How to Create a Simple Scrapbook Layout

Scrapbooking is an art. There is no right or wrong way to create scrapbook page layouts. Creativity is the key. If you are a beginner then you are probably looking for a way to craft simple scrapbook layouts that are easy to make yet appealing to the eye. There are a few steps you can follow in order to 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. Take a sheet of cardstock base and create a background by using patterned paper, stamps, sand paper or any other method. The background of your pages should have some texture and/or dimension. Stamps make a wonderful background. Random stamp your cardstock with one or more images and you are ready to go. Another method is to sand your paper to create a distressed, weathered look.

2. After you have your background then you are ready to cut out photo mats and place your photos and embellishments. Use your paper trimmer to cut square mats. You can also tear the paper to coordinate with your 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 pages then you can place three smaller photos on the other side or one photo and some die cut embellishments. Having an equal amount 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 your 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 making sure you 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 and include as many details as possible. When journaling on your layout be sure to record things such as the date, names, location, activity, etc. so that 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 a 30 minutes or less.
• Make the photographs your focal point and work around them.
• Place the photographs on the page so that 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.

[labellefleur100]

on 3/21/2009 I'm working on one right now. Great advice! 5*

[didi8u]

on 3/20/2009 Great, I love it. 5* I have tons of pictures I want to put into a scarpbook.

[sherryeam]

on 3/20/2009 Good ideas