In an increasingly digital world, the art of preserving memories in physical form presents an opportunity to slow down and reflect. This is what wedding photographer Jane Lee believes in. Compiling all sorts of memorabilia, from photographs to magazine cut-outs to scraps of packaging and receipts from her travels, Lee has created an archive of memories that doesn’t involve endless scrolling on a screen. Lee tells us about how we can pick up the craft ourselves.
How did you start scrapbooking?
It all started with a plain notebook that I use for tracking progress, making daily to-do lists, planning and scheduling. Then I started to put in memorable items such as printed photos and other ephemerals like flight tickets, bills and hotel key cards. Then, I noticed I just started to collect more and more magazine cut-outs and colourful stickers to fill up a page spread.
What are some of the things you’ve learnt about yourself since you started scrapbooking?
Scrapbooking is very much related to my profession as a wedding photographer. I capture a lot just to freeze the moments. Also, I do this because I’m afraid of forgetting things in the future. I print a lot of my photos to have the opportunity to pause and reflect on the moment and develop more perspective on where I am in life. It is quite a process but doing so has taught me to slow down and appreciate the little details as well as a way of embracing my imperfections.
I’m not a very creative individual, where can I start?
As a beginner, you can start out with the basics with a simple notebook and a favourite pen. Write down your thoughts or even a quote you heard from a friend today, or from a book you just read or even a song lyric or an interesting conversation with your family. Make little notes and try it for just five minutes every day. Listen to a favourite music track while doing it and try not to rush but just let it flow. Enjoy the process. Also, don’t be afraid to make friends with those who enjoy journaling and scrapbooking, you’ll be surprised by how the journaling community can inspire you.
What are some of the tips on crafting a compelling journal you’ve learnt through the years?
I am always curious about how using different methods can make my page look totally different. I don’t mind doing things differently until I am comfortable such as finding the right fountain pen with the right nib size together with the right ink colour. Patience is definitely needed and it takes a lot of practice to make a page.
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Where do you get your stationery?
I get my supplies from a lot of places, even from Amazon and Shopee. As for shops, I’d recommend heading to Stickerrific, Cziplee or Tabiyo.
Why do you think keeping a scrapbook can be beneficial?
Maybe I am old-fashioned but I believe that using an actual pen and writing thoughts down on a page is very therapeutic and beneficial. It helps to give me clarity on how to move forward. As a writer, you will constantly be observing the world around you and turning those little events into a storytelling diary.
Follow Jane on Instagram at @janethecrazy