With information about climate change all around us and recycling activities reaching their highest ever, people are finding all sorts of ways creative and innovative of re-using items and materials.

Scrapbooking is taking the art and craft industry by storm, as crafters build books of mementos and photographs, artistically put together using scraps of paper, lace, buttons, pictures and card. The idea is to build a scrap book where the decoration adds to the theme of the book, providing a layout and background based on the event or individual that it celebrates.

Holidays, the birth of a new baby, weddings, christenings and special birthdays and anniversaries are likely to the kick-start that gets scrapbookers (or scrappers) creating their first scrap book. Once they get the bug there are all kinds of avenues for inspiration; scrapbooking websites, magazines, clubs and a plethora of blogs and the occasional forum! As well as creative ideas, these media provide advice and support as crafters share information and scrapbook templates with each other, creating their own social network of art and craft enthusiasts.

Scrapbooking supplies, kits and even template albums can all be purchased by the beginner to get these memory creations going. It seems that once bitten, scrappers can become almost obsessive, creating scrapbooks for every person and life event. Pretty soon I’m sure we’ll find therapist websites for craft and scrapbook obsessions!