Getting Started in Scrapbooking

We are here to help. You can start archiving your family's life with our quick and simple steps. Remember, it's about telling the stories that make up your life. There is no perfect way, but there is a safe way to preserve your photos and other memorabilia.

Q: What products should I get when I'm just starting out?
A: Start with a few shades of cardstock, a good paper trimmer, adhesive, a black journaling pen, and an album for storing your pages. Once you pick the pictures you want to crop, find some patterned paper and embellishments to help tell your story. Remember, the story in the pictures is the main focus...embellishments just add icing on the cake! We have all of these products in the store and the Lovies are happy to help you choose the right tools!

Q: Where do I start?
A: Think of a theme or a story you want to tell. Or choose and event that has happened. Gather your photos (or go take some!). Decide which ones need cropped, enlarged, or set aside. Choose a background paper, lay out your pictures without tacking them down, decide on your title (what to say, materials to use), then start tacking everything down. Don't forget to journal on the page or on a "journal block."

Q: What should I bring to classes?
A: Usually a paper trimmer, wet and dry adhesive, scissors, and a journal pen are the essentials. Some classes will also list additional tools. If you have a Crop-a-dile it's good to have in your bag!

Q: Do you offer one on one consulting?
A: Yes, inquire at the desk.

Q: How do I pick an album size?
A: Depends on the pages you plan to put inside! If you are doing chronological pages 12x12 or 8.5x11 works well. If you are working on a gift book or a single event to stay in it's own album, consider 8x8 or smaller. If you are scrapping hundreds of photos you probably need 12x12 size.

Q: Which adhesive should I use?
A: Adhesive is personal! No, really! Everyone has their picky preference on this one and that is OK! Most of us like tape runners for attaching photos and paper to the page. Mono Aqua or Mono Multi are good for attaching chipboard or ribbon. Glue dots and Terrifically Tacky tape holds heavier items securely. Pop dots give your pages dimension. Photo corners are handy if you don't want the pictures permanently adhered to the page. There are many choices and in the end you will probably have a few that you rely on. Classes and Art Bar projects give you opportunities to try multiple types before selecting the kind you plan to purchase!

Q: What exactly is SDU?
A: SDU is Scrapbook Design University and it is intended for both beginners and advanced scrapbookers. Our instructors have been certified to teach after attending two intense days of training at EK Success in New York. You can take the 10 basic courses together, or one at a time as your schedule allows. Once you graduate, you can take special Masters Classes offered only for SDU graduates.

    The SDU modules are:
  1. Scrapbooking Basics: orients the beginner to the hobby of scrapbooking. This one will inspire you to create your own scrapbook!
  2. Tools of the Trade: there are so many tools of the trade, but this one will help you sort out the options!
  3. Journaling: Pictures cannot tell a story alone! This class will help get you journaling on your pages.
  4. Color: A working knowledge of color is a MUST for every scrapbooker. You will learn about color theory as it relates to scrapbook pages.
  5. Layout Design: In this class you will learn that photographs, journaling, titles, enhancements, color, line, lettering, and shape are the building blocks of page design!
  6. Matting: A spectacular technique for making photos stand out on your scrapbook page!
  7. Stickers: This class will help you get your stickers out of your collection and on to your pages!
  8. Lettering: Lettering should be fun! In this class you will learn how to relax and enjoy writing in your scrapbooks.
  9. Titles: The title is a critical element in layout design. Learn how to design spectacular titles that will make amazing presentations on your pages.
  10. Punches: Punches are exciting tools that cut shapes from paper. This class will teach you how to maintain your punches, adhere punched shapes, build shapes into images, and create punch scenes.