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

Go slowly at first when it comes to supplies. Buy only for specific projects until you really get a sense of your style and the things you know you will use. Don't feel like you have to scrapbook chronologically. Scrapbook what inspires you at the moment. Enjoy the process!! Scrapbooking is such a wonderful creative outlet.

What I tell new scrapbokers is to just do what you like. There is no right or wrong way to scrap your pics or stories. Just make them mean something to you and your family.

I would tell a new scrapbooker to remember that more than anything it is about the stories. You don't have to wait to have a perfect photo or the perfect supplies or the perfect idea for a layout. Just get those stories told...because that is what you will be so grateful for when you look back at what you have done.

My best advice was: You don't need the latest and greatest products everytime they are realeased- there is so much you can do with just one piece of cardstock- and- make sure you have backups of your photos- just in case- and to remember- you are preserving and telling the story- the illustration is just a bonus to the words.

Don't try to scrap in chronological order! Not only will it drive you crazy but it will seem like you will never get done! Scrap what you want when you want! Thanks Ali for your awesome blog!

Advice for new scrapbookers: Play around with the layout a little before you glue anything down. And when you do, work around that for a truly unique look!
Thanks, Ali!

Ali, I mean this in all seriousness...I would tell a new scrapper to visit your blog and go back to your archives. You have helped me immensely and inspired me as well. Keep It Simple as a beginner is often what I advise friends. Your pages can become cluttered quickly and the focus can move away from the photos to the products.
Keeping my fingers and toes crossed would luv to be picked, Catherine A

My advice to new scrappers is not to buy everything you see. Same goes for digi scrappers--don't download all the free stuff available. You will eventually ask yourself "what was I thinking?"

Use ring binder albums.

My advice is to get your basic supplies and start scrapping! I spent so much time buying things when I could have been creating during that time.

Try to remember WHY you are scrapbooking & not get too caught up in what the end-product looks like or others' opinions of your efforts. You're creating a memory, not sitting an exam :)

Write! Really! Journal the story or (at least) the 5 W's. But, better, tell why you love this picture!

You don't have to scrap everything and you don't have to scrap in order. Just get started!

Do not buy things that you "probably" are going to use some day, like hot dog shaped brads (ohh, look at these!) or beach papers and so on. Go with the basics. Plain cardstock, neutral eyelets and patterned paper with evergreen patterns, like polka dots, circles, ... . I'm still having some papers that I don't even know what to use them for! I just liked them when I saw them! Could have saved the money ...

I wish I had known to keep things simple and not cut the photo into cutesy shapes.

Start with pictures and words. Tell the most important stories. Add embellishments to your repertoire later.

My advise would be to relax and have fun. It's always awesome to look back on your early creations and see how far your creative process has come.

My advice would be to scrap what inspires you with your best photos (you don't have to use every single one). I love Ali's way of keeping it simple and telling the story, so try not to let that get lost in all the embellishments and paper! Let your photos and story be the stars of your pages.

don't worry about getting behind... you don't have to scrapbook month by month. just scrapbook what is important to you & the photos you love... that way your not so overwhelmed & the pages mean so much more!

You do not need everything to start out! You never need everything. All you need is the want to do it. Use what you have and get creative about the things you don't have but someday want.