If you’ve always wanted to get in to scrapbooking but just don’t think you have the time to spend on a regular scrapbook, don’t feel discouraged. There are many scrapbookers out there that feel the same way you do and just don’t have time right now to spend all of their spare time on making a big scrapbook. That’s why mini scrapbooks have become so popular these days. You can take a few of your most treasured pictures and pull them together into a mini scrapbook that takes only a few days to start and finish. Here are some tips for making a mini scrapbook.
Tip #1: Start With Your Cover
The first thing you need to do when making a mini scrapbook is pick your cover. The easiest way to do this (if you’re not into mixing and matching papers and coordinating colors) is to go into a scrapbook or craft store and find the packets of paper you can just buy. When you buy the packets they usually come with a mix of bold colored papers, more subtle colors, and then some patterned paper that will match the other colors of paper. This takes the guess work out of what will go with what and makes it easier for you to just go and buy what you need. If you don’t find the colors you want however you may need to spend a little extra time searching for coordinating papers which has its benefits also.
Tip #2: Find Your Style and Stick To It
Because a mini scrapbook is much smaller than a regular sized scrapbook it’s best to find a style you like and stick with it throughout the mini book. This creates consistency and flow throughout your book and makes it look really professional and organized. There are hundreds of different styles and techniques to choose from; finding the one you like is probably the most difficult part. Look through craft magazines and idea books to get a feel for what’s out there and then pick one you like the best that you feel will go well with the theme of your book. Some people sand the edges of the papers and pictures as their style, and some add ink to their papers and embellishments. There are thousands of styles out there so take some time and figure out what you like the best.
Tip #3: Add Your Personal Touch
Unless you have a picture for every page in the book you will have to come up with something that adds your own personal touch to use on those pages that don’t have photos on them. Don’t stress out about this though. There are tons of things to do with blank pages, so don’t run out and find more pictures. Adding some flare and your own personal touch is what makes mini scrapbooks so fun. The most widely used tools for these are usually stamps. Try finding a stamped shape that fits well with your theme and works with the patterns in the paper. Then everything will start to flow together. You can also learn how to emboss which adds personal flare to any scrapbook album, whether it is big or little.
Tip #4: Give it Some Dimension
Adding dimension to your mini album will give it a sophisticated three dimensional look instead of just a one dimensional look. Choose embellishments that work with the color and theme of your book. For example, if you have a winter wonderland theme then try finding some snowflake eyelets, brads, or metal items that work with the theme. If you are doing a spring theme then try looking for flowers and brightly color embellishments that will add dimension and flare to the pages.
Tip #5: Remember to Journal
Journaling is an important part of every scrapbook whether it is a mini scrapbook or a regular sized one. Journaling is what tells the story behind the pictures so make sure you remember to use it. You can write on the pages or you can find small tags to attach to the page for your journaling. However you decide to do it, the important thing is remembering to do it.
These are just some simple tips for making a mini scrapbook. Hopefully they will encourage you to get your pictures out of the box and into a book that won’t take you a year to put together. Mini scrapbooks are fun, simple, will take less time and give your pictures a real home.
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