My Technical Definition of Scrapology

SCRAPOLOGY

What is Scrapology?

Scrapology refers to the knowledge and science of Scrap. Scrap involves small pieces of something larger, and in this case it refers to all the small pieces combined that make up the art of scrapbooking. Scrapbooking preserves personal and family memories in the form of a scrapbook (photo album) by turning family photos into creative pages, often as a part of a distinct layout, and then inserting the completed pages into sheet protectors, which are then collected in 3-ring binders.

How did it develop?

Marielen Christensen is sometimes credited with turning scrapbooking from what was once just the age-old scrapbook hobby (a time where embellishments where not used) into a new industry with businesses devoted specifically to the sale and manufacturing of scrapbooking supplies (Jarvik). By 1980, she had assembled over fifty volumes and was invited to display them at the World Conference on Records. Marielen and her husband AJ authored and published a how-to book, Keeping Memories Alive, and opened a scrapbook store in 1981 that has since closed. Keeping Memories Alive was also the first company to launch a scrapbook Internet site.

What is a Layout?

A very important step in making a scrapbook would be creating a layout. A layout is an arrangement of pictures, embellishments (ornaments/decorations) and decorative paper layered on top of each other on a 12X12 cardstock. Cardstock is thicker and more durable form of paper. 

Analysis of Parts:

·         Paper- Choosing scrapbooking paper is the first step when creating a layout. The patterned paper shown on Figure 1 (below) is used as a background to accent the photograph and decorate the page. The collection used above is reversible, and it comes in color coordinating shades; This becomes useful when creating more than one layout with the same collection.

·         Embellishments- Stickers, buttons, ribbons, brads, photo corners, journal cards, rhinestones, enamel dots, tags, flowers, sequences, bows,  and anything else you want can be used as embellishments.

·         Stamps- Both rubber and clear stamps are used it layouts.

·         Photo-Any photograph worth preserving.

·         Thickers- Thickers add dimension and elegance to your layouts; they are of archival-quality materials and come in a variety of fonts and colors.

 

FIGURE 1: Basic Layout

Title: You Are Amazing-Designed by Karla M. Alvarado 

How is it used?

Scrapbooking does not only refer to making layouts. It can be anything from making a card, a tag or even altering regular items with scrapbooking materials to make a something pretty.

Scrapbooking allows for an individual to express themselves by using pictures and images instead of writing, as you would in a Diary; Scrapbooking is a very therapeutic hobby. It can be used for normal memory keeping as well as a tool to help a person cope with traumatic events and progression; a scrapbook may be used to document personal events (Thibo Carnes 39-47).

Are there any new products available today?

Project Life- Project Life is a different approach to scrapbooking that was created to simplify the process. It requires no glue, no scissors, no tools, and no skills of any kind. The design of project life takes the guess work out of layout design so that you can focus on recording your everyday moments through your photos and journaling (Becky Higgins). The simple design is cute and makes it possible for you to complete more pages in less time.

There are only three basic things you need to complete an album (using project life):

1. A 12x12 Binder

2. Project Life® Core Kit

3. Big Pack of Photo Pocket Pages

 Bringing people together?

In addition to preserving memories, the hobby is popular for the strong social network that scrapbooking can provide (Murphy). Sharing the scrapbooking hobby with others often allows for the individuals to get together and scrapbook at each other's homes, local scrapbook stores, scrapbooking conventions and retreat centers. A well known retreat center for scrapbooking is, The Memory Lane Inn, located in both McKinney and Tyler Texas. 

Works Cited

Jarvik, Elaine. "Memories & Mementos." DeseretNews.com. N.p., 23 Apr. 1997. Web. 26 Nov. 2013. <http://www.deseretnews.com/article/556430/Memories--mementos.html?pg=all>.

Thibo Carnes, Jeanne. "Journal of Clinical Activities, Assignments & Handouts in Psychotherapy Practice." Google Scholar, 22 Oct. 2008. Web. 23 Nov. 2013. <http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J182v02n03_05>.

"About Project Life®." Becky Higgins. Becky Higgins, LLC, 2013. Web. 23 Nov. 2013. <http://beckyhiggins.com/about-project-life/>.

Murphy, Kate. "Business; Catering to a Love Affair With the Past." The New York Times. The New York Times, 28 Dec. 2003. Web. 26 Nov. 2013. <http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/28/business/business-catering-to-a-love-affair-with-the-past.html>.