The Best Scrapbooking Classes in New Jersey

Scrapbooking is a wonderful hobby for those who love to collect mementos and look forward to creating new memories. Moms often create scrapbooks for their little ones. Just as fun as a sticker book (remember those?!), scrapbooks made for babies are intended to be enjoyed years later when your babies have their own babies someday! Every item inside a scrapbook—whether it’s baby’s hospital ID bracelet, or a snippet of hair from baby’s first haircut—tells a special story. Here are some boutiques and store in the Garden State that carry a plethora of colorful scrapbook items. Be sure to also enroll in a scrapbook class to improve your craft!

Paper Anthology in Kenvil is small and charming and carries stamps, embellishments and more. Check Web site’s calendar for a list of craft classes. “Jump right in, find a group to scrapbook with and learn from them,” says owner Elisabeth Ostrowski. “Many stores offer crop nights where groups of ladies gather to work on their projects. Scrapbooking is popular among new moms, old moms, grandmothers...” says Ostorowski. “The appeal is the ability to document memories and find a creative outlet.”

Scrapper’s Cove in Milltown is owned by two sisters who love scrapbooking. The store sells albums, cardstock, stickers, paint, ribbon, stamps and much more. Students must bring their own basic tools to class. “We are here to help people learn to preserve their memories through pictures and the real stories behind them,” says the Web site. On the day of their class, students will receive 10% off their purchases (except for future classes, crops and/or gift certificates). Check the Web site for class schedules.

Beachwood’s Scrapbook Memories offers all levels of scrapbook, card-making and paper-crafting classes. “The appeal of scrapbooking, from those I’ve spoken with, is all about capturing those beautiful moments,” says owner Liza Fisher. “First bath, smiles, hugs, cute outfits, outings... It’s wonderful to put it together in a nice album for your children and future generations.” According to Fisher, the actual album can be purchased anywhere, at stores such as Kohl’s, Wal-Mart and Michaels. However, Fisher adds, “it’s usually the paper inside that’s the harder part to find exactly what you’re looking for.”

Ramsey’s Scrap-a-Doodle-Do sells a variety of colorful scrapbook paper, cut-ups, stamp collections, buttons and more. Many products can also be ordered online via the online shop. Check Web site for in-store craft events and information about scrapbooking weekends and conventions.

Hoboken’s The Crop Shop offers adult and children’s craft classes—check the Web site for schedule. One recent course was an Album Workshop Series. Custom Scrapbook Albums are available for those who have the mementos, but don’t have the time. (Basic Package Includes: Archival quality scrapbook with page protectors—20 individual pages, all materials including acid free cardstock, ribbons and embellishments and cropping and matting of your photos.) Fans can browse Crop Shop’s craft library for inspiration, perusing through a 200+ stamp collection and surrounded by over 300 varieties of card stock and art supplies. Items can also be purchased via an online store.

Paper Wings, located in Little Egg Harbor, is a scrapbooking boutique that offers a variety of scrapbooking classes. A supply list is provided for each student, and items can be purchased at the store. “Basic tools used for scrapbooking include a Paper Trimmer, scissors, adhesive, ruler, pen and/or pencil,” says co-founder Colleen Mazzella. “Another great way to start is to check out scrappers blogs or YouTube videos about scrapbook design.” Mazzella says scrapbooking is a “perfect hobby” for new mommies. “It's something that is relatively inexpensive to start, and you can do it at home around your child’s schedule.”