My Scrapbook Albums ~ Thursday Thirteen

I believe that most are aware of my passion for creating scrapbooks. I have been collecting photographs, stories and memorabilia for as long as I can remember. I first discovered 'modern scrapbooking' in the summer of 2000. I wanted to document the years I'd spent as an elementary science specialist - a position I had come to love. I had found my calling - my true self. I wanted to grab onto the memories I had built and hold onto them forever.

I thereby began a quest to share my memories in an organized and yet, aesthetically pleasing way. My MIL had been subscribing to a number of scrapbook magazines and I had always been entranced by the colorful pages and the creative outlet this new hobby provided. I jumped in.

Over the years I have created countless pages. I have destroyed some of the earlier pages in effort to re-do them as my style has evolved. I've since learned NOT to do that... I've learned that even the early pages tell a story of who I am and where I've been. I've attended the Creating Keepsakes convention, taken scrapbook classes (both online and in local scrapbook stores), and even taught classes myself. The industry has grown and evolved over the years and I have grown and evolved right along with it.

I no longer consider myself a scrapbooker, however. Like many who enjoy this craft, the term scrapbooker doesn't completely fit me or what I do. Ali Edwards recently coined the term life artist as one who, most simply, captures life and creates art. When I first heard her use this term I thought to myself, "That's me!" I recently purchased her new book Life Artist and have been devouring every page since it arrived on my doorstep. "Life artists recognize that life consists of both good and bad, that our experiences are a sum of who we really are, that there is beauty in sharing authentic stories, even the so-called imperfect ones."

I have many, many albums. When I first started, I made only 12x12 pages. I love the square format and the incredible amount of space it provides. When the children started to pick up the albums themselves, I realized that the big 12x12 albums were too difficult, too heavy, for them to carry. In 2005, I thereby switched to all 8x8. I am starting to regret that decision. I kinda wish I had stuck with 12x12. The pictures are so much bigger. Bolder. I just keep repeating to myself, "It's okay." "Embrace imperfection." Soon, I will come to believe it (...at least I hope so).

Anyway, I thought I might document the albums/books that I have ... both in progress and completed (basically 13 main albums, hence my participation in T13 - I didn't count all the little 6x6 or accordion style albums). I have so many, I need another book shelf on which to display them!

Family Albums

• The first 3 volumes (1996 - 2004) are 12x12 and feature only DH and I as a couple (as well as extended family and friends) until Sweetie was born in Sept 2002. They are all chronological and include holidays and vacations.
• The fourth volume (2005 - 2007) is 8x8.
• The fifth volume will be 8 1/2 x 11 and will begin in Jan '08. I'm attempting to break out of my square box. :)

All About Me 12x12

Sweetie's Albums

• First Year (Sept '02 - Sept '03 / 12x12)
• Toddler Years vol. 1 (Oct '03 - Dec '05 / 12x12)
• Toddler Years vol. 2 (Jan '05 - Dec '07 / 8x8)
• Grade School Years (Jan '08 - ?? / 8x8)
  

Buddy's Albums

• First Year (Feb '05 - Feb '06 / 12x12)
• Toddler Years vol. 1 (Mar '06 - present / 12x12)

In 2005, I also opted to have separate albums for specific events like our annual camping trip to Indian Mary and other thematic albums. All are 8x8 unless noted otherwise.

• Hawaii
• Disneyland (12x12 because I couldn't find an 8x8 album I liked)
• Indian Mary
• Perspectives
  
• Oregon (unfinished)
• Family Legacy (my family history/genealogy album)
• Our Wedding
• Christmas (Santa - a little peek)
  
• Childhood Memories (Mud Lake - another peek)
  

I also have a few albums in mind that I would like to create sometime soon. I'll Keep Running. All About Him. His Childhood Memories. His Family Legacy. A Week in the Life. December Daily.

Can you tell, I love Ali's work?! I am continually inspired by her and I love her simple, graphic style.

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