I was reading an article today in one of my scrapbooking retailer magazines and many of the points enforced what I try to get across everyday...
-Scrapbooking's mission is to preserve memories. Period. It isn't important what paper you use or what technique you use (you don't have to go to school or be certified to scrapbook). It is important that your photos are preserved in a safe manner and that your story and that of your family is told. It is that simple.
-"Scrapbookers need permission to commemorate the everyday life that takes place between holidays and other major celebrations. It needs to represent all of life's experiences: from the happiest to the saddest and all the moments in between."
-"There is no need for competition when it comes to memory preservation." All you need is some photos, heartfelt journalling and a few simple design elements. It's that simple.
I often hear that scrapbooking is too overwhelming, that you aren't creative enough, or that there is no time. I say that none of these statements is true:
Scrapbooking doesn't have to be overwhelming if you take it one page at a time instead of decades worth of photos. Whatever pages you get done, you are farther ahead than most people and some of your story is preserved. Keep it simple and don't worry about what you see in magazines or what your friends are doing. Your family isn't going to care about that. Here is a layout I did about my youngest and her "wrinkly nose". It is a very simple layout - not fancy at all, but the story of how she always wrinkles her nose when she smiles is now safe and we won't forget this adorable quirk.
On the creativity issue, I was so "artistically challenged" growing up, that I could barely draw stick people. I took band! :) I can be very creative with scrapbooking and anybody can - there are so many products on the market that help you look very creative even if you think you aren't. The hardest part of scrapbooking is deciding what to do - make it easier on yourself. Pick up a magazine or idea book, or look on our gallery or one of the many galleries on-line, pick a layout you like and copy it. Often by the time you are done with your own supplies and photos, it will look totally different. But it gave you the starting point so you don't sit their paralyzed. And if it looks exactly the same, that is ok too. There is no need to reinvent the wheel every time.
As for the time issue, as women we often feel "guilty" when we make time to scrapbook because we enjoy it so much, especially the social aspect. You have permission to lose this guilt - scrapbooking is way too important. If you don't take the time, all the stories and memories are lost. You just have to make time to do it. Your family will thank you.
Trust Us With Your Memories,
Michele