In an era where technology digitally catalogues every moment of our lives, storing physical keepsakes might appear redundant. Yet, it is precisely this contrast that makes the practice so enchanting and meaningful.
My Rookie Era: Scrapbooking as a Sentimental Time Capsule
I had always associated scrapbooking with grandmas and bored children, so imagine my surprise when, as a twentysomething with a professional job, I found myself enamoured by printing, cutting, and sticking random bits and bobs into a book. Unlike traditional journalling, this activity involves using glossy pictures and ribbon scraps to explore emotions in a language only I can decipher.
The Rise of Craft-Inspired Social Media
If you have racked up a disconcerting amount of screen time, you may have stumbled across a multitude of craft-inspired social media posts, primarily made by young women. Described as "junk journalling," this hobby is distinguishable by an affinity for collecting and storing physical mementoes such as tickets, receipts, packaging, and Polaroids.
Why Scrapbooking Beats Digital Alternatives
Before dabbling in scrapbooking, I experimented with its less flashy cousin, journalling. However, I found that writing sappy feelings and reading them later felt utterly humiliating. Why do all my sad thoughts read as melodramatic teen angst? With scrapbooking, I am able to speak in a language only I can decipher, using glossy pictures and quirky miscellanea like ribbon scraps, brand labels, and gemstone stickers.
This creative process allows me to create a sentimental time capsule that I can peruse whenever I like, offering a tangible connection to my memories and emotions.
The Accessibility and Joy of Scrapbooking
The real fun of scrapbooking is that you do not need to be "good" at it. All you require are scissors, glue, paper, and the joie de vivre of a toddler. It is an intimate, meditative, and aesthetically pleasing pastime that provides a creative outlet away from digital screens.
If archaeologists stumbled across my scrapbook decades from now, they would be puzzled by what I was trying to say. But that is part of the charm—it is a personal artefact, unique to my experiences and perspective.
A Social and Relaxing Activity
Scrapbooking is something I can enjoy with friends. I have wrangled plenty of mates into trying it, and they often say, "This is a lot more fun than I thought" and "Who knew this would be so relaxing?" Many have expressed keen interest in picking up the activity for themselves, which is music to my arty ears.
While I highly doubt this hobby makes me look cool, my scrapbook has grown to mammoth proportions, and I go through my fair share of glue and paper. At least I can feel like a celebrity whenever I step into my local Officeworks, surrounded by supplies for my creative endeavours.
In a world dominated by digital records, scrapbooking offers a refreshing, hands-on way to preserve memories and express oneself. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of physical keepsakes and the joy of creating something uniquely personal.
