Getting started scrapbooking can be confusing. There are so many choices and options. This hub page covers the basic, essential informaton that a newcomer to the scrapbook hobby needs to know.

Non-scrapbookers with an interest in learning more about this fascinating pasttime will find much here as well.

There are a number of reasons why we scrapbook.

First and foremost, scrapbooking is a way of preserving memories. More than a photo album, a scrapbook contains memorabilia of all sorts -- photographs, keepsakes, letters, scraps of fabric of yarn, travel brochures, tickets, certificates, and more or less anything flat enough to incorporate in an album. Very importantly, scrapbooking contains jourhaling. We record our thoughts, feelings and memories in written form, to enhance the pictures and other items that go into a layout.

We scrapbook because we want to commemorate a special occasion such as a wedding, graduation or even a death. We scrapbook because we want to preserve heritage photographs and keepsakes for future generations. We scrapbook because we want to record the daily events in our lives --- and we scrapbook because it is a fun, joyous, creative activity that fulfills something in us.

We make scrapbooks dedicated to one theme -- perhaps a vacation, a retirement, our garden landscaping. We make scrapbooks containing miscellaneous layouts because sometime's there is a special event that doesn't warrant an entire book.

In short, there are no right and wrong ways about how to make a scrapbook. We do what inspires us at the moment.

There is one important thing to keep in mind, however. That is the need to use special, acid free or scrapbook friendly glues and other products. Products containing acid and lignon will rot out photographs over time. Therefore, if the album is intended to last for future generations, using the right products is critical. Scrapbooking stores typically stock acid free products. Ask to be sure,

The video below covers the basic scrapbooking supplies that you need to get started.

Knowing how to make a scrapbook means overcoming the hurdle of creating that first, challenging layout.

The video below takes the newcomer through the steps of creating a simple but attractive scrapbook layout.