Scrapbooking 101

After arriving home from my semester in the Eternal City, I had two gallon-sized ziploc bags filled with ticket stubs, postcards, and other memorabilia. I've always been one to save tickets and such for that scrapbook I've been meaning to make. But, with the amount of scrapbook-worthy items I brought home, making one was on the top of my to-do list. I organized all my little memories by city and date, ready for creating this said scrapbook. 

But, where do you start?!

This was the kicker for me. I had never made a scrapbook before (despite my ticket collection), so I honestly did not know how to begin. Did I need a fancy photo album? What about scrapbook paper? How many pictures would I need?

Somehow, I managed to leave Joanns crafting store with some manilla paper and Staples with some clear sleeves and a basic black binder.

Oh, and I thought it was necessary to buy out half of the stickers Joanns sells... These are merely the remnants. 

 After a few hours and a zillion feet of double-sided tape later, my masterpiece was complete. I really couldn't be happier with the end result. Even though it's not some super crafty scrapbook, who needs something elaborate when the pictures and ticket stubs are what makes it special and recall some of the greatest memories?

My scrapbook has even found a nice home on my dresser. I love waking up and seeing it every morning!

So, without further ado, my tips to making a great first scrapbook:

1. Organize all the things you want to include in the book, from tickets to pictures.

2. Buy clear sleeves and a pack of fun paper.

3. Pick up some stickers while you're at it to fill spaces too small for memorabilia but too big to leave empty.

4. Stock up on plenty of double-sided tape or glue!

5. Design your scrapbook pages, leaving space for any pictures you may want to print and add in later. 

6. Buy a binder that fits all your pages (I saved this for last so I would buy the perfect size).

   

  

After six easy steps, you're done! See, scrapbooking really doesn't have to be as hard as the pros make it out to be.

Gina

Weekend Update

What a weekend it's been! Let me tell you right now, there's been a multitude of crafting as well as sports-watching in my house. 

On Thursday, I (finally) picked up my photos from Walgreens and completed my scrapbook documenting my semester abroad! I'm in love with it and it's already found a nice home displayed on my dresser. Looking through it tugs at my heart, bringing back all the memories from an awesome time in Rome. Plus, I learned that making a scrapbook isn't as hard as you'd think (more on this in a future post)!

I began working on some wall decor for my new apartment at school on Friday. I'm painting canvases inspired by Lilly Pulitzer state prints for each of my roommates and myself. Once I'm all finished, South Dakota, Texas, and Indiana will be represented! Here's a preview of SD.




My dad, sister, and I spent Friday night downtown at the Nasher Sculpture Center watching "The Way Way Back" on the garden lawn. It was a great movie in an even better environment. The lights strung between oak trees gave off such a southern vibe. I love the idea of watching a movie outdoors in a park and can't wait to do this again as the summer progresses. If you're a Dallas resident, the Nasher hosts a movie in the garden every third Friday, so check it out!










Saturday and Sunday were filled with sports. My dad and I were on the couch both days with our eyes glued to the tv, occasionally taking them off the game to eat some tacos or tortilla soup. But, somehow, not a single game resulted in a win for the team we were rooting for: Texas in the CWS, Texas in the MLB, and USA in the World Cup. You win some, you lose some (and you tie some).

On a side note, I've been using this olive oil-based soap for the past week and really like it. By no means does it live up to my bar of soap from the Italian Riviera, but it still makes my skin feel amazing after using it.




Plus, this phrase that was on the cap of my Sweet Leaf tea made me smile. Sometimes it's nice to think that by being proactive, you can bring luck into your life. I think it hit home because I'm officially a college senior, will be taking the GRE in July, and starting to fill out graduate school applications shortly after.

Did you do anything exciting this summery weekend?


Gina