Fall in love with Scrapbooking this February! Learn why it's more than just paper and photos

We’ve all been there, you pop round to Nan’s house and she pulls out the photo album. Before you know it, you’re flicking through photographs of your dad as a baby, splashing around with rubber ducks in the bath.

While this process can be downright hilarious (from the expressions on Dad’s face to that very bold green bathtub), it’s easy to assume that scrapbooking is a little old-fashioned.

But scrapbooking today is so much more than faded photos and dusty albums. It’s a creative, expressive, and surprisingly modern hobby and one that truly is for everyone.

Let’s take a closer look at what scrapbooking really is, how it’s evolved, and why it’s a perfect creative addition to your everyday life (and your craft supplies!).

What Is Scrapbooking?

Scrapbooking is a creative hobby that allows people to preserve, document, and arrange personal memories in one place, typically within a scrapbook. It combines elements of:

• Collage
• Journaling
• Illustration and mixed media
• Decorative and artistic embellishment

Traditionally, scrapbooking has been used to document key life moments such as family memories, weddings, holidays, and milestones. However, modern scrapbooking has expanded far beyond big events.

Today, scrapbooks celebrate:

• Everyday life
• Small moments
• Personal growth
• Hobbies, interests, and creative exploration

Many people also find scrapbooking to be a therapeutic and mindful practice, helping them slow down, reflect, and create without pressure.

Modern Scrapbooking Trends You’ll Love

Junk Journaling

One of the most popular scrapbooking trends right now is junk journaling. This involves collaging everyday items, things that would usually end up in the bin, into a scrapbook.

Think - receipts, packaging, tickets, scrap paper, notes and lists.

Junk journaling celebrates the beauty of the mundane and often pairs beautifully with daily journaling habits. It’s creative, sustainable, and completely unique to the maker.

Digital Scrapbooking

Alongside traditional scrapbooking, digital scrapbooking is also on the rise. With tools like Canva, CapCut, and social media templates, creating and sharing memory layouts online has never been easier.

Many scrapbookers even blend both worlds, designing digitally and printing pages to include in physical scrapbooks.

What Do I Need to Get Started With Scrapbooking?

If you’re taking the traditional route, the most important place to start is with a high-quality scrapbook.

Because scrapbooking involves layering papers, photos, paint, and ephemera, your book needs to withstand extra thickness. It also needs to be acid-free to prevent yellowing over time and allow room for natural expansion. A strong wire or binding is also essential, as finished scrapbook pages become much thicker than standard sketchbook pages.

Choosing the Right Scrapbook

We often recommend square-format scrapbooks, as they offer flexibility for both photos and creative layouts.

Within Artgecko’s range, we offer several square book options to suit different scrapbooking styles:

Stashy Sketchbooks

• Skip-bound for added detail
• Ribbon closure for an extra-special finish
• Available in 200gsm acid-free black card or 170gsm kraft paper
• Ideal for junk journaling and memory keeping

Shady Square Gecko Sketchbooks

• 200gsm acid-free black toned card
• Twin-wire binding for easy expansion
• Perfect for bold layouts and photo contrast

Krafty & Classy Square Sketchbooks

• 150gsm acid-free white all-media cartridge paper
• Excellent for collage, watercolour washes, and mixed media
• Krafty, featuring a customisable kraft cover
• Classy featuring a smooth, soft-touch matte laminate cover for a professional finish

Essential Scrapbooking Supplies

Beyond your scrapbook, supplies can be as minimal or as maximal as you like. Your choices will depend on your theme and creative style.

Some popular scrapbooking supplies include high-quality glue or PVA for photos and collage. Fineliners are recommended for journaling and details, whilst watercolours for soft backgrounds. Acrylic or gouache paints are great for bold colours and patterned masking tapes for layering and texture.

The beauty of scrapbooking is that there are no rules, start with what you have and build from there.

Scrapbook Project Ideas to Get You Started

If you’re looking for scrapbook inspiration, here are a few project ideas from our team:

• Wedding album
• Family memories scrapbook
• Relationship milestone book
• Daily scrapbook (one page per day)
• New baby “firsts” book
• Junk journal
• Travel or holiday scrapbook
• Hobby scrapbook (fishing trips, fashion, art, sport)
• Mood or inspiration scrapbook

Top Scrapbooking Tips for Beginners

Pick a Theme

Choosing a theme helps your scrapbook feel cohesive and makes supply selection easier. Try brainstorming words or ideas linked to your theme before you begin.

Choose a Colour Scheme

Colour sets the mood of your scrapbook. Decide whether your book will feel bright, muted, natural, or bold, this can also help you choose the right paper and base book.

Embrace Handmade Elements

Handwritten notes, doodles, and imperfect linework add personality. Your handwriting, scruffy or neat, becomes part of the memory.

Years from now, those personal touches will be just as meaningful as the photos themselves.

Be Mindful Of…

• Avoid using original photographs
• Don’t overcrowd pages, white space matters
• Always note dates, names, and locations
• Consistent page styles help create flow

Final Thoughts

Scrapbooking is a creative hobby that blends nostalgia with modern expression. It’s about telling your story, celebrating everyday moments, and building positive creative habits.

Whether you’re brand new to scrapbooking or returning to it in a fresh way, remember,
scrapbooking is for everyone.

Embrace imperfection, enjoy the process, and let your scrapbook grow alongside you.