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Post by impearia on Aug 15, 2016 0:04:19 GMT
I went through my 2nd divorce almost 4 years ago and my 3 daughters and I really struggled for quite. I was actually homeless. My now fiancé didn't know. My kids stayed at their dads and my oldest hated my guts because she couldn't understand why I wasn't Th ere more for her. I still tried to do things with my youngest and keep up a positive attitude and took her to McDonald's and stuff. All these years later I've printed the pictures off my phone and have been scrapping them. Because they are part of my story. I don't go into full detail but I want my kids to grow up and see that I did try and I did love them and we made it through. Especially my youngest because there were times where she would find a dollar and offer to buy me an ice cream and I took a picture and now that sentiment is in my album. I went through extreme post partum depression with my first born daughter and it took me a long time to process that (she's 17 now). I've journaled that for her in her baby album. Not everything has to be sunshine and roses. And that's why I document the tough stuff--it's very healing for me. It helps be greatful for what I have now. Hugs. @juliehenry4 thank you for sharing your story. I found it inspiring. I love that you are documenting even the hard times because as you said "they are part of my story". Good for you. Save
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 15, 2016 2:35:15 GMT
I do it for the fun of it, but I love that I have such great memories in books. My favorite books are the ones that are more creative for sure, but then I pull out the HUGE Vegas book that began in 2002 and was finished in 2012. Ten years of my boys in one book is just too cute. You can see them go from little floppy haired boys to teens who finally decided that we couldn't go to Vegas anymore until they turned 21.
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tanyah
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Feb 16, 2015 9:40:43 GMT
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Post by tanyah on Aug 15, 2016 5:49:35 GMT
I'm really surprised and pleased to hear for how many of us, it's not just a memory keeping thing - I think I'd assumed I was in the minority in finding scrapbooking worth doing just for it's therapeutic benefits. I'm quite evangelical about how good it is for the soul; when I have a session where I can get 'in the flow', it almost feels like I don't need to accomplish anything else that day, I'm truly happy. It makes the rest of the day - folding laundry, putting stuff back where it came from - much more bearable. What you said Suse; I'm surprised too that there are so many of us who enjoy the creativity and might have the memory keeping side of it as not so much an after thought but not the driving force. I have to say I was under the impression most people did it primarily for the recording of the life stories. I've admitted it often.. I have beautiful photo albums I scrap for me; the albums I have are for me - sure if either of my two daughters wanted to take some I wouldn't say no.. I'd just re-scrap the pictures I think our diversity is what makes this hobby so much fun to discuss
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Post by mymindseyedpea on Aug 15, 2016 8:03:32 GMT
The main reason I scrap is for the creative outlet. Always has been. I remember the first day I was introduced to scrapbooking, the first insight I had was how creative it will allow me to be with it. The memory keeping is a plus. The reminiscing is pretty cool too.
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Post by pas2 on Aug 15, 2016 8:39:30 GMT
I scrap for a creative outlet more than memory keeping. I've always been a crafter but never really finding my niche until scrapbooking. Unlike most crafts, scrapping doesn't become obsolete after a few projects. It has a useful purpose outside of my need for artistic expression. I don't want to chuck everything and move on to a new hobby after a few tries. Heck I've been at it for over 15 years and I still enjoy it. Crocheting is the only other hobby that even comes remotely close to scrapping for me, but you can only use so many afghans and the retail therapy aspect isn't nearly as much fun!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2016 8:42:32 GMT
Aw, thanks for your honesty guys. I wish there were more than just a thumbs up button for some of these comments... you kind of want a 'hug' option too. xxx
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Post by woodysbetty on Aug 15, 2016 11:57:19 GMT
I'd say I scrap 50% for memory keeping and 50% for artistic purposes. It's therapeutic for me. Probably the same for me. I find scrapping relaxing and I think it's important to have that down time. I here I'm here as well....love to play with my stuff but enjoy seeing the memories later on too...
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Post by jjpeapea on Aug 15, 2016 12:05:11 GMT
I am mostly like maribeth (sorry I haven't figured out how to tag yet!!!) I love taking pictures of life's moments and then printing them to look at serially in an album. For the last two and a half years I have been using pocket pages and a mix of supplies. If I'm not careful my album ends up looking like a 70's photo album - the bad kind with those sticky pages that ruined your photos! I love the look of a coordinated and embellished page but I only do what I have time for - it should be a pleasure, not another chore. It is definitely memory keeping and then a place to be creative if I have the time and the right mood.
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Post by mikklynn on Aug 15, 2016 15:21:02 GMT
I'd say I scrap 50% for memory keeping and 50% for artistic purposes. It's therapeutic for me. Yes, this is me, too.
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nicolep
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Post by nicolep on Aug 15, 2016 15:29:12 GMT
For me it's for memory-keeping purposes first and foremost and for therapy second. It all goes hand in hand. Whether it's a good or bad memory or experience it just helps for me to get it down and the creative process is a bonus.
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Post by stinkerbelle on Aug 15, 2016 15:35:57 GMT
I said in another thread recently that I scrap only because I like pretty paper. I'd say it's more 99% pretty paper and 1% memory-keeping, because the memories are for me alone. of my 3 children, only one has ever shown an interest in my pages, and that was when she was quite small and liked seeing pictures of herself. I fully expect all my albums to end up in the trash when I'm gone, and I'm ok with that.
I've always loved office supplies and eons ago, when we used to write letters, I had tons of really cute stationery and stickers. for me, scrapping is sort of a natural progression from that. it also feeds my need to collect things, because lord knows I do more collecting than using!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2016 15:52:29 GMT
I have a theory about us scrapbookers, you know: I think we were all the kids with those sweetie jars full of erasers, spending our pocket money in the stationery store on pretty notebooks and glitter pens!
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Post by awesomegabi on Aug 15, 2016 16:58:20 GMT
It started off a strictly memory keeping but quickly became my therapy. I love to write so the journaling part is the most enjoyable for me, I can easily write half a page from 1 photo, I guess my albums are more photojounalistic (i know its not a word instead of crafty. Sometimes when I write I end up laughing and smiling. While other times I actually cry and it takes me an hour to write everything up because i'm overwhelmed with emotion. It keeps me honest because everything in life can't be sunshine and roses, so I take the time to document my entire life (good and bad).
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Post by Ryann on Aug 16, 2016 0:57:46 GMT
I'm new to scrapbooking, having always been a card maker. After a taking a break from card making for a couple of years, I starting paper crafting again - only I'm scrapbooking and not making cards. For me it's not about preserving memories, it's just another vehicle for playing with paper. My goal isn't to tell a story, and going forward I see many pages that won't have any journaling or titles on them.
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Post by alissa103 on Aug 16, 2016 3:28:14 GMT
I have a theory about us scrapbookers, you know: I think we were all the kids with those sweetie jars full of erasers, spending our pocket money in the stationery store on pretty notebooks and glitter pens! me to a T as a kid I love the creativity aspect and using pretty or fun things on my pages, so that is motivating to me. I also love the memory keeping side of it now that DS is in our life. I just seems even more fun to me right now to document these younger years for him. DS also has some special needs and it's stressful sometimes. I use scrapping as an escape. I think it's a healthy way for me to deal and I can do it at any time of the day, so that is helpful too. I actually haven't scrapped too much of those struggles in his album. I've done a little with DITL where you see us at a therapy appt and him with our physical therapist or whatever. I try to be real but sometimes I just want to scrap the "normal" kid stuff like zoo trips and whatnot so I do a lot of that. Even if it's not really our every day reality. When my dad passed away I made a mini book (his was before art journals were popular) and did a lot of random stuff in it. Memories, photos, etc. I'm glad I have it. It helped me deal with a crappy time the only way I knew how. I have been scrapping 16 years and it has been a big sanity saver for me. It has also introduced me to some of my dearest friends. I honesty can't see my life without it.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2016 3:57:59 GMT
It's all artistic for me. I have virtually no journaling on my pages or even identifying people on there. (I pretty much photograph the same 10 people. If you can't figure out who they are by album 27, that's on you.) About half have titles, and then they are play on words because I like that.
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Post by TracieClaiborne on Aug 16, 2016 4:58:55 GMT
Wow - what a fantastic conversation! I may have to steal this for a Scrap Gals episode, dear Suse. I think I am quite the polar opposite of you. I would enjoy scrapbooking just as much if I only had white cardstock, my lovely photos and words, words, words and more words. Maybe one tiny bit of pattern and a floral die cut would be the icing on the cake. But really I could do without it all and just enjoy the journaling aspect. I think that's why I'm so drawn to Midori memory keeping. Suse, does that interest you at all?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2016 8:40:45 GMT
I've never really got the Midori trend until I saw my friend Tanya using a travellers notebook like a beautifully designed record of her everyday... then I thought, ah! Now that's a genius idea: record our everyday moments and outings in a little book fairly informally... I'm not a fan of all the plastic involved in Project Life, so although I do work that way from time to time, this little notebook idea appealed a lot more. But I'm not sure I'll ever really be about the journalling in a big way... I love to write, but I think I'd sooner write a blog post and illustrate it by throwing on a few photos at the end. Interesting chat, huh?
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tanyah
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Post by tanyah on Aug 16, 2016 9:14:55 GMT
I've never really got the Midori trend until I saw my friend Tanya using a travellers notebook like a beautifully designed record of her everyday... then I thought, ah! Now that's a genius idea: record our everyday moments and outings in a little book fairly informally... Aren't you a darling Not that my idea is anything new - a lot of people are doing this kind of documenting; Tracie I think your friend Tiffani does? I am loving the idea.... it's a really fun way of documenting my every day which I have to say I haven't been doing much of as I've fallen off the PL wagon - a LONG time ago. It's also a fantastic way to use up bits and bobs ( @ Suse) you have on your desk. I'm truly enamoured with the whole idea and I'd imagine I'm going to have quite a lot of these little books of daily life going forward
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2016 12:34:18 GMT
I'm going away just for one night this week and already have a little notebook packed to do at least one page in...
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Post by carolynhasacat on Aug 16, 2016 13:47:05 GMT
Wow, I love this thread, what a great conversation. For me this hobby fills so many needs in my life. The need for artistic expression. The need for memory keeping (for me it's a need). My need for time to contemplate and reflect on my life, both in its detail and big picture. My need to collect pretty things. I'm so thankful I found this hobby and this great group of women to share with!
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Post by miominmio on Aug 16, 2016 14:08:30 GMT
For me - and this might horrify some of you, sorry Tracie C! - the title and journalling are very much afterthoughts because I've just wanted to spend that time scratching the creative itch. Me too! My kids don't care about my pages (DD10 likes to look at pictures of herself, but she is just as happy with looking at a picture on the computer). I have come to realise that I do this for me......and that's okay.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2016 7:00:46 GMT
This is such a great question. I love reading all the answers. I thought I was in the minority for not scrapping about memories. It is about creativity for me. DH & I both don't really have any families. There is nothing to document from a family side. I really don't scrap in the traditional sense. One I am not good at photography. My pictures are more sentimental than WOW! Second I love to write and journal more. I loved Project Life when it came out because I loved making my own PL albums. I would make my own blank pages to write on. Then I would use baseball card inserts and make my own beautiful PL pages. Now, that I have a Fuse I can be even more creative. I probably have the strangest "scrapbooks" in the world. I love them so much and treasure them.
I use to be a researcher. When I began my life as a researcher I did more traditional type scrapbooking. I would write down a lot of my research as diary entries. I would include my research findings so I could have hard copies along with my digital work. I would decorate the pages. I did it all scrapbook style. Many of my research friends loved it and still do. I will pull my books out on my topics if a friend or former colleague needs to look through them. I get so many compliments on how gorgeous the books are and what a smart way to keep my research documented.
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Post by sleepingbooty on Aug 21, 2016 21:18:43 GMT
So many beautiful answers in this thread already and I'm not sure how much I can add to the discussion.
Scrapping can be therapeutic in so many ways. Whether you find yourself looking back and feeling like it's not all the truth with the "sweet girl" and other "best ever" pages that are hiding harsher truths or are journaling years after about some major struggles so you can move on with healing and also leave something significant and truthful for your children, it's all therapy. I'm sure that those who scrap pages of everything-is-fine-ness when it isn't aren't (only) doing to keep up appearances but perhaps also to soothe themselves in the midst of the tempest. There are several stages to healing through a hobby like scrapbooking (or writing). If you need sunshine and roses to be able to hold on in a moment of madness, then it's fine to pretend everything is ok. You project what you wish you could have. It's also ok to scrap a certain moment of your life all over again years after to work through the feelings and lay down on paper some things that originally remained hidden away. It's ok to have two baby books for your child in the end...
I'm childless, still young, living the urban life and scrap as a way to keep my own collection of Proustian madeleines and to just spend time on just me, myself and I. I'm quite sensitive to music and songs of the moment keep coming in and out of my life. I can recall simple moments like driving in the summer with the windows wide open and fresh bread burning in my lap as my friend and I scream our lungs out to the lyrics and giggle about how her stepfather will be pissed at us if there are crumbs on his new car seats or rugs. Just hearing that song years later still brings back the moment as though it happened just yesterday. Keeping track of these things (my album is full of "song of the moment" and "right now" entries) as well as of myself is the reason why I scrap. I have always been the photographer in my social circles and realised a few years back that there was literally this gap in my life without any pictures of me in my possession. It seemed so crazy to not have a single proper picture of me for almost 24 months! I had to text, call, email people just to find some pictures I was in from that time. Not a single good close-up portrait. So now, I have a weekly selfie. And it feels good! (even when it's a bad hair day or I'm feeling lousy/sick)
There are still things that I'm not sure whether I want to keep in my albums or not. When I hesitate, I just leave a note hidden behind another journal card/picture about the fact just in case. Like the terrorist attack of last month here on the French Riviera. I was worried sick about a few friends and the safety check on Facebook took a while before it was activated so we went from celebrating our national day to suddenly just sitting down, trying to reach our friends who were there and being unable to, to just waiting with our eyes glued to our screens. For a couple of hours or so. Do I want to keep that memory now or not? I'm not sure. There is a note hidden behind a picture and if I ever want to, I can always go back. Right now, I just keep moving forward with my present day collecting of little and bigger moments that I find important to me.
Memory preserving is part of the reason, but self-care and just using some time to actually focus on myself while having fun (I love editing in Photoshop as much as picking out the right die-cut!) and quiet time on my own is another.
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Post by ecvnj58 on Aug 21, 2016 22:02:24 GMT
I started scrapbooking as a creative outlet. I scrapbooked for 10 years without kids. It's basically page after page of drinking shenanigans and vacations and drinking shenanigans on vacation. Around when I had kids though it started to change. I'm now much more interested in journaling and often journal straight to them and talk about mommy and daddy. My best friend lost her mom at a very young age and often just says she wants to hear her and know what she was like. This is how I'm recording the memories of me and my husband and how much we love our girls.
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Post by chaosisapony on Aug 21, 2016 22:43:03 GMT
I started scrapping primarily for an artistic outlet. I used to do paintings but my living situation changed and I couldn't easily paint anymore, so I took up scrapbooking. I worked at a scrapbook store and would often make layouts for display there that had no photos and I really enjoyed making them every bit as much as making my own layouts with photos. My earliest pages have no titles and no journaling, it wasn't what I was concerned with. Now I love using my brain and coming up with a clever title for my pages and I'd say about 50% of my layouts have journaling. I don't enjoy journaling at all but I've realized that when I look back through my albums the pages I enjoy the most have journaling. The journaling helps me remember little details I'd forgotten and adds another dimension to the page. So my primarily artistic expression approach has been slowly evolving into a more memory driven approach.
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kate
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Post by kate on Aug 22, 2016 17:52:38 GMT
So all my cute baby layouts are very much 'sweet girl!' and 'giggles!' - there's no reality in there. It's okay to just scrap the happy stuff, IMHO. Sometimes, in the midst of really hard times like the OP described, those little moments of "sweet girl" and "giggles" are what keep us going, even if they are just tiny drops of water in a desert of awfulness. I'm mostly a cardmaker, though I sometimes use my cardmaking supplies/skills to preserve memories on a scrapbook page. I'm definitely in it for the therapeutic and creative aspects. I'm not the best artist on the block, and I love that i don't HAVE to be. I'm a professional musician, and as much as I love what I do, often there is not much room for "falling short." In my cardmaking, the feeling I pour into my work IS enough. Also, if I goof up, I cover it with a flower embellishment, and nobody's wedding day is ruined (unlike goofing up as the paid musician at the wedding...) My kids love the few scrapbook pages I have made, but I feel no urgency to scrap their whole lives. I'll make some more pages, I'm sure - maybe after I retire, when the house is empty and I long to relive those days!
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Post by dulcemama on Aug 23, 2016 14:06:21 GMT
It's all artistic for me. I have virtually no journaling on my pages or even identifying people on there. (I pretty much photograph the same 10 people. If you can't figure out who they are by album 27, that's on you.) About half have titles, and then they are play on words because I like that. Very similar for me. There is a part of me that is doing memory keeping but not in a detailed kind of way. I don't really care about dates (although I add them sometimes if it works with the page) or documenting who what where when. I am more interested in the feelings and try to use the way I embellish, and sometimes the title, to tell about that. I am very much a visual thinker so this is my natural form of storytelling, I think.
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Post by lauralaforest on Aug 27, 2016 12:28:16 GMT
I used to scrapbook just for the fun, creative art that it is. Pretty much stuck a title down and maybe a few strips of journaling. However in the last few years, probably since having grand babies, my scrapbooking is totally about telling the story. Sure I still do some very simple, no words layouts, but mostly of my pages now include the story, good or bad. I have also gotten more into scrapbooking about myself which I think is important to leave as a legacy.
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Post by seemownay on Aug 27, 2016 15:45:33 GMT
I'm so glad I read this topic even if I thought at first it didn't apply to me. I have started with Project Life in August 2014 when we had just decided to change our lives completely and my husband was away for 4 months. Most days I was exhausted, I am a positive person but still, raising kids is very challenging for me. I really do need those small rewards and a sense of accomplishment. And this you (or at least I) rarely have with my sons. Yes, I do get feedback from teachers and people from outside about my lovely kids but these are sparse. So: even though I scrapbook (Layouts more than Project Life) for a creative outlet and to as a final goal so to say preserve memories and give a scrapbook to each of my sons when they are grown up, it soon became clear to me, that it was mostly therapeutic. Apart from the therapeutic aspect of being crafty and relaxing while scrapbooking, it gave me so much more: I found that my life was so much more than being a mom and doing all of the crappy things I don't like. And being a good example and repeating myself over and over again. There was moments right there that were beautiful, memorable in my everyday and I was just too busy to cherish them. So I was able to do this in retrospect a couple of weeks later which gave me strength to keep on going.
When you wrote about Kitty s start into her life, the worries you had, don't you think it would help you heal?
Thanks for bringing this up!
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