How often do you get to the end of the year and forget what you’ve been up to? Rather than scrolling back through pictures on your phone, a better way to summarise the year is with a scrapbook.
While it might not be the most popular thing to do when every memory is captured in a digital cloud, many crafters are turning to scrapbooking. As well as being nostalgic, this resurgence is all about how we can preserve our memories not just for ourselves but for future generations.
If you’re not sure what scrapbooking is or how to get started, we’ve broken down everything you need to know below.
What is scrapbooking?
Scrapbooking is an artistic way to preserve, present and arrange personal and family history in the form of a book. While scrapbooks can be traced back centuries, it’s only recently that paper craft has made a resurgence.
Importantly, scrapbooking is a way to express creativity so there are no hard and fast rules as to what is and isn’t a scrapbook!
What should I include in a scrapbook?
The sky is the limit when it comes to scrapbooking as they can be as bog standard or wacky as you’d like them to be. If you’re not sure what to put inside your scrapbook, some of the most popular items to include are:
- Photos and prints: Central to most scrapbooks, pictures make an excellent focal point on each page and can provide some excellent layouts.
- Embellishments: Jazz your scrapbook up with stickers, buttons, ribbons and scraps of recycled fabric that complement your scrapbook theme.
- Journaling: If you’ve got a way with words, adding narratives or captions next to photos can provide context and personal insights. Inside jokes are welcome… but not mandatory!
- Artwork: From sketches to paintings, personal art can enhance the uniqueness of a scrapbook.
- Paraphernalia: Been to a gig or received a postcard? Pop it in the scrapbook! Nothing is off limits to try to keep any ticket stubs, postcards or miscellaneous memorabilia to enhance your memory book.
Scrapbooking ideas for a beginner
Stuck for ideas? Not to worry! We’ve outlined some of the best (and easiest!) scrapbook ideas below:
- Travel book
Each year 71 million Brits travel abroad. If you’ve recently been away, why don’t you put your memorabilia to good use? Create a travel scrapbook using old tickets, postcards and photographs. Arrange your items nearly with personal annotations so you can vividly recount your memories and adventures. Don’t forget any funny stories!
- Wedding scrapbook
Gather your favourite photos, invitations and special notes – either from your wedding or someone else’s! This heartfelt project captures and preserves the special day and is a timeless keepsake that you can pass down to future generations.
- New baby scrapbook
The birth of your child is a day like no other. To provide a reminder of this special time, create a baby scrapbook that celebrates their milestones. Add their hospital bracelet to keep it safe and use soft colours to create an enchanting memory book.
- Recipe scrapbook
If you’re a foodie, why don’t you make a recipe scrapbook? Whether it has your trusty dinner party favourites or your mother’s nostalgic recipes that remind you of home, a recipe scrapbook is a creative yet practical crafting project that your future self will thank you for.
So collect those scraps, it’s time to get crafty!