For many people scrapbooking isn't just a hobby, it's a way of life. Events are photographed in mind with how they'll end up in the scrapbook. Family photos are color coordinated to match the season's trend in patterns and paper. Scrapbooking consists no longer of taping a program on a page and sticking in a few pictures. It has turned into an art form. In the US, scrapbooking has become the fastest growing craft, and it's no wonder with the plethora of materials out there!

When I first started scrapbooking 13 years ago, the supply was limited to cardstock in primary or pastel colors, Mrs. Grossman's stickers, and some basic products offered by your Creative Memories consultant. Now, you can walk through most craft stores and find aisle upon aisle of paper, stickers, embellishments, albums, etc. To some crafters it's a beautiful thing, opening the door for endless possibilities. But to others all the choices can be overwhelming, leaving them feeling helpless and not knowing where to start.

If you're a beginner, don't worry about the million and one options out there start simple and enjoy the process. No one becomes a master baker the first time they open up a Betty Crocker cake mix. Take your time. Learn and grow at your own pace. I guarantee you'll enjoy scrapbooking more if you do.

Secret #1 - Keep first things first. What drew you to scrapbooking in the first place? Most likely, you wanted to preserve your family memories. Keep this as your focus. It's too easy to get caught up in the world of scrapbooking, but forget why you even started. Take a look at your loved ones and remember that's why you started scrapping. Scrapbooking is a snapshot of memories-that adorable smile, moments of absolute silliness, and family traditions. Remember it's about the people you love.

Secret #2 - Don't compare yourself to others. The easiest way to become down-hearted in anything is to look at what others have done and label yourself as coming up short. Your layouts aren't as detailed. Your pictures aren't as amazing. You haven't completed an album in years. If your a scrapbook gallery browser it's almost too easy to get to this point.

It's fine to see what others are creating (and it can even be inspiring), but if it's causing you to feel like you've fallen short of some invisible scrapbook standard then it might be time to stop and take a scrapbooking break. It's a hobby. It should be something that you enjoy. Don't compare yourself to others, but enjoy the process of creating and preserving your memories. That's what makes scrapbooking fun-it's your creation, your memories. Don't take a grade report to your scrap space, just explore and create!

Secret #3 - It's about exploration. Like any hobby, scrapbooking should be an outlet that helps us to grow in our expression of self. Don't feel tied in a box or a certain "theme." Take yourself outside the lines and see what you can create.

Have Such a Time Scrapbooking, and enjoy the art of scrapbooking!

For more scrapbooking tips, articles,and tutorials visit www.suchatimescrapbooking.com.