I know there are a couple of people who post here that are into scrapbooking. I want to start one for Drake for some of his baby stuff. Can anyone give me some ideas on how to get started?

I am so excited for you Jen!!! I LOVE to scrap!!!!
there are tons of web sites out there!!!!!
I get most of my products from a company called creatives memories
http://www.creativememories.com/home.asp - they have the best quality stuff out there. A little more pricey.. but so worth it!!!

go to a scrapping store and go to a beginner class... it can be very overwelming if you don't.

i can do a search for a store near you.... if you want. I know you are in Ontario.

Scrapping is such a wonderful hobby!! I am a addicated!!!!! I now make my own cards too.

I'm too excited for you!!

Dana

There is a craft store called Michael's here that has a lot of scrapbooking stuff and I have seen a lot of photography stores are selling stuff too. I'm sure if I looked hard enough I would find a store that carries that stuff exclusively.

this link might help too:

http://www.welovescrapbooking.com/ontario.html

Dana - Your cracking me up!!! LOL!!!
I don't think I've ever read a post where I could FEEL someone's excitement so much! You are too cute!

Thanks so much Dana for the great link. I have found a few stores in my area to check out. Any books that you love that might give me some ideas?

I don't think you really need to buy any books.. (I'd rather save my money for supplies) - take a beginners class - scrapbooking stores offer them for about$10 (US) and that normally includes you completing one page.

Creative Memories offers great classes.. I would highly recommend them. It is a fun night out too!!

Try getting books from your library. I'm a nut about trying out new crafts. I usually go and get a book from the library to teach me how, and if I like the new hobby, I'll buy a book, or copy pages and if I don't like the new hobby, I'm not out the cost of a book!

Dana - Sandi is right, I've never felt someone's excitement jump from the screen before!!

oh jeez, I haven't bought a book in years. I get everything from the library. I've got several scrapbooking books on hold so just have to wait on them.

I checked out Michael's today, they've got 2 aisles full of scrapbooking stuff. Where to start?? I also went to another store that I found on that web site. They had a lot of stuff, the price is fairly comperable to Michael's. The thing is that this is going to cost a lot of $$. I couldn't believe how much just the album was!! The one store had 12 x 12 albums, cloth covered, 40 page protectors for only $60. they were the nicest ones though so I suppose you get what you pay for. Figure that each sheet is at least $1 then add in cardstock, stickers, fancy hole punches and scissors etc etc and you're looking at least $200.

Who was it that was thinking of going into business doing these? Now that I've looked into it I don't think you could make any money doing it unless you could get the material wholesale and even then you would barely be making any moeny for yourself. They look deceptively easy and inexpensive until you look at all the materials that go into it.

I'll probably still do it but I'll have to wait until the albums are on sale or Micheal's has a 40% off coupon. Any thoughts on what I absolutely have to have and what are just frills?

Jen..
It can get very over welming..
but.. this is where you start..

1. you must take a beginners class - I couldn't do it with out that. I still take classes today - plus, they are so much fun!

2. to start you don't need that much.. an album page (you don't have to buy an album right away... I waited till I had about 10 pages - both sides - done, this will be a couple of months)
you need your pictures
an adhesive
very few of card stock, stickers etc

that's it!

why a class... because they have all the tools there!!! cutters, pens - the expensive stuff. It took me 2 years to collect all the items I wanted. I got some as christmas gifts too.

my albums are $42 US each. Please, please don't buy a cheezy album at Michaels..they are cheap!!! I got one - I now let my2 year play with it - it's garbage!!!

the key to making scrapping cheap is to go to a class, workshop or crop with friends - that way you share the tools

I would say besides the cost of your photos you would need no more then $30 (us) and that would last you a while.. ( $10 class/workshop, $10 album pages, $10 stickers, cardstock) this would be a max price.

I strongly suggest - (you will be so thankful that you did) contact a creative memories consultant... the beginners class is $10 (US) all you have to bring are about 5 photos - you will go home with a completed page. Included in that price will be card stock, stickers and 1 album page. You will be so impressed with how they will help you and how creative you can be!!!

Good Luck!!

I wish you could come over here - - we'd have soooo much fun...


and yes Sandi - I am soooooo excited!!! I finally found a hobby I love and am sticking to.. when are you going to start?

Dana

I think I would have a hard time getting to a class right now with Drake since they always seem to have them in the evening. If I can find a class during the day when Drake is in daycare then I might go.

That album I said was $60 was probably about the same quality as the one you have, sounds about the same price with the exchange and all. It was at the other store, not Michael's. I'd prefer to get the album first as if I made up some pages they'd probably get ruined sitting out somewhere. If I have the album then they'd be put away and safe. I'm doing this whole thing because I have a certificate from Drake's swim class that is sitting on top of the entertainment center because I don't know what to do with it and I don't want it to get ruined.

What kind of albums do you have right now?

I have 3 12 x 12 albums and my wedding album is a 5 x 7 (we had a really small wedding!)
I am also working on a heritage album using the family tree my sister did for our family. I have pictures of relative from the 1800's I haven't purchased the heritage album yet. I've picked it out - it's a leather album from creative memories $55 US - I am going to ask for it for christmas

I understand about wanting to keep your pages safe! mine were in a box until I purchased my first album.

Dana

Another option for you is "Scrap in a Snap". If you would like me to send you a free catalog, then PM me and I'll get one right out to you.

I scrapped with Creative Memories and it costs a lot of money. SIAS (Scrap in a Snap) is much cheeper and designed for the beginner. They sell these great theme kits. You will be able to get 6 pages done in about an hour or less. Everything is layed out for you. All you have to do is to place the items on the page and put your pictures with them. The catalog also gives about 6 or 7 pages of layout ideas.

I love to scrap using them. Like I said, if you would like me to send you a catalog at no charge, just PM me.

Bella23