Scrapbooking is so much fun, everyone is doing it, and if you haven't started yet, you don't know what you are missing. Have you noticed all the scrapbook supplies they have in the stores? With the advancements in digital photography allowing you to modify and print your own pictures, there has never been a better time to get started in scrapbooking. Fresh ideas have never been so easy to come by, thanks to the internet. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by it or don't know how to start, read on.

Start Simple

The first place I always start when putting together a new scrapbook is to archive all of the family history, arranging all of the family pictures in some kind of order. It can be chronologically, by season, or by any other order you wish. You will be surprised at how much fun this can be. It never feels like work when you are enjoying it. Reliving all of the memories sometimes can be as enjoyable as the first time. But Remember, you don't have to do it all in your first scrapbooking project. Start simple, don't get overloaded. And always remember to enjoy it.

Begin with a simple project such as a vacation, holiday, a child's school year, or even something as simple as a family outing.

Don't use all the photos you have, only choose a few photos that tell the story you want to tell. Leave the rest of the photos in the shoebox for future projects.

Let go of the pressures by not setting a deadline. Don't make the story strictly chronological. Mix it up, but limit your color theme, keep each page centered around the event you are sharing. I always set out to design each page differently. Remember, there is no right or wrong way, this is your scrapbook.

What You Will Need

You can start scrapbooking with the bare necessities or with all the bells and whistles, this depends on your personal style. First, you need an album, so pick one that will go with the idea that you have or let the store supply inspire you. You will also want to pick up some refill pages to fit your album. You don't want to run out in the middle of your scrapbooking project and discover that these exact pages are difficult to find. Get a good pair of scissors just for scrapbooking, and make sure they are comfortable in your hand and sharp, then keep them with your supplies. Don't forget the internet, this is such a valuable resource when looking for scrapbook supplies. You can shop right from the comfort of your own home, and have everything delivered right to your door. This saves a lot of running around town.

You'll also need adhesive. You can find this at any scrapbook store, craft store or even Wal Mart. Make sure it's acid-free and is good for both photos and cardstock, because you will want to choose cardstock and paper to accent your photos. Choose holiday colors for holiday scrapbooking and baby pastels for baby scrapbooking. And lastly, you will need a craft store that specializes in scrapbooking so you can find specialized papers that are available by the sheet. I will mention again, don't forget the internet. Many online scrapbook stores offer complete paper packets that match exactly, saving you time once again.

Scrapbooks need words. Adding text to your pages helps tell the story. Try adding captions, or expressions. Select fine-tipped, permanent acid-free pens to supply the words, though, hand-printed titles may require wider tips.

This shopping list is very simple but will get you started. You will get more ideas online or at your local scrapbook supply store.

Next Step: Be Creative

I like to choose some photos that fit my chosen topic, and two or three colors of paper that will enhance my selected photos. Next, I select the photo that will be the page's focus, then crop and mat the photos. I try to make each page tell a story. Next, add some text, captions or even a date. Be creative, try something new.

Quick Tip: I always lay out the page in full before I glue anything down. I tend to rearrange the page several times before I find the right look.

Now, that wasn't so hard, was it? Good luck and good scrapbooking!