Scrapbook making

CEBU, Philippines - Scrapbook making is an old craft. Its popularity, though, has since dwindled. But those who try to rediscover the art swear by the many benefits it offers.

For one, the activity is therapeutic. Well, it is addictive too, since once you get hooked it's so difficult to stop. Thus, it's potentially draining, physically.

But, then again, the benefits to be gained from a scrapbooking hobby can far outweigh the physical strain it lays on the hobbyist. And when made to live up to its name, it need not cost anything more than personal labor since the materials to be used are things that are salvaged. In a sense, scrapbooking is giving things another chance at usefulness, instead of sending them away to their end.

Nowadays it is easier to purchase paper products, embossed stickers, colorful post-its, and swags to enliven scrapbooks. But it is in salvaging old glossy magazines, brochures, art paper, and even plain newspapers that make scrapbooks true to their purpose and character.

There are various organizations in Manila that blog about the "scraps scene" - or simply "scrapscene." But little is heard of it here in Cebu. Our city is immersed in fun runs, furniture shows, trade fairs, mango production, and all other activities while there is rarely a buzz on scrapbooking as a hobby - or as a revenue-generating endeavor.

It would be nice to start an industry in scrapbooking. Seminar-workshops on scraps and scrapbook making would certainly arouse the curiosity of the community on the craft. Then perhaps a competition could be held - a scrapfest or something like that - to further motivate new hobbyists or even test their level of learning and skills.

Or maybe introduce innovation and set industry standards. It is one of the so-called "green" undertakings where we could possibly bond together and prosper in, because not only are we giving a personal touch in collating family photos, there is also that connection with frugality - want not, waste not.

Scrapbooking came late in my life. I would say I'm a dilettante in this area. The interest is absorbing, but I had to learn patience too. Not only is it time-consuming, one has to imbibe the whole idea first before he can bring himself to start on it.

It was late into the early trimester of my pregnancy when I started getting myself busy with the photo album. I simply wanted to organize a hundred family pictures before child rearing would take all of my time. But, then, it consumed me. It was just two albums in the beginning and, before I knew it, I was already doing the eleventh.

I searched around for things I could possibly use, no plan whatsoever of buying anything for the project. Mainly, the only things to buy were adhesives and color pens. I spent nights cutting out words from magazines to use for captions of the photos. Then more ideas popped up in my mind. I was further consumed with thoughts of recycling multicolored threads, product labels and packaging, including those of baby wipes. I made figure cutouts, did paper tearing and folding till the rooster crowed and I had to get some sleep.

I recently checked on my previous works and pondered on why I did not think of starting a home business doing it. I figured out maybe it's reasonable to charge a certain amount for artistically arranging a bunch of photos in a thematic order. I could probably offer my services to newly-wed couples, for example, or anybody who had photos of their special occasions.

Why not do it now? The idea always excites me that every time it crosses my mind I am encouraged to learn more on the craft, on business management and marketing, everything I need to learn to grow a business from it. Of course, I may have to start small; starting from home is not a bad idea so long as the business is run professionally.

When you do something you love doing, you won't easily get tired working. It's play. And play is something we all can't seem to get enough of.

Really, scrapbook making can bring a lot of benefits. It's a therapeutic activity, to begin with. Scrapbook hobbyists may get a side income, too (even a main livelihood!). And worn or leftover materials may yet get a second chance.

And, not to forget, it is also good for the environment when people learn to throw away less waste.