Share Memories:
9 Tips for Scrapbooking with your Daughter
by Lisa Murphy
What if we said you could have quality time with your kids while indulging in a hobby that you love? We spoke to three crafty moms who discovered it's possible when they began scrapbooking with their daughters. “It's such an easy way to bond,” says Jennifer Harrison, mother of six-year-old Magnolia in Orem, Utah. “Instead of feeling resentful that I have a hobby, my daughter's excited to experience it with me!”
If the thought of your daughter with scissors and a glue stick makes you nervous, relax. Mother-daughter scrapbooking is about sharing memories, not perfection. Here are nine tips to get you started.
1. Let her make the first move.
When Rhonna Farrer's daughters, Jaya, 10, and Tali, 9, started giving her unsolicited advice on her layouts, she knew they had a knack. “When I'd place something, they'd say, ‘Mom, it would look better there,'” says the Orem, Utah mom with a laugh. “Forcing is not the way to get them into something – make them a part of the process.”
2. Get inspired online.
Check out the Creating Garden at Two Peas in a Bucket on Kaboose to discover which layout and theme ideas appeal to your daughter most. Themes like being a girl, holidays and pets are surefire winners. “The community, the supplies and the examples at twopeasinabucket.com have been a constant source of inspiration,” says Harrison . Don't forget to download some clip art to help pull your theme pages together, too.
3. Shop for scrapbooking goodies together.
“What young girl doesn't like picking out neat paper and stickers?” asks Jennifer Paziuk, mom of 12-year-old Madison in Oakville, Ont. “Start with a fun topic like her birthday or Halloween and just have fun!” If you're a novice, read our list of what you need to get started before you head to the store. Or, shop online!
4. Get ready for your scrapbooking night.
“Gather your materials: six to eight photos relating to a theme, paper, glue or tape and stickers or embellishments,” says Paziuk. “Be sure that you have a block of uninterrupted time to spend together, too.” Keeping it simple and having everything ready to go will keep your daughter focused and interested.
5. Make it a party.
Farrar likes to inject some fun into her mother-daughter scrapbooking sessions. “Get some good music going, light some deliciously-scented candles and let the party start,” she says. Just be sure to keep drinks and snacks away from the scrapbook area, adds Paziuk.
6. Give her free rein.
“Help your daughter if she asks for it but otherwise let her feel free to create,” says Farrer. “Positive feedback is huge and will encourage them to continue,” she adds. If she wants to do a page about her pizza party or her favorite song, why not?
7. Take inspiration from her.
Working alongside your daughter can boost your own pages, especially if you incorporate some of her thoughts and phrases. “I love to quote Magnolia in my titles and journaling,” says Harrison . “My pages have more meaning with her input and her versions sitting beside mine.” Visit the PeaNut Gallery for great examples of journal and title pages.
8. Share your layouts, and more.
“Some of our favorite pages are of family vacations and get-togethers,” says Paziuk. “It encourages dialogue about values and emphasizes how much fun it is to spend time with family – especially important at a time when kids try to ‘break away'.” For ideas on how to commemorate your last family trip, check out these travel layouts.
9. Focus on the moment, not the page.
“It's so important to remember that perfect design and colors don't matter as much as a perfect experience,” says Harrison. “When my daughter sees a page with something she added, she beams with pride.”
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