view from the classroom - barriers to success
Unclear goals
Some new scrapbookers come to the hobby
with a specific goal in mind: an album for a
new baby, a graduating senior, or a retiring
parent. Many others, however, don’t know
Isolation
where to begin. With a lifetime of photos
Some new scrapbookers have lots of
and no clear starting point, it’s easy for new
encouragement from folks at home,
crafters to lose their way.
but others do not. It can be difficult for
a beginner to stick with a new hobby
Talk with newcomers about the “best”
without support.
place for them to start their scrapbooking
Lack of organization
journey:
I believe that new scrapbookers are
A surprising number of would-be
• Choose a finite project with a clear
more likely to continue with the hobby
scrapbookers purchase tools and
beginning and end, such as a mini-album
if they feel supported and encouraged
supplies before making a single
about a spring break trip. It’s easier to
by other crafters. Offer ways for new
page. Their “stash” multiplies and
feel successful with this type of project.
scrapbookers to connect with you and
before long, they find themselves
• Help the newcomer set specific
others:
so overwhelmed with supplies that
scrapbooking goals.
• Get to know your students and
they don’t know where to begin.
• Demonstrate how to set up a photo box
encourage them to share with each
and project file, for each scrapbooking
other.
Help newcomers organize with
project.
• Invite newcomers to crops and
these tips:
• Introduce new scrapbookers to the
other special events.
• Purchase/keep only supplies
idea of “themed” albums; choosing a
• Greet former students whenever
you love and will use.
color scheme or product line to carry
you see them, and ask about their
• Sort supplies based on how you
through the entire album.
latest projects.
can best find them: by theme,
• Suggest friendly, online
color, or manufacturer.
communities which can provide
• Organize memorabilia so it can
support and motivation.
be incorporated into scrapbooks.
An accordion file set up by date, I came home from a great year in Paris with a box of photos AND a completed honors
person, or event works well. project. With ongoing support of my advisor, I overcame some significant challenges
• Select appropriate containers and met my big goal. Next time you’re working with beginning scrapbookers, put on
for tools and supplies. your advisor hat. Take time to understand the obstacles they face, and then do all you
can to remove the barriers, and put new scrapbookers on the road to success. After all,
their success is OUR success!
Do you have questions about teaching that you’d like Janet to address in future columns?
Contact her at
jpetersma@mchsi.com.
Janet has been an instructor and designer for Memory Bound Scrapbook Store (www.memorybound.com) for
several years, and has taught at the Iowa Scrapbooking Convention and Midwest Scrapbook Convention. She
has a background in human resources and corporate training, is a Certified SDU instructor, and a graduate
of Creating Keepsakes University. Janet’s work has been published in several books, and she won first place in
the journaling category at CKU-MN (March-05). Janet is a regular contributor to the “Iowa Voices” commentary
series on Iowa Public Radio.
52 scrapbook business
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