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Have you ever wanted to start scrapbooking but weren't sure how?

Well, there's never been a better time, you know. You can find scrapbook supplies almost everywhere you look, from specialty stores to Wal-mart and beyond. You've probably noticed them in passing - papers and cards in every conceivable size, color and pattern, scrapbook kits, stickers and what they call 'embellishments' - little things that add interest or sparkle to your project.

I'd heard about scrapbooking for ages before I did anything about it. I'd even made some as a child, although none as fancy as those around today. And judging by the stories I hear about what happens when you get hooked, it's maybe just as well. What am I talking about? Neglect of house, husband and family - but maybe I exaggerate - a little (lots of laughs!)

I'm just like everyone else. The minute my first child was born I knew she was the most beautiful child who ever existed. Everything she did, she did sooner and better than anyone who had gone before - you thought that was your child? No sorry it was mine! (Tongue-in-cheek and grins!) The camera became permanently attached to my hand as I recorded her every move. I frequently heard, "Are you keeping a diary of when she does things?" A diary? Don't be silly, I'll never forget a thing she does! Two sons, and many years later I hear myself say those same words to other unsuspecting new moms, and I say it again here in case that is you write down the story of those first steps, that cute word he had before he could say the proper one, that funny story she told you. Do it WHEN IT HAPPENS for life encroaches all too quickly and robs us of many memories.

So, the years have passed and I'm older and wiser - or at least I like to think so. Maybe it's time to organize all those photos I took when the children were so tiny; even if I can't remember the story or date exactly I know it roughly. But this is where you, Dear New Mom, can get ahead of the game. At the very least keep that diary, and then when you have time, the combination of photos and stories will make wonderful scrapbooks.

What is scrapbooking? It's keeping the family records, only in a fun and artistic way. It's recording the 'who, when, where, why and what' of life in your family. People always want to remember, to keep a note of what happened and to enjoy going over these things when it's all past. We're creatures of relationship; we like to record our thoughts and feelings, and to be able to read those of others we can no longer talk to - and wish we'd spent more time with. Yes, scrapbooking is a fun hobby, but it can touch our own and future hearts, as well as record the past.

"So what should I put into my scrapbook?" I hear you ask. Well, think about what you want to accomplish by making a scrapbook. Do you want to gather those old family photos and tell the story of your grandparents, for example? Or the one that often gets us started is the baby album. You can tell one child's life from birth to marriage or kindergarten to graduation; day-to-day family life, or family vacations are just a few to get you started.

The time covered in a given album can be as short as a few hours at a special event, a year at school, or a lifetime. You decide, and that decision defines your scrapbook.

Your purpose will also determine the scrap booking products you may wish to use. Consider whether you want to make your own from scratch or buy ready to use scrap booking supplies. As a beginner I'd suggest looking around for free scrapbook layout advice and buy some of the items suggested to get you started as these are all coordinated to work together. I still make the mistake of buying things that catch my eye without thinking far enough in advance about where and with what I'll use them. As a result I have many scrap booking stickers papers, brads, ribbons, flowers and other embellishments I'm still waiting to find the right colors to match with them!

The internet is a great resource for scrapbookers. Many online shops also show you how to do things. Take a look at paperwishes.com for example. Scrapbook.com even has a university!

Go on, start scrapbooking - join one of the largest, friendliest hobby groups around. Then write and tell me how you got on - I'm sure you'll love it!