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