Getting Started

The hardest part about scrapbooking is undoubtedly getting started. The task seems daunting, you feel overwhelmed with the mountains of available product, and the photos are stacked to the ceiling!

If I've said it once, I've said it one million times: The only way to get started in scrapbooking is to jump in head first! Don't worry about doing things "right". The only rule to scrapbooking is that there are no rules! Scrapbooking is about showcasing your life and memories...there is no wrong way to do that! I know, easier said that done, i understand, I've been there!

Get those photos organized!
I know there are a ton, but that is why it is so important to do!

*~*Seperate, Label & Attack*~*
If your stack us truly unimagineable, start by year or age. Once that is done, seperate by either month or single events: Christmas, Birthday, First day of School, etc, etc. This will make tackling the photos much less daunting.

TIP: Keep those photo boxes your pictures come in!
On the right hand side, there are tabs to punch out & label! USE THEM, it helps! Store your photo boxes in a pretty basket or box to keep your photos that are ready to scrap handy.

*~*Be realistic & destroy*~*

If you are still using a film camera, do NOT feel bad about throwing out the dud-photos! You know the ones i am talking about....horribly grainy, poor lighting, double exposed absolutely-no-hope photos. Go ahead and toss them, It's okay! Look at it this way, you are not throwing out a memory, you are tossing the "outtakes" that stand between you and getting your life scrapbooked!

If you are using a digital, do the same! Get out of the mindset that you cannot delete a photo! There is no need to keep a photo you will never look at in awe, scrapbook, or share with a loved one. If it's not something you'd want to email to a long lost relative, DELETE it. It's only taking up valuable space on your harddrive!

TIP: Only print the photos you need. If you know you will only scrap 3 of the 50 photos you took today, only have those 3 printed. The rest will be there when the time comes that you need or want that photo!

*~*Develop a Routine*~*

*Download photos into an aptly named folder.

*Delete all bad shots.

*Name your favorite shots.

*Edit your favorites as needed.

*Upload those favs into a photo printing site.

*Order your photos right away.

*Label the box upon pick up & file it.