By Kaitlyn Byrne
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Finding creative and affordable holiday gifts can be difficult, but one possible solution to this dilemma is to make scrapbooks for loved ones.

Alana Cecil of Independence, who has been scrapbooking for seven years, said a scrapbook can be a special gift that will still be meaningful to the recipient years down the road.

“I love making a scrapbook for a gift because people will still look back at it long after I’ve given it to them and remember all the good times recorded in it,” Cecil said. “Scrapbooks are special because the person creating it puts so much thought into making it meaningful for the person receiving it.”

In addition to making great gifts, Cecil said scrapbooks can also provide an opportunity for holiday fellowship.

“Scrapbook parties are a good way to get together with friends and just enjoy being together while making scrapbook pages,” Cecil said. “You can have a holiday-themed scrapbook party where lots of friends and families get together and have fun while making Christmas gifts.”

Kathy Nash, a graphic design assistant with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said scrapbooks can be as elaborate or as simple as the creator desires.

“Anyone can make a scrapbook, even a young child. A child could make a scrapbook to give to a parent or grandparent,” Nash said.

Nash said it is important for people new to scrapbooking to start out small and build their way up to more elaborate projects.

“It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you start a scrapbook project. Start out with a small book and don’t go overboard buying supplies,” Nash said. “Keep it simple at first, because if you have too many options, you won’t know where to start.”

Digital scrapbooks are a viable alternative to traditional scrapbooks for those with less space. Nash said digital scrapbooks are also usually more affordable than traditional scrapbooks.

“You can use computer programs to make some really unique pages using all kinds of neat effects,” Nash said. “And because you can scan in the scrapbook pages and paper you like, you need fewer supplies. Another plus is the fact that with digital images, you don’t have to make copies before cutting them up for a scrapbook page.”

Organization is essential when working on a scrapbook. A seemingly simple scrapbook project can quickly take over the entire room. Nash said digital scrapbooks can help eliminate clutter by reducing scrapbook supplies.

“If I’m working on a project where I’m using all the paper, decorations and gadgets, I have a tendency to spread everything all over the room,” Nash said. “When making a digital scrapbook, I have a tendency to be more organized.

“If you have all of your materials scanned and have an idea of your layout, everything is in the computer so all you have to do is print it out. For me, doing it digitally prevents clutter,” she said.