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

...that scrapbooking is not a competitive sport. It's recordkeeping. It's pictures and stories as seen BY YOU. Fifty years or more from now what will matter is the who, what,where, when and why - so be sure to record these details. The rest? The rest is just fluff.

Journal more--and if you're not confident enough to add your thoughts to the front of the layout it's okay to write them on the back too.

I wish I was told that "There is no right or wrong in what you create. You just have to keep doing it and then find your own style, color combination and inspiring words from there. Every creation is unique."

To focus on the picture and the story...not if people will like the layout. It isn't about the "perfect" page, but sharing and expressing the meaningful moment.
Ahh....still need this advice sometimes. :-)

I wish somone had told me to focus on the photos + stories I want to tell, not to scrap every event in chronological order.

get started - dont worry about the books, all the paper and tools .... create the lay out -- journal, photos and with time and more layouts you'll get into the groove

I wish someone had told me to just go for it! That there is no wrong way to scrapbook and that the more you do, the better it gets! Keep going and if you are hesitant to just jump in with both feet, this is a hobby you cannot ruin!

Don't buy everything you see. When I first started scrapbooking there was not a lot around so if it had on it that it was for scrapbooking I bought it, ugly diecuts that were never used and blah papers. I would advise them to invest in a few good quality tools, some basic card stock colours and to follow their heart with what they want instead of what others expect of them. And last but most certainly not least, have fun with it.

Best advice to a new scrapbooker? Have fun! Don't take it too seriously...do what makes you feel good.

I wish someone had told me to just enjoy the entire process. At first it seemed so scary and overwhelming. Almost like homework. Fortunately with time and a lot of practice I overcame my hardships. :D

Take your inspiration from anything and everything! It doesn't have to be perfect, or "fit the mold" It's about you, and your memories, don't overthink it! :)

The advice I would offer is to start with TODAY! Don't get bogged down by all the past photos that you haven't scrapped, just begin with the here and now. Secondly, don't try to scrap everything, just stick to the moments that inspire you to create!

First- the pages don't need to be perfect. And not every page needs to be a masterpiece.
Second (although perhaps more importantly)- remember to do the journaling or write notes about the photos- life seems to go by in a whirl and it's difficult to remember the who, what, when and why (the stories) behind the photos at a later date. I struggle with this every time I scrapbook!
And have fun!

My advice would be to not worry so much about the stuff, the embellishments, but to write stuff down because it's so easy to forget the details.

Don't get caught up with all the "stuff" ... focus on the journaling/photos and capturing the moments. Use the paper/embellishments to support the creative process!

My advice to a new scrapbooker is "it's ALL good". Your family will be happy that you documented something even if you didn't document it using the latest and greatest product and didn't do it as well as another scrapbooker could have. Heck, they'll probably NEVER see another scrapbooker's work!

my advice would be to not buy huge paper pads (be selective) and invest in tools that will stand the test of time.

My advice would be to try not to get caught up in all the hype about the new "must have" papers, products embellishments etc. I know I am still guilty of buying way too much stuff! Keep in mind that you are telling your story, not seeing how much of the latest and greatest you can fit on your page! Also make sure to include photos of you on your pages :)

I wish someone had told me to organize my photos before I started!

Buy the basics, don't hoard, don't scrapbook every photo, use your own handwriting and tell the story.