Memories, and the stories behind them, are priceless – that is why it is so important to preserve yours. If you haven’t tried scrapbooking, what’s stopping you? Think it’s hard, overwhelming, or expensive? It doesn’t have to be, and we’ll tell you why, as we uncover the truths behind common scrapbooking myths!
1. My photos aren’t perfect, so they don’t deserve to go into a scrapbook.
Sometimes the most cherished photos aren’t perfect photos. It‘s not about the technical merits of the photo – it’s about the memory that was captured. What if you only have one photo from your daughter’s first day of school and her eyes are closed, or it is out of focus a little? Does that mean that moment doesn’t deserve to be remembered? Absolutely not! If you’re really unhappy with a photo, remember, there are a few things you can try to improve it a little, too. Try cropping it or adjusting the colors (changing to black and white or sepia, for example) with a color photo copier. (Note: You can also do this with photo editing software using your digital photo or by scanning in your print.) But even if that doesn’t work, scrapbook the memory anyway!
2. I need to scrapbook every photo I have.
Parents might especially feel the pressure to scrapbook every single photo ever taken of a child, beginning at birth. That’s a lot of photos! Forget about starting at the beginning – instead, just start today. Start with your most current photos and get those memories into an album first. If you have more time later, you can always go back and try to catch up old photos. There’s no pressure to get everything done all at once. Give yourself a break – adjust your expectations and just start today!
Tip: Pocket page albums, or mixing pocket pages with traditional layouts, are a fast and easy way to include multiple photos!
3. My scrapbook pages look nothing like those I see in a magazine, so they must not be any good.
Scrapbooking isn’t about comparing your pages to someone else’s. It’s about preserving your memories for you and your family. Years down the road, no one is going to notice if your pages follow a certain trend or style that is popular now. Find your own style and your own way. It doesn’t matter if your albums are classic and simple or more detailed. That’s the beauty of scrapbooking – there is no right or wrong way to do it. Do what makes you happy!
4. Scrapbooking takes a lot of time, which I don’t have.
Scrapbooking does not have to take a large amount of time. Simple pages don’t take a lot of time, but they still convey the important stuff – the stories, photos, and memories. If you don’t have a lot of spare time, break the process into small chunks – take 10-15 minutes to jot down some journaling and then pick out your supplies at another time. A great time-saver is using a collection of coordinating products, where everything is designed to match perfectly. Assemble your layout while your child is napping or in the evening when you have a few spare moments. Work one page at a time, and don’t stress about getting everything done all at once. There is no rush – you’ll get there slowly but surely! (Note: Monthly crops are also a great way for those with little time. You can plan a day or afternoon to crop in your schedule each month.)
5. I don’t have a lot of money to spend, so I shouldn’t start scrapbooking.
You are investing in your memories – what could be more important? When you think about all the money, time, and effort you put into planning that special vacation or hosting that special event, the few dollars you’ll spend to preserve the memories are worth every penny. Your photos and memories are often the only thing you have left at the end of the day, so make the effort to ensure they last a lifetime. Scrapbooking doesn’t have to cost a lot – invest first in quality albums, tools and supplies that will help you preserve the memories. You can always add in more fun products later, if you are able. If not, at least your photos and memories are preserved. That’s what matters first and foremost!
6. I don’t have kids, so therefore, I have nothing to scrapbook.
This couldn’t be further from the truth! Think about all the things in your own life that you’ll want to remember someday – the fun times you had with your friends and family, the vacations you took, your pets, your hobbies, and more. Or, make a time capsule of sorts and scrapbook the things that you like right now, such as popular music, movies, television shows, fashion, or the type of car you own. It will be fun to look back on your albums one day and reminisce. Plus, if you do have children one day, they’ll enjoy seeing the things mom or dad was into when they were younger!
7. I’m not creative, so I can’t scrapbook.
Everyone is creative in their own way! Besides, you don’t need to be super creative to scrapbook. Simple pages don’t take a lot of creativity to pull together, but yet, they still tell stories and preserve the memories. Years down the road, your family isn’t going to care if your pages follow the trends and are overly “creative” – what they will care about is that you took the time to get the memories down on paper. Also, for many people, the process of scrapbooking itself can be just as rewarding as the end product. It’s time that you spend doing something just for you and your family. A scrapbook page is a place for you to express your personality, along with your thoughts, feelings, and memories. There is no right or wrong way to do that! (Note: A great way to get started is to attend a class or workshop. You will get ideas and inspiration to jumpstart your creativity.)
8. Scrapbooking seems overwhelming and I don’t think I can do it.
Anyone can scrapbook! It doesn’t matter what your age, background, ability, or creativity level. You already have the two most important things right at your disposal – your photos and your memories. All you need to do is put them together. It doesn’t need to be complicated or hard. (Note: Another great way to get started is to attend a monthly crop where experienced scrapbookers help beginners get started.)
This article was featured in Archiver’s Journal, Spring 2008 edition.
