Simple Scrapbooking Layouts and Elements

Scrapbooking layouts and elements

Are you looking to brush up on your scrapbooking skills or even just wondering where to get started. Here's the low down on everything you need to know to get started.

Most scrapbook layouts will have these elements, even though each page is different: photographs, embellishments, cardstock, memorabilia, patterned paper, journaling and of course your title.

Title: A title will tell your readers what your page is about. It can be both creative and functional. Titles come in many different forms, including rub-ons, stickers, cardboard, die cuts or wood. Don't forget your handwriting could also be wonderful and creative.

The bits that you want to add to your scrapbook layout that form part of your story are called memorabilia

Journaling: Because the essence of scrapbooking is preserving your memories for future generations, journaling is the writing that tells your reader what the page is about, or other details that may be forgotten such as dates, or even people's names.

Photographs: Your scrapbook wouldn't quite be a scrapbook without them. The photographs make up the centre piece of the story that you are trying to convey. It is totally up to you how many photographs you want to include in your layout. Try to stick to the same theme or occasion.

Embellishments: Embellishments are like decorations to use on your layout. These could include flowers, buttons, stickers, ribbons or whatever you fancy that suit's the theme of your scrapbook layout.

Memorabilia: The bits that you want to add to your scrapbook layout that form part of your story are called memorabilia. These could include souvenirs from events like museum cards, brochures, menu's, and even old letters written by loved ones.

Cardstock: Cardstock is usually the base of any scrapbook page layout. The most popular layout size is 12 x 12 inches. Cardstock comes in many forms and colors. To make a double page, just use two sheets side by side. Cardstock is also often used to matt photographs or frame photographs within your layout.

Patterned Paper: Patterned paper is used to decorate your layout and also to complement your theme. This can be found in either paper weight or cardstock weight and there are so many different varieties available, you will find something for every occasion. A note for new scrapaholics. Always remember to use acid free products, as you want your scrapbook to last. Always look for products that are lignin and/or acid free. This means that the process of card and paper manufacture has been regulated to neutralize acid and remove lignin. Both these elements can cause your scrapbook layout to deteriorate over time.

What is a simple scrapbook?

When used in reference to scrapbooks, the word simple doesn't mean it is simply or quickly done with little effort at creativity or formatting. Instead it refers to a scrapbook, which covers the simple everyday things that usually don't make it to the pages of traditional scrapbooks such as transforming a room's decor or creating a new flowerbed. Simple scrapbooks also have a decisive starting and ending point.

A Simple Scrapbook Has An Ending

Most scrapbooks never end as they are continued in the next book, where the last one left off. Simple Scrapbooks have a distinct beginning and ending. As in the example of adding a room to your house, when the room is finished and decorated, there is nothing more to add to the scrapbook. Another example would be My Ancestors, your family may continue to grow but you will never have more ancestors than you have now so it's perfect for a Simple Scrapbook.

Framework Of A Simple Scrapbook

The frame work of a simple scrapbook will often include the same items as a traditional scrapbook, beginning with a title page that gives your scrapbook its name, the dates covered, name of the creator, and in general sets the style and tone of the scrapbook.

The second page in the framework will be the dedication or introduction page where you list any information that will help readers to understand why the scrapbook is meaningful. It can face the title page or can have a page of its own.

The third page will be a table of contents or table of sections if needed. For example if your Simple Scrapbook is about school projects, you could have sections by the date or by the season or if it is about adding a new room to your house the sections could be Planning, Laying The Foundation, The Framework, Finishing The Inside, Decorating and so on.

Following the table of contents page will be the filler pages with photos and other keepsakes you wish to include. The final page will be the closing page that ties it all together.

Choosing The Format

Only you can limit the number of colors or materials you include in your scrapbook, however choosing a few main elements that will appear on every page such as colors, stamps, design paper or even ribbons will tie your pages together in a meaningful scrapbook.

For example you wouldn't want all the pages to be the same color except for one and neither would you want your photo frames all square with only one oval. The title page usually sets the formatting choice of things such as colors, torn or cut borders and fonts used for captions.

You can make your simple scrapbook as large or small as you choose. Just because it is a simple scrapbook doesn't mean you can't spread your wings and make it as fancy or creative as you like.