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I admit it: I have boxes full of pictures and little trinkets that I swore I would put in a scrapbook one day. And I thought I should do a book for each kid, but now there are four kids! And I haven't even started on the first book. Any tips? Any groups? Any stores? Anything? I am starting to feel the need to capture my memories in an organized and creative way.

I used to be a consultant with a very good scrapbooking company, and really would like to get back into it, but with 5 kids and one more on the way...I've been hesitant! Eventually, I'll get there. Until then...

If you want to start simple, get a Scrapbook kit. I've seen them at Wal-Mart for like, $15. They include the scrapbook, paper, page protectors, and embellishments.

Also, one thing my neighbor does is create the same layout at the same time for all three of her kids. They may have different themes, but creating the same layout helps her to get three pages done quickly, and then she adds each child's pictures to the appropriate page.

I know some women who actually get hotel rooms together and scrap all weekend long in one of the hotel's conference rooms. I've never done it, but it sounds great! If you look into contacting a consultant from a major scrapbooking company, (Close To My Heart or Creative Memories for example), often times the consultants can tell you about group events.

Good luck!

P.S. Is this your way of "nesting" this time around?

Hahaha! I do think I am nesting. Although, my husband is cleaning out the garage as I write this. Do men nest?

I think that doing the same layouts for each kid is a really great idea. I am going to keep that in mind. First, I have to find the kids a scrapbook. Wow. I am going to need 4 scrapbooks! Let me know if you see any good sales on scrapbooks!!

I haven't got to scrapbook in over 3 yrs!! I am having withdrawal every time I think about it.
Now there are so many neat things on the market that I wouldn't even know where to begin.
I have no idea when I will be able to scrapbook again. Maybe I need to set aside some time each week that is me time when the kids are in bed and do some.
Or get my kids into it. I think they would love it too!

Just thought I would let you know that a lot of times I find nice scrapbooks at Big Lots for a cheap price. They usually have the pages in them plus the page protectors. I picked up two there last week and they were only $5 each. The only problem is that you have to look elsewhere for extra pages if you were going to add more.

Also wanted to put a plug in for finding a good consultant from a company (currently am using Creative Memories) as was mentioned earlier. My consultant does 12 hour crops once a month at her house for a small fee (lunch and snacks provided). I try to make that my day away each month and you really can get a lot done, especially if you list your page ideas and have pictures sorted before you go. I once did like 23 pages or so at one of her 12 hour crops. It is hard to scrapbook at home with kids around so I live for those times when I can get away to work on the scrapbooks. Luckily I have a wonderful husband who feels it is just as important as I do to document our lives in that special way.

Ooooh that is SO overwhelming! Maybe just do a book for all kids together? Make it totally random and creative in that way

want to hear something totally disgusting...i have a friend that makes a blank scrapbook as a shower gift whenever anyone is having a baby. I mean the thing has like 24 pages, one for each month of the first two years...

my sister attends all night crops as she calls them. they are awesome therapy she says! I haven't scrapped in a couple of years myself. maybe when house is finished and we move i can find some time...

You know, I love all of these ideas. And who is your friend that makes scrapbooks for baby showers? Does she need another friend? LOL. I think I may do what Dr. M recommended and begin with one book filled with random pages. That probably reflects my real life a little better any way

My grandma scraps and has created a book for all three of her sons and her 4 grandkids too. She had the brilliant idea of copying some of the pages she made and then sticking them in the other books when she thought one of the siblings or cousins (or kids) would appreciate that specific page...just another idea on cutting down time and filling up the books!

Really good tips and you know when I begin my book (or books...who knows) I will post pictures!

Hey, Scrappingmom (or anyone else for that matter). Can you hook me up with a good consultant? My Creative Memories consultant...consults no longer. I need not so much the supplies, as in the days BC (before children) I had the time, energy and money to buy every supply I think I'll need in my lifetime, LOL! But what I'm looking for is someone who schedules sessions or parties every now and again, so I can actually put something on my calendar to do it. Left to myself, there is always something to get in my way of scrapbooking time. But if someone schedules something, and I say I'll be there...I'll be there. Anyone got a name for me?

I am a horrible scrap-booker! I have boxes as well..with the albums sitting on top...haha..but I did go to a Creative Memories party one time and the rep was really sweet...here is her info TripleAmom
Lark Kelsey
Your Creative Memories Consultant
352-376-2404
http://www.mycmsite.com/Lark
your life / your story / your way

www.larkslife.blogspot.com

Gracias....I will give her a call!

hey before you buy anything remember to check out ebay. i buy a lot of supplies from different ebay stores. shipping is not bad and when you think of how much you save on the items, it still is cheaper and you can order right online. i hate shopping anymore...

if you're not able to get in touch with her, here's the page with several in our area.

http://www.creativememories.com/Find-a-Consultant/Resul...32669&mode=ByAddress