As Qwowi.com’s resident scrapbooker, I am excited to officially announce the addition of my favorite hobby to this website. Scrapbooking is a multi-million dollar industry that has grown exponentially over the last decade. There are tons of products out there for everyone from the beginner who wants much of the work done for them to the advanced scrapper who wants to create masterpieces out of their memories. In other words, there is no good reason not to give it a try.

In December, as part of our Holiday Tech Gift Guide, we will be featuring reviews of several hot new scrapbooking tools, including The Slice by Making Memories, along with other great items like a digital picture frame and a 2Pod Charger for your iPod/iPhone. Stay tuned for that, but for now – let me introduce myself and the world of scrapbooking to you by showing off my current favorites.  All of them would make great stocking stuffers!

Narratives Clear Acrylic Journaling Stamps This is one of several new clear stamp sets by Karen Russell, the woman behind Narratives and one of the most talented scrapbook artists ever! I pretty much own everything she ever made. (Don’t tell my husband.) There are so many beautifully-designed stamps on this stamp set that I am sure you will understand why it is a must-have. Don’t forget to check out all of Karen’s other products, especially her Bloom Collection; you’ll end up with it all too.

Page Maps by Becky Fleck There are a zillion idea books out there, but this is the only one you really need. No matter what format and/or style of scrapbooking you enjoy, Page Maps has sketches that will inspire you. My favorite part – the laminated cards that you can pop out and take with you to your next crop. Chances are, you’ll want to bring the whole book too. 

Paperie Collection by Making Memories I won’t lie to you – I love everything created by Making Memories. Now that I’ve confessed, let’s talk about Paperie. It’s a brand new collection featuring wonderful papers and embellishments in four color groups: mocha, poolside, greenhouse and rouge. Whatever you do, buy the spiral journaling books — all of them. Being a journalist, I of course love to write, but these papers will help any scrapbooker put pen to paper.

Scrapbooks Etc. Magazine My favorite scrapbooking magazine. Hands down. Don’t take my word for it; check it out, and you’ll see for yourself. Might I add that any scrapbooker would love to find a gift subscription in their stocking, under the tree, in their Hannukah basket, etc…

Jenni Bowlin Mini Die Cut Label Papers Die Cut shapes are all the rage right now, and these are the perfect addition to any collection. These 4″x4″ Die Cut Label papers are very versatile; they fit perfectly in these fabulous mini-books, or you can use them as stand-alone journaling cards on any kind of layout or project. Even if you don’t want to write on them, they make really cute embellishments. So get them. Now.

Maya Road Chipboard Books From circles, hearts and scallops to cupcakes, trains and birds, Maya Road has every chipboard album you’ll ever need (or want, or imagine). Their creativity is amazing – and what’s even more amazing is how awesome these books will look after you add paper, embellishments and pictures.

Teresa Collins Crush Collection This fabulous collection is so brand new that even I haven’t gotten my hands on it yet. But trust me – it’s only a matter of time!  Teresa Collins has not just come out with yet another Valentine’s Day line. No, as she explains on her blog, she has come out with these beautiful papers, transparencies, die cuts and stamps to be used to celebrate all kinds of love all year round. Who doesn’t need that?!

I could go on and on….and on….but I must stop typing and go scrapbook now. Just kidding; I do actually do other things! If the king of Qwowi.com permits, I will make this a regular feature, along with the many product reviews you will find in this Scrapbooking section. Please let me know what scrapbooking products you’d like to see featured here.