SCRAPBOOKING

SCRAPBOOKING : 

SCRAPBOOKING A Cross-Gendered Leisure Activity Project Presented by David Tran

Table of Contents : 

Table of Contents History of Scrapbooking (Slides 3 - 9) How Scrapbooking is related to class material (Slides 10 - 14) My personal reflection on Scrapbooking (Slides 15 - 21)

Once upon a time … : 

Once upon a time … Since the late 18th century, the idea of scrapbooking was already taking place. It is basically an album designed to tell a story by way of decoration’s. Although the still photograph had not been revolutionized, memories were preserved by using text clippings. Today, scrapbooking has evolved into a craft widely enjoyed by a predominately female audience. There have been attempts to involve the male population in this craft by introducing products for special interests such as NASCAR racing and other professional sports. It never caught on then and with all the additional attempts to attract a male audience now, there still has been little results.

Is it for everyone? : 

Is it for everyone? Research has shown that as popular as scrapbooking may be, it is a leisure activity that is enjoyed mainly by women of all ages. The sentimental aspect and its reputation has kept many men searching for other hobbies to pursue. In fact, according to a recent article published in the Economist, the Craft and Hobby Association confirms Scrapbooking as the most popular craft in America with 12% of American household’s having a scrapper on premises. In another article by Julia McKinnell, it was pointed out that the latest Scrapbooking in America survey found that one in four homes has a dedicated scrapbooker. Of the scrapbooker’s, they are most likely female, between the ages of 30 and 50. A owner of a local scrapbooking store advised me that over 90% of her clients are female.

Entering the digital era : 

Entering the digital era As we continue to move forward with technology, so does the art of scrapbooking. Images can be easily loaded digitally and with programmers creating design layouts and digital decorations, the fast growing craft know as ‘digital scrapbooking’ thrives with more design options than ever before. There are still a large number of people who prefer the traditional art of scrapbooking because they have yet to adapt to the changes or they prefer the physical act and feel of it. This transition into the digital era may draw a specific group of males into exploring this craft. Only time will tell. Lets look at the evolution of scrapbooking…

It began as… : 

It began as… With limited decorating options, print clippings made up most of the scrapbooks design.

It became… : 

It became… The introduction of stencils, stickers and color paper modernized the presentations.

It’s future… : 

It’s future… Unlimited possibilities of design and preservation are some of the advantages of going digital.

Traditionally for women : 

Traditionally for women Since the introduction of scrapbooking, statistics have pointed to women as being the primary participants. Scrapbooking involves the expression of ones creativity assembling decorations artistically. Its purpose is to preserve the sentimental value by using props as accents on pages to capture a moment in time or a memory. Women expand their social circle by participating in this leisure activity. The qualities of this hobby is not traditional interests for men and with the addition of its reputation of being geared towards women prevents it from gaining popularity with the male population.

The culture : 

The culture One of the big reasons for the popularity of scrapbooking is its strong social network. Many scrapbooker’s come together socially to form a community and culture. Due to the fact that this hobby generally does not require much physical activity, many women are able to enjoy it regardless of their body image. According to our readings of Both Gains & Gaps, “body image can be seen as a direct intrapersonal constraint.” Scrapbooking can be enjoyed in the comfort of ones home allowing or amongst many others during gatherings where The Orange County Register is reporting more than 10,000 scrapbookers attending the Craft Supershow at the Anaheim Convention Center.

This led to… : 

This led to… With this much variety to choose from, the design possibilities are endless.

THIS !!! : 

THIS !!! A madhouse of scrapbooker’s. Notice the gender ratio in this photo.

Why me? : 

Why me? For this project, I was able to experience what it feels like to create a scrapbook. I do not dislike the activity since I am an art major but I have never participated in this activity before for the sole reason that is its reputation. The idea of scrapbooking automatically links to the female gender. I actually enjoyed my experience making a scrapbook but it would not be at the top of my list of things to do. I personally prefer other forms of arts such as drawing and painting. I find those things to be less artsy and more technical, a trait that men would prefer.

My first experience : 

My first experience During my time in this scrapbooking class, I really just wanted to get as much as I could out of the couple hours. The toughest part about doing this activity was getting myself to attend knowing that I would be the only male participant. Once the group made me feel comfortable, it was easy to get past the rest. I felt like I could understand the reason for its popularity amongst women. I don’t understand how certain women “spend more per week on scrapbook accessories than they do on groceries.” It is a hobby and should not become an obsession.

My insights : 

My insights Men and women will always prefer different forms of leisure activities. The way that they choose to spend their free time should not be contrasted and compared. Each individual will have their own personal preference but the general male population have not found a joy in designing scrapbooks as a way to spend their free time. On the other hand, the general women population would not find joy in something for example, constructing model cars because that is not what interests them. The ideas are similar because they both involve the act of putting something together but the main difference is that the model car is more technical while the scrapbook is more artsy and imaginative.

Jazzy Crafts : 

Jazzy Crafts This is where I attended my class.

My sources : 

My sources Maclean's; 2/4/2008, Vol. 121 Issue 4/5, p92-92, 8/9p, 1 color Economist; 5/26/2007, Vol. 383 Issue 8530, p73-73, 1/2p Both Gains and Gap, p179-210 The Orange County Register;1/11/2010, p34-35 Stock photos from www.creativecommons.org