Skip to Content

Once I Wanted to Be a Scrapbooker…

craft supplies colored card stock and scissors

Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Once upon a time in my life pre-children, I wanted to be a scrapbooker. It was only a mild interest as I transitioned from high school to college. I had so many pictures and memories I wanted to put together. The kit started it all. Someone gave me a little starter kit that had an album, plastic sleeves, colored paper, and some stickers. I sorted through tons of photographs and cut out quotes from magazines.

Sure, I pasted a handful of pictures into the book and doodled inside jokes and names with my glittery pens, but that was as far as I got. The box for the kit got packed away and is still in a storage container in my basement today.

My desire to scrapbook re-surged as college ended. I wanted to be crafty and have a creative outlet besides writing. Hobbies are good to have right? Ones that don’t involve a video game controller, I mean.

It hit an all time high while I was working third shift at a group home for disabled children. I somehow took over decorating the bulletin board for seasons and holidays. I went above and beyond and they loved it – the kids and staff. I had a knack for it! Clearly I had hidden talents.

Despite having stacks of pictures, I decided I needed more supplies before I could begin scrapbooking. I bought special paper, edging scissors, buttons, stamps, stickers, quotes, more paper, cutouts, a die cutting machine….

My hobby became buying scrapbook supplies.  I was like an insane woman going to craft shops and bidding for things on eBay but I never made a thing. I literally spent hundreds of dollars on supplies I never opened. Buying was fun… actually sitting down and doing it was not.

Eventually I quit buying useless (for me) supplies. I used some of the stuff I had for other projects so I guess it wasn’t a complete waste. Too bad I also bought candle and soap making supplies before I realized I was doing it again. A few years ago I gave away and sold whatever unused supplies I could from all three failed hobbies.

I just wasn’t cut out for it, I guess.

Have you ever tried to start a hobby but quit along the way?

Kecia

Sunday 24th of February 2013

I have a drawer full of scrapbooking supplies. I've been meaning to make one for our marriage and a second one for our kiddo. I have two pages done of the first one (our life together) and haven't even begun my son's. I always see other people's scrapbooks and I want to do it so bad, but never quite find the time...

Darcy Zalewski

Wednesday 27th of February 2013

There are some amazing ones I've seen! I think that intimidates me a little too because I can't seem to make mine look how I imagine them in my head.

Karen

Saturday 23rd of February 2013

I am so with you on the BUYING of supplies. I have a cute little case from Creative Memories (are they even still around?!) from say 15 years ago! Several brand new, unused books, papers, stickers, etc. I think I've made like 10-12 pages that I did back then during "scrap parties" and not a single page since....

Darcy Zalewski

Sunday 24th of February 2013

I kept planning to attend scrap parties but none of my friends were into it! The supplies are so fun though.

Elle

Friday 22nd of February 2013

I tried beading once. My aunt was really into it and tried to get me into it. I did not have the patience for it.

I used to crochet. I did a lot of that...aftgans and doilies. But then my wrist started hurting really bad so I sort of quit...and then I got into gaming...haven't really done anything remotely crafty since then.

Darcy Zalewski

Saturday 23rd of February 2013

Oh my, crocheting. I've tried SO many times to learn but I just can't do it. I can make one long chain but I cannot make another row. I just can't and its really sad lol

Samantha

Friday 22nd of February 2013

I have the same problem!! I have so much scrapbooking supplies but no time to do it in. With 4 kids and one on the way, my time is very much accounted for.

Darcy Zalewski

Saturday 23rd of February 2013

Maybe you can get them to do it! I shouldn't say my supplies were a complete waste, they came in handy at times to make a card quick or gift tags. I kinda wish I had everything still but I know it would just sit there.

Nicoyle

Thursday 21st of February 2013

I tried scrapebooking at one time, when my girls were younger. I did maybe two or three pages with a few pictures of them and the little stickers and stuff, but I got bored with it. I couldn't see the thrill in it I guess.

Darcy Zalewski

Saturday 23rd of February 2013

I think it appeals a lot to crafty artistic types because they love to design those pages. I have the passion but not the ability so I never get anything done!