In today`s fast paced, bigger is better world, one has to look only at our highways to see that we as Americans love, bigger, grander ideas. And while some may gasp at that idea, it is not all bad. Take scarpbooking for example. Gone are the days of simple photo albums, where you sit with a loved one and review pictures of your family`s latest escapade, laid over plain white backgrounds.

Scrapbooking takes this to a whole other level, it is the "extreme sports" version of making all your pictures and momentos perfectly reflect the attitude of todays "take it the next level" family. Not, that extreme of a family? No problem, scrapbooking offers something for everyone.

If you are new to this craft, please allow me to give a brief overview. Scrapbooking is a method in which families or individuals can create a personalized scrap book of all their photos and momentoes. A large variety of customized back ground pages is available on the web as well as local groups and clubs you can join to do this as a function. It is a great hobby for Moms as it can be done with there children. It`s great for kids into sports etc. Think back, as a child when you were involved in baseball or your favorite sport. How great would it be to have a baseball themed scrapbook with all your highlights as a palyer at your finger tips? Your creativity can be enjoyed for generations.

Getting started is simple, you can get started by visiting your local craft store. You may however want to do a little research first. A quick search on the internet will set you in the right direction. Some of the background pages you may choose to use are available free online. The value of these backgrounds of course depends on the abilities of your printer. What good is a splendidly colored background for your first page if you can`t print in color, or worse yet, a thicker grade paper stock that will not endure time. These are the questions that you may want to answer for yourself before your first trip to the craft store. Although any new hobbie has a cost to start, this one is relatively low. Most people with kids have at least some of the neccessary "tools" to get started. Items such as scissors, glue, markers construction paper and depending on the age of your children maybe even colored pencils, erasers and other art supplies that will make a good foundation for your new hobby.

The hobby is endless, and limited only by ones imagination. And after all, what is better then spending quality time with your kids that will end in accomplishment and that good old fashion feeling of creating something with your by hand.

By: Ted Carbone