Home » Health & Wellness » Fibromyalgia » Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking

© Cynthia Webber (Jausten)

Need something to do during the fall months? Something that is enjoyable, yet doesn't increase pain or fatigue? Something that can be done for thirty minutes or less, depending upon how you feel? And something that can easily be stored away after use?

I've found that scrapbooking is the answer. It is not only fun to do but provides me with another outlet for creativity. Scrapbooking isn't difficult, and it isn't necessary to be artistic. It also protects those old pictures for future generations, plus tells a story on each page.

Precious Memories Scrapbooking is where I personally shop. Although it is located in Langley, British Columbia, Canada, online shopping will be available soon. The website provides a bulletin board for questions and answers, discusses theme pages, and is helpful for an expert or a rookie.

The initial cost for supplies was approximately $50.00, and that included a new photo album. After purchasing paper, customers are free to use the die cuts which are available in the store. For online use, this doesn't apply, but there are many scrapbooking stores where die cuts can be used for a minumum charge or the purchase of paper.

Not each page must be a masterpiece. I began with my newest photos, and have been working backwards. Some of my pages are plain, but the photographs of my children and special occasions are now protected from the acid which can destroy the color.

Some days, I spend a very short time organizing pictures, and other days, I will work on only one or two pages. It does require some planning of which pictures to use and which to save in a box.

Removing old photographs from albums is usually the first step, but it isn't necessary. If you have as many photo albums as I do, it can look like a daunting task. But even placing photos in a box, divided by year, person, or occasion will protect against acid and other elements which destroy photographs.

I've managed to redo my wedding album, plus have filled one album with pictures and souvenirs from 1996-1998. Since I've kept my albums in chronological order, I can fill one album with approximately five years worth of information and pictures. Adding pages reduces the number of albums and decreases the cost of purchasing a new album for each year.

Supplies such as acid free pens, glue, and stickers are available and easy to store in a box. Paper can be stored in a filing cabinet.

The copyright of the article Scrapbooking in Fibromyalgia is owned by Cynthia Webber (Jausten). Permission to republish Scrapbooking in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.