scrapbooking has become the most popular pastime in America - even beating golf!

Starting Scrapbooking

You don’t need a lot of equipment to begin scrapbooking. You need an album, refill pages, sharp scissors, adhesive (use acid-free adhesive suitable for photos and paper), cardstock, and pens (again, acid-free).

When selecting albums and card, pick ones which fit the theme of your project. An important part of scrapbooking, too, is embellishments, which are borders, stickers, stars, cut-outs, pressed flowers, material, ribbon, and small physical items. They add considerably to the appeal and layout of the album and can add theme and continuity to your pages.

Go Digital!

As well as arranging materials in an album, there are also digital scrapbookers who scan material and create digital scrapbooks using photo and paint programs. With a digital scrapbook you can also include sound bytes: extracts of speeches, conversations, poem recitals, songs and so on.

One of the benefits of digital scrapbooking is that you can keep the original material safe. You can even print the digital scrapbook using print on demand services to send to family and friends.

Scrapbook It!

Most people scrapbook their lives and history and that of their children, grandchildren, pets and communities. But you can create scrapbooks on just about anything including your other hobbies, travels and vacations, music, your home, school - any event or situation you want to record and preserve.

Whatever your interest, you can preserve events in scrapbook for posterity - and have a lot of fun doing so!