Scrapping for Tweens & teens
The tweens and teens of today are much hipper and much cooler than you and I were at their age. Truer than in previous generations, today's tweens and teens live a seemingly faster life with the internet, iPods, and cell phones being just a few of the gadgets dominating a majority of their time. But as with ever teen generation one constant remains true: the need for self-expression. Introducing and sharing the values of scrapbooking to a teenager oftentimes bridges generational divides, and gives you that common bond they will then share with the generations after them.  Teens today are always looking for a way to express themselves and scrapbooking is the perfect avenue for them to do so. In my "In Me" layout, I played with the concept of using traditional-sized photographs (4x6") and gave it a modern twist by modifying the proportion of the subject inside the photo. I used digital editing software to first enlarge a photograph and then crop it into two 4x6" photos. I then adhered the photos to the layout, purposely leaving space between them to so that I could place meaningful phrase stickers that worked to define the subject. I used a fiskars border punch (eyelet lace) and Heidi Grace products for this page.
taking the idea further: Let your teen play with photo editing software, and encourage them to play with your tools and even your paper stash. Give her (or him) time and space to express themselves artisticly in the way they want. Scrapbook layouts or mini books can be great ways for them to preserve their special photos. Craft projects can be a great way to spend time together!
Personalization is big with teens. A fun and easy project for teens to do is to re-purpose an old box into a keepsakes box by decorating it with scrapbook supplies. The variety of scrapbook supply designs that are available are amazing, and it is easy to find a colors and styles that appeal to today's teen. On this project I painted a box with acrylic paint, then lined inside with heidi grace paper and finished with a title (that can help to hold in papers or other treasure that can be stored inside) made of Heidi Grace punchboard. Simple, and full of possibilities for personalization.
taking the idea further: Take your tween or teen to the craft store and let them shop for some supplies! Also consider encouraging them to decorate a journal or notebook, pencil box, or anything else they use on a regular basis that could be made more fun. Enjoy the creative process!
 Another defining characteristic of Generation X, Y, and Z is their love of shortening phrases and emotions in their own special way. The rise of chat and text messaging has introduced these shortened phrases into society's popular culture. These simple (4x6) tags with rounded corners are fun and simple to make. (Heidi Grace paper and embellishments) Any crafter - or non crafter- can have fun with this project.
Some examples of a teen's/text messenger's language include: LOL - Laughing Out Loud And don't forget the every popular emoticons: :) - happy face I predict that the incorporation of these phrasings will soon find itself mainstream in the teenage scrapbooker and will carry itself into their future designs.
taking the idea further: Consider letting your teen invite some friends over for a craft party. Provide plenty of good snacks and let them have fun making anything they are inspired to. Crafting might be messy, but it's good fun. I hope that these ideas inspire you (or your teenager!) to get out some paper & tools and have some fun with paper crafting. By Maria Grace Abuzman « Back to Kids Articles |
