I just purchased my very first scrapbooking lot & album and cannot wait to get started!!
I met a scrapping enthuasist who lives in the area through a playdate for our 2 yr. old kids and she introduced/initiated me into the club, so to speak!
She helped me sort my pictures and focus on themes to start my albums with.
I am going to start with my son's baby album, then work my way to a vacation we took as well as our wedding.
I have always wanted to learn, just never had reached the "right point" in my life to do so until now.  
I think it will be great to do something that not only gives me real girl time w/ friends, but also is good for my soul.
By that I mean, going through all the precious pictures of the  moments in my life somehow allows me to reflect on how blessed I really am.  
Trust me, there have been PLENTY of ups & downs, but it is revitalizing to sit back and reflect on the truly special   times as I am sorting through my pics...
This site has already been a wealth of information for me just by seeing the beautiful pages and the thought and care that goes into scrapping, not to mention Judy's awesome tips for a beginner like me.  
I felt totally overwhelmed before I talked with her and through a couple of conversations, she really helped to build my confidence and gave me the motivation I needed to feel as if I could actually do this.  You have to understand, I have NEVER done ANY type of craft in my life unless you count arts& crafts class in gradeschool...ha!ha!  
It means so much to a new scrapper like me to know there is a site I can go to for ideas, support and help!!
The page maps are PERFECT for me, thank you SOO much!
If anyone has any ideas for a beginner like me it would be appreciated...
My friend invited me to a cropping session with some gals she has been scrapping with for awhile and I am VERY intimidated, to say the least.  Does anyone have any ideas on something to start out with so I don't stick out like a sore thumb?
I have NO IDEA what goes on at a cropping session or what to bring! HELP!!  
I look forward to chatting and hope to be able to learn more from everyone on this site!
Thanks!!!
Maria  :0)

Hi Maria,

I am so glad you joined us! We were all at one time new scrapbookers. When you are going to your crop you will want to bring cardstock-white and colored, printed paper, scissors, adhesive, a paper trimmer, your pictures of course, and embellishments if you like. Remember it is all about the pictures first and foremost. One awesome book that really got me going was Simple Scrapbooks by Stacy Julian. It is amazing.
Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.
Aldean

Thanks for the info.  I just ordered a lot from Judy on Sunday, I think it will include all but the paper trimmer & scissors, which I will try to pick up before I go...
I will definetely look into the book you recommended!
Thanks Again!!
Maria   :0)

Hi Maria,
You had just sent a message on my profile and i replied there but i thought i would reply here too. Just remember...the pages get better as you do more scrapbooking. As your confidence builds and you find a creative spark you will take off with it! And sometimes simple is best. I finally moved past my Christmas rut and i have done 30 pages since my original post. So many i had to order a lot from this PHENOMINAL store...i can wait to get it. So yeah...just be patient and have fun.
Cheers!
Cassandra

 Hi Cassandra,
I replied on your profile page as well but then saw you left me a post here too so I wanted to comment on something I remember from your profile, as I had just talked with my friend about it.
I can relate to not knowing many scrappers too, as the only one I know is a new friend I met at a playdate w/ my son.  She has told me that there is a place called Archivers that she has gone to by herself and  they have a Friday night crop night where for $10 you get to do a page or two, have pizza & soda, and meet fellow scrappers.  She said they are all over as she recently moved here from out of state... Maybe there is one by you too!?!
I look forward to my first "crop" session soon!
Take Care!
Maria  :0)

Hi Maria,
Unfortunately there isn't anything set up like a crop session or anything like it. So, what i am doing is setting up a "Girls Night For Scrapping" at my house. I will do it every other week and have two separate groups of people come. I am going to keep it small though...around 5 people. I will charge a small fee for the night and i will teach techniques and open it up for others to teach techniques as well. If people come and choose to use my supplies there will be an additional charge and for those interested in my products i will direct them here to buy a kit/lot or any product they want. I will not be starting it until after Easter...too much spring cleaning  ;)
Thanks Maria and Take Care!
Cassandra