Getting Ready to Create a Scrapbook

In this article, I have included some 'getting started' tips that you might find helpful and will help you easily start the process to create your scrapbook pages, starting with the layout.

• Focusing on the layout will help create the flow of your scrapbook. It is a good idea to choose three to five pictures for each page. You can use more or less depending on your personal ideas, size of the scrapbook album, and the theme. There are a lot of attractive scrapbooks to use with different sized photos and layouts.
• Lay out the photos that you want to display, to tell a story, one page at a time. Look at the photos for different colors that pop out at you and elements that add definition to the photo. Next, match the photo with the color of cardstock you will be using.



• If you are not certain about the color or pattern that you would like to use, you can always come back to that part later.
• Choose a background paper (scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, newspaper, etc.) that will coordinate with your specific theme and story. Examples: If you are creating a baby scrapbook album use a baby themed background paper. If you are building a vacation scrapbook, use a background paper that matches your vacation.
• Think of a title page to go with the scrapbook theme and story you choose and write it down on a post-it note. Write down other ideas that come to mind so you have them ready.
• Once you have decided on the photos, color of cardstock, and background paper, place the items in a Ziploc bag. Using an acid-free pen, label the outside of the bag with the page number and title for that that page.
• Continue to use this process for every page in your scrapbook. When you are finished put the bags in order and put them in a shoebox until they are needed. This will help keep you organized and allow for a quick page set up.
• You can add your embellishments to each baggie now or after you create your pages. I like to add the embellishments after the page is finished. That way I can visualize more of what I want each page to look like.
• Keeping the format simple helps to keep the focus on the pictures and the story. It mostly depends on the scrapbook theme and you.
• Finally, you should have all the materials you need set out and ready to create. This will eliminate you trying to find something as you go along. These items should include; adhesives, scissors, background paper, cardstock, page protectors, pens, and any embellishments you will be using.

You are now ready to create your pages in your scrapbook album. These are the basics you can try by organizing the layout and photos first and then build the scrapbook album. It is fun to add to your scrapbooking supplies and tools as you go along.