Wednesday Sponsor Giveaways: Elise Blaha, ReVa, Studio Calico, & SheyB

Great giveaways!
I would tell a new scrapper to focus on the basic, classic supplies and buy with a layout in mind.

I wish someone had told me to put the date on my layouts!

That the journalling (story telling) is the focus - then photos and embellishments are the support. Don't worry about buying all the products and tools. They are nice, but figure out what you want to say and share first. I finally figured that out but after years of amassing products, gadgets and do dads that may or may not get used. I am now focusing on the stories and seeing what product and supplies I need to go with that. I look at my stash as my own store. Also not to worry about chronological scrapping. You dont need a page for every event. Figure out your stories that you want to share about the everyday in addition to the events in your life.

I think the thing I would tell a new scrapbooker is that you don't have to scrap every picture. Just scrap the ones that tell the story and put the other pictures into photo albums. That way you don't get overwhelmed with photos. Getting overwhelmed often stops you from getting anything done.

My advice.. Just start scrapping however you feel. Put you're emotions into it and don't let anyone tell you its not right. Scapping can be however you want it to be. just be you :)

My best advice for a new scrapbooker is to keep it simple. THere are a lot of products out there and it can be overwhelming. Buy things as you need them - you will get only thing things you love and save a lot of money!

I wish someone would have told me that you don't have to scrap everything! I actually took years off because I felt so overwhelmed that I would never "catch up". Since I have let go of that guilt I've been having a blast again! Only scap what is important to YOU RIGHT NOW.

Keep up on journaling. If you're not going to scrap the pages right away, that's fine. But, start a blog or even a simple notebook to capture the stories. It will make the journaling on your pages so much easier... and so much better than just a photos-only page.

Some good advice would be to keep photos organized chronologically with dates marked on index cards near them. This has helped me with my 'memories' so many times!

Oh my fingers are crossed!
My husband and sister put together a bunch of scrapbooking gifts for me for on the honeymoon. I wasn't into it before then... now I'm hooked because people saw something I would like and urged me to go forward.
Katie

Pull out those journals, sticker books, diaries, etc. that you created as a child. Look through them. What do you enjoy the most? The stories, the pictures, ...? Stay true to that on your scrapbook pages.

Scrapbooking is expensive!!

Just scrap the stories that you want to tell. They don't have to be told in chronological order. Plus, you don't need a lot of "stuff" to tell those stories. Just start.

I probably wouldn't have listened, but the best advice I could have received would have been don't stress over trying to make fancy, intricate layouts. Go with what is comfortable, even if it is simple. The goal is to get your photos and stories onto pages to be appreciated, not collect tons of expensive beautiful supplies and have all of it, including the photos, still sitting in containers years later!

My advice to a new scrapbooker is that what ever you create is yours. It doesn't have to be perfect, if it makes you happy then your good!

There is no right or wrong to scrapbooking. If you like it, that's all that matters. The fact that you are preserving memories in any way, shape or form is good enough!

My only advice is that you don't need everything. A few good things go a long way!!! Make sure you have the basics, cardstock, paper trimmer, pen, glue, and your photos. It is amazing what you can do with the simple things.

Don't stress over scrapbooking. There are no scrapbook police. Do what makes you happy. Future generations will not know what paper was new or what was the current trend. Documenting your story is the most important part. That's what your children and grandchildren will want to know and value.

My advice, very simply, enjoy the process, tell the stories that matter most to you and don't compare what you do to others. It is supposed to be fun!
Thank you for the give-away!

There are no set rules...do what you like and what makes you happy. There is no wrong way to scrapbook your own memories. You don't have to spend a lot to have beautiful pages that make you happy. It's a fun thing to do...don't stress about it! =)