As you flip through your latest set of photographs, you can't help but smile as you remember all the fun. But don't put those photos away , scrapbook them!

A scrapbook is a decorated photo album that includes more than just photos  as well as your memories that you want to preserve in a unique and creative way. It is  storytelling at a precious, personal level. Each photo has a story to tell and scrapbooking lets you put those stories into words so it will not be forgotten and will be cherished by you, your family and the generations to come.

 Why Scrapbook?

Most of the photo albums sold contain high levels of acid, which end up destroying your precious memories. That is why it is important to use materials which are of archival quality, acid-free and lignin-free materials.

While today there are many photos albums sold that are acid- free, but is that the only thing you should be concerned with? Definitely not. Your reason for scrapbooking is as personal and unique as the album you are about to create.

 #1. Scrapbooking preserves your photos.

Have you ever looked at your albums and notice how they look faded? Well that’s because many older albums have a high acid content in the paper. Acid causes photos to fade and to become brittle.  This means your photos will look great even for your great grandchildren.

#2. Scrapbooking is Easy

Anyone can put a scrapbook together. If you can use a pair of scissors, a pencil and place stickers then you can scrapbook!. There are so many ways to decorate album pages and they are all easy from paper dolls to stickers. You will be surprised at how simple it is, to create great looking pages.

#3. Scrapbooking preserves your unique stories.

You are unique! And you have a unique story to tell. Your photos, your words and your point of view can all be incorporated into your album.

#4. Scrapbooking reflects your unique personality.

Scrapbooking gives you an opportunity to express your individual creativity (even for those of us who think we aren't creative). Each element of scrapbooking reflects a part of you. From the actual photos used, to the page layout, to the method of decoration and to the journalling of your thoughts in your own hand writing, every scrapbooking page you create is unique!

#5. Scrapbooking can also include memorabilia.

Having memorabilia like your child's birth notice from the paper, locks of hair, coins from an overseas trip, theatre tickets add an extra dimension to your album. These memorabilia items will also be preserved along with your photos.

#6. Scrapbooking is therapeutic.

A tragedy, whether it is suffering personal illness or the loss of a loved one, can leave you staggering with grief. When the pain has subsided, you may wish to scrapbook about your experience, your thoughts and feelings. Scrapbooking is a wonderful tool for reliving the good times and moving past those that are difficult. It can be extremely therapeutic.

#7 Scrapbooking brings joy to your family and friends.

There are many reasons to enjoy the treasured hobby of scrapbooking. One of the best reasons I know is the joy it brings my family and friends as they look through my scrapbooks. They enjoy seeing the photos, reading the journaling, and sharing the memories. Scrapbooking is about family, friends, sharing, reminiscing and letting others know how special they are in your life.