Q: I’m pretty new to scrapbooking, how do I create a great scrapbook page?
A: There are many types of albums — ranging from formal albums to archive old family photos to trendy mini albums. While there are no set rules, most scrapbook pages incorporate titles, photographs, accents, and journaling. Generally each album, or layout within a larger album, tells the story of a special memory, occasion, or event. Read on for more information about incorporating titles, photographs, accents, and journaling into your scrapbooks.
Titles
Adding titles to your scrapbook or layout sets the stage for the story you are going to tell. Titles can be stamped, handwritten, or created with die cuts. Many scrapbookers prefer stamped titles because they stand out from the other writing on the page and are versatile enough to customize the colors and style to that of the layout. Alphabet stamp sets are available in many styles and sizes and Stampin’ Up! also offers great alphabet dies (Serif Essentials Bigz Alphabet Die Set (#113464) & Billboard Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die (#114510) to use with the Big Shot!
Photographs
Most scrapbooks are created using copies of photos, not the only existing original. That way there is less stress when cutting or cropping photos and you can change the color of the photos to black and white. The size and number of photos on a page can vary. A single 8″ x 10″ photo on a page or many 2″ x 2″ cropped photos, it all depends on the style and theme of the layout and as well as the photos available.
Journaling
One of the most important, and often overlooked, parts of a scrapbook is the journaling that helps tell the story. Journaling can be handwritten or typed and printed. Many scrapbookers encourage handwritten journaling as it adds a more personal touch. Wouldn’t you enjoy having a note or message written by a grandmother or great-grandmother in her own writing? “What to journal?” is often the big question. The basics of Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How are a good place to start. You can journal about a feeling, a memory, a thought, a story, or even a single phrase. Quotations and poems that fit the story can also be included. A scrapbook about a trip to Washington D.C. could include the beginning of the Constitution or the Pledge of Allegiance, while a baby scrapbook could include first words, a description of a typical day, or some funny things the child did or said. There are many possibilities. At the very least, be sure you are including names and dates. You and the people you share your scrapbooks with, now and in the future, will appreciate it!
Accents
Like titles accents can be stamped, die cut, or even drawn. Many scrapbookers like stamped accents that coordinate with the colors of the page or photographs. Ribbons and punched card stock are always a great choice. Don’t leave out our Accents & Elements line: Flower Fusion (#110720) and Canvas Cuts (#113979) with coordinating rub-ons.
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