I’ve been scrapbooking since 2006, and new products continue to arrive in the market for scrapping, but I find the basics don’t go out of style. For me, it’s about the photographs. I want to tell our story, remember the details, and enjoy decorating the pages for our albums.
Whether you are new to scrapbooking or need a reminder to get back to basics, here’s an easy 8-step process for completing your scrapbook pages!
Focal Point
Step 1: Decide on most important photo
- choose the very best photo for the focal point
- select a photo that best sums up the event
- double mat that picture
- place this photo prominently on your layout
Paper
Step 2: Decide on solid & patterned papers
- examine the colors in your photos, select complimentary colors
- for a 2-page layout, use 2-3 solid colors and 1-2 pattern papers
- use the solid colors for the background for a cleaner look
- use patterned paper for the background for a whimsical look
- mount the photos on a solid color to make them pop off pattern paper
Photos
Step 3. Edit your photographs
- flip thru all your photos from the event and keep your favorites
- one idea, sort your photos by event; create a PRINT folder and only print the great photos, saves costs and scrapbooking time
- you can fit 3 to 4 “4×6” photos per page
- print smaller “3×4” photos to get even more photos on the page
- a 2-page layout is nice for a birthday event, but you might consider an entire 6×6, 8×8, or even 12×12 album for large family trips
- keep in mind, if a few pictures will tell the story, don’t print a ton of photos, it will not be interesting to look at the same photos thru many pages
Cropping
Step 4. Shrink down the size of your photos
- to best tell the story, crop your photos to eliminate unwanted information in the pictures
- you can do this before you print, or simply trim using a paper trimmer to crop
- be creative and cut the photo into a shape (circles, ovals, stars, or hearts are popular; use Creative Memories templates or punches)
Layout
Step 5. Arrange the photos on your pages
- place the focal point first, it should be double matted
- balance the images across the spread
- leave room for the title, date, and journaling
Title
Step 6. Add a good description
- this will be the title of the layout
- be creative, search for ideas or refer to scrapbook idea books
- use sticker letters, stencils, die cuts, or electronic cutters such as Cricut
Journal
Step 7. Date & describe the event
- be sure to write down everything you can remember about the event
- include the good, the bad, and the funny
- it’s nice to use a computer or typewriter for cleaner writing, but be sure to include some journaling in your handwriting
Embellishments
Step 8. Now decorate the page
- add buttons, brads, ribbon, torn paper to add color
- you can also use die cuts and stickers for the subject of your layout
- don’t use anything too thick if you are placing your pages into an album