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

Don't become paralyzed in trying to be perfect--your second page won't be like your first. It's OK to change your mind!

I would tell people (and I tell myself this every time I start a new page) that it's not always going to turn out like you picture it in your head. Don't be afraid to keep it simple or to try new things. Eventually you'll find your style and creating a page will get easier.

I wish I hadn't bought and stocked up on so much paper. I wish I would have just bought it as I needed so that I could have the most up to date and cutest stuff instead of feeling like I have to use what I have.

Less is more.
Really could have used thos words of wisedom when starting out. I'm often overwhelmed by my supply stash that I don't focus on what I'm trying to achieve.

My advice - just start! Don't worry about others, find the joy in it - that is more than half the process - the joy....

Don't scrap every photo! And use ring binders.

It's not about getting caught up. It's about preserving special memories and having fun while doing it.

Have fun and remember that there is no one "right" way to scrap. Finding an on-line community for inspiration and support is also helpful.

I wish someone had told me to play around with mini albums first. So much more tractable... So much less pressure... So much cuter :-)

My advice is to focus on the pictures and the journaling because they are the most important thing, everything else is just secondary. Don't worry about whether or not your pages are as beautiful as everyone elses, your family will be grateful that you took the time to share your story.

The best advice I could give is to let imagination, inspiration, and feelings fly and keep eyes wide open to the world. Art doesn't seak reason !

Things I wish I'd known when I first started scrapping...
1. There's no right or wrong way to scrapbook, so just jump in and make a page. Don't overthink it or stress about it. Just do it!
2. Journalling matters. Even if it's just a couple of sentences long, having words (not just a title) to go with your photos will tell a much more meaningful story.
3. Don't worry about putting your pages/albums in chronological order. Meaningful stories are meant to be told, no matter what order they come out of your head and onto the page in.
4. If you have kids, they will appreciate your efforts to tell your family's stories more than you can imagine. :)

i have only made a few books, but keeping it simple would be one thing for a new scrapper. the pictures are the most important things!

Start where you are and don't let your self get down about "being behind" just enjoy it and have fun.

Nothing has to be perfect. It is your own individual creation and your design. Don't stress over it and have fun...

Keep it simple scrapbooking. Not all pages are going to be perfect but after awhile you will get into the grove and find your style and the pages will come together easily. Most important, Enjoy the Process:)

The first thing I teach all new scrapbookers is how to ink. It's such an important thing because it totally changes the whole look of your page in such an easy way!

Start with some basics. Good scissors, adhesive cardstock, a few pieces of pattern paper and find a book that will help you get ideas. Or some sketches. When I started scrapping there were very few books available and that would have helped me a lot!

Best advice to New-Bees is not to wait. Get started as soon as you can--when you get back from a trip, the longer you "put off" making a scrapbook, the less you will remember about your experience.

Please sign me up. My best advice is - start slow. So many of us want to be creative, but get stuck feeling like we have to do it a certain way, or it's wrong. If you like it, its not wrong! It's your memories, your creativity! Take classes, go to the local store, be bold with colors and combinations - just do it!