Getting Started

Remembering Your Baby Scrapbooking: Getting Started

There is no wrong way to create a scrapbook. It is a personal expression of art, of memories and of love. There are, however, some products that will cause harm to the physical memoirs you place in your scrapbook. Please make sure that everything you use in your scrapbook is archival safe and acid free. Don't assume that something is safe if it does not have these words on them! Ask if you aren't sure and if you can't be sure, don't use them!

scrapbook: there are many different styles and kinds. You can find scrapbooks at your local scrapbook store (LSS), online and even Wal-Mart. I used a Pioneer 12x12 Top Loading Memory Book for Sammie, but have used several others including post-bound and strap-hinge.

page protectors: some books, such as top-loaders, have the page protectors in the book themselves when you buy. If you buy a post-bound or strap-hinge scrapbook, you will have to purchase page protectors separately. These are important so that your pages do not get messed up or smudged when you or anyone else looks at your book.

adhesive: There are many options for adhesives and personal preference plays a big part here as well. Make sure it is photo safe and acid free and then use what you want. Some are more temporary, some more permanent. I like the double-sided sticker tabs for mounting on cardstock, but prefer a glue stick for pasting little things. Try several out and choose what works for you.

cutters: I highly recommend a paper cutter if you are adding more than a few things in your book. Fiskars makes great cutters (I love my 12x12 Personal Trimmer!) If you plan only to do a little bit of cutting and this is the only scrapbook you plan to do, see if you can borrow one or go to the library. You can also join a crop group and borrow (see local scrapbook store for info about crops) or host your own for other bereaved moms in your area.

papers (cardstock and printed): The opportunities are endless here, especially if you have a local scrapbook store. A scrapbook store allows you to purchase a piece or two at a time (rather than a whole pack at discount stores). Again, just make sure it is photo safe and acid free.

pens: A good, archival quality pen is a must for journaling (or a good set if you really enjoy colors and lettering). My favorites are ZIG Writers by EK Success.