How to Make a Simple Scrapbook

If you've toyed with the idea of making a scrapbook but have found yourself overwhelmed in the scrapbook aisle, here are a few tips that can save you time and money. It's a great way to preserve your best memories for years to come.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Photos
• Scrapbook Album
• Paper
• Photo-safe glue sticks
• Embellishments and stickers
• Scissors

PickingYour Project

1. Find pictures--developed or undeveloped, digital or film. Grab a box lying around the house that you've haven't put in albums yet, or develop photos from your memory card that you've filled up.

2. Think about your photos. Each page of your scrapbook will have around one to five photos, so out of your pictures choose the ones that mean the most to you and discard the rest.

3. Decide if your scrapbook will have a theme or focus on one event, or if it will focus on a specific time frame. Choosing one event or person will give direction to the project.

Getting Supplies

1. Figure out how much money you are willing to invest in this project, and set yourself a budget. You might need to purchase an album, paper, pinking shears or paper cutters, glues and other adhesives and embellishments. Lots of small items can add up quickly.

2. Venture into the scrapbook aisle of your local craft store or major retailer, and look for an album. An 8x8 album might be a good place to start, or you could try the standard 12x12 album.

3. Find paper of the correct size (usually 8x8 or 12x12). Most places allow you to buy individual sheets, but it's usually best to buy a pack of paper that coordinates with your project. If you buy more paper than you need, you can use the extra to make frames, borders, and paper designs to enhance your scrapbook.

4. Select embellishments. The selection is huge, so start in the sale or clearance section. Look for only those items that match your theme. Keep your pictures in mind as you peruse the aisle.

Putting it Together

1. Place your photos where you want them. Glue a photo on some extra paper and cut out a border freehand or with a ruler and pencil. Place on your background paper and figure out where you'd like it to go. Set aside and work on the other photos for the page.

2. Consider cropping photos--cutting them into interesting shapes. Create a cardboard template of the shape (like a star or circle) and use as a guide.

3. Glue your photos to the background when you're satisfied with their placement. Next, add your words, stickers, and embellishments. Soon you'll have a beautiful work of art full of your best memories.

Tips & Warnings

• Scrapbooks have about 20 pages if you include front and back, and in most you can add or remove additional pages so the project can be any length.

• If you are using a digital selection of photos, remember photo paper and ink cartridges can be expensive so print as you go or print only what you need.

• Special scrapbook adhesives and glue dots can be found in craft stores, but all you really need is a few photo-safe glue sticks.

• There are often specialized kits for different events, and some even include the album. This might be a great option to consider if you don't have much time.

• To help, pick five or so of your favorite photos and spend your money on the specific theme embellishments for these. For example, if you're compiling sports photos of your children, find basketballs or jerseys in your child's team colors.

• Another great way to save money is to buy stickers. They are typically cheaper and look just as nice as 3-D scrapbook embellishments.

• You can use your computer to print out names, dates, quotes and phrases.

• Don't worry about scrapbook scissors or cutters at first to save money and keep it simple.

Resources

• Magazine on the subject
• Ideas and supplies