A Beginner’s Guide to Memory Keeping.
New to Scrapbooking? You’re in the right place. I help beginners learn how to start scrapbooking, use simple sketches, and preserve memories on page at a time.
If you’ve ever wondered what supplies you need, how to choose photos, or where to begin, this guide will walk you through the basics—from printing photos to creating layouts and organizing completed pages.
✨ What you’ll learn:
✔ How to choose photos
✔ What supplies you actually need
✔ Beginner tools I recommend
✔ How to use scrapbook sketches
✔ How to organize completed pages
Hi! I’m Holly and I’ve helped scrapbookers simplify memory keeping for years, and I’d love to help you create scrapbook pages that preserve the stories and moments that matter most.
Ready to Create Your First Scrapbook Page?
Grab my FREE beginner sketch and follow along step-by-step.
Beginner-friendly layout + video tutorial included
Step 1: Pick ONE Memory to Document
Start small. One story matters.
Don’t start with organizing 15 years of photos. (Nobody needs that pressure.) Start with ONE event or memory.
Ideas:
- Vacation
- Birthday
- Anniversary
- Holiday
- School event
- Family gathering
- Grandkids visit
Ask yourself: What memory would make me smile five years from now? Don’t overthink this step. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s preserving moments that matter.
Step 2: How to Print Photos for Scrapbooking
Photos first. Perfection later.
Pick your favorite photos—not every photo.
How I Print Photos at Home
This list contains affiliate links. By clicking on those links and making a purchase, you are helping to support my small business at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
My favorite printing supplies: https://a.co/d/00CIUpuU
- Printer: Epson PM 400 https://amzn.to/4wrsvdj
- Photo Paper Epson: https://amzn.to/3PsVwoh
- Sizes used most often 4 x 6 & 5 x 7
Step 3: Make It Easy — Start With a Workshop Kit
You do NOT need all the supplies.
Workshop kits are my favorite recommendation because they include coordinated products and remove guesswork.
Recommended Beginner Kits
✔ Each Workshop Kit includes all the supplies needed to make 3-Double Page Layouts
✔ Instructions are included
✔ Designed for beginners & experienced scrapbookers alike— everything is coordinated for you.
👉 Shop Beginner Scrapbooking Kits
Step 4: Essential Scrapbooking Tools for Beginners
The only essentials to begin
Must-Haves:
✂ Paper Trimmer
🖊 Journaling Pen
📎 Stampin’ Seal Adhesive
📐Stampin’ Dimensionals
(Optional: Scissors)
Why I recommend Stampin’ Up! Tools
Over the years, I’ve used a lot of different scrapbooking tools, and I keep coming back to Stampin’ Up! because they’re reliable, durable, and designed to work well together.
When you’re learning something new, frustrating tools can make scrapbooking feel harder than it needs to be.
Quality basics help you spend less time fighting supplies—and more time preserving memories.
You do NOT need everything. A few good essentials go a long way.
✨ My Tip: Start with a paper trimmer, adhesive, journaling pen, and dimensionals. Those four tools will take you surprisingly far.
Step 5: Beginner Scrapbook Sketches to Make Layouts Easier
Scrapbook sketches remove the guesswork.
Think of sketches as a map for where photos and embellishments go—helping you create layouts with more confidence and less overwhelm.
Top 3 Beginner-Friendly Sketches
Click on the photos above to access a FREE scrapbook sketch.
Each sketch includes:
- Sketch image
- Access to additional photos and inspiration
- Step-by-step video tutorial
Want ongoing scrapbook inspiration?
Join my email list to receive future Friday Freebie Sketches, shared most Fridays to help simplify memory keeping and inspire your next layout.
Subscribers receive new sketches—along with tutorials, ideas, and encouragement along the way.
Be sure to join before Fridays at 6:00 PM EST to receive that week’s free sketch.
Miss a free release? Don’t worry.
Past sketches are available for instant download and purchase inside my Friday Sketch Vault.
Because preserving memories shouldn’t feel overwhelming.
Step 6: Protect & Enjoy your memories
You’ve spent a lot of time documenting your stories. Store them in an archival-safe album with page protectors to preserve them for years to come.
Album + Page Protectors = Finished memory keeping
Recommended:
✔ Album Post-Bound or D-Ring
✔ Top-loading protectors
Ready to Create Your First Scrapbook Page?
You do not need a craft room full of supplies or years of experience to start preserving memories.
You simply need:
✔ One Story
✔ A few photos
✔ A place to begin
The pages that matter most aren’t perfect—they capture moments you never want to forget.
Choose your next step:
📧 Get Free Friday Freebies
Receive scrapbook sketches, inspiration, and tutorials delivered to your inbox.
👥 Join My Facebook Community
Connect with other scrapbookers, ask questions, and share what you’re creating.
🎉 Explore Online Classes & Palooza Events
Ready for more guidance? Learn step-by-step with workshops and classes.
Remember: your memories deserve more than staying on your phone. Start with one page. One Story. One moment worth documenting. I’m here to help along the way. Questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave a comment below. I’m happy to help you get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scrapbooking
What supplies do beginners need for scrapbooking?
Start with a few basics: paper trimmer, adhesive, journaling pen, photos, and an album. Workshop kits are a great beginner option because everything is coordinated for you.
How many photos should I use on a scrapbook page?
Beginners often find 5–10 photos from one event easiest. Fewer photos help tell a clear story without feeling overwhelming.
Is scrapbooking expensive?
Scrapbooking can fit many budgets. Start with a workshop kit and a few basic tools—you don’t need everything at once.
What size scrapbook album should beginners buy?
Many beginners start with a 12 x 12 album because it gives plenty of room for photos and journaling. Post-bound and D-ring albums are both great options.
Can I scrapbook without lots of supplies?
Yes! You only need a few basic tools to get started. The goal is preserving memories—not collecting products.
What’s the easiest way to start memory keeping?
Choose one memory, 5–10 photos, and a simple sketch or kit. Start small and focus on telling the story.
How do I choose photos for a scrapbook page?
Pick photos from one event, trip, or milestone. Choose the images that best tell the story—not every photo you took.
Do I need to be creative or artistic to scrapbook?
Nope. Scrapbooking is about preserving memories, not perfection. Sketches and kits make it easy for beginners.
Are scrapbook sketches helpful for beginners?
Yes! Sketches act like a roadmap for placing photos and designing layouts, making scrapbooking feel less overwhelming.
What’s the difference between scrapbooking and memory keeping?
Scrapbooking often focuses on layouts and creativity, while memory keeping emphasizes preserving stories and moments. Both celebrate memories that matter.
Still have questions?
I’m happy to help! Leave a comment below or email me at [email protected]. You don’t have to figure out scrapbooking alone.