How to Create a Simple Scrapbook Layout

It's easy to create simple scrapbook pages.

Scrapbooking is an art, but it's a personal art. There is no right or wrong way to create scrapbook page layouts. Creativity is the key. If you are a beginning scrapbooker, you may be looking for a way to craft simple scrapbook layouts that are easy to make, yet appealing to the eye. A few simple steps will help you achieve this task.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Scrapbook paper (cardstock, pattern paper, vellum, etc.)
• Acid-free adhesive
• Embellishments (stickers, brads, eyelets, ribbon, etc.)
• Stamps (optional)
• Ink pads (optional)
• Photos
• Paper trimmer
• Scissors

1. Create a background on a sheet of cardstock base by using patterned paper, stamps, sand paper or any other method. The background of your pages should have some texture and/or dimension. If you are using stamps as a background, random stamp your cardstock with one or more images. You also can sand your paper to create a distressed, weathered look.

2. After you have your background, you are ready to cut out photo mats and place your photos and embellishments. Use your paper trimmer to cut square mats or tear the paper to coordinate with a distressed theme.

3. Create a balanced page by placing your items equally on each side. For example if you have two large photographs on one side of the page, you can place three smaller photos on the other side or one photo and some die cut embellishments. An equal amount of items on each side will make your page look balanced and more appealing to the eye. A good rule of thumb is to remember that you want a page with "motion." Motion is the way the eye moves across the page; this is typically in a "Z" shape.

4. Using acid-free adhesive, mat your photographs and put them in their spots on your layout. Include room for journaling or make some journal blocks and adhere them to your layout. Decorate sparingly with embellishments and keep your layout balanced. Imagine your paper as a scale and ask yourself if each side would weigh the same.

5. Journal on your scrapbook page layout by telling the story of the photographs; include as many details as possible. When journaling on your layout, record things such as the date, names, location and activity so you remember the event and the people.

6. Add finishing touches and change anything you don't like on the page. Then place it in a plastic page protector and put it to your scrapbook album.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy scrapbook supplies that coordinate with your photographs. Pick a color scheme and theme for your layout ahead of time.

• Choose your photographs and have them set out ready to scrap. This saves time and makes the process less stressful.

• Don't spend too much time on your layouts. Simple layouts should take about 30 minutes or less.

• Make the photographs your focal point and work around them.

• Place the photographs on the page so they are in order of importance and will tell your story accurately.

• Using too many embellishments will clutter your page and take the attention away from your photographs.

References

• Creating Keepsakes