How To Create A Scrapbook

The first step is to organize your photos. You will want to classify all your photos according to:

1. the event or occasion when the pictures were taken like your school's intramurals or your wedding day;
2. the people whom you are with, your family, friends or significant other; or
3. the stages of your life when it happened such as your high school or college days.

Place and compile the photos in a photo organizer or in separate envelopes to avoid mixing it all again together.

Next, you have to pick a scrapbook theme. Choose which among the photos you have sorted you want to work on first and decide what kind of theme you would want for your pictures. Most of the time, the pictures themselves dictate the theme of the scrapbook especially if the pictures are of a special event or occasion such as a wedding or graduation party as examples.

Sometimes the theme might also take on a prominent color or item in the photos. Other times, you may also just get inspiration from scrapbook layouts online for your scrapbook theme.

The third step is to prepare all your scrapbooking supplies. This may include different sizes and shapes of Paper Trimmer, various kinds of adhesives such as double-sided tapes and tape runners, archival quality pens, card stock and paper in different colors and quality and of course, scrapbook embellishments. Just make sure that whatever materials you use, it is acid-free so that it will not bring damage to your pictures in the long run.

Now, you need to start to think about how you are going to put everything together. Try doing some sketches first before laying and gluing everything onto one of your scrapbook pages to minimize mistakes. Start by creating a focal point on your page before placing all other elements around it.

The basic elements of a scrapbooking layout are:

1. Journaling, which tells the story behind the pictures;
2. Page Title, which summarizes what the page is all about; and
3. Embellishments and Decorations, which beautify the scrapbook page layout.

Below are just a few of my basic scrapbooking tips to get you started.

• Use unique materials as base and decoration. This way, you are not only minimizing on cost but also making your scrapbook even more special and rare.
• You can try using recycled paper, beads, feathers, stones, shells, glitters, as well as other items that you may find at home. Scrapbooking does not need to be expensive. It just takes a lot of creativity!
• Do your journaling using your own handwriting to make your scrapbook more personalized. You can even add your own drawings and place captions on pictures or you may include your favorite quotes from icons or special people in your life.
• You can use patterned paper as a border, paper cutouts and stickers to add visual appeal to your page.
  Stitch your pages. If you are making your scrapbook from scratch you might want to stitch the pages together instead of the usual ring binder.
• Use a different scrapbook shape. Instead of a rectangular or square-shaped scrapbook, try making a heart-shaped or star-shaped one. Though it may be hard especially for a beginner, the work will be surely worth it once you see your results.
• Use Paint! Use water color or oil pastels. Do not just glue colorful paper together or use colorful pens to make your scrapbook bright and vibrant. You might not be a great painter but it will surely make your scrapbook stand out.

These are just basic tips on how you can make your scrapbooks even more special. Whether you are a beginner or a pro scrapbook maker, these tips on how to create your own scrapbook will make it fun and easy.