Scrapbook Expressions

Complete your First Scrapbook Page

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Photo Selection - Sort your photos and select a theme to work on. Generally, 5-7 photos fit on a two-page spread and 3-5 photos fit on a single page. Keep in mind that you don't have to scrapbook every photograph – select only the best photos to highlight the event, feeling or moment you want to convey. Choose a photo to be your focal point. As a general rule, select a photo with sharp images, vivid colors and well-lit subjects, or a photo that conveys the mood or theme of your layout.

Paper Selection - Select 2-3 colors of acid-free paper that will complement colors found in the photographs. Experiment with different color combinations to find the perfect colors to enhance your photographs. You may want to include stationery or decorative paper that supports the theme of your pages.

Cropping - While shaping your photos, keep in mind that simple shapes such as rectangles, ovals, circles and squares, are among the most eye pleasing. By cropping your photos down into different shapes, you are able to include more photos on a page, as well as being able to accentuate the subject of the photo more clearly. There are various tools available to aid in cutting shapes or straight lines.

Matting - Mat your photos, adding extra prominence to your focal point. Mat several of the photos. You may want to double or triple mat photos to add prominence to a special photo. Generally, it's pleasing when double or triple matting to vary the width of the mats.

Journaling - No page is complete without adding your thoughts, feelings and experiences. Take a few minutes to write down not only the "who" and "when", but also the "what" and the "why".

Embellish - Add a few extras. As you get more comfortable with scrapbooking, try your hand with some embellishments - stickers, die cuts, rubber stamps and punches are among the most popular page accents. Use these items sparingly - you don’t want them to over-power your photos.

Layout - Arrange photos, journaling, title and enhancements on your pages. As you arrange these elements, pay close attention to the direction your eye moves. In general, well-designed pages are well balanced and will lead the eye throughout the entire layout. To check the balance, imagine that your layout is on a scale. Does one side tip the scale? Once you’re pleased with the layout, simply adhere your elements to your page.

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