Scrapbooking (non-digital)

There's a great article about Digital Scrapbooking over at the Shades of the Departed Blog.  It really hits on some really important points about the craft that can help folks get started.  

Personally, though I have done some digital scrapbooking (with ancestry.com's MyCanvas, for example), I mainly stick to traditional scrapbooking.  I love to use my hands to create scrapbook pages.  There are, just like digital scrapbooking, quite a few things to keep in mind. The first are the same as listed at Shades of the Departed (so if you haven't read it, do so now!).  There are some differences, however.

• Although you can use a computer for certain elements (typing titles and journaling, printing embellishments) you are using physical craft supplies.  You'll need to purchase papers, adhesives, embellishments (flowers, ribbon, etc), cutting tools, paint, stamps etc.  If you plan ahead you can pick a color scheme and buy a pack of themed paper to save money. Go shopping at local scrapbooking stores or large chain stores, such as JoAnn, Michael's, Hobby Lobby, etc.
• It's probably more expensive than digital scrapbooking.  As the previous blogger noted, you can buy a digi scrapbooking kit for about $15.  You can do this with traditional scrapbooking as well, but you'll only get one page out of each kit.  You can use a digi kit over and over again.  However, you will need the photo editing software to start with - which might even the price out if you don't have any.
• The digi kits and software can be a bit confining. Unless you're experienced with graphic art, you'll need the kits and software to get started.  You can't always create what you want with those, whereas with traditional scrapbooking, you can create almost anything.
• You don't have to get your pages printed. It can sometimes be a hassle to get 12x12 pages printed, but with traditional scrapbooking, you don't have to worry about it - you just created the finished page!
• Don't use original photos. In general, all mainstream scrapbooking supplies are "archival safe" and your original will be safe, but you don't want to take the chance.

Overall, I personally think that there's more versatility with traditional scrapbooking.  There's a wide range of album sizes, from 6x6 to 12x12 and everywhere in between.  You can be simple or extravagant. You get to use your hands and create something.

If you're interested, you can check out online websites that will give you more information. I prefer Scrapbook.com.