Scrapbooking Layouts

Grasp the Basics

You'll quickly notice that most scrapbook layouts will contain most of the elements listed below. These are the "standard" elements.

But of course, you don't have to use all the elements at the same time. Usually, it's a matter of picking and choosing elements that best help you convey the story you've visualized in your mind.

Get to know these standard elements and then go about experimenting with using as many or as little of them.

The Basic Makeup of Scrapbooking Layouts

1) Photo

Photos are the the essence of scrapbook layouts.

Most scrapbooking pages will have at least one or multiple photos on them.

That said, occasionally you can create an effective layout without a stitch of photo where the emphasis is mainly on the journaling.

2) Page Title

A title doesn't always have to be at the top of the layout. It can be placed anywhere as long as it catches the viewer's attention. Usually the viewer's eyes will scan the layout for the title when looking at a layout. Then again, a scrapbook layout doesn't always need a page title.

There's many ways to creating page titles. You can handwrite, use computer-generated fonts, use stencils to draw out your titles, use scrapbooking stickers or use acrylic paint to write out your titles.

3) Journaling

You can write out short descriptions including names and dates, heartfelt letters, captions, basic information, quotes, lyrics and even poems.

You can write directly on the background paper, in journaling boxes using cardstock, patterned papers, vellum or other textured papers.

Your journaling can also slide into a pocket or be hidden safely away from privy eyes.

4) Page Accent

Include stickers, silk flowers, slide mounts, buttons, ribbons, brads, eyelets, and such to enhance the attractiveness of the layout.

Page accents should support the page theme and not overwhelm and take away attention from the photos.

5) Mat

A mat can be made of cardstock, patterned paper, acrylic paint and other decorative elements. A mat can also be thin, thick, dimensional, flat, plain or elaborate depending on the effect you want to create.

You don't have to mat all the photos. You can just mat your focal-point photo. If you want a "boxy" look to your layout, you can choose to mat all the photos and then double or triple-mat the focal-point photo for extra attention.

6) Photo Corners

In scrapbooking layouts, photo corners are mainly decorative elements to draw the eye to the photo.

Ribbons, brads, page turner and flowers can all be used as photo corners to embellish a photo and call attention to it and make it outstanding.

7) Border

There's many ways to create interesting borders. Decorative borders can be created from a variety of materials. You can even embellish the borders with photos and text. You can also design them with cardstock, patterned papers, fabric, tags, charms, metal and many more.

Now that you're armed with the ABC's of scrapbooking layouts, you're ready to have fun and get creative with your scrapbooking projects!

For suggestions on beginner scrapbook supplies, click here.

Happy scrapping!

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