Technically speaking, scrapbooking is the practice of combining photos, memorabilia (from concert ticket stubs to autumn leaves) and stories in a scrapbook-style album. It’s been around as long as there have been photos, but today the pastime has risen to new heights. In fact, scrapbooking is now a thriving industry that does over .5 billion in business yearly.

All across the country there are millions who have taken up scrapbooking as a hobby. They mill at weekly club meetings, specialty cruises and conventions; they write poems and stories about it, they publish newsletters and set up websites to show off their work. In a word, they’re passionate.

Some say that September 11th put a new emphasis on the family and its importance. Scrapbooking is one way of celebrating close relationships with a visual chronicle of a family’s history. For some women, like Kansas City author and prolific “scrapper” Angie Pederson, scrapbooks chart the evolution of life.

Pederson used her scrapbook as a therapeutic tool. She devoted one book entirely to her struggle with depression. “It’s a pretty touchy topic,” she says. “I tell people not to scrapbook about things they aren’t ready to face yet, but it can be helpful to look at past experiences and document those that made them who they are.”

Regardless of motivation, scrappers enjoy letting their creativity shine. Combining graphic elements (such as photos, ink stamps, fabric, fancy fonts or calligraphy) with journal-type text provides an opportunity for true self-expression.

How to Start a Scrapbook

There’s no right or wrong way to scrapbook. It’s a personal means of creativity with no rigid rules; just let your creativity flow.

• Most scrapbooks are 8 ½ x11” or 12x12” in size. You’ll want a ringed binder-type album that allows you to add pages as needed. The average cost is $35-$40 per binder.
• Assemble the necessary materials from a craft or stationery store. You’ll need paper (different designs, textures and colors), adhesive, plastic sleeves (ones not made of polyvinyl chlorides or PVC), pens (acid-free and photo-safe) and sharp scissors. Over time, photos do become yellowed and faded. You can’t stop this process entirely but you can slow it down by selecting paper and adhesives that are acid-free. Look for the words “archival quality” on the materials you choose for your scrapbook.
• Use a printer and scanner. If you don’t want to tape original photos into your scrapbook, scan them using a high resolution setting and print them on a color printer.
• Organize your photos and decide on a theme. Choose a color, shape and style that will carry through your scrapbook. Get the kids to help and have them make their own scrapbooks themed around their favorite activity.
• Position all the elements you’ve chosen on a background paper and glue them carefully in place. Add text to the page, if you like – thoughts on the event, dates or other relevant details.
• Once the glue has dried, place the finished page in a sheet protector and put it into your album.
• Protect your scrapbook. High humidity and high temperatures accelerate deterioration of your photos. Keep them away from extremes by storing them in a closet that is not on an exterior wall of your home.
• You can pick up a how-to book such as The Complete Idiot's Guide to Scrapbooking Illustrated by Wendy Smedley (available at Amazon.com).

Above all else, have fun with scrapbooking. Treat it as a creative outlet and as a means of preservation. Says Vicky Kinzy, an online scrapbook expert: “Scrapbooking gives adults and kids a chance to connect with their past, present and future. Instead of becoming dusty photo boxes in the attic, memories can be captured and remain as family heirlooms for years to come."