I need to scrapbook again

I'm sorry you're going through so much.

Maybe just start documenting.... taking pictures with a purpose, then writing things about the experience either on paper or on the back of the photo when you get it printed. Maybe blogging on a free site specifically to document and keep track of memories.

If you do decide to start you can keep it small. One album and one paper pack. You definitely don't have to start with all the stuff to make it meaningful (the stuff can come later, lol).

I am so sorry that you are going through so much. Hugs and prayers to you. I would go through my pictures or take some pictures and just think about what you want to say and show on the page. Then go through your stash and also go visit a scrapbooking store or Michael’s to see what they have and that you  would like to use on a layout. Then maybe look at taking a class at Michael’s or Joannes or AC Moore or local scrapbooking store on doing some layouts. 

I'm sorry your going through these tough times.

Have you thought about doing photo books instead of traditional scrapping. I really enjoy digi scrapping, and photo books are very similar. If it's about doing something with paper, then I'd start small, maybe print the photos from a recent trip and work on that. My problem with traditional scrapping was that I got bogged down with all photos and which ones to print. To edit or not to edit, resize or not. Not to mention the perfect paper. I much prefer digi. "Paper" is a download away and re-sizing is not an issue.

That’s a lot to have to go through. Sending you hugs. Of course you feel sad but hopefully you’ll be able to find scrapping a nice way to escape a bit each day. I didn’t scrap at all when I went through breast cancer surgery and chemo years ago. But looking back scrapping happier times would have made me feel better.

Do you have things in your stash that you love? You do start with those. If not you could go to Michael’s or Hobby Lobby and pick up few things and start there or look into maybe getting a kit. When I got back into scrapping watching YouTube videos helped me get started.

Please check back with us and let us know how you’re doing.

I just started again after a long hiatus. I realized I missed it terribly. As others have said the creative process is distracting. 

I began by going through my supplies and doing a bit of organizing. I set up a tiny area that I could leave (my dd and dgd moved with us and I don’t have a dedicated space any more). I am finding great please in it. I also bought a small printer and can just print what I want to scrap (granddaughter is 2 and I hadn’t printed any photos since she was born). 

I hope you’ll get back into it although I totally understand the feeling of being overwhelmed by health issues. I did nothing during the year I dealt with breast cancer except sit on the couch watching Netflix and feeling sorry for myself. 

I have found it hard to get back into scrapping too. After reacquainting myself with my stash I decided to focus on learning some new techniques. That lead to making a mixed media/ smashbook hybrid. I just play with pictures from books and magazines paired with paper and photos that I love or remind me of something. Then I write about it. Ex: raindrop paper inspired me to write about childhood memories of playing in the rain, my love of thunderstorms and memories of some major floods in our community. My family might not get family albums but they will get to know ME better.

We're very close in age and I can't imagine going through cancer - for the second time! - at this stage in life. I hope you battle that b**** and get to go in recovery soon.

The advice above about printing some of your favourite pictures and just sitting down with some paper, embellishments and a pen gets my vote. If you don't have many supplies or need something new to get your creativity going, I suggest looking at the most recent lines and releases, picking one that you both like a lot and can match with your current stash. Buying just a few sheets of paper and a pack of die-cuts or the chipboard shapes to match with a stash-shopped coordinating kit can be a financially wise compromise.

The biggest hurdle is the one you're currently facing: digging into it and getting your crafty fingers unstuck. Watch some YouTube videos of scrapbookers you enjoy or cruise the suggestions posted on the Who do you watch on YouTube? thread that was posted here recently. Gather some supplies and a few photos that really inspire you. And let the craft carry you.

As for your boyfriend: be open with him. No need to hide or worry that he might feel like this is a sign of resignation on your behalf. Tell him you don't want him to think you're sorting your (pretty) papers or preparing your legacy but that you simply need the outlet now more than ever to unplug your mind and lower your stress. This was your hobby up until a couple of years ago, you're picking it up again. That's all. It just happens to be one that deals with memories...

Best of luck with both your battle against the big C and dipping your toes back into scrapbooking. Please keep us updated on how things go.

craftykitten what's your scrapping style? I have a whole room full of crafty supplies which I need to seriously purge, I'd love to send you a box full to get you started. Won't be anything particularly new but if it's new to you it might help inspire you...

what about documenting in a travelers notebook?
a lot of people are doing a 52 Favorites themed book.
It's just one favorite thing from that week - some journaling, maybe a photo or two, embellish if you feel like it.
Something that just gets you being creative in a small space without a lot of pressure

For sure! It may take me a couple of weeks to get something sorted and get it to the PO (work is crazy busy right now, missing my crop at the weekend because of it ) but I'm more than happy to do that for you. It would definitely help if you can give an idea of your likes/dislikes too - be as specific as you like, but even a general idea of your taste/style would be good so I don't send you a bunch of useless tat 

I'm not dealing with any of the crap life's thrown at you, but I know the feeling of being bogged down. Starting with the photos you already have printed would be good - just dive in there.

Another thing to consider is to just look through your photos and see which ones trigger a story you want to scrap. Tag those ones (or move/copy them into a separate folder, depending on your organising method) so you can get a bunch printed with LOs already in mind. 

sorry to hear this...sending prayers for healing to you. If it brings you joy...do it!

sorry about your health issues, craftykitten!!

if you want to scrap again to be creative in some fashion, just go for it!  get a few photos printed that inspire you, pick a couple papers, maybe find a sketch online to make the 'start' easier, and start cutting (your paper, lol).

we don't have kids, so I don't do any sort of 'family chronicling' for future generations, at all-  we have cats and dogs, and they're NOT going to want my photo albums someday!  lol! 

I like to take pics of picturesque landscape scenes when we go places, whether it's just a day trip to a town nearby for lunch or to the art museum for a specific exhibit (as an example, I took >350 pics in just a few hours at an art museum exhibit of Samurai armor).  The picture taking, and the scrapbooking experience afterward, are both for ME.  I like taking photos, I like sifting through my supplies to look at them, and I like cutting / pasting, matching colors and patterns, picking the best embellishments I can, etc. to make scrapbook pages. 

I don't scrapbook with future generations in mind, because there isn't one.  It's just relaxing for me to get into a meditative 'flow' state, whether it's through scrapbooking, coloring with colored pencils, art journaling, doodling, etc.  It is nice to have completed layouts to look back on and 're-live' the memories, but that's not the MAIN purpose of why I scrapbook.  I do it for the process itself, and the positive things that the creative process gives me. 

Big hugs! I'm so sorry for everything you are going through.

I recently read "The Miracle Morning" and I have started getting up 30-45 minutes earlier and scrapping and/or journaling every morning. I'm not much of a morning person, but I'm too tired after work to do anything. Having dedicated time has really helped me get things done and made me feel better about how I'm spending my time. Lots of good suggestions here. I find if I can just walk into my scrap space, I'm way more likely to actually do something. Sometimes walking in the "door" is the best first step.