Scrapbooking combines photos, memorabilia (such as ticket stubs) and text in an appealing package. Photo albums have been around for decades, but in scrapbooking the emphasis is on using acid-free materials in distinctive and creative layouts. The latest trend is to do everything with a computer, creating virtual pages and sharing them digitally.
Typical costs:
For $25-$150 you can get basic supplies consisting of a photo album ($12-$90), good quality straight-edge scissors ($5-$15), adhesives ($2-$15), plain and patterned photo-safe papers ($2-$20), and a black pen ($4-$10). Additional options include a paper trimmer ($10-$70 and up), stickers ($1-$10 a set), rubber stamps ($5-$10 each), paper punches ($3-$10 each), templates ($5-$30) and more.
In computer scrapbooking, text, photographs and other images are arranged on a virtual page, to be shared online (printing on paper is optional). It's possible to do this using a common program such as Microsoft Word. Software programs designed specifically for scrapbooking run $10-$70 and average around $20-$40. Slightly more complex programs such as Adobe Photoshop Elements or Corel Photo Paint run $50-$100. Some dedicated digital scrapbookers use professional photo-editing-and-graphics software such as Adobe Photoshop or JASC Paint Shop Pro, which retail for $100-$600.
Free ideas for scrapbook sayings or quotes are available at ScrapSayings.com[1] and Denny's Poems and Quotes[2] . Themed kits of papers, stickers and other supplies are $2-$20, depending on how much is included. Pre-made scrapbook kits with the materials to creatively preserve your photos from a wedding, birth or other special event average $20-$40. Clubs that mail you themed kits on a regular basis can run $24-$40 a month.
In-person scrapbooking classes offered by stores, senior centers, or recreation facilities can be $10-$100, depending on length and materials provided. Learn-on-your-own-schedule computer classes (online or on CDs) run about $10-$50. How-to books, videos and DVDs[3] run $10-$40. Weekend workshops, camps or retreats are $200-$600 or more.
Individually-tailored scrapbooks can be given as gifts to highlight a special events such as a graduation, wedding or birthday, or created to preserve old photos and family memories that might otherwise be lost. Typically each page (as well as the entire album) follows a specific theme or idea, using color, position, balance and special embellishments (such as stickers or personal notes) to create an inviting overall look. CreativeScrapbooking.com gives a quick overview[4] and ScrapSayings.com provides a list of scrapbooking resources.
Get inspired by the galleries of page layouts posted at Scrapjazz magazine[5] , Scrapbook.com magazine[6] and CreatingKeepsakes.com[7] .
Digital scrapbooking requires basic computer literacy and software. Scrapbook-Bytes.com compares popular software programs based on learning curves, cost and flexibility[8] .
Additional costs:
Scrapbooking materials that are photo-safe (acid- or lignin-free) usually cost more than standard paper supplies, but are higher quality and won't yellow or disintegrate over the years.
Many scrapbookers organize their supplies in drawers and other containers; setting up a permanent scrapbooking space can add $50-$500 or more for a table/desk/armoire, plastic cart, paper racks, baskets, bins and related items.
Discounts:
Scrapbook.com magazines posts hobbyists' tips for scrapbooking on a budget[9] .
Shopping for scrapbooking:
Many big-box discount stores carry scrapbooking supplies, as do craft stores. Scrapbooking.com Magazine provides a searchable list of scrapbook stores and ScrapbookFinds.com lets you search multiple online stores[10] . One of the largest scrapbook companies is CreativeMemories, which hosts home-based scrapbooking parties.
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