The Five Pillars of Feminist Scrapbooking: Crafting Your Story

Build your unique and meaningful memories on these foundations.

Have you ever thought about the endless creative possibilities that storytelling offers? Whether it's through a vivid painting, a heartfelt poem, or a dynamic dance, each form brings your story to life in unique ways. In feminist scrapbooking, we focus on crafting our stories through five distinct pillars: Pictures, Words, Creative Supplies, Bits of Life, and a Feminist Lens. 

By channeling our creativity through these lenses, we can reduce decision fatigue, and also connect more deeply with our personal style. This approach makes the storytelling journey, especially in ambitious projects like an all-about-me album, not just easier but a whole lot more fun. Let’s get into each of these pillars and see how they help in you tell your stories in ways that feel authentic and unique.

1. Pictures: A Thousand Words in a Snapshot

In feminist scrapbooking, pictures are more than just photographs; they are a gateway to reliving and sharing our experiences. A picture in a scrapbook can be anything – a cherished photograph, a meme that made you smile, a screenshot of a meaningful text, or even a beautiful magazine cut-out. These images represent moments, emotions, and stories - and they should make you feel something! It’s important to remind yourself that photographs are not the only form of pictures and images that we use in our scrapbooks. 

That being said, we do use a lot of photographs, especially now that we all carry around excellent cameras in our pockets everyday. The process of incorporating pictures into scrapbooks is a journey in itself, which for some people can be a bit of a hurdle. From taking the photograph – be it with your smartphone, a Polaroid, or a DSLR – to editing and choosing where to print, each step is a decision that adds to the story you’re telling. In my own scrapbooking, I’ve found that the camera I use doesn’t matter as much as the moment it captures. Every photo, whether it's with my big girl camera or a casual snap with my phone, has its place in my scrapbook. They all weave together to create a tapestry of the stories I want to tell.

2. Words: The Power of Narratives

Words are the soul of a scrapbook. Words in our books come in all shapes and forms: journal entries, titles, subtitles, letter stickers, quotes, visual elements, or even the text in a picture. The words we use in our scrapbooks are not just about writing skills or perfect prose. They are about finding the right way to express your story.

In my journey with words in scrapbooking, I’ve come to love the diversity they offer. I used to struggle with journaling, but once I discovered how to make it work for me, it changed everything. The way I journal in my scrapbooks is unique – it’s different from how I write elsewhere. Sometimes I use prose, other times poetry, lists, song lyrics, quotes, book passages, stickers, or even journaling cards and strips. Words in a scrapbook can be bold or subtle, but they always add depth to the story being told.

3. Creative Supplies: Crafting with Personality

Creative supplies are the heartbeats of our scrapbooks, each tool and material telling its own story. When it comes to scrapbooking, the array of creative supplies available is as vast as the ocean. There are papers, pens, washi tapes, stickers, and so much more. Each choice we make in our supplies adds a unique flavor to our storytelling.

In my scrapbooking journey, I've always been drawn to colors and textures. They bring a vibrancy and life to the pages that words and pictures alone cannot. Stamping, for instance, is a favorite technique of mine. It's fascinating how a simple stamp can transform a page, adding depth and character. I encourage you to explore and find what supplies resonate with you. Remember, there's no right or wrong here. Two scrapbookers can use the same supplies and end up with completely different pages, each reflecting their individual style and story.

4. Bits of Life: The Essence of Memory

Bits of Life, or what we also call memorabilia and ephemera, are the tangible pieces of our journey. They are the ticket stubs from a concert, a dried flower from a special bouquet, or a handwritten note from a loved one. These items bring an authenticity and personal touch to our scrapbooks that nothing else can.

Personally, I love incorporating these bits into my pages. They make each album uniquely mine. There's a magic in holding a piece of memorabilia and being transported back to that moment. These bits of life are more than just objects; they are portals to our past, each with its own story. Don't be afraid to think outside the box. If you have something that's a bit tricky to include, like a bulky object or a fragile piece of paper, there's always a creative solution.  

5. Feminist Lens: You, Unapologetically

The Feminist Lens is about embracing your story in its entirety. It's about seeing your scrapbook as a stage where you're the star. This lens encourages us to incorporate our intersectional identities into our storytelling. It's about acknowledging and celebrating every aspect of who we are – our cultural heritage, gender identity, personal victories, our everyday experiences, and struggles.

When I apply a feminist lens to my scrapbooking, I find myself making more intentional choices. I select pictures that challenge norms or show unfiltered reality. Selfies are such a great way to do this, I love adding selfies to my pages to help bring even more context to my stories. I use words that reflect my beliefs and values; whether they’re my own words, quotes, lyrics, stickers, or something else -- they say what I believe. The creative supplies and bits of life I choose are not just decorative elements; they are affirmations of my journey as a feminist and the ways that I love to express myself. This lens has transformed my scrapbooking from a fun hobby into a powerful tool for self-expression and advocacy.

What’s Next

Through these five pillars – Pictures, Words, Creative Supplies, Bits of Life, and a Feminist Lens – we craft scrapbooks that are not just collections of memories, but stories of our lives. They are reflections of who we are, what we believe in, and the stories we want to tell. Feminist Scrapbooking is about empowering ourselves to tell our stories in our own unique ways.

As we journey through the Five Pillars of Feminist Scrapbooking, from capturing life's moments in pictures to expressing our deepest selves through words, supplies, memorabilia, and a feminist lens, I hope that you consider and create something deeply personal and profoundly empowering. But, what’s next? How do you take these pillars and really make them into your own epic all-about-me scrapbook? How do you ensure that your scrapbook is not just a collection of memories but a reflection of your journey, your identity, and your voice?

Well, that's where the magic of our Book of Me project comes in! And this weekend, we're kicking off the 2024 project with our Book of Me Bootcamp. 

Right now, inside our classroom waiting for you, we’ve got over a dozen short videos at your fingertips, guiding you step-by-step through the Book of Me project. These aren’t just random scrapbook videos; they’re your gateway to starting your own epic all about me scrapbook this year with us, your fellow Awesome Ladies. And guess what? We've got a full workbook too, meticulously designed to walk you through this creative adventure.

Now, let's talk about this weekend. Picture this: a full slate of events where not only do you get to start your 2024 album, but you also engage in enriching scrapbook discussions with new friends, and even craft your first few Book of Me pages. It’s like a scrapbooking party where every guest is as passionate and excited about storytelling as you are! 

And if you're worried about missing out because you can't make it live, don’t fret. Everything will be recorded, waiting for you in the classroom, ready whenever you are.

And here’s the cherry on top: when you sign up for this course, you get a complimentary upgrade to the Paid Substack subscription for the rest of 2024. What does this mean for you? It means access to our exclusive Lens Mini-Magazine each month, with Book of Me Story and Style prompts. It's a year-long journey of exploration, creation, and community, all geared towards helping you craft a complete, epic all about me album.

So, are you ready to transform the pillars of feminist scrapbooking into the pages of your life story? Let’s make this year the year where your scrapbook becomes a treasure trove of your experiences, thoughts, and dreams, uniquely yours in every way.

Remember, your story matters, and the way you choose to tell it is entirely up to you. Let's embrace our narratives with love, creativity, and a feminist spirit. Happy Scrapbooking!

xoxo,

Kristin

PS — Feminist Scrapbook School members already have access to this course. Visit the classroom here!