Tuesday 27 July 2010
How long have you been scrapbooking? Do you ever sit back and think about the journey your creative side has taken?
I've been scrapbooking for almost ten years. Long enough to see the changes and to recognize the cycles. I've watched people start scrapbooking, seen the new passion and excitement, the thrill at learning a new technique and the insatiable quest some have for their new hobby. I've seen interests wane and rekindle. I've seen people's styles change and evolve into something that is entirely their own. I've seen others explore all areas of paper crafting, always excited at the possibilities that this craft can lead them to. I think that's what I love most about it, I loved the multi facetedness, (mmm is that even a word??) and the way we can always learn and try new things with this craft. It's a craft that can be moulded to fit all levels of creativity and personality.
I view my scrapbooking as a pictorial journal. Something to look back on and reminisce over. Something special for the kids to remember, and to have a little info with the pictures as well, to add meaning and emotion.
Like I mentioned, I've been scrapbooking for 10 years and one thing which rarely changes for most scrapbookers, is the fact that they feature rarely in their layouts. Don't get me wrong, there are quite a few of you who do include yourself in many layouts, but for the most part that is the exception to the rule. I've seen ladies create layouts week after week after week, and they never feature themselves. When those children look back over the layouts, they will wonder where their mother is, or their father. We spend so much time and money on this craft and yet forget to put the most important part of ourselves into our pages.
You are important. You need to be remembered too.
One of my very early classes, was a series on 'All About Me'. This class was very common at the time and was inspired by Rebecca Sower. She was the pioneer of scrapbooking about the everyday and the ordinary, but she was passionate about scrapbookers ensuring they were featured in their albums. Often the one behind the camera, we miss out featuring in our pages. Rebecca Sower, had a solution for that too, she said just because there isn't a photo of yourself, that's no reason why you can't scrapbook yourself. A very important point to remember.
In light of this, I thought I'd start a weekly series, with layout ideas for you to scrapbook about yourself. A challenge of sorts. It can become an album of your own, or it can be added into the family album. You can be as general or as personal as you like. Remember that journaling can remain private, with hidden pockets, or writing behind layouts, so that only the closest to you know there is information there. I've already told my children, to make sure they always look behind the layout, as I've often added words there. I like that idea as I don't worry about my handwriting, nor do I worry about how it fits in with the design. The important thing is that they are my thoughts and my handwriting.
I'll post the idea here each week, and will invite you to join our Yahoo group. There we can share our layouts and view each other's work. You can chat with others and we can discuss our thoughts and ideas. I've set the group up so you can upload files. You are also welcome to join our Facebook page and upload layouts onto it.
This week we'll start with a topic that's not too confronting. I don't want to scare you away !!
Topic: 100 things I love
Here's a link that may get you started on your quest.
Join our Yahoo Group
