When someone thinks about the scrapbook layout and design they are generally thinking about how they want to communicate feelings to the viewer. This is usually done by carefully selecting and placing their photos, papers, and other elements onto the page in such a way that portrays the feeling they want their viewer to see. Here are some steps to take for a great scrapbook layout design.
Tip #1: Pick a Theme
The best place to start with your scrapbook layout and design is to pick a theme that you can work with. The theme can be an event, a person or people, places or vacations you’ve gone on, or a special occasion like a wedding or birthday. Those are just a few ideas on what you can use as a theme. You can also choose emotions as a theme, like “love” or “joy.” Emotions can make great themes for scrapbook pages. So get your creative side thinking and try and come up with a theme for your page.
Tip #2: Pick and arrange your photos
Now that you have chosen a theme you can go and pick the photos you want for your page and how you want to arrange them. I’m sure you will have more than two or three photos to choose from so you need to look through them carefully to decide which ones will work best for the theme you have chosen. There are several different options for arranging photos and if you need some ideas try looking online, in your local craft store and in the thousands of books available to scrapbookers.
Tip #3: Add other elements to your page
Sure you have the theme and the pictures but the bets part about the design and layout of your scrapbook page is adding some of the fun embellishments that make it look cute or sophisticated or whatever look you’re going for. Even though your photos are the focal point of the page, titles, stickers, and other elements can really make your page come alive. Every element on your page should relate somehow to your theme or connect with some other element on the page. Try repeating colors and being consistent with textures and shapes so that your scrapbook page flows nicely and remains balanced.
Tip #4: Always follow the “Golden Ratio” rule
The golden ratio rule says that having one, three, or five of something on your scrapbook page will typically make it look more finished. While some might disagree and you certainly are allowed your own taste this is still a good rule to follow.
Tip #5: Stick to one tone of metal
When you are adding other elements such as brads, eyelets or another type of metal make sure you stick to one color. Your scrapbook page will look much more professional and organized if you are using one color of metal. So if you have silver embellishments then use all silver; same goes for gold or brass. You will like the look of your page much better when you are finished following this rule.
These steps of course are subjective to scrapbookers; some scrapbookers are extremely free spirited and like to experiment with design while others are not and need some guidance. The important thing to remember is to be creative and make sure your page is balanced.