Scrapbooking for Caregivers

It’s easy to find scrapping supplies at general (Wal-Mart) and craft stores (Jo-ann’s, Michaels, AC Moore), as well as specialty scrapbooking stores such as Memories. You can buy a starter kit, many of which center on a theme or holiday, or you can purchase your supplies a la carte, says Croninger. Either way, you can get started with about $20-$30 worth of supplies, especially if you use the coupons that craft stores regularly put in their flyers. The basics you’ll need:

• An album. Most scrapbooks are 12” x 12” or 8 ½” x 11”, but you can also buy smaller-size books. Bindings also vary, from 3-ring albums to books with bound or expandable spines. Choose what you like and think will best suit your project.
• A cutting device. Scissors work well, and if you want to get fancy you can buy ones that make decorative cuts such as wavy lines. A paper trimmer is another good option because it has a straight edge you can use as a guide when cutting. You can also buy paper punches in all sorts of shapes (leaves, birthday candles, etc.) to create fun designs and edges.
• Adhesive. There are more types of glue available than you could ever imagine! Glue sticks are an all-purpose favorite because they’re so simple to use and easy to clean up, but they may not adhere well if you live in a dry climate. Popular adhesives include Herma® glue dots and Crop & Glue® because they aren’t wet and messy and they don’t wrinkle the paper. Whatever glue you choose, be sure it is acid-free and photo-safe, so that it doesn’t damage your photos or make your pages yellow and disintegrate over time.
• Paper. Start with cardstock in a variety of complementary colors to serve as mats and borders for your photos and journaling. If you want more options, select patterned and decorative papers that fit your color scheme and theme.
  - Writing implements. Purchase a calligraphy pen or marker to write notes on the pages.
  - Embellishments. If you want to go beyond the basics, buy rub-on lettering, ribbons, stickers, foils, metal charms and buttons (but beware, it’s hard to stop with just a few of these trinkets!).

Scrapbooking Websites
Visit these websites for scrapping ideas and suggestions on where to purchase supplies:

Creating Keepsakes
www.creatingkeepsakes.com

Craft Place
www.craftplace.org

HGTV
www.hgtv.com
(Once on the site, insert the word “scrapbook” into the search engine to be directed to scrapbooking projects, tips and videos)

Nancy Monson is the author of Craft to Heal: Soothing Your Soul with Sewing, Painting, and Other Pastimes, which details the mental, physical, and spiritual benefits of pursuing a hobby you love. She also writes for many national magazines on craft, health, and relationship topics. Visit her website at www.nancymonson.com.