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To help you get started on this wonderful hobby, let’s look at the basic makeup of scrapbooking layouts and see what are the usual elements included in a page.
You’ll quickly notice that most scrapbook layouts will contain most of the elements listed below. These are sort of 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 want to tell.
Get to know these essential elements and then go about experimenting with using as many or as few of them on your scrapbook pages.
I used to have another example layout that I created many years ago featured below. But I’ve replaced it with a new layout I created in 2023 and I’ve numbered the different parts of it to highlight the components that are generally included in a scrapbook page.
Basic Elements of a Scrapbook Layout
1) Photos
Photos are the essence of scrapbook layouts. They are the focal point of a layout and the main element. You can vary them in size, shape, and placement, depending on the design and importance of each photo.
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 a photo where the emphasis is mainly on journaling.
2) Background
The background serves as the foundation, the backbone, of the layout.
It can be a single-colored paper, patterned paper, textured cardstock, or even a customized background created through techniques like ink blending, stenciling, or mixed media. Here’s where you can get as fanciful or as minimalist as you like.
3) Paper Layers
Paper layers are used to frame and mat the photos, adding depth and dimension to the layout. What are the choices here? Well, you can include patterned papers, cardstock, vellum, or specialty papers. What’s even more fun is that the layers can be stacked, torn, or shaped to create interesting visual arrangements.
As seen in the above layout example, the torn patterned paper layer underneath the photo creates an all-around border that helps to frame the photo featuring my then 9-month-old baby boy.
A photo 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 achieve.
In my example, I picked a light green color cardstock to mat the photo, and the color is pulled from the color scheme of my son’s polo shirt.
You don’t have to mat all the photos. You can just mat your main photo or you can even skip it.
If you want a more “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.
DCWV Cardstock Matstack, Jewels, 87 Sheets, 4-1/2 x 6-1/2 inches
4) Embellishments
Embellishments, also known as page accents, are used to dress up a scrapbook page. They are decorative elements that add visual interest and texture to the page.
They include stickers, die-cuts, chipboard shapes, brads, buttons, ribbons, washi tape, and more. To enhance the attractiveness of the page, embellishments are often chosen to match the theme or complement the photos.
Page accents should support the page theme and not overwhelm and take attention away from the photos.
Fun fact: For my example layout, the rainbow paper die-cut is something that I saved from the one-year-old birthday party of my cousin’s daughter! I had it in my storage for several years and now it’s 2023 and I finally put it to good use when creating this layout.
360 Count Self-Adhesive Acid Free Photo Corners for Scrapbooks Memory Books (Multicolor)
5) Titles
A page title helps to personalize each layout and include words that highlight, summarize, or suggest the page theme on a layout. You can use names or famous sayings or simple phrases as titles.
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. Normally, the viewer’s eyes will scan the layout for the title when looking at a page.
There are many ways to create page titles. Some ways of creating a title: handwrite or stamp it, use computer-generated fonts, use stencils to draw it out, use alphabet stickers, use acrylic paint to write it out, adhere die-cut letters, or even use hand-lettering as I did for my title as shown in the layout above.
6) Journaling
Usually, journaling involves writing down memories, stories, or sentiments related to the photos. This is the text that expands, gives context, or explains the story of the photos. However, journaling doesn’t have to be related to the event of the photos all the time.
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 if it’s plain. You can also write in journaling boxes created from cardstock, patterned papers, vellum, or other textured papers.
In my example layout, to make the journaling tag stands out more from the busy background paper, I pasted the journaling tag on top of a piece of light brown patterned paper with torn edges. This piece of patterned paper is actually the flip side of the blue and green floral patterned paper layered underneath it. That’s the fun of using double-sided patterned paper.
Sometimes, your journaling is very personal and you might prefer to keep it more private. In such instances, you can find ways to conceal your journaling. For example, you can slide your text into an inconspicuous pocket or create a discreet lift-up flap to hide your text.
7) Borders
Borders add visual interest to anywhere you decide to place it. Borders are used to highlight photos or create visual boundaries on the page.
There are many ways to create interesting borders. You can use a variety of materials to create a page border such as paper strips, patterned papers, fabrics, washi tape, or decorative borders. You can even embellish the borders using photos and text.
For my example layout, I simply cut out a thick strip from a blue-striped patterned paper and adhered it to the left side of the layout to form a page border.
8) Stamped Images or Patterns
This is something extra, it’s optional. But stamped images or patterns can add a decorative flair to the layout.
You can use stamps to create backgrounds, accents, or focal points. They allow you to customize and coordinate with the theme and color scheme of the page.
For my example layout, I stamped two leaves on two parts to frame the journaling tag.
Kwan Crafts Leaves Clear Stamps for Card Making Decoration and DIY Scrapbooking
All these elements work together to create a visually pleasing and meaningful scrapbook layout. However, do remember that scrapbooking is a creative and personal endeavor, and don’t worry about varying the number of elements used on your layout. Ultimately, it’s based on your individual style, preferences, and the specific story being told.
Okay, now that you know the essential elements of scrapbooking layouts, you’re ready to have fun and get started on creating your first layout! Be sure to check out my article How to Scrapbook: Creating a Layout from Start to Finish to see how I created the above sample layout step by step with photos.
Very helpful page. Thank you!
Hi Kathy,
I’m glad you find this scrapbooking page useful. I hope it gives you a good overview of the scrapping process. Happy scrapping!
This has been a great help in getting me started on my scrap book projects. I am planning to do at least 5. But I want to keep them simple.
Hi Pamela,
Happy to hear that this article is helping you to get started! Keeping your scrapbook designs simple is a good idea especially when you have in mind several projects to get going.
If you find yourself stuck on arranging all the elements for each page, do try using scrapbook sketches which can be very time-saving.
Found it pretty simple, but still find it hard to figure out where to start.
Hi Rhydum,
Yes, the concept of scrapbooking is rather simple, and yet it opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities.
When starting out, how about picking out one of your photos and scrapbook it? You can choose a layout you like from this website or elsewhere, then try to arrange the elements closely or loosely based on the layout you’re inspired by. Once you’ve created your first layout, you’ll be ready for your second, third and more. Enjoy scrapping! :)
Just did my first page yesterday. Scrapping with my daughter-in-law. I looked through some photos until I found a simple event: 3 photos of family in tulip fields. Looked through some simple scrapbooking ideas online. Found inspiration. Chose paper (main and border), framing, title. Page isn’t quite complete. Need a closeup photo of a tulip. Otherwise finished.
Hi Gail,
Great to hear that you’re almost done with your first scrapbook layout! How fun that you were scrapping with your daughter-in-law. Hope that this site has provided you with some inspiration. :)
Today I’m going to start my first scrapbook project! :) Of course I am happie that I found your website, very useful. I just got a plain scrapbook, and I don’t know how to make perfect colors. Help me out please.
Hi Revathy,
I hope you start on your first scrapbooking project! You’ll have fun and it’s rewarding as you create more scrapbook pages to store your favorite life memories.
As a start, don’t worry about getting it perfect. For color schemes, there’s a few ways you can pick out colors for your layout.
1. Look to your patterned paper and pick out 3-4 colors to used on your layout.
2. Look through magazines or catalogs and see if there’s any color schemes that attract you.
3. You can visit color schemes websites such as ColorCombos.com or ColourLovers.com for ideas on color schemes.
4. Keep it simple by using monochromatic colors – using different shades or tones of a single color.
Thank you Fion! :) Your tips were helpful for me, so now I got a clear idea of how to start with! I’ll need your tips and help often in future I think. :)
I’m glad that it helps Revathy! My website have many tips and ideas for beginners, so be sure to browse through the site for more information. :)
I am about to attempt a scrapbook page to send to someone. I have some 12×12 black card, photos matted. I have the layout in my head. But what sort of card do I mount my black card on to. Thickness? Weight? I bought some thin chip board, but having problems mounting the black card. What glue? I was told PVA but getting into all sorts of problems with lumps and bumps, I tried smoothing it out but that’s not worked. Help please!!!
Hi Eileen,
Are you trying to mount your black card which is filled with your matted photos onto a sturdy piece of background paper? For background paper, we would usually use cardstock which is more sturdy, and many scrapbookers love the Bazzill Basics brand of cardstock. As for adhesives, to prevent bumps and lumps, scrapbookers like to use adhesive tapes to adhere their photos, die cuts or borders onto their scrapbook layouts. You can check out my page about basic scrapbooking supplies for more information. :)
Hi… it was really helpful and easy to understand. Thanks alot. :)I’m gonna make one!
Hi Zahra,
Happy to hear that you’ve found the info helpful! Have fun in creating your first scrapbook layout!
Your website is wonderful and put me on the right track to get started at scrapbooking!!!! I intend to make a scrapbook for each of my children who are 25, 23 and 21! Hope they enjoy them as much as I will enjoy making them!!!!! Thank You!!!
Hi Hazel,
I can feel your excitement and enthusiasm on embarking on your scrapbooking adventure! I’m happy that you find my scrapping information helpful. I’m sure your kids will appreciate and treasure the love, time and effort you put into documenting their memories. Have fun!
Hi, I am new to scrapbooking, I never started yet. How to do it?
Hi Sarah,
Everyone starts out as beginners. Don’t worry about getting it perfectly the first few times you’re doing it. You can visit my Beginners section for more information to getting started. Have fun scrapping! :)
Hello, I am new to scrapbooking and trying to figure out where to start. I have my picture out and do not know how to outline it. I have looked at so many videos, so I hope you can help ease my mind.
Hi Carolyn,
The best way to start scrapbooking is to start making a scrapbook layout. :) When you’ve created your first scrapbook layout, you’ll have gone through the process of scrapbooking and will gain some confidence in this fun papercraft. There’s really no right or wrong way to do it. It’s your layout, your picture and your creativity. So don’t get too stuck with overthinking.
Look at your photo, choose 3 or 4 complementary colors from the photo and use these colors while choosing your scrapbook papers. Choose a scrapbook layout you’ve seen online or on this website for your inspiration, and start building up your layout by following the arrangement of elements of that scrapbook page using your own photo and chosen scrapbook paper. Of course, you can always change the placement of elements to suit your liking.
Just start creating your first layout and then try out your second layout, and your third and so on. As you create more layouts, you’ll get better and soon it’ll get easier. Have fun!
Hi,
I am going to do a scrapbook for my sister’s daughter for her first birthday. I would like to know were I can get a scrapbook? Please help me out.
Hi Aditi,
You can go to your local craft store or scrapbook store to get a scrapbook album. If you don’t have one near you, you can try getting it online from stores such as Amazon.com or Scrapbook.com.
You can check out these basic supplies to get you started.