For those who have followed along this blog, you might have noticed drastic changes since the inception. I started this blog as an learning experiment that turned into a paper crafting blog to share my discoveries. Then I got into cardmaking because I’m a huge lover of stationery designs and the thought of making my own sounded fun and seemingly more economical when writing correspondence. When I moved to Italy I had a hard time making real cards because of the lack of materials and tools, so I switched to all digital designs…joining in with card challenges, offering freebies and just playing around.
Recently, I started getting into digital scrapbooking and realized that I have been doing it all along, just entirely outside the industry. I am a collector of ephemera and usually create albums to celebrate a specific experience, preserve photos and create keepsakes for family. Often I’m in such a rush to finish albums because I don’t want to forget the details and want my thoughts to be as fresh as possible. For example, I have 5 siblings…so a family event means I have to make 7 copies of an album so my parents and all of us kids can each have a copy. It’s a lot of work! So, I switched to designing online and printing books (or scrapbooks) of photos to ease the workload and also because digital photography does lend itself to working digitally when I switched entirely off of regular film (wow, that was a long time ago).
However, I was never in tune with the scrapbooking community out there. I didn’t know of any companies or designers specifically, it was more just buying some things that looked cool – whatever was available locally. Digitally I created my own designs – much more graphic designy in style than the layers of texture I see in many layouts today. Now that I’ve looked into the industry of scrapbooking a bit more, I have discovered so many designers that share tips and tricks, so many household names and most recently started listening to a podcast, The Paperclipping Roundtable. I really enjoy listening to experienced folks and what they think about scrapbooking and the experience. It’s a hobby, yet it’s a way to preserve memories and there are so many ways to do it.
The podcast discusses a specific topic each week and they have talked about tools, the process, time management and why people don’t scrapbook. As a beginner I’ve definitely thought a lot about why people do scrapbook – I mean, who would be listening to the podcast if they are NOT scrapbookers? 
Perhaps the generic impression or definition of scrapbooking is what scares people away, however when people do scrapbook they form their own definition that keeps them going. I am more interested in why people DO scrapbook. I honestly don’t think scrapbooking has to mean making pages that go in a book…unless that’s what you want. Like many out there, I am more into the process than the final result. The act of picking a topic that allows you to relive a moment or reflect on an experience in a creative way is the “high” of it all. I know many scrapbook to preserve memories…which is great…but they are specifically your memories because inevitably it’s your interpretation of an event or experience.
Another aspect is that I think the industry controls too much how we preserve our memories…or perhaps I mean that the industry causes many to think they must preserve their memories in a certain way … to be worthy of sharing perhaps? Which is so not the case. If my husband stapled a few pictures onto a sheet and wrote a heartfelt sentiment to give to me that would be worth more than a glitzy packed with the latest greatest trend design layout. That’s how I feel even after just a few short months of being introduced into this world, the frenzy (even through the web) of CHA and all the tooks and designs and jazz out there. Don’t get me wrong – I love new designs and new products to play with – I just don’t think it’s necessary for everyone and people should not feel that it is necessary. You are the only thing necessary, because you are celebrating your moments, your experiences, your thoughts. Scrapbooking is ultimately for you…and the fact that others can share in your final product, can be inspired and reminisce and pass it on in the famly, well, that’s just icing on the cake. The creative experience is why I think you should scrapbook. I think perhaps the industry is not doing a good job in getting that message across, so that truly everyone should scrapbook one way or another. Otherwise, it does seem like something very far away and untouchable for those looking from the outside… how could they ever start?
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7 Comments
Thank you for entering. This is what we’re looking for: you’ve added thoughts to our conversation that are your own. They are strong, unique opinions. Here are the points you made that particularly stand out to me as opinions that would add value to the show…
1) Scrapbooking doesn’t have to mean pages that go in a book.
2) Process over results: reliving the moment in a creative way is your “high.” (Me too, by the way. Love that).
3) Many scrapbook to preserve memories but they’re really only our interpretation of an event.
4)The industry controls too much how we preserve our memories.
Thank you for sharing your unique insights! Much luck to you!
–Noell
Host, Paperclipping
Thanks for your summary Noell – makes it much more easy to digest. I need to be more succinct!
Linda I totally love your point of view. You totally show that one can start right away just by enjoying the creative time you have! Your words and thoughts would have added a lot of dimension to the recent paperclipping roundtabe.
By the way – thanks for your visit on my blog
Tabea
I liked your explanation of how you came to scrapbooking. So interesting!
Just read your response to my comment and I wanted to say that I didn’t sum it up FOR YOU…I was just making a note for myself, really, to help me remember as we’re making our final choices! You did great with your entry!
Hi Noell – Either way, thanks for starting the paperclipping roundtable…it’s always nice to hear discussion around topics that relate to us crafty types
I find the best scrapbooking supplies are found around the house or at general store, such as dollar stores. Look for everyday items that you can add to your scrapbook. Around the house, the more personal an item is, the better. Items such as event programs, menus, cards, receipts, or anything else that will lend a personal touch and dress up your scrapbook are great.