| Beginner scrapbookers have many resources | | | | philosophy behind scrapbooking, as well as, how to |
| available to learn how to scrapbook. Scrapbooking is | | | | choose supplies and tools, and how to design a simple |
| one of the fastest growing hobbies, and options for | | | | page. You and your friends will usually make a 2-page |
| learning this craft come in many different places. | | | | layout with materials supplied by the consultant and |
| Before considering which method is best for you, | | | | photos you bring from home. Consultants may or may |
| consider your time and money commitment, as well as | | | | not charge for the lesson. This usually depends on the |
| your goals for a new hobby. | | | | cost of the supplies used for the pages. The lesson |
| Are you just looking to make attractive pages for your | | | | usually ends with an opportunity to purchase that |
| family to enjoy and preserve your photographs and | | | | company's products. |
| memories? Maybe you want to learn how to | | | | Craft magazines are full of information on basic |
| scrapbook for a new hobby you can share with | | | | techniques and beginner tips. In the United States, most |
| others. Scrapbooking can be as simple or as complex | | | | bookstores sell a variety of scrapbooking magazines. |
| as you want to make it. | | | | The most popular magazines are Creating Keepsakes, |
| Your local craft store is a great resource for | | | | Simple Scrapbooks, Memory Makers and Scrapbooks, |
| beginners to learn this hobby. Some craft stores | | | | Etc. Buy a single issue of each magazine first. Each |
| specialize in scrapbooking, and their staff can help you | | | | has a slightly different slant on this hobby. For example, |
| choose basic tools and supplies to get you started. | | | | Simple Scrapbooks focuses on quick, easy pages. |
| Many of these stores offer classes on the latest | | | | Once you find one that seems to match your style, |
| techniques. These classes often allow you to try out | | | | buy the annual subscription which is always more cost |
| new tools and see how others approach their page | | | | effective than buying single newsstand copies. |
| layouts. You might also take a project class that | | | | Many craft stores offer crop nights that can be |
| allows you to complete an entire album. | | | | another way to learn. Crops bring together groups of |
| Classes vary in cost, but most are quite reasonable. | | | | scrapbookers to work on their pages together. |
| They usually provide all the tools and materials | | | | Basically, they are scrapbooking parties. The store will |
| necessary, which make them a great way to try out | | | | often charge a nominal fee and provide refreshments |
| this hobby with little financial investment. You will need | | | | for the evening. Many will allow you to use their tools |
| to bring several photographs to use on your page | | | | during the crop, as well. This is a great way to try out |
| layouts. Teachers are experienced and enthusiastic. | | | | more expensive tools, like die cut machines and |
| They are trained to teach all levels of scrapbooking | | | | cutters. You could even invite your friends to your |
| techniques and can answer any questions you might | | | | home for a crop. Crops allow everyone to share |
| have about this hobby to help you decide if it's right for | | | | techniques with each other and provide beginners with |
| you. Don't be surprised if you see more experienced | | | | tips and ideas. |
| scrapbookers in these classes. Some people will take | | | | One more option to learn basic techniques is to |
| them just for the social aspect of the class and for | | | | purchase an album kit. Many album kits come |
| new ideas on how to use basic techniques more | | | | complete with all the supplies you need to make an |
| effectively. | | | | album. They provide detailed instructions and |
| To find a class in your area, check with the large craft | | | | sometimes even basic color and design layout theory. |
| stores, as well as your local scrapbooking stores. Most | | | | However, to complete the album you will need to buy |
| offer classes with convenient schedules, and many | | | | your own tools, such as, scissors and adhesive. |
| offer classes that can be started any time. | | | | Once you've learned beginner scrapbooking, |
| Another option is to learn in your own home. Direct | | | | remember to practice your techniques often. The |
| sales companies, like Creative Memories and Close to | | | | more pages you make the better you will become at |
| My Heart, have consultants that will come to your | | | | designing layouts. As you master the basics, you can |
| home and give a class on basic techniques. Much like | | | | use the same resources above to find more |
| a Tupperware party, you invite your friends to your | | | | advanced tips and techniques. |
| home for a lesson. The consultant will teach the basic | | | | |