Capture the good times in a personalised scrapbook

For a FREE packet of shapes, send a self addressed C5 sized envelope to Scrapbook offer, BHG Online, Private Bag 9600, North Sydney NSW 2059

Photograph albums and scrapbooks, as a record of our cherished moments, are among the most precious items in every home.

'Scrapbooking' is a popular paper craft that takes time to build up your materials. Start with whatever you have lying about or stock up by mail order online. Try Scrapbook Cottage, Castle Hill, NSW at http://www.scrapbookcottage.com.au/.

You'll need:

30 x 30cm post-bound album with polypropylene page protectors
Selection of stickers
Selection of paper punches
Decorative die-cuts
Lettering template
Round and oval template sheets
Acid and lignin free sheets of printed papers
Fadeproof and waterproof pigment-ink pens
Graphite pencils
Decorative-cut craft scissors
Selection of photos and memorabilia
Acid-lignin-and-PVC-free card and adhesives
Small sharp scissors

Here's how

Step 1
Select a theme for your scrapbook and choose card and paper to match. We chose a child's 4th birthday (pictured above) and a family tree (pictured below).

Step 2
Have an extra set of prints made from your photos that can be cropped to suit.

Tip: Use a template, cut from clear plastic, over your photos to trace cutting lines. Use a blue graphite pencil and later wipe away any marks with a soft cloth.

Step 3
To add a border to your photos, cut a piece of coloured cardboard slightly larger than the cropped photo. Glue the photo to the centre of the card. Add as many borders in different colours as you wish, each one slightly larger than the previous. To add interest, use the decorative-cut scissors on some of the borders and cut balloon shapes using the round template.

Step 4
Choose the main focal point on a page and design the page. Add coloured borders down the sides for balance. Using a pigment-ink pen, write about the photos in your album. Include information such as the names of people in the pictures, where and when the event was held, and any memorable things you wish to record.

Step 5
Select embellishments which will add to your theme: stickers, cut-outs, ribbon etc. Use the lettering template and printed paper to 'write' the name of the event on the border (see photo).

Tip: To preserve your work, ensure the photograph album has polypropylene page protectors.