Howdy! My name is Mandy Petty. I am 22 years old, and I love to scrapbook!

I have been scrapbooking with my mom since I was 10 and have been in love with crafting since before I can remember! My reasons for scrapbooking have evolved over the years, but one thing remains constant…I love to craft.

In the beginning, it was just something fun to do. My mom and I would go to our local scrapbook store for the day to create, shop, and, of course, enjoy the company of our friends. As I have grown older, I have reached out to my peers, sharing my passion with them. It started out as friends coming over to make mini albums in our basement workshop and has evolved into crops, craft shows, and scrapbook conventions. Nowadays I share my love for crafting with anyone and everyone who will listen, which sometimes even results in new friendships!

While I was in grade school, I would create holiday gifts by hand rather than go out and purchase them at the store. I remember one of my favorite gifts was making a five-page mini album out of chipboard and Flip Flaps. Surprisingly it was by far one of the most impactful gifts I had given! I remember giving it to my teachers and friends and watching their faces light up. It was such a simple gesture, but their smiles showed they knew how much I appreciated and cared for them, all because I took the time to create their gift.

On top of this, I would create my own birthday invitations each year. It was always fun designing them, especially since it was cheaper than buying them at the store and they were personalized! Recently, I was delighted to learn that my best friend Chloe saved all of the birthday invitations I’d sent her over the years because she loved the artwork! It’s amazing how you never really know how your creations will affect people.

Another reason I enjoy scrapbooking is the amazing community. Over the years I have met many wonderful people, some of which are now among my best friends and “framily”! In fact, this year for my 22^nd birthday I chose to go to a scrapbooking retreat rather than have a party. Just like anyone else, I wanted to do what I love most for my birthday, so I chose to spend it scrapbooking with some of my closest friends.

Overall, I love being artsy, and scrapbooking provides me with a creative outlet that will last! I can paint, color, design, and create knowing it will be preserved along with my memories. Scrapbooking allows my crafting to become part of my story in a format that will last a lifetime.

All of our memories are treasures; unfortunately, they don’t always last. Years ago my band director told us, “A dull pencil is better than a sharp mind.” One day you may not remember all the little moments, but you’ll have your photos and journals to remind you of your accomplishments, challenges, goofiness, family, and friends. These moments are precious but fleeting, which inspires me to scrapbook and document them so I can treasure them for years to come!

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