If I’m being completely honest, 16-year-old me was mortified beyond belief to be walking with my mom into Yesterday’s Scrapbooking Store in Redmond, Wash. I was simply looking for the job my parents required to pay for the gas to power my newfound freedom in the form of a driver’s license. I rolled my eyes as we entered. Scrapbooking?! No way! That’s only for old ladies! Imagine my surprise when they called me to set up an interview, and I was hired. If I had known then that that one singular moment of stepping into Yesterday’s would change the course of my life forever (and I promise I’m not even being dramatic!), I would have barged in with a huge smile on my face, confidence in my voice, and said something along the lines of, “Hello! My name is Paige Taylor Evans, and this is my density! I mean, destiny!” #backtothefuture
To me, scrapbooking is more than just paper, stickers, scissors, and glue. It’s my creative outlet, and how I express myself. It’s my therapy and my happy place. I can’t go a day without making something with my hands. Since that fateful day back in 2001, every single job and aspect of my working life has revolved around scrapbooking. I am now proud to say that I have been scrapbooking since I was 16 years old and own and run a successful business from my home here in Highlands Ranch.
I have taught more than 50 in-person scrapbooking classes in 15 countries, 15 states, and on two cruises (yes, it’s a thing!), with many more events planned. During COVID, when everything was virtual, I adapted and figured out how to teach my classes on YouTube and have learned to utilize all that technology has to offer to reach scrappers from around the world.
I have a book published through Better Day Books called Make Your Memory, four signature scrapbooking collections with Pinkfresh Studio, and 19 signature scrapbooking collections with American Crafts. I am on the Scrapbook & Cards Today Design Team, where I have over 2500 digital cut files in Silhouette, and I have virtual classes & kits available in my online shop.
Scrapbooking is the perfect way to preserve the memories you are making with your kids or pets in our beautiful state of Colorado. If you've never scrapbooked before and it feels daunting, here are some easy steps to get started:
- Go to Simple Pleasures Rubber Stamps & Scrapbooking in Colorado Springs. It’s totally worth the drive because you’ll find everything you need and then some!
- YouTube is a great resource for helpful videos. I have tons of free content, so you can start by looking up my Make With Me Monday series, which is where we scrapbook together so you can follow right along.
- Join the scrapbooking community! There are lots of small groups all around Colorado (called a crop!). There are also hundreds of scrapbooking groups on Facebook. My group is called Happy Scrappy Place, and I’d love to see you there!
- Search through Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook for inspiration. You can find me on all those platforms!
- Set aside 20 minutes for creativity every day. I know time is a precious commodity, so it can be hard, but just 20 minutes for you to get those creative juices flowing is so good for the soul.
Page Taylor Evans, Highlands Ranch resident, runs a successful scrapbooking company out of her home. She has an incredible following on all of her social media platforms and YouTube. Follow along with Paige on Instagram @paigetaylorevans, or join her Facebook group @happyscrappyplace.