How to Personalize a Scrapbook Title Page

Many people enjoy making and looking through scrapbooks of family pictures. A scrapbook title page introduces the mood of the scrapbook and summarizes the pages that will follow. A memorable scrapbook title page has a focal point that is personalized and creative.

Things You'll Need

• Selected theme photos
• Coordinating patterned and solid papers
• Coordinating embellishments such as stickers, rubber stamps or die cuts
• Archival quality glue stick
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Choose one to two photos that summarize the entire album. For example, a recent family photo is an appropriate photo to include on a family scrapbook album title page.

2. Select coordinating solid and patterned papers. Select patterned paper that adds depth and mirrors the theme as a background. Use family-themed background paper such as a father and son playing catch for a family scrapbook title page.

3. Mat the picture(s) by gluing the photo onto solid paper leaving a 1/8 inch to 1/2-inch frame around the photo. Select solid paper that provides a mat or frame for the selected photos. Identify the primary and secondary colors in the photos and mat the photo with the secondary color. For a mostly green with some red photo, mat it with a red mat. Add a personal touch with double mats and layered paper effects.

4. Pick embellishments that match the theme of the title page. Torn paper, punches, stickers and rubber stamps add a personalized aspect. To personalize a family scrapbook, add family member name to stickers like 'Dad' or 'Sister,' print family nicknames and create customized stickers with sticker-maker products. Xyron.com has a number of sticker machine options.

5. Create a scrapbook title. Use stickers or printouts to create a personalized title that captures the scrapbook's main focus. A family scrapbook title could be the family's last name spelled out in coordinating matted stickers and letter punches. Title placement can be anywhere on the page--top, bottom, horizontal, vertical or diagonal.

6. Arrange and rearrange the title page elements on the background page before gluing down the layout. Decide on a focal point--the title, photos or both.

7. Glue down the chosen layout and enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• Mat photos or other multi-dimensional elements on solid not patterned paper so photos do not compete with the designs on the patterned paper.

• Do not leave the center bare because leaving the center of the page bare makes the page seem incomplete.