When someone first mentioned scrapbooking to me I remembered those days as a child cutting and pasting newspaper clippings into a book full of coloured pages. I also remember how those pages would become tatty and fall apart after being looked at time and time again.

Scrapbooking has come such a long way since those days and scrapbbooking techniques have evolved substantially meaning you can now preserve your memories in a far more visible, long lasting and impressive way.

Because of modern day changes in the way your scrapbook pages are kept, they will now last a lifetime. This is because current scrapbooks contain specialized covers which not only hold the pages in place; they will protect your pages from years of wear and tear.

There are a number of ways to attach almost anything to your scrapbook page layouts. Strong glue alternatives such as glue dots, double sided tape and 3D foam can now attach your embellishments, pictures and accessories without creating a mess.
These specialist glues are strong enough to stick ribbon, feathers, card and even metal charms.

It is important when you first begin scrapbooking, to ensure all your craft supplies are acid and lignin free. Using paper that contains lignin will cause a yellow tinge to occur over time. You will also find your scrapbook pages will become brittle and crumble.

The enjoyable appeal about scrapbooking is it can provide an answer to all your scrapbook ideas due to the amazing designs and diversity of scrapbooking supplies now available. That said you actually do not require a great deal to get started.

The first and obviously most essential item is the scrapbook album itself. These come in a range of sizes and a vast array of designs and colours. You will also need some strong acid free glue, a pair of sharp scissors and of course your pictures or newspaper clippings to decorate your scrapbook album.

You can use scraps of card, paper, ribbon or whatever you have rattling around in your craft supplies to embellish your first scrapbook page. Once you have become more acquainted with creating scrapbook pages you will find many products that save you time such as pre made embellishments, scrapbook stickers and ready to go scrapbook quotes.

When creating your first scrapbook page layout you will need to decide on the theme. This can be as complex or simple as you wish. Think carefully about the title of the page as this will tell the viewer exactly what the page is about.

You may decide to use the date and place for the title but I would suggest looking for some scrapbook quotes or a saying that explains the scene more poetically and personally.

Use items from the time in question to decorate the page, add items such as programmes, receipts or information leaflets. It is also important to journal your scrapbook pages.

Alternatively and if you are just starting out, try not to think about the page layout too much. It is amazing what you can come up with when throwing together some bits and pieces from your scrapbook supplies and only after experimenting with things that do not work will you find your perfect pages.