STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

alb · Marc Jacobs

How do I learn to scrapbook?

kenzie · Chanel

Most craft stores have a 'scrapbooking isle.' There's usually stickers and paper and all kinds of fun stuff. I would go there and see what strikes your fancy.

blink · Coach

I learned through Creative Memories, maybe see if there's a consultant in your area. Or go to a scrapbook store and you can thumb through some managizes and see other people's layouts and ideas.

I am still working on one for my son's first year, I also focus mostly on the photos, but I use stickers, baby item cut outs, and pastel construction paper because it just brings more attention to the subject. I try to make it as neat and organized as I can, and I always leave room for writing something.

NCshopper · Hermes

Target's also started carrying a ton of scrapbooking supplies near their home office section where all the cards and stationery are.

Just browse around and see what looks good together. Definitely go to the scrapbooking get-together--you'll meet people and get a ton of great ideas. There's a ton of stuff you can do to your scrapbooks--it just depends how far you want to go with it.

alb · Marc Jacobs

Thanks girls--this is probably a dumb question but I have a book/album thing full of blank pages that I want to use but I'm not sure if it's a scrapbook. It doesn't have a place to put pictures. Can I use that and just glue everything on or should I get an actual photo album?

itsapinkthing · Coach

alb wrote:

Thanks girls--this is probably a dumb question but I have a book/album thing full of blank pages that I want to use but I'm not sure if it's a scrapbook. It doesn't have a place to put pictures. Can I use that and just glue everything on or should I get an actual photo album?

alb- if it's one of the ones you can open and add pages too I would say it's a scrapbook. If it more a journal type with blank paper pages you won't want to use it. You want you pages, even if they are only backgrounds to be acid free. This way you keep the intergity of the orginal scrapbook work, and everything is "archive" quality, meaning you can have it for years and years to come and nothing will fade or distort. Also if you do a search for "scrapbook ideas" you will get a ton of sites with pictures, ideas, and supplies.

alb · Marc Jacobs

itsapinkthing wrote:

alb wrote: Thanks girls--this is probably a dumb question but I have a book/album thing full of blank pages that I want to use but I'm not sure if it's a scrapbook. It doesn't have a place to put pictures. Can I use that and just glue everything on or should I get an actual photo album? alb- if it's one of the ones you can open and add pages too I would say it's a scrapbook. If it more a journal type with blank paper pages you won't want to use it. You want you pages, even if they are only backgrounds to be acid free. This way you keep the intergity of the orginal scrapbook work, and everything is "archive" quality, meaning you can have it for years and years to come and nothing will fade or distort. Also if you do a search for "scrapbook ideas" you will get a ton of sites with pictures, ideas, and supplies.

Pink--This is great information, thanks! I'll look at my "scrapbook" tonight. I'm not sure if you can remove the pages but it has a really cute cover with fabric on it (it has a little girl's dress on the cover) so I assumed it was a scrapbook. I had no idea about the acid issue. Thanks so much! BTW, how are you feeling these days? How far along are you?

itsapinkthing · Coach

alb wrote:

BTW, how are you feeling these days? How far along are you?

Just past the 18 week mark. I'm feeling better most days. The only thing is I'm pretty tired by the end of the day. With preparing to move now that's not helping me much.

Good luck with the scrapbooking! I can't wait for maternity leave, scrapbooking is how I filled many days of maternity leave with my daughter. Hopefully after this baby I'll have more time since we plan on me being home much more.

Cortney1982 · Chanel

Oh please don't take construction paper with you! I use the binder style album. It's easiest to put the paper in the plastic covers and put in the book. And I would suggest using 12x12 inch papers. I started out using the regular paper size, and most places have stuff to use with 12x12 paper.

It's a good idea not to go and buy stuff because you will soon find you have so much stuff that you don't need. It's best to first plan out your page, then go buy the paper and stickers, stamps, etc.

Shopping list to start:

*assortment of solid paper

*decorative edge sizzors (a couple of your favorite patterns)

*color markers

*color pencils

*photo glue (I like the tape style)

*letter stencils

*eyelets, eyelet puncher, setter, mini hammer, and mat.

I'm probably forgeting something. But these are pretty basic.

alb · Marc Jacobs

Courtney--Thanks for the list. Why shouldn't I use construction paper and what type of paper should I get instead?? Thanks!

alb · Marc Jacobs

itsapinkthing wrote:

alb wrote: BTW, how are you feeling these days? How far along are you? Just past the 18 week mark. I'm feeling better most days. The only thing is I'm pretty tired by the end of the day. With preparing to move now that's not helping me much. Good luck with the scrapbooking! I can't wait for maternity leave, scrapbooking is how I filled many days of maternity leave with my daughter. Hopefully after this baby I'll have more time since we plan on me being home much more.

It sounds like you're doing great! I remember that tired feeling, it was so difficult to get anything done. Are you hoping for another girl or do you want a boy this time?

Karina · Chanel

michael's has scrapbooking classes

NCshopper · Hermes

alb wrote:

Courtney--Thanks for the list. Why shouldn't I use construction paper and what type of paper should I get instead?? Thanks!

Not Cortney, but you don't want to use construction paper because it contains acids that will cause your pictures to yellow and deteriorate with time. Most papers that are sold as scrapbook quality papers will be acid free and it should be pretty clearly marked on the package. Construction paper is also heavier and if you use that as opposed to regular scrapbooking paper your photo album will be pretty heavy by the time you're done with it.

alb · Marc Jacobs

Thanks, NCShopper!

mikacat · Coach

I learned by looking at a ton of scrapbooking magazines at Barnes and Nobles and a lady at work helped me make 6 pages for my husband for his birthday. I also looked on line and went to a scrapbooking store to look around and get ideas. Michaels and AC Moore also have big scrapbooking sections. I really enjoy it--it is pretty laid back and relaxing. Plus you can start and stop anytime (if Lucy needs you or the phone rings) if you have somewhere to leave it out on a table.

ebay sells lots of stuff --

you have to use the special glues and papers and acid free stuff- it is kind of expensive but i love doing it.

I am going to do a lifebook for our daughter too!

alb · Marc Jacobs

Thanks Mikacat--it's nice to read your ideas!