Deciding where to start scrapbooking, may seem like an overwheming task. If you have never scrapbooked before, there are probably lots of questions going through your head. Where do you start? Do you need to spend heaps of money just to start? What if this is your first project and your not sure if you want to continue after this one? My aim of this article is to give you a starting point. Remember, all scrapbookers have to start somewhere, so if your feeling a little bewildered, take heart and read on.

What do I need to start?

A great place to start your scrapbooking adventure is to decide what kind of scrapbooking you would like to do. A good place to start if you just want to see if you're cut out for scrapbooking, is with one of the scrapbooking frames. These frames often come in a kit form and are readily available from craft retailers and many dollar stores. For your first project, I wouldn't worry too much about making sure you get the proper papers, adhesives, etc. The main aim of this project is to give you a taste of scrapbooking. If you can't find a frame, then purchase a cheap album from one of the cheap shops or craft retailer.

Decide how many photos you would like to use. When choosing how many photos, take into consideration the size of your frame or one page of you album. (Hint: the smaller the frame or page, the smaller the number of photos or size of photos) Another factor to take into consideration your style. Do you like the minimust look or do you like the layered look or busy look? Once you've got your frame or album and you've decided on the number of photos, then the next thing to look at is the embellishments.

What are embellishments?

Embellishments are paper, stickers, ribbons, flowers, etc. Anything that you want to decorate your page or frame with. When choosing your embellishments, look at the colours in your photos. Pick colours that co-ordinate with the photos. You don't want clashing colours! For your first project, you can purchase a number of embellishments from dollar stores or department stores. These stores will often have papers, stickers, card, etc at cheap prices. I would suggest that you look for items that are acid and/or liginin free. The acid contained in embellishments that don't fit into this category, can damage your photos over time. If you decide to continue on with scrapbooking, you don't want to risk having your acid free and non-acid free embellishments getting mixed up.

You also want to purchase glue or tape that is also acid free, for the same reasons. These are quite easily found near the embellishments in the shop, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding them. In my experience, they cost similar amounts to your run-of-the-mill glues and adhesives.

Putting Your Page or Frame Together.

From the very outset, I want to remind you that there are no right or wrong ways to arrange your pages. This is completely up to you and your taste. I would strongly suggest that prior to gluing your arrangement to the frame or page. One of the main ideas, is to make the photos the focal point of the design, so try not to cover up the main focus of the photo. You can google scrapbooking layouts to give you some ideas. One place I've found to be really helpful is a webside called scrapbooking madness.. Especially if your a beginner, this program can give you some real helpful ideas.

Play around with your design. When you are completely satisfied with the look, carefully remove the page (try to keep insitu as much as possible), then you can glue.

Once finished, if you've completed the frame, hang it proudly on your wall. All of your friends will be amazed at how clever you are.