By Kirsti Randazzo
Keeping yourself busy in the colder months can be a struggle, especially if you live alone.
With the days being shorter and the cold weather keeping you inside, finding activities that bring you joy is key to beating the winter blues.
There is a hobby that is easy to start, and you probably have most of what you need available.
That hobby is scrapbooking. Not only is this a nice way to spend a chilly winter night, but the memories it brings up are priceless.
To get started with scrapbooking, you need to choose a theme.
Obviously, the theme has to go with the photos you choose. If you are doing it for yourself, maybe do your childhood, your teens, your wedding, or any period of your life you want to spend some time thinking about.
If you are doing this as a gift to a loved one, try to tell them a story with your scrapbook. Maybe you could do the journey that led you to have them in your life.
A scrapbook makes such a meaningful and special gift that can be shared for generations.
Make sure to not overwhelm yourself by starting with too many photos. Start small when it comes to scrapbooking. You can start with 30 photos for your first book.
Pick out a scrapbook at a craft store and get some fun stickers. Having a nice variety of coloured pens adds a lot of personality to your scrapbook.
If you are making a book for a family member, consider writing stories for them next to each meaningful picture. A picture is worth 1000 words on its own, but knowing the back story is extra special.
Scrapbooking your favourite trips you’ve taken can be just as good as going on one!
There are stickers on the internet for just about every place you can imagine, so don’t be afraid to get extra creative with your pages!
If you are very crafty, using paint to make headings on each page is a beautiful touch.
Layering paper under the photos looks so elegant – especially if you purchase scissors that leave a design as they cut. The more detail you use, the more fancy your book looks.
However you decide to scrapbook, make it your own and have fun with it.
If you have a group of friends nearby, host a scrapbook party!
You can have all your supplies and accessories set up and invite your friends to bring theirs over as well.
It can be a lot of fun to share paper, stickers, and memories with your friends. Make some hot chocolate for everyone and have a cosy winter scrapbook party! You could even suggest you all follow the same theme for the book you’re making.
Everything is better with friends and loved ones, scrapbooking included!
