How to Start scrapbooking from scratch
Don't just slip photos onto a blank photo album page. Instead, showcase them using a few scrapbooking supplies. Scrapbooking supplies can not only make pages that you and your family will treasure as keepsakes, but are also archival quality so they will help protect your precious memories for generations to come. If you have ever strolled down the scrapbooking aisle of a craft store, you might feel intimidated about getting started, but you don't actually need most of the fancy tools and supplies. Basic crafting supplies and techniques will do.
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Things You'll Need
- 1 to 3 photos
- Scrapbooking paper
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Glue stick or double-sided tape
- Template
- Opaque pens
- Embellishments (optional)
- Scrapbook with page protectors
Instructions
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1
Select one to three photos for your first scrapbooking page. Think about a theme that unites the photos, such as, "My Grandchildren," or, "Sunday Morning Brunch." This will be the title of your page.
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2
Select two or three sheets of scrapbooking paper. You might choose a solid piece of cardstock for the background, and one or two pieces of patterned paper for page decorations. Hold the papers against your photos to ensure they bring out flattering skin tones and make your pictures look good.
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3
Cut a strip of paper to go across the top of your page. Use letter stickers or a marker to write your page title across it. Lay it over your background page, but don't glue anything down yet.
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4
Measure and cut out mats for your photos. The mats should be slightly larger than the photo. They will act as a frame, helping your photo stand out from the background. Glue each photo to its mat. Without gluing anything yet, arrange the matted photos on the page attractively.
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Cut a square or rectangle about the size of a gift tag. If you prefer, you can make it a shape, such as a circle or a heart. Use a template to trace the shape and cut it out. Try to find a place for it on your page, re-arranging the other elements if necessary. Use this piece of paper to write down details about who is in the photo, when it was taken or any memories you care to share.
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Affix all elements of your page with a glue stick or double-sided tape as soon as you are satisfied with their arrangement. Add embellishments, such as stickers or ribbon, for additional decoration.
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7
Slip your scrapbook page into a clear plastic page protector in an archival quality scrapbook.
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Tips & Warnings
Purchase paper pads or collections that contain coordinating colors and patterns that can be mixed and match. This will ensure that your page elements will always complement each other.
You don't have to line everything up straight and even. Tilt your pictures so they are askew, or slightly overlap them for a more interesting arrangement.
As your interest in the hobby grows, begin adding things to your collection, such as paper punches, rubber stamps, or decorative edge scissors.
Never use your only copies of photos. Always make extra prints for scrapbooking so that if you make a mistake you won't ruin your photograph.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
