Scrapbooking could very well be one of the oldest hobbies in existence. Most everyone takes it for granted, even those who are not into scrapbooking. Have you taken a step back, however, and though about why it is a good idea to engage in scrapbooking?
It really is a simple hobby that can bring about a lot of benefits. If you do not put a lot of thought into it, you might just miss out on the good things that scrapbooking can give you and your children. Here are some of the best reasons to get started on scrapbooking.
1. For posterity’s sake.
Scrapbooking is merely a way of collecting memories and putting them in concrete form. Whether you are putting together photos, letters, ribbons, locks of hair, or whatever other material, you are piecing together tangible memories. The result is something that will live on even when you are gone from this world. As morbid as that sounds, it is the truth. Your children and your children’s children will have something to remember you by. Call it a legacy, if you will.
This may be an extreme example, but think about the parent who has been diagnosed with a terminal disease. If this parent has children she will be leaving behind, making a scrapbook of herself and her life is one way by which her children can get to know her. Even if it’s not the case with you, surely you see how leaving scrapbooks behind can help you make your mark.
2. Scrapbooks make meaningful gifts.
These days, finding the perfect gift for friends and family members can be a troublesome thing. One reason is that everyone seems to have everything they need and want; and whatever it is that they may still want is probably out of your budget. At the end of the day, you can only purchase so many gifts until you run out of ideas.
Making a scrapbook for someone is a great alternative. Not only do you give something unique, you also offer something that has lasting value. I have a friend who created a scrapbook for her boyfriend on his birthday. She asked for pictures and notes from her boyfriend’s family members and friends, who are mostly in France. Basically, she chronicled his life from birth to the present day. Needless to say, the guy appreciated that precious gift to no end.
3. Scrapbooking is FUN!
Forget posterity and the idea of sharing with others – scrapbooking is simply fun! If you hate being idle and always want to do be doing something with your hands, then you ought to give scrapbooking a try. You can do practically anything with scrapbooking. You can use whatever materials you feel like using – buttons, photos, art paper, beads, pebbles, ribbons, and more! You can even get together with your family members and friends who are interested in the activity and make things more interesting. It really is a good family activity as everyone can contribute to the scrapbook and give his or her own input.
4. Scrapbooking can help you clean up your attic!
If you’re like me, you’ll have heaps of shoeboxes full of photos and other old mementos. You likely do not need them and cannot find any use for them. On the other hand, you cannot make yourself get rid of them for one reason or another. Well, scrapbooking can very well be the solution to your storage problems! Dust out those shoeboxes and create various scrapbooks in which you can put all those old things you’ve gathered over the years.
5. Scrapbooking is therapeutic.
As with most other hobbies, scrapbooking can be therapeutic. The mere idea that you are doing something with your time, something that will have concrete results, is therapeutic in itself. The actual gathering and sorting of materials, as well as putting them together, is even better in soothing and calming your soul.
6. Scrapbooking is a great outlet for creativity.
These days, parents find it a challenge to bring out the creativity in their children in positive ways. Children tend to get caught up in the world of television and computer games. These are not bad in themselves but it really isn’t a good idea to have your children spend all of their spare time watching TV or playing computer games. Scrapbooking is a great way to bring out the artist in your child. They can do practically anything that comes to mind, and you can guide and encourage them.
7. Scrapbooking gives you a sense of achievement.
At the end of every scrapbooking project, you have something real to behold. That is something that cannot be said of every hobby, but with scrapbooking, there will always be tangible results that can be admired many years down the road. You will realize that the sense of achievement that you get from making scrapbooks is something that you may not receive from other activities. This is good for you and everyone else who contributes to the project.