Sources of Scrapbooking Inspiration

• Scrapbooking magazines: You can find monthly inspiration in several scrapbooking and paper arts magazines (publishers often use reader contributions). Buy a few issues before subscribing to make sure that you like the style of the publication.
• Scrapbooking books: Start with a few scrapbooking books­—from how-to guides by single authors to idea books compiled by magazine publishers—and add to your collection as you solidify your style and interests.
• Scrapbooking crops: Crops are scrapbooking get-togethers where you spend several hours working on projects side-by-side with other scrappers. A crop can be as modest as a few friends at your house or as many as 100 people paying a fee to scrap together in a large public space. Your local scrapbooking store is likely to host crops or know of ones in your community.
• Scrapbooking classes: Scrapbooking stores frequently offer classes to teach new techniques, introduce new products, and bring people into the store. Look for a beginning class, or jump right into an intermediate one if you’re ready for it. Also look for scrapbooking conventions or meetings that offer a variety of classes.
• Scrapbooking kit clubs: Monthly scrapbooking kit clubs are very popular. Sign up for one month or a longer subscription and you’ll receive a box of coordinating materials that are good for making several layouts. Many of these kits also have online galleries showing how other scrapbookers have used the kit.
• Online scrapbooking communities: Some of your best scrapping friends could be people you’ve never even met and communicated with only through an online scrapping message board. Online communities are great places to upload your layouts and ask questions. You’ll get a chance to chat with people all over the world and ask for their input on your projects.