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

My advice to a new scrapper: Buy only what you need, as you need it.
I wish someone had told me that a long time ago.....other than a few basic things, I'd love to sell it all and start over. But I think my husband would faint!

Dodn't get distracted by the latest and greatest products...it's all about the story you want to tell. Focus on your photos and your journaling...try not to let your design elements detract from your photos. And don't even think about scrapbooking all your photos. Pick some that really mean something to you or your family.

don't try to be someone your not. let your albums reflect your style. don't buy everything you see...a few quality supplies will get you a long way. and don't cut your photos into shapes (ie.stars hearts, etc) ughh... oh what i would give to undo some of those early pages where i was crop happy :)

My advice to a new scrapbooker would be to buy the basics and find your own way. Take some fun courses and read some magazines! Enjoy the process:)

Start with the here and now. Don't worry about the years behind you. That is what overwhelmed me...the thought of trying to 'catch up.' It'll happen eventually...but the here and now is what's the most fresh in your mind, and that is reflective in your journaling and layout.

Don't buy what you aren't going to use. Utilize the crop rooms at your local scrapbook store and put together kits for what you are going to use for your pages. It is overwhelming when you get hooked on getting the new stuff that you like when you see it and then hoarding it.

Scrap what you love. Don't worry about being behind - just move forward. Don't invest in the latest and greatest machines - a decent timmer, scissors, adhesive (borrow your friends machines - they're probably not using them, either) Visit blogs and message boards for ideas and inspiration and to try out a style/project that may be outside of the box for you.

Relax. It's supposed to be fun.

My advice-- scrapbooking is an art..but remember why you are really doing it-- to capture and record your life and your loved ones for future generations...so no matter what the trends, how far behind you think you are...remember it is all good in the end.

I wish that someone told me to keep it simple. Sometimes I got so overwhelmed with all the stuff I was seeing and thought I needed that I just gave up. I my mind, keeping it simple keeps it fun!

I wish someone had told me its not about what you buy but about what memories you capture.
Laura :)

i have two pieces of advice - I still have to remember them myself :) 1. Keep it simple! Pick yor papers and embellishments - keep them on hand nd then just create with what you have! 2. It will NEVER be perfect - just get started, don't stress about the perfection...

Less is More.

I wish someone would have told me that I don't have to be caught up. Some projects have a definite start and finish, but to say that you are caught up with your kids is putting too much pressure on yourself! Go with the flow and tell the stories you want to, when you want to and have fun with it!

You don't have to scrapbook chronologically!! Argh. I wish I would've understood to worry about capturing the moments & memories more...not getting EVERY little bit scrapbooked in order. It has been so liberating to just scrapbook the memories that are unique & special to us.

I think the best advice is to start slow and try not to get overwhelmed by all of the supplies, etc. Start by organizing pictures and looking at idea books, magazines, or online. I think that's how I got started.

Be creative at any time - life can be your inspiration!

I wish someone would have told me that there is no such thing as "being caught up". You will never scrapbook every picture and memory. Enjoy the process and cherish all of the things you learn about yourself and your loved ones along the way.

Hi Ali, I love your Wednesday giveaways!! My favorite thing about this hobby is... that there are NO RULES. You can scrapbook simple or scrapbook with creative flair-- it is your opportunity to express yourself in any way imaginable. You can scrapbook pages for an album, create mini-books for your coffee table, make a card for your child's lunchbox, or create canvases to hang in your home-- it is all ART and you are the ARTIST. It can be social (scrapbook with your BFFs!) or reflective as you scrapbook alone at midnight. Anything goes.... I LOVE IT. :)

I wish someone would have told me to start with a kit club. You get to see all the designers work for that kit and you don't have to wonder around the store asking yourself what you need!
kathyv