Creating a scrapbook may seem overwhelming to some, however this doesn't have to be the case. Scrapbooking can actually be a fun and rewarding activity. Scrapbooks, like people, come in all shapes and sizes. There is not a right or wrong way to make a scrapbook, so you have the freedom to make one how you wish.

Scrapbooking is much easier today, then say ten years ago. There are a multitude of resources to be used when creating a scrapbook. To begin with, the first thing to do is figure out what kind of scrapbook you would like to make, or what is the theme? You can choose to make a scrapbook for your mom, containing pictures of your children. A scrapbook containing pictures of you and your friends over the past year is another idea. You can make a scrapbook of holiday get-togethers, or your baby's first year scrapbook, or a family tree scrapbook containing old photos of past generations. Picking a theme is the first step, and if you don't have a certain theme that's okay too. You may choose just to have a variety of different pictures you like in one scrapbook. Like I said, there is no right or wrong way to make a scrapbook.

The second thing you will want to do in creating a scrapbook is choosing the size of scrapbook you would like to make. For example, if making a scrapbook for your mom containing pictures of your kids, you can choose to do a large book, or even a smaller book with only fifteen or twenty photos that she can keep in her purse or tote bag. If this will be a scrapbook that is for you then you can decide if you would like a larger book that will fit in a bookcase, or something smaller that will be placed on your nightstand. The possibilities are endless.

You will then choose the pictures and photos you want to include in your scrapbook. Choosing clear photos is very important, you don't want to choose a picture that is too dark or blurry. Your pictures will be showcased in your scrapbook so you will want to choose the best ones. Even if a picture is off center you can always crop it so that the person or object in your photo is centered.

Once you decide on the theme of your scrapbook, the size of the book, and the pictures you want to include in your scrapbook then you will want to take a trip to your local craft store and pick up a few items that you will need to create your scrapbook. Items you may want to buy are: colored cardstock, stickers, die-cuts, decorative scissors, glue sticks, and double sided tape. There are numerous other supplies that are available, and you don't have to buy everything at once. Perhaps only buy enough items to do a few pages at a time.

You can make your scrapbook as simple or elaborate using the available resources at your craft store. All-in-one scrapbooking packages are even available. These include most everything you need for a themed scrapbook (plain and decorative paper, stickers, die-cuts, labels, etc.). The main idea is to just create a book that will showcase your pictures in a special way. One resource you may want to take advantage of are scrapbooking magazines and books. These have numerous examples of scrapbook pages you can copy or get ideas from.

The point is that creating a scrapbook should be fun for you, not a job you feel obligated to do. A scrapbook doesn't have to be created and finished in a short amount of time, don't feel like you have to finish a whole scrapbook in a week or two. Some scrapbooks, especially larger ones, may take months to finish. Once finished you'll have a keepsake for life, and knowing that you made it yourself will make it that much more special.