"Dare to dream-dont be afraid to aim for the hightes peak...it is there we see all that is possible...all there is to hope for- date to dream".
--Author is unknown


When does a hobby become more than just a hobby? Perhaps when it becomes a part of you and not just an activity to pass the time? When it fulfills your dreams? Well, I guess scrapbooking is more than just a hobby to me. I remember the day I was introduced to the craft of scrapbooking. At the beginnning, it was merely a new craft to try- playing with papers and scissors. I also remember the day I became hooked. It was after my first son Evan was born. A beautiful little baby had entered our lives, and all of a sudden scrapboooking developed a new meaning. I wasn't just gluing papers together; I was creating a book filled with Evan's childhood memories.

I quickly became devoted to recording every milestone in my albums. It was also at this time that I came to realize the impact this craft had on my life. It renewed my passion for creating, something I had put on the shelf since childhood. This hobby was now a part of "me". I would stay up until the wee hours poring over my scrapbook layouts. My layouts were no onger just for my young son; they were for me- a part of me that I was convinced would never blossom, the part related to artistic endeavors and dreams. I had always loved creating, whether it was a delicate dessert or a short story. However, I had convinced myself these were just silly childhood fantasies. I would never create a masterpiece or see my creations in a gallery or magazine. But wait, all of a sudden here I was creating works fo art. True, they were not created on canvas, but works of are nonetheless. I was using paper, bits of metal, ribbon and -most important-my life to create these layouts.

My heart went into each layout. Each layout became more personal; I had taken teh photos andwritten teh words on each page. I was becoming acquainted with a whole new world. My love of scrapbooking gave me the key to this alternate universe. I pored over magazines filled with new products, ideas and passion for this craft. Suddenly, everything I had believed about myself and my dreams had changed. Fellow scrapbookers were being published every day. These artists were not famous but ordinary housewives and mothers just like me.

It was at the exact moment that I gave myself the permission to try, that my life changed. I decided I was good enought ot be published in a magazine and decided to start submitting. I did so and doubted myself for months. Then on day, I received and e-mail that fulfilled my desire. One of my projects was going to be published in a scrapbooking magazine. It was with shock, disbelief and pride that I shared the news with my family. Suddenly, nothing seemed impossible. All I had to do was believe in myself and put myself out there. The rest would be taken care of. Soon more e-mails poured in from the magazine; they would like to publish more of my work.

Filled with a new confidence, I decided I had other dreams I wanted to see fulfilled. Along the way, I felt a sense of guilt. Here I was spending time pursuing these goals when I should have been simply satisfied with the life that I had. I had immense blessings that already filled my day: a happy marriage, a loving family and the ability to stay home and care for my son. Why should i need more? I ultimately decided that the time I spent on scrapbooking was time reserved for me. THe part of the evening after the kids were put to bed, I spent creating and renewing myself. Once I gave myself permission to continue, the road ahead seemed filled with opportunity. The creative world that was so large and far away suddenly became smaller.

I truly believe once you open your self up to the possibilities, you open yourself to success. Now, almost six years after dabbling with the hobby of scrapbooking, I consider it a part of who I am. I am most certainly a wife, mother, daughter and sister first, but deep down I am also an artist. I find myself amazed at how scrapbooking has enriched my life. I am part of a large, worldwide community that speaks a special language. I am privileged to teach new scrapbookers and share my excitement with them. These classes and gatherings have created friendships and bonds that did not exist before. I am lucky enough to have fulfilled many dreams through this hobby.

I think I just answered my own question. When does a hobby become more than just a hobby? The answer is: when it transforms the dreams and ambitions of a person, when it becomes more of an adjective than a verb. I dont just scrapbook, I AM a scrapbook artist. For someone who always dreamed of having the arts become a part of her life, that is a big deal!

--Stacey Wakelin


Discussion:

Is Scrapbooking more than just a hobby to you? If so, why and how do you know?

Do you remember the day you realized it was more than just a hobby-tell us about it.

Do you think your work is good enough to be published in magazines? Why or why not?

Has scrapbooking enriched your life personally in some way, if so, discuss how.

Do you consider yourself a Scrapbook Artist? If so, why-what makes you an Artist rather than just someone who scrapbooks?

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Discussion:

Is Scrapbooking more than just a hobby to you? If so, why and how do you know?

Do you remember the day you realized it was more than just a hobby-tell us about it.

Do you think your work is good enough to be published in magazines? Why or why not?

Has scrapbooking enriched your life personally in some way, if so, discuss how.

Do you consider yourself a Scrapbook Artist? If so, why-what makes you an Artist rather than just someone who scrapbooks?