Scrapbooking Tips- Part 2

 This is a continuation of my last post on scrapbooking. I hope you enjoy this second post.

3. Embellishing

• Add texture to your layouts by using materials like fabric, ribbon, paint, or even dried glue.
• Use found objects like newspaper, magazine clippings, leaves, or pressed flowers to add texture and complement the theme of your layout. The only limit to what you can include on your layout is your creativity!
• Layer paper to add dimension to your layouts. Get our tips for layering paper.
• Save your scraps. You can do lots of things with paper scraps!
• Try embossing. It looks amazing, and you don’t need any special tools to do it. Here’s how to emboss like a boss.
• Bust out your button box. Unused or vintage buttons make great, low-cost embellishments.
• Tear paper to create a more casual look.
• Invest in some inkpads. You can use them for tons of things, like stamping or creating texture.
• Ink the edges of torn paper by rubbing an inkpad along the torn edge. This adds color and heightens the texture.
• Use textured paper to subtly add visual interest without overcomplicating your designs. Check out our textured papers.
• Add mixed media elements to your layouts, like staples, fabric, wood, or plastic.
• Translucent or transparent paper like vellum adds visual interest without overcomplicating your design.
• Add DIY texture by crumpling card stock. Try running your paper under water, crumpling it, and then flattening it while using a towel to absorb the moisture. Be sure to let it dry completely before you use it.
• Use envelopes to create pockets for journaling, photos, or embellishments like tags.
• Simple patterns like stripes, dots, or chevrons are often the most eye-catching, while overcomplicated patterns like paisley or plaid can overwhelm your photo. Use complicated or detailed patterns sparingly.

4. Design

• Choose a focal point. Your focal point will most often be a photo, but it can be whatever you like.
• Don’t get hung up on using a clever page title. Not every page needs a title.
• Decide on a theme before you start designing. Focusing on a particular event, person, or color scheme are all great theme ideas.
• Don’t get locked into a particular layout. Let your layouts develop organically and allow them to change as your design evolves.
• Try making two-page layouts. You’ll have more room to be creative, you can use more photos, and they’ll help create a sense of flow within your scrapbook.
• Tell a story. A good title, arranging your photos in a certain way, and evocative journaling can help you tell the story behind your page.
• Emphasize your focal point photos using mattes.
• Don’t glue anything down until you’re sure you like where it is. Lay things out first, or use removable glue dots.
• When in doubt, keep it simple. You can always add more later, but you can’t take things away once they’ve been glued down.
• Use repeating patterns like polka dots or chevrons on multiple pages to create a sense of cohesiveness throughout your entire scrapbook.
• Choose background and accent colors that complement your photos without overwhelming them. Start with neutral tones and work your way up to using flashy patterns.
• Keep your design elements aligned. Alignment is just as important for scrapbooking as it is for graphic design – here’s why.
• Embrace negative space. You don’t need to fill every nook and cranny of your layout with photos, journaling, or embellishments. Leave some space clear to add emphasis to your focal point. Learn more about using negative space.
• If you’re really stuck, use a template or sketch for inspiration. You can find lots of layout ideas on Pinterest.