Scrapbooking tips for beginners

• If you think you have to document your whole life, it can be overwhelming. Start with small and simple projects that deal with one subject or one event.

• Before you start, ask yourself: Why am I making this album? Who or what am I celebrating (child's life, vacation, relationship, hobby)? What emotions do I want to capture (romance, gratitude, remembrance)? How will I use this album (gift, showcase, yearly update)?

• Think about organization. Will it be chronological? Around a theme? Favorites? Q&A? Other?

• Remember that the main focus is your photographs. Don't get so carried away with embellishments that you loose the photos. But don't think that you have to include every photo you have, either.

• When albums are finished, don't just put them away. Take them out and "read" them with your kids. They make great bedtime storybooks, and the kids will love to hear stories about themselves.

• Have fun.

• Remember, there are no mistakes, only different ways to do things.

• Don't be afraid to copy other ideas — designs, composition, color scheme, etc. Here's a sampling of idea books:

— "Photography for Scrapbookers," by Tracy White, Leisure Arts

— "Creative Albums: Step-by-step projects," by Donna Downey, Simple Scrapbooks

— "The Big Picture," by Stacy Julian, Simple Scrapbooks.

— "Clean & Simple: Scrapbooking the Sequel," by Cathy Zielske, Simple Scrapbooks

— "Decorative Life: Scrapbook," Making Memories

— "Decorative Life: Home Decor," Making Memories