Basic Scrapbooking Tips
Scrapbooking has become one of the most popular crafts in the country as it is both creative and practical. It is both easy and fun for anyone to create exciting, artistic pages to enhance their photos. In addition this rewarding hobby provides a family treasure that will endure for countless generations. To get you started try to think of planning a scrapbook page or layout like planning a greeting card. All this craft requires is a theme, a bit of time, and your creative ideas. So if you are looking to get started on creating your own beautiful album here are some basic scrapbooking tips-
•It all starts with organization! The first thing you need to do is get those pictures out of shoeboxes and onto the coffee table where they can be enjoyed. Begin by organizing and sorting your photos by subjects, such as Activities, Events, People, Places, Things, Time, etc. Then move on to sort each category into chronological order. Many people begin with a memory book for each child, a Christmas book, a birthday book or a vacation book. After your photos are organized then gather your decorating materials. This can be as simple as gathering some basic tools and supplies around your house or a visit to your local craft store can show you everything you need. Just remember that everything that touches your photos should be of archival quality and photo safe.
•Create your pages-Since you have decided what your theme will be you want to make sure that you select photos that reflect that theme for your page. If needed or desired, crop photos to desired shapes, using die cut templates, scissors, corner borders, craft punches, etc. Then you can select enhancing papers or stickers, or create a background with rubber stamps. Make sure that before adhering anything to your page you experiment with the layout by moving things around until you are satisfied with the results. After you are fully satisfied then assemble and glue the page.
•Now is the time to assemble your finished pages into your scrapbook. Make sure that you assemble your finished pages in chronological order to tell the story. Then it is fun to add memorabilia to facing pages, such as letters, awards, programs, tickets, etc. in order to more fully tell your story. Just make sure that you leave room for journaling. Be sure to add information and details that will enhance your pictures.
Now that you know the basics of assembling your pictures here are some tips to help you with the composition of the pages in your scrapbook.
•Color is the basic premise of any scrapbook. So be sure to keep your eyes open to look all around you for great color palettes and colors that work well together. Be sure to pay close attention to advertisements, nature and even interior decorating samples and clothing combinations; this can give you great ideas for you scrapbooks.
•It may be helpful to keep an "Idea Journal". Many scrappers find it useful to keep a small notebook in their purse or bag and jot down ideas as they see them. You can even sketch a layout and then use colored pencils to convey what you would like the color palette to look like when finished in your scrapbook. This works well when you are stuck for ideas; you can just pull out your idea journal and get to work.
•Remember the feelings and emotions you felt during whatever you are scrapbooking. Be sure to pay special attention to your color choices so that you give off correct emotions.
•Keep in mind that busy isn't better. You may want to avoid busy background papers with lots of colors and objects scattered all over them. Remember that the key is to keep the focus on the pictures, and when you use distracting colors and objects, you lose sight of what the main intent of the layout is.
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•It all starts with organization! The first thing you need to do is get those pictures out of shoeboxes and onto the coffee table where they can be enjoyed. Begin by organizing and sorting your photos by subjects, such as Activities, Events, People, Places, Things, Time, etc. Then move on to sort each category into chronological order. Many people begin with a memory book for each child, a Christmas book, a birthday book or a vacation book. After your photos are organized then gather your decorating materials. This can be as simple as gathering some basic tools and supplies around your house or a visit to your local craft store can show you everything you need. Just remember that everything that touches your photos should be of archival quality and photo safe.
•Create your pages-Since you have decided what your theme will be you want to make sure that you select photos that reflect that theme for your page. If needed or desired, crop photos to desired shapes, using die cut templates, scissors, corner borders, craft punches, etc. Then you can select enhancing papers or stickers, or create a background with rubber stamps. Make sure that before adhering anything to your page you experiment with the layout by moving things around until you are satisfied with the results. After you are fully satisfied then assemble and glue the page.
•Now is the time to assemble your finished pages into your scrapbook. Make sure that you assemble your finished pages in chronological order to tell the story. Then it is fun to add memorabilia to facing pages, such as letters, awards, programs, tickets, etc. in order to more fully tell your story. Just make sure that you leave room for journaling. Be sure to add information and details that will enhance your pictures.
Now that you know the basics of assembling your pictures here are some tips to help you with the composition of the pages in your scrapbook.
•Color is the basic premise of any scrapbook. So be sure to keep your eyes open to look all around you for great color palettes and colors that work well together. Be sure to pay close attention to advertisements, nature and even interior decorating samples and clothing combinations; this can give you great ideas for you scrapbooks.
•It may be helpful to keep an "Idea Journal". Many scrappers find it useful to keep a small notebook in their purse or bag and jot down ideas as they see them. You can even sketch a layout and then use colored pencils to convey what you would like the color palette to look like when finished in your scrapbook. This works well when you are stuck for ideas; you can just pull out your idea journal and get to work.
•Remember the feelings and emotions you felt during whatever you are scrapbooking. Be sure to pay special attention to your color choices so that you give off correct emotions.
•Keep in mind that busy isn't better. You may want to avoid busy background papers with lots of colors and objects scattered all over them. Remember that the key is to keep the focus on the pictures, and when you use distracting colors and objects, you lose sight of what the main intent of the layout is.
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