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Unleash Your Inner Decorator!
I’ll be honest: I am not a naturally creative person. I don’t write dub poetry, compose music, or paint murals in my leisure time. I’m a pretty straight-laced, khaki-wearing, coupon-collecting type of gal who keeps life pretty simple. However, the one thing that ignites a creative spark in me is scrapbooking. It has been a gradually progressive hobby of mine after receiving a scrapbook as a going-away present a few years ago. The lovely little photo album was filled with pictures, mementos, funny quotes and captions, and well wishes for my trip. This is the beauty of scrapbooking; it is an ideal way to showcase special pictures, share stories, capture memories, and take time to express yourself creatively in a very unintimidating manner. Never heard of this paper crafting specialty?
What is scrapbooking?
Scrapbooking is a method for preserving personal and family history in the form of a scrapbook. Typical memorabilia include photographs, printed media, and artwork. Scrapbook albums are often decorated and frequently contain extensive journaling. Scrapbooking is a widely practiced pastime in the United States. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrapbooking
This definition captures the pastime in a nutshell and explains to me why I initially felt drawn to scrapbooking. I’m an avid jounal-ler. Since I was about 12 years old I’ve had a private journal/diary where I record my deepest (and not so deep) thoughts, feelings and dreams; on occasion, a movie ticket stub or wallet-sized photo has been glued or stapled in to remind me of a special date or time, and thus my preoccupation began. Nowadays, I find scrapbooking especially attractive in this age of digital photography. We are constantly snapping pictures – capturing memories of people, places and things- but those pictures often sequestered in our Smartphone, tablet, or digital camera and are destined in an electronic device for life without parole. We forget to print, share and give away these precious memories.
(Note: I do know about social media, BUT I’m a semi-paranoid first-time mommy who refuses too many pics of my baby up on social media websites; he may be prime minster one day). Therefore, scrapbooking is a perfect incentive for me to print pictures, tell stories and share mementos.
I will admit to being very “sometime-ish” (this is a very Caribbean word, I even don’t know an English equivalent!) with my craftiness the past few years and was starting to lose my touch. To re-engage I decided to go to the
Creativ Festival at the
International Centre on April 28
th, 2012 to take a class and buy some gear. The festival was a great opportunity to refresh my skills and create a new book for my collection.
May 31
st marks the sixth year of my grandmothers passing and after years of having pictures scattered in various albums and envelopes I decided I would do something a little more grand for granny (see what i did there?). I’m working hard to have it complete by the end of the month so I will have a special souvenir to review when that day comes this year, and for years to come.
Now that I’m back in the swing of things I’m planning to start a 12-page scrapbook chronicling the first year of my sons life. As I get my scrapbooking mojo back I’m inviting others to join me; on June 20
th, 2012 I will be teaching a free workshop entitled, “Introduction to Scrapbooking”. Participants will learn the basics of scrapbooking and design a page or two. I’m hoping many of our Malton moms will come out and start something special.
As always the session is free, but registration is required.
To register or for more information
contact me
Intro to Scrapbooking
Date: Wednesday, June 20
th, 2012 @ 6pm
Location: 7095 Rexwood Rd., Malton, ON
Cost: $0 aka FREE!!
What to bring: Yourself, a sense of adventure, and some pictures you wish to immortalize in your new love for scrapbooking!
