How to Label the Front of a Scrapbook

Use pictures, scrapbook paper and newspaper clipping to decorate a boring cover.

If you're taking the time and care to make a scrapbook as a keepsake, don't ignore the cover. The outside should reflect what the viewer will see on the inside. It's easy to create an inviting cover design that depicts your personality and creativity in just a few minutes. You can even use the materials you'll already have on hand for the interior scrapbook pages.

Things You'll Need

• Scrapbook paper
• Scissors
• Pinking shears
• Glue
• Photos
• Newspaper
• Fabric
• Markers

Instructions

1. 

   Use pinking shears for an extra bit of flair.

   Cut funky shapes and patterns out of scrapbook paper and attach them to the cover of the book with glue. You can line up the corners to create a sleek look, tear and overlap the pieces for a medley of color and design or theme your patterns using dots and lines.

2. 

   Use double photos with a strong subject.

   Cut the main objects out of some photographs that will indicate the content of the book. Make sure these photos are duplicates so you don't ruin your only copies. Intersperse these photos with the scrapbook paper. You can even partially cover the pictures with paper or fabric, as long as pieces of the main subject are showing. Glue these photos thoroughly to the cover, so that none of the edges ever peel up.

3. 

   Newspaper headlines can provide the words for you.

   Label your scrapbook with key words or phrases that describe its content. You can cut out newspaper headline clippings or letters out of fabric or scrapbook paper. You can also simply marker the words in your own handwriting, block letters or calligraphy on top of the scrapbook paper. Remember, the words do not need to line up, or even go left to right. Scrapbooks are for fun and surprises. Your label can reflect that without looking amateurish. If you're using cutouts, glue them down securely so that they don't come loose with handling.

4. 

   Putting memories right on the cover gives the book a personal feel.

   Add three-dimensional extras to your book cover, like buttons, bows or beading. Match the colors and patterns of these extras to the paper and fabric you've already attached. To make it more personal, you can even use memorabilia on the cover, like movie ticket stubs, carnival tickets, mall photo booth pictures or pieces of handwritten notes.

References

• Scrapbook.com; Mini Album Ideas: What Makes Me Happy; Stacy Milford; Aug. 2010
• Martha Stewart Living: Scrapbook Ideas and Albums
• Scrapbook Crazy: Minis albums For Beginner Scrapbooking Enthusiasts