Scrapbookers tell us why they love it—and why you should too

Walk through a craft store, scan a magazine rack or just talk to one of your friends or relatives, and chances are you’ll encounter scrapbooking, an incredibly popular pastime that continues to grow more every year. According to the National Craft Association, nearly one in four households has someone who creates beautiful albums filled with pages of pictures and thoughts about big and small events in their lives. So why is it such a huge hit? We asked the online community at our sister web site, Two Peas in a Bucket to share their thoughts on why they love scrapbooking and what it means to them.

Fun and friendship

"I have watched scrapbooking grow and I am amazed at all the creativity there is in each of us. I believe that today’s scrapbooking and crops (which generally refers to a gathering of scrapbookers working on individual projects) have taken a place with yesterday’s quilters and quilting bees, where women can come together and share their information with each other. It is a network of information, support and love, which translates into power and leadership. We scrap so that our stories can be told."
Sandi Kelly, Citrus Heights, CA

"I love the creative outlet that scrapbooking provides. After a long (but wonderful) week of taking care of my home and children, I look forward to getting out on Friday nights to scrapbook with my friends. I usually don't get that many layouts done, but we enjoy sharing our pictures, talking about what products we're on a mission to find, and fussing about our budgets (ha ha). I may not create pages that are as wonderful as the ones I see in the magazines, but I still love each and every one of my pieces of art!"
Lindsay K., Houston, TX

Scrapbookers tell us why they love it—and why you should too

Strengthening ties of love

"I don't have children of my own, but my seven nieces and nephews are my scrapbooking subjects. I love documenting both the big and little adventures in their lives. Anything is fodder for their scrapbooks, from a new bathing suit to their college graduation. I hope long after I'm gone they'll look back at their scrapbooks and realize the love that went into them. And my 17-year-old niece has already started her own little scrapbook! I'm starting a new family tradition."
Tina Wright, Clarksburg, WV

"I can vividly remember sitting in my grandmother’s attic and being amazed at all the treasures that had been saved up there, and one of the favorite items was the scrapbooks. They were simple large leather books that held pictures, newspaper articles, snippets of the past. And when as an adult I stumbled upon this new revived hobby I realized I could tell the story behind the photos and memorabilia that I had been saving. That someday my grandchildren could spend hours pointing out the silly adventures we had taken, the clothes we wore, and, more importantly, maybe they could have an understanding of the love we felt no matter what was happening in the world around us. Preserving everyday moments that will soon be forgotten is a family gift to the future that is worth more than a store bought present."
Vicki Jackson, Nokesville, VA

"Scrapbooking has motivated me to take more pictures. I take pictures everywhere and of everything. I am so grateful that I have taken pictures of kids crying, kids laughing, my friends and their kids...Even if I don't scrap them all, I still have pictures! That is the heart of scrapbooking for me. "
Jessica Lane, San Antonio, TX

Scrapbookers tell us why they love it—and why you should too

Life lessons

"Our lives are so full of busy things—work, cleaning, obligations, and we are slammed with the latest and greatest—that we forget how good we really have it. Scrapbooking helps me share all the wonder that is in my life, and the wonder I see in those I love. It helps us to relive the great times, reflect on any lessons, and preserve the stories we have to tell. It keeps me focused on creating, and not wishing my life was any better. I don’t feel I missed out on anything. And, as I get older and my kids get older, it helps me to remember all those moments, instead of having them slip away."

"Also, scrapbooking is my craft, something that makes me feel I have an art that gets to be expressed with all sorts of fun toys, paper, stamps, ink and the computer. I feel I am learning new things and keeping my brain active!"
Andi Sexton, Haines, OR

"Be careful not to get overwhelmed; feeling like you “must'” preserve the perfect moment, memory or meaning. The act of preserving is perfect, in and of itself. The fact that you record is important. Don't worry or stress about recording everything and missing nothing...you'll never get it all done. That is OK! Pick your favorites, the memories that are speaking to you in this moment. Record those. More time will come to record others. Record that which is meaningful today."
Katy Coffey, Ohio

"I've been struggling with depression for a long time now, and this last year I had to take a break in my studies because I just couldn’t do anything. A couple of months ago, I was so inspired by the art I found online (yes, scrapbooking is art) that I started scrapbooking myself. It has helped me tremendously; I have found a way to be creative again, I have found a hobby that I am truly passionate about and that helps me get up in the morning. One of the biggest problems I've faced when depressed is that I can't seem to care about anything at all — so the fact that I have fallen in love with scrapbooking is a huge step forward for me"
Ingrid Hobaek, Trondheim, Norway