Seven years ago, my cousin invited me to a Creative Memories party. She sold the scrapbooking products, and even though I was broke and had no business buying paper and stickers, I went to spend time with her. While I was there, two things happened.
I realized my cousin is a good salesperson. And I began scrapbooking.
I’ve always loved taking and collecting photos, and I had journals, albums and even a few scrapbooks from years before. But this type of scrapbooking was purposeful, creative and addictive. And I haven’t stopped doing it since.
I’m happy to say that my scrapbooking style has changed since that day I glued a few graduation pictures and a purple border on a page. Since working at Archiver’s part-time, I’ve even started getting fancy and using ribbon and (I can’t believe I’m saying this) stamps and ink on my pages. I have more paper than I could ever use, more projects than I could ever finish, and more stacks of photos than I can get organized.
But I love it. I’ve even tried to make a business out of it. (You can see a few books I made – and hoped to sell – below.) I’m glad that didn’t take off, though, because this way, scrapping is still a hobby. Still something FUN. I’m thankful for scrapbooking. It’s a way to preserve and honor memories, but also a way to connect with other women and spend time with friends.
Do any of you scrapbook?
Just wanted to say I enjoyed this post. :)
Faithfully,
Dawn
I scrapbooked for a little while. Right from the beginning I tried to be realistic. Some moms were trying to do every one of their pictures from that day forward. But I decided I would only do my sons birthdays and vacations. Well, even that only lasted for several years and I haven’t gotten back into it in a very long time. It is fun, but way too time consuming.
My sister and I did a 50th Anniversary scrapbook for our parents. They were thrilled and still love looking through it. That was the best idea.
Hi Dawn – Thanks for your note!
Brenda, you’re right. It can be completely overwhelming and time-consuming. Especially if you try to do the fancy stuff. I keep my scrapping pretty simple, but even still, I’m behind.
I don’t think I could ever be much of a scrap-booker. I’m not creative, organized or rich enough. ;) Nor do I take enough photos in the first place. But it’s really cool to have a hobby (especially when people ask you that annoying question, “So what do you like to do?”;), and it also helps with holidays and birthdays! I’ve seen some of yours (a few times;), and they’re very good. They make a great gift, and can also come in handy when you’re designing 30 birthday bags! ;)
Thanks, chelley. Although I’m not sure where you got the “rich” part…?
i’m with chelley – scrapbooking seems like a very expensive hobby.
once in a while i’ll try, but it seems to me that true scrapbookers have their ideas of how it ‘should’ be done, and since i really don’t like being told how things should be done, i feel like it’s just not for me.
I walked in to ‘Archivers’ once. ;)
Well, look at it this way: you wouldn’t think twice about spending $15-$20 for a book to read, right? For that same amount, I could get enough paper, adhesive and stickers to make a whole album for someone.
But I shop more at Hobby Lobby than Archiver’s, since I don’t have my discount anymore.
And, hobsis, I think that if you want to make a scrapbook, you should make it however YOU want it. Who cares what anyone else thinks? :)