Scrapbooking Tips- Part 1

 Scrapbooking may look complicated, but it’s easier than you think. It’s not about creating the most beautiful layout – scrapbooking is about creating a layout that speaks to you, and no one is better qualified for that job than you are. Here are some tips to help you out some if your just starting out.

1. Photos

• Print multiple photos, especially if you plan on cutting them. That way, you’ll have a backup in case something goes wrong.
• Start with recent photos. Don’t jump in using important photos like antique prints passed down from your grandparents or expensive shots like wedding photos, unless you can easily reprint new ones.
• It’s totally okay to trim or crop excess sky, landscape, or background when necessary, but…
• Don’t cut or trim heritage or antique photos, and…
• Avoid cutting your photos into weird shapes. If you want to crop your photos, stick to the classic shapes like squares or ovals.
• You don’t need to use every photo from an event or vacation on a particular page. Instead, narrow it down to a few of your favorites and focus on only the best memories.
• Use different photo sizes for variety. Combine 3×5, 4×6, 5×7, 8×10, and even panoramic shots.
• Combining black and white photos with color prints is a great way to incorporate multiple shots while keeping the spotlight on your focal photo.
• Lightly write dates on the back of printed photos. This will make it easier to remember specific details about your photos if you don’t get a chance to scrapbook them till much later.

2. Writing:

• Just write! Starting is the hardest part, and you can always adjust and edit your draft until it sounds perfect.
• Handwrite your journaling. Handwritten text adds a personal touch compared to journaling that’s been printed off your computer. If you aren’t confident in your hand-lettering abilities, try typing and printing your journaling and tracing it.
• If you don’t know what to say in your journaling, use a quote, poem, or song lyric.