If you are a scrapper who is creating a scrapbook for the man in your life you may be wondering what you can do to make that album extra special for him. While scrapbooking is often looked on as “only something girls like” the fact is that many men enjoy receiving albums that are reflective of their family, friends and interest. While the majority of scrappers may still be women (though this is changing) with many products that are marketed to appeal to women there are ways to make a scrapbook for that man in your life whether young or older. Here are some scrapbooking tips for masculine scrapbooks-
Think color-
While the pastels of the scrapbook store may appeal to you they do not usually have universal appeal to men. With today’s rainbow colored scrapbook products there is no need to limit yourself to only blue, green and brown but you should try to select products for your pages that will appeal to the masculine sense of color. In addition to cooler colors (blues and greens) many men like the bold statement of bright colors and for that really adventurous guy consider the hot and electric colors on the color palate. In addition many men like the look of sepia or black and white pages so for a masculine effect consider eliminating color altogether.
Think layout-
While your girlfriends may be wowed by the elaborate layout of your scrapbook pages men tend to prefer simpler pages that focus solely on the pictures. That does not mean that your scrapbook pages have to be boring but if you are making a scrapbook album for a man be sure to look at your pages with a critical eye that says less is more. While a multitude of stickers, die cuts and elaborate framing may appeal to you it tends to send out a definite feminine vibe. If you want to use decorative accessories on your page be sure to select items that add to your page and reflect that masculine feeling.
There are plenty of stickers, die cuts and other fun add-ons for the outdoorsman, grill guy or even couch potato but the key here is not to go overboard. If you have a tendency to overdo your pages take at least 3 things (stickers, framing, decorative edges etc.) off the page and see if you think it will be more appealing to that man in your life. The benefit to this is that masculine scrapbooks tend to be easier and less time consuming to do!
Think theme-
Will the man who will be viewing this album really want pictures of your best friend’s wedding included in his album? Consider whether this album will be a reflection of his life, hobbies, friends and family or a combination of everything. It’s pretty universal that anyone who gets an album likes it to show pictures and reflections of things and people that are important to them and your man will not be an exception. Whether you are making the album for your husband, boyfriend, son or father make it a reflection of the things and people that are most important to him.
Think digital-
While no one is advocating giving up traditional scrapbooking many guys love the new technological advances in picture viewing. If your guy recipient is tech savvy or maybe just lacks the space to store albums consider putting together a digital album online. There are many online sites that can walk you through the process of creating an album online for that special guy that he can view over and over all from the comfort of his chair in front of his computer. Many programs have additional add-ons that let you decorate the pages and even add music to enhance the scrapbook viewing experience.