Comments on: Does Scrapbooking have a ‘Use By’ Date?

By: karooch

karooch — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:25:15 +0000

I like the idea of abundance Olga.
I hope that becomes the model for the future. It certainly seems to be the direction for music these days.

By: Olga

Olga — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:45:27 +0000

I guess like with everything in life there is the fashion of the moment component and obviously the more you hear of it the more people that want to follow the fashion. On the other hand people might get tired and leave it. I guess that would be something that happens to traditional: it’s too expensive a hobby, it needs lots of space, etc. And I guess that’s the reason people find compelling hybrid, you just need so stuff and most of the time you don’t even need to store it, just go to the shop as you plan for a layout.

A similar debate to this one is taken place in the Open Source world, lots of free things and how can you actually maintain a business, at least a quality one in that environment. And the answer from most people is to “create abundance”. By that they mean to offer a free product so people want to pay for additional services related to it. I guess that after all I have read the ideal would be to offer freebies that might compel people to buy more beautiful kits, and also offer a way to use that stuff, that means offer tutorials and templates so people can learn how to do layouts, how to do a certain technique in a layout, how to make elements, or specific papers, etc. The service part of teaching, tutorials, perhaps scrap for hire, and creating some kind of community place that’s really appealing to people dabbling in scrapbooking, it’s the part that people once they start they will be paying money for. Considering as well that digital is cheaper and there is no problem about locations and distances, it makes more likely that it would survive even in recession times, it’s cheap and provides entertainment and people always needs that and want that.

Thanks for the article and best wishes. :O)

By: Why Scrapbooking needs a Kristina Contes | Scraps Of Mind

Why Scrapbooking needs a Kristina Contes | Scraps Of Mind — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 08:14:46 +0000

[...] Does Scrapbooking have a ‘Use By’ Date? [...]

By: Beka

Beka — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 05:04:18 +0000

Karen, thanks for the kind comments (both Karens, actually). I do think you are right that it is just a break for me. I have never been one for the current trends of scrapbooking (although I love practical innovations to make it easier). Some of my favorite layouts have featured found objects. I do digi scrap some, but haven’t had the time to hone my skills yet.

By: karooch

karooch — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 04:48:23 +0000

I love the fantastic comments that this article has encouraged. I’m already eyeing off my walls in anticipation of pictograph scrapping Kayla.

And Hope you are obviously scrapping ‘right’. The whole point is that you should be getting what you want out of it. If scrappers focus too much on what everybody else is doing and not what they want to get out of it, then I would think they will be susceptible to the ‘fad’ syndrome.

By: Hope

Hope — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 04:06:13 +0000

I am reminded of knitting. Seems like that was an ‘old-fashioned’ hobby that has gotten new life after it reinvented itself. Even I dabbled in it after I got a look at all the fun new yarn. Not my grandmother’s yarn that is for sure. I believe that scrapbooking is here to stay. It does look different than when I was first introduced to it. I think some of the changes are good and some will pose some challenges. As a ‘basic’ paper scrapper (and probably still could be called a ‘newbie’) I am intimitated by all of the new digi scrappers out there. My layouts do not look anything like what I see on most blogs/websites. But what is important to me is the reason I scrap. My purpose is to pass down a family legacy. To capture the memories. I believe if we in the scrapbook industry remember that heart behind the supplies (and work hard to encourage and inspire others to remember why they scrap in the first place) then we will do much to keep the hobby alive and well.
-H http://www.4thememories.blogspot.com

By: Kayla

Kayla — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 01:58:56 +0000

I heard about ten years ago that scrapbooking was credited largely for revitalizing the craft industry – before scrapbooking came into play a lot of hobbyists were moving on to other hobbies outside of crafting…

That said – I believe traditional scrapbooking will never be the same. Digital is changing the entire market – however I do believe that scrapbooking will always exist in some shape or form. The cliff dwellers were drawing pictographs on the wall – so I really think that we will be doing some form in our own way for generations to come…

By: karooch

karooch — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:59:16 +0000

Some great points there everyone. I guess one thing that scrapbooking has got going for it (as opposed to cross stitch for example) is that it has a very strong online presence, both for traditional and digital.
That promotes a sense of community which can keep interest flourishing. I find that very comforting.

Beka I agree with Karen. You’re just taking a life-break from scrapping. If you weren’t still interested in it you wouldn’t be reading blogs like mine (and I’m very glad you do). The physical space and clean up issues with traditional scrapbooking don’t often mix well with toddlers and short grabs of time. Have you thought about digital scrapbooking? Everything on the computer and you can pick it up and walk away at the click of a Save button. A good and inexpensive entry product for trad scrappers interested in trying digital scrapbooking is Scrapbook Max. Best of all you can get a free 30 day trial to see whether it really is for you before you make any commitment.

By: Tink

Tink — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:39:51 +0000

I can see where the point should be well taken. Being an avid cross stitcher with tons of floss, linen and patterns. I find that should I need something, I can no longer find it. I truly hope that scrapbooking does not take that kind of dive as well.

By: Antoinette

Antoinette — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:26:23 +0000

I think people will always keep on scrapbooking – just like there are still people who cross-stitch, but it may be a lot less than before.
A friend of mine just started a cross-stitching business (online) and so far there are a lot of enthousiasts, glad to find a fresh approach on what turned into an oldfashioned hobby.
TG I live in a tiny village, with 1 very succesful – and friendly – LSS and no big stores in the neighbourhood. It’s sad how those big stores force the locals to shut down. Not only LSS but butchers, bakers, etc. Guess it’s a sign of the times.